Dear Nickel Belt-Greater Sudbury,

2023 is wrapping up and I’d like to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a safe and prosperous New Year! This past year has offered us opportunities for growth and for new engagements. Thank you to all volunteers and community organizations who work  hard all year long, especially during this busy time of year to meet the needs of those most vulnerable. Let’s keep working together!

Press Releases and funding opportunities

• MP Serré shares 2023 Nickel Belt Highlights
• MP Serré announces funding for the Markstay-Warren Public Library to host free volunteer run income tax clinics
• MP Serré shares the launch of the call for proposals period for the Organizational Capacity Building (OCB) component of the new Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program
• MP Serré highlights the 2023 Fall Economic Statement
• MP Serré shares an update on the Canadian Dental Care Plan
• Reminder: Canada Summer Jobs Employer Application Period is Open

Community Engagement

• MP Serré met with representatives of Sturge Falls Brush and Contracting to learn more about their ongoing projects
• MP Serré attended the 105^th birthday of a constituent in Onaping Falls
• MP Serré attended a Christmas celebration of the local chapter of the Canadian Hearing Society
• MP Serré visited residents at St-Gabriel Villa long-term care in Chelmsford
• MP Serré visited residents at Au Chateau long-term care in Sturgeon Falls
• MP Serré met with members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada to discuss the benefits transition to Canada Life
• MP Serré met with Her Excellency Romy Vasquez Morales, Panama Ambassador to Canada
• MP Serré met with representatives of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC)
• MP Serré rose in the House of Commons to share a declaration inviting residents of Nickel Belt to support local food banks- watch there video here:
• MP Serré attended the Café Héritage Christmas “Réveillon” in Azilda
• MP Serré conducted his annual waving campaign in various locations across the riding to spread festive cheer and thank residents
• MP Serré continues to perform his parliamentary duties and parliamentary secretary duties for both his Official Languages role and his Energy and Natural Resources role
• MP Serré continues to meet with staff in his constituency office, residents, stakeholders, municipal leaders, Indigenous communities, non-profit organizations, local entrepreneurs and more, to take the pulse of the priorities of the region.
• MP Serré continues his role as president of the Canadian section of ParlAmericas

Passport Information

Here’s what you need to know about passports and travelling abroad.

How to apply for an adult passport in Canada
Global affairs Canada - Information by country and territory

• You can call our office at 1-800-267-4829 to book an appointment to have your passport reviewed in Val Caron or Sturgeon Falls.
• Reviewed passports are sent out for processing once a week on Thursdays.
• The average processing time to receive your passport is approximately 5-6 weeks.
• We encourage constituents to apply for their passport well in advance of their scheduled trip in case of any delays.
• Alternatively, constituents can visit Service Canada 19 Lisgar Street, in Greater Sudbury for 10 day (+shipping) expedited service. Please note we have received feedback of long wait times for in person services at this location.
• You can also visit the Sturgeon Falls Service Canada Office 225 Holditch Street in the Jean-Jacques Blais Building for regular processing – open Tuesdays 10am to 3pm. (Closed between 12-12:30)

Income tax season

• The 2023 income tax season is just around the corner.
• Constituents are encouraged to file their taxes before the April 30^th 2024 deadline to avoid delays and late fees.
• Filing your income tax helps ensure you receive the benefits to which you may be entitled to.
• Please note all individuals who file their income tax are eligible to receive the Climate Action Incentive Payment (rebate on the price on pollution,) regardless of income.
• Please keep an eye on MP Serré’s social media pages for updates on volunteer community income tax clinics for people with low to modest income and simple tax situations.
• Find more details here : Ways to do your taxes - Personal income tax - Canada.ca

Office Closures

Please note both constituency offices will be closed for the holidays from December 22nd 2023 and reopening January 4th, 2024.