Today, communities across Canada and around the world celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year and the arrival of spring a time of renewal and joy. For many this year, celebrations come with concern for loved ones abroad. We stand in solidarity and extend our support. Happy Nowruz!

🌙 Eid Mubarak 🌙 Eid Mubarak to the Muslim community in Ottawa West–Nepean and to all celebrating across Canada. Wishing you a joyful day filled with peace, reflection, and time with loved ones.

Given the evolving situation in the Middle East, I know many in our community are concerned. Canadians in the region, or with loved ones there, are encouraged to stay informed and contact Global Affairs Canada if needed. Registering with ROCA is strongly recommended.

Happy St.Patrick’s Day!Today is a great moment to celebrate Irish heritage and the many ways it enriches our communities here in Canada. From culture and traditions to the spirit of togetherness, it’s a day that brings people together.Wishing everyone celebrating a joyful and safe St. Patrick’s Day!

New episode out now! I sat down with Steve and Sonia Colterman for a thoughtful conversation about democracy, engagement, and the importance of civic participation. Watch the full episode on YouTube now. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1Gm...

Today is the international Day to Combat Islamophobia. It is also the Holy month of Ramadan. I co-hosted the 18th annual Harmony Iftar dinner in Parliament. It started with Ayan hosting an Iftar dinner at University with her non-Muslim friends and continues now to build understanding and friendship.

Recently, I joined the General Burns Community Association for their skating party. It was great to connect with families and neighbours and see the community come together for a fun afternoon on the ice. Thank you to everyone who helped organize such a beautiful event!

Six years ago, our lives drastically changed with COVID-19. Today we remember those we lost, the families who couldn’t say goodbye, and those still living with long COVID. 💛 Consider placing a yellow heart in your window as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity.

New episode of Democracy in Conversation. A powerful conversation with Josephine Crone on leadership, resilience, and why democracy needs more voices at the table. Watch the full episode now! www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Etr...

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience,and leadership of women everywhere. I’m grateful to be surrounded by extraordinary women whose courage, compassion,and determination inspire me every day. When women rise, our communities grow stronger #InternationalWomensDay

It was truly a pleasure to sign a certificate for the Congolese Youth Union of Ottawa-Gatineau on the opening of their new office. I’m inspired to see the important work they are doing to create spaces for Congolese youth in our community. Congratulations on this great achievement !

March 4 marks Holi, the Festival of Colours A celebration of spring, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil. Today, we recognize the important contributions of Hindu Canadians to our country. Happy Holi to everyone celebrating!

The Ottawa Tool Library offers thousands of tools for lending, workshops & repair cafes. Borrow tools, learn new skills & meet great friends! I bought a hand-made button that says “Canada is not for sale” and gave it to PM Mark Carney! See what great projects you can do with the right tools! #OttWN

Today is the 35th anniversary of the ceasefire of the Persian Gulf War and the liberation of Kuwait. Over 4000 Canadian Armed Forces Members participated. As veterans wait for recognition that their service was wartime service, we validate their experience and recognize their courage and sacrifice.

My statement on Iran-related hostilities in the Middle East:

Our childhood cancer journey is done, but the work Helena did still has effects to this day. Thank you Anita for the chance to show how people can make differences. I'm proud but it's clear Helena takes more after her mum than me! @uwaterloo.ca @anitavandenbeld.bsky.social youtu.be/WnbMeh-VmhQ?...

February 24 marks 4 years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Canada stands with Ukraine through military, humanitarian and financial support, and by holding Russia accountable. We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and its people.

I’m wearing pink for Pink Shirt Day because bullying has no place in our schools, workplaces or communities. What began as a simple act of solidarity became a powerful reminder that words and actions matter. A small gesture can make someone feel seen, supported and valued. Kindness is leadership.

Feb 17th was Lunar New Year, the start of the year of the Fire Horse. I was invited to paint the eyes on the dragons at the celebration at Bayshore Mall. This symbolizes waking of the dragons, so they can see evil and protect us. I wish all who are celebrating a happy, lucky and prosperous new year!

Thanks to @lainejohnson.bsky.social for hosting a great winter fun day skating party at Ben Franklin Place! The food vendors (Chile and Grilled Cheese!), magic show and Sparky the fire dog were fantastic! I picked up flower seeds, a book about #Nepean history, road safety reflectors and more. #OttWN

Come by Pet Valu at College Square until 3pm today. Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue has a booth to raise awareness and funds for their rescue cats. We got our “Widdle” Coco from them, she had been lovingly fostered before we adopted her. Thanks to the volunteers who make such a difference these kitties!

I only made it for the tail end of the McKellar Park Fire & Ice skating party. But I did have a chance to catch up with some of the McKellar Park Hosers - volunteers who maintain the skating rink no matter what the weather! It’s that kind of dedication that really builds a special community! #OttWN

18 years ago I was in Kosovo when they declared independence and a new country was born. I will never forget the hope, the gratitude and the tears of joy on people’s faces that cold winter night, as they became a self-governing, democratic, pluralistic independent state. Gezuar Pavarsia!

Now, more than ever, we need to remember to be kind. This week is National Kindness Week. But let’s make it every week.

Today is the 61st anniversary of the Canada Flag. This flag symbolizes unity and resilience, a country where we understand that when our neighbour does well we all do better. A country that is kind and generous, but also strong and fierce when we need to be. Our home. Independent and free.

I enjoyed another fantastic winter fun day at Woodroffe Park hosted by the Carlingwood Community Association. It was great to talk to neighbours and community volunteers. The skating rink looks great, especially with the creative idea of using people’s old Christmas trees as decoration! #OttWN

I signed a book of condolence for the victims at Tumbler Ridge BC. A whole country is grieving for the senseless loss of life, our hearts go out to their families and loved ones, and we are thinking of those who were wounded. This tragedy has shaken us all. We stand with the people of Tumbler Ridge.

The House of Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights (SDIR) passed a unanimous motion condemning the unjust and cruel 20-year prison sentence issued against democracy advocate Jimmy Lai by the Hong Kong authorities, simply for his support of free media. We call for his immediate release.

Despite the cold, volunteers made a fantastic day at the Qualicum Winter Carnival! The snow taffee was a special treat! Thanks to the Scouts for organizing a marshmallow roast. There were horse and carriage rides and indoor fun stations like face painting and colouring. Thanks to all who helped out!

February is Black History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the contributions and rich heritage of Black Canadians. What a fantastic celebration this week at the Canadian Museum of History!

What a fantastic turn-out at the Glabar Park winter fun day! With a horse-drawn carriage, an impeccably well maintained skating rink (thanks to dedicated community volunteers) and a marshmallow roast for the kids and the young-at-heart! It was great to chat around the fire with constituents. #OttWN

Go Team Canada! Go Olympians from the National Capital Region! Allez l’équipe du Canada! Allez les olympiens de la région de la capitale nationale!

I welcomed my colleague Wayne Long to PQCHC to announce the renewal of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) for 3 years. This helps 1 million Canadians to file their taxes & ensure everyone receives the benefits they are entitled to - thousands of dollars for those who need it most.

What a fantastic winter carnival at Fisher Heights yesterday. Thanks to Joanne and all the volunteers - especially the students - who helped to make this success! The kids loved the scavenger hunt, marshmallow roast, horse-drawn carriage, colouring books and snow games! A great community! #OttWN

Quelle belle soirée hier soir pour célébrer le sixième anniversaire de la Maison de la Francophonie d’Ottawa. C’est un moment marquant, qui nous permet de souligner non seulement un anniversaire, mais aussi un parcours riche en engagement, en solidarité et en fierté. Félicitations! #OttWN

Today is the National Day of Remembrance & Action Against Islamophobia on the anniversary of the Quebec City mosque attack. We remember Azzedine Soufiane, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Aboubaker Thabti, Ibrahima Barry, and Abdelkrim Hassane. I joined a roundtable on combatting Islamophobia.

Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. I joined PM Mark Carney at the National Holocaust Monument. Today we honour the memory of 6 million Jews and many others murdered by the Nazis. As antisemitism is rising, we vow that Jew hatred and Holocaust denial be denounced, not normalized.

I welcomed PM Mark Carney to Produce Depot in #OttWN. We will help 12 million Canadians afford groceries and essentials, including: • A 25% increase to the GST rebate for five years • A one-time 50% top up this year • Funding to support supply chains, food producers and local food infrastructure.

A special evening at the 10th Ottawa Tamil Association dinner celebrating Tamil Heritage month. It was a chance to celebrate the culture and contributions of Tamil Canadians with music & dance, and also to remember the horrors of the Tamil genocide and the importance of human dignity. Happy Pongal!

Quelle soirée fantastique pour célébrer la culture de la rumba congolaise à la maison de la Francophonie. Lorsque je vivais en RDC, j’ai compris qu’au Congo, la musique n’est pas seulement quelque chose qu’on écoute, elle est vivante en chacun et fait partie intégrante de la vie. Quelle célébration!

This is our country. This is our future. The choice is ours. We choose Canada. youtu.be/_MTTo8Qt6tU?...

Famille Éclose offre un soutien communautaire et des ressources essentiels aux familles francophones nouvellement arrivées. Ce fut un réel plaisir d’assister à leur gala à Foster Farm, placé sous le thème « Prendre sa place », et de rencontrer tant de femmes résilientes, unies pour s’entraider.

Recently I had a wonderful visit with the residents at Park Place seniors suites. A big thank you to former Nepean mayor Mary Pitt for inviting me. She blazed the trail for so many elected women representing Nepean, including me! Thanks so much to the residents of Park Place for welcoming me warmly!

At a moment when people around the world are fighting for democracy, it’s important to talk to Canadian kids about an MP’s role, why elections matter, and to hear their voices and opinions. I was inspired at Bayshore Public School by the enthusiasm of the students about the recent federal election.

Iranians continue to show the world their bravery as they stand up for their dignity and fundamental right to peaceful protest. Canada will continue to call on the Iranian regime to protect its own population.

Merry Christmas to Orthodox Christians, Eastern Rite Catholics and Coptic communities who are celebrating today. I attended the Christmas bazaar at the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in my riding. Let this be a year of peace, resilience and hope. Have a blessed Christmas to all celebrating.

Wishing everyone a very happy new year 2026!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Merry Christmas to all the furry friends out there!

Britannia Woods is a close-knit community where neighbours look out for each other. It was wonderful to join their holiday party at Ron Kolbus Centre and talk with so many families. Thank you to the volunteers who worked so hard to make a magical and festive time for everyone! #OttWN