| Establishing the Canada Water Agency to protect fresh water across the country
Canada's freshwater resources are critical to our health, our economy, and our environment. While it may seem abundant, our water is a finite natural resource and requires protection and stewardship through coordinated action across government. That's why we committed to establishing the Canada Water Agency in 2021.
Now, we're following through on that commitment to Canadians. The Honorable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, joined by Parliamentary Secretary and Special Advisor for Water, Terry Duguid, and other local leaders and partners, officially announced the establishment of the Canada Water Agency (CWA) as a standalone federal entity headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The new independent Agency will strengthen freshwater management in Canada by providing leadership, and improved coordination and collaboration federally and with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples to address transboundary freshwater challenges and opportunities.
Over the coming years, the CWA will provide grants and contributions to hundreds of projects using the historic $650 million over ten years in funding provided in Budget 2025 to support the restoration and protection of fresh water in Canada.
Historic Pharmacare Act Receives Royal Assent
Great news! The Pharmacare Act, which represents the first phase of national pharmacare, received Royal Assent.
Our government is committed to helping Canadians, which is why we’re investing in healthcare. We believe that things improve when you do more for Canadians, not less. Our Pharmacare legislation marks a significant step forward in providing better healthcare for all. It outlines our plan for universal, single-payer coverage for a range of essential medications, including contraception and diabetes treatments.
This will ensure that nine million women and gender-diverse Canadians across the country have access to contraception and the reproductive autonomy they deserve. It will also support over three and a half million Canadians living with diabetes, ensuring they get the medications and resources they need. Every Canadian, regardless of income, deserves access to contraception and diabetes medication. No one should ever have to choose between their health and paying bills.
Through bilateral health agreements with provinces and territories, along with the Canadian Dental Care Plan and Pharmacare, we are fulfilling our promise that every Canadian deserves better healthcare.
 
CRA Consultation on Service Improvements
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is committed to providing a high-quality service experience for taxpayers and benefit recipients. To deliver on these efforts, the CRA is launching public consultations to hear from individuals, non-professional representatives, and tax intermediaries about their experiences with CRA services.
The CRA service consultations 2024 will play an important role in further understanding the experiences of those who rely on CRA services, and identifying areas where improvements are needed. As the CRA adapts to an ever-changing environment, ensuring our services remain accessible, responsive, and tailored to the evolving needs of clients is our top priority.
Click here to learn more.
How to participate
From September 25 to December 2, 2024, individuals, non-professional representatives, and tax intermediaries have the opportunity to share feedback on their experiences interacting with CRA services through an online questionnaire. The CRA will also hold both in-person and virtual consultation sessions with members of these groups by invitation, allowing for more in-depth discussions.
To participate, click here!
Every voice matters: participate in the online questionnaire to share your feedback and help shape the future of CRA services.
To ensure the privacy of participants and that a wide range of perspectives is captured, the recruitment of participants and reporting will be managed by an independent third party.
The Ottawa Bilingual Program – Round 6 is now open!
The Ottawa Bilingual Program – Round 6 is now open!
Are you a nonprofit organization or social enterprise in Ottawa? Don’t miss the opportunity to contribute to the bilingual character of our nation's capital! 🎉
Two types of projects are eligible in this Round 6:
1️⃣ Activation projects: grants up to $10,000 for three-month initiatives.
2️⃣ Propulsion projects: grants from $10,500 to $20,000 for six-month projects.
🔗 Grant application deadline: October 18, 2024, at 11:59 PM.
👉 Link to the submission platform: https://acfoottawa.smapply.ca/
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© 2026 Mona Fortier
