Newsletter - September 2024
With fall in full force, our local farmers’ markets are sadly wrapping up at the end of this month. Thank you to everyone who supported our local vendors throughout the season at the Kanata Farmers’ Market and the Carp Farmers’ Market.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and the Kanata Food Cupboard is busy with their annual Thanksgiving Hamper Program preparations. Please visit their website to learn more. The deadline to register is Sunday, October 6, 2024.
Ministerial Update
While the House of Commons just came back to start off a busy fall, there has been no shortage of good news for families across the country!
We signed the first National School Food Program Agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador. An additional 4,100 students at 58 schools across the province will have access to food in school in the first year. We announced the National School Food Program back in April, and here we are with the first agreement signed. I look forward to working with all provinces and territories to deliver this Program across Canada.
We’ve also made progress in delivering high-quality, affordable child care across the country. With new child care spots created, more support for the workforce, and child care fees being reduced, we’re making our national child care plan a reality.
Join me for Question Period
Now that the House is back in session, 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.
Interest Rates Drop, again + Mortgage Wins
The third consecutive rate drop by the Bank of Canada (to 4.25%) is a sign of a rebounding economy. With inflation slowing to just 2%, this is great news, especially for those with variable rate mortgages.
To add to this, on September 16, our government announced its boldest mortgage reforms in decades. In addition to introducing the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, we are increasing the insured mortgage cap to reflect home prices in more expensive cities, allowing homebuyers more time to pay off their mortgage, and helping homeowners switch lenders to find the lowest interest rate at renewal. More information is available here.
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Update
My team and I often receive inquiries about the CDCP. Here is a quick update: To date, we have approved more than 2,400,000 Canadians for the program (2,757 from Kanata alone!), and 650,000+ have already received care. The first groups to gain access were those under 18 and older than 65 and this is just the start! I’m really excited about the difference the CDCP will make for so many people.
The CDCP helps pay a portion of the cost for a wide range of oral health care services. For details on what and how much is covered, please visit the CDCP website.
Community Events and Visits
Yesterday 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 the Diefenbunker Museum in Carp, hosted by Makatew Workshops. Thank you to everyone in attendance and to the organizers and volunteers - for giving everyone in attendance an opportunity to learn and reflect. We all have a role to play on the journey toward reconciliation.
On September 16, I had the honour of joining the Prime Minister to meet with members of Ottawa’s Iranian women’s community. On the 2nd anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s passing, their strength and bravery remind us of the ongoing fight for justice, equality, and freedom.
It was great to hear from Kanata seniors at the Kanata Expo 55+ event, chatting about all the community-based support services available to 55+ residents here in Kanata—Carleton and sharing details of Federal support available to them as well. Thank you to Kanata North Councillor Curry and team for organizing this event!
The ‘Best Little Fair in Canada’ (a.k.a. one of my favourite events of the year!) did not disappoint! Thank you to all the wonderful constituents who stopped by my tent at the Carp Fair to say hello and chat. It’s been fantastic to see so many familiar faces, as well as meet new community members. It takes a lot to organize an event of this scale! A big thank you to the organizers and all event partners and volunteers who worked tirelessly for months.
On September 19, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne and I hosted an AI Compute Roundtable at Hub350 in the Kanata North technology park with local tech leaders. It was great to come together to discuss our opportunity to build Canada’s AI infrastructure and continue to grow Canada’s artificial intelligence advantage. Thank you to everyone who attended. When we work together, the impossible is achievable.
Save the date for the return of the Kanata Claus Parade on Saturday, November 23, 2024! If you're interested in registering a float or volunteering for this year's parade please email kanatasantaparade@gmail.com for more information!
I Want to Hear from You!
How can my team and I better service you? What are the priorities that matter most to you? Sharing your feedback with me is easy. Simply fill out this short online survey. Your feedback matters to me.
Important Dates
Canada Child Benefit: October 18 and November 20
Canada Pension Plan: October 29 and November 27
Old Age Security: October 29 and November 27
Veteran Disability Pension: October 30 and November 28
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: Latin American Heritage Month, German Heritage Month, Canadian Islamic History Month, Women’s History Month - Canada, 2SLGBTQI+ History Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October 1: National Seniors Day
October 2-4: Rosh Hashanah
October 4: National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQ+ people
October 5: World Teachers' Day
October 9: World Ageism Day
October 10: World Mental Health Day
October 11: International Day of the Girl Child
October 14: Thanksgiving
October 18: Persons Day
October 23-29: National Down Syndrome Awareness Week
October 31: Halloween
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.
