Oakville North-Burlington Newsletter February 20, 2026

February 20, 2026

“Under the One Project, One Process Framework, Ontario is accelerating Kinross Gold Corporation’s Great Bear Project, making it the first gold mine and the third project approved since the framework was launched in October. This $5 Billion investment will create 900 operational jobs, with peak employment reaching 1,100 workers, along with thousands of construction jobs and other indirect jobs between 2027 and 2029.

At a time of global economic uncertainty, our government is focusing on building faster to help strengthen Canada’s self reliance. By fast-tracking this project, we will unlock one of Ontario’s largest mines, creating over 1,000 good paying jobs and reinforcing a strong, integrated and competitive mining sector for our province”. —MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos

Our Community Came Together for Family Day

What an incredible afternoon we had celebrating Family Day together at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex. Thank you to everyone who joined us for skating, hot chocolate, and great community spirit. It was wonderful to see families, friends, and neighbours come together to enjoy a classic Canadian tradition. Moments like these reminded us how strong and connected our community truly is. Click here to watch the video



From Innovation to Impact in Halton

I had a productive meeting with Mukul and Nick of the Halton Champions of Innovation to discuss their 2026 pre-budget submission. We spoke about strengthening Ontario’s innovation economy, supporting advanced manufacturing and aerospace, accelerating digital adoption including AI and digital twins, and improving regional connectivity and talent mobility.
Thank you for the thoughtful discussion and continued leadership in advancing Halton’s role as a hub for innovation and economic growth.



A Joyful Lunar New Year Celebration at St. Luke’s

Our community came together at St. Luke’s Community Centre to celebrate Lunar New Year in a spirit of joy, unity, and tradition. Families gathered to share delicious food, meaningful conversations, and special moments across generations in a warm and festive atmosphere.
It was especially heartwarming to see the excitement as families received red envelopes from Premier Ford, adding an extra touch of celebration and best wishes for prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead. St. Luke’s continues to serve as a welcoming space where culture, faith, and community come together, strengthening the bonds that unite us all.



Local Media Showcases Support for Burlington’s Music Industry

Great to see BurlingtonToday highlighting the $20,000 investment supporting Burlington-based record label MCMXVI Inc. through the Ontario Music Investment Fund. This funding will help expand artist development and strengthen Ontario’s growing music industry.

Standing Committee Finalizes Pre-Budget Report

Following extensive pre-budget consultations across the province, members of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs met this week to finalize our report. The report will be presented to the Minister of Finance and tabled with the Ontario Legislature. We extend our sincere appreciation to the individuals, community organizations, and diverse stakeholders who shared their perspectives through in-person presentations and written submissions. Their valuable input will directly inform the Committee’s recommendations as we prepare for Ontario’s next budget.



Representing Ontario at the 42nd Canadian Presiding Officers’ Conference

As Deputy Speaker, I was honoured to join Speaker Donna Skelly and the Ontario delegation at the 42nd Canadian Presiding Officers’ Conference, hosted at the Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton.
The annual conference brings together Speakers and Deputy Speakers from federal, provincial, and territorial legislatures across Canada to exchange best practices, strengthen parliamentary procedure, and uphold the traditions that support a strong and independent legislative system. Discussions focused on maintaining decorum, supporting Members in their parliamentary duties, enhancing security and accessibility within legislative buildings, and ensuring our institutions remain transparent and responsive to the public.
It was a valuable opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from across the country and reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting democratic institutions and the integrity of parliamentary governance.

Highlighting Ontario’s History at Queen’s Park

It was a pleasure to meet with representatives from the Royal Ontario Museum to discuss potential opportunities to showcase select pieces from its collection at the Ontario Legislative Building.
As Canada’s largest museum, the Royal Ontario Museum welcomes more than one million visitors annually, making it the most-visited museum in the country.
With thousands of students and members of the public touring the Legislative Building each year, it presents an ideal venue to highlight Ontario’s heritage — fostering pride in what our province creates, preserves, and shares with the world.

Ontario Rallies Behind Men’s and Women’s Hockey Teams

Premier Doug Ford said that following the impressive performances by Canada’s men’s and women’s hockey teams in Milan, Canadians across the country are cheering them on as they compete for gold. He stated that to help students share in the excitement, he has directed the Minister of Education to ensure that all Ontario students can watch the remaining Team Canada hockey games that take place during school hours, beginning with tomorrow’s game. The Premier encouraged everyone to come together in support of Team Canada as they pursue victory.

U.S. House of Representatives Votes to End Tariffs on Canada

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to end tariffs on Canada. An important victory with more work ahead. Thank you to every member from both parties who stood up in support of free trade and economic growth between our two great countries. Let’s end the tariffs and together build a more prosperous and secure future.



Ontario to Gain 1,700 New Jobs as Stellantis Expands Operations

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that approximately 1,700 new jobs will be created in the province following Stellantis’ decision to introduce a third shift at its Ontario manufacturing facility.
According to the Premier, the newly created positions are expected to offer competitive wages, with the majority being unionized roles. The expansion is anticipated to provide meaningful support to working families while reinforcing job stability within the province’s manufacturing sector.
The initiative forms part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to strengthen Ontario’s economy and enhance its competitiveness among G7 jurisdictions. The additional jobs will help safeguard workers and contribute to building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.
Stellantis’ decision to add a third shift represents a significant development for Ontario’s manufacturing industry and is a boost of confidence to the province’s labour market.



Advancing Canada’s Largest Nuclear Project

An important agreement has been reached between Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the Municipality of Port Hope, marking a significant milestone in advancing what will become the world’s largest nuclear energy project.

This transformative initiative is expected to:

Create approximately 10,000 jobs

Generate enough clean electricity to power 10 million homes

Strengthen Ontario’s and Canada’s long-term energy security
The project represents a deeply Canadian effort from planning through execution. Notably, over 90% of the supply chain will be sourced domestically, reinforcing Canada’s manufacturing sector and ensuring that economic benefits remain within the country.
This agreement not only supports economic growth but also reinforces Canada’s leadership in clean, reliable nuclear energy development.



Province Breaks Ground on Ontario Line Elevated Guideway and Four New Stations

Our government’s historic $70 billion investment in public transit across the province is helping protect workers in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty and fight gridlock by getting transit users where they need to go faster,” said Premier Doug Ford. “The Ontario Line will be a game-changer for GTA residents, cutting travel times across Toronto and offering more than 40 convenient connections to other transit services across the region.
Learn more:Province Breaks Ground on Ontario Line Elevated Guideway and Four New Stations

A Season of Prayer, Reflection, and Growth

February 18, 2026, marks Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season for Christians around the world. This solemn day is a time for reflection, prayer, and renewal. As many in our community observe this season of faith, may it bring peace, clarity, and spiritual growth.



Ramadan Mubarak

Wishing a peaceful and blessed Ramadan to all those observing in our community and across Ontario.
Ramadan is a sacred time of reflection, prayer, generosity, and community. May this holy month bring you strength, compassion, and moments of meaningful connection with family and loved ones.



International Women’s Day Event – Oakville

Join us for a special International Women’s Day celebration taking place on Sunday, March 8 at Oakville Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, Ontario.
Registration is free. To register and view the full biographies of all speakers, please visit the Eventbrite link: Click here

This event brings together respected leaders and professionals who will share their experiences, insights, and expertise.

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