Oakville North-Burlington Newsletter November 14, 2025
November 14, 2025
“On November 9th, the Honourable Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, introduced a motion recognizing the endemic nature of intimate partner violence in Ontario, aligning the province with the World Health Organization and leading scholars.
November is also Women’s Prevention Abuse Month, a time to raise awareness and support survivors. Across Ontario, initiatives like the Halton 360 Hub provide coordinated services, prevention programs, and resources for those affected by gender-based violence.
Through the Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the Ontario government is investing over $1.4 billion and supporting 85 community projects to help survivors, prevent violence, and hold offenders accountable. This motion sends a clear message: violence has no place in Ontario” .—MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos
Remembrance Day at the Trafalgar Memorial
It was a privilege to join community members and Oakville Councillors for the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial. In Oakville and the former Trafalgar Township, hundreds of residents served in the First and Second World Wars. The names and legacies of those who never returned live on in our memories and in our hearts.
My sincere thanks to Councillor Jeff Knoll for organizing this annual service of remembrance, and to all who attended to ensure that the spirit of remembrance endures. Lest we forget.
Remembered Our Naval Veterans at Spencer Smith Park
It was an honour to join the Burlington community at the Burl-Oak Naval Veterans Remembrance Day Service at Spencer Smith Park.
Each year, this moving ceremony reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering service of those who defended our freedom at sea and on land. Their legacy continues to inspire us to uphold the values they fought to protect.
My sincere thanks to the Burl-Oak Naval Veterans for organizing this meaningful tribute, and to all who attended to pay their respects. Lest we forget.
Announced New Mental Health Supports for Oakville
It was an honour to join MPPs Stephen Crawford and Natalie Pierre, Regional Chair Gary Carr, Halton Police Service Board Chair Jeff Knoll, and Mayor Rob Burton to announce that our government is providing $25,000 each to support the Oakville Fire Department and the Halton Regional Police Service through Ontario’s Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel Program.
Mental health resources are essential for the frontline men and women who protect our communities every day. This investment will help ensure they have access to tailored mental health supports designed to meet the unique challenges of their work.
My sincere thanks to Deputy Fire Chief Kalpana Rajgopalan and the Oakville Fire team, as well as Halton Police Deputy Chiefs Roger Wilkie and Jeff Hill, for their dedicated service to our community.
Supporting Survivors of Gender-Based Violence
The Canadian Alliance for HOPE at the Oakville Conference Centre brought together community organizations, police services, and advocates from across Ontario to strengthen trauma-informed, collaborative responses to gender-based violence.
Hosted by Halton 360 and the Halton Violence Prevention Council, the event showcased the incredible work being done in Halton to support survivors and build safer communities.
I want to thank all the partners and frontline workers leading this effort. Your dedication is saving lives and inspiring change across the province.
Ribbon-Cutting with Wellspring for OTF Grant for Enhanced Accessibility
Wellspring Cancer Support Birmingham Gilgan House improved its space with a $63,600 Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant, making it more convenient and accessible for individuals and families affected by cancer.
Since 2018, OTF had invested nearly $800 million in over 7,000 projects, strengthening community organizations across Ontario. I was proud that the Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation had received nine OTF grants totaling $558,200, enhancing accessibility and support for people living with cancer.
I thank the Wellspring team for their ongoing leadership and congratulate them.
Meeting to Discuss Health-Care Priorities
I had a productive meeting this morning at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital with Halton Healthcare President and CEO Melissa Farrell, together with colleagues MPP Zee Hamid and Joseph Racinsky. We had discussed local health-care priorities, capital planning, and our ongoing collaboration across Halton.
These new quarterly meetings had helped strengthen coordination between our community hospitals and local representatives, ensuring we continued to support high-quality, accessible care for residents across Halton.
I had appreciated the partnership and commitment of the Halton Healthcare leadership team to patient care.
Oakville Lions Club on 90 Years of Community Dedication
I was pleased to attend and offer my heartfelt congratulations to Oakville Lions Club on 90 years of exemplary service to our community.
Since 1935, the Oakville Lions have embodied the motto “We Serve.” From helping establish a hospital to supporting Dog Guides Canada and countless local initiatives, their dedication to volunteerism, compassion, and community has strengthened Oakville for generations.
I was also honoured to share a congratulatory message from Premier Doug Ford. Congratulations to all members, volunteers, and families who have carried this proud legacy forward. Thank you for 90 years of extraordinary service, and here is to many more to come.
Celebrated Silver Screamers at Oakville Film Festival
I had a wonderful time at the Oakville Festivals of Film and Art screening of Silver Screamers, an imaginative documentary that followed a group of seniors as they explored filmmaking and brought their first horror movie, The Rug, to life. It was a heartwarming and inspiring film.
I had offered special congratulations to Director Sean Cisterna, the production team, and the entire cast for creating such a charming, original, and heartfelt film.
I had also expressed my sincere thanks to Executive Director and Co-Founder Wendy Donnan and the OFFA team for their continued work in celebrating bold storytelling and strengthening Oakville’s arts community.
Honoured to Raise the Flag for Hindu Heritage Month
I was pleased to join the community in raising the flag for Hindu Heritage Month at Oakville Town Hall. We celebrated the vibrant culture, faith, and traditions of Ontario’s Hindu community and recognized the significant contributions Hindu Canadians continue to make to our province’s social, cultural, and spiritual life.
My sincere thanks to Mayor Rob Burton, Councillor Nav Nanda, and the leaders from the Vaishno Devi Mandir in Oakville, along with other community organizations and families, for joining us for this meaningful celebration.
Celebrated the Hellenic Home’s 25th Annual Gala
It was a pleasure to celebrate the 25th Anniversary for the Hellenic Home for Seniors with Greek Orthodox Bishop Athenagoras, President of the Hellenic Home John Fanaras, President of the Greek Community of Toronto Betty Skoutakis and Consul General of Greece Ioannis Chatzantonakis.
For 25 years, the Hellenic Home has been a cornerstone of care and compassion for Ontario’s seniors, providing culturally sensitive long-term care and community programs that honour Hellenic heritage and support healthy aging. The funds raised at the Gala dinner will support the construction of a new 128-bed long-term care facility in Scarborough.
My sincere thanks to President John Fanaras, CEO Kosta Kostouros, and the entire team of dedicated volunteers for their leadership and commitment to serving seniors with dignity and respect.
Agri-Food Innovation and Excellence at The Royal
It was a pleasure to join Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Agriculture and Agribusiness Trevor Jones for a tour of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
The Royal continues to highlight the very best of rural excellence and innovation — from dedicated local growers and producers to the next generation of farmers. It is a strong reminder that Ontario’s agri-food sector is not only an important part of our heritage, but also a cornerstone of our province’s economy and future. My sincere thanks to Joe Parker and Cyrus Cooper for guiding us through this exceptional showcase of Ontario’s agriculture, food and agri-business sectors.
Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs
As a member of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, my MPP colleagues and I reviewed the 2025–26 Estimates with Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, Red Tape Reduction Minister Andrea Khanjin, and Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney.
This annual review is a key process that ensures transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. It allows us to confirm that taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly to support the priorities that matter to our communities — including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic growth in our community and across Ontario.
Supporting Ontario’s Veterans
Our government remains deeply committed to honouring and supporting the brave men and women who have served our country. Over the past few years, Ontario has introduced and expanded a range of programs to help veterans and their families thrive—both in service and beyond.
We are investing in housing and community supports, including nearly $2 million for Veterans’ Village—a supportive housing community providing up to 25 tiny homes for veterans experiencing homelessness. The province has also expanded access to financial aid through the Soldiers’ Aid Commission, helping more veterans meet urgent needs such as housing, health care, and employment transition. Learn more here
Recognizing the immense value of military experience, Ontario is helping veterans transition into high-demand civilian careers. Through over $4.3 million in training projects and a $3 million partnership with Helmets to Hardhats Canada, hundreds of Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans are gaining new opportunities in the skilled trades. The province has also streamlined pathways so veterans and their spouses can have their military credentials recognized—making it easier to move into well-paid, stable careers. Learn more here
In recognition of their ongoing contributions to our communities, Ontario introduced the Honouring Veterans Act, 2024, strengthening how we commemorate veterans during Remembrance Week, and launched the Ontario Veterans Award for Community Service Excellence to celebrate those who continue to serve through local leadership and volunteerism. Find out more here
Ontario is also helping veterans find rewarding careers faster by investing $575,000 in post-secondary institutions to recognize military-gained skills for education credits—accelerating their path to new opportunities. Visit here for more.
Together, these initiatives reflect Ontario’s enduring gratitude and respect for those who have sacrificed so much in the service of our province and our country.
Ontario Launching New Student and Family Support Offices at Every School Board
Better access for parents means better outcomes for students,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Student and Family Support Offices will give families clear answers and timely solutions when it comes to their child’s education. We’re going to continue overhauling an outdated school board governance model so that more resources go into classrooms, teachers have better support and students have the best chance to succeed.
Learn more: Ontario Launching New Student and Family Support Offices at Every School Board
Ontario Breaks Ground on Canada’s Largest Battery Storage Project
As part of our plan to protect Ontario, we’re making record investments in energy generation, transmission and storage to make our province an energy superpower,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Skyview 2 is an important part of that plan and will be a game-changer for Leeds and Grenville’s economy, as well as our First Nations partners. It will help to deliver the reliable, clean and affordable energy needed to power our growing communities and economy for generations to come.
Learn more: Ontario Breaks Ground on Canada’s Largest Battery Storage Project
Ontario Investing $180 Million to Boost Nursing in Long-Term Care
Our government is improving long-term care by training, hiring and retaining thousands of health-care workers,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “As a registered nurse, I know how important bringing more nurses into Ontario’s long-term care homes is to helping ensure residents receive the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve.
Learn more: Ontario Investing $180 Million to Boost Nursing in Long-Term Care
Celebrating 30 Years of Holiday Magic in Burlington
From November 28, 2025, to January 7, 2026, the Burlington Festival of Lights celebrates 30 years of holiday magic! Wander along the waterfront, transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland with over 60 glowing displays, festive events, and countless photo-worthy moments. Bring family, friends, and even your pets to stroll, drive, and delight in Burlington’s most enchanting holiday tradition.
Holiday Cheer Awaits at Our Christmas Bazaar!
The Tansley elves have been busy in the Village and can’t wait to see you this Saturday their Christmas Bazaar! Open 10 AM – 3 PM and have something for everyone: 101 silent auction baskets, holiday baked goods and preserves, handmade crafts and festive decor, a tea room for lunch, family photos with Santa, raffles, key lock box surprises, and much more. Only 2 more sleeps until the fun begins!
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
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