Message From the Desk of Your MPP

Dear Neighbours, 

It’s hard to believe we are in the middle of 2020. Like many Canadians throughout year, I wait for the month of July as it brings my favourite celebration - Canada Day. This year, we celebrated Canada’s 153rd birthday. I am extremely proud of our country and our Canadian values, which teach us to respect and learn from one another. We are privileged to live in a beautiful mosaic of diversity and inclusion. Canada is home to people from 167 countries, who together speak over 200 languages. This is a country where people can feel safe and have the opportunity to build the future they want for themselves. Our strength comes from our diversity and the ability we have as Canadians to stand together regardless of our differences.

In the midst of this pandemic, we have witnessed Canadians coming together stronger than ever before, rallying their resources to help those most in need. This includes frontline workers who have been working tirelessly to ensure each and every one of us remains healthy and safe, supply chain workers who make sure all essential goods has been delivered, food banks making sure everyone has a meal, and others who have played their part in securing public health by staying indoors and by practicing social distancing. This continual commitment to community is not a product of the unique circumstances we find ourselves in but rather a value we all uphold as Canadians.

While we have seen tremendous efforts from community members during these tough times, we must make sure that we continue to stand by our Canadian principles. We must reflect on how we can progress as a community especially given the tragic loss of Ejaz Choudry, a Malton resident. Our entire community has mourned the passing of Mr. Choudry and is deeply saddened. Both the community and I want to assure his family that we will do whatever it takes to ensure justice will be served.

As Canadians we have remained resilient in the face of COVID-19, which has allowed us to see a decline in the number of cases and moved us into Stage 2 of reopening in Peel. I want to thank each and everyone one of you for being responsible citizens and getting us to this point. At the same time, we have to acknowledge the toll social distancing may have taken on our mental health. I understand the effects of not being able to normally interact with loved ones on our mental well-being. Mental health matters and as Canadians, we must continue to check in on one another and offer support to each other. I wish you all a positive summer and a Happy Canada Day!

Proud to be part of the True North, Strong and Free.

Sincerely,

COVID-19 Update

• State of emergency extended until July 10
  
  
• The Region of Peel is now in Stage 2 of reopening.
  
  
• Child care centres and home care providers can now reopen with strict safety and operational requirements in place. Emergency child care centres will wind down operations.
  
  
• All 56 full-time Drive test centres have entered Phase 1 of reopening for particular transactions. G1 and M1 knowledge and vision tests, driver's license exchanges, and commercial driving tests have resumed at 28 locations. Starting August 4, they will enter Phase 2 and will go into Phase 3 on September 8.
  
  
• Starting in July, limited in-person education and training may restart for post-secondary students who were not able to graduate due to COVID-19 closures.
  
  
• From June 18, family and friends have been allowed access to long-term care homes, via outdoor visits of one person per resident each week. Long-term care and retirement homes, as well as other residential care settings must meet the following conditions before they welcome visitors:
  • Homes must not be in outbreak;
  • Homes must have an established process for communicating visitor protocol and the associated safety procedures; and
  • Homes must maintain the highest infection prevention and control standards.

Queen's Park Update

• The Ontario government released the province's new elementary math curriculum to better prepare students for work in a rapidly changing world, strengthen math competence and improve grades. The curriculum was developed over two years in consultation with parents, math educators, academics and math education experts, and is designed to reverse a decade of declining math scores. It will be available to students across the province beginning in September 2020.

•         The new math curriculum for Grades 1-8 will:

  • Build understanding of the value and use of money through mandatory financial literacy concepts;
    For the first time, teach coding or computer programming skills starting in Grade 1 to improve problem solving and fluency with technology, to prepare students for jobs of the future;
  • Use relevant, current, and practical examples so students can connect math to everyday life
  • Put a focus on fundamental math concepts and skills, such as learning and recalling number facts.

   

• The government is launching consultations in an effort to improve elevator safety, performance, and availability in multi-storey buildings in Ontario. The province is seeking input on proposed regulatory changes under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000. These new rules would help to ensure that elevators across the province are well-maintained and meet updated safety requirements, helping the people of Ontario, including those with accessibility needs, make more informed choices as homebuyers and renters. Click here to give feedback. The consultation opens August 4. 
  
  
• The Government of Ontario is investing more than $13 million through the 2020 Youth Opportunities Fund. This will provide financial support to 43 community organizations that will benefit youth aged 12 to 25, and their families. 

Funding for Peel Employment Service Providers 

The following institutions in Peel have received over $21 million cumulatively in funding from the Ministry Labour, Training, and Skills Development for their employment services as these providers continue to deliver uninterrupted employment and training services during COVID-19. 

PDSB Mental Health Resources for Students 

With the additional funding the Peel District School Board has received from the Ministry of Education, they will be able to provide short-term social work and psychology support to Peel Board students, parents and caregivers this summer. 

• Between July 13 and August 28, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, short-term social work and psychology support will be provided to PDSB students.

• To speak to a social worker or a psychology staff member, call 905-890-1010 ext. 2608 or email summersupport@peelsb.com.

• If you are a student in crisis, please call the Peel Children’s Centre Crisis Response Team, available 24/7 at 416-410-8615.

• Online learning opportunities to support elementary, secondary and Peel Alternative School Students will available this summer.

• A transition support program for students with special education needs will also run during the last two weeks of August.
    

Enhanced Cleaning of Mississauga Transit

 Mississauga has received $743,937 in funding from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to ensure the health and safety of transit workers and passengers. This funding will help support additional enhanced cleaning of municipal public transit systems to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as regular service resumes. The Ontario Government is providing $15 million to municipalities across the province for this purpose.

Celebrating Our Unsung Heroes 

In 2019, we introduced the Remarkable Citizen Awards in our riding of Mississauga-Malton to recognize and celebrate respected and dedicated community heroes, volunteers, and residents who have made a positive impact in the local community. I want to introduce this year's remarkable citizens and showcase all their hard work and selfless service. 

I celebrated Canada Day and the Canadian spirit of volunteerism with our remarkable heroes wearing our red and white colours. It is wonderful to see how passionate and dedicated our community is towards helping each other. 

Connecting Virtually 

Townhall for the Reopening of Schools in September  On June 5, I hosted a virtual townhall to discuss what steps need to be taken for the safe reopening of public schools in September. During this Townhall, parents, educators and seniors had the opportunity to speak with Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education and provide their feedback. Our discussion focused on prioritizing student health and safety, acknowledging challenges posed by online learning and how to best ensure both parents and educators are well supported when schools reopen.
Townhall for Residents  On June 12, I met virtually with residents of Mississauga-Malton. The discussion focused on the importance of cleanliness and stewardship. We were joined by Natalie Hart from Malton BIA and spoke about strengthening local businesses and beautifying the community through multiple projects such as My Clean Malton with the help of digital platforms.
Townhall for the Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Addictions  On July 2, we had a roundtable on Mental Health and Addictions with the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. During this discussion, organizations providing mental health services and support in Peel had the opportunity to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on the mental well being of people living in the region.

Monthly Initiatives 

Congratulations Graduating Class of 2020

Read my Monthly Mississauga News Column 

Metrolinx Update 

Strengthening Local Businesses