Dear friends,
 
It has been a busy few weeks back in Ottawa. In my new role as Government House Leader I am focused on debating and advancing legislation that will improve the economic well-being and security of Canadians.

Many in our community and across the country are deeply preoccupied with the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Three weeks ago, Canadians woke up to horrifying images coming out of Israel after the terrorist organization Hamas launched an attack of unspeakable brutality, claiming the lives of over 1400 innocent Israeli citizens. As the conflict continues, we call on all to abide by international humanitarian law and protect civilian lives. We have so far evacuated over 1600 Canadians and their families from the West Bank and Israel. We continue to press for a humanitarian corridor into Gaza and have joined the US and the UN in calling for humanitarian pauses to ensure aid can make it to vulnerable innocent Palestinian civilians. Canada was the first Western country to announce humanitarian assistance and has now contributed $60 Million to trusted partners.
 
There are many Canadians impacted by this who have ties or loved ones in the region. Please be kind and empathetic to them. We are seeing a disturbing rise in Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia here in Canada and now is the time to pull together as Canadians, denounce hatred in all its forms, and reach out to our friends and neighbours.

On another note, our government has continued to put forward legislation that addresses the affordability issues we know many Canadians are facing. We have introduced Bill C-56, the Affordable Housing and Groceries Act which seeks to remove the GST on rental rebates and amend the Competition Act to address our grocery sector. Minister Champagne has called on the major grocery chains to stabilize prices. We will keep pushing the big grocery chains on long term solutions, and will continue to make life more affordable for Canadians.
 

Here in Burlington, I announced $1.7 million in federal funding to support local charitable and non-profit organizations deliver vital services for vulnerable folks in our community. Congratulations to the 21 local charities and not-for-profits who received the federal funding.

Although I am in Ottawa as the House is sitting, I hope to see you around the community when I am home.

With gratitude,