As we are getting ready for the holiday season, it was a magical experience to attend the lighting of the beautiful tree on Centrum Plaza, on November 25th, along with local Councillors Matt Luloff, Laura Dudas, Catherine Kitts. Thank you to Colonnade Bridgeport and the Heart of Orléans BIA for making it a reality again this year.
We also celebrated the 25th anniversary of Santa’s Parade of Lights on November 26th. It was such a special moment to participate in person this year and to see such a big crowd gathered along St-Joseph Blvd. on a beautiful evening. This event would not be possible without the devotion and hard work of the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association. I want to especially thank local resident and Chairman, Bob Rainboth as well as his entire team, for their leadership.
Moreover, I want to let you know that the application period for Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2023 funding opened on November 29th and will close on January 12, 2023. In 2022, Orléans saw a total of 109 organizations receiving funding in support of 673 jobs for an investment of more than $2.1 million.
I want to encourage our local employers to take advantage of this funding to hire youth, ages 15 to 30, and create valuable summer job opportunities that strengthen our local economy and our community and provide valuable work experience for our youth.
Funded public and private sector employers are eligible to receive a wage subsidy reimbursement of up to 50% of the provincial minimum hourly wage. Employers from the not-for-profit sector will continue to be eligible for a wage subsidy reimbursement of up to 100% of the provincial minimum hourly wage. Learn more at Canada.ca/Canada-summer-jobs.
On Thursday, December 1, the Government of Canada launched the Canada Dental Benefit. This means that parents of children under 12 in Orléans and across our country who meet the eligibility requirements – a net income of less than $90,000 and who do not have access to private dental insurance – will be able to apply for this benefit. It will allow families to receive up-front, direct payments totaling up to $1,300 per child (up to $650 per year for two years) to empower them to get their kids the dental care services they need. This benefit will be in place until 2024, while a long-term, national dental care program is developed.
This is my last column before the New Year. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season!
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