September Householder

Dear Friends and neighbours,

As summer comes to an end and students are returning to school, Parliament is resuming its work in Ottawa. And although the rhythm is familiar, there is a new anxiety in the air as tariffs continue to impact businesses and workers across the country. It’s why the Government of Canada has been investing in local infrastructure, helping businesses with the impact of tariffs and protecting workers as we weather the storm and pivot to new markets or new products. In Northern Ontario, FedNor has been tapped to help with extra supports for small and medium sized businesses. And the Employment Insurance measures have been extended so that anyone who loses their job is protected and supported as they seek new work or pursue training for their next job.

Building and buying the things we need in Canada for Canadians is a big part of our strategy, and its why I was so excited to stand with Prime Minister Mark Carney, Minister MacKinnon, and Member of Parliament Marcus Powlowski as we announced the 4.6 billion dollar investment by VIA Rail to build rail cars right here at our local Alstom plant. It’s a long history of our region pitching in, at that plant, to stand up for Canada. This work will keep the plant busy for a decade, providing good, unionized jobs for many families across the region, including through the Canadian supply chain that will support the plant’s needs. It was also fun to show PM Carney the beauty of our region as we visited the Terry Fox Memorial, surprising many travellers as we toured the monument alongside Canadian rock legend Bryan Adams. Finally, a big thank you to Nucci’s Deli for the Persian treat, a Thunder Bay must for new visitors. This was a day that the Prime Minister will remember for a long time.

It will be a busy season in Ottawa this fall, as we stand up for Canada – our communities, our businesses, our workers – each other. I’ll be working every day to keep our region’s needs front and centre, with immense pride of the people and businesses that make us so amazing. If you need any support, have a great idea, or want to connect, I am only a phone call away!

Patty Hajdu

Householder September 2026