Newsletter — September 2023
Happy fall! I know, this time of year is very busy for many, with families re-adjusting to school routines, but I hope you’ll find time to enjoy this beautiful weather. We are lucky to have many places in Kanata—Carleton to enjoy the colourful foliage. What’s your favourite spot for a fall hike, walk, or run?
Community Events
Speaking of beautiful fall weather — we could not have asked for more sunshine for the many community events that took place this past month, including the Carp Fair, Kanata’s Multicultural Dance, Music, and Food Festival, and the Summer Meet & Greet I co-hosted with Councillor Curry at the Mlacak Centre.
Thanks to all the amazing constituents who dropped by to say hi and chat. It’s been great to see so many familiar faces and to also meet many new community members. I’d also like to extend my thanks to the organizers and all event partners and volunteers to make these events possible.
The Kanata Expo 55+ was another highlight! Seniors have worked their entire lives to support their families and their communities. We're supporting them in return — by making life more affordable and helping them lead healthy and independent lives. It was great chatting with seniors about all the community-based support services available to 55+ residents here in Kanata—Carleton and sharing details of Federal supports available to them as well. Thank you to Kanata North Councillor Curry and team for organizing this event!
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30th marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a designated day of remembrance to honour victims and survivors of Canada’s Indigenous residential school system. It is an opportunity to come together to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and the ongoing impacts on Survivors, their families and communities, as well as commit to continuing the hard, but necessary work to build a better future for all.
To commemorate the day, I attended a National Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony at Makatew Workshops in Carp. Thank you, Marc, for organizing and hosting this in your beautiful space, and for giving everyone in attendance an opportunity to learn and reflect. We all have a role to play on the journey toward reconciliation.
Ongoing Bus Driver Shortage
I have heard from many concerned constituents about the lack of bus drivers in our communities, and I share your concerns. The ongoing bus driver shortage continues to cause chaos for local families, as parents scramble to find safe modes of transportation for their children. This is unacceptable.
I encourage you to reach out to your local school board trustee and the provincial Education Minister to make your concerns heard.
Update on Reducing Grocery Costs
Rising food prices keep putting a strain on household budgets, which negatively impacts the quality of life of Canadians from coast to coast to coast. It’s unacceptable that grocery CEOs have enjoyed record profits, while Canadians have suffered.
That is why on Monday, September 18th, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and the Minister of Finance met with the owners of Loblaw, Walmart, Sobeys, Costco, and Metro and demanded that they present a plan to stabilize food prices. In addition to this, meetings were held last week with international food manufacturing companies and domestic food manufacturers. I’m happy to share that progress is being made to see grocery prices stabilized. Stay tuned for updates on this as more information becomes available.
Killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
On September 18th, the Prime Minister informed the House of Commons and all Canadians about credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian Citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. I understand this is deeply upsetting for many in our community, particularly South Asians and families who come from India, regardless of religion. This is a time to let the legal process continue as it must.
Further details are available on my website here.
PM Apologizes for Presence, Recognition of Nazi Unit Veteran in Parliament
On September 26th, the Hon. Anthony Rota, accepted full responsibility for his actions and resigned from his position as Speaker of the House of Commons, effective September 27th.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized on behalf of Parliament. A copy of the apology is available on my website here.
Important Dates
Canada Child Benefit: October 20 and November 20
Canada Pension Plan: October 27 and November 28
GST/HST Credit: October 5
Old Age Security: October 27 and November 28
Veteran Disability Pension: October 30 and November 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
October: Women’s History Month
October: Latin American Heritage Month
October: German Heritage Month
October: Canadian Islamic History Month
October: 2SLGBTQI+ History Month
October: National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October: Children’s Vision Month
October 9: Thanksgiving
October 10: World Mental Health Day
October 11: International Day of the Girl Child
October 17: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
October 18: Persons Day
October 18: World Menopause Day
October 22: 9th Anniversary of the Attack at the National War Memorial and Parliament Hill in Ottawa
October 23-29: National Down Syndrome Awareness Week
October 24: United Nations Day
October 31: National UNICEF Day
October 31: Happy Halloween!
Please Keep in Touch!
In addition to these monthly newsletters, I also provide regular updates about my work in the House of Commons here 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.
From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
