Newsletter - Sept. 01, 2023
Last week, I had the honour of meeting business leaders and public servants in Vancouver to discuss our government’s economic agenda and learn more about how our plan can support their work.
During my time in British Columbia, I was pleased to have productive conversations with public servants from across the government. These conversations are vital to ensuring public service needs are heard and key to facilitating policies that maximize government utility while delivering high quality and efficient services to Canadians.
In the face of this devastating wildfire season, the Government of Canada has guided agencies and key national actors in the mitigation, response and recovery efforts to fight the fires and facilitate supporting resources to those impacted. As we continue to experience the effects of extreme weather, it is important that our central agencies are supported so that Canada's emergency response efforts remain prepared and coordinated to keep Canadians safe.
Vancouver is a key driver of economic growth and green innovation in Canada and the pacific region. It was insightful hearing from business leaders at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade on how best the government can support small businesses in the Greater Vancouver region and across Canada. In my role, I have met with business leaders in Oakville, Halifax, Blue Mountain and now Vancouver, and the enduring message is that affordability, labour shortages and, rising interest rates continue to be the central challenges facing businesses.
Although rising interest rates, set by the Bank of Canada, reduce inflation and bring down the cost of living, no one should have to chose between putting food on the table and paying their bills. That's why we are providing key supports like the enhanced Canada Workers Benefit, the new Grocery Rebate and indexing benefits like the Canada Child Benefit, the Guaranteed Income Supplement and Canada Pension Plan to inflation.
I look forward to continuing to meet with Chambers of Commerce, Boards of Trade and hubs of economic growth across our country to inform public policy that makes sense for Canadians.
Universal Broadband Fund
Digitalization is key to providing equal access to opportunity and that’s exactly what we will deliver to Canadians by 2030. Today, the Governments of Canada & Ontario announced $219 million in funding to bring high-speed Internet to 66,472 households in Ontario.
Meeting with Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce
Pleased to have had constructive discussions with the Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce about challenges facing small businesses in PEI and with Government of Canada public servants about how we can continuously improve the delivery of services to Atlantic Canadians.
India Canada Association
The India Canada Association brings India’s dynamic culture to Canadian communities everyday. I loved celebrating India’s Independence Day with this organization in Oakville this year! Your work reaffirms the shared values between our countries.
Touching base with Public Servants
During my time in Vancouver, I had the honour of meeting with hard working public servants from across the Government of Canada. I look forward to working to enhance service delivery to Canadians and maximize government utility. Thank you for all you do!
Canadian Bankers Association
The health of Canada’s banking system impacts the vitality of Canadian financial markets. Today I met with the Canadian Bankers Association to discuss policies and effective regulation needed to grow our economy.