Newsletter - apr. 28, 2023
In Oakville and across Canada, we continue attracting historic and generational investments to build a world-class electric vehicle supply chain that will secure good-paying jobs for decades to come.
Last month, Canada and Ontario secured a historic $7 Billion investment from Volkswagen. This is the most significant electric vehicle-related investment in Canadian history, signalling an incredible vote of confidence in Canada's economy. It builds on the over $10 billion in new investments made in Ontario's auto sector since 2020, like Ford's here in Oakville.
The plant, Volkswagen's largest to date, will create over 33,000 direct and indirect jobs. Once complete in 2027, the plant will produce batteries for up to one million electric vehicles per year, bolstering Canada's domestic battery manufacturing capacity to meet the demand for electric cars now and into the future. This project will generate about $200 billion in value in the coming years and decades.
Canada and Ontario have the resources and skilled workers to continue leading the world, from mining critical minerals to building batteries and electric vehicles. We will continue to attract investments like this in our auto sector, fostering a strong economy, good-paying jobs, and clean air now and into the future.
Additional Military Aid for Ukraine
On April 21st, I participated in the eleventh meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, hosted by United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.
At the meeting, I announced that Canada is providing a new military aid package for Ukraine. This assistance includes:
A $34.6 million contribution to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ukraine Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) Trust Fund. This donation will:
enable the implementation of the NATO CAP fuel material project, which will provide Ukraine with 3.3 million litres of much-needed fuel supplies;
enable the implementation of the NATO CAP Improved Ribbon Bridge project – which will provide Ukraine with modular floatation bridge assets to enable wet-gap crossing; and
provide a first contribution to the NATO CAP medical first aid kits project.
Approximately $2.5 million for 40 .50 caliber sniper rifles and ammunition from PGW Defence Technologies Inc. based in Winnipeg, which includes spare parts and accessories.
Approximately $2 million worth of new radio set.
We will continue to work closely with Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with the comprehensive military aid that it needs as quickly as possible.
Dental Care for Canadians
In December we launched the Canada Dental Benefit, which is now providing eligible parents or guardians with direct, up-front, tax-free payments of up to $1,300 over two years, per child, to cover the cost of dental care for their children. To date, the Canada Dental Benefit has helped more than 240,000 children receive the dental care they need.
Moving forward, we are establishing the Canadian Dental Care Plan. The plan will provide dental coverage for uninsured Canadians with annual family income of less than $90,000. The plan would begin providing coverage by the end of 2023.
Nobody should have to choose between taking care of their teeth and being able to pay the bills. This plan will make life more affordable for Families, Seniors, & Persons with Disabilities, while improving access.
Oakville Youth Council Meeting
There is no health without mental health. Last week, my Oakville Youth Council and I met with Melanie McGregor from CAMH Halton to discuss how we can better support youth mental health. Thank you for this important conversation.
Helping Canadians in Sudan
As the security situation in Sudan continues to worsen, we are taking action to bring Canadians to safety. Our military planners and diplomatic partners are investigating every possible option to support Canadians in Sudan.
To date, we have organized two successful evacuation flights from Sudan and we are planning for future extractions in the days to come. Canadian Armed Forces personnel will continue to work in close coordination with allies to provide departure assistance to the greatest extent possible.
Terrestrial Energy Achieves Major Breakthrough
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are essential in our fight against climate change. Last week, Terrestrial Energy announced they had completed their Phase 2 Vendor Design Review with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). Their IMSR is the first advanced, high-temperature fission technology to complete a review of this type.
From right here in Oakville, Terrestrial Energy is a world leader in SMR development with their innovative IMSR design. This milestone brings us closer to a cleaner, healthier future.
Defence Policy Update:
Reminder: We’re updating Canada’s Defence Policy to provide the Canadian Armed Forces with the capabilities, equipment, and environment needed to anticipate and respond to threats and protect Canadians. Learn more and send us your input: https://canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/policies-standards/canada-defence-policy/we-want-to-hear-from-you.html
United Churches of Oakville Working Together to Help Survivors of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is an ever-present threat in our community. SAVIS of Halton reported assisting 64 survivors of human trafficking last year. To combat this scourge, the United Churches of Oakville are banding together to support Restorations Second Stage Homes, a local organization that supports survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking by providing long-term residential housing, survivor-led peer programming and holistic care.
You can learn more about their efforts by visiting or contacting the following Oakville churches: St. John’s, Glen Abbey, Maple Grove, Walton, St. Paul’s, Munn’s, Palermo, and Trinity.