Newsletter - apr. 15, 2023
In Oakville and across Canada, I know that families are feeling the pinch at the grocery store. Through a new Grocery Rebate, we are delivering targeted inflation relief for 11 million Canadians and families who need it most, with up to an extra $467 for eligible couples with children; an extra $234 for single Canadians without children; and an extra $225 for seniors.
Unexpected, hidden, and additional fees add up quickly. From internet overage charges, to roaming fees, to event fees, Canadians deal with junk fees every day. That's why we are taking action to crack down on junk fees, to continue to ensure businesses are transparent with prices.
As of April 1st, financial institutions will be able to start offering the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account to Canadians. Combining the features of both an RRSP and a TFSA, this plan will allow young Canadians to set aside 100% of every dollar they earn up to $40,000 and shorten the time it takes to afford a down payment.
Over 750,000 post-secondary students rely on federal assistance each year to help them afford the cost of tuition, housing, and everyday essentials. To make the transition from school to working life easier, we are:
Increasing Canada Student Grants by 40 per cent—providing up to $4,200 for full-time students.
Raising the interest-free Canada Student Loan limit from $210 to $300 per week of study.
We will increase limits on certain RESP withdrawals from $5,000 to $8,000 for full-time students, and from $2,500 to $4,000 for part-time students.
We will continue to take strong action to bring down the cost of living for Canadians.
You can read more about these new actions in our budget here: Chapter 1: Making Life More Affordable and Supporting the Middle Class | Budget 2023 (canada.ca)
Ukrainian PM Shmyhal visits Canada
This week, we welcomed Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal to Canada. Our commitment to supporting Ukraine will not waver. Our two countries share the values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. And we’ll continue to help Ukraine in its fight for these values.
During his visit, we announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine, sourced from Colt Canada. We’re donating 21,000 assault rifles, 38 machine guns, and over 2.4 million rounds of ammunition. These arms will support Ukraine’s fight to defend itself, and to protect our shared values.
Ford unveils plan for to retool and transform its Oakville Complex
Monumental news for Oakville!
Ford is investing $1.8 billion to transform it's Oakville Assembly Complex into a Canadian hub of electric vehicle manufacturing that will include vehicle and battery pack assembly.
The new campus – to be renamed Oakville Electric Vehicle Complex – will be a high-volume manufacturing hub for North American EV production, repurposing existing buildings into a state-of-the-art facility that leverages Oakville’s experienced workforce.
Ford's transformative investment will ensure that Oakville is placed at the heart of the 21st century clean economy & at the forefront of the next generation of electric vehicles.
Visiting Oakville Small Businesses
On Easter weekend, I spent some time visiting residents and small businesses in Downtown Oakville. It was great to hear about how they are doing, the challenges they are facing, and how we are working to address them.
Celebrating Ramadan with the Dar Foundation and Masjid Noor-UL-Haram
I am so grateful for the meaningful conversations I have when I visit Oakville’s Dar Foundation. We must continue to work tirelessly to combat the scourge of Islamophobia. As we mark Ramadan, let us continue to advance our shared values of unity & compassion.
The breaking of the fast is a hallmark of the holy month of Ramadan. I also joined Oakville’s Muslim community at Masjid Noor-UL-Haram for their Iftar. I am so thankful for Masjid Noor-UL-Haram’s work to support Oakville & bring our community together.
Thank you for having me. Ramadan Mubarak!
Oakville Easter Parade
I am so appreciative for the tireless work of Oakville’s Fair Share Food Bank. I was happy to help give back in our community’s first annual Easter Parade in support of their efforts. Thank you to Sheridan College and Duran Place for Kids for hosting this fantastic event.
Palm Sunday Service at Saint Vartan Armenian Church.
Everyday, Armenian-Canadians make valuable contributions to our country. As we marked Palm Sunday, I was pleased to join Oakville’s Saint Vartan Armenian Church for their youth-led holiday service. Your commitment to our community is inspiring.
Sikh Heritage Month
Sikh Heritage Month is a time to recognize the many contributions of the Sikh community across Canada. I joined members of the Oakville and Halton Sikh community at the flag raising at Oakville Town Hall.
Happy Sikh Heritage Month!