Newsletter — February 2023
With Spring just around the corner, it won’t be too much longer until the return of warmer weather. While I enjoy cross-country skiing in our community (a big thank you to all the dedicated volunteers who help maintain the trails throughout the winter months), I look forward to spending more time running outside again.
After the caucus retreat at the end of January, Parliament resumed for three consecutive weeks, debating, voting on legislation, and holding committee meetings. Here’s what we’ve achieved since then:
New Federal-Provincial Healthcare Agreement
Over the last few years, our universal public healthcare system—a system that Canadians take pride in—has been put under an immense level of strain. The pandemic posed even greater challenges to our healthcare system, causing unprecedented demand, staff shortages, and backlogs on important medical work.
Because of these backlogs, you might have been put on a lengthy waitlist for necessary surgeries. You might have struggled to access mental health support when you need it. You might have had trouble finding a family doctor. You deserve better—and all Canadians deserve better.
To improve healthcare in Ontario, the federal government has signed an agreement-in-principle to invest $73.97 billion into Ontario’s healthcare system over the next 10 years.
This Ontario-specific investment is part of a national plan to invest nearly $200 billion over 10 years into Canada-wide healthcare improvements.
However, money alone won’t fix the problem — so we’re attaching conditions to make sure provinces and territories deliver results for you and your family.
That’s why we are signing agreements with provinces and territories to:
Make sure Canadians have access to family doctors and nurse practitioners;
Support the healthcare workers who power our healthcare system;
Reduce surgical and diagnostic backlogs;
Make mental healthcare and addictions support more available; and
Ensure your health information is easily accessible to you and your health providers in a digital format, ending the need for unnecessary or duplicate testing when being referred from one health provider to another.
Provinces and territories need to provide transparent information so Canadians can be sure that every new dollar being announced is exactly that: a new dollar that will go towards real results they can see and feel, like reduced wait times.
Our plan will keep provinces and territories accountable: it requires provinces to explain how they will use the additional funding, and protects Canadians’ right to universal, public healthcare.
Emergencies Act Report
The convoy occupation and the border blockades last year were volatile and out of control. They harmed people and businesses in Ottawa, damaged our economy, and endangered public safety. Due to policing failures at municipal and provincial levels, we had to act.
On February 17th, the Public Order Emergency Commission released its report, concluding that the federal government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act was appropriate and effective. The Commission concluded that the very high threshold for invoking the Act was met. A copy of the report is available here.
International Women’s Day Event — March 8th
Please join me for an International Women’s Day event on March 8th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, hosted in coordination with the Kanata—Carleton Youth Council.
Together, we'll discuss the challenges and achievements of women throughout history and around the world, with a special guest speaker panel taking the stage from 7:30pm to 8:30pm.
New Affordability Mandate for Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
Canadians pay some of the highest prices in the world for their Internet and wireless services. That is fundamentally unacceptable.
This month, we directed the CRTC to make decisions that will increase cell phone and internet competition and prioritize consumer protection, and we will continue working to hold the big national carriers accountable for the prices they charge consumers.
Family Day Skate
I hope you had a wonderful Family Day long weekend, spent with your family and friends.
My team had a wonderful time joining members of our community and Kanata North Councillor Cathy Curry and her team for a free Family Day skate at the Mlacak Arena.
Thank you to everyone who came out to join the fun!
Pre-Budget Consultations 2023
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s pre-budget consultations. The questionnaire and submissions portal are now closed and all feedback received will be shared with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, the Parliamentary Secretary, and departmental officials.
While these formal consultations have concluded, you are welcome to share your ideas and/or comments about Budget 2023 with the Department of Finance at any time.
Important Dates
Canada Child Benefit: March 20 and April 20
Canada Pension Plan: March 29 and April 26
Old Age Security: March 29 and April 26
Veteran Disability Pension: March 30 and April 27
Climate Action Incentive: April 14
GST/HST Credit: April 5
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 3: Employee Appreciation Day
March 8: International Women’s Day
March 13-17: March Break
March 13: Commonwealth Day
March 14: Pi Day
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
March 20: Spring Equinox
March 21: World Down Syndrome Day
March 22: World Water Day
Let’s Keep in Touch!
I am always happy to hear from you. My team and I also work hard to continue to update constituents on important government events and programs on my website.
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.
