Oakville North-Burlington Newsletter November 8, 2024

 
“This week, I participated in the Toronto Economic Forum III, organized by the Delphi Economic Forum in partnership with The Hellenic Initiative Canada. This event brought together business and political leaders from Canada and Greece, fostering opportunities for economic collaboration and deeper cultural ties.
 
We heard from Premier Doug Ford, Energy and Electrification Minister Stephen Lecce, Ontario Chamber of Commerce President Dan Tisch and other speakers, who highlighted the strong partnership between Ontario and Greece and the potential for greater investment and partnership opportunities.  – MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos”






Meeting with CEO & Tour of Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital

I had a productive discussion and tour of Halton Healthcare’s shelled-in space with CEO Melissa Farrell and her leadership team at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.
This innovative approach will enable the hospital to quickly add 123 acute care beds to serve our community when needed!



Walked in “Hope in Every Step”- Taking steps to end Violence Against women

I joined the Hope in Every Step Walk organized by Halton Women’s Place, a powerful annual event dedicated to ending violence against women.
Since November 2023, there have been 52 femicides in Ontario. Purple silhouettes bearing the names of these victims stood as a poignant reminder of their tragic loss. 
I’m grateful to the remarkable individuals, organizations, and sponsors who are committed to making a difference. Together, we are taking important strides toward ending violence against women and children.






Our government needs to build more homes. Watch my exchange with MPP Matt Rae on how our government is getting it done:

Click here to watch the video




Welcomed “Kids Helping Kids” Sleep out at Queens’s Park with the Premier

I welcomed Ethan McQueen and the dedicated young participants of the Kid’s Helping Kid’s Sleepout in Support of Covenant House to Queen’s Park!
Premier Ford commended these students for their commitment to supporting vulnerable youth through this inspiring initiative.
Since 2021, the McQueen brothers have led a movement that brings young people together to raise awareness for youth homelessness. Each year, they take on the challenge of spending a night outdoors to understand the struggles youth face and to raise crucial funds for Covenant House Toronto’s life-saving work. This year alone, they’ve raised over $107,000, and next September, they’re aiming even higher with a goal of $500,000!
These compassionate youth remind us all that you’re never too young to make a difference. Their dedication to this cause and to Covenant House is an inspiration to
us all.



Strengthening Ontario’s Digital Future

On behalf of Minister Victor Fedeli, I joined leaders at an event hosted by OVHcloud, the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA), and the Centre for International Governance Innovation.
With 420,000 skilled tech workers and 400+ AI companies, Ontario is collaborating to build a trusted, sustainable digital future.

Check out the recap video here!

Meeting with Page Program Participant Marie-David

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of meeting Marie-David, a remarkable young person from our riding participating in the Ontario Legislature’s page program. Her dedication and enthusiasm are inspiring, and it’s clear she has a bright future ahead. I look forward to seeing all the incredible things she will accomplish!






Ontario Honouring All Veterans and Condemning Acts of Stolen Valour

The Ontario government is marking Remembrance Week by introducing the Honouring Veterans Act, 2024 today that, if passed, would expand recognition to living veterans for their service and contributions, in addition to those who gave their lives in the service of our country. The proposed Act also condemns any actions that disrespect veterans, including acts of stolen valour which involves making false claims or representations about military service, rank or medals received.

“Our government recognizes the extraordinary courage and significant sacrifices made by veterans across the province. Today, we express our unwavering gratitude by creating more opportunities to celebrate veterans’ service and formally recognize their contributions to our communities,” said Graham McGregor, acting Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “Veterans deserve our utmost respect, which is why our government is also condemning those individuals who make false claims about military service which detracts from the honour of those who actively served their country.”
Learn More: Ontario Honouring All Veterans and Condemning Acts of Stolen Valour




Ontario Streamlining Pathways for Veterans into Skilled Trades

The Ontario government is making it easier for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, their spouses and veterans to start careers in the skilled trades. The province is also investing $2.4 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to provide free training for CAF members and veterans in tech and cybersecurity careers. These initiatives are among a suite of proposals in the Honouring Veterans Act, 2024that if passed, would honour all veterans who have served our country.

“From our consultations with soldiers, their spouses and veterans, we heard that their biggest challenges when returning home are finding careers that recognize their military skills and experience, without burdensome red tape and delays,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “That’s why our government has introduced the Honouring Veterans Act to formally recognize certain military trades with their civilian trades equivalent and help them start their civilian careers in the trades. We have a social contract with our servicemen and women who serve to protect us, and that means we have a responsibility to ensure they have a life to return to when their service is complete – our government is proud to uphold that social contract with this new bill.”
Learn more: Ontario Streamlining Pathways for Veterans into Skilled Trades



Ontario Expanding Ability to Process Cancer Fighting Medical Isotopes

The Ontario Government and Bruce Power announced the construction of a new hot cell in Bruce County to process the cancer-fighting medical isotope lutetium-177 which is used as a targeted therapy, including for prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumours. By repatriating medical isotope processing to the province and building provincial capacity to process the isotopes produced at our nuclear stations, Ontario is cementing its position as a leader in this cutting-edge medical field.

“Life-saving medical isotopes produced in Ontario’s nuclear generating stations are one of the most consequential tools doctors have available to diagnose and treat the more than 247,000 Canadians who are diagnosed with cancer each year,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “My own family, like that of so many Canadians, has been impacted by cancer, so I know that this initiative will save lives and further cement Ontario’s place as a global leader in the production and processing of cancer-fighting medical isotopes.”
Learn more: Ontario Expanding Ability to Process Cancer Fighting Medical Isotopes



Ontario Strengthening Supports to Combat Hate and Create Safer Communities

The Ontario government is investing $12.75 million this year to help address the rise of hate incidents and keep communities safe across the province. This is part of the government’s $25.5 million investment over two years in the new Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant to help faith-based and cultural organizations implement measures to ensure their community spaces remain safe and secure.

“Everyone in Ontario should be able to practice their faith and express their beliefs, without the fear of experiencing acts of hate, intimidation or violence,” said Graham McGregor, acting Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “We continue to invest in the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant program to support communities in establishing safe and inclusive environments for all Ontarians, regardless of their background, religion or culture.”
Learn more: Ontario Strengthening Supports to Combat Hate and Create Safer Communities



Ontario Expanding Holocaust Learning Resources at School

The Ontario government is marking Holocaust Education Week (November 4 to 10) with an investment of $551,000 for additional resources to help students, families and educators combat antisemitism in schools. This funding reaffirms the province’s commitment to fighting hate and racism, including antisemitism, to promote safe and welcoming communities in schools and beyond.

“Our government is increasing supports to help Ontario students gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the Holocaust to counter the alarming increase of antisemitism-related incidents,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education. “As the world recently marked the one-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attack against Israel, our government is taking a strong stance against antisemitism, reiterating the need to support our Jewish friends and neighbours. Racism, hate and discrimination have no place in Ontario’s schools and communities.”
Learn more: Ontario Expanding Holocaust Learning Resources at School






Hindu Heritage Month

As Hindu Heritage Month dawns, let us reflect on the profound impact of Hindu culture and spirituality. Let’s join hands to learn, appreciate, and celebrate the heritage that contributes to our province’s cultural mosaic. Happy Hindu Heritage Month




Lebanese Heritage Month

November is Lebanese Heritage Month! Ontario is incredibly fortunate to be home to a large Lebanese community, whose contributions to our province’s economic, social, and cultural wellbeing have been immeasurable. Happy Lebanese Heritage Month!



 The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards deadline is fast-approaching on November 15, 2024. Organizations can nominate up to nine volunteers (maximum of 6 adults) for an Ontario Volunteer Service Award to recognize their continuous service ranging from five to 65 years. Youth (under 24 years old) can be recognized for two or more years of continuous service. Nominated volunteers will receive a personalized certificate and a lapel pin celebrating their years of service during the local award ceremony next year. 
 
Organizations can submit their nominations through Ontario Honours and Awards Portal. https://www.ontario.ca/page/honours-and-awards-volunteering
 

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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