NOVEMBER 2021 E-NEWSLETTER

Message from Your MPP

Dear Neighbours,

The month of November marks Remembrance Day. This is a time for us to commemorate the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to preserve peace around the world, protect Canadians, and defend our liberties. As we take a moment of silence on the 11th hour, 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to remember over 2.3 million Canadians who served our nation and the 118,000 fallen soldiers for their self-sacrifice. 

This year we are also celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Poppy. The red poppy gets it’s significance from the famous poem, In Flanders Fields, penned by Canadian poet and soldier Lt. Col. John Mcrae. The Poppy is a poignant symbol of hope, and the unrelenting spirit of our soldiers in the face of evil and darkness. 

On Remembrance day, I encourage everyone to take a moment and express your thanks to a veteran in your neighbourhood and local communities. As you pay your respect, please also make sure to put safety first and follow all public health guidelines. 

Thanks to the selfless service of frontline heroes, including our essential workers in Mississauga-Malton, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario is also heading closer to end of the tunnel. To date, nearly 85% of individuals ages 12+ have received 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario and the Region of Peel. As of this weekend, additional high-risk populations in the province will be able to receive booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, to help them stay safe and healthy. As we look forward to a brighter, more prosperous future for everyone in Ontario, let’s continue to work together and do our part to protect and support one another. 

In the immortal words of Lt. Col. Mcrae, “Take up our quarrel with the foe! To you from failing hands we throw, The torch; be yours to hold it high!”

Lest we Forget. 

Sincerely,

 Investing in Ontario

$373 M to extend the temporary wage enhancement for personal support workers and direct support workers. Since October 1, 2020, Ontario has invested over $1.3 B to temporarily enhance wages to help stabilize, attract and retain the workforce needed to provide a high level of care during COVID-19.

Up to $270 M in 2021 to increase staffing levels at long-term care (LTC) homes by 4,050 new staff across Ontario. The investment will lead to increased direct care for seniors and vulneralable and builds on the government’s commitment to ensure residents receive on average 4 hours of direct care per day by 2024-25.

$100 M to add an additional 2,000 nurses to the long-term care sector by 2024-25. The funding will support the training of thousands of personal support workers (PSWs) and nurses who want to advance their careers in long-term care.

$82.5 M to expand the existing Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program to additional 22 communities, making it available to all eligible seniors across Ontario. Program services include access to health services 24-7, through in-home and remote methods, such as online supports, non-emergency home visits and in-home testing procedures etc.

$72 M over 2 years to prioritize public safety and ensure offenders are held accountable by addressing the unprecedented backlog of criminal cases that have accumulated in the justice system as a result of the pandemic.

Over $46 M to support 648 non-profit tourism, culture, sport and recreation organizations experiencing significant financial pressures due to COVID-19. Funding is being delivered through the Community Building Fund’s Operating stream to help non-profits operate their facilities and provide valuable programs and services in their communities.

$36 M to support the mental health and well-being of Indigenous peoples and communities across the province. Supports include cultural, therapeutic, and trauma-informed services for Indian Residential School (IRS) Survivors, and their families and communities; and Indigenous-led student, youth and gender-focused services.

$23 M in hospice residences across the province to help them continue to provide high-quality, compassionate end-of-life services and care to people and their loved ones. 

$20 M to hire 193 new inspections staff and launching a new and improved annual proactive inspections program in long-term care homes. The program takes a resident-centred approach by allowing for direct discussion with residents, to focus on their care needs as well as the home’s program and services.

$13.5 M through Ontario’s After School Program to support 110 organizations that provide activities for children living in high-priority neighbourhoods across the province. The program helps kids stay active and engaged, improves academic performance and encourages leadership skills through extracurriculars.

$10.7 M to provide more flexible postsecondary education options for learners including high-quality, market-responsive virtual learning programs and resources. 

$10.21 M through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to help Ontario’s agri-food sector adopt on-farm solutions and best practices that will grow their business, create jobs and drive economic growth while continuing to provide safe, high quality food.

$7.8 M for ZF Automotive Canada to help boost Ontario’s automotive and domestic manufacturing sectors, while attracting investment to local economies. The funding to the company will help create 27 jobs and retain 136 jobs.

$6.3 M over 5 years to provide more young victims and survivors of human trafficking in Toronto with the services they need. This funding will support new programs provided by Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, Covenant House, Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women, FCJ Refugee Centre, Montage Support Services, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, Project iRise and SickKids, Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Program.

$5.8 M to expand specialized paediatric mental health and eating disorders services at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). The expansion of outpatient programs will address the increased demand for mental health supports during the pandemic.

Nearly $3 M in three new initiatives to enhance biosecurity and support the provincial pork sector’s African swine fever (ASF) prevention and emergency preparedness efforts. The federal and provincial joint investment will help Ontario pork producers, processors and other agri-businesses train, learn and plan and support supply and infrastructure investments and modifications.

$2.58 M to protect the province’s lakes and water sources by helping farmers implement sustainable farming practices. The final Lake Erie Agriculture Demonstrating Sustainability (LEADS) initiative, will support projects that improve soil health, reduce the risk of nutrient losses on farms, and improve water quality in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watershed areas.

$1.2 M through the Learning Inter-Professionally Healthcare Accelerator (LIPHA). The new program will provide free simulated and flexible training for current and future personal support workers (PSWs) and nurses in long-term care homes.

Reinvesting $1.5 M in cash and proceeds seized from criminals to help local partners fight back against crime and victimization in their communities. Through the Civil Remedies Grant Program will support community projects focused on helping victims of crime and preventing intimate partner, family, and gun and gang violence locally. 

Up to $1.5 M to address agri-food sector’s ongoing labour challenges. Through the funding, eligible project will implement new, enhanced or expanded approaches to attract and retain labour and training to address identified workforce needs.

Over $900,000 to connect 900 new immigrants across the province with well-paying jobs as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, welders, chefs and other in-demand trades. The funding will help provide free, virtual workshops, training and job connections to support newcomers.

$550,335  to increase agri-food sector development opportunities for 39 First Nation communities across the province. Through this funding, the Anishinabek Nation will develop resources, tools and agricultural training for members of First Nation communities, businesses and entrepreneurs.

Investing in Mississauga-Malton 

$1.8 M for long-term care homes including Malton Village, Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care and Villa Forum to help hire more staff and ensure more one-one care for seniors and all residents who need support.

$1.7 M to Trillium Health Partners to support the hospital as they develop the innovative solutions needed to continue providing high quality care and ramp up surgical capacity, reducing wait times and improving access to surgical services for patients.

$804,700 in funding to Achev for Project Liftoff, helping upskill and place vulnerable NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youth in the Peel & Toronto into sustainable careers in the digital economy.

$66,755 to community projects initiated by local organizations including Muslim Seniors Foundation, Carassauga Festival Inc. and V Serve Canada. The funding will help keep our seniors active, fit and healthy, as well as fight the challenges of social isolation.

$24,000 to the Malton Neighbourhood Services after school program to support safe, supervised activities for students during the school year.

Ontario’s 2021 Fall Economic Statement

  • additional $548.5 M over 3 years to expand home and community care. This funding would support up to 28,000 post-acute surgical patients and 21,000
  • patients with complex health conditions every year.
  • $12.4 M over 2 years starting in 2021–22 to continue rapid access to existing and expanded mental health and addictions supports.
  • developing a new long-term care home in Mississauga, helping Ontario meet it’s committment of building 30,000 new long-term beds by 2028.
  • new training program for in‐hospital training of registered nurses and registered practical nurses attaining their operating room certifications.
  • additional $17 M over 2 years, starting in 2022–23, to increase access to dental services for eligible seniors across Ontario. This will support new and
  • renovated dental clinics and the procurement of additional mobile dental buses to support seniors enrolled in the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.
  • $1.6 B over the next 6 years to support large bridge rehabilitation projects and advance key highway expansion projects, including Highway 413.
    This will help alleviate traffic congestion and improve movement of goods and services. 
  • Construction of an inpatient care tower at the Trillium Health Partners Queensway site in Etobicoke, and completing rebuilding of the Mississauga hospital to
    increase capacity and address growth needs.
  • suspending the 5% until passenger volumes return to pre-pandemic levels for each airport, providing fairness to municipalities while maintaining longer term
    predictability for airport authorities.
  • securing investment commitments of $5.6 B from major auto manufacturers for electric vehicle supply chain capacity.
  • new province-wide 2-year $40 M Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness stream, which is part of the Regional Development Program.
  • additional $90.3 M over 3 years starting in 2021–22 in the Skilled Trades Strategy. Key new initiatives include creating a skilled trades career fair as well
  • as enhancing the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and the Pre‑Apprenticeship Training Program.
  • extending the Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit to 2022, providing an estimated $275 M in support to about 240,000 people, or $1,150, on average.
  • additional $5 M in 2021–22 to expand the Second Career program to help provide training to workers. 
  • proposing a new temporary Ontario Staycation Tax Credit for 2022, providing an estimated $270 M to support over one-and-a-half million families to further
  • discover Ontario.

Click here to read more

Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario for the Long-Term

Over the next 6 months, Ontario will gradually lift all remaining public health and workplace safety measures. This includes: provincial requirement for proof of vaccination and wearing of face coverings in indoor public settings. This phased approach will be guided by the ongoing assessment and monitoring of key public health and health care indicators: the identification of any new COVID-19 variants, increases in hospitalizations and ICU occupancy, and rapid increases in transmission. 

  • October 25
  • Ontario lifted capacity limits in the vast majority of settings where proof of vaccination are required, incl. restaurants, bars, gyms, casinos etc. 
  • other settings can also lift capacity limits and physical distancing requirements if they choose to require proof of vaccination.
    • This will not apply to settings where people receive medical care, food from grocery stores and medical supplies. 
  • November 15
    • capacity limits will be lifted in remaining higher-risk settings where proof of vaccination is required, incl. food or drink establishments with dance facilities.
  • January 17, 2022
    • Ontario will gradually lift capacity limits in settings where proof of vaccination is not required.
    • Proof of vaccination requirements may also begin to be gradually lifted at this time.
  • February 7, 2022
    • proof of vaccination requirements will be lifted in high-risk settings, including night clubs, strip clubs, and bathhouses.
  • March 28, 2022
    • At this time, it is intended that remaining public health and workplace safety measures will be lifted, including wearing face coverings in indoor public settings.

Ontario’s reopening plan will protect residents, ensure our health system capacity, prevent widespread closures, keep our schools open and support the province’s economic recovery

Get Your Proof of Vaccination Card

As of October 15, enhanced vaccine certificate with official QR code and the free, made-in Ontario verification app, Verify Ontario are available for download. I would like to thank everyone in Mississauga-Malton for rolling up your sleeves and doing your part to protect others. To support you, our office is helping print and laminated proof of vaccination! No appointment is required, just walk-in with your health card. 

If you have a red and white health card, contact Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. 

If you do not have a health card or were vaccinated out of Ontario, contact Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or your local public health unit to download your enhanced proof of vaccination with QR code. 

Queen’s Park Update 

Minimum Wage to Increase to $15 an Hour

The government will be introducing legislation that, if passed, would raise the general minimum wage from $14.35 to $15/ hour effective January 1, 2022.

Under the proposed changes, the special minimum wage rate will also increase for the following workers:

  • Students under 18 years working 28/week or less during school or working during a school/summer break: $13.50 to $14.10/hour.
  • Homeworkers (those who do paid work out of their own homes for employers) $15.80/hour to $16.50/hour.
  • Hunting and fishing guides: $75.00 for working less than 5 consecutive hours in a day, and $150.05 for working 5 or more hours in a day.

COVID-19 Booster Doses 

The province is expanding eligibility for booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to additional groups of high-risk individuals starting November 6. Over the coming months, Ontario will also gradually roll out booster doses to all inividuals aged 12 and over.

Based on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, individuals eligible for the booster shot include:

  • those aged 70 and over (born in 1951 or earlier);
  • Health care workers and designated essential caregivers in congregate settings (including long-term care home and retirement home staff and designated caregivers);
  • Individuals who received a complete series of a viral vector vaccine (two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of the Janssen vaccine); and
  • First Nation, Inuit and Métis adults and their non-Indigenous household members.

Click Here to Book

Free Menstrual Products in Schools

The government in patnership with Shoppers Drug Mart will distribute 6 million free menstrual products per year over the next 3 years to school boards under a new and innovative partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart to improve access to menstrual products.

The free supply will be provided to all school boards, which will make decisions about the distribution of products based on local needs.

Take-home COVID-19 Tests for Students 

The government is offering take-home polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing kits to all publicly funded and private and First Nation schools across the province, starting in mid-November. 

Ontario is also launching a new “test-to-stay” approach for unvaccinated students to prevent whole school dismissals and requiring unvaccinated staff to undergo rapid antigen testing from 2 to 3 times/week. 

Students with COVID-19 symptoms and students who have been identified as close contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case will be able to pick up PCR self-collection kits at school, complete it at home and drop the specimen off at convenient locations in the community

Protecting Long-Term Care Home Residents

To ensure the health and safety of staff and residents, homes are now required to meet the following vaccination requirements:

Ontario’s Fall Red Tape Reduction Package

The government has introduced the Supporting People and Businesses Act to support Ontarians and boost the province’s economy, while keeping families, workers, and the environment safe and healthy.  

If passed, the act will: 

  • make it easier for people to volunteer by providing free police record checks and reduce administrative burden for police services.
  • allowing licensed restaurants, bars and other hospitality businesses to create or extend their outdoor patio spaces.
  • simplifying the application process for the Second Career program to help job seekers train for in-demand jobs. 
  • developing a pilot program for non-electric and electric-assist large cycles.

Working for Workers Act, 2021

The government is introducing legislative changes which, if passed, will make the Ontario the destination for people to work, live and raise a family.

  • Require employers with 25 or more employees to have a written policy about employees disconnecting from their job at the end of the workday.
  • Ban the use of non-compete agreements that prevent people from exploring other work opportunities. 
  • Help remove barriers, such as Canadian experience requirements, for internationally trained individuals to get licensed in a regulated profession.
  • Require recruiters and temporary help agencies to have a licence to operate in the province. 
  • Require business owners to allow delivery workers to use a company’s washroom if they are delivering or picking up items.
  • Allow surpluses in the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s Insurance Fund to be distributed over certain levels to businesses, helping them cope with the impacts of COVID-19. Learn more.

Support Small Businesses, Shop Local

Oct 17-23 marked Small Business Week. Thank You to our small businesses in Mississauga-Malton & across Ontario for your hard work & resilience during Covid-19. Whether it’s implementing health & safety guidelines to ensure safe in-person experiences, providing supplies including PPE, and other essentials or adopting digital tools to connect with your audience in new ways, our small businesses are central to our communities and Ontario’s economic recovery.

Visiting ETG Commodities Inc, a food processing and distribution company supplying lentils, beans & cashews and other food products
to grocery stores across Ontario and North America.

At the Grand opening of Toronto Sweets and Snacks Factory. Thanks to their hard working team for the delicious hand-made treats!

At the first anniversary of Clean Planet, an Ontario-made apparel business that expanded it’s operations during COVID19 to manufacture PPE including hospital gowns for healthcare workers and masks to keep fellow Ontarians safe.

Flu Shots now Available!

Ontario has launched one of the largest flu immunization campaigns in the province’s history with flu shots available for all Ontarians, prioritizing vulnerable populations:

  • September – for residents of long-term care homes and hospitals. 
  • October – for seniors and individuals at higher risk of flu-related complications, incl. children more likely to require hospitalization from 6 months to 5 years of age and pregnant women.
  • Early November – all Ontarians.

Shots are available through doctor and nurse practitioner offices, participating pharmacies, and public health units. For questions or concerns, contact our office at 905-696-0367. 

Click Here for More Info

Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon 

On Sunday October 3rd, residents of Mississauga-Malton joined together to celebrate the Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. During this year’s festivities, we recognized the teamwork and resilience of essential workers, volunteers, residents, and community partners during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The celebration featured fun activities for youth and adults to enjoy including a henna station, boxed meals, thanksgiving treats, and live acoustic music.  Residents also had an opportunity to connect with local organizations including Safe City Mississauga and Family Services of Peel and learn more about the services they offer.

We were joined by members of the provincial government including Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Minister of Small Businesses and Red Tape Reduction and fellow Peel Region MPPs. I’m thrilled to share residents also collected nearly 500 pounds of food during the event, to support families in need.

Strengthening Ontario’s Agri-Food Sector 

On October 21, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and I visited Vidhya Foods, a family-owned business in Mississauga-Malton serving families across the world with their homemade recipes. Did you know, Vidhya Foods is the world’s largest manufacturer of gol gappas, staple Indian street food. Thank you to Vipul Patel and his stellar team for providing people across Ontario the ultimate gol gappa experience! To support food processors like Vidhya Foods, Ontario is investing $1.5 million to help them deal with labour challenges & connect skilled workers with jobs in the province’s rich agri-food sector.

Applications Now Open!

Accepting Long-term Care Development Proposals

Applications are now open to develop long-term care home beds as part of the government’s commitment to building 30,000 net new long-term care beds by 2028.

New and upgraded beds will:

  • help reduce waitlists
  • ease hospital capacity pressures
  • ensure quality of life & care for residents

You are eligible to apply if you are an existing non-profit, for profit or municipal long-term care home operator or a new licensee with a partnership with an established operator eligible to operate a long-term care home in Ontario.

Click Here to Apply

Victim Services Awards of Distinction

Nominations are now being accepted for the Attorney General’s Victim Services Awards of Distinction to help recognize the exceptional achievements of local volunteers, professionals and organizations.

Nominations can be made for any eligible individual or organization/group in Ontario: 

  • individuals who have experienced victimization due to crime*, their family members, or others personally impacted by crime. 
  • volunteers who offer their time and personal resources to help people who have experienced victimization due to crime
  • professional practitioners and paid victim services providers who have gone above and beyond their regular duties. 
  • programs, groups and organizations that deliver innovative services to residents who have experienced victimization due to crime.

The deadline for nominations is
November 17, 2021 at 11:59pm.

Click Here to Learn More

Townhall for Residents 

On October 28 I joined residents from Mississauga-Malton for our Monthly Townhall. During the meeting, we discussed ways the community can work together to prevent auto theft and keep our neighbourhoods & valuable belongings safe. We were also joined by Sgt. Jason Watson, Peel Regional Police who shared updates on theft prevention along with the following tips to prevent car theft:

  • keep car keys at the farthest points from your car
  • place keys in a signal-blocking case i.e Faraday Bags
  • use a steering wheel lock
  • park your car in a locked garage
  • install a GPS tracking device in your car
  • don’t leave your car unattended while it’s running.

Career Pathways for Youth

On October 21, I had the pleasure to visit Achev in Mississauga-Malton, to announce provincial funding of $804,700 for the organization. The investment will support Project Liftoff, helping up-skill and place vulnerable NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youth in the Peel & Toronto into sustainable careers in the digital economy.

The program provides 12 weeks of in-class training to youth 18-29 in the Region of Peel and Toronto, followed by a 12-week monitored employment placement opportunity with an employer. Thank you to Achev team for supporting our youth, along with residents, newcomers and families in Mississauga-Malton. 

Read my Mississauga News Column 

Technology: Friend or foe?

OPINION | November 1, 2021

Technology has changes from being the base of life to the life base itself. It plays a significant role in easing our day-to-day activities. However, one must also be responsible for ensuring it is handled properly. We are exposing ourselves to a world potentially taken over by the us of technology in daily life, leading to fraud and depiction of self worth.

We are thankful that technology has made our lives more convenient. Still, with the boon of technology also comes bane,which carries various visible and invisible effects on individuals and the community altogether. In the recent past, there has been a rise in car thefts in the region of Peel, and one of the most common modus operandi used by thieves is by hacking key fob for keyless cars.

To protect your car from thieves, here ar some quick tips…

Click Here to Read More

Out and About in the Community

Volunteering at Mississauga Food Bank with fellow Mississauga MPPs Colleagues; sorting out goods which will be provided to families in need.

Thrilled to meet Lamees Elbayoumi, Mississauga-Malton resident and a Legislative Page this year in Ontario’s Parliament.

Joined members of the Sikh Motorcycle Club of Ontario with Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism to commemorate the 3rd anniversary of the Helmet Exemption Act for Sikh motorcyclists.

At the inaguration of the Goan Community Centre with former Mayor of Mississauga and Goan Overseas Association of Ontario.

Thank you to Canadian Muslim Friends for organizing an Annual Community Blood Drive and supporting patients in need. 

Witnessing the colours of Gujarat at the Navaratri celebration organization by Friends of Gujarat.

Joined Ontario’s Minister of Finance and fellow Mississauga MPPs to express thanks to our frontline heroes at Trillium Health Hospital.

Meeting many bright youth with Ontario’s Minister of Education at Mississauga’s Islamic Heritage Month Exhibition, hosted by Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada.

Attending the Run for Mississauga, hosted by Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association Mississauga to support the redevelopment of Trillium Health Hospital.

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