Mona Fortier

Newsletter

October 11, 2024

A word from your MP

Dear residents,

On Monday, October 7th, alongside the Jewish community, we commemorated the first anniversary of Hamas's unprovoked attacks against Israel. We stand with the Jewish community in memory of the innocent lives lost, and we keep in our thoughts the hostages who have not yet returned home.

The Government of Canada has not remained silent. We call for the immediate release of all hostages, and for peace and security for all civilians in the region. There is no place for antisemitism in our society, and every Jewish Canadian deserves to live in peace, without fear. We continue to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and work toward a world free of hate and violence.

This week, I had several important meetings on Parliament Hill. I met with James Janeiro from the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, who shared with me the realities faced by caregivers in Canada. We discussed the many challenges caregivers face and how we can continue to support and advocate for them, as their work is truly invaluable.

On Wednesday evening, I sponsored an event titled “Allied Health Care in Canada: Why We Cannot Ignore Indigenous Midwifery,” alongside the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives. The event highlighted the essential role Indigenous midwives play in the Canadian healthcare system, particularly in addressing the unique needs of Indigenous communities. It also raised awareness of the positive impact midwives have on the health of families and communities while promoting the need to restore midwifery education and services in all Indigenous communities.

Thursday was World Mental Health Day. We took a moment to remind everyone of the importance of taking care of your mental health, which is just as crucial as your physical health. Stay connected with your loved ones, eat healthy, and stay active. If you are facing mental health challenges, know that you are not alone, and there is always support available. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help, whether it’s talking to a friend, family member, or a professional. Let’s prioritize mental well-being today and every day.

On Thursday afternoon, we celebrated the collective efforts of National Capital Region Liberal MPs, which led to the introduction of a bill in the Senate to designate Gatineau Park as a national park for future generations.

This natural gem, spanning over 360 km², is an invaluable asset for our region and the entire country. It is home to remarkable biodiversity, offers valuable recreational spaces, and plays a key role in combating climate change. A big thank you to our colleague Sophie Chatel for her remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to this bill to protect this regional treasure!

As the sun sets on October 11th, Jewish communities around the world will begin their observance of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism. It is a day of atonement, reflection, and prayer, marked by fasting and seeking forgiveness from both others and God. I wish the Jewish community in Canada a peaceful and reflective Yom Kippur. May this day bring clarity, renewal, and peace to all who observe it.

Finally, Thanksgiving will take place on Monday, October 14th. I wish all those celebrating this occasion a wonderful day with family and loved ones, as well as a delicious meal. Take this moment of gratitude and sharing to recharge and create precious memories. I will be serving Thanksgiving dinner at the Ottawa Mission alongside other volunteers from the region.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Canadian Dental Care Plan

Since recording this video, the total number of Ottawa-Vanier residents approved for the Canadian Dental Care Plan now stands at 4,817.

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!

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/

Protecting Firefighters: Advancing Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Across Canada, firefighters put themselves in harm's way to keep our communities safe, including by helping to fight wildland fires that have increased in severity in recent years due to climate change. Because of their regular exposure to toxic chemicals from burning materials and firefighting foams, firefighters face a higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer, and a higher risk of dying from cancer, than the general public.

The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, tabled the National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting in Parliament and announced an investment of $12.29 million over 5 years and $220,000 ongoing, to advance firefighter health and safety.

New federal actions will focus on raising awareness and promoting information sharing, generating scientific knowledge, and developing guidance and addressing training needs.

Health Canada will convene stakeholders to raise awareness of cancers linked to firefighting, mobilize partners and identify opportunities for coordinated action. Key actions include establishing a national advisory group with all orders of government, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders, as well as developing online resources of accessible health information.

Click here to learn more.

Councillor King's Equity Budget Consultation

Residents from Ottawa's Black, Indigenous and racialized communities are invited to join Councillor Rawlson King, Council Liaison for Anti-Racism and Enthocultural Relations Initiatives, for an Equity Budget Consultation on the City's Draft 2025 Budget. The session will take place on Zoom and in person at the St. Laurent Complex, 525 Coté Street, in the Claude B. Aubry Room on Oct. 21 from 6 to 8 pm. Everyone welcome. Those interested in attending either virtually or in person are invited to fill out a survey in advance: 2025 Equity Budget Consult Registration. Please register to receive the virtual meeting link by visiting Equity Budget Consult Zoom or scan the QR code in the poster.

Tickets are now on sale for the annual VOscars Volunteer Awards Gala, the highlight of the year for the city’s volunteers and not-for-profits. Come celebrate the individuals, organizations and businesses that are making a difference in our community and enjoy live entertainment from Duo Pleiades, a multi-course meal from Preston Event Centre, and of course — the awards ceremony itself!

The Gala will start at 5:00 PM on Thursday, October 24 at the Preston Event Centre, 523 St Anthony St, Ottawa. Winners will be announced live during the Gala.

Tickets are $150 each. Purchasers will receive a $50 charitable donation receipt.
Unable to attend this year? You can support VO and Ottawa’s volunteers by donating a ticket on Canada Helps! Donated tickets will be offered to local non-profits and charities to allow their staff and volunteers to join the celebration.

VCA Fall Cleanup

Lets come together and clean up Vanier!

Join us for a community cleanup and help make our neighbourhood shine! Your support makes a difference!
Saturday, October 19, 2024 | 11:00 am
Marier Avenue Park, 239 Marier Avenue, Vanier

For more information, please contact: [email protected]