Newsletter - July 10, 2024
Last week, I marked our nation's 157th Canada Day with over 35,000 members of our remarkable Oakville community - reminding me of our Town's commitment to community spirit.
Whether you’ve lived here for generations or are new to our town, Oakville and Canada will always stand as places where you can make a difference irrespective of your ethnicity, race, religious beliefs, or cultural practices.
That's why our government champions one of the world's most advanced social safety nets. Taken together, the Canada Child Benefit and the Canada Pension Plan have provided over $283 million to Oakville residents. These life-changing initiatives have lifted over 600,000 children out of poverty, and by increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and restoring the age of retirement from 67 to 65, we have significantly decreased poverty rates amongst seniors since 2015.
To live in Canada is an honour and a privilege, but it also carries responsibility. As Canadians, it is our duty to reflect on the diverse Indigenous communities who have shaped these lands since time immemorial, and continue to do so today. Here in Oakville, The Mississauga of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) share some of the Indigenous cultures and languages that Canada is founded on, and continue to be a leading force on the path to a strong partnership.
You can learn more about Indigenous history in Oakville through the Oakville Truth Project launched by the Oakville Community Foundation and the MCFN here: Debwewin – the Oakville Truth Project (debwewinoakville.ca).
As your Member of Parliament, I remain focused on delivering for hard working families to build an Oakville that continues to serve the generations to come and celebrates the history that precedes us.
Nominate a Local Leader for the Coronation Medal
We're excited to introduce the Coronation Medal, celebrating King Charles III's Coronation as King of Canada. This prestigious award, managed by the Chancellery of Honours, recognizes significant contributions to Oakville.
Nominate deserving individuals from Oakville for this honour to celebrate their dedication and excellence.
Nominate someone by filling out this form: King Charles III Coronation Medal Nomination Form For Oakville Residents (google.com)
Upcoming Federal Benefit Payment Dates
Keep an eye out for the Canada Carbon Rebate which will be rolled out this Monday, July 15! As a reminder, this year the rebate will return up to $1,120 to a family of four in Ontario.
To all small- and medium-sized businesses: Don't forget to file your 2023 taxes by July 15, 2024, to receive 2019-2023 rebates!
Visit to Calgary
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a special place of gathering for the strong South Asian community here Calgary. It is great to see spaces where diversity thrives. Thank you for having me!
Visit to Calgary
Mayor Gondek is a champion for the people of Calgary, and we will continue to work together to advance our shared priorities to support small businesses, expand infrastructure, and bolster AI development.
Supporting our Canadian Athletes
We are investing $15 million to support our athletes and the organizations that empower them - because everyone deserves to reach their full potential in sports. This Budget 2024 funding will reduce barriers to participation to make sport safer and more inclusive for all.
Congratulations to Lt.- Gen. Jennie Carignan
My sincere congratulations to Lt.- Gen. Jennie Carignan on her appointment as the Chief of Defense Staff. I worked closely with Jennie on culture change in the Canadian Armed Forces and have great respect for her work. Jennie, I wish you well and thank you for your career of service.
GL Chemtec's Work Advancing Canada's Biomedical Sector
GL Chemtec is advancing pharmaceutical drug discovery through groundbreaking biomedical research, right here in Oakville. With $750k in repayable contributions, our government is helping to broaden the scope & scale of their work.
Canada Day 2024
The Oakville community truly made Canada Day one for the books! As we celebrate being Canadian, we should always reflect on the impacts of our colonialist history and the ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples to every aspect of our communities. Thanks to everyone who came out to make this day memorable!
Canada Day Citizenship Ceremonies 2024
Congratulations to everyone who became a Canadian citizen on this Canada Day! It is a privilege and an honour to be a Canadian citizen and I thank you for your individual contributions to the country we are lucky enough to call home.