It’s a pleasure to report to you on the huge strides our new provincial government is making under the energizing leadership of Premier Kathleen Wynne. As Premier Wynne has often noted, our government’s focus is on building a prosperous, compassionate and united province where every voice counts. I am proud to be a part of a team that is bringing new ideas to Ontario and a fresh approach to government. And I am proud to be able to continue serving the people of Oakville and to be your voice at Queen’s Park.
A few recent accomplishments:
- The endorsement of the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – a motion that I introduced in the Legislature earlier this fall which passed with unanimous all-party support.
- The building of a new hospital in Oakville, which remains on schedule and on budget, and is 50% complete.
- New rules that will make tuition more affordable for students. These changes will ensure that the interests of postsecondary students are put first and that postsecondary education continues to be accessible.
- Providing even more Go Train service for Oakville Commuters with off-peak 30-minute GO Train and more rush hour trains beginning January 4th 2014.
- The announcement of the future site of ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development, the largest redevelopment project in the history of the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
- Moving towards the elimination of dirty coal as a source of energy in Ontario, including an end to coal burning at the Lambton Generating Station and the scheduled end to coal burning at the Nanticoke Generating Station later this year. At that point, Ontario will become the first jurisdiction in North America to take air quality seriously and eliminate coal as a source of electricity.
- The recently announced Seniors Community Grant Program, a first of its kind initiative that will help keep seniors active in Oakville.
- The proposed enhancement of the Canada Pension Plan, providing leadership on an important national issue to ensure that the people of Oakville get the pensions they deserve.
In addition, last September I had the pleasure of accompanying Premier Wynne on a tour of Sheridan College to visit the college’s outstanding Faculty of Animation, Art and Design in Oakville. We also toured the Ford Oakville assembly plant where the Premier announced the Ontario government’s partnership with Ford Canada to upgrade the Oakville assembly plant and secure more than 2,800 jobs.
Such initiatives are in keeping with our government’s economic plan to create jobs and help people in their everyday lives. This plan is about investing in people, building strong infrastructure and supporting a dynamic and innovative business climate across Ontario.
As always, thank you for allowing me to represent your interests at Queen’s Park. It’s an honour to serve the people of Oakville. I can think of no other place that has a brighter future than Oakville. With your support, we can continue to work to create a more prosperous,compassionate and united Ontario.