July 2020 MPP Report from Merrilee Fullerton

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MPP Report ~ July 2020

It seems I spend most of my days and evenings on the phone and in front of my computer. I find that phone calls, teleconferences and Zoom meetings are not the same as in-person meetings! Still, it is good to stay connected with residents of Kanata and West Carleton. So, I encourage you to reach out if I can be of any assistance, or you just wish to discuss an issue or community news. I also invite you to stay up to date on provincial news, programs and services on my MPP website @ https://www.merrileefullerton.ca/news

In July, the Ontario Government announced and began to implement its Framework for Reopening Our Province. Most regions, including Ottawa, entered Stage 3, which has permitted nearly all businesses and public spaces to reopen with proper public health and workplace safety measures in place. Here are three announcements that provide important details of Ontario's reopening.

Ontario Starting Down the Path to Growth, Renewal and Economic Recovery
COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act Will Help Create Jobs and Opportunities, Build Stronger Communities

Proudly Supporting Ontario's Manufacturing Sector
Province Supports Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Launch of “Ontario Made” Program

Nearly All Businesses and Public Spaces to Reopen in Stage 3
Public Gatherings Will Increase in Size as the Province Continues its Path to Economic Recovery

The Ontario Government framework has been successful thanks to the responsible and respectful behaviour of people. Together, we’re making tremendous progress. As the province carefully reopens, you can be assured the health and well-being of Ontarians remain a top priority for the Premier and all MPPs.

Wishing you and your family and friends a great holiday weekend,

P.S. - Stay informed of the latest COVID-19 news from the Ontario Government. You may also wish to reference my Information and Resources Page on the MPP website for key phone and online contact coordinates respecting COVID-19 information and services in our community.

Good news for families and our public education system. The Ontario Government is investing $30.5 million into three schools in Kanata and Stittsville. At the announcement I stated: “These investments are great news for our community. I've heard from my constituents that there was a need in this area and I am pleased that our government is building two new schools and also adding to another."

Learn more about the new Fernbank Elementary School, new ÉÉP Kanata Sud, and the important investment in St. James Catholic Elementary School:
Ontario Government Building New Student Spaces in Kanata and Stittsville

I was pleased to host further roundtable meetings for Kanata business leaders to speak with the Ontario Finance Minister and discuss 5G issues and the development of the digital economy. My thanks to the Kanata North Business Association and KNBA President Jamie Petten for helping to facilitate this important exchange. This is a very important conversation as we plan for long-term growth and prosperity in our local high tech sector.

Thank you to Ontario Finance Minister (below photo) for your attention to Kanata North, the potential of our local business community, and to the promise of the Province's high tech opportunities.

Thank you to Dunrobin Distilleries https://dunrobindistilleries.com for the informative tour of the “Spirit of Dunrobin.” It was wonderful to learn how the distillery adapted its business to produce hand sanitizer during COVID-19. Here’s a great example of our “Ontario Spirit”!

Thank you to the folks at the Diefenbunker Museum for your latest tour to explain all the new measures put in place to make the Museum safe to visit this summer. As you mentioned, “There’s always something new underground!” For an interesting and entertaining excursion, go and learn our Canadian history during the Cold War at the intriguing Diefenbunker Museum!

"Support our community's business owners and their employees.
They are our friends and neighbours."

I encourage everyone to please support local businesses. Make a conscious effort to buy local, shop in Kanata and West Carleton shops, and do your business within the Ottawa business community.

Thank you to the EORLA team at the Ottawa Hospital and at CHEO. I appreciated the tour of the laboratories and seeing the equipment that is used to test 2,000 COVID-19 samples per day. Congratulations on passing the milestone of completing 200,000 tests. Thank you to the medical staff and all involved in this continuing effort.

The Ontario Government has made significant announcements in July to improve the Province’s Long-Term Care System. The Government is modernizing the way new construction and home upgrades are funded. It announced a new Accelerated Build Pilot Program. It released a report on staffing issues in long-term care homes. Combined, these proactive initiatives will create new spaces to shorten the Province's long-term care wait list, upgrade Ontario's aging homes, and provide the comfort and care we all want for our aging loved ones.

The Ontario Government has also recently updated policies for friends and families to visit loved ones at long-term care homes. Learn more here: Resuming Long-Term Care Home Visits

Health card expired? Until further notice you can continue to use your expired health card. You should also know there are extended validation periods for driver, vehicle and carrier products and services. Read more here from ServiceOntario: Extended Validation Periods.

In my MPP's Community Voice column for July, I reported on this and other important items Kanata and West Carleton residents should know. Read the column here: Reporting on 211, Driver’s Licenses, and the Seniors’ Community Grant

Here is a friendly reminder for those local seniors’ groups interested in a Seniors Community Grant: be sure to submit your applications before the August 7 deadline! If you have any questions on the Seniors Community Grant Program, please reach out to: seniorscommunitygrant@ontario.ca or call us toll free: 1-833-SCG-INFO (1-833-724-4636).

Enjoy the outdoors this holiday weekend -- and "let's get active." The objective of this community initiative is to get youth active in sports and recreational activities so that they will develop healthy lifelong habits regarding physical activity. Learn more about "Let's Get Active."

What physical activity are you planning today? Go swimming, ride a bike, take the dog for a long walk...Plan to enjoy getting out each day. If you need some ideas of what you can do to be active, here are some suggestions: 75-Day Summertime Challenge Checklist

Summer is proving to be very different this year. Many of us have had to rearrange our travel and holiday plans. We are all learning a lot more about "staycations."

Through the month of August I want to reintroduce to Kanata and West Carleton residents the beauty and the fun in our own backyards. I will post each day in my social media a staycation idea within our Kanata-Carleton community. Let's enjoy our local treasures and enjoy the remainder of the summer!

Please do not hesitate to connect. I am only a phone call or email away.

YOUR VOICE WITH THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT -- I am here to serve the residents of Kanata-Carleton when you need help with provincial programs and services:

if you need help with your driver’s licence, Ontario photo card, health card, birth certificate, name changes, or marriage certificate
if someone you know would like to receive a certificate for birthday, milestone anniversary, or congratulatory occasion
if you have a concern and wish to arrange a meeting or for me to visit your organization or place of business

My contact information is below - and it is also found on my website - MerrileeFullerton.ca.

Please Stay Connected

Visit the local Community Office Website or the Provincial Legislative Website.

Would you like to order a certificate: birthday wish, wedding anniversary,
congratulatory greeting or special occasion? Contact us here.

Contact us if you wish to request a meeting
or for MPP Fullerton to attend an event.

If you know someone who would like to begin receiving our newsletter,
have them contact us and fill out this online form.

Phone: 613-599-3000 | Email: merrilee.fullerton@pc.ola.org

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MPP for Kanata-Carleton · 240 Michael Cowpland Drive · Suite 100 · Kanata, On K2M1P6 · Canada