Newsletter - may 26, 2023
It makes a difference when women are safe and supported. As Minister of National Defence, my top priority is ensuring that all our military personnel – especially women – are respected and protected when they wear their uniforms. Our work to end gender-based violence must also extend to our community here in Oakville.
This week, I was pleased to announce that the Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton (SAVIS) has received over $100k in funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada.
Every year, SAVIS assists hundreds of Halton's most vulnerable people in their search for safety. Last year alone, they helped over 60 women who had been victims of Human Trafficking in our Halton community.
The funding has allowed SAVIS of Halton to hire a crisis-line coordinator for the first time and to update the training curriculum for their crisis-line volunteers, which is now aligned with best practices and includes a trauma-informed perspective.
SAVIS and so many others in our community are putting in the work every day to ensure that no woman in Oakville is alone in their struggle. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your relentless and meaningful efforts. Together, we will continue working alongside partners like you to build the safe, inclusive communities we all want to see.
Tour of Ford Oakville Assembly Complex
Canada’s automotive sector is a pillar of innovation and strength in our growing clean economy. I visited Oakville’s Ford plant, where I saw the committed efforts of workers and learned more about the plant’s transformation into a leader of Canada’s electric vehicle supply chain.
Additional Military Aid for Ukraine
Canada stands with Ukraine - now, and for as long as it takes. At the most recent meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on May 24th, I announced additional military aid for Ukraine. We're expanding Operation UNIFIER in Poland to train more Ukrainian personnel, and donating AIM-9 missiles.
Canada's support for Ukraine is unwavering. When I travel across Canada, I see Ukrainian flags on homes, small businesses, and cars - because Canadians understand that Ukraine's fight to defend itself is also a fight for sovereignty, freedom, and independence. At Wednesday's productive meeting, we discussed Ukraine's most pressing defence priorities, and I reaffirmed that Canada will be there to support Ukraine in the short and the long term.
Investing in Wedgewood Pool
For decades, the Wedgewood Pool has provided families like mine with a reliable place to swim and stay active. This week, I announced that through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, we are investing over $100,000 to ensure Wedgewood Pool remains a community fixture for generations to come. This funding will make it more accessible for persons with disabilities and inclusive for all.
Checking in with Kerr St. Businesses
From coffee shops to music stores, Kerr St. has a diverse and thriving small business community in Oakville. It was great to hear how they were doing and to discuss the immense impact lower credit card transaction fees will have for them. Thanks for the conversations!
Visit to T.A. Blakelock High School
On Tuesday, I met with students at T.A. Blakelock HS and shared about my journey as MP for Oakville. My resounding message is that the possibilities are endless through teamwork and dedication. I reminded students that everyone plays a role in safeguarding a healthy democracy.
During my visit, I congratulated Blakelock's ESL students on publishing their book "Finding Myself: Far Away From Home". In uniting to learn a new language and sharing their experiences, they are helping to build a strong and inclusive future for Oakville & Canada.
Downtown Oakville BIA AGM
I was honoured to attend the Downtown Oakville BIA's annual general meeting earlier this week. This group of dynamic businesses owners continues to make downtown Oakville an inclusive, vibrant and prosperous space in our community.
Community Meet & Greet
One of the best parts of my job as Oakville’s MP is connecting with our community. This week, Pam Damoff and I met with residents to hear their thoughts on how we can support our diverse town. From our fight against discrimination to growing Canada’s economy, I thank you for your insights.
Halton Environment Roundtable
We can all make a difference in the global fight against climate change by taking action in our communities. I met with Halton leaders to hear about the work they are doing, and the ways Canada can continue taking decisive action on climate. Together, we will create a cleaner future.
Canada Summer Jobs - Job Bank Now Open!
This summer, more than 70,000 CSJ placements are being made available for young people between the ages of 15 and 30. Young job seekers can now find new job opportunities in our Oakville community on jobbank.gc.ca/youth and the Job Bank mobile app in a variety of important emerging sectors such as the digital economy, green jobs, environmental science and technology, and natural resources.