Newsletter - December 04, 2024
The holidays are a magical time of year, as we gather as family and friends to celebrate our blessings in life. However, the holiday period can certainly be expensive, between gifts, groceries, and winter clothing. To help provide Canadians with real relief at the cash register, our government has introduced a GST/HST break on essentials like groceries and holiday items -- effective from December 14, 2024 to February 15, 2025.
Removing the GST from items such as groceries, children's clothing, Christmas trees, and select children's toys and video games will provide an estimated $1.6 billion in federal tax relief, while putting money back in Canadians' pockets. In provinces like Ontario where the HST will also be removed, further savings will be realized on eligible items.
As the holiday season approaches, I am so grateful to spend time at home and attend the many seasonal events in our Oakville community. From the Oakville Santa Claus Parade, to our tree lighting ceremonies in Downtown Oakville, Bronte, and Kerr Village, our local BIAs work so hard to support our merchants and deliver unique programs to support vibrant business centres and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Our government appreciates the role that community BIAs have in supporting local merchants and business centres, which is why we invested $263,000 in Oakville businesses, associations, and community projects this year to support our local economy. Through the My Main Street Funding program, which is focused on building and supporting vibrant, diverse neighbourhoods, we have invested a further $168,000 for businesses to grow and build their capacity, and $21,000 for community projects that bring in visitors and increase local vibrancy.
I will continue to ensure that Oakville businesses and organizations can benefit from federal funding that supports business and economic development in our community.
Canada Summer Jobs 2025 Applications Open!
Our government's annual Canada Summer Jobs program supports the creation of thousands of meaningful summer jobs for youth across Canada. Last year, the CSJ program helped create nearly 350 new summer jobs for youth in Oakville, and applications for next year's initiative are open now.
If you're a local employer looking for more information on how to apply for CSJ 2025, visit the link on the Government of Canada website here.
$1.3 Million Invested in Lions Foundation
Guide and assistance dogs can make a world of difference for someone struggling with a disability or impairment, which is why I was so pleased to announce our government's $1.3 million investment in the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides last week.
The funding initiative will go towards supporting the development of a new, state-of-the-art national guide and assistance dog training school right here in Oakville.
Shifa Gala 2024
I was thrilled to be able to join so many of my friends and neighbours at this year's Shifa Gala. Thank you to Raza Hasan and everyone involved in organizing this wonderful event, which raises funds for the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.