New measures introduced to make life more affordable
I am honoured to share that I was recently elected President of the Assemblée de la francophonie, section Canada. As a proud Franco-Ontarian and your Member of Parliament for Orléans, I am committed to amplifying Francophone voices across Canada and promoting the vitality of our language and culture.
On Oct. 2, I had the privilege of announcing, on behalf of the Minister responsible for Official Languages, a major agreement between Canada and Ontario at Collège Mer Bleue. This agreement will invest over $523 million in Ontario, part of a $1.4 billion, four-year commitment to support official languages across the country. By defending our languages and cultures, we are investing in the future of our communities.
That same day, I introduced my first Private Member’s Bill: Bill C-248, The Time Change Act, calling for a pan-Canadian conference to end the outdated biannual clock changes. It’s time to move toward a single, consistent time across Canada, in collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners.
On Oct, 10, the Prime Minister announced new measures to make life more affordable, with automatic federal benefits for up to 5.5 million Canadians, improving access to the GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit, and Canada Disability Benefit, a permanent National School Food Program, saving eligible families up to $800/year and renewing the Canada Strong Pass for the holidays and summer 2026, offering free or discounted access to national parks, museums, and train travel.
The government is also taking strong action to protect Canadians by bringing legislation to strengthen the Criminal Code to keep violent and repeat offenders out of our communities. The amendments will include, introducing reverse-onus bail for major crimes, allowing consecutive sentencing for multiple offences, imposing tougher penalties for organized retail theft, restricting conditional sentences for several sexual offences, and funding for 1,000 new RCMP personnel with a $1.8 billion investment over four years to increase federal policing capacity across Canada.
On Oct. 18, I had the pleasure of joining the Orléans Lions Club in honouring four members for their decades of service: Claude Bertrand (55 years), Gerry Carisse (54 years), Ollie Jenkerson (49 years), and Robert Sigman (45 years). Thank you for your dedication.
This week marks Small Business Week in Canada. I want to thank all local entrepreneurs and the Heart of Orléans BIA for your leadership, resilience, and the vital role you play in strengthening our local economy.
Happy Halloween! Have fun, stay safe, and watch out for trick-or-treaters on our roads.
SDBC TAPROOM CONCERT SERIES presents East Coast Experience live and in concert from 7 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park. Advance tickets $25 available at 
CRAFT AND BAKE SALE from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.at the Hobbs Seniors Club, 109 Larch Cres. (off Champlain Street).
2-DAY HOLIDAY MARKET at Les Serres Robert Plante Greenhouses on Navan Road featureing over 275 vendors 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Plenty of parking available. Join us for an incredible weekend full of shopping, seasonal fun, and festive vibes throughout the entire greenhouse. Les Serres Robert Plante Greenhouses are located at the corner of Navan and Tenth Line Roads.
JARDIN ROYAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. filled with Christmas decorations, little treats, and much more!! Come to shop, taste, discover... And most of all, leave with some Christmas magic! The Jardin Royal retirementresidence is located at 2802 St. Joseph Blvd. in Orléans.
