Congratulations to the CCRA!
For over seven decades, the CCRA and its dedicated volunteers have been the backbone of the Centennial community, uniting neighbours and cultivating a lasting sense of belonging that continues to thrive today. It was a pleasure to celebrate this milestone with you and to recognize the volunteers who make Centennial a great place to live, work, and play!
Building the Rouge Gateway at Rouge National Urban Park
Parks Canada has officially unveiled the final design for its Visitor, Learning, and Community Centre. Located at 25 Zoo Road, this innovative building will serve as the future gateway to the Rouge National Urban Park, embodying the Rouge’s unique character both inside and out. Construction of the centre will begin in 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2027.
The design reflects the efforts of Parks Canada, the RNUP First Nations Advisory Circle, and feedback from over 1,000 community members. It will feature outdoor gathering and learning spaces, an events field, a fire pit, a communal kitchen, and a food terrace. Native plants and raised earthwork mounds will enrich the landscape, while a drop-off loop, bus stop, and car park will ensure accessibility. Inside, the centre will offer beautiful panoramic views, a central skylight, a reception area, a multi-purpose event space, a café, a gift shop, washrooms, and much more.
Please visit Parks Canada’s website to learn more about this future landmark for our community!
Sustainable Immigration for Canada’s Future
Our immigration system must always align with Canada’s needs, welcoming individuals with the right skills and providing them with the support necessary to thrive. That’s why we’re introducing new measures to ensure the number of temporary residents, such as international students and temporary foreign workers, is sustainable:
- Lowering the limit on international study permits in 2025 by an additional 10%, building on the 35% reduction already in place this year.
- Capping the number of low-wage temporary foreign workers that employers can hire to 10% of their workforce to prioritize Canadian workers. This cap applies to all sectors except health care, food processing, and construction, which will remain at 20%.
- Introducing new rules on spousal work permits for students and temporary workers.
- Empowering our officers and immigration system to detect fraud, catch non-genuine visitors to Canada, and reinforce visa integrity.
To be clear, immigration is – and will always remain – one of Canada’s greatest strengths. This has long been the essence of our nation, and we are committed to safeguarding it by upholding the integrity of our system, helping people find good-paying jobs, and cracking down on those who exploit students and workers.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
On September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I joined Canadians in honouring the children who never returned home and those who continue to endure the trauma of residential schools. For too long, the voices of Survivors and those affected have been silenced, denied or ignored. This day was a time for sombre reflection, as only by listening to Survivors, families, and Indigenous voices with compassion and empathy can we truly understand the harm and pain caused.
Indigenous Peoples have shown immense courage and resilience. As the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, I am dedicated to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples to ensure every child is remembered with dignity and that families have the opportunity to heal.