We will help Canadians impacted by the rising cost of living

Over the past few months, I have had several opportunities to hear from residents in our community about the immense pressure they are under. The cost of living has risen, and some are more impacted than the others. Whether it has had an impact on your grocery bill, utilities, rent or medications, the cost of living has made it difficult to make ends meet. I hear you, and I continue to advocate at every opportunity to ensure that the federal government is taking action to take some of the pressure off and make life more affordable for everyone.

As announced in Canada’s Affordability Plan, our federal government is here to help Canadians get through this difficult time.

To help offset some of the costs Ottawa Centre residents may be facing, we are doubling the GST credit for six months for eligible residents in our community. This would mean an extra $234 in the pockets of single Canadians without children, up to $467 for couples with two children and an average of an extra $225 for seniors this year.

We know that access to good dental care is essential to our health. Our government has committed to making dental care more affordable, and we are making progress on this commitment. We are ensuring that children under 12 years old will have access to quality dental care. We are currently debating legislation that, if passed, would provide up to $1,300 over two years through a Canada Dental Benefit to children under 12, starting this year.

Affordable housing and reducing chronic homelessness continue to be top priorities for our community. I am pleased that the federal government will be launching the third round of the Rapid Housing Strategy which aims to make funding available to not-for-profit housing organizations and municipalities, so that they can build more social and affordable housing quickly for those who need it most. Additionally, Canada’s Affordability Plan allows for a $500 one-time supplement to be delivered to nearly two million low-income renters across Canada who are struggling with the cost of housing, including seniors.

Lastly, we are supporting Canadians struggling with the rising cost of living through the Climate Action Incentive payment. As of October 14, Ottawa residents will have received the second installment of the quarterly Climate Action Incentive payment. An average family of four in Ontario will receive $186.25 per quarter. The Climate Action Incentive payment program keeps affordability and fairness in mind — eight out of ten households get more money back than they pay in, with low- and middle-income households benefiting the most. The Climate Action Incentive payment will ensure that Canadians receive much-needed relief on a more regular basis, while fighting climate change.

This suite of concrete and targeted actions aims to address inflation and make life more affordable for millions of Canadians.

As your MP, I remain committed to help build an economy that works for everyone. As always, I want you to know that my team and I are here to help. If you have any questions on these measures, or need assistance accessing benefits, please contact my office at 613-946-8682, or email me at Yasir.Naqvi@parl.gc.ca.