Oakville North-Burlington Newsletter May 22, 2026

May 22, 2026

“ It is with deep sadness that we recognize the passing of Dr. Frank Hayden at the age of 96.
Dr. Hayden was a pioneering Canadian researcher at the University of Toronto in the 1960s whose work transformed understanding of intellectual and developmental disabilities in sport. His research showed that individuals could significantly improve fitness and fully participate in sport when given proper opportunity and support.
His findings helped lay the foundation for the creation of the Special Olympics movement in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, which now serves millions of athletes in over 170 countries.
Throughout his life, he received major honours including the Order of Canada and induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.
In Burlington, including at Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School, flags were lowered to pay tribute to him.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who were inspired by his legacy.”—MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos





Supporting Ontario’s Energy Needs

A valuable visit to the Atura Power Halton Hills Generating Station with MPP Joseph Racinsky to learn more about Ontario’s growing energy needs and the role reliable electricity generation played in supporting the province’s future.
Thank you to the leadership team at Atura Power for the informative discussion and guided tour of the facility.
As Ontario’s energy demands continued to grow, investments in infrastructure and grid reliability remained critical to supporting economic growth, electrification, and the long-term needs of communities across the province.



Ontario Volunteer Service Awards

A meaningful evening at the 2026 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards in Oakville recognizing the dedicated volunteers whose generosity, compassion, and service strengthened communities every day.
This year’s recipients were honoured for service ranging from five years to an incredible forty years, including youth volunteers who already demonstrated tremendous leadership within the community.
Congratulations to all award recipients, and thank you for the countless hours dedicated to supporting families, uplifting others, preserving community, and making Ontario a more caring and connected place.

Advancing Health Innovation in Ontario

A productive meeting with Lisa and Angela from Amgen Canada to discuss Ontario’s life sciences sector, pharmaceutical policy, patient access, and investment competitiveness.
We had a productive conversation about the evolving global and federal landscape, and how Ontario can continue to support innovation, attract investment, and strengthen access to innovative medicines for patients. Thank you for the thoughtful discussion.



Investing in Local Arts and Culture

Celebrating the incredible arts, culture, and tourism organizations that helped make Burlington and Hamilton such vibrant communities.
I was pleased on behalf of Minister Stan Cho to announce a combined $100,000 investment through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund and the Incite Foundation for the Arts supporting six cultural organizations and festivals across Burlington and Hamilton.
Congratulations to the recipients: Aeris Körper Contemporary Dance for the Here&Now Dance Festival, AfroJazz FEST Hamilton 2026, Centre3 for Artistic and Social Practice for the Centre for Arts Public Launch and Supercrawl 2026 Accessible Production Partnership, Halton Equity Diversity Roundtable for Pride in Equity, Hamilton Festival Theatre Company for the 2026 Hamilton Fringe Festival, and WeDoes Heritage Association for the 2026 Burlington Latino Festival.
These investments helped grow local tourism, support artists and organizations, and strengthen cultural identity and the regional economy.



International Science Fair Achievement

Congratulations to my Youth Council member Maria Polyanska on her outstanding achievement representing Canada at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Maria earned a 3rd Place Grand Award in the Earth and Environmental Sciences category, along with a 2nd Place Special Award from the Association of Old Crows Educational Foundation for her project, “WindDrift: Engineered Real Time Adaptive Platform for Atmospheric and Marine Sensing”
An incredible accomplishment on the international stage and a proud moment for Oakville North-Burlington. Congratulations Maria on your hard work, innovation, and leadership in STEM.

Strengthening Access to Dental Care

Great to visit Dr. Kelvin Fung’s dental practice in Oakville as part of the Ontario Dental Association’s From Queen’s Park to the Dental Chair initiative.
In recognition of Oral Health Month, this visit was a valuable opportunity to learn more about the day-to-day realities of delivering dental care and discuss the importance of an accessible, sustainable oral health care system in Ontario.
Thank you to Dr. Fung for the warm welcome, for your leadership in the dental community, and for your continued commitment to giving back through initiatives like Smile Days, which provide free dental care to patients referred by local charities.





Ontario Investing $5 Million to Help Small Businesses Adopt Digital Technologies

Our government is making targeted investments to help small businesses succeed in a rapidly evolving digital economy,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business. “By expanding the Digital Competence Centre, we are giving Ontario entrepreneurs the tools, resources and expertise they need to compete and succeed in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace.

Learn more: Ontario Investing $5 Million to Help Small Businesses Adopt Digital Technologies



Ontario Completes One of Canada’s Largest Battery Storage Projects On-Budget and Ahead of Schedule

As part of its plan to protect Ontario and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy, the Ontario government is delivering on its plan to provide reliable, affordable and clean energy to power the province’s growing economy and communities. Today, Minister Stephen Lecce announced the successful completion and start of commercial operations of the Napanee Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), on-budget and approximately five weeks ahead of schedule.

Learn more: Ontario Completes One of Canada’s Largest Battery Storage Projects On-Budget and Ahead of Schedule




Ontario Restricting Government Use of Chinese-Made Drones

 As part of the government’s plan to protect provincial data and enhance security across the province, Ontario is bringing in new restrictions on the use and purchase of Chinese-made drones by the government and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), beginning with an immediate ban on the use of Chinese drones for highly sensitive OPP operations. As part of this initiative, work is also underway to phase out broader government use of Chinese-made drones and replace them with those manufactured in Canada and other approved jurisdictions, consistent with the provincial Buy Ontario policy, while ensuring critical frontline operations continue without interruption.

Learn more: Ontario Restricting Government Use of Chinese-Made Drones



Province Welcomes The Home Depot Canada to Ontario Corps

The government is continuing to expand Ontario Corps by welcoming its latest partner, The Home Depot Canada, to leverage its people, expertise, supplies and properties during an emergency. Through Ontario Corps, the province is delivering on its plan to protect Ontario by creating a network of partners and dedicated volunteers ready to respond to local emergencies and deploy critical resources at a moment’s notice.
Learn more: Province Welcomes The Home Depot Canada to Ontario Corps




Ontario Welcomes $306 Million Steel Manufacturing Investment by Tenaris in Sault Ste. Marie

The Ontario government is welcoming an investment of $306 million by Tenaris, a global manufacturer of steel pipe products for the energy industry, to modernize and expand its operations in Sault Ste. Marie. Building on a strong foundation of approximately 800 existing employees, the expansion will create up to 200 new, good-paying jobs, while generating broad economic benefits across Ontario’s steel sector in the face of U.S. tariffs.
Learn more: Ontario Welcomes $306 Million Steel Manufacturing Investment by Tenaris in Sault Ste. Marie





Honouring Dedication to Community

Happy to recognize two incredible community builders with Oakville North Burlington Spirit Awards.
It was a pleasure to meet with Vanessa and Meghan to recognize their outstanding volunteer work, advocacy, and dedication to supporting families, caregivers, seniors, and individuals with disabilities and neurodivergences.

You are receiving this email because you opted in.
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please click:
{{{Recipient.jrsl_ul_Unsubscribe_Link_Contact__c}}}

Our mailing address is:
570-2525 Old Bronte Rd.
Oakville, ON L6M 4J2