NICKEL BELT – GREATER SUDBURY - 2024 marked another year of tangible investments and progress for Nickel Belt. 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, is pleased to report that significant strides were made in supporting local communities, businesses, and families across the riding.

“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 2024, over $170 million was invested in Nickel Belt through various federal departments and agencies. This is in addition to the hundreds of millions already invested since 2015. “These investments are more than just numbers—they support the very projects at the heart of our communities,” added Serré. Key announcements in 2024 included:

• Upgrades to the Greater Sudbury Airport
• Supporting pollution reduction efforts with Glencore
• 300 affordable units with the Manitou Housing Project
• Child care investments for Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation and including a 88 place francophone daycare in Val Thérèse
• Support for educational initiatives in collaboration with Cambrian, Laurentian University and Collège Boréal
• Business development investment through FedNor for the West Nipissing Economic Development Corporation and the LaCloche Manitoulin Business Assistance Corporation (LAMBAC)
• New Horizons for Seniors projects in Killarney, River Valley, and Markstay-Warren

“The ongoing federal investments across Nickel Belt are helping to build a stronger, more resilient community,” said Serré. “These projects are addressing critical infrastructure needs, supporting job creation, and driving economic growth in every corner of our riding. I’m proud to continue to advocate for and deliver real results for our communities.”

Alongside these investments, 2024 saw continued progress on federal measures to improve affordability for families across Nickel Belt. The Canada Dental Care Plan continues to provide essential coverage for over 3600 Nickel Belt residents, including children and seniors, making dental care more accessible to those who need it most. The government advanced Pharmacare to reduce out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for medications like insulin and contraception.

The ongoing federal GST/HST Tax Break offered until February 15^th, 2024 is offering much-needed financial relief to all Canadians. They’ve also advanced affordable childcare, increased the Canada Carbon Rebate, and other measures to support people across the riding.

Furthermore, the recently released 2024 Fall Economic Statement “Reducing Everyday Costs and Raising Wages” highlighted further measures of support such as :

• Extending access to financing to housing projects for students and seniors
• Lowering mortgage payments with 30-year amortizations to save you hundreds of dollars every month.
• Doubling the loan limit available for families adding secondary suites to their homes, to help boost housing supply and also bring families closer together.
• Moving forward with a suite of measures to facilitate increased pension fund investment in Canada to help businesses grow and attract capital.
• Launching the $5 billion Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation to ensure Indigenous Peoples have access to affordable capital and can benefit from important economic projects.
• Also much more: Table of Contents | 2024 FES

 “2024 has been a year of growth, opportunity, and lasting impact. We’ve achieved a lot, and we’re just getting started,” said Serré.

“I will continue to advocate for more investments that respond to the needs of the community—whether it’s tackling housing affordability, expanding access to services, or supporting economic development initiatives,” he added.

For more information on the 2024 funding announcements and initiatives in Nickel Belt, please visit MP Marc G. Serré’s website www.marcserre.ca

Additional information:

• Both Constituency Offices in Val Caron and Sturgeon Falls are closed from December 23rd, 2024 and reopening January 6^th, 2025.