Earth Day is about protecting what makes Canada, Canada. 🌎 We’re taking action to fight climate change, protect nature, and build a clean, competitive economy—creating good jobs and a stronger future for all.🌱

To end the day, I met with representatives from the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) as part of their Parliament Hill Day. Thank you to the MCAC members, including constituents from Cape Spear for stopping by. I look forward to continued engagement.

Physician leaders from across Canada gathered on Parliament Hill today to share front‑line perspectives on improving health care access and system sustainability. I heard about the challenges facing patients and providers and the opportunities for collaboration moving forward.

Thank you to the Canadian Cancer Society, and to the individuals living with cancer and their caregivers who joined me in Ottawa today to promote Daffodil Advocacy Day. Powerful stories were shared, highlighting the importance of strong leadership in cancer research and innovation.

This week in Ottawa, I had the opportunity to meet with members of the St. John’s Fire Fighters Association to discuss key issues impacting firefighters and public safety across Canada. Productive conversations like these help ensure firefighters’ voices are heard at the national level.

Canada helped build the future of space—from the Canadarm to early satellites, all the way to the Moon.
But one thing was missing: the ability to launch on our own. That changes today!
With the Canadian Space Launch Act, Canada will develop sovereign space launch capability.
🚀✨

Canada Summer Jobs 2026 is officially open!
Up to 100,000 paid summer jobs are available for youth aged 15–30 across Canada.
📱 Search opportunities today on the Job Bank website or app and find a job in your community.
Visit www.jobbank.gc.ca/mobileapp
#CanadaSummerJobs #YouthEmployment

Good News 🗞️!
Eligible Canadians will receive a one‑time GST/HST credit top‑up on June 5, 2026.
Starting July 3, 2026, quarterly payments will increase by 25% while keeping the same eligibility rules—NO APPLICATION NEEDED.

This week I met with constituents from the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC). They shared concerns about staffing and budget cuts, return‑to‑office mandates, and how these changes could impact critical public services Canadians rely on.

🇨🇦 Prime Minister Carney suspends the federal Fuel Excise Tax on gasoline ⛽️ and diesel to lower costs for Canadians.
Starting April 20, 2026, Canada’s new government will suspend the full amount of the tax on gasoline and diesel until September 7, 2026.

On #DayofPink, we stand together against bullying and discrimination in all its forms.
Our government remains committed to supporting 2SLGBTQI+ communities and building a safer, more inclusive Canada for everyone.
Wear pink. Speak out. Stand proud.

Today (April 7), we remember the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Through remembrance and education, we commit to rejecting hatred and building a more just and compassionate world.

🐣 Happy Easter 🐣
Today, we join Christians across Canada and around the world in celebrating Easter—a time for reflection, family, and sharing kindness with those in need.
Wishing everyone a blessed and joyful Easter. 🌷

As families and communities gather for the Seder, we honour the story of the Exodus—reflecting on themes of freedom, resilience, justice & hope.
The Seder brings loved ones together to retell the journey from slavery to liberation, share symbolic foods from the Seder plate, read from the Haggadah.

The National School Food Program Act is officially law. This ensures long‑term federal funding and continued collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners to strengthen school food programs across the country.

To protect Canada’s lands and waters, today, the Prime Minister launched A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature.

Visit www.canada.ca/en/services/...

🌿 Canada is a global biodiversity leader. 🌎

Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility -a time to recognize the achievements of transgender people and to acknowledge the discrimination & challenges many still face. By listening and learning, we help build communities where everyone feels respected and valued.

Update! Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit

Starting this spring, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will provide support to help Canadians with day‑to‑day expenses.
Once 2025 tax returns are filed:
Families of four may receive up to $1,890
Single individuals may receive up to $950.

The Government of Canada has introduced Bill C‑26, which would authorize $1.7 billion in immediate funding for provinces and territories to help increase housing supply. This work aligns with ongoing federal initiatives like Build Canada Homes and other housing programs.

Bill C‑12, the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, has received Royal Assent.
The Act updates Canada’s immigration, border, and public safety frameworks — including new tools for asylum processing, border examinations, information‑sharing, and anti‑money‑laundering measures.

Investing in the Canadian Armed Forces — and Canadian Jobs, the Government of Canada announced a major investment in the future of the Canadian Armed Forces.
This is an important step in strengthening our military, supporting good‑paying Canadian jobs, and growing our defence industrial base.

I met virtually today with the Canadian Cancer Society to talk about the pancreatic cancer petition that so many of you have supported. Important conversations like this help drive meaningful change.I look forward to more discussions on how we can make a real difference for those affected by cancer.

Met today with members of the Longshoremen's Protective Union (LSPU) Local 1953, representing dockworkers. We had a strong discussion on issues affecting Newfoundland and Labrador workers. I appreciate the group’s advocacy and commitment to protecting our local heritage and jobs.

During Minister Sean Fraser’s visit to St. John’s, we stopped by Solace Power, a company known for its expert team of engineers and physicists who have dedicated their careers to advancing wireless power technology. The work happening here showcases the world‑class innovation growing in NL.

Great visit to PAL Aerospace this morning with Minister Sean Fraser and Minister Joanne Thompson. We toured Hangar 1 at St. John’s International Airport and saw firsthand the incredible innovation happening right here in NL. PAL Aerospace continues to be a leader in aviation and surveillance.

Today’s announcement is great news to NL! Through a $16 million federal investment, 5 innovative companies (PAL Aerospace, Virtual Marine, Solace Power, CoLab AI, and Rutter) will help create more than 115 highly skilled jobs and strengthen NL’s role in Canada’s defence and security supply chains.

It’s income tax season! Check out our free tax clinic this Saturday (March 21) from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Email Ruth at Ruth.McDonald.109@parl.gc.ca to confirm a spot.

🏠 New investment to reduce homelessness in St. John’s. Through the Homelessness Reduction Innovation Fund, $272,278 is being invested over the next year in partnership with the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, End Homelessness St. John’s, and EmpowerNL.
#EndHomelessness

🍀March marks Irish Heritage Month. March was chosen as the celebratory month because of the commemorations happening across the country to recognize Saint Patrick’s Day today (March 17). Today, we celebrate the rich cultural legacy and ongoing contributions of the Irish Canadian community!

🍀 Happy St Patrick’s Day! Today we celebrate Irish heritage and the sense of community that’s long been part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s story. 💚