December Enews Letter 2025
December 5, 2025
As the year comes to an end and we settle into winter routines, whether it is shoveling the driveway, decorating our homes for the holidays, or relaxing on the couch with hot chocolate and a good Christmas movie, December brings out the full spirit of the season. It invites us to slow down, appreciate the small joys, and embrace the warmth, light, and community connection that make this time of year super special.
In Mississauga–Malton, it always feels like the most wonderful time of the year, but the holiday season adds an extra sense of magic. With Christmas around the corner, it is the perfect moment to show gratitude and kindness to the people who make a difference in our lives. Whether you are choosing a thoughtful gift for a loved one or donating to support a neighbour in need, the spirit of giving is all around us, and there is no better time than now to make a positive impact.
December also brings many meaningful celebrations. We recognize Hanukkah, the eight day Jewish Festival of Lights that celebrates perseverance and hope. We acknowledge the beginning of Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration of African heritage, unity, and culture. We also look forward to Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and the fun of Boxing Day, a light hearted tradition for many families who enjoy shopping or spending the day together. These celebrations remind us of the diverse traditions that enrich our province and bring people together.
Our government continues to welcome new opportunities that support long term growth, create good jobs, and strengthen our leadership in clean technology. A new $165 million investment by Convertus Group will bring a state of the art biofuel facility to York Region, creating 52 good paying jobs and converting organic waste into renewable natural gas. Supported through the Regional Development Program, this project will boost local suppliers, advance innovative waste management solutions, and help power communities with cleaner energy. It also introduces Canada’s first facility to use advanced CO2 liquefaction technology, setting a new benchmark for sustainable innovation across the province.
Tis the season to be jolly, and I am excited to invite you to our office’s Annual Christmas Open House. Join us on Saturday, December 27, at our constituency office, 7895 Tranmere Drive, Unit 11, for an afternoon filled with community spirit. There will be activities for children, light refreshments, and warm conversations as we come together to celebrate the season of giving and gratitude. It is always a joy to welcome families, neighbours, and friends for this festive tradition, and I look forward to seeing you there. To register, please visit: https://deepakanandmpp.ca/xmas/
As always, my team and I are here to support you. It is a privilege to serve this vibrant and compassionate community. Please do not hesitate to reach out, as we are only a phone call or visit away.
Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and joyful December.
Christmas Open House
Stop by the community office for an afternoon of good conversation, activities for the kids & breaking bread as a community!
Saturday, December 27, 2025
2:00-4:00 pm
7895 Tranmere Drive, Unit 11
Light refreshments will be served
Free and open to all!
Click Here to register.
Remarks from Queen’s Park
Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains one of the most urgent and deeply rooted challenges facing communities across Ontario. It is an epidemic that cannot be fully captured in statistics alone. For many survivors, the trauma they experience is often endured in silence—shaped by fear, stigma, and limited access to support.
Last month, I had the privilege of standing in Parliament to speak directly about this crisis, to share the voices of survivors, and to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every Ontarian has the right to live in safety and dignity. Addressing IPV is not just a policy issue—it is a moral responsibility we all share.
Our government is working hard to strengthen protections for survivors and help prevent violence before it occurs. The proposed Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act, 2025 is an important step forward. If passed, it would formally recognize intimate partner violence as an epidemic in Ontario. This acknowledgment is crucial—it helps guide future policy decisions, ensures frontline supports remain a priority, and underscores the seriousness of the issue across the province.
By recognizing IPV as an epidemic, we can better support prevention initiatives, enhance community programs, and ensure organizations on the front lines have the tools they need to assist survivors in their journey toward safety and healing.
Toy Mountain Toy Drive
On December 12, our community will once again come together to support families in need through the Salvation Army’s Annual Toy Mountain Toy Drive.
It is one of Ontario’s most meaningful holiday traditions, helping ensure children across the province experience joy, hope, and holiday cheer—especially those whose families may be facing difficult times. Each donation helps build a brighter season for a child, reminding us of the power of generosity and community.
I look forward to contributing on December 12 and encourage residents, if they are able, to take part or to consider making a donation. Together, we can help bring smiles and hope to children across Ontario during this special time of year.
Investments In Ontario
Updates from Queen’s Park
New Student & Family Support Offices Coming in 2026
School plays a defining role in shaping who we become and the opportunities we pursue. That’s why our government is taking important steps to ensure students and parents can quickly and conveniently access the support they need to thrive.
Beginning in 2026, new Student and Family Support Offices will provide a centralized, easy-to-access resource for families seeking guidance on academic pathways, mental health services, special education supports, and community programs. These offices are designed to help families navigate challenges, connect with the right services, and receive timely assistance so students can stay focused on building successful futures.
By creating clearer pathways to support, we’re making it easier for parents to advocate for their children and ensuring every student has the tools they need to learn, grow, and achieve their goals. It’s another step forward in supporting strong schools, strong families, and a strong Ontario.
Click Here for Details
Bringing Skilled Trades & Tech Education to More Ontario Students
Our government is helping Ontario students get rolling into rewarding, in-demand careers in the skilled trades by adding two more Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Trucks to the fleet. These mobile learning labs will travel to schools and communities across the province, giving students hands-on, simulated experiences that showcase what it’s really like to work in the technology and skilled trades.
By bringing interactive tools, cutting-edge technology, and real-world demonstrations directly to young people, we’re making it easier than ever for students to explore new opportunities, discover their strengths, and gain confidence in pursuing their future.
Click Here for Details
2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario
Last month, Minister Bethlenfalvy released Ontario’s 2025 Fall Economic Statement, our government’s plan to protect workers, strengthen communities, and build a more competitive, resilient, and self-reliant economy.
The statement outlines key measures focused on keeping costs down for families, supporting job creators, and investing in the infrastructure needed to sustain long-term growth.
From expanding opportunities for workers to ensuring our communities have the services they rely on, this year’s plan reinforces our commitment to putting Ontario on a strong and stable path forward.
Click Here for Details
2026 Budget Consultations Now Open
Ontario has officially launched consultations for the 2026 provincial budget, and we want to hear from you!
This is your opportunity to share your ideas, priorities, and concerns directly with the government. Your feedback helps shape the programs, services, and investments that support families, workers, and communities across our province.
There are three ways to participate and make your voice heard:
- In-person consultations
Join government representatives at scheduled public sessions across Ontario to speak directly about the issues that matter most to you.
- Online surveys
Share your thoughts quickly and conveniently by completing the budget consultation survey. This is a simple way to contribute from anywhere.
- Written proposals
For more detailed input, you can submit a written proposal outlining your recommendations for the 2026 budget.
Closing date: January 30, 2025
Click Here for Details on how to take part! w
Prioritizing Ontario Made Goods & Services
The Ontario government has introduced the Buy Ontario Act, 2025, a new law that, if passed, will help keep more provincial spending in our communities by giving preference to Ontario-made goods and services in public-sector purchasing.
Each year, the province spends over $30 billion on goods and services. The new Act would allow Ontario to prioritize local suppliers for everything from construction materials to transportation services, helping strengthen supply chains, support manufacturers, and protect good jobs across the province.
Public-sector organizations — including ministries, agencies, and municipalities — would be required to follow new procurement rules, with oversight and enforcement to ensure compliance. The Act also includes flexibility, allowing purchases from outside the province or country when local options are unavailable or not cost-effective.
Click Here for Details
Keeping Criminals Behind Bars
Our government is protecting Ontario and keeping criminals behind bars by introducing new reforms designed to keep violent and repeat offenders off our streets and to hold individuals fully accountable when they break the law.
The proposed changes focus on improving bail compliance and enforcement, giving police and justice partners stronger tools to monitor individuals who pose a risk to public safety. These reforms also enhance our ability to track violent and repeat offenders, ensuring that those who continue to disregard the law face real consequences.
In addition, the measures strengthen the collection of forfeited bail money—an important step in ensuring that offenders and their sureties uphold their responsibilities within the justice system.
Click Here for Details
Cracking Down on Dangerous and Impaired Drivers
Keeping our communities safe is one of our government’s top priorities. This week, we introduced important measures aimed at cracking down on dangerous and impaired driving—actions that will help save lives and bring greater accountability to Ontario’s roads.
To combat reckless and careless driving, new legislation proposes higher fines, longer licence suspensions, and expanded road safety education. These changes are designed to deter dangerous behaviour and ensure drivers understand the serious responsibility that comes with getting behind the wheel.
Click Here for Details
Supporting Victims of Gender Based Violence
Ontario’s emergency shelters support more than 12,000 women and their dependants each year, providing a critical lifeline for those escaping violence and seeking safety.
That’s why our government is investing over $26 million to create 300 new shelter spaces across the province and enhance family court support worker services.
These investments will help survivors access the protection, resources and guidance they need as they navigate the justice system and begin rebuilding their lives.
Click Here for Details
Anti-Hate Security & Prevention Grant
Application Deadline: Dec. 11, 2025
The Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant supports and protects communities impacted by hate incidents in Ontario.
The following organizations and communities may now be eligible for a one-time grant of $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000 for the 2025 – 2026 year:
- Faith-based
- Cultural
- 2SLGBTQQIA+
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis and urban Indigenous
Click Here for Details
Experience Ontario Grant
Application Deadline: Dec. 16, 2025
The Experience Ontario 2026 program provides support for festivals and events with a tourism economic impact to motivate visitors to discover Ontario, connect people with local experiences and increase tourism spending
The program provides financial support of up to $125,000 to festival organizers, not-for-profit organizations and communities to deliver impactful, multi-day experiences and Canada Day celebrations. These events aim to:
- draw tourists
- encourage travel
- showcase innovative programming
- enhance visitor spending
- create job opportunities in the tourism, culture, and entertainment sectors
- celebrate our regional and local diversity
- raise our profile through media and social media exposure
Click Here for Details
Seniors Community Grant Program
Application Deadline: Dec.18, 2025
The Seniors Community Grants range from $1,000 to $25,000. These grants support community organizations and not-for-profit community groups to promote greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement for older adults aged 55+.
These grants fund projects that help seniors:
- live independently
- live with safety and security
- stay connected to their community
- avoid isolation
- achieve greater financial security and social connections
Click Here for Details
Out and About In the Community
Level Up! Skilled Trades & Tech Career Fair
Ontario Association of Paramedics at Queen’s Park
Remembrance Day Ceremony at Mississauga Civic Centre
MBDA
50th Anniversary
St. Francis Xavier S.S.
Model Parliament
Tree Planting
on Swinbourne Dr
Miracle on Main Street Campaign with Peel Police
Hindu Flag Raising at Mississauga City Hall
ICAC Sufi Music Night
Frank McKechnie C.C.
25th Anniversary
CRAAF
Kids Talent Show
Canadian Blood Services Partners for Life Event
University of Toronto
ARIA Showcase
BAPS Charities
Annual Food Drive
Hansa Haus
Halloween Schnitzel Friday
MEHAR
OTF Recognition Event
Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario Conference
Ontario Book Publishers at Queen’s Park
Newmar Window Manufacturing Facility Visit
Canadian Newa Guthi
20th Anniversary Gala
Arterra Wines
Facility Tour
Mississauga
Santa Claus Parade
BIAPH Holiday Gala and
OTF Grant Celebration
Mississauga Ward 1
Christmas Market