I hope you are enjoying these beautiful summer days—whether by exploring our neighbourhoods, taking part in the many community events that enliven Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester, or simply spending time outdoors. It’s a perfect season to stay active, connect with neighbours, and celebrate all that makes our community so special.

This week began with several meetings and community events. I had the honour of presenting the King Charles III Coronation Medal to Maureen Boyd, an exceptional woman whose leadership has strengthened democratic institutions both in Canada and abroad.

As President Emerita of the Parliamentary Centre and founder of the EngageParlDiplo initiative at Carleton University, Maureen has guided generations of parliamentarians and diplomats in understanding public service. Her outstanding career in journalism, politics, diplomacy, and civil society has left a lasting mark on our country.

Congratulations, Maureen, and thank you for your unwavering commitment to public life and democratic values.

Later in the day, I joined my colleagues Yasir Naqvi and Marie-France Lalonde to mark the 40th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 tragedy. We remembered the 329 innocent lives lost—most of whom were Canadian citizens—in what remains one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in Canadian history.

We met with the victims’ families at the Air India Memorial, located in Commissioner’s Park near Dow’s Lake, during a solemn and moving ceremony. The testimonies we heard were deeply emotional, reminding us of the profound human impact of this national tragedy.

A wreath was laid in tribute to the victims, and we expressed our solidarity with all those who continue to carry the weight of this loss. Thank you to the Air India Victims’ Families Association for their unwavering commitment to honouring the memory of their loved ones.

Last Tuesday was Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day! While this celebration has historical roots, it is now a time for Francophones across Canada to celebrate their language, culture, and community. All across the country, gatherings, music, and traditions bring this day to life—symbolizing Francophone pride and vitality.

It’s a wonderful occasion to highlight the rich heritage and unique identity of Canada’s Francophone communities.

On Tuesday evening, I travelled to Antigua and Barbuda in my role as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs to participate in the 55th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), held from June 25 to 27, 2025. This major event brought together representatives from all 34 member states to discuss democracy, security, human rights, sustainable development, and digital transformation.

The OAS General Assembly is a key forum for dialogue and cooperation among the countries of the Americas. Antigua and Barbuda, as the host country, proudly demonstrated that small states can play a meaningful leadership role in shaping major international decisions.

It was an honour to represent Canada and reaffirm our commitment to the shared values that unite our continent.

On Wednesday, June 25, I spoke at the special session of the Pan American Health Organization and the Organization of American States on regional collaboration in mental health—an urgent global public health emergency. Mental health knows no borders and requires immediate attention throughout the Americas.

I also had the privilege of visiting HMCS William Hall, a Canadian naval vessel, alongside the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne. This ship, a symbol of Canadian expertise in shipbuilding, reflects our commitment to maritime security and cooperation in the Caribbean. It was a moment of Canadian pride and friendship between our two countries.

On Thursday, I addressed the Summit of the Americas Implementation Review Group, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen our collaboration on the situation in Haiti, ahead of the 10th Summit of the Americas taking place this December.

Canada remains committed to working with its partners to advance concrete, sustainable, and Haitian-led solutions. As members of this larger family of the Americas, we share a collective responsibility to act with solidarity, determination, and respect to support the Haitian people in their pursuit of stability, security, and democracy.

During the conference, I held productive bilateral meetings with key partners, including representatives from Chile, Brazil, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the OAS. These exchanges are essential to strengthening Canada’s role in the Americas.

Alongside the diplomatic discussions, the mission also included community visits, such as a second visit to HMCS William Hall with young girls from the Sunshine Home, and a visit to the Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development (GARD) Center. These moments highlight the importance of partnerships that go beyond governments to directly support communities.

On June 27, we marked Canadian Multiculturalism Day—a day that reflects Canada’s commitment to an inclusive society enriched by many origins, cultures, and faiths. It is a time to celebrate the diversity that strengthens and energizes our country.

As Canada Day approaches, let us take the time to celebrate what brings us together: our diversity, our shared commitment to inclusion, and the strength of our communities. Many events will be taking place across Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester, and I encourage you to take full advantage of them.

Whether you're attending a community gathering, exploring our green spaces, or greeting your neighbours, let’s stay active and connected. I wish you a joyful, safe, and inspiring summer!

To learn more about local Canada Day events, click here!

Show Your Pride for Canada Day!
Canada Day is just around the corner! Residents of Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester are invited to stop by our constituency office to pick up a Canadian flag lawn sign and proudly display their Canadian pride.

📍 233 Montréal Road
🕘 Last chance: Monday only, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Our team will be happy to welcome you and assist you!

Make your voice heard

The NCC is currently conducting the first phase of public consultations from June 19 to July 10, 2025. As described on the survey website:

"In this first round of public engagement, we invite you to share your thoughts on the project’s early planning and design principles. Your input will also inform the initial project description, which will be submitted to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada as part of the federal Impact Assessment process.

Results will be shared with the integrated project team, including Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and the National Capital Commission (NCC).

Your feedback will play a key role in:

• Identifying the project’s most important benefits from a community perspective;

• Understanding potential impacts on people, places, and the environment—and exploring ways to mitigate them; and

• Shaping the initial planning and design principles that will guide the project’s development in future phases."

To make your voices heard, I invite you to share your opinion and complete this initial survey in this new phase of development.

The One Canadian Economy Act receives Royal Assent

The One Canadian Economy Act has officially received Royal Assent. This new legislation marks a key step toward a stronger, more connected, and inclusive Canadian economy.

Here’s what this Act will enable:

✅ Remove federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility, helping goods, services, workers, and businesses move freely across provinces and territories.

✅ Expedite major nation-building projects that will unleash economic growth while ensuring environmental protections and Indigenous rights are upheld.

✅ Work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples through meaningful consultation and engagement to build shared prosperity.

Securing Canada

The Government of Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces are entering a new era of reinvestment. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Minister of National Defence David McGuinty have unveiled an ambitious plan to strengthen Canada’s sovereignty, security, and prosperity.

For the 2025–2026 fiscal year, over $9 billion will be invested in defence, allowing Canada to reach the NATO target of 2% of GDP in military spending. This plan includes:
 Recruiting and retaining thousands of military personnel and civilian employees,
 Modernizing equipment and infrastructure,
 Strengthening cybersecurity,
 Increasing support for Canada’s defence industry,
 And building new global defence partnerships.

These investments are part of the implementation of the Our North, Strong and Free policy—a roadmap for a more resilient Canada, better prepared to face the threats of today and tomorrow.

Click here to learn more. 

This Summer, Choose Canada

Officially launched, the Canada Strong Pass invites Canadians to rediscover the country we call home.

With the Canada Strong Pass, our government is making it easier and more affordable for families to enjoy the very best Canada has to offer.

From June 20 to September 2, the Canada Strong Pass opens the doors to national parks, museums, galleries, and historic sites:

✅ Free admission for all to national parks and historic sites administered by Parks Canada
✅ Free entry to national museums and galleries for youth aged 17 and under
✅ 50% off admission for young adults aged 18 to 24
✅ Discounts on camping fees at Parks Canada locations
✅ Free VIA Rail travel for youth accompanied by an adult, and 25% off for young adults aged 18 to 24
✅ Real savings for families and a boost to local tourism economies

This summer, let’s celebrate what makes us strong, united, and proud to call Canada home.