Hello, Nickel Belt! It’s been a busy month both here in the community and in Ottawa, pushing for the issues that matter to you. As October winds down, a quick reminder: set your clocks back on Sunday, November 3rd! And with the days getting shorter, let’s all stay safe on the roads as we drive in darker conditions.

Press Releases, letters, and funding opportunities

• Supporting Small Businesses and Protecting Canadian Workers
• Government of Canada funding study to improve wellbeing in mining communities in Northern Ontario
• Supporting Critical Minerals Development in Northern Ontario
• Government of Canada supports Indigenous early learning and child care in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
• MP Lapointe and MP Serré announce $1.79 Million in federal Funding for Laurentian University Researchers
• Applications accepted - Emergency Treatment Fund
• House of Commons Page Program recruitment campaign
• Construction of an 88-place French-language daycare centre in Val Therese: A major investment in early childhood
• Proposals accepted - Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund
• New CRA Service to Support Nickel Belt Business Owners and Strengthen the Local Economy
• Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund accepting applications
  
  

Community and Parliamentary Engagements

• MP Serré met with members of the Fédération des aînées et aînés francophones du Canada
• MP Serré participated in Standing Committee on the Status of Women meetings concerning the impacts of coercive behaviour on survivors and to explore the impacts of criminalizing coercive behaviour
• MP Serré participated in the OECD Mining Regions and Cities hosted in Greater Sudbury in his role as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
• MP Serré participated in a Federal funding announcement and tour of Stobie Mine with the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
• MP Serré attended the opening of the Desjardins Chelmsford Branch
• MP Serré met with representatives from the University of Hearst in his role as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages
• MP Serré met with Shawn Poland, Vice President of External Partnerships and Strategic Enrolment, Cambrian College dental program funding application and changes International student admissibility
• MP Serré met with staff the free Nickel Belt passport clinic hosted in Chelmsford
• MP Serré met with Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Medical Officer and CEO Public Health Sudbury & District on pressing local issues like mental health, substance abuse and community medicine
• MP Serré met with His Excellency Juan Carlos Garcia, the new Ambassador of Chile to Canada in his role as President of the Canadian section of the ParlAmericas
• MP Serré met with Sudbury Real Estate Board (SREB) Government Relations Committee representatives Ashley Sauvé, Paul Kusnierczyk and Luc Bock about recently lowered interest rates and ways to remove barriers for buyers
• MP Serré met with Amanda Therrien from the National Association of Women and the Law concerning pertinent women’s issues
• MP Serré met with Giovanna Verrilli, CEO of Greater Sudbury Airport on ongoing concerns and opportunities facing aviation, travel and the airport
• MP Serré attended a Federal funding announcement with the Honourable Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree and Nipissing MP Anthony Rota – benefitting Kinoomaadziwin Education Body (KEB) supporting Anishnabwek-led education
• MP Serré attended the 25^th anniversary of Mnaamodzawin Health Services honoring the past and recognizing the strength of historical Indigenous practices
• MP Serré met with Chiefs, and First Nation representatives from Zhiibaahaasing, Sheshegwaning, M’Chigeeng, Sheguiandah, Aundeck Omni Kaning to discuss key priorities such a community infrastructure, clean water, substance and mental health supports, and youth supports
• 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 and his work on various committees.
• 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.

IMPORTANT– DISABILITY TAX CREDIT MISINFORMATION

The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. If you have a severe and prolonged impairment, you may apply for the credit. If you are approved, you may claim the credit at tax time.

By reducing the amount of income tax you may have to pay, the DTC offsets some of the extra costs related to the impairment.

Our office has been notified that there are third-party services targeting people when it comes to applying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). These companies offer to help individuals complete and submit their applications, but they often charge hefty fees—sometimes up to a large percentage of the tax refund received. It’s important to note that DTC applications can be completed for free by individuals themselves.  A portion of the application needs to be completed by a healthcare provider. Our constituency staff can also supports individuals with their applications at no charge.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides clear guidelines and forms for applying for the DTC, and healthcare professionals can certify the disability.

It's important to raise awareness about this issue to protect people from being taken advantage of, especially since they might already be on fixed incomes and looking to maximize their benefits.

Details : https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html