Newsletter - October 9, 2024
I want to extend my best wishes to everyone during this period of autumnal celebrations. This month, we celebrate a wide array of holidays within our diverse community here in Oakville; from Thanksgiving, to Diwali, Navratri, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, October in Oakville truly is a time to come together as families, friends, and neighbours to give thanks and celebrate all the joys life has to offer.
In this season of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of how grateful I am to be a resident of Oakville and to have raised my family here. It is so wonderful to see our community working hard each day to foster inclusivity and engagement, and make Oakville a vibrant place to live. From our town's local businesses and restaurants, to our community associations and non-profit organizations, Oakville's vibrant diversity makes it such a special place to call home.
I know how important the support of our government is to our community's small businesses and local organizations, and to our economy. That's why we are delivering $2.5 billion to small businesses across Canada through the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses by the end of the year. In addition, we also worked with Visa and Mastercard to slash credit card fees for small businesses by up to 27%.
These initiatives will support our small businesses across the Oakville community.
I wish you and your families a warm Thanksgiving, a radiant Navratri and Diwali, and a meaningful Yom Kippur and Sukkot. May these celebrations bring us closer as a community, and may we reflect on the blessings we share.
Youth Council 2024-25 Applications Are Open!
Calling Oakville Youth – I am excited to announce that applications for my 2024-25 Youth Council are now open! Please use this link or scan the QR code above to access the application form. Applications are due by October 15, 2024. I am looking forward to engaging with our youth to hear their ideas for Oakville and Canada!
OHF Diwali Celebration 2024
The Oakville Hospital Foundation's annual Diwali celebration is something I look forward to every year. It is a great way for members of our community in Oakville to come together and raise money to support our local doctors, nurses, and health care workers. Thanks again to everyone who helped make this event possible, and wishing everyone a Happy Diwali!
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Thank you to Jody and Grandmother's Voice for organizing a ceremony to honour Truth and Reconciliation on Turtle Island. Grandmother's Voice does amazing work for our Indigenous community here in Oakville and Halton, and I was so grateful to have joined them for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation to learn more about the importance of land and water in the journey towards reconciliation.
We Are Kerr: Community Inspired Art
Thank you to everyone who helped organize the amazing We Are Kerr art project. I was glad we were able to secure $21,000 in federal funding for the event through the My Main Street Community Activator stream. Great to see a showcase of so much local talent on display right here in the community!