“Our government is making a historic investment to strengthen Ontario’s workforce and economy by committing $1.7 billion to create 70,000 new postsecondary seats in high-demand fields, including health care, STEM, education, and the skilled trades. Building on a $975 million investment announced earlier this year that funded 30,000 additional seats, the province is now investing a further $730 million to support 40,000 more spaces at publicly assisted colleges and universities. As part of Ontario’s $6.4 billion postsecondary funding model, this initiative will help students access rewarding careers while ensuring employers have the skilled talent they need. The first of these new seats will be available to students beginning in Fall 2026”. MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos
The Ship of Tolerance in Oakville
It was a powerful celebration of creativity, tolerance, and cultural dialogue at Oakville Galleries at Gairloch Gardens.
It was a pleasure to join Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho, Minister Stephen Crawford, and Mayor Rob Burton for the raising of the sails of The Ship of Tolerance.
Created by internationally renowned artists Ilya and Emilia Kabakov, this 60-foot installation marked its 20th anniversary and its first appearance in Canada. It brought together artwork created by children and youth, reflecting their visions of inclusion, respect, and a more hopeful future.
It was especially meaningful to have world-renowned artist Emilia Kabakov present for this celebration, along with so many young artists whose beautiful work helped bring the sails to life.
Thank you to Director Seamus Kelly and the entire Oakville Galleries team for hosting this inspiring community event and for bringing such an important work of art to Oakville.
Supporting the Next Generation of Artists and Innovators
Ontario’s creative industries are built on the talent, training, and innovation taking place in classrooms.
It was a pleasure to visit Sheridan College with Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho and Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement Stephen Crawford for a tour showcasing the incredible creative talent being developed in Oakville.
From graphic design and music production to student projects contributing to major Hollywood films, Sheridan College continues to play a leading role in preparing the next generation of artists, creators, and innovators.
Thank you to Jeremy and the entire Sheridan College team for the tour and for the important work you do in supporting Ontario’s creative industries.
A Visit to Burlington’s Inspiring Arts and Cultural Spaces
Burlington continues to shine as a destination for public art, creativity, and culture.
It was a pleasure to join Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho, MPP Natalie Pierre, and Dan Lawrie for a visit to the Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail and a tour of the Art Gallery of Burlington.
Thank you to Dan Lawrie, Executive Director Emma Sankey, and the AGB team for showcasing the incredible work on display, from waterfront sculptures to clay works and hand-sewn art. These spaces help support artists, welcome visitors, and strengthen Burlington’s cultural identity.
Strengthening Services for Families, Seniors, and Youth
A meaningful investment is helping strengthen community services in Oakville.
Congratulations to Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre on receiving a $121,700 Capital Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
This funding has helped expand childcare space and improve accessibility, further supporting the Centre’s important work with families, seniors, children, youth, and vulnerable residents throughout our community.
Thank you to Michelle and the entire Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre team for your dedication to creating opportunities for people to connect, access vital supports, and experience a true sense of belonging. Your commitment continues to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of Oakville residents.
Honouring Creativity and Expression
It was a wonderful evening at the Art Gallery of Burlington celebrating creativity, community, and the artists whose work brought important stories to life.
It was a pleasure to attend with MPP Natalie Pierre for the opening and closing reception of several exhibitions, including Locutions: Fragments out of a Deluge and FUSION, and to offer remarks alongside community leaders and gallery partners.
Thank you to Executive Director Emma Sankey, Artistic Director and Curator Suzanne Carte, Lucie Grys, WhiteEagle Stonefish, the participating artists, and the entire AGB team for hosting such a meaningful evening.
The Art Gallery of Burlington continued to serve as an important cultural hub, supporting artists and bringing people together through powerful and thoughtful exhibitions.
Working Together for Burlington
Burlington’s tourism, arts, culture, and business leaders came together for an important discussion on strengthening the local visitor economy.
It was a pleasure to join Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho, MPP Natalie Pierre, Terry Caddo and the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, along with Anita Cassidy and Burlington Economic Development and Tourism, as well as local partners including the Art Gallery of Burlington, Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail, Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Backed By Bees, and other community leaders.
The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration in supporting local tourism, culture, and economic growth while continuing to showcase all that Burlington has to offer.
Meeting with Colleen’s Care Company
Pleased to meet with Corrine, Director of Colleen’s Care Company, an Oakville-based seniors care provider, to discuss the important role local PSWs play in supporting seniors and care facilities in our community.
We spoke about their work connecting qualified caregivers with local care needs and the growing importance of ensuring seniors have access to compassionate, reliable support close to home.
Thank you, Corrine, for the thoughtful conversation and for your dedication to supporting seniors and families across Oakville. Your commitment to quality care continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you serve.
Supporting Ontario’s Masonry Industry
It was a pleasure to meet with representatives from the Masonry Council of Ontario to discuss the important role masonry plays in Ontario’s economy, skilled trades workforce, and infrastructure needs.
The masonry industry was a substantial economic driver, contributing approximately $1.9 billion annually to Ontario’s GDP while supporting thousands of skilled trades jobs, local manufacturing, and critical infrastructure projects across the province.
This work had a particularly strong connection to my riding of Oakville North–Burlington. Combined, Burlington and Brampton are responsible for producing 95% of Canada’s brick production, making brick manufacturing a major economic driver for our community and an important part of Ontario’s building supply chain.
Our government also supports the next generation of skilled trades workers. Through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Ontario invested $64.2 million over three years to expand in-class apprenticeship training, helping train up to 12,000 apprentices and creating up to 4,000 new training seats each year.
Thank you to the Masonry Council of Ontario for your advocacy and for continuing to champion Ontario’s brick, block, and stone industry, as well as the skilled workers who help build our province.
Welcoming the HCBT to Queen’s Park
It was a pleasure to welcome members of the Hellenic Canadian Board of Trade to Queen’s Park.
For nearly three decades, the HCBT has played an important role in supporting Hellenic-Canadian entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals, while helping strengthen trade, investment, mentorship, and economic opportunity across Ontario and beyond.
Organizations like the HCBT are important partners as our government continued working to reduce red tape, support business growth, expand global trade opportunities, and strengthen Ontario’s economic competitiveness.
Thank you to the HCBT Board and members for their continued leadership in championing the success and contributions of Ontario’s Hellenic-Canadian business community.
Celebrating Armenian Heritage Month
It was a pleasure to attend MPP Aris Babikian’s Armenian Heritage Month reception at Queen’s Park.
Armenian Heritage Month was an important opportunity to recognize the rich history, culture, faith, and traditions of Ontario’s Armenian community, while also reflecting on the resilience, perseverance, and strength that have shaped the Armenian story.
Ontario was home to a vibrant Armenian community whose contributions continued to enrich our province through business, education, the arts, public service, community leadership, and charitable work.
Thank you to MPP Babikian for hosting this meaningful reception and for bringing colleagues and community members together to celebrate Armenian heritage and the lasting contributions of Armenian Canadians to Ontario.
Honouring George Leslie Mackay
It was a pleasure to attend the reception celebrating George Leslie Mackay hosted by MPP Ernie Hardeman.
George Leslie Mackay was a Presbyterian missionary from Oxford County who served in Taiwan from 1871 until his death in 1901. His work in education, health care, and community service left a lasting impact, and the reception provided a meaningful opportunity to recognize that history and celebrate Ontario’s connection with Taiwan. To this day, he remains widely regarded among Taiwanese communities, both in Canada and Taiwan, as a Canadian and Taiwanese hero.
This annual event at Queen’s Park not only honoured Mackay’s legacy but also helped strengthen the deep friendship and cultural understanding between Ontario and Taiwan.
Queen’s Park Weekly Update
This will be my second last Queen’s Park Update as the Legislature will rise for the summer on June 4th. But before we rise, there’s still a lot to do at Queen’s Park to move our agenda in Protecting Ontario forward. Below, you’ll find highlights of our government’s Bills introduced by Ministers, Legislation debated on in the Legislature and in committee this week, and recaps of some notable events.
On Monday, MPPs heard three moving tributes to former MPPs who have passed away over the past six months: Michael Cassidy (Ottawa Centre); Ronald Eddy (Brant—Haldimand); and the Hon. William Saunderson (Eglinton). Saunderson’s tribute was especially touching as it was delivered by his son, current MPP, Brian Saunderson (Simcoe Grey).
Following Question Period, we heard from the Honourable Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York Simcoe, President of the Treasury Board, and Minister of Francophone Affairs, who had announced her resignation from government, effective June 5th. In the interim, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy will serve as President of the Treasury Board.
In the afternoon, the Honourable Michael Kerzner, Ontario’s Solicitor General, introduced Bill 119, Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026. To deliver on our promise to keep our streets safe and protect Ontario’s communities, this legislation is the latest step in cracking down on illegal activity, protecting victims of crime and strengthening public safety. If passed, this legislation would:
- Protect transit users by giving special constables on designated transit systems the authority to stop individuals from using illegal drugs on transit.
- Support survivors of human trafficking by providing up to $50,000 in debt relief for those who were forced or coerced into debt by their traffickers.
- Protect victims by allowing restraining orders issued by other provinces to be enforced in Ontario without additional court declarations.
- Protect communities by allowing the OPP to publish information about high-risk offenders, including high-risk sex offenders, on a provincial public website.
- Reduce wait times for police record checks for people working or volunteering with vulnerable populations such as children, seniors and people with disabilities.
- Strengthen oversight and accountability in the towing and private security industries through enhanced qualifications, training, licensing and enforcement measures.
- Protect sensitive provincial data and support Canadian-made drone technology by restricting government use of Chinese-made drones.
This legislation builds on previous public safety and justice reforms passed in the Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act and the Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act.
Following that, members began 3rd Reading on Bill 9, Municipal Accountability Act, 2025. This legislation will, if passed, strengthen accountability, transparency, and ethical standards in municipal government across Ontario by creating a more consistent framework for councillors and local boards. The legislation establishes a standardized provincial code of conduct, helping ensure that expectations for elected officials are clear and applied more uniformly across municipalities. It also enhances oversight by expanding the role of Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner, including providing education and training for municipal integrity commissioners and supporting more consistent complaint and investigation processes.
The bill also aims to improve public confidence in local government by introducing stronger consequences for serious misconduct. Under the proposed framework, municipal integrity commissioners could recommend that a councillor’s seat be declared vacant in cases of significant code of conduct violations, with additional review by the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario and council consideration. The legislation would also help discourage frivolous or bad-faith complaints by allowing commissioners to dismiss them more effectively, while ensuring clearer procedures and standards for investigations. Overall, the bill seeks to provide municipalities with stronger tools to promote professionalism, accountability, and ethical governance at the local level.
On Tuesday morning, while most of my colleagues were paying tributes to three other former MPPs who have passed in the last 6 months: Robert Charles Wong (Fort York); Ed Doyle (Wentworth East); and Georgio Mammoliti (Yorkview), I attended a meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs before returning to the Legislature for Question Period.
During the afternoon session, Members resumed debate on Bill 110, Building Billy Bishop Airport Act, 2026. This Act marks an important step in our government’s plan to support the long-term modernization and expansion of Billy Bishop Airport to help meet future demand in southern Ontario, reduce pressure at Toronto Pearson International Airport, increase competition in the air travel sector to support more routes and cheaper flights, and support the creation of thousands of good-paying jobs in Ontario’s aviation, tourism and construction sectors.
Under the Toronto Port Authority’s modernization plan, an expanded Billy Bishop Airport would serve millions more passengers each year and contribute up to $8.5 billion to Canada’s GDP annually by 2050.
Ontario Breaks Ground on New Science Centre at Ontario Place
The Ontario government has officially broken ground on the new Ontario Science Centre, a major milestone in the province’s plan to transform the revitalized Ontario Place into a vibrant, year-round destination for science, entertainment and tourism. The new 400,000-square foot facility is on track to open in 2029 and will feature a state-of-the-art mainland building, an integrated pod complex, new interactive exhibits, an upgraded Cinesphere and more programming space than at the previous site.
Learn more: Ontario Breaks Ground on New Science Centre at Ontario Place
Ontario Unveils Framework for Defence Industrial Strategy
“As Canada and our allies respond to increasing global uncertainty by making record investments in defence and security, Ontario has the world-class workers, manufacturers and critical resources to help protect ourselves and our allies,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our provincial defence strategy will position Ontario to take advantage of these record investments, contributing to global security, supporting Ontario companies and bringing tens of thousands of good-paying defence jobs to our province.”
Learn more: Ontario Unveils Framework for Defence Industrial Strategy
Ontario Introduces Legislation to Protect Communities and Keep Streets Safe
Our government remains laser-focused on protecting Ontario’s streets and keeping communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “This legislation builds on the decisive action we’ve already taken to strengthen public safety by giving law enforcement stronger tools to crack down on illegal activity, protect victims and vulnerable people, and hold offenders accountable.”
Learn more: Ontario Introduces Legislation to Protect Communities and Keep Streets Safe
Ontario Investing $14 Million to Strengthen Forest Sector Competitiveness
The Ontario government is investing more than $14 million to build a modern, digital system to inventory the province’s forest resources, giving industry access to better information to invest, grow and create jobs. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this investment will modernize the Forest Resources Inventory (FRI) Information Management System, the essential database of Ontario’s managed forests, by replacing outdated systems with cutting-edge technology to make critical forest data more accurate, accessible and easier to use.
Learn more: Ontario Investing $14 Million to Strengthen Forest Sector Competitiveness
Congratulations Maria Polyanska
Congratulations to Maria Polyanska, a Grade 10 student and member of my Youth Council, on receiving a Spirit Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in science and innovation.
I was proud to present Maria with this award following her incredible success representing Canada at the International Science and Engineering Fair.
Her project, WindDrift: Engineered Real Time Adaptive Platform for Atmospheric and Marine Sensing, earned a 3rd Place Grand Award in Earth and Environmental Sciences, as well as a 2nd Place Special Award from the Association of Old Crows Educational Foundation.
This is an outstanding accomplishment on the international stage and a proud moment for Oakville North–Burlington. Congratulations, Maria, and best wishes for continued success in your future endeavors.