Newsletter - Jan 16, 2025

Supporting local businesses and strengthening our economy are priorities I hear about often from residents and business owners in Oakville East. This week, I would like to share an update on how federal initiatives are creating opportunities for Canadian businesses and what this means for our community.

The Government of Canada is implementing its new Buy Canadian Policy, which updates federal procurement rules to give greater consideration to Canadian suppliers and Canadian content in government purchases of goods, services, and materials for major projects. Under this policy, bidders with higher Canadian content and an operational presence in Canada may receive additional points in procurement evaluations.

Building on this work, the federal government is advancing measures to make procurement more accessible for small and medium-sized businesses, including the development of a dedicated Small and Medium Business Procurement Program. Once implemented, this initiative is intended to reduce barriers to federal contracting and expand opportunities for Canadian small and medium-sized businesses, helping local companies scale up, invest, and create jobs here in Oakville East. 

Feedback on the Buy Canadian procurement policies is welcome, and businesses and workers can share their perspectives at spac.apcommunicationdesac-papaccommunications.pspc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca

International trade diversification plays a strategic role in helping Canada pursue its goal of doubling non-U.S. exports over the next ten years. Securing new agreements and deepening economic ties in reliable international markets strengthens Canada’s global competitiveness and positions the country as a leading destination for innovation and investment. At the same time, Canada has opened public consultations on several upcoming free trade agreement negotiations. Input from Canadians, including local businesses, helps ensure these discussions reflect real needs on the ground. You can find more details here. Please forward consultations to  TCE-Consultations@international.gc.ca

Closer to home, I am always encouraged to see the entrepreneurial spirit alive and well in Oakville East. Recently, three local high school students were recognized for creating HomeGrown, an online platform designed to connect online shoppers with local businesses. My constituency office welcomed meeting with the students to hear how HomeGrown benefits our community.  Their initiative reflects the creativity and community-mindedness that make Oakville East such a strong place to live and work.

Thank you for staying engaged and for supporting local businesses in our community. I look forward to continuing these conversations with residents, workers, and business owners across Oakville East.

Recent Highlights

Mayor's New Year’s Levy
It was wonderful to see everyone, including Mayor Burton and Oakville Town Councillors, at the annual Mayor‘s New Year’s Levy today at Oakville’s Town Hall. All the best for 2026 and beyond!

Ballet Jörgen
Recently Ballet Jörgen presented A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Oakville. This was an opportune moment to recognize their work in  bringing a new production to the stage. Thank you for choosing Oakville to debut this new, wonderful performance.

HomeGrown
Congratulations to Nabira Rashid, Maithili Rastogi, and Rebecca Fernandes of White Oaks Secondary School who were recognized for their work creating HomeGrown, an online platform connecting online shoppers with local businesses. It is encouraging to see the entrepreneurial spirit alive and well in Oakville East, and to recognize young leaders using innovation to support our local economy. https://homegrownapp.shop/

Honouring the Victims of Flight PS752
Six years after Iran targeted Flight PS752, killing 176 innocent civilians, we gathered on January 8th to honour their legacy. Canada remains steadfast in demanding accountability and defending human dignity until justice is achieved. We also recognize the courage and determination of the Iranian people to be able to commemorate this travesty of justice and to stand for freedom every day.