Starting the year with reduced childcare fees

We have settled into the new year, and my team and I have been pleased to meet with residents and hear about the issues that resonate with our community. The House is back in session, and I look forward to continuing to represent Ottawa Centre residents on Parliament Hill.

Childcare fees reduced by 50 per cent

We are off to a great start with reduced childcare fees. Now that Ontario has signed on to Canada’s Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, Ottawa Centre residents are seeing a 50-per-cent reduction in their childcare expenses. I’ve heard from many families in our community how much of a difference this has made. Parents should not have to choose between working and raising a family. Furthermore, this means having more flexibility as to how Canadians spend their earnings, whether it’s to buy more groceries, enroll children in more afterschool activities or to be able to pay rent with greater ease. This is part of our overall plan to make life more affordable for Canadians, and one step closer to ensuring families can access $10 per day childcare. Additionally, on December 8, our federal government introduced Bill C-35 to further reinforce and protect Canada’s Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. If passed, the bill would enshrine the principles of a Canada-wide early-learning and childcare system into federal law.

Canada Dental Benefit

I’m thrilled that we now have a Canada Dental Benefit! This is a first for Canada. Families earning less than $90,000 will be able to apply for the Canada Dental Benefit which will provide up to $1,300 over two years for children under 12 to get the dental care they need. This is the first step in our plan to build a Canada-wide dental-care program to make sure everyone who needs dental care can access it. It’s important to note that this is not an automatic benefit. Eligible families can quickly, easily and securely apply for the Canada Dental Benefit in CRA

By Martha Jeacle

The Rideau Winter Trail is a free recreational trail groomed from Bank Street to Donald Street for cross country skiing (skate and classic), walking, snowshoeing and fat biking. It is run entirely by volunteers, with support from the City of Ottawa, the National Capital Commission (NCC), some government grants, amazing sponsors and donations from community members. Please follow it on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook to learn more (and visit the website: www.rideauwintertrail.ca).

My Account or by calling the dedicated phone line at 1-800-715-8836. More information on this benefit and how to apply is available on Canada.ca/dental.

Protecting our environment by banning single-use plastics

In addition to affordability, our community cares greatly about our environment and tackling climate change. Our federal government made a commitment to ban single-use plastics to protect our environment and our waters. Over the next decade, this world-leading ban on harmful single-use plastics will result in the estimated elimination of over 1.3 million tonnes of hard-to-recycle plastic waste and more than 22,000 tonnes of plastic pollution, which is equivalent to over a million garbage bags full of litter. As of December 20, the manufacture and import for sale in Canada of checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware, stir sticks and straws, as defined in the regulations, are prohibited. This bold action will result in cleaner parks and hiking trails for residents to enjoy and a cleaner shoreline for our kids to play. I have been a strong advocate for climate action in our community, and I am pleased to share this important news with residents.

Supporting our community

I would like to recognize the tireless work that is carried out by not-forprofit organizations in our community. As many of us took a break during the holidays, these organizations worked day in and day out to support our most vulnerable and ensure that their needs were met. My team and I were pleased to help out at Parkdale Food Centre through their “Fill up the Freezers” program to make a homemade meal for residents in need. I applaud Parkdale Food Centre and many other local organizations who go above and beyond to support individuals and families in need, every day of the year.

As always, don’t hesitate to contact my community office if you have any questions on these federal government initiatives or if you are in need of assistance. My team and I are here to help.