Oakville North-Burlington Newsletter March 28th
This week, it was an honour to meet Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with Premier Doug Ford, accompanied by Economic Development Minister Victor Fedeli and colleague MPP Aris Babikian, to mark Greek Independence Day. Our bilateral discussions were focused on fortifying the economic ties between Greece and Ontario, exploring avenues for growth and prosperity. Highlighting our strong history of collaboration, with two-way trade valued at $246.7M in 2023, we underscored the invaluable contributions of Ontario’s vibrant Hellenic community and eagerly anticipate future partnerships. – MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos
Celebrating Hellenic Heritage Month
What an exciting evening celebrating Hellenic Heritage Month at Queen’s Park with members of the Hellenic community in Ontario!
Ontario stands as the only jurisdiction in the world to officially pass a law recognizing the month of March as Hellenic Heritage Month.
Special thanks to Premier Doug Ford for hosting the reception with me and sharing his inspiring words. I would also like to thank Greece’s Ambassador to Canada, Ekaterina Dimakis, Consul General Panayotis Antonatos, and Senior Trade Commissioner Dionysios Protopapas for their presence.
A special acknowledgement and gratitude to Betty Skoutakis, President of the Greek Community in Toronto and the youth of the community in their colourful costumes who entertained us with traditional dances.
From the delicious food to the lively dance performances, every moment was filled with joy and kefe. Let’s continue to honour and preserve our Hellenic culture, language and heritage!
Statement on Greek Independence Day March 25, 2024
It was an honour, to rise in the Legislature to commemorate Greek Independence Day and recognize the brave struggle for freedom and democracy that defines Greece’s rich history.
The presence of Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Toronto on March 25 made it even more meaningful. I had the honour of presenting a copy of Bill 77, my Private Members Bill recognizing the month of March as Hellenic Heritage Month in Ontario. to the Prime Minister.
Together, as Ontarians of Hellenic descent, let us continue to celebrate and uphold the timeless values of freedom and democracy that Greece embodies.
Watch my statement here: https://www.facebook.com/100006200042353/videos/747427124153033/
Ontario Unveils the 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario
This week, Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy released the 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario. Like the rest of the world, Ontario continues to face economic uncertainty due to high interest rates and global instability.
These challenges are putting pressure on Ontario families and their finances, as well as on the province’s finances. Despite these challenges, Ontario is continuing to deliver on its Plan to Build by investing in infrastructure to get more homes built faster, attracting better jobs with bigger paycheques, keeping costs down for families and businesses, and retaining a path to balance.
Learn How: https://budget.ontario.ca/2024/index.html
Here are highlights are the 2024 Ontario Budget:
Cracking Down on Crime
Our government is working to keep roads safe and combat auto theft while protecting families, increasing public safety and bringing criminals to justice.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
To keep costs down and help build at least 1.5 million homes by 2031, our government is providing $1.8 billion over three years to support housing-enabling infrastructure projects.
Gas Tax Cut Extension
Our government is keeping costs down by proposing to extend the cuts to the gas and fuel tax rates until December 31, 2024, saving Ontario households $320 on average since the cuts were first introduced in 2022.
York Medical School
Our government is establishing a new medical school at York University, the first of its kind in Canada focused primarily on training family doctors.
Primary Care Expansion
As part of our government’s plan to connect you to care closer to home, Ontario is making a total new $546 million investment to increase access to primary health care.
Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund
Our government is investing $200 million over three years in a new Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.
The fund will:
- Provide sport and recreation opportunities
- Invest in new and upgraded facilities
Happy Easter!
From my family to yours I would like to wish a Happy Easter to all Ontarian’s celebrating. As you gather with your family, friends, and loved ones, we wish you nothing but peace, love, and happiness.
| Oakville North-Burlington Spirit Awards |
It’s truly an honour to shine a light on the dedicated volunteers who have contributed to making our community better. Thank you for your community spirit. If you would like to nominate a member of our community who has gone above and beyond to contribute to our community, please contact my office and let me know at Effie.triantafilopoulos@pc.ola.org