Royal City Roundup – September 23rd
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Welcome to the Royal City Roundup, my bi-weekly community newsletter that connects constituents with my work in Parliament and Guelph. Thank you for being here! It was wonderful spending the summer in Guelph meeting with residents, businesses, and community organizations. Now that Parliament is back in session, I’m in Ottawa and ready for a busy and productive fall on behalf of our community! |
Federal Updates |
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Canada deepens partnership with the European Union As global trade and security continue to evolve, Canada is working more closely with the European Union to strengthen economic partnerships and expand opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. Building stronger relationships with trusted partners helps support economic growth, diversify trade, and create greater stability in an increasingly uncertain world. Investing in Canada’s Future This month saw several major announcements focused on growing Canada’s economy and strengthening infrastructure. New measures to encourage business investment, along with significant commitments from investors at the Canada Investment Summit, aim to support job creation, economic growth, and long-term prosperity across the country. The federal government has also announced plans to explore private investment opportunities for Canada’s largest airports while maintaining public ownership of the underlying airport lands and assets. Any future agreements would be developed in collaboration with airport authorities, local governments, and stakeholders, with a focus on protecting workers, maintaining safety standards, preventing unreasonable cost increases for travellers, and ensuring Canada’s airport infrastructure can meet future needs. Funds generated through these investments would be reinvested in public infrastructure projects, including regional airports, public transit, and other nation-building initiatives. Today, many Canadian pension plans are invested in airports around this world, opening ours to investment – while retaining ownership – allows them to invest at home. Supporting the Next Generation of Skilled Trades Workers As Canada works to build more homes, infrastructure, and major projects, there is growing demand for skilled trades workers. Through the new Team Canada Strong initiative, the federal government is investing in programs that help young Canadians explore careers in the trades and gain practical work experience. A new paid work placement program will provide young people with opportunities to develop skills, build industry connections, and take their first steps toward apprenticeship pathways. Additional supports for apprentices, including new financial incentives and training assistance, are intended to help more Canadians complete their certification and pursue rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Canada Water Agency Consultations The Government of Canada continues to engage with communities, Indigenous partners, stakeholders, and experts as work moves forward on protecting and managing Canada’s freshwater resources. Ongoing consultations will help inform future priorities and strengthen efforts to safeguard water resources for generations to come. I know this is an issue Guelph residents care about deeply. Have your say here before October 25, 2026. Call for Applications: Parliamentary Poet Laureate Applications are now open for Canada’s next Parliamentary Poet Laureate. For the 2027-2029 term, poets who work primarily in French are encouraged to apply for this role, which celebrates excellence in Canadian literature and promotes poetry across the country. Click here to apply! |
In Ottawa |
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With the House back in session, I’m back in Ottawa and hard at work in committee and caucus meetings. Here are a few updates from those meetings: Building Canada Strong Act (C-39) On Monday, our government introduced the Building Canada Strong Act. The bill is about strengthening our trade corridors and ports, getting infrastructure projects built faster, and supporting workers and fair workplaces. This is about our national and economic sovereignty and helping us reach new markets. This legislation is the result of extensive consultations over the spring and summer with unions and employers, and will strengthen collective bargaining by helping parties address issues earlier, reach negotiated agreements, and resolve disputes while fully protecting the right to strike. Industry Committee (INDU) The Industry and Technology Committee continues drafting its study on fraud and scams, examining how these schemes impact Canadians and exploring ways to strengthen consumer protections. The committee is also drafting a report on Canada’s electric vehicle sector and opportunities to support innovation, investment, and domestic manufacturing as the industry continues to evolve. Up next we will be reviewing two Private Members Bills. One pertaining to rural connectivity, the other to Right to Repair. Stakeholder meetings Part of the work in Guelph and in Ottawa involves meeting with stakeholders whose work aligns with my own. It was such a pleasure then to meet with Farmers for Climate action for their input on Canada’s agriculture framework and a discussion of Bill S-230, Senator Black’s Soil Protection bill that I will present in the House later this fall. Similarly, the 10th anniversary of DataStream was an opportunity for conversations about groundwater and water quality monitoring. Auto Caucus Tariffs remain a major topic of discussion for Canada’s automotive sector. Recent conversations at Auto Caucus have focused on the impacts of ongoing trade uncertainty on Canadian manufacturers, workers, and supply chains. As Canada continues to advocate for fair and stable trading relationships, protecting jobs and maintaining a competitive automotive industry remain key priorities |
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In Guelph |
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Guelph Wellington Digital Equity Coalition I recently met with the Guelph Wellington Digital Equity Coalition (GWDEC) to discuss the important work they are doing to improve digital access across our community. Their efforts focus on ensuring everyone has access to the technology, internet connectivity, and digital skills needed to participate fully in today’s world. GWDEC also offers resources and information to help residents access technology, build digital literacy skills, and navigate online services, helping make our community more connected and inclusive. I always learn a lot during these meetings. You can click here to find out more about their resources! 25th Anniversary Commemoration of 9/11 in Gander Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending the 25th anniversary commemoration of 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland. It was a moving opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary kindness and compassion shown by the people of Gander during a tragic moment in history. Hearing stories from passengers and community members who experienced that day firsthand was a powerful reminder of the strength, generosity, and resilience that Canadians are known for. As a member of the Standing Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities it was also an extraordinary opportunity to visit NavCanada in Gander to see what’s involved with air traffic control for the entire North East of the Atlantic! Guelph Wellington Men’s Club Thank you to the Guelph Wellington Men’s Club for inviting me to speak at your meeting. I appreciated the thoughtful questions, engaging discussion, and opportunity to hear directly from members about the issues that matter most to them. Conversations like these help ensure Guelph’s voice is heard in Ottawa. Guelph Pipe Band Scottish Festival It was great to see such a strong turnout at the Guelph Pipe Band Scottish Festival held at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 234. I enjoyed connecting with residents, celebrating Scottish heritage, and taking part in a wonderful community event that brought people together through music, culture, and tradition. |
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Get Involved |
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Apply for my Youth Council! My office is now accepting applications for the Guelph Federal Youth Council. If you’re between the ages of 17 and 24 and interested in civic engagement, public service, and making your voice heard, I encourage you to apply. Please share if you know someone who may be interested. There’s usually pizza! Click here to apply! Youth Opportunities Please encourage the teens and young adults in your life to check out these cool opportunities! NEW: Forum for Young Canadians Applications Open: Applications are now open for the 2027 Forum for Young Canadians National Summit, giving youth ages 15 to 18 the opportunity to visit Ottawa, learn about Canada’s democratic institutions, and gain first-hand experience with the parliamentary process. Click here to apply! Youth Digital Gateway Federal opportunities, resources, programs and services Refresh Your Résumé! Applications for the House of Commons Page Program open in September 2026. If you’re interested in politics, public service, or gaining hands-on experience in Canada’s democracy, now is the perfect time to start preparing your application. For more information, click here. Job Seekers: This job-search engine from the Workforce Planning Board consolidates all the usual job sites for a much broader search. If you or someone you know is looking for work, check it out. |

