Anita welcomes grade five and six students from Woodroffe Avenue Primary School and filled them in on some of the work she and her colleagues have been doing on Parliament Hill. The students supplied her with many bright ideas and questions, looks like our future is in good hands!

Anita spoke out at the rally at City Hall this weekend for the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women, organized by Grandmothers Advocacy Network, WIIS-Canada and Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW). We must all raise our voice to end the silence and impunity.

Anita laid the wreath for the Government of Canada at the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph in Centrepointe hosted by Bells Corners Legion Branch 593. She met with Bill, a 96-year-old WWII veteran who served with the RCAF, and Wendy, who represented the Silver Cross Mothers and whose father died in WWII. We are forever grateful.

Anita joined the Westboro Legion Branch 480 at West End Villa & Carling Retirement Community & met seniors who lost loved ones in WWI, WWII & Korea. Westboro Legion Branch 480 hosted Remembrance Day services at seniors homes for those who cannot get to the services.

At West End Villa & Carling Retirement Community, Anita met Albert and Edna, from the Netherlands, who have been married 66 years. Edna was born only two years after World War One. They are grateful to Canadian soldiers for their liberation.

On Remembrance Day, we honour all those who have served and sacrificed so much for the freedom, democracy and equality we enjoy as Canadians.

Please take a moment this weekend and reach out to a Service Member you may know to thank them for their bravery and their service.

Anita joined fellow Parliamentarians to support Irwin Cotler & the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights Advocacy Project for Political Prisoners.

It is vitally important as Members of Parliament that when we see elected Members of Parliament, human rights defenders, and non-violent activists from around the world targeted specifically because of their advocacy and defence of Human Rights, that parliamentarians in countries such as ours stand up and speak out. Silence is often a license for these perpetrators to do more.

This Veterans Week, as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War and remember the service and sacrifice of the Canadian Armed Forces members and Canada's Veterans, Anita joined her colleagues from all Parties for the unveiling of the maquette honouring Lieutenant-Colonel Sam Sharpe on Parliament Hill.

Lt.-Col. Same Sharpe was a Canadian hero and is finally returning to the foyer outside the House of Commons, more than a century after the former Member of Parliament and WW1 Veteran returned traumatized from the killing fields of Europe and took his own life.

Anita accompanied Minister of Immigration, Ahmed Hussen, to the Gurdwara Sahib of Ottawa in Ottawa West-Nepean. Diwali is a time for friends and families to come together to share a festive meal, light diyas and exchange sweets! Happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas to all those celebrating in Ottawa West-Nepean!

Anita spoke at the TCPCCC Colloquium to celebrate the contributions of the Congolese-Canadian community to the rich fabric of our country. Congratulations to the organizers and volunteers and all the community leaders who travelled from across Canada for this event on Parliament Hill, and all those who celebrated at the gala dinner at Ottawa City Hall.

Anita attended the Ottawa Muslim Women’s Organization (OMWO) boat cruise on the Ottawa River last weekend, and read greetings from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The OMWO was founded to help build bridges and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims in Ottawa. Congratulations for all you to do make this a better country.

Anita spoke at the kick-off to the Ottawa Parkinson Canada Super Walk this weekend in Britannia Park. Congratulations to all the volunteers and the teams who participated and raised money to support those living with Parkinson’s disease.

Anita took part in the Community Cleanup Challenge in Ottawa West-Nepean alongside a bunch of dedicated volunteers to beat plastic pollution. 

Anita joined the Kehillat Beth Israel and Jewish Ottawa Inclusion Network for a special Rosh Hashana celebration for children with autism, and to talk about how to make our public spaces more inclusive for everyone. A great way to bring in the Jewish New Year. Shanah Tovah to all who celebrate!

Anita brought Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s greetings at the Ottawa-Gatineau Latin Festival. This festival featured a colourful parade and music, showcasing the rich and vibrant Latino-Canadian cultures. She extends her thanks to the volunteers who worked so hard to make this possible, in particular the volunteer award winner, Tamara Quintana. 

Anita attends Capital Pride with fellow MPs and MPPs, a yearly Pride parade to celebrate diversity, equality and inclusion!

Anita kicks off the school year at the Algonquin College Presidents Breakfast with college president Cheryl Jensen along with faculty, staff, students & community leaders. She was proud to work with the college on the new #DAREDistrict where the library was turned into a “collaboratory” where ideas can collide and students can innovate and network with industry and business using the latest technologies. Additionally, it includes a new Centre for Indigenous Entrepreneurship. Whether it is funding a new Data Analytica Centre, working together to encourage more women in Trades, or helping students get hands-on experience through co-op programs and apprenticeships, our government is committed to supporting cutting-edge educational institutions like Algonquin College.
Anita will continue to support the college’s forward-thinking collaborative approach to preparing learners for the jobs of tomorrow!

Anita hosted a barbecue for the Canada Summer Jobs recipients. 260 new summer jobs were created in Ottawa West-Nepean! A strong middle class and a growing economy depend on young Canadians getting the skills and work experience they need to succeed.

Anita celebrated the 50th anniversary of Extendicare New Orchard Lodge women’s nursing home in Ottawa West-Nepean. Good to see residents, caregivers, volunteers & family members enjoying a fun day with popcorn and candy floss, a dunking booth & even farm animals!

Anita attended the ground-breaking for Ottawa’s one-million-square-foot Amazon Canada fulfillment centre. 1,500 new construction jobs were created to help build this state of the art facility and an additional 600 jobs will be created for day-to-day operations.

Anita visits the 10th annual South Asian Fest at Ottawa City Hall. The event was filled with lots of local and international musical and dance performances and celebrated the rich cultures and contributions of Ottawa’s South Asian communities.

Anita joined Mayor Jim Watson and councilor Mark Taylor to unveil a plaque in Woodroffe Park that celebrates saving & relocating 50 mature trees from Byron Linear Park. This was made possible by Tree Canada / Arbres Canada and CN Railway, an example of a great collaboration between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors!

Anita joined Minister of Heritage Pablo Rodriguez and the NCC to announce a $55 million federal government contribution toward infrastructure renewal in the National Capital Region, including pathways and bridges impacted by last year’s floods, historic buildings & heritage sites.

Today Anita dropped in to the Ottawa Greek Festival, with fantastic dancing and music and of course tasty Greek food. A particular favourite was cheese lit on fire at Father Alex’s Saganaki Shack!

Anita joined Ministers Bill Morneau, Mary Ng, Catherine McKenna, and MP colleagues Linda Lapointe and Greg Fergus at Farmboy in Ottawa to announce an agreement reached with credit card companies to reduce transaction charges to businesses. This will save Canadian small and medium sized businesses $250 million a year in fees so they can focus on growing their enterprises. Anita congratulates her colleague, MP Linda Lapointe, for her tireless work on this issue.

Anita learned so much from talking with your leaders at the 'Bayshore Block Party - United Against Violence', organized by the Bayshore Leaders Club. They invited the Ottawa Police HoopStars for a basketball game and Q&A. It was so inspiring to see youth organising together for a better and safer community.

Anita was proud to cut the ribbon for the opening of the new 10,000 sq foot 20-bed Nelson House women’s shelter in Ottawa West-Nepean. This valuable and worthwhile facility was made posible thanks to $5.3 million federal & provincial funding. This will be a safe, supportive & accessible place for survivors of violence & their children to rebuild their lives.

This weekend, Anita visited the Canadian Capital Classic Car show at Wesley Clover Park. She found a trick almost identical to the one her father had when she was young! What a great event and a fantastic venue, right here in Ottawa West-Nepean!

Anita visited Ottawa City Hall today, where she joined in the celebrations of the rich contributions of Somali Canadians to our nation. She spoke to attendees, and learned from volunteers about several worthy community-run projects, like the pure water project initiated by Isra Farah with Human Concern International. Wonderful food, poetry and musical performances!

It's always a fun time at the Ottawa Lebanese Festival! Currently in its 28th year, the festival shows off the best of Lebanon and highlights the important contributions Lebanese Canadians have made to our society.

Anita offered her congratulations to the hard working volunteers at the Sukara kite flying festival, at Andrew Haydon Park. They held a great event, raising money for children in Bangladesh and for CHEO. Lots of fun for the whole family, and for an excellent cause!

Today Anita took a visit to the Blair Street station's new LRT line. She looks forward to the day when the residents of Ottawa West-Nepean can benefit from the beautiful and efficient station. With $1 billion in federal funding, this project will make a huge difference for local residents.

On Canada Day, Anita took some time to visit the festivities held by the Congolese-Canadian community in Ottawa West-Nepean. She spent time meeting constituents, hearing their priorities, and listening to local concerns. A wonderful event, with wonderful people. Bonne fête du Canada!

On June 30th, Anita and her staff hosted a large Canada Day celebration for her constituents in Ottawa West-Nepean. There was a huge turnout, with more than 250 people attending. We celebrated with a series of musical and dance performances put on by local artists based right here in Ottawa, plenty of food and drinks, and great company! Anita wishes all her constituents, and all Canandians, a very happy Canada Day!

Anita took part in the graduation ceremony of Woodroffe High School's Class of 2018. She had the honour of distributing several academic awards and diplomas to the deserving graduates. Anita wishes these fine young adults all the best, as they embark on the next exciting chapter of their lives.

Today Anita dropped in on the Caldwell Family Centre International Taste of Canada food festival. She had the chance to meet the hard-working organisers, volunteers, and cooks who'd prepared all the delicious food. A wonderful way to celebrate our country's diversity!

This week, it was Anita's pleasure to host the 3rd annual "T-Ball on the Hill", held to mark the start of Canada's National Little League Week. T-Ball is the introductory sport to baseball, and is played by children aged 5 and 6 years old. Two teams of kids from Ottawa and the surrounding areas played a friendly game of T-Ball right on the front of lawn of Parliament Hill. It was the highlight of Anita's day to see so many children participating in the sport they love!

Anita visited a friend at the Asian Heritage Month Society, which this week hosted an Asian Film Festival at the Ben Franklin Place at Centrepointe. She was so glad to join the inhabitants of the riding in celebrating their heritage, and their contributions to Canada.

On May 31st, Anita and fellow parliamentarians attended the 10th annual Harmony Iftar. This dinner began with a group of students helping friends understand their culture by inviting them to an iftaar dinner, now 10 years later hundreds from all faiths and backgrounds celebrate together.

Anita was happy to participate today in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new bocce courts and gazebo at Villa Marconi. The project was funded by the New Horizons For Seniors Program and will allow for more community members to enjoy outdoor activities. Anita offers particular congratulations to Villa Marconi's L'Eta d'Oro members who put in the original request for funding and received the full amount of 25,000$ from the federal government. Projects like these have such a positive impact on our seniors community and society as a whole.

Anita had the pleasure of attending a workshop for National Capital FreeNet's Access=Skills=Opportunities project. This project helps people on low incomes improve their digital literacy skills by assisting them in applying online to two programs, the Canada Learning Bond (CBL) and the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP). Organizations like National Capital FreeNet provide an invaluable service to our community.

Today, Algonquin College in Anita's riding of Ottawa West-Nepean inaugurated the Discovery, Applied Research and Entrepreneurship (DARE) building. Almost half the funding for this project - $22.9 million - came from our federal government's Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund. This new building will be home to a new library and learning centre, an Indigenous Commons, a space for students to access the newest technology, a cybersecurity centre and more. Anita am proud to have been involved since the very first concept stage of this project. DARE creates a truly pan-collegiate model that will be a pilot for colleges across Canada. It includes an Institute for Indigenous Entrepreneurship which will help stimulate the potential and creativity of Algonquin College's over 1,000 indigenous students. It is a welcoming and inclusive physical space using state-of-the-art architecture of the future. A place where we can all truly DARE to dream!

Aujourd'hui, le Collège Algonquin, situé dans la circonscription d'Anita (Ottawa-Ouest-Nepean), a inauguré le bâtiment DARE (Discovery, Applied Research and Entrepreneurship). Près de la moitié du financement de ce projet - 22,9 millions de dollars - provient du Fonds d'investissement stratégique pour les établissements d'enseignement postsecondaire de notre gouvernement fédéral. Ce nouveau bâtiment abritera une nouvelle bibliothèque et un centre d'apprentissage, un Indigenous Commons, un espace permettant aux étudiants d'accéder aux technologies les plus récentes, un centre de cybersécurité et bien d'autres choses encore. Anita est fière d'avoir participé dès la première phase de conception de ce projet. DARE crée un modèle véritablement pan-collégial qui sera un projet pilote pour les collèges de tout le Canada. Il comprend un institut pour entrepreneuriat des populations autochtones qui contribuera à stimuler le potentiel et la créativité des plus de 1 000 étudiants autochtones du Collège Algonquin. Il s'agit d'un espace physique accueillant et inclusif utilisant une architecture de pointe du futur. Un lieu où nous pouvons tous vraiment OSEZ rêver !

Anita was so impressed with her visit to the head offices of CARE Canada in Ottawa West-Nepean. She heard about their humanitarian and development projects around the world, and the leadership they have shown globally on gender and women’s development for decades. She is proud to have them as a partner in implementing our government’s feminist international development policy.

Anita a été très impressionnée par sa visite au siège social de CARE Canada à Ottawa-Ouest-Nepean. Elle a entendu parler de leurs projets humanitaires et de développement dans le monde entier, et du leadership dont ils font preuve dans le domaine du genre et du développement des femmes depuis des décennies. Elle est fière de les avoir comme partenaire dans la mise en œuvre de la politique féministe de développement international de notre gouvernement.

Anita was thrilled to announce joint federal and provincial funding, that will go to Ottawa Community Housing for 42 new housing units for low-income seniors. The new units will be directly attached to the Carlington Community Health Centre and other social services. It was a pleasure to tour the construction site with MPP Bob Chiarelli, which once completed, will truly make a difference for the people of Ottawa West-Nepean.

Anita celebrated International Women's Day 2018 with the Ottawa Sikh Society. She was proud to give a few remarks at the event, and met with many members of the community.

Anita enjoyed the play 'Women Vote Indirect" by local playwright Joan Conrod, hosted by the Canadian Federation of University Women, Ottawa, Nepean, and Kanata chapters, to celebrate International Women's Day 2018 at Woodroffe United Church in Ottawa West-Nepean. It was a pleasure to attend in support of hard-working, local artists.

A set of phenomenal performances were held at the Centrepointe Theatre by the Canada-China Culture and Art Association Spring Festival Gala in honour of the Chinese New Year. Anita was pleased to attend alongside the Chinese Ambassador to Canada, as well as many other community leaders and members in Ottawa West-Nepean. 

Anita hosted a town-hall and panel discussion on Autism, where she heard directly from people living with Autism and Asperger Syndrome about their life experiences, and their advice for federal policy.

Today we signed the lease for the transfer of federal land to the The Ottawa Hospital - L'Hôpital d'Ottawa for the new 21st century Civic Hospital campus at the site of the old Sir John Carling building. Three levels of government working together for the people of Ottawa!

This week Anita had an excellent visit with students from Woodroffe High School. She gave them a tour of Parliament, and was impressed by their questions - which showed that Canada's young people are aware, inclusive, and socially engaged.

Ten years ago today, Anita was in Kosovo when they declared independence and a new country was born. Yesterday she was at Ottawa City Hall with the ambassador of Kosovo to Canada Lulzim Hiseni and the Kosovo-Canadian community to celebrate this momentous anniversary by raising the Kosovo flag in front of Ottawa City Hall. For Anita, Kosovo and its generous and kind people will always hold a special place in her heart. Here's to the next ten years of peace, prosperity and friendship.

Anita extends a warm thank you to the social justice committee at St. Basil’s parish, for inviting her to their church to talk about women, peace and development. She congratulates then on all the good work they do for advancing the cause of peace and justice.

Anita made sure to attend the Briar Green skating party in Ottawa West-Nepean in support of the Girl Guides of Canada, who were raising money to go to Mexico to save the turtles. They had organized a fun-filled day with beaver tails, a horse-drawn sleigh, hockey, skating and even a real igloo.

Tonight Anita was celebrating the Lunar New Year with the Korean-Canadian community at Ron Kolbus Centre in Ottawa West-Nepean. She had a chance to talk to Korean War veterans who were given an honoured place at the event. Anita also participated in the New Year's Bow Ceremony with the children at the event.

Anita joined all levels of government and Minister Jean-Yves Duclos to announce $6 million for housing in Ottawa West-Nepean. This will fund 42 new affordable seniors' units and 6 family units in the riding. The announcement was part of a broader expansion of funding accross Ottawa - 16 new projects in all.

Today Anita participated in Mitzvah Day at the Soloway Jewish Centre, cutting hair for charity. She extends her warm congratulations to all the volunteers cooking soup, making candles, and packing birthday hampers.

Anita toured camp kaleidoscope for kids with autism which will have a summer camp at St Paul High School in Ottawa West-Nepean. The staff, volunteers, and kids were all amazing!

Anita attended the fantastic winter carnival at Fisher Heights Community Centre. She shared chili and hot chocolate with the attendees, and took part in all the winter activities on offer - snowshoeing, skating, roasting marshmallows, and tug of war. She congratlates all the volunteers who worked hard to make this a fun family day.

This morning Anita was at Woodroffe Avenue Public School to announce funding to The Learning Partnership for digital skills & coding training for young Canadians in Ottawa West-Nepean. Coding and digital skills are becoming the new ABCs; making digital literacy fundamental to the jobs of the future, particularly in the fields of STEM. CanCode will give thousands of Canadian teachers the know-how needed to properly teach our kids these new digital skills and technologies. This was part of a national announcement of $50 million to teach over a million kids how to code.

Anita joined the 2018 Women's March because every woman in Canada has the right to equal opportunity to pursue her dreams and live life free from violence and harassment. Together, she and her constituents celebrated their achievements, and reflected on the work they have yet to do. Anita was particularly impressed with the young men who jointed thousands of women to march for gender equality. 

One of our government's priorities is increasing the availability of quality, affordable housing across Canada. Anita had a chance to tour housing units being renovated by Nepean Housing in Ottawa West-Nepean, thanks to federal funding provided by the National Housing Strategy. Lots of progress has been made, and the Strategy aims to reduce the number of Canadians without a home by half.

Anita was honoured to attend the 7th Annual Awakening Somali Youth Conference this weekend. The Conference's theme was "Creating Agents of Change, Igniting the Rising Generation". Anita met more than a few young change-makers this evening! She congratulates all the award recipients and extends a warm thank-you to all those who make our communities better places.

Anita spent the morning today helping Ottawa Community Housing Caldwell (OCH-Caldwell) pack Christmas hampers to make sure every family in Ottawa West-Nepean has a very happy holiday season. She was pleased to be joined by Minister Catherine McKenna, MPP Bob Chiarelli, and Councilman Mark Taylor.

A great celebration was held for the opening of the new Bayshore Community Field-House. Anita was proud to be part of a government that contributed federal funding to the project as part of Canada 150, alongside municipal funding from Mayor Jim Watson and Concilman Mark Taylor. 

Anita took time to pay her respects to the 14 women murdered on December 6th 1989 at École Polytechnique, and all the women killed by violence in Ottawa this past year. A moving and tearful vigil was held in Minto Park. We remember them and we vow to do more to end gender-based violence.

Today Anita participated in the Caldwell Family Centre Christmas Bazaar. She was invited to draw the door prize. The Bazaar was a great way to bring the community of Ottawa West-Nepean together, and raise money for those most vulnerable in the holiday season.

Anita visited the Woodroffe High School Holiday Bazaar today - the students themselves did all the work of organizing it!

The Philip Killeen Hospitality Centre at Algonquin College was very kind to welcome Anita and Finance Minister Bill Morneau. They toured the facilities of the Culinary Management and Culinary Skills Program, and were impressed by the passion and dedication of students and teachers alike.

Anita was thrilled to welcome a group of youth from the Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre to the Hill. She gave them a special tour of Parliament Hill, with all its Christmas lights and decorations.

This morning Anita participated in ‘Spin for Kids’ raising funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa Ron Kolbus Clubhouse in Ottawa West-Nepean. Everyone was welcome to come ride bikes for 20 minutes and enjoy refreshments as part of a fundraiser for local children.

Anita spent the afternoon at the Old Forge Community Centre's 2017 Christmas Bazaar. The community had gathered together for a bake sale and homemade craft sale. There was lots of warm company for a cold day!

Today Anita announced, on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, two new projects funded through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) that will directly benefit the residents of Ottawa West-Nepean. The Pinecrest Garage will see many improvements, including two new double-decker buses, repairs to the bus bay, sidewalks and asphalt replacement.

Anita hosted a town hall for her constituents on the topic of dementia care, treatment, and awareness. She was able to speak about our government's new National Dementia Strategy, and heard the voices of many constituents whose lives are affected by this important issue. 

Anita had the honour to lay a wreath on behalf of the Government of Canada at the West End Villa Seniors Residence hosted by Westboro Legion. She met a man named Ian, who served in the Netherlands as part of the Third Canadian Infantry Division, and had helped liberate her parents' families during the Second World War.

Anita delivers her Remembrance Day remarks to the citizens of Ottawa West-Nepean.

Anita returned to the Old Forge Community Resource Centre, where she ran a table at the 2017 Seniors' Health and Wellness Fair. She had a great time meeting local seniors and hearing their priorities.

Anita spoke at the Crystal Beach Community Association AGM, where she met many devoted volunteers from the neighbourhood.

Anita was honoured to attend last night's Mexico Earthquake fundraiser at Ottawa City Hall with her friend and colleague, William Amos. It was a wonderful evening full of musical and dance performances and delicious Mexican food!

Thank you to the Asociación Cultural Mexicano Canadiense Ottawa-Gatineau and Holas Carleton for putting on such a well attended event, and to all the sponsors who stepped up to support such an important cause.

Today Anita spent time at the Pinecrest Queenway Community Health Centre's annual BBQ. She met with staff and volunteers of the Health Centre, and thanked them for their valuable work in helping to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.

Anita, her team, and other MP's in the Ottawa area had a fantastic time at Ottawa's 2017 Pride Parade. She is proud to march in support of our LGBT community.

Anita, son équipe et d'autres députés de la région d'Ottawa ont passé un moment fantastique lors du défilé de la fierté d'Ottawa en 2017. Elle est fière de défiler pour soutenir la communauté LGBT.

Anita was honoured to receive an invitation to the first Pride Shabbat dinner at Kehillat Beth Israel Synagogue in Ottawa West-Nepean. She celebrated Ottawa Pride with the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and CIJA.

Today we joined Catherine McKenna, indigenous elders and representatives from the governments of Quebec and Ontario to announce that the Ottawa River will receive an official Heritage Designation. This river is the lifeblood of so many communities, including Ottawa West-Nepean. I was proud on such a beautiful day to appreciate the rich historical, ecological and cultural significance of the Ottawa River alongside colleagues Mona Fortier, Steven MacKinnon, and Stephane Lauzon.

Instead of canvassing today Anita and her team made the rounds of local festivals! After exhausting themselves dancing at the Festival of India they regained their energy by eating fried cheese (Saganaki) from a flaming frying pan at the Ottawa Greek Festival, where we met new friends and learned more about the ways Ottawa Police keeps our community safe.

Today, Anita helped to unveil a mural painted with the help of Neighbourhood Arts and the House of Paint, in which youth and children added colours and patterns to reflect their community. She was honoured to help cut the ribbon in a new outdoor ping pong table, and toured the community garden. The mint leaves were fresh and perfect for tea (or maybe a mojito!). Kudos to the community on a job well done!

This July, Anita participated in the first-ever Somali-Canadian cultural festival at Ottawa City Hall. It was an enriching experience full of music, dance performances, and fantastic food, all held to celebrate the contributions of Canada's proud Somali community!

Anita hosted a Town Hall meeting on how to improve Canada's Parliamentary democracy and make it more participatory and responsive of citizen's views and ideas. She used the opportunity to meet with her constituents, gathering innovative and positive ideas to guide her work in chairing the Canadian all-party democracy caucus.

This July, Anita attended the official opening of the Capital Ukrainian Festival. She had the pleasure of delivering greetings from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and greatly enjoyed the weekend of cultural celebration.

Anita was pleased to congratulate Woodroffe High School`s graduating class of 2017 as they embark on the next exciting chapter of their lives.

Anita was honoured to be invited to a garden party, held in honour of the hardworking volunteers in Ottawa West-Nepean who worked all night to save their neighbour's house from the May floods. They represent the best in our community!

Wishing all Canadians a Happy Canada Day!

Anita enjoyed meeting with local Girl Guides and Pathfinders at General Burns Park to talk about leadership and answer questions about the Canadian Parliament. An impressive group of young leaders learning about service to our community.

Anita was pleased to attend a celebration of Nowruz hosted by the Afghan Students Association. Norway is a celebration of the New Year and the arrival of Spring. It is celebrated in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. 

Anita joined Catherine McKenna and Greg Fergus at an inter-faith dialogue circle with faith leaders from across Ottawa from Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh and other faiths. They discussed how to work together against prejudice and hate.

Ottawa West-Nepean has a rich artistic and cultural scene. Anita enjoyed a play by Joan Conrod as part of the "Dessert and Drama" series at Woodroffe United Church. It was a wonderfully tongue-in-cheek story about the Mothers of Confederation as part of Canada's 150th year celebrations.

The Britannia Woods Food Pantry has operated on volunteer efforts for 25 years to provide food to some of the most vulnerable in our community. While it is unfortunate that such a service is needed in our community, the hard work of countless volunteers and the generosity of donors has made a significant difference for many families. 

Anita attended a potluck dinner at St. Remi church for the one-year anniversary of the arrival of the Nawful family, refugees from Syria that were hosted by parishioners at the church at the initiative of a group of high school students. During a visit to parliament, Anita recognized the family and their sponsors in a statement to the House of Commons. The family are doing well, they are working and studying hard and very grateful for the generosity of Canadians.