Oakville North-Burlington Newsletter June 13, 2025
June 13, 2025
“I was proud to join Halton District School Board trustees, students, and community leaders to mark the groundbreaking of the new Oakville Northeast #1 High School—a major milestone for our growing community.
Located at 4020 Sixth Line, this modern, four-storey facility will accommodate over 1,300 students and offer 88 licensed childcare spaces. With features like natural lighting, a music room and stage, an open-concept library, and outdoor sports amenities, the school is designed to support inclusive, 21st-century learning and become a vibrant hub for local families.
This $71 million investment—funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education—reflects our shared commitment to high-quality public education. Since 2018, our government has invested more than $208 million in local schools across Oakville North–Burlington, creating over 4,500 student spaces and 350 childcare spots.” – MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos
A Productive Session at Queen’s Park: Legislative Highlights
As your MPP for Oakville North–Burlington, I supported several important bills this legislative session that reflect our government’s commitment to building a stronger economy, safer communities, and a better Ontario for all. Here are some of the key pieces of legislation we passed and why they matter.
Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act
(Bill 2)
We believe Ontario workers and businesses shouldn’t face unnecessary barriers to growth within their own country. That’s why we introduced this bill — to create more opportunities by removing interprovincial trade barriers, lowering costs, and recognizing the credentials of certified professionals from other provinces. This means more mobility for skilled workers and a stronger, more unified Canadian economy. To date, Ontario has signed MOUs with six provinces — Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Prince Edward Island — to breakdown internal trade barriers and make this vision a reality.
Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act (Bill 5)
Our economy can’t grow if approvals for housing, infrastructure, and resource development are stalled by outdated processes. With this bill, we are cutting unnecessary red tape to accelerate major projects and ensure Ontario remains competitive globally. Our objective is clear: to unlock Ontario’s economic potential while respecting the environment and supporting meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities. We’re creating good jobs and helping build the future economy, particularly in northern and rural regions.
Safer Municipalities Act (Bill 6)
We want our parks, playgrounds, trails, and public spaces to remain safe and welcoming for families, children, and all community members. That’s why we introduced this bill — to give municipalities stronger tools to address homelessness and encampments in a way that is both compassionate and effective. The legislation helps ensure that public spaces can continue to serve their intended purpose — places where families can gather, play, and connect — while also supporting vulnerable individuals in transitioning into stable housing. We need to restore the balance between public safety, responsible use of public resources, and dignity for those in need.
Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act (Bill 10)
Ontario families deserve to feel safe in their communities. This bill addresses growing concerns about repeat and violent offenders by establishing permanent bail teams and reviewing the bail system. It’s vital that we restore confidence in public safety, ensure that high-risk individuals are held accountable, and give law enforcement and the justice system the tools they need to keep Ontarians safe.
Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act (Bill 17)
Ontario’s growing population needs more homes, better transit, and reliable infrastructure — and they need it now. This bill streamlines approvals and cuts red tape so we can build smarter and faster. Our goal is to reduce delays, make housing more attainable, and get critical infrastructure projects off the ground quickly to support our growing communities, including here in our community.
Plan to Protect Ontario Act – Budget Measures (Bill 24)
Ontario’s 2025 Budget is about planning ahead. We’re investing in the sectors that will drive Ontario’s long-term prosperity: clean energy, infrastructure, skills training, and business resilience. With over $200 billion in infrastructure planning, permanent gas tax cuts, and major workforce investments, we are preparing Ontario to thrive in a competitive global economy while ensuring affordability for families today.
Emergency Management Modernization Act (Bill 25)
Recent global events have shown the importance of being ready for anything. That’s why we’re modernizing Ontario’s emergency response system — with a 24/7 Emergency Preparedness Headquarters and better coordination for all types of disasters. Our objective is simple: protect lives, reduce response times, and ensure Ontario communities are resilient in the face of future crises.
Supporting Children and Students Act (Bill 33)
Parents deserve transparency and accountability from the institutions that shape their children’s future. This bill requires public reporting of key education and child welfare expenses. Students, parents and educators must come first. We must re-build trust with families by making school boards and agencies more accountable, ensuring that resources are used effectively to support learning, safety, and well-being.
New Public School and Childcare Centre Will Open in 2025
I’m proud to share that a brand-new elementary school is coming to our community—Harvest Oak Public School, set to open its doors in northeast Oakville in September 2025. Located at 1235 Wheat Boom Drive, the school will serve over 750 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 and include 88 childcare spaces for preschool-aged children. With bright, modern classrooms, a music room, gym, and open-concept library, this school has been thoughtfully designed to support student success in every way.
The name “Harvest Oak” was chosen from over 1,000 community submissions and reflects both Oakville’s rich agricultural history and our continued growth as a community. I look forward to seeing the students and families who will make this new school a vibrant part of our community.
540 Goldenhawk Cadets Were Recognized for Excellence and Leadership
I was honoured to once again attend the 74th Annual Ceremonial Review of the 540 Golden Hawks Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Oakville! Congratulations to all the cadets, officers, volunteers, and families whose dedication and leadership help shape the next generation of Canadian leaders. Your discipline, teamwork, and service to community are truly inspiring.
Thank you for your commitment to excellence — and for representing your community with pride and distinction.
Food4Kids Halton Battle of the Chefs to Help End Child Hunger
What an incredible time at Battle of the Chefs — an unforgettable showcase of culinary talent, community spirit, and generous support for a vital cause.
Congratulations to all 9 restaurants who brought their A-game in the friendly competition for Top Chef, and a heartfelt thank you to the amazing volunteers, sponsors, and guests who made it all possible. From delicious tastings and raffle prizes to a silent auction packed with amazing items, the energy in the room was electric — all in support of Food4Kids Halton and their mission to ensure no child goes hungry in our community.
RNAO Honoured for 100 Years of Dedication
Congratulations to the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario on their 100th anniversary!
It was an honour to present a congratulatory scroll on behalf of Premier Ford to Margarita during her recent visit to my community office. Thank you, RNAO, for your tireless dedication and advocacy. Here’s to the next 100 years of leadership in health care!
Third Annual Festival Honoured Coptic Heritage and Community Contributions
It was wonderful to join the Third Annual Coptic Egyptian Festival of Burlington with the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Graham McGregor and my colleague MPP Natalie Pierre.
Thank you to His Grace Bishop Mina, Father Anthony and the incredible volunteers at Archangel Raphael and Saint Marina Coptic Orthodox Church for hosting such a joyful celebration of culture, faith, and community.
The Coptic Egyptian community continues to enrich the social and cultural fabric of Burlington and Ontario—and it’s always an honour to celebrate together.
Ontario Trillium Foundation Supported OFFA’s Expansion with Major Grant
Celebrate storytelling, creativity, and community at this year’s Oakville Festivals of Film & Art, showcasing incredible films from local and international talent right here in Oakville!
Thanks to a $112,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, OFFA is expanding the festival for 2025 and 2026 — bringing screenings, Q&As, and Gala events to new audiences in Burlington and Mississauga.
From thought-provoking documentaries to powerful feature films, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of cinema and support our growing arts community!
Sound of Music Festival
My Colleague MPP Natalie Pierre and I were thrilled to join our community for one of Canada’s most cherished cultural events — the Sound of Music Festival — which has been bringing free, world-class music to Burlington since 1980. With more than 400,000 visitors annually, the festival is a true celebration of the arts, powered by passionate volunteers and the unwavering support of local residents.
Events like this are what make Burlington such a vibrant and connected community. Thank you to the organizers, sponsors, and incredible volunteers who help make this amazing festival a success year after year.
Celebrated World Franchise Day in Oakville
On World Franchise Day, I was delighted to visit Osmow’s in Oakville and meet with franchisee Amir. It’s important to remember that franchises are small businesses run by local entrepreneurs. Small businesses like Amir’s are the engine of our economy — creating jobs, investing locally, and building strong communities. Let’s continue to support and celebrate them!
Lifetime Achievements Were Celebrated at the Hellenic Heritage Foundation Gala
What an incredible evening at the 26th Annual Hellenic Heritage Foundation Gala – the Blue & White Ball!
It was a pleasure to attend with Premier Ford and my MPP colleagues Laura Smith, Rudy Cuzzetto, and Michael Tibollo as we celebrated the achievements of inspiring leaders and the contributions of the Hellenic community in Ontario.
Congratulations to this year’s honourees for receiving the Life Time Achievement award—Dr. John Floras, Ambassador Robert Peck, and Marissa Papaconstantinou—for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields. Events like this support important programs and initiatives that preserve and promote Hellenic culture, education and heritage in Canada.
Shifra Homes Volunteer Recognition
I was so pleased to join Shifra Homes for their Volunteer Appreciation BBQ and to thank the incredible volunteers supporting young, expectant mothers in our community. Your compassion is changing lives and building brighter futures.
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