It's hard to believe that we are already well into 2017. Life continues to be incredibly busy; however, I wanted to update you on some of the work, events and projects I've been involved in since the beginning of the year.
For all Canadians, 2017 is a particularly significant year as we celebrate our nation's 150th birthday. Governments, communities and organizations at various levels will host events throughout the year. The federal government is supporting many events across the country through its Canada 150 Fund. I'm pleased to announce that two Oakville organizations will receive Canada 150 fund grants: the Bronte Business Improvement Area (BIA) and Waterlution.
Please be sure to check Passport 2017 for more information about local and regional celebrations & activities. Be sure to check the site regularly for more information as events get added. I look forward to celebrating Canada's remarkable history and imagining its bright future, particularly during our Canada Day festivities, with Oakvillians throughout 2017.
I was thrilled to be a part of the Oakville Community Foundation grant announcements. The Community Fund for Canada's 150th is an excellent initiative of collaboration between the the Government of Canada, Oakville Community Foundation and extraordinary leaders from coast-to-coast. The Department of Canadian Heritage committed $10 million across the country and invited private philanthropists to increase the funds for greater impact. These local projects were selected to encourage participation in local Oakville events and activities marking Canada's 150th anniversary of confederation, all while inspiring a deeper understanding about the people, places and event that shaped our country and our communities. Congratulations to all of these community groups and projects.
As Chair of the Automotive Caucus I was pleased to attend the investment announcement of $41.8 million over three years, in Honda Canada for automotive manufacturing, once again reinforcing our government's commitment towards growing the middle class by securing good-quality jobs right here in Ontario. This investment will also help to further our promise to the reduction of carbon emissions by providing investment towards green technology. I had a productive discussion with both Minister Bains and Minister Duguid on the work being done here in Ontario.
Before returning to Ottawa, during the last week of January we engaged in meetings, seniors visits and spoke with several groups, I was pleased to speak on a Brock University panel regarding pharmacare, and what our Government is doing to reduce the price of prescription drugs.
It was an honour to attend the Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration hosted by the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton in partnership with Oakville Museum and Sheridan College within my riding of Oakville. This event featured traditional and contemporary Black art forms commemorating the rich cultural heritage of Black Canadians which included exhibitions of Oakville's Early Black History, African Canadian art and a poster exhibit by Sheridan students.
It was with great sadness that we learned of the fatal shooting at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec, an act of senseless violence. As Canadians we must stand together as we grieve for those killed in Quebec City.
As always, if you ever have any issues, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office.