By the Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament (Ottawa-Vanier)
Dear residents,
As the month of February begins, the House of Commons has resumed its session following the holiday break. I am embarking into the next year with a lot of positive energy and ambition to serve the residents of Ottawa-Vanier.
Despite geopolitical instability, the cost of living, and the adverse weather conditions experienced due to climate change, we managed to stay strong in these challenging moments last year. We looked out for our neighbours and were there for each other. Throughout 2024, we will continue to roll up our sleeves and find solutions to support the issues and challenges we will face. Whether it’s the cost of living, pressures on the healthcare system, or climate change, I am confident that by working together with our colleagues from the provincial and municipal governments, we will implement the necessary measures for a better economic and social future in our community.
We will continue to support the middle class by creating good jobs, building more housing, and preserving our clean air. We will also continue to provide targeted relief from inflation to families who need it most, including the implementation of $10-a-day childcare services and the Child Care Benefit which is indexed to consider inflation. We are also establishing the Canadian Dental Care Plan that will benefit Canadians, including youth under 18 and seniors, and we are also working together to build more housing, faster.
In our unwavering dedication to offering crucial assistance to Canadians, we are proud to support the establishment and maintenance of the 9-8-8 helpline by investing $158 million over the next three years. This 24/7 hotline serves as a vital connection for individuals contemplating suicide or self-harm, linking them with highly trained professionals who are always available to lend a compassionate ear and provide assistance. If you or someone you know is grappling with suicidal thoughts, don’t hesitate to call 9-8-8. Your call can make a life-saving difference!
As always, my team and I are at your service to address your questions and requests regarding federal programs and services. You can reach us by contacting our office at 613-998-1860 or by email at mona.fortier@parl.gc.ca.