Sudds: Country and community

Today the United States launched a trade war against Canada, turning its back on their closest partner, ally, and friend. The actions of the American administration are senseless and unjustified. They will hurt millions of people on both sides of the border.

Our government will stand up for Canada, using every tool at our disposal – because our country is worth fighting for. The federal government will be here for you.

In response to the U.S. tariffs, we are immediately imposing 25 per cent tariffs on $30 billion worth of American goods. And in 21 days’ time, we’ll impose 25 per cent tariffs on an additional $125 billion of American goods. We’re also filing dispute resolution claims through the World Trade Organization and the USMCA.

But, if we’re going to respond to the U.S., the entire country needs to be united in our fight. On that note, conversations are ongoing with the provinces to pursue non-tariff measures. Nothing is off the table and our measures won’t stop until tariffs are lifted.

We’ve been through tough times before as a country. But rather than caving and letting challenges divide us, we’ve come together. As Canadians we’ll get through this by supporting each other.

Because when it comes to protecting our beautiful country, we will always stand up and fight.

Ramadan Mubarak

I’d like to begin by saying Ramadan Mubarak. Ramadan signifies a sacred time for the Muslim community here in Kanata-Carleton and worldwide.  From my family to yours, I wish all those observing a peaceful and blessed Ramadan. 

I would also like to congratulate my dear friend Karen McCrimmon, on her re-election as MPP for Kanata-Carleton. Karen believes in the strength of this community and she’s in this to make peoples’ lives better. I’m looking forward to continuing our work together to deliver on your priorities.

 King Charles’ III Coronation Medal

I love our country and I love our community. It’s full of strong, passionate and dedicated people. Last Sunday, I had the privilege of presenting some of our local heroes with the King Charles’ III Coronation Medal. The medal is a way of recognizing outstanding individuals of all ages and from all walks of life who’ve made a difference in their community, to the country or who have attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

In our recipients I see the best of our community. They embody the ambition, the humility, the bravery and the heart that makes us Canadian.

Getting to spend the afternoon with these people reminded me what it means to be Canadian. We’re a caring nation. We believe firmly in the principles of democracy and freedom, and we unite around values of compassion, kindness and humility. 

In a moment where our sovereignty can’t be taken for granted, and our identity is threatened – I know that this country is worth standing up for – worth fighting for.

Standing Up for Canada

In  this time when the U.S. administration turns to a protectionist agenda, and threatens us with annexation, we need to look out for Canada and Canadians before anyone else. This is why our Liberal team is acting swiftly to reduce barriers to interprovincial trade, increasing Canadian procurement and exploring new markets for Canadian exports. These steps will help ensure we are less reliant on the U.S. moving forward and are resilient in the face of threatened tariffs.

We’re already seeing progress.  Just last week Anita Anand, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade announced the removal of 20 federal exceptions in the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, reducing the number of federal exceptions from 39 to 19. This is good news for the economy as Canada positions our domestic economy to respond to the threat of tariffs from the United States. Eliminating barriers to interprovincial trade will reduce business costs, increase productivity, and potentially add up to $200 billion to the Canadian economy. There’s certainly real opportunity here which we’re capitalizing on as a federal government – and there’s a clear willingness from the provinces and territories to work together.

While we need to be less reliant on the U.S., as Canadians we’re good neighbours and we see value not just in trading with the U.S. but also in working together to tackle common challenges. This is why we’re working with our American counterparts to reinforce the border, crack down on transnational crime and prevent any flow of fentanyl.

No doubt, this is a defining moment for Canada – how we respond will impact Canadians for generations to come. And this moment requires real leadership so that together, Canadians can build the fastest growing economy in the G7. But in order to do so, we need strong leadership – we need a plan.

Conservative politicians won’t stand up for you

I look at Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and I see someone who’s been talking down Canada for the better part of a decade. He’ll be the first in any room to say “Canada is broken”. And in the context of the trade relationship with the U.S., Poilievre has been clear in saying, “It’s not the Americans’ fault, it’s our fault we’re stupid.” You can’t stand up to Trump if you don’t believe in Canada.

But it’s not just his rhetoric that frightens me – it’s his position on issues. For three years, the people of Ukraine have fought with extraordinary courage in the face of Russia’s brutal and unjustified invasion. They’re fighting for democracy, for their sovereignty and for the international rules based order that keeps us all safe.

But Pierre Poilievre just doesn’t seem to care. He’s turned his back on Ukranian’s and the rules based order that keeps us all safe. 109 Conservatives led by Poilievre voted against Bill C-57, which was an act to implement a Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine. He’s also called Ukraine a “far away foreign land”.

Pierre has no respect for our institutions that are hundreds of years in the making. He’d rather suck up to Trump than stand up for Canadians.

On Monday, the Prime Minister announced new assistance measures for Ukraine totalling $118.5 million. These measures target local community recovery projects, humanitarian assistance, weapons threat reduction, peace stabilization measures, and mental health support.

I cherish serving on your behalf. I know there are real challenges in front of us – but I’m a problem solver and I’m going to keep working for you. 

Yours in service,
Jenna Sudds

 Important Dates

• Canada Child Benefit: March 20 and April 17

• Canada Pension Plan: March 27 and April 28

• Old Age Security: March 27 and April 28

• 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

• March: Irish Heritage Month

• March 5: Ash Wednesday

• March 8: International Women’s Day

• March 15: International Day to Combat Islamophobia

• March 17: St. Patrick’s Day

• March 20: French Language Day

• March 20: International Francophonie Day

• March 20: Nowruz

• March 21: World Down Syndrome Day

• March 21: International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination

• March 26: Purple Day – Epilepsy Awareness Day

• March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility

• March 31: National Indigenous Languages Day

• March 31: Eid al-Fitr (sundown)