Newsletter - aug. 04, 2023
Last week, I had the honour of being sworn-in as the President of the Treasury Board Secretariat. I look forward to joining our government's economic team and building on the work of my predecessor, the Hon. Mona Fortier. Looking ahead, our government is focused on addressing key challenges facing our economy such as labour shortages, the cost of living and housing.
It was my privilege and honour to serve as Canada's Minister of National Defence. During my time at the Ministry of Defence, we made important progress on implementing culture change in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), advancing our military capabilities, bolstering our presence in the Indo-Pacific region and supporting Ukraine. I have my upmost faith in my friend and colleague, the Hon. Bill Blair, to continue advancing our partnerships with allies and implementing meaningful culture change in the CAF.
As the President of the Treasury Board, I'll draw on decades of experience in governance, financial markets and economic policy to ensure that we are prudent with public funds and make the smartest possible investments and regulations to foster economic growth. A key objective is to remove red tape and increase the digitization of government to better serve Canadians and businesses.
While inflation has come down to 2.8%—the lowest in the G7—many Canadians are facing challenges with affordability. Our government provided targeted support with measures like the Grocery Rebate and the Canada Workers Benefit however, we still have our work cut out for us. That’s why the Prime Minister has appointed me to his economic team: to help make life more affordable for the middle class and grow the economy. As President of Treasury Board, I look forward to engaging with Canadians across the country about our economic agenda.
My Appointment to the President of the Treasury Board Secretariat
I’m excited to take on the role of President of the Treasury Board. It’s an honour to be a part of our government’s economic team. Canadians elected us to deliver economic growth and to make life more affordable – and this job is at the heart of that agenda. With my background in governance & capital markets, I will work hard to ensure that we make smart, responsible investments to build an economy that works for all Canadians.
Emancipation Day in Nova Scotia
On Emancipation Day, we recognize the devastating impacts of slavery on communities and persisting consequences it has had. We also honour the resilience and strength of Black & Indigenous communities, just as we did on Emancipation Day with the Canadian Armed Forces & public servants. We all have a role to play to stand up to racism in all forms, and fight for an inclusive society.
Meeting with the Halifax Chamber of Commerce
Thank you to the Halifax Chamber of Commerce for hosting this productive meeting to discuss reducing red tape, digital tools, fiscal responsibility & making smart investments to foster economic growth. Thank you for your work supporting the local economy and everything you do in the community.
Touring the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE)
It was great to tour COVE's facility during my time in Nova Scotia. This innovative centre for entrepreneurship brings together people, ideas, and resources propelling Canada's marine technology. Working together, scientists and entrepreneurs explore the diverse possibilities of creating ocean-friendly technology, supporting Canadian innovation. From renewable energy solutions to eco-friendly vessels, COVE's collaborative ecosystem help make our strides towards a more sustainable future nothing short of remarkable.
Vedanta Ashram Society
It was an honour to visit the Vedanta Ashram Society as they celebrate 50 years of serving members of the community. My mother & father came to Nova Scotia in the 1960s, and visited this Temple many times.