Newsletter - October 21, 2026
Dear Oakville Friends and Neighbours,
As we mark Small Business Week, I want to recognize and highlight the many small business owners, entrepreneurs, and workers who contribute so much to our Oakville community.
From family-owned shops and restaurants to local service providers, manufacturing and research businesses, small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Across every sector, they create jobs, deliver essential goods and services, drive innovation and help sustain our communities.
Small and medium-sized businesses account for 99% of Canadian businesses and employ approximately 64% of Canada's private-sector workforce. Supporting these businesses is especially important as changing global trade conditions continue to create new challenges and uncertainty.
Under the leadership of Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State Small Business and Tourism, our government is helping small businesses in Oakville and across Canada manage tariff pressures, protect jobs and adapt to changing markets. This includes financial support to help businesses manage cash flow, invest in new equipment, and diversify their products and markets.
We are also creating more opportunities for small businesses through the Buy Canadian Policy and the new Small Business Procurement Program. These initiatives make it easier for small businesses to compete for federal contracts while prioritizing Canadian suppliers, materials, and workers.
Here in Oakville, I encourage everyone to continue supporting our local businesses whenever possible. Whether it is shopping at a neighbourhood store, choosing Canadian-made products or recommending a local business to friends and family, these choices make a difference to the people who live and work in our community.
Supporting our economy also means investing in the next generation of workers. As Canada continues to build new homes, infrastructure, and industries, we need to ensure young Canadians have access to the training and opportunities they need to pursue careers in the skilled trades.
Through Team Canada Strong, the federal government recently announced more than $430 million over five years for the Union Training and Innovation Program. This investment will help expand apprenticeship training, improve access to modern equipment and create more opportunities for Canadians entering the skilled trades.
Canada’s economic strength depends on the success of its small businesses. By supporting them today and creating the conditions for them to invest, innovate and expand tomorrow, we are building an economy that is more resilient, more competitive and better positioned for the future here in Oakville and right across the country.
This Small Business Week, I want to thank Oakville’s entrepreneurs, business owners, and workers for everything they contribute to our local economy and our country.
Yours very truly,
Hon. Anita Anand,
Member of Parliament, Oakville East
Applications Open: House of Commons Page Program
Are you starting your post-secondary studies in September 2027? The House of Commons Page Program offers 40 bilingual first-year students the opportunity to work part-time on Parliament Hill, gain hands-on experience in the House of Commons and learn about Canada's parliamentary democracy.
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A Thanksgiving Weekend at Home
On Thanksgiving weekend, I enjoyed time with family and loved ones. It was a welcome opportunity to reflect on the many things for which we are thankful, including the wonderful people who make Oakville such a special community to call home.
Strengthening Arctic Cooperation in Iceland
Earlier this month, I travelled to Iceland, where I met with Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir and Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir to discuss Arctic security, trade, investment and clean energy cooperation. I also participated in discussions marking 30 years of the Arctic Council, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous leadership, international law and cooperation in shaping the future of the North. As Arctic nations and NATO Allies, Canada and Iceland share a strong commitment to a secure and prosperous Arctic.
A Trip to India
Last week, I travelled to New Delhi, where I met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India's Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar. Our discussions focused on strengthening Canada–India relations and expanding cooperation on trade, investment, energy and security. Building on nearly 80 years of diplomatic ties, we are working together to create new opportunities for Canadians and strengthen our partnership in the Indo-Pacific.
Constituency Office Services
My Constituency Office on Robinson Street is always available to assist with any issues you are having with federal government agencies.
If you are having trouble processing an immigration application, getting your passport, or even having issues with your taxes — my wonderful staff is always there to help!
We offer assistance with:
1. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
2. Service Canada
3. Canada Revenue Agency
4. Passport Canada
5. Canada Border Services Agency
6. Immigration Refugee Board of Canada
7. Veterans Affairs Canada
8. Birthday, anniversary and commemorative certificates from myself or Prime Minister Carney
You can also contact my Constituency Office to share feedback about any policy issues, request a Canadian flag or pin, or connect about a local event.