Newsletter: November Recap

A message from Christine Hogarth:
Hello Friends,

As we step into the holiday season, I’m reflecting on the many milestones we’ve achieved together this past month. November was a whirlwind of activity, marked by meaningful progress, important celebrations, and impactful conversations.

Our government continues to deliver on promises to improve transit, healthcare, and infrastructure. From investing in 55 new trains for Toronto’s Line 2 subway to renovations at the Queensway Health Centre, which will bring South Etobicoke its first MRI machine, we’re building a better future for everyone.

As you may have heard, the Ontario Legislature has passed Bill 212, Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024. With the added amendment, Bill 212 allows for the immediate removal of the bike lanes on Bloor Street West. It also mandates municipalities to seek provincial approval before installing bike lanes that remove lanes of traffic. As many residents and businesses directly told me, the under-utilized bike lanes created gridlock. These bike lanes also posed challenges for emergency vehicles, seniors and those with accessibility issues.  

I also had the privilege of joining the Minister of Transportation to announce that the Gardiner Expressway construction is entering Phase 2 construction – an impressive four months ahead of schedule. This milestone, made possible by a $73M investment by the province, once again demonstrates our commitment to improving infrastructure and reducing gridlock.

In addition, we officially broke ground on the Ontario Line subway tunnels at Exhibition Station. This transformative project will cut commute times across the GTA and bring nearly 230,000 people within walking distance of world-class public transit. Those who get on at Long Branch GO and Mimico GO, or the future Park Lawn GO, will be able to seamlessly use the Ontario Line to reach their destinations faster.

I was honoured to support Bill 215 that seeks to enshrine September as Ukrainian Heritage Month, recognizing the immense contributions of the Ukrainian community in Ontario. This came as we marked 1,000 days since the start of Russia’s unjust war on Ukraine — a sobering milestone that strengthens our resolve to stand in solidarity with Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty.

The legislature also passed an important motion introduced by MPP Jess Dixon (Kitchener South–Hespeler) calling on the Ministry of Education to encourage and support all publicly funded school boards in partnering with police services through Community School Liaison Officer (CSLO) programs. I am strong supporter of the Community School Liaison Officer programs that are designed to build meaningful relationships between students and officers, serving as a bridge between schools, families, and communities.

I also had the opportunity to tour the Jean Tweed Centre, which is doing incredible work to empower women facing mental health and addiction challenges. With a $98,200 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, the Centre is expanding its programming to prevent substance abuse among high-risk youth.

Another highlight was seeing the impact of a $600,000 Black Youth Action Plan grant at the Canadian College of Healthcare and Pharmaceutics. This funding is helping nurses and paramedics with upskilling and placements, ensuring brighter futures for participants and addressing critical healthcare workforce needs.

As always, I enjoyed connecting with residents at Coffee with Christine at the Yellow Cup Café, where we discussed the issues that matter most to you. Your voices guide my work at Queen’s Park and inspire me every day.

Together, we’re achieving remarkable things for Etobicoke-Lakeshore and Ontario. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we build a vibrant, prosperous future for everyone.

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 Continuing to Build a More Connected and Convenient Health Care Systems
The Ontario government has introduced the More Convenient Care Act, 2024, which would, if passed, take the next step in the province’s plan to provide more people with the right publicly funded care, in the right place by building healthier communities, and bolstering the province’s health care workforce today and in the future.
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Ontario Expanding the Role of Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses
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Ontario Supporting Seniors and Their Caregivers
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Ontario Cutting Red Tape to Further Reduce Costs for People and Businesses
The Cutting Red Tape, Building Ontario Act, 2024 includes such measures as removing barriers to building homes and making it easier for people seeking long-term care. These are among the more than 550 red tape reduction measures introduced since 2018 that have saved people, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and the broader public sector over $1 billion every year and 1.5 million hours in time savings.
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Ontario Building Safer and Stronger Communities
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Etobicoke-Lakeshore Holiday Awards!

Ontario Passes Bill 212, Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act
The Ontario government has passed the Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act to tackle gridlock and make life easier for drivers. With the added amendment, Bill 212 allows for the removal of the bike lanes on Bloor Street West, which have significantly contributed to gridlock and created challenges for all road users. It also mandates municipalities to seek provincial approval before installing bike lanes that remove lanes of traffic.  
Read More
Ontario Investing $758 Million for TTC’s Line 2 Subway Cars
Our government is investing $758 million to help the TTC purchase 55 new trains for Toronto’s Line 2 subway. This investment is a result of the New Deal for Toronto, which was reached one year ago, and was conditional on the federal government meeting its financial commitment to support this critical public transit project, which was announced today.
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Phase II of Gardiner Expressway Construction Begins Ahead of Schedule
The Ontario government is marking the start of the second phase of construction on the Gardiner Expressway four months ahead of schedule. The early milestone is the result of the government’s $73 million investment in the project on the condition that construction work maybe allowed to proceed 24/7.
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South Etobicoke to get first MRI with renovations to Queensway Health Centre
Trillium Health Partners has begun major renovations at the Queensway Health Centre as part of the largest investment in health care infrastructure renewal in Canadian history. With modern diagnostic equipment, upgraded oncology pharmacy spaces and renovations to the Biomedical Engineering department to deliver top-quality care, these renovations will meet the evolving needs of a rapidly growing community.
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Looking Back At November

Renovations at the Queensway Health Centre get underway.
Gardiner Expressway construction enters Phase II – 4 months ahead of schedule.
Connecting with residents at Coffee with Christine.
Celebrating Ontario’s incredible Ukrainian community at Queen’s Park.
Remembrance Day service with the Girl Guides at the Mimico Cenotaph.
Supporting the Wrapped In Courage campaign to create a world free from violence against women and girls.

Digging for the Ontario Line officially begins!
Happy 100th Birthday to Mary!