Oakville North-Burlington Newsletter March 13, 2026

March 13, 2026

“Our government is taking further action to support Ontario workers and protect jobs as global trade disruptions and tariffs continue to affect key industries. Through a $228.8 million investment from the Government of Canada over the next three years, Ontario will deliver the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response to help up to 27,000 workers retrain, upgrade their skills and remain competitive in sectors such as steel, automotive manufacturing and softwood lumber.
This initiative will be delivered through programs like Skills Advance Ontario, which helps workers gain new skills, stay employed and transition into in-demand careers. By supporting both workers and employers, our government is ensuring that families, businesses and communities across Ontario remain strong, resilient and prepared for future opportunities.” —MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos

Supporting Arts and Culture in Our Community

Strong arts and culture sectors help drive economic growth and vibrant communities across Ontario.
New data from the Ontario Arts Council – Conseil des arts de l’Ontario shows that in South Central Ontario, including Oakville North–Burlington, the arts sector contributes $7.2 billion annually to GDP and supports over 69,000 jobs.
Provincewide, arts and culture generate $28 billion in GDP and more than 267,000 jobs, demonstrating the sector’s vital role in economic resilience, opportunity, and local identity.
Proud to support the artists and organizations that strengthen our community.
Learn more: Click here



Supporting Parents and Children in Oakville

Great visit to Oakville Parent-Child Centre to learn more about their incredible programs supporting families in our community.
Thank you to Lisa, Sue, Logan, and Kim for the tour and a productive discussion on the important services you provide. Resources like EarlyON programs offer free support, learning, and connection for parents, caregivers, and young children.
I encourage families to learn more about this valuable community resource: Click here

Meeting on Digital Health and Youth Wellbeing

A valuable meeting was held with Roxanne and Heather, founders of Connected Community Collective, a parent and school led initiative focused on supporting children’s digital wellbeing.
The discussion focused on the growing challenges families face regarding technology use and the importance of helping children develop healthy and balanced relationships with screens through play based and screen light approaches. It was also an opportunity to learn more about their work with local families and schools, including collaboration with the Halton District School Board.
The conversation highlighted the importance of community partnerships in supporting the digital health and wellbeing of children and teens across our communities.

Supporting Youth Through Mentorship in Halton

It was a pleasure to have a good discussion with Michael Treadgold, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Serving Grand Erie, Halton and Hamilton, on the impact of mentorship programs supporting youth across Halton, including Oakville North–Burlington. We spoke about the positive outcomes of school-based and community mentorship programs, and the importance of maintaining supports that help young people build confidence, wellbeing, and educational success. Thank you for sharing updates on local programs and the needs of families and schools in our region.

Collaboration for Effective Parliaments

At a time of growing global uncertainty and conflict, it is more important than ever for countries that share a commitment to peace, democracy, and the rule of law to work together.
I was pleased to participate in the 74th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Westminster Seminar on Effective Parliaments in London, which brought together parliamentarians from across Commonwealth nations to exchange ideas and strengthen democratic institutions.
These discussions help reinforce the cooperation, partnerships, and shared values that support strong, transparent, and accountable parliaments throughout the Commonwealth.





Supporting Teachers with Classroom Supplies

Starting in September 2026, Ontario is launching a Classroom Supplies Fund that will provide $750 per year directly to elementary school homeroom teachers to help purchase classroom materials.
Through a new provincial website, teachers will be able to order commonly used supplies such as notebooks, writing materials, calculators, arts and crafts items, tissues and paper towels, helping ensure classrooms have the resources students need to succeed.
Learn More: Supporting Teachers with Classroom Supplies



Investing in Community Programs Across Ontario

This year, our government is investing more than $47 million through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to support 153 non-profit organizations, First Nations communities and small municipalities that deliver innovative programs to promote active lifestyles, support arts, culture and heritage, and expand opportunities for children and youth across the province. This funding delivers on the government’s plan to protect Ontario by making strategic investments to strengthen local services and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Every year, OTF Grow grants support community organizations across the province with investments of up to $600,000 to expand and improve the delivery of community-based programs and services that Ontario families rely on.
Some of this year’s recipients in Oakville North-Burlington include:

• Children’s Aid Society of the Regional Municipality of Halton received $368,000 through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Grow Grant program to expand mentorship and skill-building supports for youth in foster care, helping connect young people with trained mentors and build confidence, leadership skills, and pathways to independence.
• MCMXVI Inc., a Burlington-based music company, received $20,000 through the Ontario Music Investment Fund’s Music Creation stream to support the development and promotion of Ontario artists and strengthen the province’s creative economy.
• Community Living Oakville received $88,000 through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Seed Grant program to deliver Next Steps, a program that helps youth with developmental disabilities build skills and confidence as they prepare for adulthood.

Learn More: Investing in Community Programs Across Ontario



Ontario Appoints Province’s First Military Defence Representative

The Ontario government has appointed Bernard Derible to serve as the province’s first-ever Ontario Military Defence Representative (OMDR). In this role, Mr. Derible will promote Ontario’s defence industry in global markets, attract new defence investment to the province and help Ontario companies take advantage of growing export opportunities. This new position also builds on Ontario’s ongoing advocacy to secure Toronto’s selection as the headquarters of the newly created Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB) and the 3,500 direct jobs it would bring to Canada if the city is selected.
Learn more: Ontario Appoints Province’s First Military Defence Representative



Improving Ontario’s Conservation Authority System

Our government is taking the next step to improve Ontario’s conservation authority system by moving forward with a plan to consolidate 36 conservation authorities into nine regional authorities.
This approach will help reduce duplication, modernize service delivery, and strengthen watershed management, while continuing to protect communities from floods and other natural hazards. The changes are intended to provide more consistent services and support faster approvals for housing and infrastructure projects across the province.
Learn More: Improving Ontario’s Conservation Authority System

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