November 2020 E-Newsletter
Published on November 18, 2020![]() |
Message from the Desk of Your MPPDear Neighbours, We are officially in the month of November, turning back our clocks by one hour and preparing for the winter ahead. As we welcome winter’s morning light, we also remember the incredible men and women in service who have dedicated their lives to defend the freedom and peace we enjoy today. Every year, on the 11th hour, 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians take a moment of silence to honour the soldiers who came before us as well as those who serve today for their self-sacrifice and acts of bravery. I would like to thank our Veterans and members of the military for fighting on the frontline and for keeping us safe. Through their courage and hard work, Canada remains a global leader in peacekeeping with more than 100, 000 members of the forces having participated in over 66 United Nations missions around the world. Looking back, this year also marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, during which more than one million Canadians fought on the battlefront to protect people from across the globe. Serving in the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force and with other Allied Forces, 45,000 soldiers sacrificed their lives, while 55,000 were wounded. In memory of our Canadian heroes, I encourage you to learn more about the important contributions of the Canadian military throughout history. As we honour our men and women in uniform, we can also see acts of bravery and self-sacrifice being exemplified by people across Ontario. Since the beginning of COVID-19, our frontline workers have stepped forward and risked their lives to ensure public health and safety. This includes retail workers, truck drivers, janitorial staff, bus drives, small businesses and restaurants providing essential PPE and food supplies, those working in food supply chain and everyone else who has reached out to support members in their community during the pandemic. If you’re staying home, practicing social distancing and following public health guidelines, much like our soldiers, you too are saving many lives. I take this moment and express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who is serving their community in one way or the other, a practice which is a strong foundation for building a safe and prosperous nation. Lest we forget. Sincerely,
|
Honouring our Heroes - past and presentOn Remembrance Day, find a moment and honour those who have served our country and express your thanks for their sacrifice. Please also make sure to put health and safety first as you observe a moment of silence for our heroes. This year, you can pay tribute to our veterans and active service members by:
|
COVID-19 Update
|
Ontario Budget 2020On November 6, Ontario's Minister of Finance released the 2020 Ontario Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover – the next phase of a comprehensive action plan to respond to the serious health and economic impacts of COVID-19. The 2020 Budget has three pillars: Protect, Support, and Recover. It sets out a total of $45 billion in support over three years to strengthen frontline health care, support people and employers, and lay the groundwork for Ontario’s recovery.
|
Local Business Receives Grant through Ontario Together FundOn October 13, the government announced an investment of over $1.4 million in Microbix Biosystems, a Mississauga-Malton based company which specializes in manufacturing viral and bacterial antigens and reagents for the global diagnostics industry. With support from the province, Microbix can mass produce COVID-19 testing supplies, while creating eight new jobs. The company will also double its production of quality assessment products that can be used to ensure quality control and accuracy of COVID-19 tests and verify new testing methods. Congratulations to Microbix Biosystems and their entire team, who exemplify the innovation and manufacturing strength of businesses across Ontario. Thank you for your hard work and dedication towards stopping the spread of COVID-19. |
Small Business WeekOctober 19-23 was Small Business Week across Ontario, which served as an important reminder about the important role our small business community plays in the economy. They create jobs, opportunities for hardworking families and spearhead innovation. However, Small Business Week this year was much different from the ones we have previously experienced. Due to the pandemic, many small businesses, entrepreneurs and job creators faced challenging times, some even having to close their doors. To help support the pillars of our economy, the government has announced $300 million to help offset fix costs to things like their property taxes, hydro, and natural gas bills. It builds on a $60 million Main Street Recovery grant to help small businesses with the costs of PPE to keep their customers and employees safe and $57 million Digital Main Street grant and program to help small businesses build and enhance their online presence and e-commerce sales. |
Mississauga-Malton Business HeroesAs we continue to adapt to the new normal, let's remember to support our small businesses by shopping local. You can order takeout from your neighbourhood restaurants, purchase Ontario-made products or thank your local business owners who have stepped up during COVID-19 to provide essential supplies and PPE to the community. Here are a few of our local businesses in Mississauga-Malton, who continue to serve the community during COVID-19.
|
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy
|
School Bus Driver Appreciation DayOctober 23 is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day and October 19 - October 23 is School Bus Safety Week. School bus drivers play a critical role in helping students get to school and back home safely. I was delighted to have met Anna, one of the many bus drivers at School Bus Ontario who safely transport 833 000 Ontario children to and from school every day. Thank you Ana and all the amazing drivers for all you do for students, families and the province. You are our community heroes. I was also joined by the Minister of Education, who on October 5 announced an additional allocation of $35 million to school boards affected with higher rates of transmission, such as Peel, Ottawa, Toronto, and York. Through this funding, the Peel District School Board will receive over $5.8 million and the Dufferin- Peel Catholic District School Board will receive $2.9 million. This support can be used to provide students with additional resources and enhance safety during COVID-19 with:
|
Dress Purple DayOn October 27, my family and families across the province wore purple to raise awareness about the important role we all play in supporting children, youth, and the most vulnerable in our communities. In Ontario, there are around 8000 children in care, experiencing abuse, family conflict and neglect. COVID-19 has also created additional stresses for youth and families, and in some cases has increased risk for their well-being and safety. However, there is support available through the incredible work of Children's Aid Societies in Ontario. Please visit www.peelcas.org to learn about the resources and supports available to families in your community. If you are a youth in need or are concerned about the safety or well-being of a child or youth, reach out to someone you know or contact your local Children’s Aid Society. Remember that you are loved and cherished.
|
Mental Health MattersOctober 5 - October 11 marked Mental Illness Awareness Week to raise awareness, to end the stigma against mental illness and help our community members who are experiencing mental health problems. Due to COVID-19; more people are experiencing feelings of social isolation, anxiety and stress. Through the Roadmap to Wellness, the Ontario government is investing $3.8 billion over 10 years to create new services and expand programs, which will increase mental health support. If you or someone you know are suffering from a mental illness and symptoms of anxiety, stress or depression, please know that you're not alone. Click here to see the mental health resources in Peel, available to support you. |
Connecting Virtually
|
Monthly Initiatives
|
Monthly Celebrations
|
Out & About in the Community
|
Read my Monthly Mississauga News Column
|
Upcoming Events
|