MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT H U L L - AYLMER

@GregFergusLiberal @GregFergus @GregFergus

Dear friends, Upcoming Events

First of all, let me thank all those of you who reached out to share your feedback on these personal essays. They are but one of M.P. Townhall: Building the ways I try to help give you insight into my role as your Member of Parliament and the issues that I face daily. Although I try to introduce these issues with dry humour, the issue that I want to share with you today could not be more serious: how we Closer Ties on Both Sides speak to each other – as neighbours, citizens, and particularly as responsible politicians. of the River May 13, 2019, 7pm We must always seek to be more thoughtful and truthful about how we talk with each other. It is everyone’s business to bring Grande salle - Université du people together. Building bridges does not mean engaging in mindless correctness – the kind of speech that is so tentative that it Québec en loses most of its meaning or truthfulness. It means seeking ways to invite others to join the conversation. It means listening 283 Alexandre-Taché Blvd. attentively to others, as well as finding ways to truly express yourself. This latter point is important. As my mother used to tell me, I have two ears and one mouth so I should use them in at least that proportion. Thinking before speaking can save a lot of grief. 10km Morning Run with Greg May 18, 2019, 8am For example, in February one city councillor made remarks to a local paper that conflated acts of terrorism with our own Parc Moussette Muslim community’s efforts to integrate in the Outaouais. Although she and a second public figure defended her intemperate 361 De Lucerne Blvd. statement as so-called free speech, I will argue that it was neither free of consequences nor real speech. Their comments were both inaccurate and hurtful. M.P. Townhall: Open Mic! There is no possible benefit to free speech if it is wilfully or negligently inaccurate. Communication is more than just sound May 18, 2019, 11am bites. It represents a profound desire to share a common understanding. Therefore, there cannot be genuine communication if it Grande salle - Université du is based on a lie or can be easily debunked. Québec en Outaouais At last month’s sugar shack festival in Aylmer, a Muslim parent of a five-year old girl came up to me to make a heartfelt plea. 283 Alexandre-Taché Blvd. “I beg you to tell your fellow politicians to stop picking on us. If they want to pick on me, I can take it. But it doesn’t just affect me! Their speech threatens my daughter’s safety. I am afraid that someone will attack her at school.” Open Doors May 25, 2019, 10:30am to noon What a frightening prospect. We can all agree that no one deserves to be concerned for the safety of their children. One does not Community Office have to look further for what potential tragic consequences could be than the recent shootings at a New Zealand mosque. There are some very unbalanced people in our world who will eat this vile stuff up and act out. This is the very real peril and danger of 179 Prom. du Portage, Suite 301 extremist speech, both online and in public. In the lead up to those terrorist assassinations, there was no shortage of examples of targeted and hurtful (if not hateful) speech that was directed at Muslims and immigrants. I live in hope that the shock and 10km Morning Run with Greg outrage at the deaths of the 50 New Zealanders has curbed the appetite for such intolerant speech. June 1, 2019, 8am Parc Moussette I promise to continue to guard against the lies and inaccuracies that are trumped up as free speech. We all need to be vigilant. If 361 De Lucerne Blvd. we don’t, we will only be exposing ourselves to social division – creating “us and them” categories. Sowing division is completely opposite to building community. Open Doors Despite all this, I remain an optimist. Aside from that February outburst, there has been a remarkably consistent high level of June 1 2019, 10:30am to noon public debate around issues of openness in the Outaouais. We have something special here: studies have shown that we have an Community Office extraordinary high level of social integration and harmony in , even within the context of the already high Canadian 115 Principale Street, Suite 102 standards. I often brag to my fellow parliamentarians that the people of Hull-Aylmer always expect better. There is a low tolerance for political partisanship here. And a high expectation for reasonableness. Hurtful and inaccurate statements by your political representatives have a very short shelf-life here. (Thank goodness!) Annual family BBQ (Hull) June 22, 2019, 11:30am We’re on a roll, so let’s keep it going. There will be an election in the coming months. I will strongly encourage you to take part Parc Moussette by organizing and/or taking part in community debates. Ask tough, thoughtful questions that seek to invite people into a 361 De Lucerne Blvd. conversation. It is through these kinds of bridge-building efforts that together we will strengthen our community, reinforce our democracy, and build a better . Annual family BBQ (Aylmer) Be good. July 1, 2019, 11:30am Aylmer Monastery 161 Principale street

HULL 179, Prom. du Portage, Suite 301 Gatineau, J8X 2K5 PS: In the same vein, let me share with you some thoughts about the controversy surrounding the resignations of two cabinet 819-994-8844 ministers earlier this year. If all parties have shared all that there is to share, then I see this is a sincere debate of differing values Fax. : 819-994-8557 and policies. As you know I am not a member of the cabinet, but if it is anything similar to serving as your Member of Parliament, I can assure you that they must be lobbied and pressured each and every day as I am by the competing interests of the 110 000 residents of Hull-Aylmer. It is not easy; it requires knowing oneself and one’s values. From my vantage point, it AYLMER doesn’t seem to be a case of undue pressure. Nonetheless, I am pleased that Commissioner of Ethics is reviewing this matter, as 115 Principale Street, Suite 102 I have confidence that he will write an independent report. I am also pleased that a special advisor is looking at the issue of Gatineau, Quebec J9H 3M2 whether the roles of Minister of Justice and Attorney General for Canada be separated. If you would like to discuss this matter 819-682-1125 with me further, please call any one of the community offices to make an appointment. Fax. : 819-994-8557 OTTAWA House of Commons Ottawa, K1A 0A6 613-992-7550 Visit our website and sign up to our monthly events, Fax. : 613-992-7599 and electronic newsletters www.GregFergusParl.ca

Greg Fergus, MP  Hull – Aylmer

Hull-Aylmer’s First Seniors Council

Last autumn, more than 20 senior residents joined the first Hull-Aylmer Seniors Council that I organized. It is a joy to discuss issues that matter to them. The mem- bers of the Seniors Council will be making recommen- dations that will be shared with the federal government. The new Minister of Seniors, the Hon. Filomena Tassi,

has also been invited to attend our council meeting. Friendship Day was a celebration at the Cégep de l’Outaouais for former refugees from Syria, Iraq, and Palestine. What a beautiful intercultural mix between new immigrants During the second meeting we decided to focus on three and the residents Gatineau! topics: safe and affordable housing (including home care and combating isolation), taxation, and both medi- Report from the M.P. Town Hall on Public Spaces cal assistance in dying and palliative care.

I hosted a MP town hall on public spaces last February 25, 2019, at the Uni- At the third meeting, we discussed safe and affordable versité du Québec en Outaouais. I was joined by Cédric Tessier, councillor for housing measures and which organizations could be Hull-Wright, and numerous citizens of Hull-Aylmer to discuss how we can consulted to achieve concrete solutions. improve our public spaces for the benefit of all.

We’re also planning a meeting between the Senior To help frame the discussion, information was distributed on public spaces Council and the Youth Council so that the members, owned by the federal government within Hull-Aylmer and the wider national who are at different stages of their lives, can connect capital region: the Gatineau Park, Jacques-Cartier Park, the Moore Farm, the and share their views. shore of Brewer’s Creek, and our many recreational paths.

Seniors are the backbone of our country and it’s im- Most of these federal public spaces are managed by the National Capital Com- portant we come up with ways to concretely make their mission (NCC), a politically detached Crown corporation tasked with being lives better. the principal steward and long-term planner of Canada’s capital region.

The first specific site we discussed was the Moore Farm, a historic farm of over 25 acres located near the corner of Saint-Raymond Blvd and Alexandre- Taché Blvd. and its heritage buildings currently sit unoccupied, with the NCC looking for a long-term tenant. The consensus of the discussion was that the property should continue to serve an agricultural purpose and remain open to the public. On this, NCC officials have assured me that they’re work- ing to maintain the existing community gardens at the site. Ideas mentioned as additional uses for the Moore Farm during the town hall included: an agricul- tural museum, day camps, an Experimental Farm research facility, a farmer’s market and a brew pub, amongst others.

The Zibi redevelopment project around Chaudière Falls was another topic of discussion. Though the project is still in the early stages of construction, the plans for the site envision drastically improved public access to the falls and the waterfront in general. The NCC is also remediating contaminated soil on Victoria Island. As Zibi sits on an important traditional territory of the Algon- quin people, I am pleased to note that the Zibi development group continues their consultation efforts with Indigenous partners.

Another subject of discussion at the forum was the protection of the Boucher Forest, the only large undeveloped space remaining within the Aylmer sector. We discussed options on how the city, the NCC or a community group could purchase the last privately-owned sections.

Finally, there is the jewel of our region, the Gatineau Park. As you may know, the NCC is currently completing the Phase 3 review of the 2005 Gatineau Park Master Plan (available on the NCC website). The plan envisions the Gatineau Park as a model for protecting natural and cultural heritage. The focus of phase 3 is entitled: Concept and Zoning. Though I strongly support the conservation efforts of the plan, I have concerns with regards to accessibility; both in terms of public transit and the unequal geographic distribution of park entrances, trails, and parking lots.

I invite everyone to review the plan and reflect on how it will affect our region At this year’s Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques- and the community of Hull-Aylmer in the decades to come. My office can Cartier Park, I took in the sights with the Olympian athlete, combine your suggestions and improvements and share them with the NCC. Erik Guay, and my colleague, Will Amos, Member of Parlia- ment for Pontiac. Our public spaces are both a shared resource and a shared responsibility. I look forward to continuing the discussion with you.

Greg Fergus, MP • Hull - Aylmer | 819-994-8844 | [email protected] | 179, Prom. du Portage, Gatineau, Quebec, J8X 2K5 Greg Fergus, MP  Hull – Aylmer

Veteran Affairs Town Hall It was with great pleasure that our government recently unveiled budget 2019: Inves- ting in the Middle Class. During the past 4 years, I’ve spoken with tens of thousands of Last Remembrance Day, we marked the 100th you to learn of your hopes for Hull-Aylmer and our country. With careful investments anniversary of the end of the First World War. in specific areas, I believe this budget addresses many of your concerns and sets Cana- The government has made it a priority to respect da on a solid path for the future. and support the brave men and women in uniform Transportation who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our country. As you are all aware, Hull-Aylmer faces significant transportation issues. Along with many other investments in infrastructure, budget 2019 announced the replacement of We have taken many actions to support out veterans the more than 100 year-old Alexandra Bridge. The construction of a new Alexandra Bridge is vital to connect a light rail project with our neighbours in Ottawa; the first and their families. For example, the Pension for phase of a truly integrated public transit system in our national capital region. Life Plan provides a broad range of benefits and we have invested over $42 million over two years More affordable housing to increase service delivery capacity at Veterans Affordable housing and the price of real estate are issues that concern many of you. Affairs Canada. Gatineau’s rental vacancy rate is currently the lowest in Quebec and more and more people are feeling squeezed out of the housing market. To help boost the supply of On February 18, I held a townhall on veteran af- affordable rental housing, budget 2019 announced an additional $10 billion for the fairs. During the town hall, we went over the dif- Rental Construction Financing Initiative. We also unveiled the new First-Time Home ferent ways we could improve the current system Buyer Incentive, a program whereby the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and how we could better the relationship between will provide loans to eligible home buyers to help share the initial cost of a mortgage. veterans and the department. Several issues were raised concerning the work remaining to be done Supporting our seniors regarding frontline and back office services to vet- Seniors have worked hard to build our community and our country, and they deserve a erans. The conversations held during town hall secure and dignified retirement. It was for this reason that our government restored the showed me that we still have more work to do to. Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) eligibility to 65. Budget 2019 proposed changes to increase the GIS earnings exemption and extend We are responsible for the care, treatment and eligibility for the earnings exemption to self-employment income. We did this in reestablishment in civil life of our veterans and conjunction with previously announced enhancements to the OAS, GIS and Canada their dependents. For that, we need to ensure that Pension Plan (Quebec Pension Plan in Quebec) programs. veterans and their families receive the services Better equipping our workers and benefits they need and close the seam be- tween National Defense and veterans’ affairs so With the realities of an international economy, job markets and the skills needed to that no veteran falls through the cracks during keep pace are changing faster than ever. Budget 2019 introduced the Canada Training transition back to civil life. Benefit to help Canadians find and keep good paying jobs. This program is comprised of the Training Credit, whereby Canadians automatically accumulate $250 per year that can be put towards career training (lifetime limit of $5,000), and the Employment Insurance Training Support Benefit, which aims to support workers during their skills training. I look forward to discussing with you in the weeks ahead to assess how this budget addresses the priorities of those in Hull-Aylmer.

Hull-Aylmer’s Youth Council The Youth Council of Hull-Aylmer is an opportunity for youth to learn about Canada’s political process, discuss their viewpoints on issues, and most importantly, get involved in their communities. Thirthy young people aged from 14 to 26 decided to join the council and determined that we should focus on the four following themes: environment, public transit, equali- ty and heritage. Regarding the environment, we talked about sources of clean energy, biodiversity and many local initiatives such as community gardens, vertical gardens, community vegeta- bles, permaculture and local farms as well as recycling and composting. In terms of public transit, we discussed how we can encourage people to use public transit, with neighborhood services to limit their riders need to travel. Regarding of equality, the issue of employment discrimination was also raised. Many communities do not enjoy equal treatment and there is a lack of representation in deci- sion-making bodies and in universities, politics and executive positions. Finally, we discussed the need to enjoy our history in the Outaouais and our existing and emerging rich heritage. Many areas in the region must be protected and enhanced. I look forward to our next meetings with the Youth Council of Hull-Aylmer. Hull-Aylmer is full of great events such as the Salon du Congratulations to the members of the Youth Council! livre de l’Outaouais, the Destination Imagination tourna- ment, and our cadets who train at the Hull armoury.

Greg Fergus, MP • Hull - Aylmer | 819-994-8844 | [email protected] | 179, Prom. du Portage, Gatineau, Quebec, J8X 2K5 Greg Fergus, MP  Hull – Aylmer

At your service!

As your Member of Parliament I am able to help you in many ways, including:

Helping you navigate federal government departments and programs such as: • Canada Pension Plan (CPP) • Old Age Security (OAS) or Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) • Passport Canada • Employment Insurance Benefits (EI) • Citizenship and Immigration • Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) • Veterans Affairs

Congratulatory messages If you have a milestone anniversary or birthday coming up, my office can arrange congratulatory messages from the Prime Minister, Governor General, or the Queen congratulatory certificates can be ordered for the following milestones (in 5 year increments): • The Queen (Birthdays 100+, Anniversaries 60+) • The Governor-General (Birthdays 90+, Anniversaries 50+) • The Prime Minister (Birthdays 75+, Anniversaries 25+) • The Member of Parliament (any birthday, anniversary or other congratulatory message)

Please note that six to eight weeks of notice are required to process these messages.

Our office can also provide the following services: • Literature for schools and students on Canada and Parliament • Help to arrange a tour of Parliament for your group • Copies of bills, amendments, Hansard or other House of Commons publications • Answering inquiries about government policy

If you have an event that you would like me to attend, please send an invitation to my Infrastructure investments are part of the federal government's overall strategy to improve the living conditions of Canadians, office, either by e-mail at [email protected] or by mail (postage-free) at: especially for residents of Hull-Aylmer.

Greg Fergus, M.P. House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1A 0A6

Hull-Aylmer Community Offices

HULL AYLMER 179 Prom. du Portage 115 Principale Street Suite 301 Suite 102 Gatineau, Quebec Gatineau, Quebec J8X 2K5 J9H 3M2 (819) 994-8844 (819) 682-1125 Fax: 819-994-8557 Fax: 819-994-8557

Frequently Used Federal Government Phone Numbers

Citizenship and Immigration Canada Old Age Security (OAS) Social Insurance Number (SIN) Toll-Free: 1-888-242-2100 Toll-Free: 1-800-277-9914 Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218

Employment Insurance (EI) Passports General Enquiries Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218 Toll-Free: 1-800-567-6868 Telephone: 1-800-622-6232

Greg Fergus, MP • Hull - Aylmer | 819-994-8844 | [email protected] | 179, Prom. du Portage, Gatineau, Quebec, J8X 2K5