Latest news with #MonaFortier
Ottawa Citizen
02-07-2025
- Health
- Ottawa Citizen
‘We believed in her': An 11-month fight to hire one public servant
Article content Most provincial disability support programs are means tested, meaning that they claw back benefits and services sharply once a disabled individual earns more than a minimal income. In Mandy's case, accepting our job offer threatened her access to vital services and equipment that literally keep her alive. Had we been able to quadruple her salary offer, paying out-of-pocket for many of them would still have been unaffordable. Article content I leaned on colleagues across departments. I persisted because I believed in Mandy, and in the promise of a more inclusive public service. Eventually, we succeeded, after working with the then claims administrator for the Public Service Health Care Plan to ensure that any provincial benefits and services Mandy lost would be covered. Article content Thanks in part to the pandemic and hybrid work, Mandy was hired in Toronto to work for a manager in Ottawa. She respected her hybrid arrangement and continues to come into the office on her required days. Article content Article content But then came the transfer of the Public Service Health Care Plan to a new claims administrator and Mandy lost coverage for essential equipment and therapeutic services she depends on to maintain basic mobility and health. I lobbied again — this time to the Treasury Board's accessibility office and the Chief Human Resources Officer — and again, I hit a wall. The contract had already been signed and could not be re-opened to fix this 'oversight'. Article content I want to be clear: I am not playing politics. As a senior public service leader, I have always provided fearless, evidence-based advice while respecting our Westminster model of responsible government. And in that same spirit, I offer this new government one piece of fearless advice: persons with disabilities must be part of Canada's future. Their inclusion is not an act of charity — it is a matter of justice, innovation, and national progress. Article content Article content I also hold out hope that as trade barriers between provinces come down, so too will the barriers that exist between provincial disability support programs. We need a system that allows for true mobility — where talented individuals with disabilities can be ambitious and pursue opportunity across this country without fear of losing essential supports. Canada must be a place where talent is nurtured, not geographically trapped. Article content So, I ask: what are we doing? Article content Why are we making it so hard — not just to get in, but to stay? Article content I share the original author's anger. I too have cried tears of frustration from witnessing harm and being unable to stop it. As a senior leader, that failure cuts deep. Article content I know how the system works. I know people. I even had the opportunity to meet Mona Fortier, then president of the Treasury Board, at an event celebrating the Women's Executive Network. She was interested; she met Mandy; she helped me speak with the team at Treasury Board. Nonetheless, I was told the contract was in place and nothing could be done. Article content I was devastated. We were devastated. But despite this test and perhaps because of it, I will not give up. Article content I believe more strongly than ever in diversity, equity and inclusion. I have patience and fortitude. I've set my sights on serving on the advisory panel that designs the next iteration of the Public Service Health Care Plan, to fight for persons with disabilities and build a modern, inclusive workplace where talent thrives and people are not penalized for the bodies they inhabit or the supports they need. Article content Article content I will devote the time and energy. I will bring forward the voices of those with lived experience. I will contribute because it is the right thing to do if we truly want to be a society that is innovative, inclusive and forward-thinking. My application will be submitted now and I will persist until I am given the chance to volunteer. Article content To the original author: you are not alone. Your courage matters. And your grief is not yours to carry alone. Change takes all of us — including those on the inside who are still trying. Article content With solidarity and respect, Article content — Donna Achimov Article content Donna Achimov served in senior leadership roles across several federal departments and agencies over her 37‑year public service career, including in regulatory, compliance, and service‑delivery organizations. A former Chief Compliance Officer, she is passionate about transforming workplace culture to foster innovation, creativity, and inclusion. In 2018, she was awarded the Joan Atkinson Award for Public Sector Values in the Workplace. Article content
CTV News
27-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Political pushback on proposed Kettle Island Bridge
It's been a proposal for years as a solution to decrease traffic in the downtown core and remove trucks from the Lowertown neighbourhood. The National Capital Commission (NCC) is one week into public consultations on the proposed Kettle Island Bridge. However, there's been some pushback from politicians. The Kettle Island Bridge would be built over the Ottawa River to connect Ottawa and Gatineau, crossing Kettle Island and connection the Aviation Parkway to Montée Paiement. Robin Roberts commutes between Quebec and Ontario every day for work. Traffic along the stretch of King Edward Avenue makes it difficult. 'I take it every day. It's very busy. It's very difficult. On top of which, there's often a lot of pedestrians that are in the way and the trucks just make it more difficult to navigate back and forth,' said Roberts, who commutes between Quebec and Ontario. Roberts says a new interprovincial bridge would help. 'If they had a different alternative route, it would save us a lot of time, considering I'm the one going to the Quebec side every day,' said Roberts. The Liberal government has committed to building the Kettle Island Bridge, but Liberal MP Mona Fortier is against the idea. Fortier wrote in a letter to her constituents: 'The eastern bridge project via Kettle Island, specifically the corridor between the Aviation Parkway and Montée Paiement does not meet Ottawa's needs. It does not guarantee the removal of heavy trucks from the King Edward corridor, which is a crucial issue for safety, air quality and traffic flow in the downtown core.' The long-time controversial project would cost billions, but is something many in the Lowertown neighbourhood support. 'For 60 years, this community has been dealing with an unacceptable situation where we have trucks and many 18-wheelers, thousands of them per day, circulating right through the middle of our neighborhood and just mere meters of where people live,' said Sylvie Bigras, president of the Lowertown Community Association. Meanwhile, Ottawa councillor Tim Tierney says the solution for traffic is a southern ring road, not another bridge. 'We're pretty much the only capital that doesn't have an alternative route to go east-west,' said Tierney. 'We want to give alternative options to people to be able to say, maybe I don't want to go through downtown, maybe I want to skip out to Barrhaven.' The new bridge at Kettle Island could be completed between 2032 and 2034. The online survey from the NCC on the early planning and design is available until July 10.
CTV News
26-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Ottawa Liberal MP says proposed interprovincial bridge ‘does not meet Ottawa's needs'
An Ottawa Liberal MP is not onboard the proposed route for a new interprovincial bridge in Ottawa's east end, saying the bridge at Kettle Island 'does not meet Ottawa's needs' and will not remove trucks from the Lowertown neighbourhood. The Liberal government committed to building a new interprovincial bridge connecting Ottawa and Gatineau last December, which would connect Montée Paiement in Gatineau with the Aviation Parkway in Ottawa. The bridge would cross the Ottawa River at Kettle Island in Ottawa's east end. 'I believe that, to this day, we have yet to identify a comprehensive solution – particularly on the Ottawa side,' Mona Fortier, MP for Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester, said in a letter to constituents. 'The eastern bridge project via Kettle Island – specifically the corridor between the Aviation Parkway and Montée Paiement does not meet Ottawa's needs. It does not guarantee the removal of heavy trucks from the King Edward corridor which is a crucial issue for safety, air quality, and traffic flow in the downtown core.' There are currently five interprovincial bridges in Ottawa, with the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge the only bridge on the eastern side of Ottawa. Fortier says Public Services and Procurement Canada did not consult with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation about 'the already overcapacity Highway 417' and the Highway 174 interchange in the east end. 'This new bridge cannot become a 'bridge to nowhere.' It must be part of a coherent, integrated, and sustainable regional solution that does not simply shift the problem into new communities,' Fortier writes. 'With an estimated cost between $3 and $4 billion, this project represents a major investment that does not offer clear or equitable benefits for our region. Furthermore, based on my many conversations with residents and numerous community associations, this project is not a priority.' Kettle Island Bridge map A map showing the location of the proposed Kettle Island Bridge over the Ottawa River. Jan. 30, 2025. (Kimberley Fowler/CTV News Ottawa) Fortier add studies conducted by the National Capital Commission and Public Services and Procurement Canada on the Kettle Island option 'have not demonstrated clear benefits' for Ottawa. 'It is time to shift the discussion toward a comprehensive solution that connects Highway 50 to the 417, addresses the issue of truck traffic in the downtown core, and ensures fair and respectful outcomes for all communities,' Fortier said. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has said the proposed new interprovincial bridge is not a priority for the City of Ottawa, and encouraged the federal government to fund transit. The NCC launched public consultations last week on the proposed new interprovincial bridge, with an online survey available until July 10 'Your input will also inform the initial project description, which will be submitted to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada as part of the federal Impact Assessment process,' the NCC said. According to the NCC, the feedback from residents will play a key role in identifying the project's 'most important benefits from a community perspective,' understanding 'potential impacts on people, places and the environment' and shaping the initial planning and design principles for the bridge. The survey asks participants to rank what topics are most important to them for the eastern bridge project: transportation and connectivity, community impacts and health, the environment and economic opportunities. Participants are also asked about their concerns for the interprovincial bridge project. The new bridge at Kettle Island could be completed between 2032 and 2034.
Canada Standard
31-05-2025
- General
- Canada Standard
Government of Canada recognizes the historic significance of Rockcliffe Park Historic District
Located northeast of downtown Ottawa, this district is an example of suburban planning traditions of the second half of the 19th century. May 30, 2025 Ottawa, ON Parks Canada Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, on behalf of the minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, commemorated the national historic significance of Rockcliffe Park Historic District at a special plaque unveiling ceremony. National historic designations illustrate the persons, places, and events that have marked history in Canada. Together, they tell the stories of who we are and connect us to our past, enriching our understanding of ourselves, each other, and this country. Located at the confluence of the Ottawa, Rideau, and Gatineau Rivers, this residential district covers an estimated area of 1.77 km2. Known to the Anishinbeg as Kishkbik , Rockcliffe Park is part of an important historical area where Indigenous people have lived, gathered, harvested, and traded for millennia. Following European settlement, this neighbourhood district was designed and laid out in 1864 by Thomas Coltrin Keefer, as part of Thomas MacKay's large estate purchased in the 1830s. Rockcliffe Park is an excellent example of the picturesque English and American suburban planning traditions of the second half of the 19th century. The varied, high-quality architecture was the work of renowned architects, who promoted the use of a variety of styles such as Tudor, Georgian, and Queen Anne. Amalgamated with the City of Ottawa in 2001, Rockcliffe Park retains a high degree of integrity and many of the key elements associated with its original design. The Government of Canada, through Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant people, places, and events that shaped this country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding of and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada's past and present. The designation process under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To nominate a person, place or historic event in your community, please visit the Parks Canada website for more information: -30-
Cision Canada
30-05-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada recognizes the historic significance of Rockcliffe Park Historic District Français
Located northeast of downtown Ottawa, this district is an example of suburban planning traditions of the second half of the 19 th century. OTTAWA, ON, May 30, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, on behalf of the minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, commemorated the national historic significance of Rockcliffe Park Historic District at a special plaque unveiling ceremony. National historic designations illustrate the persons, places, and events that have marked history in Canada. Together, they tell the stories of who we are and connect us to our past, enriching our understanding of ourselves, each other, and this country. Located at the confluence of the Ottawa, Rideau, and Gatineau Rivers, this residential district covers an estimated area of 1.77 km 2. Known to the Anishinābeg as Kishkābikā, Rockcliffe Park is part of an important historical area where Indigenous people have lived, gathered, harvested, and traded for millennia. Following European settlement, this neighbourhood district was designed and laid out in 1864 by Thomas Coltrin Keefer, as part of Thomas MacKay's large estate purchased in the 1830s. Rockcliffe Park is an excellent example of the picturesque English and American suburban planning traditions of the second half of the 19 th century. The varied, high-quality architecture was the work of renowned architects, who promoted the use of a variety of styles such as Tudor, Georgian, and Queen Anne. Amalgamated with the City of Ottawa in 2001, Rockcliffe Park retains a high degree of integrity and many of the key elements associated with its original design. The Government of Canada, through Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant people, places, and events that shaped this country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding of and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada's past and present. The designation process under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To nominate a person, place or historic event in your community, please visit the Parks Canada website for more information: Quotes "Today's designation of Rockcliffe Park Historic District as a site of national historic significance reminds us that historic neighbourhoods are part of the urban fabric of Canada, including ones that were carefully designed in the 19 th century. Historic suburbs such as this, hold a landscape's memories and continue to reflect the presence of the communities that have shaped them. Recognizing this place as a national historic site honours the efforts communities make to maintain and preserve the places where they live, and ensures that the layers of history, that are a part of every neighbourhood, are not forgotten." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages "Rockcliffe Park is a cherished gem in our community, embodying both natural beauty and the rich historical significance of its built heritage. By valuing and preserving these elements, designations like this one enable us to honour the past, celebrate our shared heritage, and reflect a commitment to preserving these special places for all." The Honourable Mona Fortier Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester Quick Facts Artefacts found along the Ottawa River indicate that people from many Indigenous nations passed through this crossroads, which was part of a complex communication and transportation network that spanned North America. Since 1864, the Village of Rockcliffe Park has been and remains a predominantly single-family residential community. The neighbourhood was planned to provide housing for future civil servants moving to Ottawa, which became the capital of the Province of Canada in 1866 and of the new Dominion of Canada in 1867 and continues to provide an inviting environment for many of Ottawa's diplomatic missions. Private residences of national significance and several embassies can be found in the neighbourhood. Built in 1959 on Lansdowne Road North, Hart Massey House is an iconic example of mid-20 th -century modern residential architecture in Canada. Hart Massey House was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2018. Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the minister responsible for Parks Canada on the national significance of persons, places, and events that have marked Canada's history. To date, more than 2,270 designations have been made nationwide. Together with Parks Canada, the Board ensures that subjects of national historic significance are recognized under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration and these important stories are shared with Canadians. Parks Canada is committed to working with Canadians in our efforts to tell broader, more inclusive stories in the places that it manages. In support of this goal, the Framework for History and Commemoration outlines a comprehensive and engaging approach to sharing Canada's history through diverse perspectives. Related Links Parks Canada Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)
