Mona Fortier

Newsletter

January 13, 2025

A word from your MP

Dear residents,

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season filled with precious moments with your loved ones, rest, and a chance to recharge for the year ahead. As we welcome 2025, a year full of new opportunities and exciting challenges, it is the perfect time to celebrate the achievements of the past year while looking forward with hope, ambition, and determination. May this new year bring you success, happiness, and health, along with your loved ones!

This new year is an opportunity to strengthen connections within our community, explore new initiatives, and work together for a brighter future. As the Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier, I will continue to work hard to represent you in the House of Commons and in our community. There is still work to be done to support families with the high cost of living, build more housing, invest in healthcare, reduce childcare costs, protect the social safety net, create and retain well-paying jobs in our region, and invest in a cleaner, greener future. We have already made significant progress, and 2025 will be a year where we continue building on these solid foundations.

Together, we have the strength, solidarity, and resilience to face the challenges of tomorrow. Whether through innovation, education, or supporting our local businesses, every step forward is an opportunity to make a difference.

I look forward to continuing to work with all of you to make 2025 an even brighter and more prosperous year for Ottawa-Vanier, the National Capital Region and for our country.

Update: 2025 Calendar

Due to the ongoing Canada Post strike, there have been significant delays in the shipping and delivery of mail across the country. Unfortunately, the distribution of my 2025 calendars has also been affected.

Canada Post is currently dealing with a substantial backlog of mail, which has delayed the delivery of calendars to households. However, I want to reassure you that the calendars have been handed over to Canada Post and are on their way to you.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. You should receive your calendar in your mailbox by the end of the month.

Regarding the tariff threats, rest assured that our government remains fully focused on supporting our economy and protecting our key industries. The tariff threats from the Trump administration present a challenge that we take very seriously. We continue to work closely with our trade partners to defend the interests of Canadian workers, safeguard our exports, and ensure fair access to international markets. We are working tirelessly to protect and secure Canadian jobs and industries.

The recent resignation speech by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau marks the end of an era defined by his unwavering commitment to Canada and Canadians over the past nine years. Under his leadership, significant progress was made on issues such as climate change, childcare services, and inclusion, for which we are deeply grateful. Although Parliament is now prorogued until March 24, providing a period of reflection and preparation, our work for Ottawa-Vanier continues. My team and I remain fully available to assist residents with federal programs, answer your questions, and provide support at all times during this transition period.

The GST/HST holiday continues until February 15, 2025! Since December 14, 2024, the GST/HST has been temporarily eliminated on a variety of products: food, restaurant meals, children's clothing, gifts, and more. This initiative aims to ease the cost of living and put more money back into the pockets of Canadians. Take advantage of this tax break now to reduce your spending!

Additionally, to support charitable organizations and mitigate the effects of the recent disruption to Canada Post services, the federal government has extended the deadline for charitable donation tax credits for the 2024 tax year until February 28, 2025.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Chrétien!

What an honor it was for me to present the Coronation Medal of His Majesty King Charles III to the former Prime Minister in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Canada on this Saturday, January 11, marking his 91st birthday. Mr. Chrétien remains an iconic figure of Canadian democracy and unity. Thank you for your tireless service and for inspiring a brighter future for Canada.

Fifteen years ago, Haiti was struck by an unimaginable tragedy. On Sunday, we commemorated this event by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial, honoring the memory of the victims and recognizing the extraordinary resilience of the Haitian people. Canada remains committed to supporting Haiti’s efforts to build a better future. Thank you to Mr. Ossé Aristild, representative of the Embassy of Haiti in Canada, for sharing his poignant testimony during this emotional ceremony.

This Wednesday, January 15, families across Ontario, including right here in Ottawa-Vanier, will receive their Canada Carbon Rebate, either by cheque or direct deposit.

For a family of four in Ottawa-Vanier, this means $280 this quarter—and $1,120 over the year—helping to make life more affordable.

Pricing pollution is the best way to hold major polluters accountable while building a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. Unlike the Conservatives, who would leave pollution unchecked, we are focused on creating a cleaner environment and putting more money back in your pocket.

Wishing you all a good week!

Nomination of exceptional women and girls who demonstrate community leadership.

You know an exceptional woman and/or girl who demonstrates exceptional community leadership to improve the lives of others and has made a significant contribution to community life through volunteer activities.

Help us recognize them! Unique women and girls will be honored at a breakfast.

The nomination form and supporting documents must be received by Monday, February 24, 2025.

For more information about the applications, please contact us at [email protected] or 613-998-1860.

SLP 2025 – Applications Are Now Open!

The Summer Leadership Program (SLP) is a unique political summer internship opportunity designed to invest in the success of young leaders in Canada. SLP provides meaningful employment opportunities to young people across the country within the realm of federal Liberal politics. The program seeks to connect participants with summer work positions in the offices of Members of Parliament and Ministers, along with the Prime Minister's Office and the Liberal Research Bureau.

SLP 2025 will run for 16 weeks, from May 5th to August 22nd. The program is administered and coordinated through the Liberal Research Bureau. Participants must be in Ottawa for the first 8 weeks of the program (May 5 - June 30). The second half of the program (July 2 - August 22) offers flexibility with options for a virtual, in-person, or hybrid experience.

SLP 2025 Participant Applications are now open until January 31, 2025. To apply, visit https://slp2025ple.infolib.ca/.

In the community

Rideau Canal Skateway is open!

Each winter, the NCC transforms the historic Rideau Canal into the world’s largest skating rink. The Rideau Canal Skateway winds its way through the heart of the National Capital over a total length of 7.8 km. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal in winter becomes a treasure that is the pride of the National Capital and a signature destination.

The skating season typically runs from January to early March, but it is weather-dependent. When open, the Skateway is free and accessible 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Where? Laurier to Bank (4 km)
Coming soon: The section from Bank to Library (km 7.8) will open Tuesday, January 14, at 8 am.

Click here to learn more!