Mona Fortier

Newsletter

October 19, 2024

A word from your MP

Dear residents,

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by your loved ones. As for me, I served turkey meals to those in need at the Ottawa Mission. This gesture deeply touched me, especially at this time when, on October 16, we marked World Food Day. I would like to encourage you, if you can, to donate to local organizations like Partage Vanier, the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard, the Lowertown Food Bank, or the Rideau-Rockcliffe Emergency Food Bank, which play a crucial role in reducing food insecurity in our community. Every contribution makes a real difference. You can support these organizations by volunteering, donating food, or providing financial assistance.

In the same spirit, the Vanier Community Service Centre, in partnership with the Pauline-Charron Centre, has officially launched the 2024 Snowflake Breakfast fundraising campaign in support of the Partage Vanier Food Bank! Each year, this event raises tens of thousands of dollars to support those most in need. In 2023, the 18th edition of the Breakfast surpassed its target by raising more than $50,000, well beyond the goal of $45,000. These events are of great importance to our community. Indeed, in 2023, more than 20,000 residents of Ottawa-Vanier relied on a food bank — an unfortunately high number. By supporting this type of initiative, we ensure that no one misses a meal.

Also, this week marks the annual congress of the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) from October 17 to 19. I had the honor of speaking with my colleague Marie-France Lalonde, MP for Orléans, and introducing my colleague Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages. The federal government continues to invest in Ontario's Francophonie and linguistic duality. Thank you all for your commitment, and let’s continue working together for the good of our community.

Lastly, good news: last week, Bill C-64, An Act respecting pharmacare, which includes universal access to contraceptives and diabetes medication, was passed and received Royal Assent. This is good news for Canadians who deserve access to the medications they need, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.

Next week, the House will sit again, and we have plenty of work ahead to continue.

Have a good weekend!

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/

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.

Halloween in the forest

The Museopark, in collaboration with the Vanier Optimist Club, invites kids and grown-ups to take a stroll in the Richelieu Park forest to celebrate Halloween. Little monsters can take part in several activities and collect treats along the way. A volunteer from the Lire et faire lire program will also read stories around the camp fire!

When: Sunday, October 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until we run out of stock)*
Where: Richelieu Park forest (300 des Pères-Blancs Ave.)
Cost: Free activity. No registration needed.

Don’t forget to wear a costume for the occasion!

* In case of rain, the activity will take place inside the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre, in the Accueil Hall.

Trick or Treat with the Mayor!

Mark your calendars for a spooky evening of fun at Ottawa City Hall on Saturday, October 26, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM! Join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and your favorite costumed characters at the “Weird and Wonderful” Heritage Building, where witches, goblins, and even a Tooth Fairy await!

Here’s what you can expect:

Special treats and a journey into the Ghost Chamber and Hall of Villains!
Meet costumed characters in Jean Pigott Place.
Admission is a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank’s Baby Basics Program, making it a night of giving and ghouls!

Accessibility First! Ottawa is proud to partner with Treat Accessibly to ensure trick-or-treating is fun for everyone.
Important: This is not a nut-free event. Dress warmly, as the queue will be outdoors, and bring your own treat bag. Rain or shine, the fun goes on!