Sudds: Summer in full swing

As summer is in full swing and I’m lucky to spend more time in our beautiful community, I’ve never wanted to work harder so that everyone here has the support they need. But it’s not just me working hard on your behalf. Kudos to my Constituency Team for everything they do.

As a reminder, whether you have questions about your passport renewal application, immigration inquiries, pensions, birthday/anniversary certificate requests, or other federal issues, my team and I are here to help. Just this year alone, we have:

• Responded to 1,048 emails from constituents with various questions

• Opened 398 new immigration cases

• Helped 120 constituents file their taxes

• Delivered over 282,000 household mailers to help keep you informed

• Mailed 1,920 birthday cards to constituents

• Issued 560 congratulatory citizenship certificates to new Canadians in our riding

• Updated 8,000 constituents monthly through my newsletter

 Ministry Update

On July 19th I visited Toronto to highlight the 8th year anniversary of the Canada Child Benefit and announce its annual increase, providing even more tax-free money every month to help families across Canada with the cost of raising children. That’s more money in parents’ pockets to help pay for groceries, rent, summer camps — whatever their families need.

For the 2024–25 benefit year, families can receive up to $7,787 per child under the age of 6 and $6,570 per child aged 6 through 17. This means moms and dads could receive up to $350 more than last year.

While I was in Toronto, I also joined the vibrant Junior Carnival Festival. This event was a wonderful opportunity to connect with families and enjoy cultural festivities! One of the greatest things about Canada is how we celebrate diverse cultures with enthusiasm and create space for them to shine bright.

Grocery Sector Code of Conduct

I’m happy to share that all major retailers have agreed to join the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct in an effort to bring fairness, transparency, and predictability to our grocery sector and supply chain. Our government believes that uniting all supply chain partners around these principles will produce the best outcomes for the sector and all Canadians. This is an important step toward stabilizing grocery prices so that families can find some relief. To learn more, visit my blog.

 Drop in Auto Theft

As announced a couple of weeks ago, auto thefts were down 17 per cent during the first six months of 2024 compared with the same period last year. This underscores the success of our government’s efforts in this regard. On May 20, 2024, we unveiled the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, which is focused on disrupting, dismantling, and prosecuting the organized crime groups involved in auto theft. Learn more here.

 Community Events and Visits

Canada Day is always such fun, and the weather could not have been better this year! It was an incredible day spent with community members, neighbours, and friends, old and new. Thanks to everyone who stopped by my tent, said hello at the different events, or introduced themselves for the first time. I’m already looking forward to next year’s celebrations!

Congratulations to the Kanata Food Cupboard on moving to their new home at 1240 Teron Road, Unit 3. Did you know that the team feeds over 450 families in our community each month? On July 16, I checked out their new location and said thank you to volunteers. While I was there I also helped bag produce for their evening session.

The Kanata Food Cupboard is an incredible resource. If you or someone you love needs food assistance, know that this resource is available to you. If you have the means and would like to give back, their website outlines which items are in highest demand in our community.

There is so much power in sharing our unique experiences and learning from others. On July 18, I was lucky to spend the afternoon with these incredible women who work in STEM. My takeaway? Despite the unique challenges each of these women have encountered, they share one common attribute: resilience.

Did you celebrate Camp Day? On July 17, I was happy to show my support by enjoying some timmies coffee. Thank you to Tim Hortons Camps for providing underserved youth with life changing experiences.

Such fun hosting Brett’s Ice Cream at Whalen Park! Thank you to everyone who stopped by on Thursday. It was great seeing many familiar faces and meeting new ones. Your smiles made the ice cream even sweeter!

King Charles III’s Coronation Medal

A Canadian commemorative medal has been created to mark His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation on May 6, 2023. The King Charles III Coronation Medal is a visible and tangible way to recognize 30,000 outstanding individuals of all ages and from all walks of life who have made a difference in their communities. The Medal will highlight themes that both King Charles III and Canadians hold dear, including service, the environment and sustainability, and our nation’s diversity.

I will be accepting nominations for Kanata—Carleton constituents to receive the King Charles Coronation Medal soon. Stay tuned for updates.

ReStore Reads Book Fair

Pick up some summer reading, and support affordable housing for local families, at the ReStore Reads Book Fair, taking place August 10-11 at Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa’s ReStore at 3 Iber Road, Stittsville. Proceeds from the volunteer-led sale will go directly to Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa to support the organization in building more safe and affordable homes that provide a solid foundation for local families.

I Want to Hear from You!

How can my team and I better service you? What are the priorities that matter most to you? Sharing your feedback with me is easy. Simply fill out this short online survey. Your feedback matters to me.

Benefit Updates

As a reminder, on July 15, the Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) was paid. Formerly known as the Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP), the CCR is a tax-free amount to help eligible individuals and families offset the cost of the federal pollution pricing. We’re putting more money back into the pockets of middle-class Canadians, and promoting a greener future for all.

Also, to match the cost of living and inflation, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) increased on July 19. The tax-free monthly payments go to eligible families who have children under the age of 18 years residing in Canada.

To learn more about Federal Benefits, visit the Government of Canada website.

Important Dates

• Canada Child Benefit: August 20 and September 20

• Canada Pension Plan: August 28 and September 25

• Old Age Security: August 28 and September 25

• Veteran Disability Pension: August 29 and September 26

• View all available benefit dates at: JennaSuddsMP.ca/benefits

You can sign up for direct deposit to automatically receive benefits in your bank account. To do so, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website or call 1-800-959-8281.

Other Upcoming Dates

• August 1: Emancipation Day

• August 5: Civic Holiday

• August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

• August 12: International Youth Day

• August 12-13: Tisha B’Av

• August 19: World Humanitarian Day

• August 19-23: Public Service Pride Week

• August 23: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition

• August 28: 3rd Anniversary of Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan

Please Keep in Touch!

In addition to these monthly newsletters, I also provide regular updates about my work in the House of Commons on my website.

Again, please don’t hesitate to reach out by email Jenna.Sudds@parl.gc.ca or by phone (613) 592-3469. I’d welcome your input and look forward to continuing to work together.