Oakville North-Burlington Newsletter May 23, 2025

May 26, 2025

“I am thrilled to share exciting news that underscores Oakville growing prominence in the global clean technology sector. Siemens, a world leader in innovation, has announced a $150 million investment to establish a Global Artificial Intelligence Manufacturing Technologies Research and Development Centre at its Canadian headquarters in Oakville.
Supported by $7.2 million from the Ontario government through the Invest Ontario Fund, this cutting-edge facility will focus on advancing AI-driven manufacturing processes for electric vehicle (EV) battery production. This initiative is expected to create up to 90 high-quality jobs across the province and will foster collaborations with universities to upskill our workforce, ensuring our community remains at the forefront of technological advancement.
This investment not only brings economic growth to our riding but also reinforces our commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future. I am proud to see our community play a pivotal role in driving innovation and environmental stewardship.”- MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos





Global Dialogue at Queen’s Park: Strengthening Democracy and Social Cohesion

It was a pleasure to welcome and host participants of the Laboratories of Democracy Initiative to Queen’s Park — an inspiring group of provincial, state, and Landtag legislators from across Canada, Germany and the U.S., coming together to exchange ideas on how to strengthen social cohesion and democratic leadership at the subnational level.
This international dialogue, supported by The Aspen Institute Germany, highlights the importance of collaboration and innovation across borders — and the powerful role that provinces and states play.
Thank you to Seniors and Accessibilities Minister Raymond Cho for sharing how the Ontario Government is supporting seniors and accessibility programs to address social isolation and improve the lives of seniors across the province.



Flag of Argentina Flies at Queen’s Park in Tribute to National Day

This week at Queen’s Park, as the Deputy Speaker, I was honoured to join Consul General of the Argentine Republic, Gustavo Oscar Infante and my MPP colleagues Aris Babikian, and Jonathan Tsao to celebrate Argentina’s National Day with a special flag raising ceremony.
On behalf of Speaker Donna Skelly and the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, I welcomed our Argentine friends and recognized the rich cultural and civic contributions of the Argentine-Canadian community to our province.
Diversity is one of Ontario’s greatest strengths—and today, we proudly raised the Argentine flag as a symbol of friendship and shared democratic values.




Supporting Seniors: Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for New Hellenic Home

I was honoured to join Minister Paul Calandra, MPP Aris Babikian, His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios, and esteemed members of the Greek community to break ground on the new Hellenic Home for the Aged in Scarborough — a 128-bed, culturally appropriate long-term care home that will serve seniors with the care, dignity, and comfort they deserve.
This milestone is part of Ontario’s historic $6.4 billion investment to build 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds by 2028 — ensuring seniors across the province receive the highest standard of care in a setting that feels like home.
Congratulations to the board members of the Hellenic Home and dedicated staff who helped make this important project a reality.




Championing Creativity: How the CFC Powers Canada’s Cultural Voices

I had the opportunity to meet with Maxine Bailey, Executive Director of the Canadian Film Centre (CFC), and Carly Beath, Director of Development.
We spoke about the incredible work the CFC is doing to support Canadian talent, foster innovation in storytelling, and grow our creative industries. From screenwriters and directors to composers and digital media creators, the Canadian Film Centre continues to be a launching pad for some of our country’s brightest cultural voices.
We are proud to support organizations that showcase the very best of Canadian creativity on screens here at home and around the world.





Building a Stronger, Inclusive Halton: Honouring ACB Excellence with ACCH

Thrilled to welcome Edosa Adams-Idode to my community office this week in the lead up to the ACCH African, Caribbean & Black (ACB) Excellence Scholarship Awards. Each year, ACCH recognizes and celebrates outstanding students who exemplify leadership, resilience, and academic excellence with scholarships. Congratulations to the African Caribbean Council of Halton on their 5th Anniversary and for continuing to uplift youth and build a stronger, more inclusive Halton community.




The Crossing: A Path Toward Reconciliation and Community Unity

I had the honour of meeting with Rev. Patrick Gushue, pastor at Knox Presbyterian Church Sixteen in Oakville North–Burlington — a congregation with a 192-year legacy in our community.
We spoke about “The Crossing,” a meaningful reconciliation initiative launched by the church in partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. What began as a community Heritage Day has grown into a powerful gathering focused on learning from Indigenous history and honouring the vanished village of Proudfoot’s Hollow.
Now entering its third year this September, The Crossing serves as a symbol of connection — where people from all backgrounds can come together, share stories, and learn from one another. I look forward to participating again this year.



Celebrating Local Talent: Burlington Gymnasts Head to Nationals in Calgary

Delighted to welcome Lianne to our community office today as she picked up an Ontario flag and pins for five incredible gymnasts from the Burlington Gymnastics Club Inc. — including her daughter Stephanie, who has been training for over 10 years. All five athletes are proudly heading to Nationals in Calgary to represent our community and our province!
On Ontario Flag Day, we’re especially proud to support these talented young athletes as they carry the spirit of Ontario with them. Best of luck to Stephanie and the entire team at Nationals — we’ll be cheering you on!

Province Investing $3.1 Billion to Support Indigenous Partnership in Critical Mineral Development

As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy, the province is supporting the creation of a made-in-Ontario critical minerals supply chain that includes new resources and opportunities for Indigenous equity partnerships. These measures include nearly $3.1 billion in loans, grants and scholarships that would support Indigenous participation, partnership and ownership in Ontario’s critical mineral supply chain.
“Ontario’s vast supply of critical minerals are at the heart of our plan to protect Ontario,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “By investing to unlock and process these minerals here in Ontario in partnership with Indigenous communities, we can make Ontario the top global hub of critical mineral development and protect our economy, workers and communities for decades to come.”

Learn more: Province Investing $3.1 Billion to Support Indigenous Partnership in Critical Mineral Development




Ontario Protecting Forest Sector Jobs and Workers

 The Government of Ontario is protecting workers and jobs in the forest sector by investing $11.3 million in five research, innovation and modernization projects in northeastern Ontario. The investments from the Forest Biomass Program will help accelerate Ontario’s forest sector’s competitive advantage by creating new jobs, increasing productivity and identifying new revenue streams.
“Our government is making strategic investments to protect jobs, protect communities and protect Ontario,” said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. “We’re ensuring our forest sector businesses are ready to adapt, compete and thrive, putting made-in-Ontario wood products first.”

Learn more: Ontario Protecting Forest Sector Jobs and Workers




Ontario Protecting Workers on Construction Sites

The Ontario government will soon introduce first-in-Canada changes that will, if passed, create safer workplaces for construction workers by requiring automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) at construction sites. This builds on the lifesaving changes introduced in 2022 that require naloxone kits in at-risk workplaces.

“Our government is protecting Ontario workers that are building our province by requiring AEDs on construction sites,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our skilled workers are at the centre of our government’s plan to build highways, energy and key infrastructure. Ensuring lifesaving equipment is where it’s needed to keep them safe is one more way we’re creating safer workplaces.”

Learn More: Ontario Protecting Workers on Construction Sites




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