Last Sunday, I joined the rally organized by Refugee 613 at Ben Franklin Place to show solidarity with newcomers and refugees. Supporting the City of Ottawa’s project to establish two reception centers is a crucial step toward easing pressure on our shelter system and ensuring a warm welcome for those seeking a new life among us. Together, let’s continue to build a community where everyone belongs.
  

That’s why, on Thursday, we announced a tax break for all Canadians. From December 14 to February 15, the GST/HST will be removed from essential items like groceries, snacks, children’s clothing, and much more. By eliminating the GST/HST on most food products, this measure will provide substantial savings and offer a real break at checkout.

For more details on this announcement and a complete list of products included in the tax break, click here!

We can’t control prices at the register, but our Liberal government is committed to putting more money back in your pockets.

That’s why we are also announcing the Canadian Workers’ Rebate.

Early this spring, Canadians who worked in 2023 and earned up to $150,000 will receive a payment of $250—either through direct deposit to their bank account or by cheque in their mailbox.

We are putting more money back in your pockets so you can buy the things you need and save for the things you want.

Additionally, we announced an agreement with the Government of Ontario for the National School Food Program, with $108.5 million in federal funding for the province. The Ottawa Network for Education will be one of the organizations responsible for administering the program in our region. More details will be available soon.

Finally, I invite you to join the celebration for the tree lighting and the opening of the ByWard Winter Market today, Friday, November 22!

Come together with the community to kick off the holiday season with local artisans on William Street, followed by a magical lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on George Street Plaza. On the program: free BeaverTails and hot chocolate (while supplies last), live music featuring the Dickens Carolers and the Salvation Army Band. The outdoor market will continue until January, with festivities every weekend. Come celebrate with family and friends! 

As we approach Christmas and the holiday season, let us not forget the challenges some members of our community continue to face. There are four food banks in Ottawa-Vanier—Partage Vanier, the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard, the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre Food Bank, and the Lowertown Food Bank—as well as shelters like the Ottawa Mission and Shepherds of Good Hope. These organizations are always in need of our support.

Every gesture counts, whether it’s food donations, volunteering, or financial contributions. Together, let’s make this holiday season brighter and more hopeful for everyone in Ottawa-Vanier.

Wishing you an excellent weekend!

As of November 15, 2024 postal services across Canada will be interrupted as a result of job action at Canada Post. During this labour disruption, certain services may be delayed or not delivered at all.

The CRA strongly encourages all benefit recipients to sign up for My Account and direct deposit. This will allow them to get emailed notifications from our system and any future payments straight to their bank accounts.

The CRA is committed to being transparent with Canadians and as the situation evolves, we will continue to update this page to tell you how services may be affected.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has launched the next solicitation for the School Health Grant for Youth program.

Through this program, students ages 16 – 19 who are enrolled in secondary or post-secondary school are invited to apply for $1,500 in grant funding to promote healthy living in their school. The overarching goal of the grant is to empower youth to develop their own initiatives that encourage and promote healthy living in their schools and communities. Eligible applications will be approved on a first-come first-served basis until funds are fully expended, or until December 20, 2024, 11:59 AM Eastern Standard Time.

The Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, launched the open call for proposals under the Youth Mental Health Fund.

This open call for proposals is part of the $500 million investment over five years committed in Budget 2024 to develop the Youth Mental Health Fund, which will help create lasting and meaningful improvements in the mental health of youth and their families.

The call for proposals is open now and closes on January 22^nd, 2025. Details on the application for the call for proposals can be found here 
 

You can find the full news release here                          
 

📣 ATTENTION - Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2025 - Employer Application Period
Employers in Ottawa–Vanier, take note!

The application period for Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2025 opened on November 19, 2024 and will close on December 19, 2024, at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). This program provides a fantastic opportunity for businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and public sector employers to receive funding to create summer jobs that give young people aged 15 to 30 valuable work experience.

Each year, CSJ supports the creation of thousands of quality jobs across Canada, playing a key role in strengthening our local economy. Don’t miss this chance to invest in the future of our community while meeting your workforce needs.

👉 Mark your calendars and get your application ready! For more information, click here: Canada Summer Jobs