Oakville North-Burlington Newsletter April 17, 2026
April 17, 2026
“ Our government is taking action to strengthen Ontario’s education system and keep the focus where it belongs: student success. The newly introduced Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, will improve school board oversight, increase accountability, and help ensure students receive consistent, high-quality learning experiences that prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.
While Ontario continues to make record investments in education, concerns around financial mismanagement and weak governance in some boards must be addressed. These proposed changes will clearly define responsibilities, strengthen transparency, and close gaps in oversight.
Ontario’s teachers and education workers work tirelessly every day to support students, and they deserve stable leadership that puts learning first. Our government remains committed to restoring confidence in the system and delivering the strong education students and families deserve.” —MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos
Supporting Innovation in Home Healthcare in Oakville
It was an honour to join Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, and MPP Stephen Crawford at the Access Abilities Annual Home Healthcare Product Conference in Oakville.
This event showcased the latest innovations in home healthcare and the important role these technologies play in improving quality of life for patients and families.
Thank you to Kristin, the entire Access Abilities team, along with the many vendors and volunteers, for organizing such a meaningful and impactful event.
Supporting Tourism and Jobs Through Ontario Parks
Ontario Parks are among the province’s premier tourism destinations, and our government is continuing to enhance them to attract more visitors, strengthen local economies, and support jobs across Ontario.
It was a pleasure to join Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Todd McCarthy, MPP Stephen Crawford, and Ontario Parks leadership to announce new updates that will improve the visitor experience across provincial parks.
As part of these changes, alcohol restrictions are being relaxed in most areas of provincial parks. Visitors can now responsibly enjoy their favourite alcoholic beverages in designated spaces, including picnic areas and beaches.
These improvements reflect our commitment to making Ontario Parks more accessible, enjoyable, and welcoming for residents and visitors alike, while continuing to drive tourism growth and create opportunities for local communities.
Honouring a Lifetime of Community Service
Honoured to attend a ceremony hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Edith Dumont, where Oakville North-Burlington resident, Sandev Singh Purewal was recognized as a 2025 recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship.
This prestigious provincial medal Ontario’s second-highest civilian honour recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact through exceptional, long-term contributions to their communities.
For nearly two decades, Sandev has been a tireless advocate for child safety, access to justice, and legal mentorship across Ontario. Through initiatives like Peel’s Helmets on Kids, he has helped protect thousands of children, while his leadership within the legal community has supported fairness and guided the next generation of professionals.
His commitment to public service reflects the very best of our community and province.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Ontarians are encouraged to submit nominations by November 15, 2026, through the program’s application portal. Click here to nominate someone
From Burlington to the World Stage
Pleased to rise in the Ontario Legislature today to congratulate two outstanding Oakville North–Burlington companies VAC AERO International Inc. and Canadian Hospital Specialties that are helping drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen Ontario’s economy.
With The Boeing Company investing $7 million into Vac Aero’s Burlington facility, and Canadian Hospital Specialties continuing to deliver essential, Ontario-made medical supplies, these local businesses are making a global impact.
At a time of economic uncertainty, it’s more important than ever that we champion companies that are building, hiring, and innovating right here at home. Click here to watch the video
Supporting Heart and Stroke Advocacy at Queen’s Park
Monday, April 13th was Heart and Stroke Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park. It was a pleasure to welcome Heart & Stroke staff Avril Goffredo, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Fundraising, and Donna Bedell, Director of School Programs, Community Programs and Engagement – both residents of Oakville North-Burlington – as well as Jelena, a H&S volunteer, to Queen’s Park to discuss getting CPR training in all Ontario schools and improving stroke awareness through FAST. These are just two of the life-saving initiatives that will lead to healthier, safer communities across Ontario.
Advocating for Local Business
Proud to rise in Question Period this week to advocate for the small businesses that keep Oakville North–Burlington strong.
I directed my questions to Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business, on how we’re supporting local entrepreneurs through rising costs and economic uncertainty.
Our 2026 Budget delivers real relief by cutting the small business tax rate from 3.2% to 2.2% helping businesses reinvest, grow, and create good-paying jobs.
Click here to watch the video
Myra Begins Her Journey as a Legislative Page
Congratulations to Myra from Oakville North–Burlington’s Oodenawi Public School on beginning her term as a Legislative Page at Queen’s Park.
Over the next two weeks, Myra will support the daily proceedings of the House while gaining firsthand experience in Ontario’s parliamentary system, meeting key leaders, and learning how our Legislature works.
This is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of her hard work, curiosity, and commitment to civic engagement. Wishing Myra all the best as she represents our community with pride!
About the Legislative Page Program
Each year approximately 150 young students from across Ontario are selected to participate in Ontario’s Legislative Page Program. This unique educational program for Ontario students provides an opportunity to experience the provincial legislature in action and forge new lifelong friendships with peers from all over the province.
While at Queen’s Park, they are under the direction of the Page Program Coordinator who is a certified Ontario teacher. Pages also receive an honorarium during their term of duty.
Page applications are accepted online twice yearly: April 15 to June 15 and September 15 to November 15. Visit the Ontario Legislature website for more information.
Strengthening Parliamentary Collaboration
During a recent visit to the UK as part of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Westminster Seminar on Effective Parliaments, I was pleased to meet MP Stephen Morgan, who hosted our delegation in his Portsmouth South constituency.
Portsmouth South is a unique coastal constituency with a strong maritime and defence presence, home to the Royal Navy and a diverse community shaped by public service, tourism, and local industry.
I appreciated the opportunity to tour the historic HMS Victory and learn more about ongoing restoration efforts, as well as visits to the University of Portsmouth and St Edmund’s Catholic School. Thank you to MP Morgan for his warm hospitality and for sharing insights from his work as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Early Education.
It was valuable to exchange perspectives on supporting local communities, strengthening public services, and addressing shared challenges in education, infrastructure, and economic growth.
Collaborative discussions provide important insights to better serve communities here in Ontario and in other jurisdictions.
Scottish Delegation to Queen’s Park
It was a pleasure, with Speaker Donna Skelly, to welcome The Rt Hon Alison Johnstone, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, to Queen’s Park for an official visit focused on parliamentary exchange and strengthening interparliamentary relationships. Thank you for the thoughtful discussion on legislative practices and the vital role our institutions play in supporting strong, effective democracy.
Queen’s Park Weekly Update
Bill 98, Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026
Throughout the week, Members debated our Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act. As a reminder, this Bill 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. It has now been referred to the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy
Bill 100, Better Regional Governance Act, 2026
As well, Members continued debate on our “Better Regional Governance Act”. This Bill, which is now in 2nd Reading, will, 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.
Bill 101, Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026
On Monday, the Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, introduced the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, to strengthen school board oversight and accountability and ensure more consistent learning experiences for students to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow. This Bill will, if passed, move Ontario toward a more accountable, consistent modern model of high-quality education.
Additional changes would also limit trustee discretionary expenses and honorarium, standardize the number of elected trustees in school boards to a maximum of 12.
This proposed legislation builds on our government’s work to strengthen school board oversight and help ensure they deliver a high-quality education, with every dollar spent focused on preparing students with practical skills for good-paying, stable careers.
Members then debated this Bill throughout the week and voted to refer it to the Standing Committee on Standing Committee on Social Policy.
Ontario Increasing WSIB Benefits to Protect Injured Workers
No worker should have to worry about paying their bills while they recover from a workplace injury,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By proposing the first increase to income replacement benefits in nearly 30 years, our government is helping ensure injured Ontarians can focus on getting better. Ontario’s workers built this province, and we will always have their backs.
Learn more:Ontario Increasing WSIB Benefits to Protect Injured Workers
Ontario Protecting Workers’ Paycheques by Banning Uniform Charges at Large Companies
Ontario workers are the backbone of our province and they deserve to keep more of what they earn. Whether you work in a restaurant or hotel, no one should have to pay out of pocket for a uniform just to earn a paycheque,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “At the same time, Ontario’s entertainment and creative industries showcase our talent to the world and support thousands of good jobs. That’s why we’re improving fairness and transparency to ensure performers are paid what they’re owed.
Learn more: Ontario Protecting Workers’ Paycheques by Banning Uniform Charges at Large Companies
Ontario Strengthening Worker Safety with New Mine Rescue Training Institute
Ontario’s mine rescue volunteers are among the best-trained emergency responders in the world, and this facility will attract international talent to bring them here,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “This is what modern worker safety looks like; a permanent, world-class home for the expertise that mining communities across Ontario, and countries around the globe, have come to rely on.
Learn more: Ontario Strengthening Worker Safety with New Mine Rescue Training Institute
Province Begins Tunnelling Ontario Line
The Ontario government has officially started tunnelling the Ontario Line, marking a major milestone in the province’s plan to protect Ontario by building fast, reliable and affordable public transit. With construction underway across the full length of the line, supporting 4,700 good-paying jobs annually, the Ontario Line will put nearly 230,000 people within walking distance of modern rapid transit while connecting more people to jobs, relieving gridlock and cutting travel times across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Learn more: Province Begins Tunnelling Ontario Line
Faith Unity and New Beginnings
Wishing everyone celebrating Vaisakhi a joyful and meaningful occasion. May this special time bring happiness, prosperity, and renewed hope to you and your families. May the values of faith, unity, courage, and selfless service continue to inspire our communities. Warm wishes to all those celebrating across Oakville North-Burlington.
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