NICKEL BELT – GREATER SUDBURY – As we step into 2024, Marc G. Serré, MP for Nickel Belt, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages would like to highlight some progress that took place in Nickel Belt over the last year.

“Continued dialogue with constituents, community organizations, municipal governments, Indigenous communities, and the business sector has allowed me to relay the priorities of Nickel Belt residents to caucus and Parliament. This is a critical part in ensuring projects are funded and that investments continue to be made here locally,” said MP Serré. “Rural regions face added complexities. Top of mind issues like affordability, housing, economic development, infrastructure, job creation, senior’s issues, Indigenous issues, are of great importance to people in the region. Those are the things I’ll continue to advocate for,” he added.

In 2023 over $4.7 million was invested in Nickel Belt through various Federal departments and agencies. This adds itself to the over the hundreds of milions invested since 2015. “These amounts are more than dollar figures. They’re investments supporting businesses and livelihoods and in turn cause a trickle effect into local economies,” added Serré. Some major announcements include upgrades to the Greater Sudbury Airport, support for Don Poulin Potatoes in Azilda, Economic Partners in West Nipissing, the Fielding Place housing project on Manitoulin Island, École Secondaire Rivière des Français, and more. Those interested can visit MP Serré’s website where publicly available press releases of Federal announcements made in Nickel Belt are archived.

The Fall Economic Statement released in November 2023 focused on top-of-mind issues for Canadians and proposed a fiscally responsible plan to keep moving forward. “Up front investments on matters like housing, mental health supports, and infrastructure are all part of supporting the foundation of socially and economically prosperous communities,” said Serré. “Were ensuring that we can simultaneously protect the environment, support people, grow businesses and scale up Canada’s key industries such as mining.”

Other key initiatives advanced in 2023 include additional progress on the national $10 a day daycare framework, the implementation of the Canada Workers Benefit, streamlining and simplifying requirements and application CMHC processes to help build and retrofit more homes, launch of the Canada Dental Care Plan and the consultations for next steps on the Canada Disability Benefit, and more.

“Tax season is around the corner, and I encourage all residents to file on time before the April 30^th, 2024, deadline. This helps ensure that constituents can access the benefits to which they may be entitled to, including the Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP is a tax-free amount paid to offset the price on pollution.) Canadians who file their income tax regardless of income receive the CAIP,” said MP Serré.

Serré was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources and was re-appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages in 2023. “My work as Parliamentary Secretary involves organizations across the country but often reflects the realities of communities here in Northern Ontario. Work concerning the electrification of Canada’s sectors with EV and batteries, and on protecting official languages in minority settings are not geographically specific and help relay solutions here in Nickel Belt as well,” said Serré.

“My hope for the New Year is to continue fostering a relationship with constituents based on respect, honesty, and transparency. Politics can seem polarizing, and some may not feel comfortable vocalizing their position on important matters. That isn’t what democracy should be,” added Serré.

“Many people are struggling at home and abroad, and we live in a time where war ravages many parts of the world. It is important to help others when we can, and to also count our blessings,” said Serré.

“Thank you to all community volunteers and organizations working hard all year long and especially during this busy time of year to assist the needs of those most vulnerable. Please know my constituency offices are there to serve people of all political stripes with issues related to Federal departments and agencies. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a safe and joyous New Year filled with peace and laughter,” he concluded.

Important information

• Please note that both constituency offices and the Hill office will be closed from December 22^nd 2023 and reopening January 4^th, 2024.
• Get ready to do your taxes: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/income-tax/personal-income-tax/get-ready-taxes.html
• Get help at a free tax clinic: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/free-tax-help.html

Media Contact:
Kaylie Dudgeon
Special Assistant /Marc G. Serré
MP Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages
705-507-2416
[email protected]