Newsletter — August 2023
And just like that, the summer school holidays are coming to an end. How does time always seem to speed up during July and August? I hope you all had a wonderful summer and I’d like to wish all educators and kids a successful return to school.
Heading Back to Parliament: A Personal Update
I’ve spent the past month settling into my new role - Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development: meeting with advocacy groups and philanthropic organizations like the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre and the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, receiving briefings from expert department officials on the wide range of policies under my portfolio, and of course preparing for Question Period in the House of Commons.
The weeks leading up to the House of Commons’ return are in the same essence of the back-to-school season for kids: there’s a lot to read, study, and prepare. And, like the first day back to school, the first day back to Parliament is just as exciting!
Despite all of the changes on Parliament Hill, my role at the community level remains the same. My Constituency Office team is still working around the clock to support constituents with federal programs. I still keep a close eye on my inbox for emails from constituents like yourself. When I’m in my seat in the House of Commons and not participating in debate, I typically spend my time reading and responding to your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions.
In the Chamber, it’s common to see MPs reviewing letters, typing away at email responses to constituents, and speaking with neighbouring MPs about issues that affect their shared communities, all while simultaneously debating issues, motions, and bills. I hope that, as the House of Commons returns in September, you’ll continue to reach out to me on any topic that comes to mind. Hearing your input is a great way to stay abreast of the unique issues that matter to our community — and to enable me to directly advocate for solutions to them in the House of Commons.
UPCOMING: Summer Meet & Greet — September 1 from 5-7PM
Tomorrow, Councillor Cathy Curry and I will be hosting a Summer Meet & Greet at Mlacak Arena to say “hello” to the community!
Drop by for a sweet treat, share your thoughts, and enjoy the sunshine. It'll be a great way to kick off the long weekend — come say hi!
House of Commons Returns in September
I’m looking forward to the scheduled return of the House of Commons on September 18th, building on the accomplishments of this past year. I provide regular updates about my work in the House of Commons on my website, and I encourage you to follow along and get involved. For example:
Book tickets to watch Question Period live from the House of Commons
Start, sponsor, or sign a petition on the House of Commons website
Follow ongoing legislation in the House of Commons and Senate
Track the voting record of all Members of Parliament
Watch Parliamentary committees and debates live on demand
Share Your Thoughts — New Fall Community Check-In
My new Fall Community Check-In survey is out now! What do you believe are the most important issues our country faces right now? Please share your thoughts with me by completing this very short online survey.
I read every response personally, and your feedback is valuable and appreciated.
Wildfires Update
Our country is currently experiencing the worst wildfire season on record, leading to widespread evacuations, loss of personal property, and damage to critical infrastructure.
While our government is working with provinces and territories to ensure they have the necessary resources to fight these fires and safely return residents to their homes, I’d like to thank all firefighters, volunteers, and local officials in Canada and from around the world that are working in very dangerous situations to keep people safe.
The recovery efforts continue. This week, we have deployed 100 Canadian Armed Forces members to help British Columbia and assist BC Wildfire Service with Type III firefighting tasks for the next three weeks, and longer if needed.
Long Term Wildfire Mitigation
As wildfires become more common and more extreme, many of you have reached out to me about Canada’s long-term plan to respond to climate change and their impact on wildfires.
Intense summer weather has dried out forests and made dry, windy weather more frequent, creating conditions to start and fuel wildfires. Climate change is increasing the speed, spread, and risk factors of forest fires — and the amount of Canadian forest burned by wildfire is projected to double by 2050 due to our changing climate.
That’s why we’ve developed the National Guide for Wildland-Urban Interface Fires to improve the resilience of buildings, infrastructure and communities against wildfires. This guide has informed provincial firefighting efforts during the past Quebec fires, as well as those in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories this month.
Firefighters also need the resources, staff, and training to continue their important service. That’s why we’ve provided $350M to the provinces and territories to buy equipment and to train new wildland firefighters, keeping this important workforce well-staffed and ready to respond to fires as they emerge.
Reliable mapping is essential to an effective wildfire response. That’s why we’ve invested in new wildland fire risk mapping and launching the new WildFireSat, Canada's first space satellite system for monitoring wildfires.
Right now, the Government Operations Centre is coordinating the federal response to the wildfire situation across the country, and officials are working closely with federal and provincial partners to coordinate this assistance. Details on federal support for communities affected by wildfires can be found online here.
Community Engagement Opportunities
From volunteer opportunities to exploring all that our community organizations have to offer, there’s always something to do in our community!
Hospice Care Ottawa is looking for volunteers to help with garden and soup programs at our Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice on McCurdy Drive in Kanata. Soups are prepared by volunteers onsite daily between 10am-noon, with the greatest need for volunteer assistance on weekends. Garden volunteer shifts are flexible. Interested volunteers can apply by contacting volunteer.services@hospicecareottawa.ca.
Expo 55+, a seniors-focused expo hosted by Kanata North City Councillor Cathy Curry, will be held on Friday, September 15 from 12:30pm-3:30pm at the Mlacak Centre. Expo 55+ is an opportunity to learn more about services that are provided to seniors in the community and across our City. All are welcome, with no registration required. Light refreshments will be provided.
The Kanata Seniors’ Centre will be holding their Open House on Wednesday, September 6 from 8:30am-11:00am to showcase many of the activities that go on at the Centre! Volunteer convenors will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have about programming and the Centre. Complimentary breakfast provided by the Kanata Seniors’ Council will be served from 8:30am-10:00am.
Find more opportunities in your neighbourhood by visiting your local City Councillor’s webpage and reading their frequent newsletters:
Kanata North — Councillor Cathy Curry: www.kanatanorth.ca
Kanata South — Councillor Allan Hubley: www.councillorallanhubley.ca
West Carleton—March — Councillor Clarke Kelly: www.clarkekelly.ca
Important Dates
Canada Child Benefit: September 20 & October 20
Canada Pension Plan: September 27 & October 27
Old Age Security: September 27 & October 27
Veteran Disability Pension: September 28 & October 30
Climate Action Incentive: October 2023
GST/HST Credit: October 5
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
September 1: Meet & Greet with Kanata North City Councillor Cathy Curry
September 4: Labour Day
September 6: Kanata Seniors’ Centre Open House
September 16: Rosh Hashanah
September 23: Happy 1st day of Fall!
September 25: Yom Kippur
September 27: Milad un Nabi (Mawlid)
September 30: First day of Sukkot
September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
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.
I’d like to wish you all a wonderful and safe Labour Day weekend!
