Mona Fortier
Hon. Mona Fortier
Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester
Newsletter
June 23, 2025
A word from your MP
 

Dear residents,

Over the past two weeks, there has been a lot happening—both in the House of Commons and here in our community.

After a busy month of parliamentary work and legislative progress, the House has now risen until September 15th. We accomplished a lot in such a short time:

1. Bill C-5 – One Canadian Economy Act
Passed just before the end of the session, this landmark legislation will reshape our economy by:

  • Breaking down trade barriers between provinces and territories, making it easier for goods, services, and workers to move freely;

  • Accelerating major infrastructure projects of national interest, crucial for economic growth and the energy transition — while respecting environmental obligations and Indigenous rights.

2. Middle-Class Tax Cut
Starting July 1, 2025, the lowest federal income tax rate will drop from 15% to 14%. This will mean average savings of $280 per household — and up to $840 for dual-income families. Nearly 22 million Canadians will benefit.

3. Cancelled the consumer carbon tax
To help with the cost of living, the federal consumer carbon tax was eliminated.

4. Announced the Canada Strong Pass – Explore the Country This Summer
From June 20 to September 2, 2025, enjoy free or discounted admission at hundreds of sites across the country — including museums, galleries, Parks Canada locations, and select VIA Rail routes.
The Canada Strong Pass is about celebrating what brings us together — our shared experiences, natural wonders, and rich culture — and making it easier for everyone, especially youth and families, to discover Canada. No sign-up required — just show up and enjoy!

On June 9th, it was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of a remarkable community leader in our region. AJ Plant left us after a courageous battle with cancer.

AJ was more than a respected entrepreneur — he was a generous mentor, a passionate hockey enthusiast, a dedicated philanthropist, and a constant force for good in our community. Whether it was helping families find a place to call home, supporting charitable organizations, or mentoring youth on the ice, AJ poured his heart and energy into serving others.

I had the honour of paying tribute to him in the House of Commons, and I invite you to watch that statement by clicking the link below.

 

In the riding, the past two weeks have been filled with activity — from community gatherings to summer celebrations and local economic events.

Let’s start with the weekend of June 7th/8th, I visited the Blackburn Hamlet Fair — a vibrant celebration of Canadian spirit, with the joyful theme “elbows up.” I also stopped by Vanier Vélofest, Lowertown Fest and Councillor Tim Tierney’s annual Celebrate Summer Fair. All of these gatherings were filled with joy, smiles, and an incredible sense of community. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to their success!

It was heartwarming to see so many members of our communities come together to celebrate, connect, and enjoy these special moments. Your energy and dedication are what make this corner of the city so special.


On Tuesday, June 10th, I returned to Blackburn Hamlet for the Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester Girl Guides Award Ceremony, an inspiring evening dedicated to leadership, service, and community.

I had the honour of presenting the King Charles III Medal to two outstanding recipients whose dedication to our community is exemplary.

Congratulations to all the youth and adult award recipients. Your commitment is truly inspiring. And of course, thank you to the Girl Guides for the warm welcome (and the cake!). Special thanks as well to City Councillor Laura Dudas for attending!

On Thursday evening (June 12), I had the pleasure of participating in a reception at Ottawa City Hall marking the 50th anniversary of the Festival Franco-Ontarien.

The festival’s 50th edition, held June 12–14, was a resounding success — three days celebrating Franco-Ontarian culture through music, pride, and strong community spirit. Thank you to Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for hosting this special evening that honoured the richness and vitality of our francophone culture.

The Festival Franco-Ontarien is a pillar of our community and a powerful symbol of francophone pride in Ottawa and across Ontario. Congratulations to the entire team on five decades of celebration and unity. Here’s to many more! And heartfelt thanks to the organizers and volunteers who make this essential event possible every year.

Supporting the National Capital Region’s Economy

On Friday, June 13th, the National Capital Region (NCR) Liberal Caucus brought together key regional partners to discuss how the federal government can concretely support our local economy — through job creation, targeted investments, and strong partnerships.

Thank you to our partners from the Ottawa International Airport, Ottawa Board of Trade, Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas (OCOBIA), Invest Ottawa, Gatineau Chamber of Commerce, the Outaouais chapter of APCHQ, Ottawa Tourism, and Tourisme Outaouais for their collaboration.

Together, we’re advancing a single Canadian economy — stronger, more inclusive, and more integrated. That also means reducing barriers to interprovincial trade and improving regional cooperation.

Over the weekend of June 14th/15th, I had the pleasure of attending both editions of the Summer Sun event organized by the Vanier BIA.

Held Saturday on Beechwood Avenue and Sunday on McArthur Boulevard, these events were a great way to see our community come together through music, family-friendly activities, and the vibrancy of our local businesses.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this weekend celebration such a success!


In the afternoon on June 15th, I attended the unveiling of Ottawa’s Irish Famine Memorial at Macdonald Gardens Park.

The memorial pays tribute to the refugees of the Great Famine who sought safety and a better life in Bytown. Many now rest at this very site. Today’s ceremony was a moving moment of remembrance and a tribute to the resilience and contributions of the Irish community to our city.

I was glad to see the presence of Irish Ambassador John Concannon, as well as my colleague, MP James Maloney.
Thank you as well to Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and City Councillors Tierney, King, Plante, Dudas, Brockington, Carr, and Kavanagh for their support.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event possible!

This past Tuesday, I met with Xavier Brassard-Bédard, CEO of TFO, and Linda Godin. TFO plays a key role as a cultural and educational leader for francophone communities, especially in minority settings. Their commitment to original productions, educational tools like the Boukili app, and current affairs through ONFR is outstanding.

As the media landscape evolves rapidly, it is more important than ever to support accessible francophone content. I look forward to continuing our collaboration with TFO to strengthen French-language media and culture across Canada.

On Thursday, I had the honour of attending a wonderful graduation ceremony at École secondaire catholique Samuel-Genest — where I had the immense joy of seeing my daughter Isabelle among the graduates. Bravo Isabelle!

I was deeply moved by the resilience, determination, and pride of all the graduates. I encouraged them to stay curious, engaged, and connected to their communities. The future is in their hands — and I’m confident they will shape a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world.

Congratulations to all members of the Class of 2025 — you are truly an inspiration.

Later that evening, I had the privilege of attending the Igniting the Spirit Gala hosted by the Wabano Centre — a flagship event in Ottawa celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day while raising vital support for Wabano’s essential services.

Gathering more than 600 community and business leaders, the evening showcased the beauty of Indigenous cultures and the importance of reconciliation. This year’s theme — Walking in Beauty, inspired by a Navajo blessing — invited us to reflect on the beauty of our paths on Mother Earth, guided by music and the drum.

Thank you to Wabano for your exceptional work in community health and wellness.

Show Your Canada Day Spirit!

Canada Day is just around the corner! Residents of Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester are invited to stop by our constituency office to pick up a Canada flag lawn sign and show your Canadian pride!

📍 233 Montreal Road
🕘 Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Our team will be happy to welcome you and help you get set up.


News and updates:

Securing Canada

The Government of Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces are entering a new era of reinvestment. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Minister of National Defence David McGuinty have unveiled an ambitious plan to strengthen Canada’s sovereignty, security, and prosperity.

For the 2025–2026 fiscal year, over $9 billion will be invested in defence, allowing Canada to reach the NATO target of 2% of GDP in military spending. This plan includes:
✅ Recruiting and retaining thousands of military personnel and civilian employees,
✅ Modernizing equipment and infrastructure,
✅ Strengthening cybersecurity,
✅ Increasing support for Canada’s defence industry,
✅ And building new global defence partnerships.

These investments are part of the implementation of the Our North, Strong and Free policy—a roadmap for a more resilient Canada, better prepared to face the threats of today and tomorrow.

Click here to learn more


Bill C-2: Strong Borders Act – Strengthening Canada–U.S. Border Security and Public Safety

This week, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-2, a major step forward in strengthening border security, fighting organized crime, car theft, fentanyl trafficking, and money laundering.

With a historic $1.3 billion investment, the legislation proposes:
✅ Greater powers for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to inspect exports
✅ New tools to combat cross-border crime
✅ Stronger penalties to crack down on money laundering
✅ Measures to protect the integrity of our immigration and asylum systems
✅ A modernized mandate for the Canadian Coast Guard

We're giving law enforcement the tools they need to keep Canadians safe.
To learn more, click here.


Canada Summer Jobs

The hiring period for Canada Summer Jobs 2025 began on April 21! Over 70,000 jobs will be available to young people aged 15 to 30 across the country, including right here in our riding. These work experiences provide youth with a valuable opportunity to develop skills, build their professional future, and give back to their community.

Click here to learn more!

Canada Summer Jobs  
In the community 

Canada Day 2025

This year’s July 1st celebrations will be more vibrant than ever! The program features renowned artists such as Amanda Marshall, Sarah McLachlan, Garou, Cœur de pirate, Tom Cochrane, Roch Voisine, and many more, with performances taking place at both the daytime and evening shows at LeBreton Flats Park. Live segments will also be broadcast from Summerside, Yellowknife, and Vancouver.

Four official sites in Ottawa and Gatineau will offer a wide range of free activities for all ages—from yoga at the Supreme Court of Canada to DJ sets and dance performances at LeBreton Flats, as well as a thrilling Snowbirds demonstration over Parliament Hill.

For the full schedule, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/canada-day.html

Revitalizing Public Space in the ByWard Market

William Street and ByWard Market Square street renewal project

The City of Ottawa is seeking your input on the upcoming redesign of William Street and ByWard Market Square, which will begin to reimagine the ByWard Market and strengthen its role as a premier destination within the nation’s capital for many years to come.

Project location: William Street and ByWard Market Square (between George and York Streets).

Click here to participate. 


Explore Kìwekì Point – A Hidden Gem in Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester!

Newly redeveloped, Kìwekì Point offers privileged access to one of the most stunning views in the National Capital Region. Located behind the National Gallery of Canada and linked to Major’s Hill Park by the new Pìdàban footbridge, this universally accessible oasis invites you to take in breathtaking vistas of Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River, and the Gatineau Hills.

Stroll the accessible pathways, discover Indigenous artwork and monuments, and immerse yourself in the natural and cultural beauty of this unique site. Whether you arrive on foot, by bike, or via public transit, Kìwekì Point is a year-round destination you won’t want to miss.

Plan your visit today and experience this Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester treasure!

👉 Click here to learn more! 

Main office - Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester
233 Montreal Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1L 6C7

Telephone:
613-998-1860

Fax:
613-947-7963
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Hill Office
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Telephone:
613-992-4766

Fax:
613-992-6448
Show Map