The Canada Strong Pass Returns This Summer!
That’s right! The Canada Strong Pass will be returning this summer.
From June 19 to September 7, all Canadians can enjoy free or heavily discounted Canadian cultural experiences. This includes free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas under Parks Canada. Additionally, you can also get 25% off all camping sites.
Canadians also have free access to national museums if they are 17 or under and a 50% discount for young adults aged 18–24. We are also providing free VIA Rail travel to youth 17 or younger and a 25% discount to Canadians aged 18–24.
I encourage you to take advantage of this incredible opportunity and take the summer to explore our beautiful nation. If you want to see a list of all participating museums and parks, click here.
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National Food Security Strategy:
Our government knows that having access to affordable food is necessary for a healthy life. That is why we have launched a National Food Security Strategy.
Backed by more than $3 billion in investments over the next 10 years, this strategy is helping to build Canada strong! This strategy will break open the market for independent retailers, boost domestic food production, and build a stronger, more independent, and more affordable food system for all Canadians.
If you wish to learn more about this initiative, please click here.
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Expanding the National School Food Program:
Earlier this month, provinces and territories finalized their National School Food Program action plans for 2025-26 and 2026-27, outlining how federal funding is being used to expand and strengthen school food programs across Canada.
Our government is proud to announce that the National School Food Program is providing meals to up to 400,000 more kids every year.
In British Columbia, federal funding will support increasing the number of students served by the program by enhancing kitchen infrastructure, and increasing the nutrition of school meals which will provide more menu options that are inclusive of dietary restrictions and cultural preferences. B.C. school districts are also taking actions to increase purchasing of B.C. foods, including building relationships and forming partnerships with local suppliers to prioritize the use of local food in school food programs.
With support from the National School Food Program approximately 80% of provincially and territorially operated schools in Canada are offering school food programs this school year.
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Expansion of the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program to British Columbia:
At a time of global uncertainty, volatile energy costs and growing demand for electricity, the Government of Canada is taking action to make energy more affordable, reliable and secure for Canadians. To make sure we make the most of the energy we have and keep bills affordable for every family, the federal government is helping homeowners and renters retrofit their homes at no cost to Canadians.
Yesterday, at the International Energy Agency (IEA) Global Energy Efficiency Conference in Montreal, my colleagues, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, announced the expansion of the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program to Quebec, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Retrofits undertaken via the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program will help participants save between $300 and $1,700 in annual energy costs, and reduce their household’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by about 1.5 tonnes. Over $500 million in funding, $300 million of which is federal, will be directed to help over 35,000 low- and median-income households install heat pumps, better insulation, improved air sealing and other upgrades at no cost, which will reduce their energy bills and lower their household emissions. The Program will be delivered in co-ordination with BC Hydro, and FortisBC here in British Columbia.
Energy efficiency is one of the fastest, most practical and cost-effective ways to meet today’s energy challenges. By helping Canadians use less energy in their homes, we can put money back in Canadians’ pockets by reducing their monthly energy costs, take pressure off our energy systems, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance our energy security.
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Point Grey Secondary Convocation:
I was honored to attend and deliver remarks at the Convocation ceremony for Point Grey Secondary's graduating class of 2026, my alma mater. I'd like to share a big congratulations to all those in Vancouver Quadra celebrating their graduations this summer!
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- The University of British Columbia has renewed its Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Fund with an additional $3 million investment to support Indigenous-led projects, partnerships, and reconciliation initiatives across the campus community. The first new funding round will launch later this year. Full story here!
- Vancouver is welcoming visitors from around the world as a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The federal government has announced up to $145 million in additional security funding to support public safety and event operations in Vancouver during the tournament. Full story here!
- The Brock House Society Summer Fair will be taking place Friday, July 3rd from 2:00PM-7:00PM at Brock House Grounds (3875 Point Grey Road, Vancouver). This community fundraiser brings together music, food, drinks, and fantastic bargains in one of Vancouver's most scenic locations. Everyone is welcome!
- Khatsahlano Street Party returns on Saturday, July 11, 2026, transforming West 4th Avenue into a fantastical playground of music, art, food, shopping, and community magic.
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As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns. If anyone you know would like to receive these updates, please direct them to contact my office at [email protected].
Warmly,
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Wade Grant, M.P.
Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra
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