Investing in Ontario

$600 million to build new schools, renovate existing schools, and build new child care spaces in all regions of Ontario. The investment will support 78 school and child-care-related projects.

$267.6 million over three years through the province’s Community Safety and Policing (CSP) Grant program. The funding will help police services and their community partners, expand capability to respond to gun and gang violence, human trafficking, sexual violence and harassment, mental health and addictions, and hate-motivated crime.

additional $90 million to increase financial support and apprenticeship opportunities for youth. This investment will increase attraction to skilled careers for youth people and fill labour shortage in the field.

$48 million to support research and research infrastructure at leading institutes and universities across the province. This funding will help keep ideas, expertise, and intellectual property in Ontario and support long-term economic growth.

$24 million to improve and modernize equipment and training facilities for students and apprentices. This investment ensures they have access to high-quality training as they pursue rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

$18.5 million over 3 years to support survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking by increasing access to safe and affordable housing, employment assistance, and childcare through the Transitional and Housing Support Program.

$12.4 million to provide existing and expanded mental health and addictions support for all frontline health care workers across the province. This will support the workforce of acute care, long-term care, and home and community care sectors providing essential care and service to patients, long-term care residents, and clients.

additional $8.7 million to increase mental health supports for students in post-secondary institutions across Ontario, including publicly-assisted colleges, universities, as well as Indigenous Institutes.

$8.1 million to address the increased demand for services to support specialized care for children and youth diagnosed with eating disorders. This will support 14 additional inpatient surge beds and 10 additional day treatment spaces to help patients successfully transition from inpatient care to community care.

$7 million through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to launch two, new multi-year mental health initiatives specialized to support farmers, farmworkers, and their families.

$2.95 million to help support kinship service and customary caregivers, adoptive parents, and legal custody guardians. This funding will provide caregivers with ongoing help with expenses like clothing, beds, school supplies, and medical services to support children and youth.

$2.9 million to help support kinship service, legal custody guardians providing care to children and youth. Supports include $1,000 per family for start-up and living costs, $475 per month, or $5,700 annually, and $5,000 to $6,000 for First Nations, Inuit, or Métis youth.

$2.9 million to expand the Substance Abuse Program for African and Caribbean Canadian Youth at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. The funding will help provide culturally safe services and supports to African and Caribbean-origin youth experiencing substance use and mental health concerns.

investing over $529,000 through the True Patriot Love Foundation to expand access to specialized mental health services and support Ontario’s veterans returning to civilian life.

over $117,000 to support community partners focused on disability inclusion, 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy, and mental health support and combat anti-bullying in schools.

Paediatric Pfizer COVID19 Vaccines

As of November 23, approx. 1 million children aged five to 11 are eligible to book their appointment to receive the COVID19 vaccine. This will help protect Ontario’s progress in the fight against COVID-19 and keep the province’s schools safer and open for in-person learning. The Region of Peel will be adding an additional 27,000 pediatric appointments in December and January. 

To book an appointment, children must be turning 5 years old by the end of 2021 (born in 2016). Walk-ins are not available. 

Increase in Services for Children with Autism 

The province has introduced key initiatives to support the delivery of a needs-based Autism Program for children across Ontario. This includes: 

• The Independent Intake Organization provides families with a single point of access to the Ontario Autism Program. 
  
  
• Starting in January 2022, eligible families will receive invitations for Entry to School Program to support children starting kindergarten or Grade 1 for the first time.
  
  
• The awarding of Workforce Capacity Grants to 80 applicants retain and develop professionals providing services to children. 

Expanded Eligibility for Booster Doses 

Starting December 13, individuals aged 50 plus will be eligible to schedule booster dose appointments through the provincial booking portal, select pharmacies, and primary care settings. 

Beginning in January, Ontario will further expand eligibility for booster doses based on age and risk, with an interval of six to eight months from the 2nd dose. 

Appointments will be booked for approximately six months (168 days) after a second dose.

Digital Paper Renewal Notices 

November 2021 Job Numbers

As we are on the road to recovery, our efforts to rebuild Ontario are showing results. Employment in Ontario has increased by 68,100 last month and a majority of them are full-time jobs. The province is also seeing a positive trend with employment above pre-pandemic levels for the 3rd month in a row. This includes nearly 115,000 more jobs than in February 2020, when the pandemic started. 

Updated Technology to Monitor Diabetes 

The government is providing coverage for the FreeStyle Libre 2, the updated flash glucose monitoring system. Through the new technology, individuals with diabetes can monitor their glucose levels without finger pricks. It will also enable them to check blood glucose more often, leading to better health outcomes and helping prevent health emergencies.

Coverage is available as of November 30 to Ontarians eligible for the Ontario Drug Benefit program with a valid prescription. 

Electric Vehicle Chargers ON-Route 

The government is taking another step to build critical infrastructure by helping ensure electric vehicles are more accessible for drivers across the province. Electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers to all 17 ONroute locations will be open in time for summer 2022, with another three ONroute locations opening before the end of 2022.

The electrification of the province’s vehicles will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by shifting away from gas-powered vehicles and utilizing Ontario’s 94% emissions-free electricity supply.

Applications Now Open! 

Digital and Data Innovation Fellowship Program 

The province is seeking individuals with digital and data talent to help solve design, data, and technology solutions and help build Ontario's digital future. 

Eligible individuals include private-sector digital and data professionals:

• senior backend developers
• product managers
•  user experience designers
• service designers
• data specialists

Applications close on December 10, 2021

Second Career Program 

 The government is expanding the Second Career program to support individuals facing employment barriers during the pandemic, including young people, newcomers, and people with disabilities.

Through the program, workers can get up to $28,000 for tuition costs and living expenses along with disability-related supports, childcare, and accommodation near their training.

To apply for the program, request an appointment with an Employment Ontario counselor or employment services agency near you. 

Dr. Doobay 

On November 22, I rose in the house to thank a true inspiration, priest, heart surgeon, teacher & community leader; Dr. Budhendranauth Doobay. Dr. Doobay has dedicated his entire life to helping youth, seniors & communities both in Ontario and across the globe. He is also the founder of Vishnu Mandir, located in Richmond Hall, which showcases the rich history and heritage of Hinduism for communities to experience. 

Second Career Program 

I was thrilled to share that the government is investing an additional $5 million to expand the Second Career Program, helping workers across Ontario train for in-demand careers. The funding will ensure financial support to more individuals and families facing employment barriers by covering their training costs and living expenses. 

Diabetes Awareness 

On November 29, I was pleased to rise in the house to recognize Ontario's progress following the discovery of insulin 100 years ago. I gave a shoutout to Diabetes Canada, Dynacare & diabetes educators in Mississauga-Malton, including the team at Four Corners Health for helping residents navigate Type 1 & 2 diabetes and reduce its risks. 

Mississauga-Malton Community Food Drive

On November 15, I was proud to rise in the house to spotlight Mississauga-Malton champions- Dev, Cathy, Keyur, Sukhvinder, Bhavesh, Angie for hosting Community Food Drives in their neighborhoods. Together with neighbors, they collected 1,500 lbs of food to support the Mayor of Mississauga's Annual Food Drive, ensuring families can enjoy meals with loved ones during the holiday season. Thank you to my office staff for facilitating the community food drive, and lending a hand when needed. 

Paying Tribute to Our Veterans 

November 11 marked Remembrance Day, a time to remember the brave and selfless men and women in uniform that have and continue to serve our nation and preserve our freedom. During this monumental day, it was an honour to visit the Malton Cenotaph & Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 286 to pay tribute to Canada's veterans & remember the fallen heroes, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I was also humbled to receive a badge from Veteran Association of Ontario who welcomed me into their family with open arms. 

While at Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 286, I was also pleased to meet Laura, Mississauga Malton resident, who handed carved a memorial in honour of unidentified men & women in uniform from the Great War. Laura shared their stories and her passion to inspire the next generation to learn about the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and Canadian armed forces serving us today.

Mississauga-Malton Youth Council 2021

Had an insightful and inspiring conversation with members of Mississauga Malton Youth Council 2021 (MMYC) during the kick-off meeting this past month. The team shared their ideas for upcoming projects focused on helping the community. I absolutely loved their enthusiasm to bring Positive Change for fellow youth and neighbors. I looking forward to building a stronger & brighter Mississauga Malton together with this year's council members. 

Stay tuned for regular updates on MMYC's upcoming initiatives. 

Inspired to meet talented youth dedicated to helping the community at Youth Now on Track Services Annual Gala Award Ceremony. 

At the red carpet screening of a documentary about Nav Bhatia, otherwise known as Superfan for his support and dedication to the Toronto Raptors and community. 

Wonderful to Light Up the Square with the Mississauga community as we head into the festive season.

Pleased to welcome and congratulate
Mississauga-Malton's newest small business, Unique Custom Kitchen Cabinets!

Always heartwarming to welcome residents to our Community Office for a meaningful conversation. 

Joined Premier of Ontario, the Filipino community, and the Consulate General of the Philippines in Toronto at Kalayaan Community Centre to celebrate revolutionary leader, Andres Bonifacio and the 123rd Anniversary of Independence.  

 Pleasure to meet Douglas, owner of PC Truck and Trailer Repair, small businesses in Mississauga-Malton serving the community.