Newsletter - September 13, 2024
I join the Oakville community in mourning the passing of Dr. Tom Stanton. Tom served our community day after day, week after week, and year after year. He was a beloved friend, father, husband, and neighbour, and we miss him deeply. Sending all our love to his wife, Julie, and their three children during this difficult time.
As families are settling back into their school routine, and another summer draws to a close, I too am preparing to return to Ottawa for another session of bringing Oakville's voice to the House of Commons.
Over the summer, I spent much time in Oakville visiting our business community, attending local events, and speaking with residents to discuss their key issues and priorities for our community: the economy and supporting Canadians, fighting climate change and supporting the development of Canadian-made electric vehicles, and combatting the rise of auto theft in the community.
Our government’s investments in Oakville supports these key issues. Through the 2024 Canada Summer Jobs program, our government invested $1.3 million to support over 300 jobs within the local community for students and young adults in a wide range of fields, such as: looking after our green spaces, engaging campers, promoting healthy lifestyles, developing talents, and more.
In addition, programs such as the Canadian Dental Care Plan and the Canada Child Benefit have helped support thousands of individuals and families within our community, and across Canada.
The Green Economy is another critical issue for our community, which is why I'm committed to supporting the manufacturing of electric vehicle parts within our community. During my recent visit to the Dana Canada Corp. plant in Oakville this week, I announced our government's investment of $3 million to support their development of cooling components for electric vehicles, as part of the wider NGen federal investment program. Investing in a Canadian supply chain for the development of electric vehicles is a critical step in lowering the cost of electric vehicles and broadening their availability for Canadians, as we continue towards our goal of achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035.
Lastly, I know the trend of auto theft in Oakville and the Greater Toronto Area is concerning for members of our community. Our government has recently directed $28 million to the Canada Border Security Agency to fund equipment necessary to detect and search shipping containers for stolen vehicles, including a new mobile x-ray scanner located in the GTA. Through our National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, we've already managed to recover over 1,300 stolen vehicles across Canada, with 452 located in the GTA. As a result of these efforts, we've seen auto theft drop by 7% across Halton since last year, with a further 14% across Ontario, and 17% nationwide. For more information on how I plan to continue fighting against auto theft crime in our community, please read my open letter here.
So, thank you to all our friends, families, and neighbours for an engaging and productive summer here in our Oakville community, and for your insight on the issues that matter most. I am ready to head back to Ottawa and keep advocating for our community on the national stage.
Canadian Dental Care Plan in Action!
Great to see the Canadian Dental Care Plan up and running here in Oakville! The Canadian Dental Care Plan is making oral health care more affordable for Canadians with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, seniors over the age of 65, and children under the age of 18. So far, 2,800 Oakville residents have already been able to apply for the plan since it's rollout, with eligibility set to expand by January 2025.
To find a local Canadian Dental Care Plan provider near you, please visit: https://www.sunlife.ca/sl/cdcp/en/member/provider-search/
Dana Canada and NGen Advanced Manufacturing Project Funding
This week, I visited the Dana Canada plant in Oakville to announce our $3m federal investment in advanced manufacturing projects for electric vehicles. As part of our wider NGen funding across Canada, Dana will use the investment to fund the development of cooling components for EVs which will help centralize their operations here in the community and ensure they are among the leaders in the EV supply chain industry.
27th Oak Park Fall Fest
It was great to spend time at the Oak Park Fall Fest last weekend, which is always a fantastic celebration of family and community. Thank you to Michelle Knoll and the Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre for all the important work you do for the people of Oakville!