Hamilton location for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet retreat in January

Hamilton is about to welcome, for the first time, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's 39-member cabinet to discuss various issues confronting Canadians in 2023.

Although the schedule and location of the cabinet retreat, set for Jan. 23 to 25, has not been revealed, Hamilton Liberal MP Filomena Tassi says the gathering will help focus on our strengths and seize opportunities."

Tassi, who is the recently installed minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, said in an interview the ministers will be examining such issues as economic development, job creation, environment, housing, health care and affordability.

The Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas MP said her priorities remain focused on housing, the environment and affordability, as Canadians grapple with inflation and stagnating wages.

We have some work ahead of us," said Tassi. There are so many people who are focused on just getting by. People want the ability to enjoy life."

Tassi, understanding the current politically polarized environment, urged the public if they want to protest to do so in a responsible manner.

People must have the opportunity to have a voice if they believe the government is getting it wrong," said Tassi. If there are different and better ways, we are all ears."

But Tassi is strongly encouraging" the public to avoid violence and aggression.

We are always open to peaceful protest," said Tassi. Our job is to represent all Canadians and all voices are to be heard."

The last Liberal cabinet retreat was held last September in Vancouver, focusing on job creation, affordability, strengthening the economy and housing.

While Tassi grew up in Hamilton with a father who was a steelworker, the idea of the Liberal cabinet holding its retreat in the city didn't come from her. She suggested the city has three thriving political parties and it is a perfect place" to highlight the federal government's investment and programs making a difference for people.

It is a perfect community to demonstrate how investments can make a difference and it serves as a model to bring across the country in terms of transformative change when governments are there and when investments are made," said Tassi.

Hamilton is represented by MPs from the three major parties: three Liberal MPs - Chad Collins, Lisa Hepfner, and Tassi - NDP MP Matthew Green and Flamborough-Glanbrook Progressive Conservative MP Dan Muys.

And while Hamilton does have its challenges, including a homelessness crisis, people living in tents and affordability issues, the gathering will provide an opportunity to address homelessness and make life more affordable," said Tassi.

Tassi trumpeted the federal government's recent programs, including a boost to the Canada Child Benefit, the recently approved dental benefit plan for children 12 and under, boosting the Canada Worker Benefit, finalizing pay equity legislation, approving $15 per hour federal minimal wage, $10 per day child care, and increasing Old Age Supplement.

I think we have done some amazing things, lifting millions of people out of poverty," she said.

At the end of the gathering, Tassi would like to see her colleagues leave here with a very positive experience, encouraged and enthusiastic about the work we have ahead."