Newsletter - oct. 14, 2022
October is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the women and girls from our past and present who contribute to a better, more inclusive Canada. In 1992, the Government of Canada designated October as Women’s History Month, marking the beginning of an annual celebration of the outstanding achievements of women throughout our history.
As we mark the 30th anniversary of Women’s History Month, this year’s theme, ‘’She Did, So Now I Can,’’ celebrates the actions of inspiring Canadian women that positively impact our lives. This theme reminds me of the many women and girls who inspire me, from my sisters and my children to my late mother. I grew up surrounded by strong women who believed in the value of a woman’s education and independence. I am also grateful to be a mother of three incredible daughters who challenge and inspire me every day.
Women and girls in our Oakville community and across Canada are making a difference and building a more inclusive society for everyone. This month, we honour the women who did not accept the status quo and fought hard to improve the lives of all women, like May Cohen, Elizabeth (Tshaukuesh) Penashue, Dr. Notisha Massaquoi, Kit Coleman, Ursula Franklin, and many others who have made an impact in politics, the arts and sciences, and numerous other fields.
This Women’s History Month, I encourage Canadians to reach out to the women who have made a difference in their lives. While we have made significant progress, we know that there is more work to be done. Our federal government remains committed to creating and expanding opportunities for women as we build an equitable and more inclusive Canada for all.
Trip to Poland and Belgium to Meet with Allies and Partners
This week, I travelled to Europe to participate in meetings with Allies and partners on global defence and security issues.
Canada and Poland are leaders in supporting Ukraine. Alongside Minister Błaszczak, I announced that Canada is deploying approximately 40 Canadian Armed Forces combat engineers to Poland to train Ukrainian personnel under Operation UNIFIER. The Canadian Armed Forces will provide training on a range of basic and advanced engineering skills, engineering reconnaissance, the use of explosives for demolition work, and demining.
I was also pleased to meet with Canadian Armed Forces members stationed in Poland to thank them for their service. Around the world, our troops make valuable contributions to the security of Canada and our Allies. Their work helps defend the rules-based international order that protects us all.
At the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, I announced that Canada will provide over $47 million in new military aid to assist Ukraine as it fights for its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. This new military aid package includes:
$15.2 million in equipment from the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) inventory, including 155mm NATO-standard artillery rounds, fuses, and charge bags compatible with M777 howitzer artillery guns. Canada has previously provided M777 howitzer artillery guns to Ukraine and trained Ukrainian personnel in their use;
additional specialized drone cameras with a value of $15.3 million;
approximately $2 million to provide satellite communications services to Ukraine government and non-government partners, including critical infrastructure, through a joint project between the DND/CAF, Communications Security Establishment and Telesat; and
400,000 pieces of winter clothing for a total of $15 million. This critical winter equipment includes jackets, pants, boots, gloves, and parkas sourced from Canadian companies through the Canadian Commercial Corporation. An additional 100,000 pieces will come from CAF inventory.
I also represented Canada at the NATO Defence Ministers Meeting, where I reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to the Alliance.
Youth Council Applications Now Open
Calling all Oakville youth! Applications for my Oakville Youth Council are now open. Are you interested in learning about Canada's political process, getting involved in your community, and discussing the issues facing our country? Submit your application here by October 18.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
I was honoured to join Grandmother’s Voice to commemorate this year’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
Residential schools are a shameful part of our history—no child should have ever been taken away from their family and community or robbed of their language, culture, or identity. Our government is committed
to advancing reconciliation and we will continue to deliver on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.
Visit to Angora Turkish Food Market
Last week, I visited the Angora Turkish Food Market, where I spoke with Fatma about her experience as a small business owner in Oakville. Despite the many challenges of opening a business during the pandemic, Fatma and her team persevered and the Market is thriving. It was wonderful to meet with members of our local Turkish community to chat about top-of-mind issues.
Rebuilding after Hurricane Fiona
In the wake of Hurricane Fiona’s devastation, thousands are rebuilding their homes and communities and businesses of all sizes are getting back on their feet. Our government will continue to respond to the immediate needs of people impacted by the storm and support the long-term recovery of the region and the local economy.
Last week, we announced the creation of the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund. The Fund will provide up to $300 million over two years, starting this year, to support those impacted by Fiona and help long-term recovery efforts beyond existing disaster recovery programs such as the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangement (DFAA).
Building on our government’s ongoing response to the storm in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec, the Fund will focus on projects such as:
Helping local businesses and communities rebuild and recover more quickly from the impacts of the storm.
Restoring the economic activity that local communities depend on by repairing and rebuilding critical infrastructure. Repairs will ensure that the infrastructure is better able to withstand any future damage.
Ensuring the safety of navigation and protecting marine wildlife.
Our government will always be there to keep Canadians safe, build strong, resilient communities, and help people rebuild after disaster strikes.
International Students To Help Address Labour Shortages
As employers continue to face unprecedented challenges in finding and retaining the workers they need, we are continuing to take the necessary, concrete actions to address our current labour shortages.
Last week, we announced the temporary lifting of the 20-hour-per-week cap on the number of hours that eligible post-secondary students are allowed to work off-campus while class is in session.
This measure will provide many international students with a greater opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Canada, and will increase the availability of workers to sustain Canada’s post-pandemic growth. With more than 500,000 international students already in Canada available to potentially work additional hours, this temporary change reflects the important role international students can play in addressing our labour shortage, while continuing to pursue their studies.