Newsletter - may 15, 2024
This year’s budget is about fairness for every generation. I believe that fairness is about supporting each other at every stage of life, and that begins at childhood. Our children deserve the best start in life and our government is helping Canadian families do just that.
In the last three years, we have made incredible progress building the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care program to deliver $10-a-day childcare and help young families get ahead. Across the country, over 750,000 children are already benefiting from affordable, high-quality childcare. In Ontario, our government just announced $201M to create 86,000 new childcare spaces by 2026, meaning more families in Oakville can access the childcare spaces they need. $10-a-day childcare is saving families thousands of dollars each month and it is empowering a record number of women to enter the workforce. A near record-high 86% of working age Canadian women are working, which has tremendous benefits for our economy.
Our support for families does not stop at childcare. The Canada Child Benefit, which provides families with up to nearly $8,000 per child per year, has been instrumental in reducing child poverty and supporting parents. Since its inception in 2016, this benefit has lifted 500,000 children out of poverty, putting more money back into the pockets of hard-working parents.
Building on these efforts, I recently had the pleasure of visiting a local elementary school alongside the Prime Minister and my Halton MP colleagues to talk about our new National School Food Program. This historic program will provide healthy meals to 400,000 more students each year, expanding beyond those served by existing school food programs. This ensures more children can grow and learn, while parents have peace of mind knowing their children have healthy school meals that are helping them reach their full potential at school. The program will also save families $800 per year on food costs. The National School Food Program is another generational investment that supports the success of families and their youth in the classroom and beyond.
As a mother, I understand the importance of affordable childcare, financial support, and healthy meals for our children’s success. I am dedicated to ensuring that every generation, from children to parents to grandparents, has a fair and healthy future.
Recognize Oakville's Finest: Nominate a Local Leader for the Coronation Medal
We are thrilled to announce the introduction of the Coronation Medal, commemorating the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada. This prestigious medal, administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall, recognizes significant contributions made to our community here in Oakville.
Designed by Cathy Bursey-Sabourin, Fraser Herald at the Canadian Heraldic Authority, and struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, the medal is a beautiful testament to those who have achieved exceptional feats in Oakville. By recognizing the outstanding contributions of our local leaders and promoting excellence in public service, we strengthen our community spirit and pride.
We invite you to participate in this celebration of dedication and excellence by nominating deserving individuals from Oakville for the Coronation Medal. Please see the following nomination form to nominate someone for this distinguished recognition:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeM6vAVhQWVXHbLUXZri_Seth7EPdafqw97l2SLjCFpKAFDeg/viewform
Meeting with the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien
Today I had the opportunity to meet with the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, Canada’s 20th Prime Minister who also served as President of the Treasury Board. Thank you for sharing your time, advice and wisdom - such an honour.
Visit to Chicago
With shared borders comes shared responsibilities. And that is why I met with businesses in Chicago to discuss harmonization of regulations. Regulatory cooperation offers stability for businesses and reduces costs for Canadians and Americans across many sectors.
Visit to Washington
Starting a busy day in Washington by talking about regulatory cooperation with Beth Burke and Christopher Sands on the CanUSA Street Podcast! Stay tuned for the full episode.
Kerr Village Community Clean Up
Had a fantastic time joining the Kerr Village Community Clean Up! Big shoutout to all the dedicated volunteers who came out to support. Through initiatives like these we're keeping our community clean and vibrant!
Celebrating Asian Heritage Month on the Hill
Asian Heritage Month is an occasion to honour the incredible contributions that Asian Canadians make to our country every day. And last night we did just that as Canadians from across the country came to celebrate Asian Heritage Month 2024 on the Hill!