Happy New Year and Leading Women Awards
Happy New Year 2022, Orléans! I hope you’ve all had a great Christmas and Holiday Season, despite the limited gatherings due to the increase in cases. Holidays always have a refreshing and invigorating taste, and I trust you took the time to sit back, rejuvenate and unwind during this special time.
Let’s continue to stay safe, prudent and to follow Public Health guidelines. I cannot stress enough how important vaccination is in our fight against COVID-19. Rest assured that the Federal Government will continue to monitor the situation and provide support to you and the heart of our community, our businesses.
I want to remind you that the deadline to nominate an outstanding woman or girl for the Orléans Leading Women and Girls Recognition Awards is coming up very shortly. You have until January 24 to submit your nomination form, which you can request by email at Marie-France.Lalonde@parl.gc.ca. The pandemic has really brought to light the essential role that women and girls play in our community and this year again, I want to celebrate them, their accomplishments, and their volunteerism.
Another reminder, this time for the youths in Orléans interested in politics: the Summer Leadership Program 2022 application period closes on January 14. I encourage you to visit www.slp2022ple.infolib.ca to learn more about this amazing opportunity to get involved and gain invaluable experience.
Speaking of great opportunities, the Canada Summer Jobs program call for applications is open until January 25. This program is truly amazing for our local small businesses. This initiative helps create valuable summer job opportunities, that strengthen both our local economy and our community. Visit https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html to learn more and apply.
With a new year comes new beginnings, new adventures, and new hopes. I look forward to resume the Parliamentary Session on January 31, to continue working for our community and be your voice.
Moreover, I was proud to be appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship on December 3. I was humbled to accept this new responsibility and I look forward to working with my colleague, the Honourable Sean Fraser, for the betterment of our immigration system. I also have the opportunity to sit on the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, to study matters related to immigration and citizenship. I am excited to further undertake this important work on this committee.
As always, you can count on my team and me, should you have any federal questions or concerns. You can reach out by email to Marie-France.Lalonde@parl.gc.ca or call the office at 613-834-1800.