Dear Friends,

The past month has seen many challenges. From the occupation in Ottawa to the illegal blockades at our border points across the country. The Federal Government invoked – for the first time – the Emergencies Act and revoked it 7 days later once the illegal activities had been cleared.

And then, last week, the world bore witness to the unprovoked and horrific invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Like you, I have been horrified by the images of brutal attack by the Russian forces on a peaceful, democratic country and people.

Canada has strongly condemned Russia’s egregious attack and alongside our allies have taken strong responsive measures. This includes one of the most coordinated and fulsome sanctions package the world has ever seen, including on President Putin himself. We have sent two shipments of lethal aid to Ukraine and are preparing a third. Canada has provided much needed humanitarian assistance to UN and humanitarian partners and will match donations made by Canadians to the Red Cross up to $10 million. Canada – Canadians – stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. For a full overview of Canada’s response to the crisis in Ukraine, see here.

Despite everything going on, we still found reason to come together as a community this past month.

Every February we celebrate Black History Month in Canada. I was honoured to participate in a number of events right in Burlington, in support of the Black community who are not only commemorating the many achievements of Black Canadians, but also writing the next chapter.

It was inspiring to visit the Black Excellence Canada pop up shop in the Burlington Centre that support over 30 Black-owned businesses. And I was deeply appreciative of being invited to join a lunchtime panel with the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton and the Halton District School Board to talk and learn of the experiences of Black and racialized students and families here in Halton.

Through a renewed Anti-Racism Strategy, the Supporting Black Canadians Communities Initiative, the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund, and many more, the Government of Canada will continue to work alongside Black Canadian communities to combat systemic anti-Black racism, support Black economic empowerment, and help promote mental health and wellness within Black communities.

We also watched with pride as two Burlington women brought home Olympic Gold! We are thrilled for the Canadian women's hockey team and Burlington's own Emma Maltais and Renata Fast.

I am also grateful to those who took the time to participate in my Pre-Budget Consultation with the Burlington Chamber of Commerce this month. We discussed everything from housing to healthcare, supports for workers, childcare and cybersecurity. It was a rich conversation with community leaders that will inform the Government's 2022 Budget process.

As of February 28th, because of the hard work of Canadians, the Government of Canada has been able to lighten COVID-19 border measures for fully vaccinated travelers. For more information on the updated border measures, please consult the link here.

Lastly, as we approach tax season, I will be offering the 7th annual Income Tax Clinic in partnership with volunteers from the Burlington Public Library. This Tax Clinic provides free tax filing to low income residents in Burlington. For more information, please see below, or visit my website.