December 2020 E-Newsletter
Published on December 04, 2020![]() |
Message from the Desk of Your MPPDear Neighbours, Welcome to the month of December, I can’t believe 2020 year is coming to an end. It is wonderful to witness the beautiful snowfall embracing our neighbourhoods and signalling the season of celebration. This month different communities across the province will be celebrating Kwanzaa, Christmas and Hanukkah. These festivals are a time to honour tradition and culture which teach us values of sacrifice, responsibility and peace. Most importantly, as we light the menorah, the Christmas tree and the kinara every year, we unwind and enjoy delicious food, uplifting music and special moments with the people we love. Yet, we know that this year’s celebrations will be different. They must be different. Now more than ever, it’s critical that we control the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and prevent future lockdowns by adhering to public health guidelines. We must avoid big parties, large family dinners and gathering with people outside of our immediate household. I know this will not be easy, especially after the challenges the 2020 pandemic has brought forward. But we have to think about the lives at stake, the lives of others and our loved ones. While we celebrate differently this year, there are still many ways to spread the joy. You can arrange a small dinner at home with your roommates, prepare traditional family recipes with your grandparents through FaceTime, or decorate the house with your children. If you’re in the position to spend this season, shop online and consider buying local to support small businesses who need our help during this time. Let’s remain connected to the spirit of giving by giving back to our community. No matter how you’re celebrating this year, remember to stay 6ft. apart but close by heart. Please do share a picture of your safe celebrations at [email protected]. Warmest wishes from my family to yours!
Sincerely,
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COVID-19 Update
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Queen's Park Update
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A Look at Legislation
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Applications Now OpenCOVID-19 has impacted people across Ontario, placing additional financial strain on parents and guardians. Starting November 30, families are able to apply for the second phase of funding to help offset new learning costs for all kids in the province. This will provide - $200 / child, or youth ages 0-12 and $250 / child, or youth ages 0-21 with special learning needs. Applications are open until January 15, 2021.
The government is offering a grant of up to $1,000 for the costs of personal protective equipment (PPE), with applications for the $60-million Main Street Relief Grant becoming available online on November 16. Small businesses with two to nine employees in the retail, accommodations and food services, repair and maintenance, and personal and laundry services sectors can apply for this one-time grant. Eligible businesses that were required to shut down or significantly restrict services due to provincial public health measures can also apply for property tax or energy rebates. Click here to Apply. On November 9, Ontario’s Minister of Seniors and Accessibility announced an investment of $2 million over 2 years towards the new Inclusive Community Grant program. The grant will assist in developing supports and projects that plan for and foster inclusive community involvement for older adults and people with disabilities of all ages. Applications are due by December 21.
The government has created the Ontario Workforce Reserve for Senior Support, recruiting people to become Resident Support Aides (RSA) at long-term care homes during COVID-19. RSA’s will be deployed in areas most in need, including the Region of Peel and will assist residents with daily living activities including assistance during mealtimes. Do you know an individual, professional or organization in your community dedicated towards helping victims of crime? Nominations are now open for the Attorney General’s Victim Services Awards of Distinction until January 10, 2021 by 11:59 p.m. |
Statements in the House
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2020 Ontario Post-Budget Roundtable |
On November 12, my fellow Mississauga MPPs and I hosted a Post-Budget Townhall with special guest, Ontario's Minister of Finance. This town-hall was a great opportunity for businesses to hear first-hand about the initiatives that the Ontario Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover is based on. The three pillars on which this Budget is built – Protect, Support and Recover, clearly reflect the government’s priorities and its commitment and promise to the people of Ontario. The awareness of the current situation is reflected in the supports being offered to the healthcare sector, to parents, schools, seniors, small businesses, landlords and tenants, municipalities and transit systems etc. |
Ontario's Virtual Mission to IndiaOn November 30th, Ontario launched a virtual mission to India to continue to promote the province as a premier destination for international investment and create new opportunities for Ontario businesses. Led by Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, this mission builds off the success of the province's mission to India a year ago, which resulted in nearly 150 business-to-business meetings that brought Ontario companies in direct contact with Indian businesses to explore new partnerships. As a special advisor to the Ministry on the India-Ontario trade file, I'm pleased to join this delegation which will create mutual economic growth for our leading industries.
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Malton Community Police Station TourOn November 3, I was delighted to mark the re-opening and expansion of Malton's Community Police Station. The reopening of the police station is a step forward in ensuring members of the community and police officers have the opportunity to work together and find solutions to local concerns, ensuring safety and prosperity in our neighbourhoods. I would like to thank Councillor of Ward 5, Mayor of Mississauga , Chief of Peel Regional Police, members of the Peel Regional Police and most importantly residents for being strong advocates for Malton and actualizing the reopening of the station. |
Mississauga-Malton Youth Council 2020I am pleased to announce that our youth council for 2020-21 is now officially open. The council is made up of 25 young people from across the riding, who are between the ages of 14-24 years. Led by the very capable Ashton Mathias and mentored by our OLIP intern, Gurkamal Dhahan, the council met for the first time on November 19. They will continue to meet bi-weekly and will soon pitch projects they would like to work on. The project will be one that focusses on bettering and giving back to the community we live in and care for so much. I look forward to providing guidance and support to these bright young men and women and to seeing the tangible results of their hard work. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey!
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History is our Greatest StrengthFrom November 2 - November 6 we proudly recognize Treaties Recognition Week to honour the importance of treaties and learn about how they continue to shape our province today. We recognize that Indigenous peoples were the original occupants of the land that we work and thrive. I acknowledge that Mississauga Malton is a part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. For thousands of years, this land has been the territory of the Anishinabek, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Ojibway peoples.
By learning about Indigenous history, treaty rights, and obligations, we better understand and nurture relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. We learn that our history is one of our greatest strengths. We are grateful to all the Indigenous leaders and educators that work with us to help preserve Indigenous culture as our government progresses towards reconciliation. |
Wrapped in CourageThe month of November marks Women Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and stand with women and girls who have been abused. Unfortunately, 1 in 3 women across Canada will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. Abuse can also manifest in other forms such as verbal, physical or financial. During COVID-19 pandemic, cases of domestic abuse have spiked. Ontario is committed to preventing and addressing abuse against women and girls in all its forms. This year, the province has invested approximately $172 million in support for survivors and violence prevention initiatives.
November 25 marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. My fellow MPP and Ministerial colleagues were proud to support the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Housing’s Wrapped in Courage campaign by wearing a purple scarf. The purple scarf is a symbol of the courage it takes a woman to leave her abuser. However, the courage of the woman is not enough. It takes the support of an entire community to end violence against women. |
Out & About in the Community
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Read my Monthly Mississauga News Column
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Daily Covid-19 Update
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Upcoming Events
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