Mona Fortier
Hon. Mona Fortier
Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier
Newsletter
May 31, 2024
A word from your MP

National Accessibility Week offers an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the measures taken to advance accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities, as well as to reaffirm our commitment to achieving a barrier-free Canada. I participated in the kickoff of this week with organizations working for people with disabilities, including the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work at the National Arts Centre.

Good news, the Fall Economic Statement was passed in its third reading earlier this week, and we continue our efforts to adopt Budget 2024 and Bill C-64, An Act Respecting Pharmacare.

The beginning of June marks the start of Pride Month! This is an opportunity to reaffirm our support and allyship toward the 2ELGBTQI+ community.

Additionally, June also marks Indigenous History Month, a time dedicated to celebrating, recognizing, and reflecting on the rich history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is an opportunity to highlight the diversity and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, while also acknowledging the challenges they face and the actions needed to promote reconciliation.

It will be a very busy weekend... There are several community events taking place, such as the Vanier Velofest and the community event organized by Councillor Tim Tierney, Celebrate Summer! I hope to see you there!
Nominations for His Majesty King Charles III's Coronation Medal

Nominations are now open for the Coronation Medal of His Majesty King Charles III! As Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier, I am delighted to participate as a nominating partner with 20 medals awarded to deserving recipients from our community.

Eligible candidates must meet the following national criteria:

  • Have made a significant contribution to the country, a province, a territory, a region or a community, or have accomplished something abroad that brings credit to Canada, and
  • Be alive on 6 May 2023, the date of Her Majesty's Coronation. The medal may be awarded posthumously, provided the nominee was alive on that date

Members of the community are invited to nominate outstanding candidates who have made a difference in the community for the King Charles III Coronation Medals. Nominations will be accepted until July 31, 2024.

Rockcliffe Park accorded rare distinction by the Government of Canada 
 
Some great news this week from the federal government, the historic district of Rockcliffe Park, right here in Ottawa-Vanier has been designated a national historic site! This is a singular distinction and a first for the city!

The announcement follows an application for this designation by the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association in 2021. The submission was endorsed by Ottawa City Council. While there are over 1000 national historic sites across Canada (including the Parliament Buildings, Chateau Laurier, National Arts Centre, Rideau Canal, and Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa), only 33 of these are historic districts of national significance, and just three are in Ontario.

To learn more and read the Government's press release, click here. 

To learn more and read the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association's press release, click here. 
2024-2025 Veteran and Family Well-being Fund: Applications are open!
 
Veterans Affairs Canada launched a new call for applications for the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund.
 
Across the country, organizations are developing new and innovative ways to improve the well-being of Veterans and their families.
 
Created in 2018, the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund provides organizations doing this important work with funds to implement initiatives and conduct research on areas like Veteran homelessness, mental health, the transition to life after service, and more. A portion of the funding will be allocated to organizations and initiatives that support Veteran health, research, employment, as well as women, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans.

Applications will be accepted until Friday 12 July 2024. 
Enabling Accessibility Fund small projects component call for proposals

As part of National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) 2024, today Minister Khera launched a new call for proposals (CFP) under the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) small projects component.

Through this initiative, our government is investing $14.7 million to fund approximately 150 small scale construction projects that will create more inclusive and accessible spaces; help persons with disabilities access good quality jobs; and help persons with disabilities fully participate and meaningfully contribute to our society and economy.

The EAF program supports small-scale construction, renovation and retrofitting projects across Canada that have a quick impact to increase accessibility in community spaces or workplaces.

Eligible projects may receive a grant of up to $125,000. Examples of projects include: building ramps, accessible doors and accessible washrooms; installing lifts and elevators; constructing multi-sensory rooms and accessible playgrounds; building accessible parking and drop-off areas; and installing accessible electric vehicle charging stations.

Applications close on July 23, 2024, 3:00 p.m. EDT.  Government of Canada launches a call for proposals and invests in projects that increase accessibility in communities across Canada


Enabling Accessibility Fund: Youth Innovation Component - Call for Proposals

Minister Khera launched a new call for proposals (CFP) under the Enabling Accessibility Fund’s (EAF) Youth Innovation component.

Through this initiative, our Government is investing in projects identified by youth from across the country and providing opportunities for youth to develop leadership skills, gain valuable experiences, and make a positive difference by improving accessibility within their communities.

 Through this CFP, Canadian youth between the ages of 15 to 30, are encouraged to become youth accessibility leaders (YALs).

The role of a YAL allows for youth to identify accessibility barriers within their communities, and then partner with a local organization on an accessibility project to secure up to $12,000 in funding to help address barriers in community spaces and workplaces and create a more inclusive environment for all.

The EAF program supports our Government’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), which is focused on reducing poverty among persons with disabilities, helping persons with disabilities find good quality jobs, facilitating easier access to federal programs and services, and building accessible and inclusive communities while fostering a sense of inclusion.  

Eligible organizations must submit their funding application(s) by November 1, 2024 at 3 p.m. EDT.
Click here to learn more! 


It's Doors Open Ottawa this weekend: Come by the museum!
 
Not sure what to do this weekend?

The Vanier Museopark invites you to come by its museum and discover its two exhibitions for FREE during the Doors Open Ottawa event.

Take the opportunity to (re)discover our new museum with its permanent exhibition Vanier, Our Place. and the temporary exibition Mother Marie Thomas d'Aquin and the Sisters of the Jeanne d'Arc Institute.They're just waiting for you!

As you leave the museum, let yourself be tempted by the products our boutique, like a delicious bottle of Museopark maple syrup, proudly made in Vanier at the Sugar Shack.

Have a great visit!



NextUp Prezdential Basketball

NextUp is Prezdential Basketball’s brand new program to help teens reach their full potential. Sessions include 1 hour of basketball training and 1 hour of life skills with a focus on essential skills rarely taught in classrooms such as organization, financing, mental health, and cooking. The program is co-run by Bhanu Loganathan, a university-level basketball player and Nick Cholmsky, a professional mental health at McGill University. Our program provides teens with the tools necessary to transition to the next stage of their lives, whether that be high school, post-secondary education, or the workforce.

Who: Teens in age groups: 13-15 and 16-18
When: Fridays 9 - 11am (4 sessions beginning July 5th)
Where: Ottawa Technical Secondary School
Cost: Free!
Click here to register







Celebrate Summer Fair 2024

Attention all residents! Get ready to kick off the summer season with Beacon Hill-Cyrville’s biggest community event. We are thrilled to announce the 12th annual Celebrate Summer Fair, a two-day extravaganza happening right here in ward 11 from May 31st to June 1st, behind the Earl Armstrong Arena (2020 Ogilvie Rd) It's time to dust off those flip-flops, grab your shades, and join us for a weekend filled with fun, food, and festivities. From FREE live music performances and Karaoke to FREE face painting and bouncy castles. There is something for all ages at to enjoy. So, mark your calendars and spread the word – let's come together to welcome the warmth and sunshine in style at Celebrate Summer! 
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