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Hello Etobicoke-Lakeshore!
Where has the summer gone?
Looking back, I’m pleased to report a very engaging series of events here in Etobicoke-Lakeshore in August: Door-knocking to check in with constituents; greeting many of you at TTC stations; pitching in on Humber Bay shore cleanup drives; partaking in TD Jerkfest 2023; attending the Toronto Police Service 22 Division Summer Festival; events celebrating Ukraine Independence here in the Riding and at Queen’s Park; and most moving for me, commemorating the passage of Kiera’s Law, which requires judges to become better informed of the impact of domestic violence in sentencing.
And that’s just a partial list. Now, I look forward to the resumption of the Legislature in September, when we will continue our ambitious agenda to create more urgently-needed housing for Ontarians and newcomers, boost job creation – especially in the skilled trades – strengthen our justice system and restore balance to our province’s finances, among other priorities.
September is another busy month and I hope to see you at some community events like the Taste of the Kingsway, Franklin Horner Extravaganza and Long Branch Tree Fest. Please stop by my booth and say hello!
For now, it’s back to school. Please be mindful of our kids’ safety when driving in school zones!
Thank you, and Happy Autumn! |
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| News |
Update: The Mimico Industrial Fire and Contaminant Runoff
Readers will remember this tragic incident from July, in which an industrial blaze sent toxic contaminants running into Mimico Creek and the Humber River, soaking water birds in chemical sludge. Immediately, our government delivered on-site support to help contain the toxic runoff together with City of Toronto specialists.
Since then, the flushing of Humber Creek has been completed, and monitoring of wildlife in the area is ongoing. Cleanup of contaminants caught along the banks of Mimico Creek continues. Ministry of Environment staff remain on-site to keep track of the situation. And the company involved is expected to submit a plan to restore the affected areas later this month, which should be completed in October. |
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Ontario Launching Credit and Debit Payment on the TTC
The Ontario government is making it easier to take transit by giving riders more ways to pay on the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Starting Tuesday, August 15, riders can use credit or debit cards to pay fares, including cards on a smartphone or smartwatch. |
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Ontario Providing New Tools to Municipalities to Build More Homes Sooner
The Ontario government has assigned housing targets to 21 additional municipalities as part of its plan to build at least 1.5 million homes. Once these municipalities, through their heads of council, have pledged to achieve their targets, they will have access to the new Building Faster Fund, which will reward municipalities that are on track to meet their housing targets. |
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Ontario Investing in a Stronger Public Health Sector
The Ontario government is taking an important step forward to deliver on Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care by increasing provincial funding for public health agencies to build a robust public health sector that has the support and resources needed to connect people to faster, more convenient care in their communities. |
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Ontario Establishes First New Conservation Reserve in Over 10 Years
The Ontario government has created the province’s first new conservation reserve in over 10 years. The Monarch Point Conservation Reserve will protect nearly 4,000 acres along the south shores of Prince Edward County – an area nearly five times the size of the Toronto Islands. |
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Ontario Preparing Students for Success
The Ontario government is providing new student supports and updating the curriculum for the 2023-24 school year. These actions will refocus school boards on the development of foundational skills in reading, writing and math, supported by almost $700 million more in base education funding, $109 million in a new strategy to boost literacy rates, and the hiring of 2,000 more educators. |
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Ontario Releases 2023-24 First Quarter Finances
The Ontario government has released the 2023-24 First Quarter Finances, the first update on the province’s economic and fiscal outlook since the 2023 Budget: Building a Strong Ontario. Overall, this update demonstrates the government’s plan is working, as Ontario’s economy has remained resilient through heightened economic and geopolitical uncertainties. |
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Ontario Investing in Critical Upgrades and Repairs to Community Agency Facilities
The Ontario government is investing $23,200 through the Partner Facility Renewal Program for upgrades and repairs, here in Etobicoke-Lakeshore. The funding is part of the government’s $21 million investment this year to ensure that 158 children’s and social services agencies across the province continue to connect people to support at safe and accessible facilities. |
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Ontario Partnering with ALUS Canada to Protect Species at Risk
The Ontario government is providing $561,000 to ALUS Canada for a three-year project targeting ecosystems in Southern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area. This funding is being provided through the Species at Risk Stewardship Program. Since 2015, Ontario has provided more than $2.2 million to support ALUS Canada in their important work to create, enhance and maintain ecosystem services on farmland. |
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Applications now open for the Regional Development Program’s Eastern and Southwestern Development Fund
This program provides support to eligible small and medium-sized businesses investing in new training and equipment to expand their operations in these regions. Eligible applicants may receive financial support and advisory services to help them navigate government programs, such as guidance on compliance approvals and assistance with skills and talent. |
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Applications for Model Parliament for High School Students
The High School Model Parliament program at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario is designed for civic-minded Ontario students in grades 10 to 12, who are interested in current events and provincial issues. The program will be taking place from February 28th to March 1st, 2024. The application deadline is on October 15th, 2023. |
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| Christine In The Community |
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| Announcing new investments at the Ontario Power Generation Station. |
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| Dropped by a local Dairy Queen in support of Miracle Treat Day. |
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| Thanks to all the volunteers at the 11th annual Humber Bay Shores Waterfront Festival! |
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| Had a fantastic time experiencing Caribbean culture at JerkFest Toronto 2023. |
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| Wonderful joining 22 Division Toronto Police Service at their Community Summer Festival! |
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| Meaningful discussion with Rabbi Blotner and Chaya from Chabad Etobicoke. |
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| Supporting the Shoreline Cleanup and Butt Collection Project at Humber Bay Park. |
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| Wonderful meeting the team at A&W Lakeshore for Burger to Beat MS Day. |
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| Honoured to join Premier Ford at the Ukrainian Independence Day Celebration in Etobicoke! |
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| Taking part in the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in London. |
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| Attended a celebratory event for the passage of Keira’s Law. |
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| At the flag raising ceremony at Queen’s Park to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day. |
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| Congratulated Josh on becoming Board Chair of Autism Speaks Canada and for hosting a Bubly Smile Stand to raise autism awareness. |
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| Meeting with constituents at my free community ice cream social! |
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| Thank you to my wonderful interns, Ragy & Marichka for all your hard work this summer. |
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| As always, if I can be of assistance with provincial issues you are dealing with, my team and I are always here to help. |
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