Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Mark Gerretsen

Liberal Party • Parti libéral @liberalca.bsky.social · 17h

We’re building a stronger economy for our workers, our industries, and all Canadians.

Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 15h

Exciting news! 🎉
PM Mark Carney and Finance Minister Champagne announced that Budget 2025 will make the National School Food Program permanent, providing healthy meals for up to 400,000 children every year.

Today’s pre-budget announcement also included two more updates.
🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/3KI74Bu

A graphic titled “PRE-BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENT” lists three items over a background of Parliament buildings:
National School Food Program – First launched in 2024, now made permanent—providing healthy meals for up to 400,000 children each year and saving families with two children up to $800 annually.
Automatic Tax Filing – Starting with the 2026 tax year, the CRA will automatically file taxes to help up to 5.5 million low-income Canadians access benefits they’re entitled to by 2028.
Canada Strong Pass – Returning for the holidays (Dec 12, 2025–Jan 15, 2026) and summer 2026, offering free or discounted access to parks, museums, and VIA Rail for young Canadians.
At the bottom, the name “Mark Gerretsen” appears with a maple leaf icon.

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 18h

This week in short: a visit to Washington, and a fresh approach to federal budgeting. 🙌

🔗Watch here: youtube.com/shorts/617Fo...

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 20h

Today is World Mental Health Day. Mental health matters – let’s care, support, and check in with each other.

🔗Learn more resources here: bit.ly/4o6ihtY

A hand holding a small note that reads ‘You are not alone’ with a smiley face, against a background of tall green grass. At the bottom, a banner says: ‘World Mental Health Day – A Day to Reflect and Support,’ with a yellow icon of a head and heart outline and the name Mark Gerretsen.

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 22h

Please note that our office will be closed on Monday, October 13, for Thanksgiving. We’ll be back open on Tuesday, October 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thank you for your understanding, and enjoy the holiday with your loved ones! 🍂

A corkboard displays a photo of two small orange pumpkins, a pinecone, and autumn leaves arranged on a wooden surface with warm blurred lights in the background. The photo has a handwritten caption that reads “Happy Thanksgiving!” Below the photo, a notice says “Office Closure Notice – Monday, October 13” with an orange icon of an exclamation mark inside a speech bubble and the name Mark Gerretsen at the bottom.

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 1d

In today’s fast-moving world, it’s harder than ever to sort 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙩 from 𝙣𝙤𝙞𝙨𝙚.

As someone who wants to be up to date, I know how important it is to pause, check, and think before posting or sharing news content.

🔗Learn more: bit.ly/4gjo4IU

A person holds a smartphone while text overlays the image. The heading reads: “PAUSE, VERIFY, AND SHARE responsibly.” Below are four tips in white boxes with red checkmark icons:
Pause before reacting – Headlines and posts are designed to grab attention—read the full article or thread before forming an opinion.
Check the source – Is it reputable? Does it cite evidence? Be wary of sensationalism and anonymous accounts.
Diversify your feed – Follow a range of outlets and voices to get a fuller picture.
Fact-check before sharing – Misinformation spreads fast—be part of the solution.
At the bottom, the name “Mark Gerretsen” appears with a maple leaf icon.

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 2d

The Inclusive Play Project is receiving $125,000 through the Enabling Accessibility Fund to help build Kingston’s first fully inclusive playground at Shannon Park! 🎉
So proud to have supported this initiative!

🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/46I2StZ

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 2d

Big step forward for our Armed Forces and Canadian industry. 🇨🇦 The new 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 will deliver equipment faster and create good jobs across Canada. 🇨🇦

👉 youtube.com/shorts/oOpRu...

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 2d

October is Canadian Islamic History Month! 🕌

Let’s take this time to celebrate the many contributions of Muslim Canadians and continue working toward a country built on understanding, respect, and inclusion.

Decorative Islamic geometric patterns in beige and green with gold crescent moons and stars on a light background. A banner at the bottom reads: ‘Canadian Islamic History Month – Celebrating the faith, culture, and history we share,’ with a stylized star emblem and the name Mark Gerretsen.

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 3d

Trump on Carney: “He is a very good leader... a tough negotiator”.

A composite image of four panels showing two individuals seated in ornate chairs with a gold and white background. The individuals are engaged in conversation. The text in the image reads:
Top left panel: Trump: He is very strong, a very good leader. He is a nice man...
Top right panel: Trump: ...but he is a tough negotiator.
Bottom left panel: Reporter: If he is a great man and you want to do a deal with Canada, why don’t you?
Bottom right panel: Trump: Because I want to be a great man too.
At the bottom center of the image, there is a small maple leaf icon followed by the text: MARK GERRETSEN.

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 3d

Today marks 2 years since the tragic October 7 terror attack by Hamas. We stand in solidarity with Jewish communities around the world. 🇨🇦 continues to call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and remains committed to ensuring everyone can live in safety, dignity, and peace.

A single lit candle on a dark surface with a blurred background, symbolizing remembrance and solidarity. At the bottom, a banner reads: ‘We Remember October 7 – In solidarity with all those affected by terror and antisemitism,’ with a brown candle icon and the name Mark Gerretsen.

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 3d

Happy Sukkot! 🌿
Jewish communities in Kingston and across Canada are celebrating the Festival of Tabernacles — a time for gratitude, unity, and togetherness.

Wishing everyone celebrating a joyful and meaningful Sukkot!

A decorated sukkah structure outdoors, made of fabric panels and adorned with corn stalks and autumn leaves. Two vertical banners on the entrance read ‘Sukkot.’ Below the image, a banner says: ‘Happy Sukkot! A celebration of gratitude, unity, and community,’ with a white palm branch icon and the name Mark Gerretsen.

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 4d

October is Latin American Heritage Month!
Let’s celebrate the cultures, traditions, and contributions of Latin American communities across Canada — and the diversity that makes us stronger. 🙌

A colorful globe focused on Latin America, showing countries like Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela. Below the globe, a banner reads: ‘Latin American Heritage Month – Celebrating culture, community, and contributions,’ with a yellow icon of South America and the name Mark Gerretsen.

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 4d

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! 🌕
Today, we celebrate this ancient festival with Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and other Asian communities in Canada.

Wishing everyone observing a bright, joyful, and safe celebration!

Decorative paper lanterns with pink cherry blossom designs hanging in a festive setting. Text overlay reads: ‘Happy Mid-Autumn Festival – A time to share joy and gratitude,’ with a white rabbit icon and the name Mark Gerretsen at the bottom.

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 6d

We do not have a majority. This is a minority parliament.

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 6d

Proud to see how the 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝑫𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏 is making a positive impact in our community! 🦷

Over 24,000 Kingston residents now have access to care and are saving $800/year.

📹 youtube.com/shorts/7AIZe...

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Reposted by Mark Gerretsen

Liberal Party • Parti libéral @liberalca.bsky.social · 7d

Mark Carney: "This government is building Canada Strong. Come join us."

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 7d

Defence investments, dental care milestones, and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Here are this week’s highlights for Kingston and the Islands. 🙌
🎥 youtube.com/shorts/O6xS_...

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Reposted by Mark Gerretsen

Liberal Party • Parti libéral @liberalca.bsky.social · 8d

Tough on crime, and firm on the rights of Canadians.

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 7d

October is German Heritage Month in Canada! 🇩🇪

This month, we celebrate the rich culture, language, and traditions of more than 3 million German Canadians who have helped shape our communities and our country.

Happy celebrations to all our community members with German heritage!🎉

Photo of the German flag with black, red, and yellow horizontal stripes waving against a clear blue sky. At the bottom, there is a white banner with a red circle containing the silhouette of Germany. Text on the banner reads:
“GERMAN HERITAGE MONTH – Celebrating German culture across Canada.”
Below the banner is the name “MARK GERRETSEN” with a small maple leaf icon.

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 7d

Funny…I just asked him about that the other day. Still no clearance! 😤

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 8d

Canada launches the Defence Investment Agency 🇨🇦

Faster procurement, stronger local supply chains, and more jobs in aerospace, shipbuilding & advanced manufacturing—modernizing our military while supporting Canadian communities.

🔗Learn more: bit.ly/3ILljF1

Graphic with a camouflage background and a Canadian flag patch. Title at the top reads:
“CANADA’S NEW DEFENCE INVESTMENT AGENCY.”
Four bullet points with red checkmark icons state:
“Streamlines procurement to reduce red tape and accelerate defence acquisitions.”
“Supports domestic industries, creates jobs, and drives innovation in aerospace, shipbuilding, and advanced manufacturing.”
“Enhances early collaboration between the Canadian Armed Forces and industry for faster, smarter planning.”
“Strengthens partnerships with allies and positions Canada as a global leader in defence readiness.”
At the bottom is the text: “MARK GERRETSEN” with a small maple leaf icon.

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 8d

Proud to see the Canadian Dental Care Plan making dental care more affordable for families across Canada. 🦷

Over 5M Canadians are now covered, 26K providers are participating, and more than 24K Kingston residents have been approved — saving an average of $800/year.

👉Learn more: bit.ly/3A6ZRGk

Graphic titled “CDCP Updates – Impact in Numbers” with three statistics:
A blue checkmark icon with text “3,398,043 total approved applicants in Ontario.”
A green tooth icon with text “1,391,758 approved applicants have received care to date in Ontario.”
A yellow location pin icon with text “24,783 approved applicants in Kingston.”
Below the statistics is a photo of a group of people standing in front of a sign that reads “Dentistry @ Riverview.” At the bottom, the name “Mark Gerretsen” appears with a small maple leaf icon.

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 8d

Martha’s Table has re-launched its expanded dining room — now seating twice as many people with improved accessibility & comfort.

Thanks to the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation & donors for making this possible, and to the team & volunteers for their impact in our community! 👏

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Mark Gerretsen @markgerretsen.bsky.social · 8d

October is Women’s History Month in Canada!
A moment to celebrate the contributions of women past and present who have shaped our society.

🔗Learn more: bit.ly/3KpHUrc

A collage celebrating Women’s History Month, featuring six black-and-white photographs of notable women arranged in a grid with colorful pastel blocks (pink, green, blue, yellow, and purple) as background accents. At the bottom, there is a banner with a white background and a yellow block on the left containing a blue female gender symbol. The text reads: “Women’s History Month – Honouring the women who inspire us” with a small maple leaf and “Mark Gerretsen” underneath. [In pictures: Dr. Julielynn Wong, Flora MacDonald, Kenojuak Ashevak, Jennifer Gardy, Brenda Lucki, and Maria Barile]

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