Sudds: Spring recap

June 28, 2024 wadmin 0 Comments

School’s out! Class of 2024 – you’ve made it! My sincere congratulations to all grads from AY Jackson, All Saints, Earl of March, Holy Trinity, Maurice-Lapointe, and West Carleton.

A header for MP Jenna Sudd's column.

And a thank you, of course, to the parents for their support over the years and to the many teachers who devoted their lives to teaching and helping shape this next generation.

On June 19th, the House of Commons adjourned for the summer. It’s been a busy few months sitting, but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, especially seeing the direct impact my ministerial work has on families in our community.

I now look forward to a change in routine, with less travel and more time spent in our beautiful community. I hope to see you at one of the many events, at the local Farmers’ Markets, or just out and about enjoying everything Kanata—Carleton has to offer!

$14.5M Invested in Kanata—Carleton

I’ve been advocating tirelessly for our community on Parliament Hill. Since January, our community has received $14,500,000 in funding through various federal programs, including:

$4,800,000 – Ranovus Inc.
$3,000,000 – Ottawa Valley Grain Products
$2,000,000 – thinkRF
$1,124,078 – Canada Summer Jobs
$1,000,000 – TutorOcean Inc.
$977,753 – Diefenbunker
$774,027 – The Mining Industry Human Resources Council
$258,583 – Canadian Wildlife Federation
$25,000 – Alliance of Ghanaian-Canadian Associations
$25,000 – Kanata Muslim Association
$25,000 – Hindu Community of Ottawa Foundation
$21,175 – Omni Quality Living GARDEN TERRACE
$19,800 – Capital Ukrainian Festival Inc.

On June 7th, I had the pleasure of announcing our government’s investment of $977,753 in the Diefenbunker to enhance environmental conditions and accessibility of Canada’s Cold War Museum. The Diefenbunker attracts thousands of tourists annually with its fascinating insights into our nation’s Cold War history. The investments announced will help preserve and enhance the museum, while enriching visitor experiences. Sites like the Diefenbunker offer us the opportunity to learn more about our country’s past. This funding will ensure that Canadians continue to have access to this piece of history for generations to come.

On June 24th, alongside my colleagues Anita Vandenbeld and Yasir Naqvi, I announced over $10 million to support the scale up of six Ottawa Tech and AI companies. Ottawa is one of the largest tech hubs in Canada, largely due to our competitive and cutting-edge businesses. With this repayable investment in these six companies, we are capitalizing on our bright minds and skilled hands and improving the way Canadians and their families live, work and do business.

More Rental Housing for our Community

On behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, I was happy to announce that our government is supporting the construction of 400 rental homes in Ottawa. The funding of over $171 million comes as a fully repayable low-interest loan through the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP).

Apartment rentals provide good, safe and stable homes for millions of hard-working middle-class Canadians and their families. We’re making it easier, cheaper, and faster to build more rentals in our communities so more Canadians have a place to call home.

Tour of Parliament

I had so much fun welcoming family and friends to Parliament Hill for a tour of West block and to watch Question Period. Did you know? When the House of Commons is in session, visitors are welcome to watch live proceedings (including Question Period) in the House of Commons from the public galleries on a first-come first-served basis. Visit my website to learn more.

Capital Gains Tax Changes

Capital gains are the profits that are passively earned by selling an investment (stocks, bonds, shares, or real estate). Currently, capital gains are taxed at a lower marginal tax rate than employment income.

We’re changing the inclusion rate (share of capital gains that are taxed) to make our tax system fairer. Why? We don’t believe that an investor should pay lower taxes than employees.

Quick Facts on Changes to Capital Gains Inclusion Rate:

You will not pay capital gains when you sell your principal residence.
There are no changes to your RRSPs, TFSAs, or registered pensions. These savings are tax exempt in Canada.
Nothing changes if you make a capital gain less than $250,000 on your investments.
No increases to taxes on employment income.
New exemption rates for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and farmers have been introduced. Consult your accountant to understand how this may impact you.

The only people who will pay more are those individuals or businesses that are fortunate enough to make more than $250,000 in capital gains in a year on their investments.

Undoubtedly capital gains can be a complex issue. However, I’ll make it very clear. We are working to make our tax system fairer. Visit my website for an in-depth description of the changes.

Community Events & Visits

From rescuing food and household goods, to operating warming shelters, to retraining people to help rebuild their lives, the team at Lionhearts is incredible! A few weeks ago, I was fortunate to spend some time in their Iber Road warehouse to learn more about this group, dedicated to supporting the vulnerable in our community by rescuing and redistributing food and other items. Learn how you can get involved at lionhearts.ca.

Did someone say donuts? On #NationalDonutDay I stopped in at Maverick’s Donuts in Kanata to pick up some donuts for volunteers! Which flavour is your favourite?

My team and I had such a great time at the Bridlewood Block Party! So great to see so many families out enjoying our beautiful community, despite the rainy weather. Many thanks to the Bridlewood Community Association for putting on a great party!

Congratulations to the Ladies Auxiliary for hosting a fantastic Strawberry Social & Dance event at the Kanata Legion. Strawberry Shortcake is one of my favourites!

I’m looking forward to the many Canada Day celebrations in our community, including Canada Day in Kanata. Be sure to stop by my tent to say ‘hello’.

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.

Important Dates

Canada Child Benefit: July 19 and August 20
Canada Pension Plan: July 29 and August 28
Old Age Security: July 29 and August 28
Veteran Disability Pension: July 30 and August 29
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

July 1: Canada Day
July 6-7: Islamic New Year
July 14: International Non-Binary People’s Day
July 15: World Youth Skills Day
July 16-17: Ashura
July 30: International Day of Friendship

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.

Wishing you all a Safe and Happy Canada Day!