JULY 2021 E-NEWSLETTER

Published on July 02, 2021

Message from Your MPP

Dear Neighbours,

Congratulations and thank you for rolling up your sleeves – your self-sacrifices, self-discipline, and the hard work of our healthcare heroes have moved us into Step 2 of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen.

At the time of writing, 78% of our community has received the first dose, and 40% have received the second dose. Furthermore, all Peel residents 12+ are eligible to receive their second dose, as long as their appointment is at least 28 days after the first dose.

I know many of you may be anxious about receiving the second vaccine to get fully vaccinated. I want to assure you many appointments are being added weekly. Just last week, the Region of Peel added an extra 260,000 appointments until the end of July.

Onto other ongoing events, I hope all of you are enjoying your Canada Day weekend. For many Canadians, including many immigrants like me, Canada Day is a day to recognize all that Canada has done, and all we have accomplished. We have so much to be proud of – the rich natural resources of the Canadian Shield, the beautiful lakeshore of our Great Lakes, and above all the freedom to dream and the opportunities to realize our dreams.

But it’s also true that this Canada Day is not like the others. Aside from the ongoing pandemic, our country is engaging in an important conversation about reconciliation and the devastation caused by residential schools. The recently uncovered unmarked graves at residential schools represent a devastating and heartbreaking loss of life and Indigenous culture.

In sum, Canada Day is a day of reflection. We must all take a deep dive into our history, the good and the bad, so we can work towards a better future for all.

However, you choose to spend your Canada Day weekend, be sure to do it in a COVID-safe manner. We have accomplished so much in the last few months, and the horizon is near.

Happy Canada Day to all!

Sincerely,

Entering Step 2 of Reopening

Based on the province-wide vaccination rate and continuing improvements in key public health and health system indicators, our government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health moved the province into Step 2 of its Roadmap to Reopen on June 30. Thank you Team Ontario for bringing us closer to doing the things we love to do, with the people we love!

Step Two of the Roadmap focuses on the resumption of more outdoor activities and limited indoor services with small numbers of people and with face coverings worn.

Click Here to Read More

Two-Dose Summer Underway!

As of June 28, all Ontarians aged 18 and over who received their first dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) are eligible to book an appointment to receive their second dose ahead of schedule.

As of June 26, all youth 12 to 17 in Peel will be eligible to book an appointment to receive their second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine ahead of schedule, with all youth 12 to 17 in Ontario eligible to book their second dose appointment effective July 5.

Vaccines remain the best defence against COVID-19 and it’s variants and I encourage everyone to get their first and/or second dose as soon as it’s their turn to keep yourself, your loved ones and our communities safe.

Click Here to Book an
Appointment

I was so grateful to be fully vaccinated with the help of Juliana from Peel Paramedics at Ascension of Our Lord Secondary School. Thanks to all frontline heroes for doing an amazing job to help organize and administer vaccines.

Investing in Ontario

Through Phase 2 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program, the province will allocate over $234 million to support 28 new natural gas expansion projects and help keep the cost of energy low for families, businesses and farmers.

The average household could save between $250 to $1,500 per year in energy costs by switching to natural gas and businesses are expected to save up to 30% on energy costs per year.

$141 million to extend the temporary wage increase for personal support workers and direct support workers in publicly funded home and community care, long-term care, public hospitals, and social services sectors.

This temporary wage increase will continue until August 23, 2021.

The federal and provincial government is investing over $115.1 million in 30 municipalities across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Funding will focus on supporting the rehabilitation of active transit infrastructure, the development of modern and accessible recreational options, and upgrades and replacement of equipment in health and emergency facilities. Ontario is contributing more than $23 million to support these projects.

$100 million in venture capital funding to assist high-potential technology companies innovate and grow, boosting the province’s long-term competitiveness, helping to create jobs and driving economic growth.

The Venture Ontario Fund will invest in venture capital funds focusing on high-growth sectors where Ontario has a competitive advantage including life sciences, medical devices, clean technology, information technology and artificial intelligence.

Over $70.4 million to help advance Ontario made research and innovation at colleges, universities, research institutes and research hospitals in the province.

Research projects receiving funding include The Water and Ice Research Lab at Carleton University, Lambton College’s Canadian Extrusion Research Lab, the University Health Network study on heart disease and the University of Toronto’s autonomous driving car technology.

$30 million towards the Surgical Innovation Fund that will directly support Ontario’s hospitals and provide them with the flexibility they need to perform more surgeries and procedures in their communities.

The proposal based fund will help hospitals address barriers to surgeries including training for more operating room nurses, equipment and technology supports, and small capital projects to leverage existing spaces to provide additional operating room output.

Through Ontario’s Municipal Modernization Program, the province is providing up to $24 million to support the modernization of 224 small and rural municipalities. Municipalities will use the funding to find efficiencies and implement a wide range of initiatives to digitize, streamline and/or integrate programs and services with neighbouring communities.

The funding will help municipalities administer the cost savings measures in time for the 2022 municipal budget cycle.

Through the Community Transportation Grant Program, the government is extending funding up to $14 million over 2 years to provide transportation services in small and rural communities. Services include bus service, on-demand shared rides and door-to-door transportation services.

Ontario has developed a $12.4 million four-year strategy that incorporates approaches to increase awareness of French Language and FSL teaching opportunities in Canada, removing barriers of entry and improving flexibility of FL and FSL teaching programs, as well as strengthen teaching environments.

The federal and provincial governments are investing over $51.2 million towards residents in 129 municipalities across Southwestern, Midwestern and Central Ontario. Funding will support the development of modern and accessible recreational spaces, and the replacement of equipment in health and emergency facilities.

Ontario will contribute over $10.2 million to help these communities respond to the impacts of COVID-19.

The province is providing $10 million to help support the identification, investigation, protection and commemoration of Indian Residential School burial sites across the province. The province is working with Indigenous leaders to establish processes that will guide this crucial work.

An additional $9 million for the continued operation of 62 beds in three existing Behavioural Specialized Units and for the addition of up to 82 new specialized spaces in targeted regions across the province.

Behavioural Specialized Units (BSUs) provide specialized care to individuals with responsive behaviours that cannot be effectively supported in their current environment.

Ontario is investing $8.4 million over 3 years in a new Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Crisis Call Diversion Program.

The program will help police offer the most appropriate response to calls from individuals experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, which may include diversion to appropriate mental health services.

$7.7 million in language and skills training supports to help 2,700 newcomers impacted by the COVID-19 gain new skills and start jobs in food manufacturing, healthcare, web development, and other in-demand sectors while supporting Ontario’s economic recovery.

$7 million to deliver training and paid job placements in the automotive manufacturing sector for up to 800 people from underrepresented groups. The project, led by the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA), will provide training in manufacturing essentials, such as problem solving, document use, basic math, project management, as well as oral communication, critical thinking and inter-personal skills.

As part of the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program, Ducks Unlimited Canada is receiving $6 million for projects that will help improve water quality, preserve and increase habitats for endangered species, help prevent flooding and build climate change resiliency in the Lake Ontario and Lake Erie watersheds and connecting waterways.

Through the new Victim Support Grant program, the province is investing $5 million over 2 years to improve services and supports available to victims of intimate partner violence and human trafficking.

Through the Community Museum Operating Grant, the province is providing $4.9 million to support community museums. The grant provides operating funding to eligible museums which may be used to fund museum maintenance, building and preserving collections, exhibitions and educational programs and staff salaries.

The federal and provincial government are investing over $22.2 million in 130 municipalities through eastern Ontario. The funding will support upgrades to improve and protect municipal buildings such as town centres and emergency and healthcare facilities. Ontario is contributing more than $4.4 million to support these projects.

Nearly $4 million through Support Ontario Youth to help up to 2,100 young people access training and networking opportunities in the industrial, construction, motive power and service sectors.

This funding will help deliver 70 one-day boot camps in communities that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic to provide youth with hands-on training, resume writing help and introductions to prospective employers.

Over $4 million in six projects to support current and future construction workers across the province. The six projects in the investment include a pre-apprenticeship program to learn about roadworking used in transit and light rail bridge construction and a new Building and Construction Tradeswomen project to attract more women to the trades.

$3.7 million in partnership with the Ontario Community Support Association to help people with disabilities, including seniors with mobility issues, get to and from vaccination sites so they can get their shot and be protected from COVID-19.

Over $2.6 million through the Regional Development Program to support total investments of $23 million in three innovative manufacturing and chemical processing businesses in Guelph. The Program will help attract local investment, create 45 jobs and retain over 370 jobs in Guelph.

Through the new Board Improvement and Equity Planning tool, the province is providing $1.43 million in programs that help address policies and practices that have had adverse impacts on Ontario’s Black students, as well as support anti-racism work underway in schools across Ontario.

Ontario will be providing the City of London a hosting grant of $1 million ahead of the Ontario Summer Games in 2024. The games provides an opportunity for athletes to develop their skills and experience high-level competitions as well as grow nationally and internationally.

$1 million in additional annual funding to improve access to core and specialized mental health and addictions services for children and youth in Northwestern Ontario. This funding will help the region reduce waitlists and address the extensive wait times for services across the region, especially during COVID-19.

Through the Ontario together fund, the government is providing nearly $860,000 to Coreprint Patterns. The investment will help manufacture critical components for COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for hospitals and labs across the province.

As part of the Safe Return to Class fund, Ontario is providing funding for initiatives to support Muslim students and families with an emphasis on enhancing resources and training for educators, targeted supports for students, and digital resources for parents.

Through this investment, $225,000 will be given to the Muslim Association of Canada and $75,000 will be provided to the National Council of Canadian Muslims.

Ontario is partnering with community organizations to better support Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer or Questioning, (2SLGBTQI+) students and their families. Partnerships include: $50,000 for White Ribbon, $50,000 for Egale and $20,000 for The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity.

Investing in Mississauga-Malton

Over $45 million to support the reconstruction of the South Common Community Centre and Library in Mississauga.

The new community centre will have expanded indoor and outdoor fitness spaces, an aquatics centre and a new gymnasium. This is in addition to a new 16,000 square-foot library and multi-purpose rooms for the Mississauga community.

The province is providing $16.5 million to William Osler Health System and $27.4 million to Trillium Health Partners to help the two hospitals keep pace with patient needs during COVID-19 and to increase access to high-quality care for residents and families across Ontario.

The government is providing an additional $31 million to improve access to specialized children & youth mental health services while reducing wait times/waitlists. Through this funding, EveryMind and Associate Youth Services of Peel will receive funding of $900,000 and $300,000 respectively to support the well-being of youth in our communities.

Queen’s Park Update

Expanded List of Blue Bin Items

As part of the Made-In-Ontario Environment Plan, the province is improving blue box recycling to manage waste responsibly and reduce plastic and litter. The government will expand services to more communities, standardize the list of materials that can be recycled across Ontario and save municipalities money by making producers responsible for the cost and operation of the program.

The enhanced Blue Box program will make recycling easier for Ontarians by:

Expanding collection to all communities outside the Far North by 2026.
Standardizing what can be recycled across Ontario.
Accepting common single-use and packaging-like products i.e; paper and plastic cups, foils, trays, bags and boxes sold for home use.
Collecting single-use items distributed or sold to consume food and beverage products i.e; stir sticks, straws, cutlery and plates.
Expanding services to more facilities such as apartment buildings, municipally run or non-profit long-term care homes and retirement homes, and schools.

Multiplying Success for Students in Ontario

On June 9, Ontario’s Minister of Education announced a new Grade 9 math course to ensure all students can build and acquire the skills and confidence they need to succeed and excel. The course includes mandatory new learning on coding, data literacy, mathematical modelling and an emphasis on financial literacy. It also ends the practice of streaming Grade 9 students into applied and academic courses.

Features of the course:

ensure relevance to today’s job market with an emphasis on practical life skills e.g. – understanding debt, savings, personal budgeting and price comparisons.
build on learning from the modernized and landmark Grade 1-8 math curriculum.
teache how to apply coding skills to understand complex mathematics, make predictions and assess real-life situations.

The new Grade 9 math course is the first in Canada to include coding and the process of mathematical modelling as mandatory course expectations in math!

Return of In-Car Instruction & Testing

As of June 14, in-vehicle passenger G1/G2 road tests resumed with safety protocols in place at all DriveTest centres across Ontario. As of June 30, driving instruction resumed with public health guidelines in effect.

To address the backlog of passenger road tests, Ontario is investing over $16 million to increase road testing capacity by hiring 167 additional temporary driver examiners, increasing support staff, expanding road testing hours, and introducing weekend road tests where the demand is highest.

Safe Return to Sports

On June 14, Ontario released a framework for select Ontario professional and elite-amateur sport leagues and events that outlines the minimum requirements that must be met for a safe return to play.

Key elements of the framework include:

private COVID-19 screening and testing
assigned cohorts with limited or no interaction between different cohorts
practice, training and competition protocols
accommodation and travel/transportation services protocols
individual control measures when not training or competing

The professional and elite-amateur sport framework will allow more sport leagues and events to return to play prior to step two and three of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen.

Online Renewal Tool for Accessible Parking Permits

The province has launched a new online renewal tool for Accessible Parking Permits. Residents can now choose to renew a permanent Accessible Parking Permit, apply for a traveler’s permit or motorcycle decal and request a change of address all by visiting Ontario.ca/RenewAPP.

Companies and not-for-profit organizations that transport individuals with accessibility needs on a not-for-profit basis can also use the online option to apply, renew or request changes to permits.

Easier for Businesses to Offer Transportation Services

The government is making it easier for companies to provide passenger transportation services between communities in Ontario.

As of July 1, carriers do not need a license to operate a new route and multiple carriers may offer service along the same or complimentary routes, helping to improve travel options for Ontarians.

Free Fishing Week

Ontario families can enjoy fishing province-wide without having to purchase a licence or carry an Outdoors Card, from July 3 to 11, 2021.

If you and your family are fishing during licence-free fishing periods or at other times, it’s important to help keep recreational fisheries healthy for future generations by:

Following conservation licence catch limits
Obeying size limits and sanctuaries
Following all other fishing regulations and rules

Summer Break Begins!

Virtual Visit to Champlain Trail Public School

On June 23, I was thrilled to join Ontario’s Minister of Education for a virtual classroom visit to Champlain Trail Public School. During the 2020-21 school year, these students have shown incredible strength and resilience, all while putting a smile on everyone’s faces. As the school year comes to a close, I thank students, parents, educators and school staff of Peel District School Board and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board for their hard work and look forward to visiting them in-person in the 2021-2022 school year.

Wishing students across Ontario the best of success in their future endeavours and a fun, productive and safe summer break ahead.

The province is allocating over $62 million in funding for summer learning programming to prepare students with the knowledge and skills for success in the next academic year.

Summer learning opportunities are available in English and French and can include co-op courses, credit recovery, summer school credit courses, reach ahead credits for Grade 8 students, stem education programs and more!
Access to summer learning for First Nations students is being expanded by proposing changes to the Grants for Student Needs (GSN) regulations.
Additional staffing is available to support students with special-ed needs, allowing school boards to hire up to an additional 1,910 teachers for one month in the summer.

Ontario is permitting school boards to offer in-person summer school in August with strict health and safety measures in place.

To find out what is being offered in your school community during the summer, contact your local school board.

Applications Now Open!

2021-2022 Seniors Community Grant

On June 11, Ontario’s Minister of Seniors and Accessibility announced the province is investing $5 million in the 2021-22 Seniors Community Grant program to recognize and empower the incredible work being done in Mississauga-Malton and across the province to help our seniors live active, safe and connected lives.

The program focuses on projects that help seniors by addressing the following 4 pillars:

Enabling Aging-at-Home and in Communities
Safety and Security
Remaining Healthy, Active and Socially Engaged
Participating in the Labour Market and Economy.

Successful applicants will receive a grant of between $1,000-$25,000.
Applications for the program are open until July 15 at 5PM EST.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

The Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association’s
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Fund

The province is providing APMA with $7 million to help deliver training and job placements to underrepresented groups such as youth, women, persons with a disability and racialized communities.

Their EDI Fund will support 800 participants with up to $8,000 in supports available to employers and community partners. Participants will have a minimum 6-month placement resulting in on-the-job experience, upskilling and career development.

The fund will run from June 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. To enroll as an employer or a participant, see below.

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE

Hockey-Hub Vaccination Model

On June 4 and June 27 I was thrilled to visit Region of Peel’s hockey hub mass vaccination clinic inside the CAA Centre along with the Solicitor General. Based on the ‘hockey-hub” model, the clinic was able to efficiently administer up to 10,000 vaccines per day, administering 50,000 vaccines in total. Once registered, residents remain in an individual pod for screening, administering vaccine and recovery while the registered health care worker administering the vaccine moves from pod to pod.

The clinic is a truly innovative partnership between over 20 partners from Peel Region and Grey Bruce, reinforcing the strength of Team Ontario in the fight against COVID-19.

2021 Remarkable Citizens Awards Ceremony

Mississauga-Malton is home to countless dedicated volunteers and local heroes that make our community a better place to live, work, and thrive. In recognition of these exceptional residents, we introduced the Remarkable Citizens Awards in 2019.

I’m proud to present this year’s Remarkable Citizens, who have gone above and beyond to serve their communities during COVID-19 through different mediums. Thank you to our Community Heroes for their resilience and passion in bringing forward Positive Change.

Community Blood Drive 2021

June 8 marks the start of World Blood Donor Week, a time to highlight the essential role volunteers play through their live saving blood donations. With the ongoing contributions of blood donors, individuals across Ontario have access to lifesaving care when and where they need it. Did you know, each year over 100,000 new blood donors are needed to make up for those who are no longer able to donate?

Following the overwhelming response from our Community Blood Drive in 2019, on June 19 AND June 26 Mississauga-Malton came together to donate blood at Canada Blood Services’ Mississauga Donor Centre. Thanks to the incredible donors from our community and the hardworking staff and nurses, more patients across Ontario are now able to receive life-saving blood and blood products. Blood donor centres remain open during the pandemic with all public health measures in place. To make a blood donation and learn more please visit https://www.blood.ca

EveryMind has joined with CMHA Peel Dufferin to launch one phone line for all ages in Peel – Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon in a mental health crisis.

If you need help, call 905-278-9036 or toll free
at 1-888-811-2222.

F.A.S.T

June is stroke awareness month, a very important cause given strokes are one of the leading causes of death and disability in Ontario. It’s important to understand the signs of a stroke (F.A.S.T) – is the Face drooping? Does the individual have difficulty raising both Arms? Is their Speech slurred? If so, it’s Time to call 911.

After all, every minute is important to save one’s life. Thank you to Heart & Stroke and members of the community for all their advocacy on preventing stroke and helping save lives.

Happy Multiculturalism Day

For the last 50 years, Canada has celebrated Multiculturalism Day on June 27th, in honour of being the first country to adopt multiculturalism as our official national policy.

I am proud to share that in Mississauga, there are 240 ethnic groups speaking over 130 different languages! Diversity is our strength. With more voices at the table, we are able to have a richer discussion as we build a future to benefit us all.

Thank You to our Seniors

June marks Seniors Month. Especially during the pandemic, we appreciate the wisdom, compassion, and resilience of our elders. I’m excited to share our government has expanded the eligibility criteria for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program and the Co-Payment Program, allowing more seniors to benefit from affordable essential drugs and free high-quality routine dental care.

As always, my office is more than happy to assist you to determine all the new programs you, or a senior you know, may qualify for. Contact our office at 905-696-0367 or send an email to deepak.anandco@pc.ola.org.

Exploring the Ontario Parliament like Never Before

On June 9 and June 21, together with Mississauga-Malton youth and seniors we explored Ontario’s Provincial Parliament through a 360 Virtual Reality Experience. Thanks to our amazing tour guides, we learned about the history of the legislative building from the East to the West Wing to the Chamber as well as facts about previous Members of Provincial Parliament and their legislative duties.

Congratulations to Anish Sharma, who won the trivia session during our youth tour! I look forward to exploring the legislative building in-person with everyone whenever it’s safe to do so.

Connecting Virtually

Roundtable with the Hospitality Industry

On June 7, I was pleased to join stakeholders from the hospitality industry, specifically banquet hall owners with my MPP colleague for Brampton West. We discussed the re-opening plan and targeted measures that will help them to recover and safely re-open to the public.

Through their efforts, people across Ontario will soon be able to celebrate milestone events in meeting spaces and create fond memories with loved ones.

Townhall for Residents

On June 14, I joined Mississauga Malton residents at our June Townhall. We discussed the Road to Reopening, second dose eligibility, and recent community initiatives.

Special thanks to Lilet Raffinan of Canadian Blood Services for joining us and reiterating the importance of Blood Donation this summer. Shoutout to Toni Baker for winning the raffle for our Spring newspaper!

Read my Mississauga News Column

Together, we can conquer COVID-19

Canada’s vaccination rate is phenomenal news, writes Deepak Anand

OPINION | June 29, 2021

Slowly but surely, Ontario is emerging out of the COVID-19 pandemic, with all signs pointing to a strong, two-dose summer. Our case counts are declining, as is the test positivity rate. Canada is the No. 1 leader in first-dose vaccinations, and is vaccinating at the fastest rate among the G7.

This is all phenomenal news.

Thanks to the self-sacrifices and self-discipline of Ontarians across the province, we have finally entered Step 2 of the Roadmap to Reopen. I’m personally excited to see our kids playing again in outdoor sports leagues and get some much-needed fresh air. Nothing beats sitting at a soccer game on a hot summer day watching your daughter score a goal before halftime.

Click Here to Read More

Out and About in the Community

Visited COBS Bread at Highway 10 as they generously contributed $5,000 to Food4Kids Mississauga to help kickstart breakfast programs for students in Mississauga.

Putting Canada Day Lawn Signs together with an amazing and hard-working volunteering team.

Visiting Cliantha Research in Mississauga-Malton with their incredible staff who have been performing COVID-testing on patients to ensure rapid COVID-19 test results.

Recognizing the outstanding teaching of Mme. Susan Kwan from Nahani Way Public School with educators, Trustee for Ward 5, and students.

Connecting with residents in the beautiful outdoors, after the province entered Step One in June.

Joined Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, Mayor of Mississauga, Councillor for Ward 8 and fellow Mississauga MPP colleagues to announce investment for the South Common Community Centre and Library in Mississauga.

Pleased to meet with Vanita Varma, Interim CEO for WellFort Community Health Services for a productive discussion about ensuring the health and well-being of residents.

Delighted to join the OBotz Olympiad 2021 – Awards ceremony. Shoutout to the entire team of Obotz Canada for giving students an opportunity to learn and apply STEM skills.

Visiting Cliantha Research in Mississauga-Malton with their incredible staff who have been performing COVID-testing on patients to ensure rapid COVID-19 test results.

Your Feedback Matters!

Expanding HOT Lanes Pilot

Ontario is proposing to expand the High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes pilot to Highways 403 and 410 to provide more travel options for residents in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH). HOT lanes provide the option for people driving alone to pay a toll ($60/month) to use the lane.

I encourage you to share your feedback on the HOT lanes expansion proposal by submitting comments on the Regulatory Registry by July 26.

Strengthening Digital Privacy

The province has released a White Paper, outlining privacy proposals that have been developed through extensive expert consultations. Proposals introduced a rights-based approach to privacy, enhance consent and lawful uses of personal data and ensure stronger data transparency. To share your feedback on the white paper, click here.

Eglinton Crosstown West Extension