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my first Private Member’s Bill: Bill C-248, The Time Change Act, calling for a pan-Canadian conference to end the outdated biannual clock changes.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.
TRIVIA NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans. Free to play. Prizes for the winning team! The Royal Oak Pub is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near Jeanne d'Arc. For more info visit 
OYSTER NIGHT every Wednesday from 6-9 pm at the Orléans Brewing Co. Two types of oysters served with lemon, Tobasco, horseradish, salt and mignonette. The Orléans Brewing Co. is located at 4380 Innes Rd., next to McDonalds.
OPEN MIC NIGHT at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way. Registration begins at 7 p.m. Music at 8 p.m. with your host Matthew Palmer.
SDBC TAPROOM CONCERT SERIES presents Redial live and in concert from 7-9 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park. Advance tickets $10 available at 
ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY 11 a.m. at the Orléans Cenotaph beside the Orléans Legion Branch 632, 800 Taylor Creek Drive. Sandwiches and desserts following the ceremony inside the Legion.
THE ROTARY CLUB OF ORLEANS is hosting a Holiday Dinner at the St. Elias Banquet Centre, 750 Ridgewood Ave. Tickets: $75/person. 4 course dinner (choice of turkey, salmon or vegetarien), dessert and punch. Contact Mashooda Sayed at mashoodasyed@yahoo.ca or call 613-255-0872.
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 
