Oakville North-Burlington Newsletter September 12, 2025
September 12, 2025
Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones announced on September 3, 2025, that our government is further investing in health care and will be opening the first new medical school in 20 years in Brampton. The nearly $180 million investment will fund undergraduate and postgraduate training starting in fall 2025. Students will gain hands-on experience in primary care clinics, expanding access to convenient care locally. When fully operating, the school will have 94 undergraduate seats and 117 postgraduate positions, strengthening Ontario’s health-care system.
The Brampton medical school focuses on primary care, with about 60% of residency spots in family medicine, but also offers training in emergency medicine, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and psychiatry. Ontario is also investing in medical education, including the York University School of Medicine in Vaughan opening in 2028, where 70% of residency seats will be for primary care. The government supports primary care teaching clinics and programs to train and retain family doctors, strengthening Ontario’s health system.
I congratulate the new students for their commitment to primary care and thank them for helping build a healthier future for Ontarians.
— MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos
New Assisted Housing Project Opens in Oakville with $15M Provincial Investment
I was pleased to join my colleague MPP Laura Smith, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing at the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting for the new assisted housing project at 265 Kerr Street!
This project represents a significant investment in our community, with the Ontario government providing $15 million in funding. As a result, 52 new units and Community Wellness Centre will help ensure that more individuals and families in Oakville have access to safe, supportive, and affordable housing.
Thank you to our regional and federal partners who together made this important project a reality for our community.
Oakville and Burlington Volunteers Recognized for Lifetime of Dedication
An inspiring evening at the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards in Oakville with my colleague MPP Stephen Crawford!
We celebrated over 100 volunteers from Oakville and Burlington, with 39 incredible volunteers from our community of Oakville North–Burlington. Together, all of the volunteers represent an astounding 2,179 years of service to our community!
From youth just beginning their journey to adults who’ve given decades in support of others, it was an honour to recognize the impact of their time, talent, and dedication. Ontario is stronger, more compassionate, and more resilient because of volunteers like you.
Thank you to the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism for organizing this important event!
Annual Oak Park Fall Fair
What an amazing day at the 28th Annual Oak Park Fall Fair! I was pleased to join our community again this year for this long-standing Oakville tradition, which brings together families, neighbours, and local organizations.
I had the chance to visit so many wonderful booths, including 100 Seeds of Joy Sahaja Yoga Meditation Network, met Winston the Owl from Hawkeye The Bird & Animal Control Specialists, Film.ca, and the Oakville Community Foundation—all making a real difference in our community.
Thank you to the Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre and the many volunteers who make this event such a highlight each year!
Women’s Hockey Tournament Held in Support of ‘Just Be You’ Program
Thrilled to join my colleagues MPP Natalie Pierre and MPP Stephen Crawford at the Shine Out! Shout Out! Women’s Hockey Tournament in Oakville—bringing our community together to champion youth mental health and support the Just Be You peer support program.
Thank you to Michelle Sparling and the organizers, players, volunteers, and families for skating hard for a vital cause.
Canadian Hospital Specialties Hosted Annual BBQ in Burlington
It was a pleasure to join Canadian Hospital Specialties for their annual company BBQ in Burlington.
CHS has been a proud part of our community for many years, providing vital medical supplies and solutions that support patients and families across Ontario and Canada. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and service makes a real difference in strengthening our healthcare system.
Just last week, Ontario launched the Health Innovation Pathway — a new program to fast-track the adoption of Ontario-made medical technologies. Initiatives like this align closely with the work of CHS and ensure our hospitals and clinics have access to the innovative tools they need. Made in Ontario
Thank you to the entire CHS team for your dedication and for welcoming me to celebrate with you.
Met with OALA to Discuss Importance of a Provincial Practice Act
It was a pleasure to meet with Robert Norman of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects to discuss the importance of a Provincial Practice Act.
The OALA and its 2,000 members support the improvement and conservation of natural, cultural and social environment in Ontario. A Provincial Practice Act would help ensure high standards and professional accountability! Thank you for a thoughtful discussion and for all the important work you do in our community.
Run for Burlington Fundraiser for Joseph Brant Hospital
It was wonderful to meet again this year with representatives of the Run for Burlington team, who are preparing for this year’s community run in support of Joseph Brant Hospital and Foundation.
The event will take place on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Spencer Smith Park — with 5km, 3km, and 1km family walk/run options for everyone to enjoy.
Thank you to the organizers for your dedication to promoting community wellness and supporting local healthcare. I encourage residents of Oakville North–Burlington and beyond to come out and participate in this worthwhile cause.
Sophia and the Summer Kindness Club
This summer, Sophia launched her own “Summer Kindness Club” and has already made a real impact in our community. Her inspiring projects include:
• Donating new underwear and socks to SafetyNet Oakville
• Running a lemonade stand to fund backpacks and school supplies
• Donating $1,000 to McMaster Children’s Hospital instead of receiving birthday gifts
• Using her savings to give cold water to construction workers during the summer heat
At such a young age, Sophia is leading with kindness and compassion. Thank you, Sophia.
Nominations are open for the 2025 Ontario Senior Achievement Award!
Do you know an extraordinary senior (65+) who has made a lasting impact in our community or across the province? Each year, this award celebrates the dedication, service, and contributions of Ontario’s seniors.
Deadline: October 1, 2025
Submit online: https://www.ohap.haacms.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/signin
For questions, contact: OntarioHonoursAndAwards@ontario.ca
Let’s recognize and celebrate the remarkable seniors who make Ontario stronger, more compassionate, and more connected.
Strengthening Ontario–Brazil Ties
As Deputy Speaker of the Ontario Legislature, I was honoured to provide remarks on behalf of Speaker Donna Skelly and take part in the flag raising ceremony celebrating Brazil’s National Day.
Canada and Brazil have shared strong ties for over a century through trade, education, and cultural exchange and more than 70,000 Brazilian-Canadians now call Ontario home.
Ontario is proud to celebrate Brazil’s Independence, recognize the many contributions of Brazilian-Canadians, and continue building the bonds of friendship between our peoples. A special thank you to Consul General Enio Cordeiro and the Consulate of Brazil for organizing this meaningful ceremony.
- Province Launching Protect Ontario Financing Program to Support Sectors Impacted by U.S. Tariffs
- Ontario Investing $56.8 Million to Expand Nursing Enrollment
- Ontario Protecting Workers by Introducing First-in-Canada Labour Mobility Changes
- Ontario Expanding RSV Immunization to Protect More Seniors This Fall
- Ontario Boosting Training for Entrepreneurs
- Ontario Taking Next Steps to Build East-West Canadian Energy Corridor
- Ontario Investing $3 Million to Build Canada’s First Dedicated Goalball Court
- Ontario Investing $3 Million to Support Francophone Communities
Dear Friends and Community Partners,
I am pleased to invite you to a joint Community BBQ co-hosted by MPP Pierre and myself on:
- Saturday, September 13, 2025
- 1:00pm – 3:00pm
- Norton Community Park, 3040 Tim Dobbie Drive, Burlington
Join us for an afternoon of free food, live music, and family-friendly activities. We are especially excited to welcome a special performance by the internationally award-winning Burlington Teen Tour Band.
If you would like to attend, please RSVP here, or send an email to effie.triantafilopoulos@pc.ola.org with your full name and email. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating with our community!
Melody Wong Gonsalves Honoured with Oakville North–Burlington Spirit Award
A big thank you to Melody Wong Gonsalves for her incredible contributions as a recipient of the Oakville North–Burlington Spirit Award!
Your tireless commitment, leadership, and compassion have had a lasting impact on our community.
We are truly grateful for your dedication and the joyful spirit you bring to Glenorchy and beyond. Congratulations, Melody!
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