Newsletter — May 2022
I’d like to start by expressing my deep gratitude to the teams at Hydro Ottawa, Hydro One, out of town crews, first responders, City of Ottawa staff, and the many community groups and volunteers who have helped restore safety and power in our communities following the unprecedented storm on May 21st.
The level of damage to our hydro distribution system has simply been beyond comprehension, significantly worse than both the Ice Storm of 1998 and the tornadoes of 2018.
Yet again, neighbours were helping neighbours, and I couldn’t be prouder to be calling Kanata—Carleton home!
Pictured: Surveying storm damage at the Ruddy Shenkman Hospice Centre in Kanata. Thank you to all of the volunteers who sprung into action to clear fallen trees and repair the building's roof.
Cost of Living Update
I know the rising cost of living has made many things more expensive, and can make it harder for families in Kanata–Carleton to make ends meet. Many of you have reached out to share your concerns.
Snarled supply chains are driving prices higher at the checkout counter. Buying a house is out of reach for far too many Canadians. Inflation—a phenomenon that all major international economies are facing—is making things more expensive in Canada, too. Several factors have driven inflation up, including higher food and energy prices, supply constraints associated with the pandemic, and unprecedented demand for goods.
How is the government responding to your concerns? I have put together a detailed overview, which you can find on my website.
Please know, as your representative at the federal level, I am here to advocate for you. Please reach out to me at any time at Jenna.Sudds@parl.gc.ca with your ideas and suggestions on how to make life more affordable for you.
Important Legislation Passed in the House of Commons
We’ve made great progress since the 44th Parliament began on November 22, 2021. Important legislation that passed in the House of Commons includes:
Established up to 10 days of paid sick leave for federally-regulated workers through Bill C-3.
Unanimously voted to outlaw conversion therapy, a harmful practice which targets LGBTQ+ Canadians and causes psychological harm to their gender identity and expression. (Bill C-4)
Extended COVID-related income support programs to support businesses, workers, and Canadians that were still impacted by the pandemic through Bill C-2.
Made it illegal to threaten or impede the work of healthcare providers, or to obstruct hospitals and medical clinics through Bill C-3.
Introduced new tax rebates and credits for teachers, northern Canadians, and farming businesses (Bill C-8).
Established a 1% tax on vacant homes owned by non-resident non-Canadians (Bill C-8).
Purchased hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 rapid tests to distribute to Canadians (Bill C-10).
Rectified an outstanding issue relating to seniors’ Old Age Security benefits to ensure that seniors received their full entitlement of federal benefits (Bill C-12).
Implemented provisions of Budget 2022, including new measures to address affordable housing, climate change, and the cost of living (Bill C-19).
...and in the weeks ahead, we'll be working to pass even more important legislation before the House of Commons rises at the end of June.
Legislation in-progress in the House of Commons
When the House of Commons returns from summer break in September, we have a lot of work ahead of us, including:
Bill C-5, which repeals certain mandatory minimum penalties for specific simple drug possession offenses, while continuing to ensure that courts can continue to impose tough sentences for violence and serious crimes.
Bill C-11, which aims to update Canada’s broadcasting laws to reflect Canada’s modern media landscape (i.e. Netflix, online streaming, YouTube).
Bill C-18, which enhances Canada’s digital news marketplace to ensure newspapers and journalists are fairly compensated for their work by social media giants who share news articles on their platforms.
Bill C-215, which would increase the maximum number of Employment Insurance sickness or quarantine benefits from 15 to 52 weeks.
Bill C-233, which educates judges on matters related to intimate partner violence and coercive control.
Bill C-242, which allows a parent or grandparent who applies for a temporary resident visa as a visitor to purchase private health insurance outside Canada and to stay in Canada for a period of five years.
Survey — Thank You!
My quarterly update for Spring arrived in mailboxes across Kanata–Carleton last month and I would like to thank everyone who took advantage of the no-postage survey to share feedback with me. I read every survey response personally in order to better represent you on Parliament Hill.
My next quarterly update will reach Kanata–Carleton mailboxes in early July. I encourage constituents to use this survey as an opportunity to share your feedback about the federal government’s work with me. Once you’ve written your thoughts, cut the survey out and drop it in the mailbox (no postage needed). I always appreciate your feedback.
Strengthening Canada's Firearms Legislation for Safer Communities
This month, the Prime Minister, Minister of Public Safety, and Minister of Women, Gender Equality, and Youth introduced Bill C-21, which implements a national freeze on handguns.
Handguns were the most serious weapon present in the majority of firearm-related violent crimes (59 per cent) between 2009 and 2020.
In 2018, firearms were present in over 600 intimate partner violence incidents in Canada. Victims of intimate partner violence are approximately five times more likely to be killed when a firearm is present in the home.
Bill C-21 includes strict enforcement measures and tougher Criminal Code penalties to prohibit individuals from illegally obtaining a firearm. We're addressing gun trafficking, 'straw purchasing', and cross-border firearms smuggling. Further, we've introduced new measures to protect women and vulnerable Canadians from intimate partner violence with a firearm.
Upcoming Community Events
Every Saturday through October 29, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm: Carp Farmers’ Markets
Every Saturday through October 29, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm: Kanata Farmers’ Markets
June 8: Rural Roundtable at the Constance Bay/Northwind Community Centre
June 12: Kanata Race Day
June 17: Kanata Expo 55+
June 22: Town Hall at Richcraft Recreation Complex
For details and to register, please visit my Events page at: JennaSuddsMP.ca/events.
Important Dates
Canada Child Benefit: June 20
Canada Pension Plan: June 28
Canada Workers Benefit: July 5
GST/HST Credit: July 5
Old Age Security: June 28
Climate Action Incentive: July 15
Veteran Disability Pension: June 29
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
Month of June: National Indigenous History Month
Month of June: Pride Month
June 2: Ontario Election: Make your voice count! Find more information about how and where to vote in the upcoming Ontario provincial election by visiting elections.on.ca.
June 5: World Environment Day
June 5: Run for Women Ottawa
June 7: World Food Safety Day
June 14: World Blood Donor Day
June 19: Father's Day
June 20: World Refugee Day
June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 24: Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day
June 26: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
July 1: Happy Canada Day!
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 jenna.sudds@parl.gc.ca or by phone (613) 592-3469. I'd welcome your input and look forward to working together.
