February Enews Letter 2026

February 6, 2026

February is a time to refocus, reset, and build momentum for the year ahead. As families return to their routines, children settle back into school, and many continue working toward the goals they set at the start of January, this month offers an opportunity to turn intention into meaningful progress. With Family Day also giving us a moment to pause and reconnect, February strikes a balance between staying focused and making time for what matters most. Whether you are getting back into a regular rhythm at work, preparing for the next semester, or recommitting to personal goals, I hope this month brings clarity, energy, and a strong start to the months ahead.

This time of year is filled with meaningful celebrations and moments of reflection. We proudly recognize Black History Month, a time to honour the legacy, achievements, and lasting contributions of Black Canadians who have helped shape Ontario and Canada. Their leadership, resilience, and commitment to justice continue to inspire generations. We also mark Chinese Heritage Month, recognizing the rich history, culture, and contributions of Chinese Canadians whose traditions and achievements continue to strengthen communities across our province.

On February 15, we celebrate National Flag of Canada Day, recognizing a powerful symbol of unity, shared values, and pride in our country. Many residents also look forward to Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love, kindness, and connection with family, friends, and partners. February also marks Lunar New Year, welcoming the Year of the Horse, a time traditionally associated with renewal, energy, and new beginnings. Toward the end of the month, many families will begin observing Ramadan, a sacred time of reflection, generosity, and spiritual growth. Together, these observances reflect the diversity, shared values, and sense of belonging that make our community so strong.

Ontario is home to one of the strongest postsecondary education systems in Canada, attracting learners from across the country and around the globe. These institutions play a vital role in preparing students for in-demand careers, strengthening local economies, and

driving innovation in every region of the province. As more learners choose Ontario to study, train, and build their futures, ensuring they have access to modern, well-equipped learning spaces is essential to helping them succeed. Supporting student success means investing in the campuses and tools that make hands-on learning possible.

That is why our government is investing in the people and skills that will drive Ontario’s future economy. A new $242 million province-wide investment is upgrading classrooms, labs, and training facilities at publicly funded colleges and universities to ensure students are prepared for in-demand, good-paying jobs. This funding will modernize aging infrastructure, renew critical instructional equipment, and provide access to state-of-the-art learning tools across campuses. By strengthening hands-on training in key sectors like health care, construction, and STEM, this investment is building a highly skilled workforce, supporting long-term economic growth, and helping students graduate ready to contribute to communities and industries across Ontario. Click here to learn more!

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 wonderful February.

Deepak Anand

MPP Mississauga-Malton

Recycling Update

Emergency Winter Shelter Assistance

As winter weather continues to bring extreme cold and unpredictable conditions, residents in Mississauga–Malton are reminded that emergency shelter and outreach supports are available for individuals and families in need. No one should have to face the winter without access to warmth, safety, and basic necessities.

Peel Region and local community partners offer a range of services designed to provide immediate assistance, wellness checks, and pathways to longer-term support.

Region of Peel Street Helpline

The Region of Peel Street Helpline is available 24/7 for anyone concerned about someone experiencing homelessness or in need of emergency winter assistance.

📞 1-877-848-8481

The helpline provides:

Enhanced outreach during severe weather
Wellness checks
Hygiene products and food
Referrals to shelters and supportive services

Residents are encouraged to call if they see someone who may be at risk due to cold weather conditions.

Peel Region Shelter Services

For individuals and families requiring an immediate place to stay, Peel Region Shelter Services can help connect people with appropriate shelter options.

📞 905-450-1996

Shelters are available for:

Youth
Families
Adults
Individuals fleeing violence or abuse

More information about available shelters can be found at:

peelregion.ca/housing/shelters

Malton Community Drop-In

The Malton Community Drop-In, located at 3540 Morning Star Drive, offers a welcoming and safe space for individuals seeking daytime support.

Services include:

Access to shelter resources
Showers and laundry facilities
Warm beverages and nutritious meals
A safe environment to rest and connect with services

The drop-in is open Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., until March 31, 2026.

Click Here for Details

These supports are made possible through collaboration between Peel Region, the City of Mississauga, and local service providers. Thank you to Mayor Carolyn Parrish, City Councillors, and Team Mississauga for their continued leadership and commitment to supporting vulnerable residents during the winter months.

If you or someone you know needs help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Help is available, and the community is here to support one another.

Investments In Ontario

$700 Million is being invested in critical water infrastructure.

Funding will support jobs, unlock new housing opportunities and economic growth in 127 communities across the province, including over $24 million here in Mississauga.

$242 Million is being invested to upgrade equipment & facilities at colleges & universities.

Investment will fund modern classrooms and cutting-edge equipment needed to build a strong, highly skilled workforce

$85 Million is being invested by Massilly North America Inc. to build a new can manufacturing facility.

This new facility in Brantford will sustain 228 existing jobs and create up to 50 more. It is supported by $5 million in provincial funding through the Ontario Together Trade Fund.

$47 Million is being invested to drive Ontario-made innovation.

Our government is supporting 195 research projects at universities, colleges and hospitals across the province, to help lead groundbreaking discoveries that will protect/create jobs, improve lives and strengthen Ontario’s position in global markets

$26 Million is being invested to train more front-line staff in long-term care homes.

New funding will support nearly 3,000 new staff in long-term care and allow students to work in their local communities.

Updates from Queen’s Park

Expect Road Closures & Traffic Delays at Hurontario/Traders Blvd.

Motorists in Mississauga should expect road closures and traffic delays at Hurontario Street and Traders Boulevard as construction continues on the Hazel McCallion Line LRT.

Crews will be working around the clock from January 19 to February 19 to keep this critical transit project on schedule and deliver faster, more reliable transit across Mississauga and the region.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow posted detours and signage. Pedestrians and cyclists should also use caution when travelling through the area.

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board Is Hosting an Information Session for Parents of Students with Differing Abilities

Parents and guardians of students with differing abilities are invited to attend an upcoming information session hosted by the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB).

This session is designed for families of children with learning disabilities and other exceptionalities, offering valuable information about available supports, resources, and programs within the school system.

It will also provide an opportunity for parents to ask questions and better understand how to advocate for their child’s educational needs.

The information session will take place on February 19, 2026, and is open to parents and guardians across the DPCDSB community.

Click Here for Details

Statistics Canada is Hiring Census Workers

Did you know that Canada’s next Census is taking place this March?

To ensure accurate and inclusive data collection from communities across the country, Statistics Canada is hiring more than 30,000 census workers nationwide.

These positions play a vital role in helping governments understand Canada’s changing population and plan for the services families rely on, like health care, transit, housing, and education.

Residents interested in applying or learning more about available census positions are encouraged to visit the official Statistics Canada Census website for details on eligibility, training, and the application process.

Click Here for Details

Connecting More Ontarians to Primary Care

Our government continues to make meaningful progress in connecting Ontarians to the primary care they deserve, ensuring people can access the care they need, when and where they need it.

By expanding the health-care workforce, supporting team-based care, and reducing administrative barriers, we are helping more Ontarians receive timely, continuous care close to home, reducing wait times and easing pressure on hospitals across the province.

Ontario’s Health Care Connect program has now cleared 75% of the waitlist, successfully connecting more than 275,000 patients with a family doctor or primary care provider.

Click Here for Details

Building on this progress, our government is also planning 16 new and expanded teaching clinics across Ontario. These clinics will help train the next generation of doctors, nurses, and health-care professionals while delivering care directly in local communities. Once fully operational, they are expected to connect more than 300,000 Ontarians to primary care.

Click Here for Details

Fast Tracking New Cancer Treatments

Did you know that more than 650,000 Ontarians are living with cancer?

Our government is helping improve outcomes and quality of life by approving six new life-extending cancer drugs through the Faster Access to Specialized Treatments (FAST) program.

These approvals are giving patients faster access to innovative, cutting-edge treatments, reducing delays and helping people focus on what matters most: healing and spending time with loved ones.

Click Here for Details

Out and About In the Community