What a month its been, Etobicoke-Lakeshore!
The weather is finally warming and throughout March, I took part in various events in the riding. These ranged from a visit with Norseman Middle School’s young Earth Rangers, dedicated to protecting species and habitats, to the Franklin Horner Community Centre’s annual Seniors’ Health and Wellness Fair.
During the month, I delivered several scrolls of recognition to residents and small businesses throughout our community, while also celebrating National Pharmacy Appreciation Month and International Women’s Day, which recognizes and celebrates women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural and political achievements.
Additionally, this month consisted of cultural celebrations like Purim, Holi, Nowruz, International Day of La Francophonie, St. Patrick’s Day and the beginning of Ramadan. I hope those who celebrated were able to spend time with family and friends to observe these traditions. I would also like to wish all those celebrating in the riding, a very Happy Easter and Passover.
Finally, March 23rd saw the delivery of our 2023 Budget: Building a Strong Ontario, which will allow our government to achieve its goal to better help the people of Ontario.
I look forward to April and the many opportunities it holds. |
Building a Strong Ontario- 2023 Provincial Budget
On March 23, the Finance Minister released the province’s 2023 Budget: Building a Strong Ontario. It’s a plan that navigates ongoing global economic uncertainty, coupled with a responsible, targeted approach to help people and businesses today, while laying a strong fiscal foundation for tomorrow. And it’s been well-received by the City of Toronto. Here’s Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie:
“I want to thank the Premier and Finance Minister for committing $48 million in this budget for wrap-around services for 2,000 vulnerable residents in Toronto supportive homes.
“Deeply affordable rental housing with wrap-around health and social support services is key to addressing the dual homelessness and overdose crisis, and is the most effective, dignified, and cost-effective solution to chronic homelessness. These investments (will) result in significant cost savings for the provincial government, by reducing pressure on emergency shelters, hospitals, prisons, and long-term care homes.”
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Ontario Budget Helping Low-Income Seniors
Ontario is supporting low-income seniors by proposing to expand the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) program to about 100,0000 more seniors and indexing the program annually to inflation.
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Ontario Connecting Long-Term Care Residents to More Hours of Direct Care
The Ontario government is providing up to $1.25 billion to long-term care homes this year to hire and retain thousands more long-term care staff across the province, to continue increasing the amount of direct care time provided to residents.
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Double Funding Boost for Unity Health Toronto
The Ontario government is providing nearly $3.9 million in operational funding to support additional MRI and CT diagnostic capacity at Unity Health Toronto. An additional $2.9 million will support 16 beds at Unity Health to help manage the post-pandemic surge in demand for acute and post-acute services.
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Ontario Invests in Inclusive and Accessible Communities
The Ontario government is investing $750,000 to help communities across the province become more inclusive and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. These grants provide municipalities, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities with up to $60,000 for local projects that will help older residents and people with disabilities participate in community life.
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Ontario Preparing Students for Jobs of the Future
The Ontario government is implementing a new high school graduation requirement to help better prepare students across our province for the jobs of tomorrow. This new learning graduation requirement will expose Ontario’s students to at least one Technological Education course that could guide them to a future career in the highly skilled workforce, including the skilled trades.
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Ontario Building Skilled Trades Training Centres
To help tackle the province’s labour shortage and get more people into rewarding careers in the skilled trades, the Ontario government is investing $224 million more to build and upgrade training centres.
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Ontario Helping More Women Build Skills and Get Jobs
The Ontario government is expanding the Investing in Women’s Futures program to 10 additional locations across the province to create more economic opportunities for women. This expansion is part of a $6.9 million investment over three years to enhance the program and help more women connect to supports and develop the skills they need to gain financial security and independence.
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Ontario Protecting the Health and Safety of Paramedics
The Ontario government is establishing a Paramedic Services Committee under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to develop resources that address the unique health and safety risks these frontline heroes face.
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Ontario Expanding Cancer Coverage for Firefighters
The Ontario government is expanding cancer coverage for firefighters. These changes will make it faster and easier for these heroes and their families to access the compensation and supports they deserve for thyroid and pancreatic cancers from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
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That’s not all, Etobicoke-Lakeshore! Click on the links below to learn more about the great investments our government is making across our province.
Ontario Putting Public Colleges and Universities on Stable Footing Now and Into the Future
Ontario Requiring Cleaner Washrooms on Construction Sites
Ontario Introducing New Investment Tax Credit for Manufacturers
Ontario Launches Clean Energy Credit Registry to Boost Competitiveness and Attract Jobs
Christine In The Community
Wonderful to join Robert as he celebrated his 90th birthday.
So pleased to have had Keira, a student from Etobicoke-Lakeshore who participated as a Legislative Page this session.
Welcoming Freebird Market to our Etobicoke-Lakeshore community.
Joined my colleagues at Queen’s Park on International Women’s Day to celebrate the incredible courage, determination, and achievements of women.
Received an appreciation award from the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre, Jewel Dharma and Infinite Care.
Great discussion on how the Alzheimer Society of Ontario continues to support people living with dementia and their care partners.
Congratulations Studio Charm on the expansion of your business, which now includes a pet-friendly café.
Visited a local pharmacy to celebrate National Pharmacy Appreciation Month.
Thank you to all pharmacists in our province for the hard work you do everyday.
Met with Owen, a brave, intelligent and hard working student who’s strength and resilience has allowed him to continue his education during a difficult and challenging time.
Joined Earth Rangers for a school assembly and Battery Blitz contest at Norseman Junior Middle School.
Taking part in this years 15th annual Senior’s Health and Wellness Fair at the Franklin Horner Community Centre.
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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