Newsletter: April Recap

A message from Christine Hogarth:

Dear Friends, I’m pleased to announce my transition from Parliamentary Assistant to the Solicitor General to my new role as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Red Tape Reduction. I want to express my gratitude to Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and his team for the opportunity to work on key files on community safety, animal welfare and Intimate Partner Violence. In my new role, my focus is implementing measures that enable individuals and businesses to concentrate on growth rather than navigating red tape. Cutting red tape is part of our commitment to help build a stronger economy, keep costs down, and improve service delivery for people and businesses. As part of our Spring 2024 red tape reduction package, if passed, we are prioritizing infrastructure for ready-to-go housing projects with a new “use it or lose it” process to address stalled development. Additionally in schools, we are cracking down on cellphone use and banning vaping starting September 2024. For doctors, our government is launching an AI program to help them put patients before paperwork. In other excellent news for the community, shovels are in the ground for the new and expanded Queensway Health Centre – a monumental $1.3B investment that will introduce a new patient tower featuring a modern nine-story facility accommodating over 350 beds. Furthermore, the Ontario government is investing over $155M this year to expedite the construction of new or redeveloped long-term care homes. Engaging directly with our community remains a priority for me. I recently had the pleasure of attending the AGM of the Mimico Residents Association, where I provided updates on provincial initiatives such as the Mimico GO upgrade and environmental efforts like the Mimico creek cleanup. On Earth Day, I joined volunteers from Etobicoke-Lakeshore for the Col. Samuel Smith Park cleanup. A special thanks to Alan Roy for organizing this annual event. In conclusion, I want to spotlight Bill 159, the Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales Act (PUPS Act), which has progressed to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy following unanimous support at Second Reading. Hearing dates are scheduled for May 8, 9, 13, and 15. If you wish to contribute, please consider  submitting a written submission by May 15 (7 pm EDT). Let’s work together to ensure Ontario continues to be a national leader in animal protection. Sincerely, Christine P.S If you know someone who would like to be added to this distribution list, please have them visit https://christinehogarthmpp.ca/

Ontario Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes

The Ontario government introduced the Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024. If passed, it will be part of the government’s ongoing commitment to cut red tape, speed up government processes and build at least 1.5 million homes. Learn more

Building Our Economy

Our government launched a cutting-edge map that shows the transformative investments our government has attracted to Ontario since 2018. Check it out to see what companies are investing in Etobicoke-Lakeshore. Learn more

Ontario Cracking Down on Cellphone Use and Banning Vaping in Schools

Ontario is introducing the most comprehensive plan in Canada to reduce distractions in classrooms and improve the health of children by standardizing and strengthening provincewide measures and mandatory learning to directly counter the alarming rise of vaping and cellphone distractions within classrooms. Read More

Ontario Helping Family Doctors Put Patients before Paperwork

The Ontario government is taking further action to help family doctors and other primary care providers spend more time with their patients and less time on paperwork. Read More

Ontario Providing More Funding to Build Long-Term Care Homes

The Ontario government is investing $155.5 million this year to help fast-track the construction of new or redeveloped long-term care homes. This funding, through the 2024 Ontario Budget: Building a Better Ontario (if passed), is part of the government’s $6.4 billion plan to build 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds across the province. Read More

Ontario Building New Medical School at York University Focused on Primary Care Doctors

The Ontario government is providing an initial investment of $9 million through the 2024 budget, Building a Better Ontario (if passed), to begin the design and planning for York University’s new medical school in Vaughan. The new medical school will be the first in Canada that is focused on training primary care doctors and is helping fulfill Ontario’s commitment to ensure that everyone who wants to have a primary care provider can access one. Read More

Ontario Increasing Funding to Boost Reading, Writing and Math

With a focus on going back-to-basics and preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow, the Ontario government is increasing Core Education Funding for the coming school year by $745 million compared to 2023-24. Together with other investments, this represents $29 billion in total education funding and the largest investment in Ontario’s education system. Learn More

Ontario Expanding GO Train Service Across the Greater Toronto Area

The Ontario government is moving ahead with the largest GO train service expansion in more than a decade, adding more than 300 trips per week on the Milton, Lakeshore West, Lakeshore East, Kitchener and Stouffville lines. The 15 per cent increase in weekly trips will give commuters more choice to get where they need to go faster. Learn More

Reminder for Summer Company Program intake

Ontario’s Summer Company Program helps students between 15 and 29 launch a summer business. Be your own boss this summer while learning what it takes to manage a business! Deadlines for applications is May 17th! Apply Here

Looking Back At April