Dear residents,

I hope you're enjoying the summer and the beautiful weather here in Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester! In this newsletter, you’ll find a summary of recent activities, helpful programs, important government updates regarding U.S. tariff threats, developments in the Middle East, as well as local news from your riding.

As of August 1, 2025, President Donald Trump has increased tariffs on the majority of Canadian products, raising them from 25% to 35%, citing national security concerns related to fentanyl trafficking. Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned this decision and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to economic resilience and market diversification.

In response to this decision, Prime Minister Carney issued a clear and measured statement, reaffirming the importance of CUSMA, which he described as “the second-largest free trade agreement in the world by trade volume.” While expressing disappointment with the actions of the United States, he emphasized that Canada will remain focused on protecting key sectors, including softwood lumber, steel, aluminum, automotive and on investing in national industrial competitiveness. For a full list of the tariffs and our response, click here. 

The Prime Minister firmly rejected the fentanyl-related justification, noting that Canada accounts for only about 1% of U.S. fentanyl imports. He also outlined the significant efforts undertaken by the federal government to strengthen border security and combat transnational crime. To learn more about the government’s response regarding fentanyl, click here.

Our priorities remain clear: to defend Canadian industries, protect jobs here at home, and build a more resilient and competitive economy.

In the face of these new challenges, we are investing in our production capacity, supporting our workers, and working with our provincial and territorial partners to strengthen internal trade and diversify our export markets.

Update on the Situation in the Middle East

The situation in the Middle East continues to evolve. Canada maintains a clear position: the protection of civilians, the immediate and dignified release of hostages, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to those in desperate need must be the top priorities. Canada remains firmly committed to a two-state solution, one that allows a free and viable Palestinian state to coexist in peace and security alongside the State of Israel. Respect for international law and the establishment of a lasting ceasefire are essential to achieving real peace in the region.

This position was recently reaffirmed in a joint statement issued on behalf of 26 partners regarding the occupied Palestinian territories, calling for concrete commitments to peace, the protection of civilians, and respect for international humanitarian law.

In addition, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand highlighted the humanitarian assistance provided by Canada to meet urgent needs in Gaza and the West Bank, demonstrating our solidarity with the populations affected by the crisis. 

On Thursday, July 30, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will officially recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly. This historic decision reflects Canada’s commitment to a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with Israel, in peace and security.

News from the Riding

The weekend of July 27 and 28 was filled with wonderful community events, including the Corn Roast and Vendor Fair at Stanley Park in New Edinburgh.

Thank you to MPP Lucille Collard and the Beechwood Market for organizing this lovely afternoon, featuring live music, local artisans, and fun activities for the whole family. I was also pleased to run into several municipal colleagues, including Councillors Tim Tierney, Rawlson King, and Stéphanie Plante! It’s always a pleasure to connect with residents of Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester!

On Sunday, I had the solemn honour of laying a wreath on behalf of the Government of Canada at the National War Memorial, on the occasion of the 72nd anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.

We remember the more than 26,000 Canadians who served during this conflict and pay tribute to the 516 who never returned. We will never forget them.
 

On Monday, I travelled to Toronto, where I had productive meetings with Bruna Raimondo, Vice President of Community Events and Engagement, and Michael Mazza, Executive Director of the Terry Fox Foundation, for the warm and thoughtful meeting yesterday in Toronto!

As a proud supporter of the Foundation’s mission to fund bold and innovative cancer research through nationwide events that unite Canadians. I am deeply inspired by Terry Fox’s legacy of courage, perseverance, and hope.

Thank you to the entire team at the Terry Fox Foundation for your remarkable work and unwavering dedication in the fight against cancer.
 
I returned to the Centre francophone du Grand Toronto for a meaningful networking meeting with my fellow parliamentarians Maggie Chi and Chi Nguyen, as well as members of the Centre’s team.

We discussed the Centre’s multidisciplinary programs and services in health, immigration, integration, employment, justice, and housing support offered to Francophone communities across the Greater Toronto Area.

Thank you to my colleagues for taking into account the issues and priorities of Francophone communities.
 

Wednesday marked Throne Day in Morocco, an important occasion for the Moroccan communities in Canada and around the world. It is a time to celebrate unity, progress, and the strong ties that unite our two countries.

Warm wishes to everyone who celebrated this day!

Please note that I will be on vacation for the next two weeks. As a result, the newsletter will take a short break, with the next edition scheduled for August 22.

However, my constituency office will remain open during this time. If you need assistance with a federal program or have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out — my team is here to help.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Canada’s recognition of a Palestinian state

“Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution – an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.

For decades, it was hoped that this outcome would be achieved as part of a peace process built around a negotiated settlement between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority.

Regrettably, this approach is no longer tenable. Prospects for a two-state solution have been steadily and gravely eroded, including by:

• The pervasive threat of Hamas terrorism to Israel and its people, culminating in the heinous terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, and Hamas’ longstanding violent rejection of Israel’s right to exist and a two-state solution.
• The accelerated settlement building across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, while settler violence against Palestinians has soared.
• Actions such as the E1 Settlement Plan and this month’s vote by the Knesset calling for the annexation of the West Bank.
• The ongoing failure by the Israeli government to prevent the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza, with impeded access to food and other essential humanitarian supplies.

The deepening suffering of civilians leaves no room for delay in co-ordinated international action to support peace, security, and the dignity of all human life. Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism, and honouring their innate desire for the peaceful co-existence of Israeli and Palestinian states as the only roadmap for a secure and prosperous future.

For these reasons, Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.

This intention is predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to much-needed reforms, including the commitments by Palestinian Authority President Abbas to fundamentally reform its governance, to hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state. Canada will increase its efforts in supporting strong, democratic governance in Palestine and the contributions of its people to a more peaceful and hopeful future.

We reiterate that Hamas must immediately release all hostages taken in the horrific terrorist attack of October 7; that Hamas must disarm; and that Hamas must play no role in the future governance of Palestine. Canada will always steadfastly support Israel’s existence as an independent state in the Middle East living in peace and security. Any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state, and one that recognizes Israel’s inalienable right to security and peace.

Canada has already committed over $340 million in humanitarian aid to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, including $30 million in new funding to help address the needs of Palestinian civilians and $10 million to support the Palestinian Authority’s role in stabilizing and governing the West Bank.

We will intensify our efforts with our international partners to develop a credible peace plan that establishes governance and security arrangements for Palestine and ensures the delivery of humanitarian aid at the necessary scale to Gaza. Canada will be a constructive partner in building a just, meaningful, and lasting peace in the region, and a future that respects the dignity, security, and aspirations of all Palestinians and Israelis.”

Click here to learn more. 

We’re here to help

Whether it's passports, immigration, pensions, the Canada Child Benefit, or other government programs, we’re here to help residents of Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester access the services they need.

Contact us by phone, by email, or visit us during our office hours, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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.

Click here to learn more about the Canada Strong Pass.