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!

 $33.5 MILLION for Guelph!

On Tuesday, I announced federal funding of more than $33.4 million through the Build Communities Strong Fund to support major wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Guelph.

This project will expand capacity at the city’s wastewater treatment plant and build new trunk sewers. It allows Guelph to grow, allows it to be more resilient to climate change, allows it to improve its infrastructure supports and it takes some pressure off property taxes. This funding will directly enable the construction of nearly 4,400 new homes while strengthening the resilience and sustainability of Guelph’s wastewater system. Having chaired city council’s Infrastructure, Development and Environment committee when the Water and Wastewater master plan was approved, it was so meaningful for me to be able to deliver this very significant grant.

To learn more about this announcement, read the coverage from CBC News or GuelphToday.

Expanding Canada’s EV Charging Network

The government is supporting the transition to decarbonized transportation by investing $1.5 billion in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and public awareness across Canada.

In July, the government announced $10.9 million for 22 more EV charging and education projects. This investment will build almost 400 new charging stations through the ZEV Infrastructure Program and increase public awareness of EV charging technology.

As Canada’s EV network grows, we’re making sure that Canadians have greater access to reliable charging options wherever they live, and complements broader efforts to strengthen clean electricity generation, support emissions reductions, and position Canada as a leader in clean transportation, battery production, and the low-carbon economy. It’s great for the environment and the economy.

To learn more, click here!

Launching Canada’s Strategic Exports Advisory Council

The government recently announced the launch of Canada’s Strategic Exports Advisory Council, bringing together private sector leaders to provide advice on trade diversification and export growth opportunities for Canadian businesses.

The council will offer practical insights on the challenges and opportunities facing exporters and help inform Canada’s efforts to expand trade beyond the U.S. market. This initiative supports the government’s goal of doubling exports to non-U.S. markets by 2035 and strengthening Canada’s long-term economic growth through increased international trade.  international trade.

To learn more, click here!

If your business is looking to diversify to new markets, please contact us. We will be happy to introduce you to the trade commissioner and to explore other supports with you.

Wellington Federation of Agriculture Ag 101 Farm Tour

Where does your food come from? I attended the Wellington Federation of Agriculture’s Ag 101 Farm Tour, which highlighted the diversity, innovation, and resilience of our region’s agricultural sector. Visits to Woodrill Limited, NRD By-Products, and CJ Equestrian & Country Events provided valuable insights from grain growing and handling, food waste innovation, equine services and rural business development.

Thank you to the Wellington Federation of Agriculture for organizing this opportunity, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture for its continued leadership, and all the businesses who shared their expertise and perspectives. It was a great discussion of the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture, as well as the critical role local producers and agri-businesses play in strengthening Canada’s food security. As the MP for a riding that leads in agri-business, it is very important to hear how federal government programs are landing and what is really needed to support this fundamental sector.

St Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph

I visited St Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph and met with staff to learn more about innovations in health care delivery for Guelph. During the visit, I saw the Manitou Wiigwaam Indigenous community space, rehabilitation facilities, play therapy areas, the impressive rehabilitation garden, and long-term care spaces.

Did you know? If you have a pre-school aged child who has an autism diagnosis there is a play-based program at St. Joseph’s in Guelph that can help AND it does not have a wait list. Find out more here.

It was not my first visit to St. Joseph’s but I learned about the range of services they provide. I appreciate the patient-focused approach to care and the programs that support individuals and families throughout their healthcare journeys.

Connecting with Businesses in Guelph

Recently, I met with the teams at Ardea Technologies and UPS in Guelph to learn more about their operations and discuss their opportunities and challenges. Manufacturing and logistics continue to be important drivers of Guelph’s economy, supporting skilled jobs, innovation, and economic growth throughout the region. That’s why supporting local and regional business has been a significant focus for me in the past year.

Thank you to the team at Ardea Technologies for showcasing their work and sharing their insights on the future of manufacturing. I also had the opportunity to meet with representatives from UPS to discuss their priorities and hear about issues affecting the transportation sector. These conversations highlighted the important contributions local businesses make to our economy and supply chains.

Over the past few weeks, I connected with community members and local organizations at a variety of events across Guelph and Wellington County. Highlights included visits to Canada Summer Jobs placements at local camps, touring Wyndham House’s spectacular new location during its open house, highlighting the importance of childcare with Wee Watch, attending the Guelph General Hospital community BBQ, and enjoying a performance by the Guelph Symphony Orchestra.

I also attended a community potluck hosted by Kortright Church in partnership with the Rooted Centre and COMPASS Refugee Centre and joined the flag-raising ceremony at Guelph City Hall marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and recognizing efforts to prevent human trafficking and support survivors.

Are you hosting a community event in Guelph? Please let me know!

Youth Opportunities

Please encourage the teens and young adults in your life to check out these cool opportunities!

I found an excellent new job-search engine administered by the Workforce Planning Board. It consolidates all the usual job sites for a much broader search. It’s for anyone looking for work.

Stewardship Youth Ranger Program (must be born in 2009);  Outward Bound

Youth Digital Gateway Federal opportunities, resources, programs and services