Sudds: Ready for ‘a little holiday magic’

The holidays are around the corner and I`m feeling the excitement in the air. I’m ready for a little holiday magic and time with family.

In November I had the opportunity to spend some extra time in our community, at Remembrance Day ceremonies, at Holiday Markets and the Kanata Santa Claus Parade.

It gave me the chance to speak with many of you. What I love about our community is that we’re honest. Good or bad, you shared it with me, and I think we’ll all be better for it. I always appreciate hearing what’s on your mind. 

 Now as we launch into the holiday season, I’ve got a renewed focus on what’s important to us, and what I need to fight for. Thank you.

A Tax Break for all Canadians and the Working Canadians Rebate

The past few years have been challenging. It feels like the price of everything has gone up. And while inflation is cooling and interest rates are dropping, we aren’t feeling that in our household budgets yet.

As a government, we can’t set prices at the checkout, but we can give Canadians more money in their pockets – to help them afford the things they need and save for the things they want.

Starting December 14, 2024, we’re giving a tax break to all Canadians. With a GST/HST exemption across the country, Canadians will be able to buy essentials like groceries, snacks, and kids clothing – all tax-free.

Working Canadians will also get some cash back, with a new Working Canadians Rebate. That means Canadians who worked in 2023 and earned up to $150,000 will see a $250 cheque in their bank account or mailbox, starting early spring 2025. With the Working Canadians Rebate, we are putting money directly into the pockets of the middle-class – those who have worked hard to beat inflation. This will give 18.7 million Canadians that extra help to buy what they need.

Sprung Structures

In November, the City of Ottawa announced their plans for a newcomer reception centre in Kanata, in the form of a sprung structure. I have taken the time since to listen to our community, to ask questions, and to meet with those involved in making this decision.

First and foremost, I want to say that I am very disappointed in the lack of community involvement, or consultation in the City’s process that led to this decision. We deserve better.

We have always welcomed immigrants to our city, and I hope we always will. One of the strengths of our community is our diversity. Diversity of cultures and diversity of thoughts. It is this diversity of thoughts and ideas that the city process neglected to harness in their decision-making process.

Secondly, why a sprung structure? Why at the suggested locations? Why two locations? Is this truly the best we can do? Is this the best possible path forward to serve newcomers with the dignity they deserve, and the best path forward for our communities, and our city?

I call on the City of Ottawa to correct this oversight and to leverage the compassion, expertise, and resources we have in the people who call Ottawa home, and look for more long-term, sustainable options.

Let’s work together to find the best possible solution. That’s when Ottawa is at its best.

Ministerial Update

Another month, another National School Food Program agreement signed!

I am thrilled to announce that this month we signed an agreement with Ontario to put the National School Food program in schools across the province, including right here in Ottawa and Kanata!

With this program we’ll be feeding an additional 160,000 kids this school year in Ontario.

We are still working hard with other provinces and territories to get agreements signed so kids across Canada can see healthy food available in their schools this year.

Remembrance Day

I had the honour of spending time throughout our community to commemorate Remembrance Day and meet many veterans and their family members. My team and I attended ceremonies in Kanata, Carp and Constance Bay. While certainly a time of reflection, I felt uniquely inspired to hear about the love these amazing people have for our country. A love and passion I also share. It was heartwarming and empowering.

Tech in Kanata North

It’s been a busy month in Kanata North. I had the privilege of attending multiple events as our tech sector continues to lead development in Canada. Here’s a quick recap:

Tech Tuesdays

Sitting down in a large room of our industry leaders, we had the opportunity to talk about AI and Semiconductors and how we’re protecting our industry advantage. The way our corporate leaders can come together is refreshing. As we look to maintain our competitive advantage it is their sense of purpose and vision that will be our path to sustainable growth.

Ericsson Announcement

We have a reason to celebrate. Minister Champagne and I had the pleasure of announcing a Strategic Innovation Fund investment to extend our strategic partnership with one of our key tech leaders. The partnership will secure more than 2,400 highly skilled jobs, create 200 new jobs, and establish more than 600 new co-op positions. This incredible partnership doesn’t just invest in a company now, it propels our industry into the future. What a great moment.

Kanata North Business Association (KNBA) Partners Summit

I had the chance to celebrate the growth of our tech park (Canada’s Largest) and our partners at Hub 350. When I was Executive Director of the KNBA more than 10 years ago our growth was a vision, now it’s a reality. With an incredible leader in Kelly Daize and valued partners like Terry Matthews and others I believe this can only get better. 

Finding Your Spark

I do a lot for families. But I tend to look at them as a unit. While I am a mom of three – it’s so easy to forget that my struggle, is the same as so many others. We strive so hard to evolve, find our place and to grow. We divert all our excess energy into our families, and often end up depleted when it comes to ourselves. So much so that we need to regroup, take time and #FindOurSpark. I wish I could take credit for this realization, but these insights have been shared by Hayley Bennett. She’s a local author with an incredible outlook on life. 

Kanata Santa Claus Parade

I really love the Kanata Santa Claus Parade – sure there are bigger ones, but there’s something about spending time with family and friends that really brings out the spirit of the season. This year’s parade was my favourite yet. We saw so many smiling faces and gave out reindeer food – you know just in case everyone’s been nice this year.  To all those celebrating, wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Hospice Care Ottawa – Christmas Market

Oh how I love a good Christmas Market. Especially when it’s raising money for a cause near and dear to my heart! The artisanal crafts, fresh baked goodies, a chance to talk with the makers – and the opportunity to cross a bunch of loved ones off the list at once. I encourage everyone to visit one in the community, it’s a great way to give back and celebrate our local chefs and artists. Also, did I mention the fresh baked treats? 🙂 I had the opportunity to visit the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice Care Ottawa Christmas Market and left with all sorts of great gifts. Don’t miss these amazing community events.

Call for Proposals

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. There are some amazing government programs that are in their application period for proposals. This is your opportunity to receive funding to support our community. Have a look at our blog post and see how you can apply.

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

• Ontario Trillium Benefit: Dec 10, 2024

• CCB: Dec 13, 2024

• CPP Dec 20, 2024

• OAS Dec 20, 2024

• Veteran Disability Pension Dec 23, 2024

• 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

• December 1 – World Aids Day

• December 2 – International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

• December 3 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities

• December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

• December 10 – Human Rights Day

• December 11 – Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster

• December 20 – Yalda

• December 25 – Christmas

• December 25 – Jan 2 – Chanukah

• December 26 – Boxing Day

• December 26 – Jan 1 – Kwanzaa

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

To read all MP Jenna Sudds’ columns, click here.

The preceding column was written by Kanata-Carleton MP Jenna Sudds  for West Carleton Online, made available to the entire community through an agreement with the publisher.