Newsletter - dec. 10, 2022

In Oakville and across Canada, a trip to the dentist can be expensive. The rising cost of living means that dental care is out of reach for some Canadians - and that's why we are taking real action now. 

We have now launched the Canada Dental Benefit. A landmark benefit designed to provide some financial support to address the cost barriers that families without dental care coverage experience. As of December 1st, families with a net income under $90,000, who have a child under 12, and who do not have access to private insurance for that child, are eligible for a payment of up to $650 per child. 

This benefit will empower families to address some of the basic dental care needs of their children while the Government continues to develop a long-term Canadian dental care program. 

This targeted support is a key part of our comprehensive plan to make life more affordable for Canadians. Whether it's doubling the GST tax credit, implementing our comprehensive plan to help people buy their first home, or permanently removing interest on student loans, we will be there to help put money back in the pockets of Canadians in the face of global inflation. 

I encourage you to visit http://Canada.ca/Dental to see if your family is eligible!

PM Trudeau visits Oakville Place Toy Mountain.
It's the season of giving here in Oakville! I was pleased to join Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and MP Adam Van Koeverden to support this festive tradition that makes a difference in the lives of countless children. Thank you to Oakville Place, the Salvation Army, and all those who make CTV's Toy Mountain possible!

Indo-Pacific Strategy
The Indo-Pacific region is part of Canada’s DNA and is the epicenter of a generational global shift. The decisions made in the region will impact Canadians’ lives for generations.

That's why we recently launched Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy – a comprehensive road map with nearly $2.3 billion in investments, to deepen our engagement in the Indo-Pacific over the next decade. This strategy will strengthen economic growth to benefit people on both sides of the Pacific, create opportunities for Canadian businesses, and accelerate the transition to a clean economy. 

The stability of the Indo-Pacific region is essential to global security. Through the Indo-Pacific Strategy, we announced some significant new defence and security measures. 

We are increasing our military presence through investment in operations, training and capacity building. As well, we will do more to protect Canadians from foreign interference and cyber security threats. All while enhancing our enhancing cooperation with Japan and South Korea in the North Pacific and working with Arctic partners to uphold our Arctic sovereignty.

Decisions made in the Indo-Pacific region will impact Canadians for generations and this groundbreaking strategy will ensure that Canada has a seat and voice at the table. 

Trip to CFB Esquimault
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of welcoming home the companies of His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Vancouver and Winnipeg as they returned to their homeport of Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, after successfully completing their deployments on Operation (Op) PROJECTION and Op NEON. 

The Indo-Pacific is the fastest growing economic region in the world, and virtually every single security issue in the future will run through this region. For the past six months, our sailors and aviators have worked hard to deepen our defence cooperation with our partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific. I thank these Canadian Armed Forces members for their service and dedication to Canada, and for being ambassadors of Canada’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.  

Permanent Residents joining the Canadian Armed Forces
Permanent residents represent an important, skilled, and diverse workforce in Canada. This is why I have announced that permanent residents are now welcome to apply to enroll in the Canadian Armed Forces.

The enrolment of permanent residents will help us grow our military with qualified, well-trained people who choose a career in uniform. We will continue to work hard every day to build a military that attracts and retains people from all parts of our society who want to serve Canada.

Canada Summer Jobs Employer Applications now Open!
Attention Oakville business owners and not-for-profit organizations! The employer application period for the Canada Summer Jobs program is now open. 
 
The Canada Summer Jobs program helps young Canadians gain the skills and the paid work experience needed to successfully transition into the labour market. In 2022, over $2.4 million in funding was invested in 90 businesses and organizations in Oakville, creating more than 700 jobs. 
 
Learn more and apply here - Canada Summer Jobs 2023: Application period for employers begins today - Canada.ca

Modernizing the Canada Investment Act
Canada has an open economy and is an attractive destination for foreign investments. At the same time, the world is evolving and challenges that could endanger both our national security and prosperity require new tools to not only protect our interests and our assets but also keep us safe. That is why the Government of Canada is tabling legislation to modernize the Investment Canada Act (ICA). 

These changes will help align the Act with changing global dynamics and enable it to be more agile. These efforts will further enhance transparency in the ICA national security review process, while ensuring that the government is able to take action quickly where required. We will continue to do everything we can to see more economic growth and more Canadian jobs, without compromising our national security or interests.

PFFA Christmas Toy Drive
I was inspired to see the generosity of our Oakville friends and neighbours at the annual Coronation Park Christmas Toy Drive. I am so grateful for the meaning work that the Oakville Professional Firefighters Association does in our community to help ensure children receive gifts this holiday season!

Celebrating the Christmas Season with the Filipino Social Club
The Filipino Social Club of Oakville is at the heart of our community. I was so pleased to join them last week as they inducted new board members and began their Christmas celebrations. Oakville is made so much stronger by the contributions of Filipino Canadians. Maligayang Pasko!

Kerr Street Christmas Lighting
I was thrilled to participate in Kerr Street's annual Christmas Tree Lighting. It was wonderful to see the tree light up amidst a bustling crowd and tons of holiday spirit!

Merry Christmas Oakville!

Visit to the BAPS Mandir
Earlier this month, I joined our Hindu community at BAPS Toronto to celebrate the centennial of His Holiness, Pramukh Swami Maharaj who spoke of three principles: humility, faith and love. Thank you for the warm welcome.

Attending the Shifa Gala with the Oakville Hospital Foundation
I attended the Shifa Gala in support of the Oakville Hospital Foundation and the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. There we celebrated the dedication and commitment of our local healthcare professionals, who keep our community safe and healthy. Thank you all that you do!