Newsletter - May 2026
Congratulations to everyone who participated in Ottawa Race Weekend! Training for and completing a race is such an incredible achievement, no matter the distance or pace. I love the energy of race day and the feeling of crossing the finish line. I recently had the pleasure of running the Half Marathon in Toronto, and it was an amazing experience.
Speaking of races, Kanata Race Day is coming up on Sunday, June 14, 2026! It’s one of my favourite local community events of the year, bringing together runners, walkers, families, neighbours, and volunteers of all ages. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best, cheering from the sidelines, or simply coming out to enjoy the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. My personal favourite every year is the TOT TROT — it’s impossible not to smile watching the youngest participants cross the finish line! For details and registration, visit kanataraceday.ca.
Congratulations, Montréal Victoire and Ottawa Charge
Congratulations to the Montréal Victoire, the 2026 PWHL Walter Cup champions! It’s been an incredible and historic season, and it’s amazing to see the Cup coming home for the first time.
And a huge congratulations as well to the Ottawa Charge for a fantastic season and playoff run that made Ottawa proud. Your determination, teamwork, and heart inspired hockey fans across our communities and helped continue to grow the game for the next generation.
Spring Economic Update
Tabled on April 28, the Spring Economic Update focuses on strengthening productivity, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity through investments in infrastructure, innovation, and defence. These measures will help:
Support our community’s tech and research ecosystem, create jobs, attract investment, and support workers and skilled trades.
Reduce everyday costs for families through measures such as the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax, lowering gasoline prices by 10 cents per litre and diesel by 4 cents per litre until September 7.
Continue investing in safe, inclusive communities while maintaining responsible fiscal management.
Launch of New National Electricity Strategy
On May 14, our government announced the launch of a new National Electricity Strategy. The strategy aims to double the capacity of Canada's electricity grid by 2050 and supply clean, reliable, affordable power across the country for decades to come.
This transformation will not only build a more sustainable Canada, but also a more affordable Canada. Canada’s National Electricity Strategy could deliver up to $15 billion in total energy savings by 2050 and lower total energy costs for 7 in 10 Canadian households.
Canada’s New Governor General
Congratulations to the Honourable Louise Arbour on her appointment as Canada’s next Governor General. Your distinguished career in law, international justice, and human rights reflects a lifelong commitment to strengthening institutions and upholding the principles that serve Canadians at home and abroad.
And my sincere thanks to Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon for her historic and impactful tenure. As Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General, your leadership advanced reconciliation, inclusion, and a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples across the country.
Census 2026
If you have not completed your Census yet, I urge you to do so as soon as possible. As a reminder:
The Census provides essential data that helps governments, community organizations, and businesses understand the needs of our growing communities, and your response helps plan services like health care, education, and transit.
Census data also informs decisions on housing, childcare, emergency services, and infrastructure planning.
All responses are strictly confidential, and participating ensures our community is accurately represented as it continues to grow and evolve.
Canada Summer Jobs
Canada Summer Jobs is a government program that supports employers to create quality summer jobs for young Canadians across the country. This year, over 100,000 jobs are being made available through the program. For details and to search for a summer job, please visit the online Job Bank.
New Horizons Seniors Program (NHSP)
Do you have a project that helps seniors in Kanata, Stittsville, Bells Corners, or Carp stay active, connected, and engaged in their community? I’m excited to share that the NHSP will begin accepting applications for community-based projects on June 2, 2026. Stay tuned for details. I’ll share more information as it becomes available.
Canada Strong Pass
I’m so happy to see the return of the Canada Strong Pass for this summer! From June 19 to September 7, 2026, enjoy free admission to Parks Canada sites, 25% off overnight stays and camping, free lockage on historic waterways, and significant VIA Rail travel perks. Check out the official website for all details and to start planning your next adventures!
Industry Visits and Highlights
After years working in and alongside Ottawa’s tech sector, and as a proud champion of Canadian innovation, it meant a great deal to stand with my friend and colleague, Minister Mélanie Joly, to announce that our government is moving forward with the spin-out of the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre. This is about enabling CPFC to attract private investment and scale so Canadian companies, especially SMEs, can compete and grow in the areas of photonics, AI and advanced computing. Just as importantly, we will ensure this remains a Canadian, sovereign asset, supporting our economic security and long-term competitiveness.
I was proud to open the Cybersecurity & Identity Summit in Ottawa. Last year, Canada blocked 7.7 trillion cyber threats. That’s 21 billion a day! This highlights the importance of Canada securing our digital infrastructure, building sovereign cloud, and preparing for a quantum future where we control our own data, systems, and security.
Congratulations to the team at J-Squared who celebrated the grand opening of their expanded facility in Kanata. This investment strengthens Canada’s domestic defence testing and production capabilities while supporting high-value local jobs and continued innovation.
I recently had the opportunity to participate in Tomorrow’s Table: Off the Record on AI in Ottawa, hosted by Nish Patel. The evening brought together voices from the private and public sectors for an open and thoughtful discussion about the future of artificial intelligence and the opportunities it presents for our communities, organizations, and economy. One question from the discussion especially stayed with me: what feels impossible today that could become completely ordinary tomorrow? Conversations like these are an important reminder that AI is not only about efficiency and productivity, but also about imagination, innovation, and shaping the future we want to build together.
Community Events
It was wonderful to join the Kanata Seniors Council for their AGM. It was a great opportunity to look back on a strong year, to recognize outstanding community contributors, and to celebrate a major milestone: 30 years of “seniors helping seniors.” Congratulations to the board, the volunteers, and every member who has been part of building something so meaningful in our community.
It was great to connect with the team at Vision2Voice in Kanata, a women-owned and led business making a significant impact in the world of internal communications - proving that a human-centred approach delivers real results. It’s always great to see local companies doing meaningful work!
The recent Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa Morning Social breakfast event was a strong reminder of what community leadership looks like in action. Hearing the stories, seeing the impact firsthand, and being surrounded by leaders who genuinely care about creating opportunities for young people was incredibly motivating. Access to meals, mentorship, and safe spaces should never be out of reach for any child in our community.
Youth Councils play an important role in the work we do as MPs. They help us stay connected to the priorities and perspectives of young people, while also giving participants the opportunity to build skills and deepen their understanding of Parliament and democracy. It was a pleasure to watch the debate between students from my Youth Council and those from MP Vandenbeld’s riding. Seeing their confidence develop throughout the discussion and hearing them present thoughtful, passionate arguments in support of their positions was genuinely impressive!
Join me for Question Period
A reminder that visitors are welcome to watch live proceedings (including Question Period) in the House of Commons from the public galleries on a first-come first-served basis. Visit my website for details and to reserve seating.
Important Dates
Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: June 5
Canada Child Benefit: June 18 and July 20
Canada Pension Plan: June 26 and July 29
Old Age Security: June 26 and July 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.
Other Upcoming Dates
June: Filipino Heritage Month, National Indigenous History Month, Italian Heritage Month, Portuguese Heritage Month, Pride Season, Deaf Blind Awareness Month
June 5: National Day Against Gun Violence
June 7: Canadian Armed Forces Day
June 12: World Day Against Child Labour
June 14-20: National Public Service Week
June 15: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 16-17: Islamic New Year
June 19: International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict
June 20: World Refugee Day
June 21: Father's Day
June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 24: St. Jean Baptiste/La Fête nationale du Québec
June 27: Canadian Multiculturalism Day
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.
