Newsletter - December 2024
And just like that, another year is coming to an end. As the House of Commons breaks for Christmas, I look forward to spending more time in our community, and with family and friends. Here’s hoping for more snow in time for Christmas for some cross-country skiing in our beautiful community!
However you are spending the holiday season, I hope you find time to pause, reflect, and recharge.
Fall Economic Statement
I’d like to thank my colleague Chrystia Freeland for all her leadership over these last number of years. We have all benefitted from her dedication whether that be the renegotiation of The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) or leadership through the pandemic.
I look forward to continuing our work together.
On December 16, the Fall Economic Statement was tabled by my colleague Karina Gould.
The Fall Economic Statement outlines how our economic plan is reducing everyday costs and investing in economic growth that raises wages and puts more money in Canadians’ pockets. A few key measures include:
Bringing down the cost of everyday essentials including groceries, child care, dental care and prescription medications including insulin and contraceptives
Measures to make it easier for folks to buy or rent a home
Investing in productivity and innovation to grow the economy
To learn more, visit my website.
GST Holiday
On November 28th, legislation for a GST Holiday passed in the House of Commons. As of December 14, we’re giving you a tax break. These are savings to help you start the new year with more money in your pocket. The Tax Break for All Canadians Act provides real relief at the cash register by making the following items tax-free until February 15, 2025:
Prepared foods, including vegetable trays, pre-made meals and salads, and sandwiches;
Restaurant meals, whether dine-in, takeout, or delivery;
Snacks, including chips, candy, and granola bars;
Beer, wine, and cider;
Pre-mixed alcoholic beverages below 7 per cent ABV;
Children’s clothing and footwear, car seats, and diapers;
Children’s toys, such as board games, dolls, and video game consoles;
Books, print newspapers, and puzzles for all ages; and,
Christmas trees and similar decorative trees.
Fun fact: The Conservatives voted against this GST Holiday. Considering all their talk of wanting to ‘axe the tax’, when actually given the opportunity to do so, they voted against. This is just another example of Conservatives pandering to their wealthy friends and big corporations, leaving you behind.
Bank of Canada Lowers Interest Rates - Again
On December 11, the Bank of Canada lowered its overnight rate for the fifth time this year, making a 50 basis point cut. The overnight rate is now 3.25 per cent.
Canada’s annual inflation rate slowed to 1.9% in November, marking the fourth consecutive month in which inflation has matched or been lower than the Bank of Canada’s 2-per-cent target.
These are positive steps to bring down costs for Canadians.
Zero-Emission AV Shuttles in Kanata North
When I was President and Executive Director of the Kanata North Business Association, I made it my job to tell the stories of Kanata firms, celebrate their successes and connect them to one another. I wanted to showcase the incredible talent, innovation and collaboration that occurs here every day. An idea was hatched: an autonomous vehicle shuttle. When I ran federally for MP, I made a promise that together we would bring this idea to life.
I’m delighted to share that the Kanata North Business Association is receiving $1.4 million from Transport Canada to deploy a medium-speed zero-emission autonomous vehicle shuttle in Canada’s largest technology park. The shuttle will help connect Kanata North and inform future regulatory frameworks for autonomous vehicles right across the country to help keep Canadians safe. I can’t wait to see where this takes us! To read the official news release, please visit my website.
CENGN Receives $45m Federal Investment
On Monday, December 9, I was happy to announce an investment of $45 million to a $66 million project led by the Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN). This investment is being made through the Strategic Innovation Fund to create a Pan-Canadian 5G network.
Wireless technologies like 5G are essential for a fast, responsive, and competitive modern economy, driving investments in Canada’s advanced networks and telecommunications ecosystem. Since 2014, CENGN has been a key part of the Kanata tech community, fostering innovation in 5G infrastructure, which supports economic growth. With each telecommunications job creating 1.3 additional jobs across Canada, this sector is a powerful economic catalyst, expected to generate and sustain 400 highly skilled jobs nationwide. To learn more, visit my website.
Child Care Fee Reductions for Families in Kanata-Carleton
As the year comes to an end, I want to take a moment to highlight child care savings that will be coming to families in Kanata very soon.
Starting in January 2025, Ontario will be capping child care fees at $22-a-day. 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. This isn’t just good social policy, it's good economic policy because it helps get parents, mostly women back into the workforce.
Carp Santa Claus Parade
There was something very magical happening at the Carp Santa Claus Parade. The fresh snow, the lights, the community spirit - it was just wonderful to see so many neighbours come out and enjoy this special evening. A big thank you to everyone who helped make this happen! I already look forward to next year’s parade!
Canada Post Strike Update
Undoubtedly the Canada Post strike has affected people in our community at a particularly inconvenient time.
As a government, we have deep respect for the collective bargaining process and believe that the best deals are ones reached at the bargaining table. That said, this strike went on far too long with no sign of a resolution.
On Friday, December 13th the Minister of Labour asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to intervene. After two days of hearings, the CIRB ruled that the two parties were at an impasse and ordered employees to return to work.
Mail began moving on Tuesday, December 17th. My 2025 Calendar is in the mail now and will hopefully find its way into your mailboxes soon, for you all to enjoy throughout this coming year.
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: January 20 and February 20
Canada Pension Plan: January 29 and February 26
Old Age Security: January 29 and February 26
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 20: Yalda
December 24: Christmas Eve
December 25: Christmas Day
December 25-January 2: Hanukkah
December 26: Boxing Day
December 26-January 1: Kwanzaa
December 31: New Year’s Eve
January: Tamil Heritage Month
January 1: Happy New Year!
January 6: Epiphany
January 7: Orthodox Christmas
January 13: Festival of Lohri
January 14: Orthodox New Year
January 24: International Day of Education
January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 29: National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia
January 29: Lunar New Year
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.
Please note, my Constituency Office will be closed from December 23rd to January 3rd for the Holidays.
From my family to yours, Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for 2025!
