04/19/2026
If you're a Registered Liberal Party of Canada | Parti libéral du Canada member, we hope you enjoyed this morning's newsletter update from Stephen Fuhr CD, who provided a reflection on the past year since the federal election.
It is not an accident that a recent Hill Times article ranked Stephen Fuhr as #13 on their Most Influential list. The article spoke of him as a "very active player" who has generated enthusiasm in the defence procurement industry and played a critical role in Canada meetings its NATO commitment to spend 2% of GDP, well ahead of schedule.
Elections matter, and we are very fortunate that the outcome we saw last April has allowed the Liberals to continue building momentum to the point that we now have a majority government.
💫One Year In: Delivering for Kelowna in a Changing World
It has been nearly a year since Canadians chose a new path forward, and I wanted to report back on what that has meant here in Kelowna and across the country.
This past year has been about setting direction, making decisions, and beginning to deliver in a world that is changing quickly.
From the start, this government has focused on making life more affordable, strengthening Canada’s economy, and preparing for the challenges ahead.
On affordability, we moved early. Cutting the consumer carbon tax has already reduced costs at the pump, and with the federal excise tax suspension taking effect this week, Canadians will see further relief. Combined, these measures amount to roughly 28 cents per litre.
We also introduced a middle-class tax cut to ease pressure on working Canadians, benefiting more than 22 million people.
These measures are making a difference here in Kelowna. The Canadian Dental Care Plan was expanded last May, helping thousands of residents access affordable dental care. The National School Food Program is now permanent, with School District 23 receiving just under $500,000 each year.
We are building on that with the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, which will support more than 12 million Canadians. It includes a one-time payment delivered this spring through the GST credit system, followed by enhanced quarterly payments beginning in July that will increase support by 25 percent for the next five years. For many households, that means up to $950 for a single person or $1,890 for a family of four this year. These supports build on programs like the Canada Child Benefit, which remains indexed to inflation.
Taken together, these measures are designed to make a real difference in people’s day-to-day lives.
At the same time, we are focused on strengthening the economy. As Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, I have been involved in standing up the Defence Investment Agency and advancing Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy, focused on building capability, jobs, and growth here at home.
This has also been a year of re-engagement on the global stage. Canada is working with partners in Europe and around the world to strengthen economic ties and build resilience.
Canada’s reputation as a reliable and credible partner is creating real opportunity. As middle powers face growing economic and geopolitical pressure, countries are working together more closely, creating space for Canada to lead.
Here in Kelowna, I continue to advocate for priorities that matter most to our community, including housing, infrastructure, and community safety. On the doorstep, two issues came up consistently: affordability and concerns about crime. We have taken steps to address affordability and recognize that public safety is a real concern. That is why the government has introduced measures before Parliament aimed at strengthening our response to crime.
We are also making progress on housing, with millions of dollars in federal support helping to build more affordable housing and increase supply in our community.
We are also focused on Kelowna’s long-term economic growth. That includes a recent $7.1 million federal investment in the new Operations and Emergency Services Building at Kelowna International Airport, strengthening capacity and supporting its continued growth. The airport is a key economic driver for our region, and I am continuing to work with the Province and the City to build on that momentum in ways that support jobs, connectivity, and long-term growth.
There is still work ahead, but there are clear signs that Canada is holding its ground.
Inflation has come down, interest rates are lower than they were a year ago, foreign direct investment is at its highest level in many years, and productivity is beginning to move in the right direction. The International Monetary Fund also projects that Canada’s economy will continue to grow.
That does not mean the job is done, but it does mean there is reason for confidence. Canada has the talent and credibility to seize this moment.
We also have experienced leadership at a time when it matters. Prime Minister Mark Carney brings lived experience as a central banker in two G7 countries, strong global relationships, and a clear-eyed understanding of the world as it is. He articulated that perspective well in Davos, reflecting the kind of steady leadership this moment demands.
Thank you for the confidence you have placed in me as your representative in Canada’s House of Commons.
As always, my office is here to help.
Steve
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