Dear residents,
It’s been a busy period in the House of Commons as we approach summer. I’m pleased to share with you some of the projects we have been working hard on.
On Tuesday, April 16th, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland presented Budget 2024, which includes many important investments that will make Canada a fairer place, with measures to address affordability, healthcare, and housing.
The Budget includes significant support for the well-being of our youth, with $1 billion allocated toward the creation of a National School Food Program. This program will see 400,000 children across the country, including many in Ottawa-Vanier, receive a healthy meal every day, so they can better focus on school and don’t have to go to class hungry. This will also allow their parents to save on their grocery budget.
Our government has recognized that the housing crisis is having a real impact on Canadians looking for a place to call home. That’s why we’ve been making investments to build new homes in Ottawa-Vanier and around the country. This includes measures such as the Public Lands for Homes Plan which will unlock federally owned lands for the construction of 500 new housing units in Ottawa-Vanier’s very own Wateridge Village, and over 250,000 new homes across Canada. Budget 2024 also includes billions of dollars of investments that will make it easier and cheaper to build new rental housing.
You shouldn’t be able to tell someone’s socio-economic status from the quality of their smile. That’s why eligible seniors aged 65 and up can now begin receiving the dental care they need thanks to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Delivery of services began on May 1st, and since then, some 90,000 Canadians have received care they previously couldn’t access. I was able to visit Kilrea Denture Clinic on Wednesday, May 8th where I heard from seniors firsthand about how much of a difference this program is making in their lives. By 2025, nine million Canadians will be eligible to receive dental care through the CDCP, it is truly a game changer in the lives of many. To verify eligibility, please visit Canada.ca/dental
I have also been working hard with my colleagues from the Liberal Ottawa caucus for the revitalization of the downtown core, so I was thrilled to see that Budget 2024 takes important steps toward the revitalization of downtown, including the ByWard Market. The government is committed to reducing its office portfolio by 50% over the next decade. Selling these office buildings will free up space for a range of new uses, including new housing and other sectors, from small businesses to arts and culture.
As always, if you need any assistance with any federal programs or services, contact my team at 613-998-1860, or send us an email at mona.fortier@parl.gc.ca.