Here are a few I would like to highlight:
• Early Learning and Child Care: We have already signed agreements with all of the provinces and territories to reduce fees by 50% on our way to $10/day childcare by 2026 (some provinces and territories have already reached this milestone!). This month we enshrined the role of Federal Government in national childcare to make this national system permanent.
• Animal Welfare: I know many people in our community care a lot protecting animals. In this session we passed laws to prevent testing on animals for cosmetics and toxicity. We also have opened consultations on regulations to end the import and export of elephant tusks and rhino horn. If you are interested in sharing your thoughts, you can find more information here.
• Investing in a Clean Electricity Grid: Canada has one of the cleanest electrical grids in the world. We will need to increase the amount of electricity produced and to clean the remainder of the grid as we move to our goal of net-zero by 2050. This also creates economic opportunities, for example with the Oneida Battery Storage Project which is a joint venture with the Six Nations of Grand River. For more information, please click here.
• Expanded Dental Benefits: Last year saw the first phase of the dental benefit for children under the age of 12. This year will see its expansion to seniors and young people up to the age of 18.
• Federal Disability Benefits: We now have passed a law to create a direct monthly payment for working age Canadians with disabilities. We are negotiating with provinces and territories for the roll out of this benefit, particularly to ensure that there are no unintended claw backs. We are hoping to see the benefit ready to be released in the next year.
• Economic Stability: Following our most recent budget, Canada had its Triple AAA credit rating affirmed based on the stable outlook for our economy.
