Oakville North-Burlington Newsletter May 31, 2024
“I am pleased to share that the Ontario government is modernizing the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirements for the first time in 25 years. We are also launching consultations with parents, job creators, educators, and stakeholders to identify the essential skills students need to be better prepared for life beyond the classroom. This includes the reintroduction of modernized home economics education, ensuring students are equipped with life skills for the future.” – MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos
The province is introducing a suite of reforms to ensure Ontario’s diploma embraces the back-to-basics agenda, including:
- A new financial literacy graduation requirement to ensure students exit Ontario’s school system with both literacy and practical financial literacy skills.
- Consulting on important life skills and the return of home economics education.
- Ensuring new teachers hold basic competency in math. Teacher applicants to the Ontario College of Teachers must pass the Math Proficiency Test beginning in February 2025.
- For the first time in 13 years, a wholesale revitalization of guidance and career education to support students’ understanding of local labour market needs and pathways to good careers.
- Up to $14 million in 2024-25 to launch career coaching for Grade 9 and 10 students and to explore new opportunities into STEM and skilled trades.
- Return of the student exit survey to benchmark success and garner feedback on the impact of reforms with an emphasis on guidance.
Learn More: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1004651/province-introduces-new-high-school-graduation-requirements-for-a-stronger-ontario-diploma
Visiting Knox Sixteen Presbyterian Church
Earlier this month, I visited Knox Sixteen Presbyterian Church to survey the damage that was caused by a furnace issue and to discuss plans for the restoration of the building. “Knox on the Sixteen” was designated a cultural landscape by the Town of Oakville and is an important heritage site. The heritage of Knox Sixteen and of the vanished village of Proudfoot’s Hallow will be celebrated on Saturday, September 28, 2024 atThe Crossing: Community Heritage Day that will take place in Lion’s Vally Park as part of Ontario Culture Days.
Young Leaders Work Together Against Cancer
Congratulations to the 200+ students and staff at Iroquois Ridge High School on an incredible Relay for Life event!
Special thanks to Genevieve for the invitation, her grandmother and my friend Helen for sharing the story of her cancer journey, the planning committee for their outstanding work, and everyone who raised funds.
So proud to see young people joining together for such a worthy cause.
Running for Lighthouse
The rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of hundreds of people in our community who ran or walked in the Lighthouse for Grieving Children and Families’ Run4Lighthouse. Funds raised allow Lighthouse to support over 300 children, youth, and their families as they navigate their grief after the life-altering loss of a parent or sibling. For the past 4 years, I have been so pleased to provide my support to this worthwhile cause!
Honouring our Paramedics
I was honoured to attend the Halton Region’s Paramedic Day, again this year as part of Paramedic Services Week in Ontario.
Each year Halton Paramedics working around the clock. respond to over 55,000 calls and transport more than 35,000 patients.
Thank you for keeping members of our community safe.
Visiting West Oak Elementary School
This morning, I had the honour of joining School Trustee Joanna Oliver at West Oak Elementary School as part of “Take your MPP to School” Week. I enjoyed meeting some amazing students and staff. Its always a pleasure to meet dedicated educators who make a real difference in the lives of their students. My sincere thanks to Principal Maria for the tour and warm welcome.
Keeping our Community Clean
Huge thanks to all the amazing volunteers who joined my MPP Youth Council litter cleanup this past weekend! Small actions can make a big difference in keeping our community clean and green.
Pride Month in Burlington
This morning it was a pleasure to join Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Deputy Mayor Rory Nisan, Burlington Fire Chief Karen Roche and Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr with Prism Halton to raise the Pride flag at Burlington City Hall.
Meeting Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Minister
We had a productive meeting this week with Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Minister Victor Fedeli and Parliamentary Assistant colleague Trevor Jones. We discussed innovative strategies to continue to make Ontario the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Excited about all the important investments ahead! Ontario is open for business.
Hon, Con Di Nino at Queen’s Park
What a pleasure it was to welcome my friends The Honourable Con Di Nino and Nadirah Nazeer to Queen’s Park! We had a fantastic visit with Premier Ford discussing our shared commitment to serving the people of Ontario.
Hon. Perrin Beatty at Queen’s Park
It was a distinct pleasure to welcome my good friend Perrin Beatty to Queen’s Park this week. As the President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Perrin leads a 200,000 member organization, which is Canada’s largest national business association. Thank you for your commitment to public service and your strong advocacy on behalf of Canadian business. Our Ontario government is committed to economic growth, innovation and job creation. Ontario is Open for Business.
Supporting Accessibility
Wednesday was Red Shirt Day. I am proud to stand with our community in acknowledging the importance of accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. Let’s unite to break barriers and champion a more inclusive world.
Ontario Celebrates Launch of Canada’s Largest Biomanufacturing Facility
The Ontario government joined Sanofi to celebrate the grand opening of their new, $800 million vaccine manufacturing facility at its Toronto campus. The new building, spanning approximately 200,000 square feet, will produce pediatric and adult vaccines for pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria and tetanus, significantly increasing the country’s production of life-saving vaccines for domestic and global markets.
As part of the government’s life sciences strategy, the province is investing $15 million through the Life Sciences Innovation Fund and $100 million through the Ontario Together Fund to help establish Ontario as a global biomanufacturing and life sciences hub. Over the past three years, Ontario has attracted over $3 billion in investments from life sciences companies and global biomanufacturers.
Learn More: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1004650/ontario-celebrates-launch-of-canadas-largest-biomanufacturing-facility
Applications for the Heritage Organization and Development Grant are now open!
The grant provides eligible organizations with funding to promote awareness of Ontario’s heritage.
To apply visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/available-funding-opportunities-ontario-government#section-10
| 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
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