Sudds: Mulroney’s passing, Building more homes, Semiconductors

I am deeply sorry to learn of the death of Brian Mulroney. Mr. Mulroney was one of Canada’s great change-makers, a true statesman who never stopped working to build a stronger Canada, and his legacy will not be forgotten.

My thoughts are with Mr. Mulroney’s loved ones as they mourn his passing.

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it definitely has been a very busy one. I enjoyed spending a lot of time in our community, meeting with residents, students, business leaders, and other constituents at the many events held throughout the month.

I enjoyed attending the Winter Carnival organized by the Huntley Community Association, the Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Association’s Winter Festival, and the Kanata North Family Day Skate, to name just a few. Thank you to the organizers and all volunteers who worked hard to make these events happen.

I was also invited to attend the Lunar New Year celebrations hosted by the Kanata Chinese School as well as the special event put on by the Kanata Chinese Seniors Support Centre. May the Year of the Dragon bring you joy, health, and good fortune!

EOM Lions Robotics Team

In addition to the many community events, I also had a chance to spend time with the Earl of March Lions Robotics Team – an inspiring group of young people with a passion for robotics. Wishing you all good luck in your upcoming competitions!

Black History Month

Black History Month is a time to celebrate incredible and resilient Black Canadians, past and present who have helped build a more diverse Canada. Throughout the month I learned more about Black Canadian communities, and how they continue to help shape Canada. 

I also enjoyed a special visit to the Ottawa Public Library’s Beaverbrook Branch to learn more about how OPL celebrates Black History with a collection of programs and resources that honour Black heritage and consider the historical significance and contemporary contributions of Black activists and artists from around the world. During my visit, I was happy to donate six titles in support of Black History Month.

There is more work to do, but together, we can build a better, fairer, and more inclusive future for everyone.

National Universal Pharmacare

Yesterday, our government tabled pharmacare legislation to help Canadians get the medication they need, and we are starting with contraceptives and diabetes medication. This legislation is an important step forward to improve health equity, affordability, and outcomes and has the potential of long-term savings to the health care system. Details are available here.

Building More Homes, Faster

On February 13, I had the pleasure of joining representatives from all levels of government for a Housing Accelerator Fund Announcement here in Ottawa. Our government is working with the City of Ottawa to fast track the construction of over 4,400 homes in the next three years. We’re building more affordable homes for Canadians, and stronger, more inclusive communities that leave no one behind.

The funds from the Housing Accelerator Fund will help to create real systematic change to the barriers that slow housing down in Ottawa. Housing has been out of reach for too many, but these 4,400 new houses will be affordable and a place for Canadians to call home.

Online Harms Act

On February 26, our government introduced Bill C-63, the Online Harms Act, to create stronger online protection for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content. Online platforms must take responsibility for addressing harmful content and creating a digital world where everyone can participate safely and freely, and Bill C-63 would do just that – protecting youth online by ensuring there is accountability and transparency.

Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act

This week the House of Commons passed Bill C-35 – the Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act. This significant legislation enshrines our commitment to maintain long-term federal funding for early learning and child care, and ensures future generations of families across Canada continue benefiting from our national early learning and child care system. High-quality child care isn’t just good for kids, it’s also a powerful driver for both social equality and the economy. Families across the country have already seen their fees reduced by at least 50 percent, with seven provinces and territories having already reached on average $10/day.

Semiconductor Summit in the Kanata North Technology Park

Congratulations to Canada’s Semiconductor Council on a successful inaugural Semiconductor Summit. Where better to hold this but in the heart of the Kanata North technology park where we have a strong semiconductor ecosystem and dozens of companies moving this important industry forward.

Canada’s semiconductor sector plays a critical role in powering the technology we rely on, and our government will continue to support this important sector. Our commitments via the Strategic Innovation Fund, and our efforts to strengthen the semiconductor supply chain corridor – all demonstrate that commitment. In the words of Minister François-Philippe Champagne: It’s time to seize the moment. Grab a hold of the momentum and let’s run!

Free Community 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.

Constituency Office Visit

A few weeks ago, my team got a surprise visit from Yana who had just arrived in Canada from Ukraine via the CUAET program. Welcome to Canada, Yana, and thank you for stopping by.

Whether you have questions about passport renewal applications, immigration inquiries, tax filing services, pensions, or other federal issues, my team and I are happy to help.

Kanata Food Cupboard Easter Hamper Program

The Kanata Food Cupboard has officially launched their annual Easter Hamper program. If you are in need of assistance, please apply online. Easter hampers provide a frozen turkey, potatoes, carrots, and the fixings to make a holiday meal. The deadline to apply is Sunday March 24, 2024.

Ongoing Conflict in the Middle East

My heart and my thoughts are with those impacted by the ongoing war in Gaza. Please know that I continue to engage and voice the concerns of our community with my colleagues.

Important Dates

• Canada Child Benefit: March 20 and April 19

• Canada Pension Plan: March 26 and April 26

• Old Age Security: March 26 and April 26

• Veteran Disability Pension: March 27 and April 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

• March: Irish Heritage Month

• March 1: Zero Discrimination Day

• March 1: International Wheelchair Day

• March 3: World Wildlife Day

• March 6: Ghana Independence Day

• March 8: Maha Shivaratri

• March 8: International Women’s Day

• March 10: Ramadan begins (sundown)

• March 11: Commonwealth Day

• March 15: International Day to Combat Islamophobia

• March 17: St. Patrick’s Day

• March 19: Nowruz

• March 20: French Language Day

• March 20: International Francophonie Day

• March 20: Tunisian Independence Day

• March 21: International Day of Forests

• March 21: International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination

• March 22: World Water Day

• March 23-24: Purim

• March 24-30: Holy week

• March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the

• Transatlantic Slave Trade

• March 25: Holi

• March 25: Greek Independence Day

• March 26: Epilepsy Awareness Day

• March 29: Good Friday

• March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility

• March 31: National Indigenous Languages Day

• March 31: Easter Sunday

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.