I WANT TO HEAR CONSTITUENTS’ VOICES AT REGULAR TOWN HALL MEETINGS

Family Day event happens Feb. 17 at Frank McKechnie Community Centre, writes Deepak Anand

After being elected as the MPP of this large and diverse riding, I have made regular town hall meetings a priority as it gives residents a voice and a stake in their community.

Given the size of our riding, I have divided it into five zones. Every second month, a town hall meeting is held in a different zone. We have held well-attended town hall meetings in Zones 1 and 4, and the next one is scheduled on March 13 in Zone 2 at the Malton Community Center, 3540 Morning Star Dr., Mississauga from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

We have established the Mississauga-Malton Youth Council dedicated to empowering youth to get active in the community. On Jan. 26, we held our first roundtable attended by 11 youth aged 14-22. For most, it was the first time someone listened to their concerns and issues. It was pointed out that affordability kept many talented youth from pursuing after-school programs as well as classes like robotics and coding. Other issues relayed were need for bullying prevention and standardized testing. The bottom line was the need for a level playing field.

This will be a six-month council and participants will pick one initiative to be tackled as a group. As their MPP, together, we will ensure these concerns are addressed.

Mississauga-Malton is unique in many ways; its proximity to the airport, convenient location and relatively affordable housing makes it a magnet for many new immigrants, refugees and other hard working families trying to make ends meet. We need to tap their potential, talent and energy.

I look forward to any opportunity to meet and get to know the residents and invite all to attend our Family Day event on February 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Frank McKechnie Community Centre.

Besides our doors at 7895 Tranmere Dr., Unit 20, are open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for anyone with concerns, ideas or a wish to volunteer and give back to the community.