Dear Neighbours,

February has been an exciting month in Ottawa and Brampton Centre! We’ve celebrated Black History Month, supported local businesses and manufacturers, and introduced new programs to strengthen community safety.

In this newsletter, you’ll find updates on what I’ve been working on, key government initiatives that affect Brampton Centre, and ways we’re building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous community together.

Sincerely,

Amandeep Sodhi
Member of Parliament

On February 16, my team and I hosted an open house to celebrate the opening of the new constituency office.

Thank you to everyone who attended! It was wonderful to welcome neighbours, community leaders, and families from across Brampton Centre. Our team is committed to serving the community, and the office is always open to assist residents with federal programs and services.

On February 7, I attended a Black History Month flag-raising ceremony here in Brampton. Black History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions of Black Canadians to our city and country. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the history, resilience, and diversity that shape our community.

I was also proud to visit two incredible Black-owned businesses in Brampton Centre: Kejji’s Restaurant and Taan Uniforms. From delicious food to hardworking local entrepreneurship, these businesses reflect the strength and diversity of our community. Supporting Black-owned businesses means investing in the people and entrepreneurs who help drive Brampton’s economy every day. Thank you for the warm welcome!

On February 7, colleagues and I visited A. Berger Precision Ltd., a Brampton-based manufacturer that produces high-precision components for the automotive, aerospace, defence, and hydraulics sectors.

During the visit, the federal government announced $700,000 for A. Berger Precision Ltd. through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. This funding will help modernize equipment, improve productivity, and strengthen the local manufacturing sector while supporting good jobs across the supply chain. This investment also supports Canada’s broader auto strategy, which focuses on electric vehicles, clean technology, and building a stronger domestic industry.

Canada is also investing $3 billion through the Strategic Response Fund and $100 million through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative to help the auto industry adapt, grow, and expand into new markets. Canada will maintain counter-tariffs on auto imports from the United States to ensure a level playing field for Canadian producers.

These efforts will help ensure the next generation of vehicles is built right here in Canada!

On February 5, I attended the launch of Canada’s new auto strategy, where Prime Minister Mark Carney outlined a plan to make Canada a global leader in electric vehicles (EVs).

This plan focuses on supporting domestic manufacturing, helping Canadians afford EVs, and strengthening emissions standards. As part of this strategy, $2.3 billion will be invested in a five-year EV affordability program, offering up to $5,000 for battery-electric vehicles and up to $2,500 for plug-in hybrids.

These investments will support Canadian jobs, strengthen our economy, and help reduce reliance on foreign supply chains while building a cleaner future.

On February 20, I joined Shafqat Ali at Iqbal Foods to announce a $25 million investment in Canada’s agri-food sector through the Kosher and Halal Investment Program. The funding will help businesses expand processing capacity, improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support international trade for Canadian halal and kosher red meat products. This will strengthen local businesses, create jobs, and grow the economy in Brampton.

At the same time, the federal government is taking steps to help Canadians facing rising costs. The new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will provide $11.7 billion in support over the next five years through the Goods and Services Tax credit. This year, more than 12 million Canadians will receive a one-time top-up of up to $1,890 for a family of four or $950 for single Canadians when they file their taxes. Additional investments will also help businesses manage supply chain disruptions and support work on a National Food Security Strategy to improve access to affordable, nutritious food.

On February 19, I joined Finance Minister François‑Philippe Champagne to announce new measures to protect Canadians from organized crime and financial intimidation.

The government is mobilizing Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada to help track and stop extortion and is launching a new Countering Extortion Partnership that will bring together banks, credit unions, and law enforcement to disrupt criminal networks. These efforts build on investments in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, including $1.7 billion in Budget 2025 Canada to strengthen the fight against organized crime and hire 150 new financial crime specialists. The government will also introduce legislation by spring 2026 to establish a new Financial Crimes Agency to investigate complex cases of money laundering, fraud, and financial extortion.

Following the announcement, my colleagues and I joined community leaders for a roundtable discussion on extortion and organized crime, focusing on protecting families and small businesses through stronger financial intelligence, better partnerships with law enforcement, and improved tools to detect suspicious financial activity. Protecting our community remains a priority, and we will continue working with local partners to combat organized crime.

The government is investing $25 million to support Toronto Metropolitan University’s new School of Medicine: the first new medical school in the Greater Toronto Area in more than 100 years.

This investment will help address doctor shortages and expand access to primary care across Ontario.

The school will welcome 94 medical students and 105 residents in its first year, helping train the next generation of doctors while strengthening health care in the region.