Has it really been a year?

Saint-Boniface – Saint-Vital

The markers of time sometimes arrive like familiar landmarks on a long Canadian highway drive, appearing suddenly on the horizon before flashing past the window. When we’re focused on the road directly ahead – the meetings, deadlines, errands, and responsibilities of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger journey and just how far we’ve travelled.

Then all at once: “Oh, wow, are we here already?”

That was exactly the feeling I had a few weeks ago when I realized a full year has passed since the last federal election and the beginning of my journey as a member of Parliament.

It’s been a remarkably busy and consequential year. Canada, like much of the world, continues to navigate economic uncertainty, global instability, and rapid change. Through it all, our federal government has remained focused on making sure Canadians can weather those pressures while continuing to build strong, resilient communities for the future.

Much of our work in Ottawa is grounded in the practical realities that families, community organizations and local businesses face every day, right here at home. Budget 2025 introduced Build Canada Homes, expanded support for multi unit construction, and removed GST for many first time buyers purchasing new homes; practical measures aimed at easing pressure on both rents and homeownership. Since July 1, 2025, the middle class tax cut has meant more take home pay for Canadians, helping households manage rising everyday costs while supporting spending at local shops and businesses in our neighbourhoods.

Budget 2025 also made the national school food program permanent, helping children begin the school day ready to learn while giving families a little more breathing room in tight household budgets. This spring, the Canada groceries and essentials benefit also began reaching millions of Canadians, alongside stronger consumer protectionsm such as a cap on NSF banking fees. These may not always make headlines, but they are the meaningful measures that can make a real difference around kitchen tables across the country.

Over the past year, I’ve also gained a deeper appreciation of the responsibility that comes with representing a community as diverse, thoughtful, and engaged as Saint-Boniface – Saint-Vital. Every day brings conversations with people whose experiences and perspectives may differ greatly, but who all care deeply about their families, their neighbourhoods, and the future of our community. One of the most important parts of this work is listening carefully, bringing people together where possible, and ensuring voices feel heard and respected, even when opinions differ.

What has struck me most is that, despite the many differences between my previous work in arts and culture and my work today in politics, the foundation is ultimately the same – people. The connections we forge, the relationships we nurture, and the communities we build together are what truly bind us.