Happy spring, Centennial!

I’m sure we are all equally excited to see the signs of summer just around the corner! I would like to begin by congratulating all of our students on another successful school year. This year, I had the pleasure to visit several schools in the Centennial community. During each school visit, the students and I engaged in a series of vibrant discussions about community engagement, the environment, Indigenous affairs, international relations and human rights.

Bardish Chagger visits Rouge Park

On May 19, I was proud to welcome Bardish Chagger, the Minister for Small Business and Tourism, to the Rouge National Urban Park. Last year, a record number of visitors ventured to Canada`s National Parks and immersed themselves in the rich biodiversity of our local environment.

Recognizing how important our National Parks are to Canadians, our government committed an historic $1.3 billion over the next five years in Budget 2018 to conserve Canadian parkland and protect our at-risk wildlife. This investment will help ensure that future generations have an equal opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Canada!

Spring Open House

I would like to thank those of you who joined us on May 26 for our annual Spring Open House. My team and I always look forward to this as it gives us an opportunity to further engage with local residents, answer a variety of federal policy and service questions, and hear more about some of the exciting initiatives our community has planned for the summer.

New Horizons for Seniors Program 

The Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program promotes positive aging by supporting seniors’ volunteerism and encouraging them to play an active role in their communities. This innovative program enhances seniors’ social well-being and enables them to maintain social ties and share their knowledge, skills and experience with others.

This program is a perfect opportunity for seniors in non-profit organizations such as charities, activity clubs, volunteer organizations or professional associations who are looking to benefit their community by mentoring younger generations; reducing social isolation amongst their peers; and volunteering in local social activities. Seniors aged 55 and older are eligible to apply for either a $5,000 or $25,000 grant in support of community-based projects and up to a $750,000 grant for pan-Canadian projects.

For more information about the New Horizons for Seniors program, contact my constituency office or visit: . The deadline to apply is June 15.

Summer Barbecue

We know the summer holidays get booked up early, so I would like to invite you and your family to join my team and me on Sunday, July 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Joyce Trimmer Park for our Annual Summer Barbecue. This year’s barbecue promises to be an afternoon full of delicious food, exciting games and fun activities for the whole family. Vegetarian, vegan and Halal options will be available. All are welcome.

I hope all of you enjoy safe and happy summer, full of pleasant memories with family and friends!