Oakville North-Burlington Newsletter May 03, 2024

Our government is taking decisive action to ensure classrooms are focused on learning, not distractions. By implementing tough policies on cellphone use and banning vaping in schools, we are putting the emphasis back on education. This is about getting back to basics and creating an environment where students can learn and thrive. – MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos 



Ontario Cracking Down on Cellphone Use and Banning Vaping in Schools

Ontario is introducing the most comprehensive plan in Canada to reduce distractions in classrooms and improve the health of children by standardizing and strengthening provincewide measures and mandatory learning to directly counter the alarming rise of vaping and cellphone distractions within classrooms.

As students benefit from three more years of uninterrupted learning as a result of the government’s historic signing of deals with all teachers’ unions, the government is taking further action to go back-to-basics by combating the negative impact mobile devices, social media and vaping are having on in-class learning.

Students in kindergarten to Grade 6 will be required to keep phones on silent and out of sight for the entire school day, unless explicitly permitted by an educator. For students in Grades 7 to 12, cellphones will not be permitted during class time unless explicitly directed by the educator. Moreover, social media websites will be removed from all school networks and devices, and report cards will include comment on students’ distraction levels in class. The government will provide mandatory training for teachers and new supports for students and parents.

The government is also strengthening the rules around students caught using or carrying vapes or cigarettes. Students will be required to surrender these products, along with parents being notified immediately of the situation. The government also officially announced $30 million in the 2024 Budget to install vape detectors and other security upgrades in schools. Learn More Here: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1004501/ontario-cracking-down-on-cellphone-use-and-banning-vaping-in-schools

Read Education Minister Lecce’s Letter to Parents Here: https://www.facebook.com/StephenLecceMPP/posts/pfbid02wkdf3srWJ116EzxPW6ePKKqGJkTcvS94BPtEcXdwWf1ncChJMQuAhCVnS2xs5bzRl







Celebrating South Asian Heritage at Oakville Town Hall 

This morning, I had the pleasure of attending Oakville’s South Asian Heritage Month flag-raising! We were treated to traditional Asian music by talented young performers.

Throughout the month of May, let us take the time to celebrate the incredible contribution of the 1.6 million people from over 30 countries of South Asian heritage make across our great province. From all of us in Ontario, happy South Asian Heritage Month! 



A Sweet Treat for a Good Cause

I was thrilled to join Tim Hortons in Oakville to support Food4Kids Halton. Every cookie sold this week goes to this worthwhile cause providing nutritious food for kids in our community. 

https://food4kidshalton.ca/smile-cookie/




Celebrating Sikh Heritage Month

This week I had the honour of attending Oakville’s Sikh Heritage Month celebration. The event was organized by the Halton Sikh Cultural Association and was a wonderful tribute to Sikh culture, and the important contributions Sikh Ontarians have made to our province. Grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a vibrant community celebration!



Supporting Community Pharmacy

I had a very informative meeting with Dr. Shelly Morgan-Bair RPh, PharmD, from our community pharmacy. She shared with me her concerns about the impact of Preferred Provider Networks on patient choice and patient care. I listened to her perspective and agree that small pharmacies provide vital support in our community.






Strengthening International Ties

Associate Minister of Small Business Nina Tangri and I had the privilege of hosting Hon. Jozef Síkela, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic and a trade delegation of 60 companies, on behalf of Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

We highlighted our province’s second-to-none talent pool, our Red Tape reductions and $8B in savings for small business each year as well as Ontario’s Small Business Enterprise and Regional Innovation Centers to help companies start up and grow.




Exchanging Ideas with Business Leaders of Sweden

On behalf of Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, I met with a delegation from Business Sweden. Representatives included Jan Larson, CEO & Christina Keighren, Country Manager Canada, Business Sweden, Lars Henricksson, Honourary Consul General Toronto, and Claudia Krywiak, President & CEO, OCI Innovation. 

We had a great discussion about our shared interest in mining, forestry, advanced manufacturing, industrial innovation, modular home construction and more. Stay tuned for information on a summer Modular Home Conference in Toronto hosted in part by Business Sweden and the Sweden-Canada Innovation Days Conference in October.



Ushering in a New Era of Aerospace Excellence

It was an exciting afternoon representing Economic Development Minister Victor Fedeli at the inauguration of Bombardier’s state-of-the-art Aircraft Assembly Centre, showcasing Ontario’s aerospace prowess. 

With $2.8B in exports spanning 186 countries, Ontario-made parts furnish virtually every passenger aircraft worldwide. From wings to tail, our contributions elevate global aviation standards. Here’s to Ontario’s continued leadership in aerospace innovation!



Connecting With Academia to Embolden Manufacturing in Ontario

Pleased to represent Ontario’s Economic Development Minister Fedeli at McMaster’s Manufacturing Forum & Industry Open House! I had the opportunity to spotlight Ontario’s commitment to economic growth through clean energy and manufacturing.

Our investments in next-gen nuclear power, like small modular reactors (SMRs), and refurbishment projects in Pickering, Darlington, and Bruce sites are driving economic expansion, producing clean energy and creating thousands of jobs.

In automotive, historic investments in EVs include:
– Honda’s $15B for an EV supply chain, creating 1,000+ jobs.
– Volkswagen’s $7B EV battery plant in St. Thomas.
– LG Energy Solutions and Stellantis’ $5B EV battery plant in Windsor.
– And Umicore’s $2.7B battery materials plant near Kingston.

Our government is committed to building a stronger economy with good-paying jobs for families across Ontario.







Ontario Increasing Funding to Boost Reading, Writing and Math

With a focus on going back-to-basics and preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow, the Ontario government is increasing Core Education Funding for the coming school year by $745 million compared to 2023-24. Together with other investments, this represents $29 billion in total education funding and the largest investment in Ontario’s education system.

In addition to the new funding model, Ontario is investing $1.3 billion through the 2023-24 Capital Priorities Program creating more than 27,000 new student spaces and more than 1,700 childcare spaces. This is more than double the investment compared to last year and is the largest one-year funding commitment to new school construction in Ontario’s history. The province is investing $1.4 billion in 2024-25 to help school boards revitalize and renew aged building systems and components. This is part of the province’s ongoing capital renewal funding initiative.

Learn More Here: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1004488/ontario-increasing-funding-to-boost-reading-writing-and-math




Ontario Exploring Options to Reduce Electricity Rates for Public EV Chargers

Ontario’s Minister of Energy, Todd Smith, has asked the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to explore options for an Electric Vehicle Charger Discount Electricity Rate as the province continues to support the adoption of electric vehicles (EV). A new rate would reduce the cost of electricity for public EV chargers in areas where demand for the service is only beginning to emerge, making charging infrastructure more economical in more communities and giving Ontario drivers the confidence they need to transition to electric vehicles.

The initiative also builds on the government’s Driving Prosperity: The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector plan to create a domestic EV battery ecosystem in the province and position Ontario as a North American automotive innovation hub by working to support the continued transition to electric, low carbon, connected and autonomous vehicles.

Learn More Here: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1004515/ontario-exploring-options-to-reduce-electricity-rates-for-public-ev-chargers



Ontario Building Highway 413

The Ontario government is moving ahead to get shovels in the ground on Highway 413 after having reached an agreement with the federal government for the project to proceed with strong environmental protections in place.

The province will be meeting with property owners to acquire land at fair market value and following the coming into force of the Get it Done Act, if passed, will begin expediting land acquisitions in the fall. In addition, the province is planning for the release of the first early works construction contracts to begin building Highway 413 in 2025, subject to all necessary approvals.

Highway 413 is a central component of the government’s transportation plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, designed to improve travel options and drive economic growth throughout the region. In addition to reducing commute times and improving connections to housing and jobs, Highway 413 will help spur investment in the province’s auto manufacturing and other industries.

Learn More: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1004508/ontario-building-highway-413




Celebrating Jewish Heritage

Happy Jewish Heritage Month! Ontario is proud to be the home of Canada’s largest Jewish community. I invite all Ontarians to learn more about the culture, history, and incredible contributions of all Jewish Ontarians.

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