Newsletter - July 29, 2026
Dear friends and neighbours,
My three key priorities for our Oakville East community continue to be addressing affordability concerns; strengthening community safety; protecting and building the Canadian economy. These priorities are based on the messages and feedback I hear most often from members of our community, and I am very appreciative of everyone who takes the time to provide their feedback.
Last month, eligible families across Canada received an increase in their Canada Child Benefit payments. The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly, tax-free payment that helps parents with the costs of raising children and this increased monthly payment will help cover everyday expenses like school supplies, clothing, and groceries.
This increased monthly payment of up to $160 per child under six and up to $135 per child aged six to seventeen, compared to last year, will help cover everyday expenses like school supplies, clothing, and groceries. Programs like Canada Child Benefit help families manage the rising cost of living while giving children the opportunity to thrive.
Building strong communities also means ensuring they are safe places to live, work, and raise a family.
Our government continues to support those efforts by investing in initiatives that help prevent violence and support survivors. This includes a new $607.4 million investment over four years, beginning in 2027-28, to advance the next phase of the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, a 10-year plan, launched in 2022, that brings together federal, provincial, and territorial governments working towards a Canada free from gender-based violence.
An additional $31 million over five years, with $6.2 million ongoing, will renew federal funding for provincial and territorial crisis hotlines. Every person deserves to feel safe in their community and have the opportunity to live free from violence and discrimination.
Looking ahead, we are also investing in Canada's future by preparing the next generation of skilled workers.
Through Team Canada Strong, our government is working to recruit, train, and hire between 80,000 and 100,000 new Red Seal skilled trades workers over the next five years. As Canada continues to build more homes, modern infrastructure, and major nation-building projects, skilled tradespeople will play a critical role in strengthening our economy.
These careers provide well-paying opportunities for young Canadians while helping deliver the housing, infrastructure, and economic growth our communities need. By investing in both people and projects, we are building a stronger and more resilient Canada for generations to come.
Whether it is helping families with the cost of raising children, strengthening community safety, or creating new opportunities through the skilled trades, these investments are all part of building a stronger future for Oakville East and for Canada.
I wish you and your family a wonderful Civic Holiday weekend, and I look forward to continuing to connect with many of you throughout the rest of the summer to your ideas and priorities. Your feedback helps shape the work I do every day on behalf of Oakville East.
Sincerely yours,
Hon. Anita Anand,
Member of Parliament, Oakville East
Upcoming Trade Mission to India
Canadian businesses are invited to participate in the Team Canada Trade Mission to India from October 12–17, 2026, led by my colleague, Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu.
This mission will help Canadian organizations build partnerships, explore new opportunities, and strengthen trade ties with one of the world's fastest-growing markets.
Application deadlines:
• August 9, 2026, for companies seeking B2B meetings
• August 30, 2026, for all other organizations
Click here to learn more
Billy Bishop Airport Statement
Billy Bishop Airport is a critical part of Canada’s air transportation network in the heart of Toronto’s waterfront community. As we work to ensure its future as a vital transportation, economic, and tourism hub for Toronto, we must do so with and for Canadians. Our government’s decision is to focus exclusively on the approved safety enhancements, which are currently taking place, and are required to maintain safe operations at the airport and the economic activity it supports. They are expected to be completed in mid-2027.
Thank you to the 87,000 Canadians, including many from our Oakville East community, who participated in our government’s public consultation on Billy Bishop Airport.
Please click here to view my full statement.
Mexico's Visit to Canada
For generations, Rideau Hall has been a place where Canada receives friends from around the world. Earlier this month, I was pleased to continue that tradition by welcoming Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Roberto Velasco.
A Visit to Pakistan
Recently, during my visit to Pakistan, I planted a commemorative tree at Canada’s High Commission in Islamabad to mark a renewed engagement and the growing ambition behind our relationship. I also had the opportunity to thank the Canadian and locally engaged staff whose dedication and expertise advance Canada’s interests in Pakistan every day.
ASEAN Meeting
Last week, I attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings in the Philippines. ASEAN brings together countries with diverse interests, histories and perspectives, united by a shared commitment to the future of the Indo-Pacific. Discussions focused on advancing the ASEAN Canada Free Trade Agreement in 2026, sustaining meaningful dialogue, strengthening regional resilience and turning our shared priorities into practical cooperation.