Newsletter — August 2024
Why does time always seem to speed up during the summer months? It’s been a very busy few weeks, but it’s been so nice to spend more time in the community and get a lot of important work done.
I’d like to wish all students, educators, and parents a safe and happy return to school. And a big thank you to the Kanata Food Cupboard who just wrapped up their annual Back to School Program by providing school and lunch bags to local youth in need.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
We’re living through a housing crisis. And the prospect of homeownership feels out of reach for many in our community. We have a choice: Do we want to talk about the housing crisis, or do we want to solve it? For me the answer is clear: It’s time to build.
We’re addressing the supply shortage by building 4 million new homes. How? We’re cutting the GST on the construction of new apartments, changing zoning laws, cutting red tape, developing a catalogue of pre-approved homes, freeing up land, and embracing new technology.
We’re making it easier to buy a first home by creating the First Home Savings Account, extending mortgage amortization by 5 years, and allowing renters to count rent towards credit.
Did you know? The First Home Savings Account allows buyers to contribute $8,000 per year, and up to a lifetime maximum of $40,000 towards their first down payment – tax free.
We’re helping renters by introducing the Renters’ Bill of Rights which will put a floor of protections under everybody who rents in this country and introducing the Rental Protection Fund to protect existing housing stock.
Let’s talk local. We’re making a lot of progress in our city. To name a few recent successes:
Fast-tracking 32,600 new homes through the Housing Accelerator Fund.
Helping build 1,005 new homes through the Apartment Construction Loan Program.
Creating 200 new affordable housing units through the Rapid Housing Initiative.
Unlocking Ottawa’s underused federal land to build 1,600 new homes — and in Budget 2024, we’re freeing up land to build another 500!
Every Ottawa resident deserves a good home, at a price they can afford. That’s why we’re moving quickly in making it easier to build, freeing up land for new construction, and building more homes, faster, in our city.
I want to help solve the housing crisis, and I believe we can. The Canada Housing Plan is the key to unlocking the door for Canadians.
Speaking of Housing, it was a pleasure meeting with Sara Cooper, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa. Habitat for Humanity does so much important work, bringing communities together by providing a solid foundation for local families. Learn more at habitatgo.com.
Ministerial Update
As summer comes to an end, I want to take a moment to highlight child care savings that will be coming to families in Ontario very soon. I’ve been working hard to make sure that families across the country are saving more on child care, and am pleased to share that Ontario recently announced further fee reductions for families. Starting in January 2025, Ontario will be capping child care fees at $22-a-day. For some families in different regions of Ontario, this could mean savings of up to $18,000 a year, per child. This is an incredible step toward reaching $10-a-day by 2026 and means more money in parents’ pockets for groceries, extracurriculars, and so much more.
National Caucus Retreat
I know, it’s a challenging time for people. That’s why my focus is on YOU. My top priorities for the year ahead are: Making life more affordable, ending the housing shortage, launching our national school food program, and working with the provinces and territories to deliver the healthcare that Canadians deserve.
The second week of September, I’ll be meeting with my colleagues to discuss what it is we really want and need to accomplish this year. I’ll be advocating for things that matter most to you. I look forward to the House resuming and getting down to work to deliver progress on these issues.
Community Events and Visits
Love is love! ! I was so happy to celebrate Pride last weekend! Pride is an opportunity for the 2SLGBTQI+ community and allies around the world to celebrate the strength of the Pride movement, while also continuing to push back on rising levels of hate. Our government has always, and will always, stand with the 2SLGBTQI+ community – as we continue to fight for equity and inclusion, together.
I had the pleasure of attending the Centre33’s annual Pride Family Picnic as well as the Kanata Multicultural Dance, Music and Food Festival. Thanks to all the amazing constituents who dropped by to say hi and chat. It’s been great to see so many familiar faces and to also meet many new community members. I’d also like to extend my thanks to the organizers and all event partners and volunteers to make these events possible.
A few days ago, I stopped by Fakahany Produce. If you have never been, I encourage you to check them out at 471 Hazeldean Road. They’ve done so much for our community these past few years. As an independent grocer, it is important for us as a community to recognize the important work the team at Fakahany Produce does.
If you have no plans yet for tomorrow evening, be sure to stop by Goldridge Park as the Kanata Lakes Community Association is hosting a Movie Night in the Park. Arrive anytime after 7 pm, The Garfield Movie will start at dusk.
King Charles III’s Coronation Medal
I am honoured to be able to present the King Charles III Coronation Medals to 35 Kanata—Carleton residents who have made a profound contribution to Canada. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2024. Please visit my website to see full eligibility criteria and submit your nomination today!
Canada’s Inflation Rate Drops Again
Our plan is working. Inflation is down to 2.5%, the lowest it’s been in two years. We’ve still got a lot of work to do to make sure that everyone in our community feels that relief in their bank accounts, but inflation is cooling, and that’s welcome news.
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: September 20 and October 18
Canada Pension Plan: September 25 and October 29
Old Age Security: September 25 and October 29
Veteran Disability Pension: September 26 and October 30
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
September 2: Labour Day
September 11: 9/11 Anniversary and National Day of Service
September 15: International Day of Democracy
September 21: International Day of Peace
September 25: Franco-Ontarian Day
September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/ Orange 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.
Wishing everyone a safe Labour Day weekend!
