Sudds: House of Commons 2024 session kicks off

Winter has finally arrived, and it’s time to dust off those cross-country skis! I’d like to extend a big thank you to all volunteers who are doing an amazing job grooming the cross-country and snowshoe trails in our community.

The same goes for the many volunteers who are busy shoveling, flooding, and maintaining the many outdoor rinks we are lucky to have in Kanata-Carleton. What’s your favourite winter activity?

Yesterday, the House of Commons kicked off its 2024 session. I’m excited to resume my work on behalf of all residents of Kanata-Carleton, and working with my colleagues to tackle important issues including affordability, climate change, and challenges facing Canadians every day.

Canadian Dental Care Plan Rollout

On December 11, our government announced the rollout of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). The CDCP aims to reduce the financial barrier to access oral health care services for up to 9 million uninsured Canadian residents with a family net income less than $90,000, with no copay for those with an adjusted family net income under $70,000. To be eligible for the CDCP, Canadian residents must:

not have access to any private dental benefits, including through employers, pensions or privately purchased plans;

have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000;

be a Canadian resident for tax purposes; and have filed their tax return in the previous year.

Eligibility criteria will be re-evaluated on an annual basis for all those enrolled in the CDCP. More details are available at Canada.ca/dental.

Summer Leadership Program

Are you interested in progressive politics? Do you wonder what it would be like to work in politics first-hand? Are you looking for a unique opportunity to make a difference in your community and your country?

The Summer Leadership Program (SLP) is a unique political internship opportunity, giving young people vital job experience serving in the offices of our Members of Parliament, Ministers, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Liberal Research Bureau. Applications close February 2, 2024. Apply online today!

Menstrual Equity Fund

The Menstrual Equity Fund means that food banks, shelters, and various other locations across Canada will have access to free menstrual products. It’s great to see Kanata Food Cupboard receiving their delivery! Details about this pilot program are available here.

Free Family Day Skate

Mark your calendars for a Free Family Day Skate at the Mlacak Arena on Monday, February 19. My team and I are excited to be co-hosting this event once again with MPP Karen McCrimmon and Kanata North Councillor Cathy Curry. We hope you’ll be able to join us for a free skate, hot chocolate, and cookies. I’ll soon be sharing more details on my social channels.

Kanata-Hazeldean Lions Club Winter Carnival

Join the Kanata-Hazeldean Lions Club at their Winter Carnival on February 10th from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Lion Dick Brule Community Centre. Enjoy a free pancake breakfast, free sleigh rides, free hot chocolate and hot dogs outside, a free magic show, and more.

Free Volunteer Income Tax Clinic

My team and I will once again be hosting the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), where volunteers will assist constituents of Kanata—Carleton, free of charge, with simple 2023 Income Tax Returns. To see if you qualify for the free tax clinic, please visit the Canada Revenue Agency’s website.

For further details and to register for the Volunteer Income Tax Clinic, please visit my website. My team will be in touch to book appointments once all clinic details have been confirmed.

Climate Action Incentive Payment

On January 15, eligible Canadian residents received their first pollution pricing rebate of the year. This quarterly rebate returns money from the federal fuel charge back to Canadian residents, with the majority of households coming out ahead. Further details are available here.

 Important Dates

• Canada Child Benefit: February 20 and March 20
• Canada Pension Plan: February 27 and March 26
• Old Age Security: February 27 and March 26
• Veteran Disability Pension: February 28 and March 27

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

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

• February: Black History Month
• February 2: Groundhog Day
• February 4-10: International Development Week
• February 6: International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
• February 10: Lunar New Year
• February 11: International Day of Women and Girls in Science
• February 12: International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers
• February 14: Valentine’s Day
• February 14: Ash Wednesday
• February 15: National Flag of Canada Day
• February 18-24: Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week
• February 19: Family Day
• February 20: World Day of Social Justice
• February 21: International Mother Language Day
• February 24: Lantern Festival
• February 28: Pink Shirt Day

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.

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.