Oakville North-Burlington Newsletter April 03, 2026
April 2, 2026
“ Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney have signed the Canada Ontario Partnership to Build, a major step forward for our communities. This agreement includes $8.8 billion in joint federal and provincial funding over 10 years to support housing enabling infrastructure, reduce development charges by up to 50 per cent, and encourage new home construction. It also includes HST rebates and support for key transit projects.
For our constituents, this means more homes built faster, improved transit, and stronger economic growth, supporting hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs. By working together across all levels of government, we are lowering costs and helping more families achieve homeownership despite ongoing economic challenges.” —MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos
Ontario’s 2026 Budget: Delivering for Small Businesses
It was a pleasure to join the Small Business Minister Nina Tangri and the Burlington Chamber of Commerce to highlight key measures from Ontario’s 2026 Budget aimed at supporting small businesses and strengthening our economy.
Our government remains committed to reducing costs, empowering small businesses, and ensuring Ontario remains competitive and resilient in today’s evolving economic landscape.
Local Innovation Driving Global Impact
A significant investment is being made in Oakville North Burlington’s advanced manufacturing sector, further strengthening Ontario’s role in the global aerospace supply chain.
I was pleased to join VAC AERO International Inc. and Boeing for the announcement of a 7 million dollar investment to expand heat treatment capabilities within our community.
As CEO Dave Farmery noted, every two seconds, somewhere in the world, a Boeing aircraft lands with landing gear heat treated in Oakville. This is a powerful reminder that local innovation is contributing to global safety and excellence.
It was also an honour to meet the highly skilled team, including Anemish, VAC AERO’s longest serving employee, who at 90 years old has dedicated nearly 60 years to the company.
This investment will support well paying jobs, drive innovation, and help ensure Ontario remains competitive on the global stage.
Supporting Ontario Innovators and Job Creators in Burlington
Building a stronger and more resilient Ontario economy starts with supporting the innovators creating jobs in our communities.
It was a pleasure to visit Evacusled Inc. in Burlington with the Small Business Minister Nina Tangri.
Thank you to Miriam Gordon for the warm welcome and for the tour of the manufacturing site for the Sled2Go™. Evacusled is setting a global standard in emergency patient evacuation, with made-in-Ontario solutions that support hospitals, long-term care homes, and first responders.
Through the 2026 Ontario Budget, we are continuing to lower costs and support businesses like Evacusled so they can grow, innovate, and create jobs across the province.
Celebrating Greek Independence Day in Toronto
Honoured to join the Greek Community of Toronto with Premier Ford for this year’s Greek Independence Day Parade along the iconic Danforth.
Each year, this vibrant celebration brings our community together to commemorate Greece’s independence in 1821 and to recognize the enduring contributions of Greek Canadians across Ontario.
From the incredible dance groups and marching bands to the many community organizations and volunteers, today was a powerful display of Hellenic pride, heritage, and unity.
The parade concluded with a wreath laying ceremony, an important tribute to those who fought for freedom and the values that continue to inspire generations. Click here to watch the video
Celebrating Sikh Heritage Month in Oakville
It was a pleasure to join the raising of the Nishan Sahib in Oakville to mark Sikh Heritage Month.
Sikh Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize the many contributions of Sikh Canadians across Oakville, Halton, and Ontario, and to reflect on the values of service, equality, and generosity that strengthen our communities.
Thank you to the organizers and community leaders for bringing people together and for their continued efforts in building a more inclusive and vibrant Ontario.
Wishing everyone a meaningful Sikh Heritage Month.
Honouring Valour and Service in Canada
Honoured to rise in the Legislature in support of a motion calling on the federal government to ensure Canada properly recognizes acts of extraordinary bravery with the Victoria Cross and calling on the government to establish an independent military honours review board.
The Victoria Cross is the highest expression of bravery in the face of the enemy, awarded for acts of valour so exceptional that they transcend duty itself. Since Canada created its own Victoria Cross in 1993, it has yet to be awarded to a single recipient.
This motion is about getting recognition right, ensuring that no act of valour is overlooked, and that those who have served our country are honoured with the dignity and respect they deserve.
It was also a privilege to meet Capt. Mike Harrison, Capt. Tim Feick, Sgt. Josh Ward, Warrant Officer David Losier, Capt. David Mack, Kevin Reed and thank them for their advocacy.
Greece’s Deputy Prime Minister visits Toronto and meets with Effie
On Friday March 27th, Effie welcomed Greece’s Deputy Prime Minister, Kostis Hatzidakis, to Toronto during his visit to Canada marking the anniversary of Greek Independence.
Their meeting underscored the strong representation of the Greek diaspora within Canadian public life and provided an opportunity to exchange views on shared priorities and future collaboration such as building closer economic, political, and cultural ties between Greece and Canada.
His visit also brought together Greece’s Ambassador to Canada, Katerina Dimaki, the Consul General of Greece in Toronto, Ioannis Chatzantonakis, the Archbishop Sotirios of Canada, Members of Parliament, and community leaders and included a visit to Montreal.
A Special Welcome to Queen’s Park
It was a pleasure to welcome, with my colleague MPP Laurie Scott, our good friends retired Senator Consiglio Di Nino, Nancy and John McFadyen to Queen’s Park.
Senator Consiglio Di Nino’s decades of public service and ongoing commitment to community building have made a meaningful impact across Ontario. It is an honour to call him my friend.
Queen’s Park Weekly Update
Monday kicked off another busy week at Queen’ Park but next week MPPs will remain in their Ridings for Constituency Week and there will not be a Queen’s Park update.
Below are some highlights of our government’s Legislation and recap some big events.
Bill 97, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2026
Throughout the week, Members continued debate Ontario’s 2026 Budget – our Plan to Protect Ontario Act. As a reminder, our Budget focuses on protecting Ontario’s economy while making strategic investments to drive growth, support workers, and keep costs down for families and businesses. At the same time, the Budget establishes a new $4 billion investment fund to attract private capital and strengthen Ontario’s long-term economic priorities, particularly in critical and emerging sectors.
The Budget also makes significant investments in health care, infrastructure, and housing, while responding to global economic uncertainty and trade pressures. It increases hospital funding, expands home and community care, and invests in training more nurses to strengthen the health system. At the same time, it supports housing affordability through enhanced HST rebates for first-time homebuyers and continued investments in supportive housing.
With a capital plan exceeding $200 billion over the next decade and targeted funding for transit, research, and innovation, the 2026 Budget is positioning Ontario to remain competitive, connected, and resilient in a challenging global economy.
Bill 98, Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026
Introduced on Monday, Members also spent the week speaking on our Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act. In short, Bill 98, the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026, advances Ontario’s efforts to tackle the housing shortage and keep pace with rapid population growth by making it easier to build and connect communities.
The legislation updates planning and approval processes to remove unnecessary duplication, provide greater consistency across municipalities, and help projects move forward more quickly.
In addition, the bill reinforces Ontario’s commitment to modern, reliable infrastructure by enabling faster delivery of key transit and transportation projects. It improves coordination across government and project partners, helping reduce delays and keep major builds on schedule. Together, these changes are designed to support job creation, strengthen economic growth, and ensure Ontario’s infrastructure keeps up with the needs of a growing and dynamic province.
Bill 100, Better Regional Governance Act, 2026
On Thursday, Minister Flack introduced the Better Regional Governance Act that would, if passed, make a number of changes to the way regional governments function in some of Ontario’s fastest growing regions. These changes would support lower costs for municipal taxpayers and better alignment between regional decision-making and shared provincial-regional priorities.
It will support provincial-municipal alignment by allowing the Minister to appoint regional chairs in Durham, Halton, Muskoka, Niagara, Peel, Waterloo and York, as well as the warden of Simcoe County. Under previous legislation, the Minister had the authority to appoint chairs in Niagara, Peel and York regions for the 2022-2026 council term only.
Regional chairs in the eight municipalities listed above would receive “strong chair” powerswhich mirror “strong mayor” powers, providing more efficient, streamlined local decision-making. This will enable them to deliver faster results for residents.
The Halton Industry Education Council & ApprenticeSearch.com visit Queen’s
The Halton Industry Education Council (HEIC) and ApprenticeSearch.com hosted a reception for MPPs at Queen’s Park on Monday evening to celebrate apprenticeship in Ontario and highlight their 26 years of work building a skilled trades talent pipeline in the Halton Region.
HIEC powers ApprenticeSearch.com, Ontario’s largest apprentice-employer job matching service, as well as the Ontario Career Lab and you can learn more about them here.
Ontario Increasing Access to Primary Care Across the Province
Our government is taking the next step in its plan to connect every Ontarian to a family doctor or primary care provider by 2029. Through a new 2024–28 Physician Services Agreement, Ontario is increasing physician compensation, introducing incentives to take on more patients, and expanding access to evening and weekend care. These changes will help recruit and retain more doctors, support patients with complex needs, improve access in rural and northern communities, and reduce pressure on emergency departments. Building on the province’s $3.4 billion Primary Care Action Plan, over 330,000 people have already been connected to primary care surpassing the province’s target and keeping Ontario on track to deliver more convenient, connected care for families.
Learn more: Ontario Increasing Access to Primary Care Across the Province
Ontario Cutting Small Business Tax by $1.1 Billion
Ontario’s small businesses are the driving force behind our economy, employing more than 2.5 million people,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business. “We continue to support small businesses in these times of economic turbulence by providing additional tax relief that will allow them to reinvest in their companies and workers so they can scale-up, reach new customers and grow.
Learn more: Ontario Cutting Small Business Tax by $1.1 Billion
Ontario Introducing Legislation to Strengthen Regional Governance
We will always support our municipal partners, both lower- and upper-tier, in delivering locally led solutions that offer better value for taxpayers and speed up decision-making,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These changes provide the necessary tools for local leadership to advance our shared priorities and better serve our communities, including by expediting housing and infrastructure development.
Learn more: Ontario Introducing Legislation to Strengthen Regional Governance
Ontario Introducing Legislation to Improve Transit and Build More Homes
Ontario government introduced the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act that would, if passed, protect Ontario’s economy and keep workers on the job by improving the way people and goods move across the province and speeding up the construction of new homes.
Learn more: Ontario Introducing Legislation to Improve Transit and Build More Homes
Ontario Investing $300 Million to Build and Upgrade Local Sport and Recreation Facilities
Ontario government is investing an additional $300 million in the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) to build and upgrade sport and recreation facilities across the province. Announced as part of the 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, this brings total government funding for the program to $500 million, and will support local community projects, create good-paying jobs, promote active, healthy living and give the next generation of Ontario athletes a place to train and grow their skills.
Learn more: Ontario Investing $300 Million to Build and Upgrade Local Sport and Recreation Facilities
Ontario Doubling Funding to Help Smaller Communities Build Safe and Reliable Transit
Our government is making historic investments to expand public transit and improve access to essential services like health care for people in rural and underserved communities,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “This investment will ensure that Ontarians, no matter where they live, have access to reliable transportation options for years to come.
Learn more: Ontario Doubling Funding to Help Smaller Communities Build Safe and Reliable Transit
Happy Easter
This Easter, I want to wish everyone in our community of Oakville North–Burlington and across Ontario a joyful and meaningful celebration.
Easter is a time to reflect on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the message of hope, renewal, and compassion it represents. As families gather with loved ones across our community, we are reminded of the importance of faith, kindness, and connection.
From my family to yours, I wish you a joyful and peaceful Easter. Happy Easter.
Happy Passover
Chag Pesach Sameach! As Passover begins, wishing those celebrating a meaningful and joyful time with family and loved ones. A special time of reflection, tradition, and coming together around the table. Wishing you peace, happiness, and a memorable holiday.
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