Newsletter - January 2025
Trump Tariff Threat
I’ve heard from many neighbours who are concerned about the threat of tariffs from the U.S. This is an important and challenging moment for Canada and we should all be concerned when President Trump says he wants to impose tariffs on Canada or when he threatens “economic leverage”. It’s not a constructive way to handle the relationship with your closest trading partner.
Just the other week, I was reminded of what the friendship between our countries means. As wildfires ravaged across California, Canadian water bombers rushed in to help. Just like California helped fight Canadian fires. This is what allies do for each other.
But our allyship doesn’t stop at helping each other in time of need. You know as well as I do that we also share one of the strongest trade relationships in the world. Canada’s and America’s supply chains are integrated. Billions of dollars in goods cross our border every day. Millions of workers rely on Canada-U.S. trade to bring home a paycheque every week. We build more together than we sell to one another. And if you slam a tariff on Canadian products, you create ricochet effects on American producers, manufacturers and workers.
My colleagues and I are working together with premiers, businesses and union leaders to make the best case against the unjust application of these potential tariffs. And if the president does choose to proceed with tariffs on Canada tomorrow, of course we will respond and stand up for Canadians.
In these challenging times, we need to stand strong as a community. It’s a time to be united in our common identity, focus on the economy, and remind ourselves that this is the best country in the world.
Check in with your loved ones, see how they’re doing, and know that there are supports in our community if you or someone you know is having a particularly hard time right now.
2024 Progress
In these times of uncertainty, I’ve been doubling down to deliver what matters most for our community and help build a strong local economy. In 2024 I fought to make our community
and economy better off. Some highlights are:
$124,100,000+ invested through the Strategic Innovation Fund to create jobs and drive world class Canadian innovation.
$12,300,000+ to help small and medium sized businesses scale up, create new jobs, and bring more products to market.
$1,074,843+ to create 300 jobs for youth at over 100 Kanata—Carleton businesses and organizations this summer.
$175,000+ to increase tourism locally.
The investments in industry mentioned above are paying off and helping to build our strong local economy. I recently saw this article and thought I would share it with all of you. To quote, “Kanata North’s high-tech district has been designated a Special Economic District within the City of Ottawa’s Official Plan, after it generated over 30,000 jobs and became the most concentrated market in North America.”
I’m proud that our investments are driving growth and innovation, and creating more highly skilled jobs. I will continue to be a loud champion for Kanata-Carleton and all it has to offer.
Supporting You
In Kanata–Carleton we know well that it's important to reinvest the benefits of a strong economy in the things that people need to get ahead. I’ve made sure that you have access to all these benefits:
11,000+ Kanata-Carleton families received an average of $3,495 through the Canada Child Benefit.
4,000+ residents of our community now have access to the dentist thanks to the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
$120,109 for local community projects that help seniors stay active and engaged.
52,710 residents received an average payment of $629 through the Canada Carbon Rebate.
Pierre Poilievre’s plan is to cut every single one of these supports that people rely on every month. I don't think that's prudent.
Local Investments in Transit and Housing
After months of work, I’m very proud that myself and my local Liberal MP colleagues have secured almost $220 million in investments in Ottawa’s public transit infrastructure, and in housing supports for the most vulnerable in our City. These are important investments providing stability and predictable funding for public transit over the next decade, while also helping increase transitional housing and supports for those struggling with housing.
In politics, we often don’t get a chance to stop and reflect on the impacts of our collective work as we rush off to the next challenge. My sincere thanks to Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for the collaboration, and to my colleagues for their steadfast efforts to make this happen.
More details are available here.
Pierre Poilievre’s Dangerous Cuts
In the past couple of weeks Pierre Poilievre has added to his growing list of dangerous cuts. On top of cuts to housing, healthcare and the Canada Child Benefit, the leader of the Conservatives now says he wants to reduce the size of the federal public service and introduce new mechanisms to monitor bureaucrats and their productivity. Many people in our community work hard and earn honest paycheques by working in the federal public service. They do so to provide Canadians with the things they rely on – but Pierre doesn't stand for it.
Kanata Golf & Country Club
It is hard to put into words my disappointment that the Provincial court has dismissed the City’s appeal of the Kanata Golf & Country Club redevelopment. This greenspace means so much to our community and is worth our continued efforts to fight this.
Free Community Tax Clinic
I'm happy to share that 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 2024 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.
Important Dates
Canada Child Benefit: February 20 and March 20
Canada Pension Plan: February 26 and March 27
Old Age Security: February 26 and March 27
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
February: Black History Month
February 2: Groundhog Day
February 6: International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
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 15: National Flag of Canada Day
February 17: Family Day
February 26: Pink Shirt Day
February 28: Ramadan begins (sundown)
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.
