Newsletter — June 2022
Jobs are plentiful, unemployment is at record lows, yet Canadians are still finding it hard to pay their bills at the end of the month. Inflation has been a major aftershock from the pandemic.
Just last week, Statistics Canada announced that Canada's annual inflation rate hit 7.7 per cent for the month of May. This was the largest yearly increase since January 1983 and up from a 6.8% gain in April. When filling up the tank with gas, buying groceries, or paying rent, the cost of living is up and it’s a real challenge for residents.
While no single country can end global supply chain snarls or insulate their country from global gas shortages, we can help Canadians weather this storm.
A few weeks ago, I sent my Cost of Living update by mail to households across Kanata—Carleton, which outlines a few of the government measures in place to support Canadians with necessary income support/benefits. A digital copy of this report is available on my website.
The Government of Canada Benefit Finder is a great tool to find out what programs and supports you are eligible for. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you need assistance in applying for any of these benefits.
COVID-19 Measures for Travellers
As of June 20th, COVID-19 vaccination is no longer a requirement to board a plane or train in Canada. However, travellers still need to comply with other public health measures, such as wearing a mask. Other travel measures include:
All incoming travellers must continue to use the ArriveCan app.
Unvaccinated travellers returning to Canada must continue to provide proof of a COVID-19 test and follow all public health measures including, for international flights, quarantining upon arrival in Canada.
Foreign nationals travelling into Canada are still required to be vaccinated. Foreign nationals who are not fully vaccinated continue to be prohibited entry into Canada.
NEW: Travellers landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) can expedite their customs and immigration declaration through a new feature in the ArriveCan App. This feature will be made available to other airports later throughout the year.
We still need to remain cautious, given that our healthcare system is strained and future outbreaks could hurt our healthcare sector and our tourism/travel sectors. If data points to a need to reinstate vaccine requirements, we will do so.
For up-to-date information on travelling to, from, and within Canada, visit travel.gc.ca.
Constituency Success
It’s been a busy few months since I took office last November. As the House of Commons rises for the summer, I want to reflect on some of my constituency office's achievements and successes since then:
Since November 2021, my constituency office team has handled over 600 unique cases from constituents, ranging from passport assistance, to immigration requests, to helping constituents obtain their Canadian citizenship.
I have held two Rural Roundtables, working to ensure that the perspectives of rural residents are heard and reflected in my work.
I also started the Kanata—Carleton Youth Council, composed of over thirty bright high school students who work with me to advise me on how our government can better work for youth.
The Canada Child Benefit is providing an average of $5,080/year (tax-free) to 13,750 Kanata—Carleton families to help with healthy groceries, new school clothes, diapers, and skating lessons.
This year, the Canada Summer Jobs program has provided funding for 620+ summer jobs for youth at 100+ local employers in our riding. Kanata—Carleton youth between the ages of 15-30 can apply for summer work through the Canada Summer Jobs job bank.
Additional investments in our community include the Diefenbunker, community-led seniors programs including those through Jami Omar Mosque, new accessibility features at a local retirement home, as well as funding to support programs offered by Canadian Wildlife Foundation in Kanata South.
The Kanata North Technology Park has been the recipient of major research and development investments by the federal government, from revolutionary geospatial satellite technology, to developing environmentally-friendly metals for use in vehicles, and more!
Pictured: Members of my Kanata—Carleton Youth Council who joined me this year to discuss federal politics and write policy solutions to the issues that matter to them.
June 22 Town Hall — Thank You!
I would like to thank everyone who joined me in person and virtually at last week’s town hall meeting at Richcraft Recreation Complex.
We discussed many things, including how to improve our immigration pathways; new measures to end gun violence in our communities; ongoing support for Ukraine; and the cost of living. If you missed it, a recording of the event is available here.
Climate Action Incentive
On July 15th, look out for the Climate Action Incentive in your bank account. By filing your 2021 tax return, you will automatically receive the Climate Action Incentive, a quarterly rebate for Canadians to offset the cost of the carbon levy.
Single taxpayers will receive $373, plus an additional $186 for their spouse and $93 per child. That means the average Kanata—Carleton family of four will receive $745 in rebates this year.
Old Age Security Pension Increasing by 10%
Seniors aged 75 and over will receive an automatic 10% increase of their Old Age Security pension, as of next month (July 2022). If you are turning 75 after July 1, 2022, you will receive the increase in the month following your 75th birthday.
These benefits are adjusted to inflation so they keep up with the realities of the economy and the cost of living.
Receive a Birthday Card from MP Jenna Sudds!
Is your birthday coming up? Click here to request a birthday card from me for your special day. You can request additional birthday cards for family members by visiting JennaSuddsMP.ca/birthday.
Important Dates
Canada Child Benefit: July 20 & August 19
Canada Pension Plan: July 27 & August 29
Old Age Security: July 27 & August 29
Canada Workers Benefit: July 5
Veteran Disability Pension: July 28 & August 30
Climate Action Incentive: July 15
GST/HST Credit: July 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.
If you need assistance with any of these payments or with registering for these programs, please contact my Constituency Office at Jenna.Sudds@parl.gc.ca or 613-592-3469.
Other Upcoming Dates
July 1: Canada Day
July 7: World Chocolate Day (treat yourself!)
July 10: Eid al-Adha
July 15: World Youth Skills Day
July 24: International Self Care Day
July 28: Day of Commemoration of the Great Upheaval
July 30: Muharram
Happy Canada Day!
This Canada Day, let us celebrate our extraordinary country and its incredible diversity, and all that we’ve overcome as a country—and look to the future with optimism. From my family to yours, I’d like to wish you a very happy Canada Day!
However you are planning to celebrate Canada Day, please be respectful of others and enjoy our beautiful community. Local celebrations include:
Canada Day in Kanata at Walter Baker Park
Run Ottawa Canada Day Road Races starting at Earl Of March Secondary School
President's Canada Day BBQ at the Kanata Legion Branch 638
Canada Day in Dunrobin at the Dunrobin Community Centre
Lastly, I want to wish everyone a wonderful summer! Exploring local and family camping trips to nearby campgrounds are favourites in my household! What memories will you be creating this summer?
Let’s Keep in Touch
I continue to update constituents on important government events and programs on my website. For details, please visit JennaSuddsMP.ca.
Again, please don't hesitate to reach out by email at Jenna.Sudds@parl.gc.ca or by phone (613) 592-3469. I'd welcome your input and look forward to working together.
