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MPP Report ~ January 2021
 In this first newsletter of 2021 you will find details and links to information about our community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The good news is that, as of this week, 200,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across the Province. In the City of Ottawa, residents in our long-term care homes and their essential caregivers have received one dose of vaccine. We continue to ramp up our capacity and we are ready to administer more doses as soon as we receive them.
Having now established Ontario’s vaccination plan, the Government can ensure everyone will be able to receive their vaccination as soon as enough doses are made available and delivered to the Province. You can follow the progress of the vaccination efforts on this Ontario Government webpage: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-ontario
Regarding local contacts, visit my website for phone numbers and online links to health care services in our community. Here is a direct link to the MPP Information and Resources Page.
You can be assured that the health and well-being of Ontarians remain a top priority for the Premier and all MPPs. Please share this newsletter with all who wish to be updated about local COVID-19 news.
Stay well and please stay in touch,
P.S. - Stay informed of COVID-19 news from the Ontario Government.
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Much of my day is on the phone and in front of my computer, working with my staff in Toronto and at the Community Office. We are assisting individuals with health or economic issues and we help access government programs and services for residents who require them.
I find that phone calls and Zoom meetings are not the same as in-person meetings! Still, I am thankful technology allows me to stay connected with residents of Kanata and West Carleton. I encourage you to reach out if I can be of any assistance or if you wish to discuss an issue or community news.
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This week I attended the Rural Ontario Municipal Association annual meetings and was pleased to discuss priorities with the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus. The caucus noted the pandemic has shed light on the long-term care sector and the need to address certain longstanding systemic issues. I was pleased to provide an update on the recent government investments in long-term care homes and staffing. It was also good to participate in the discussion concerning broadband infrastructure in eastern Ontario's rural communities.
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Earlier this month I was with the Premier and Health Minister to discuss with Retired General Rick Hillier the provincial vaccine implementation plan. Much of the discussion focused on vaccinating residents of long-term care homes. More information here: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/59871/ontario-accelerates-covid-19-vaccinations-for-long-term-care-homes-in-priority-regions
A big thank you is extended to frontline staff and all the health partners who are part of the vaccine rollout. In Ottawa, our paramedics helped administer vaccines to residents, staff members, and essential care givers at six long-term care homes. By working collaboratively our health care agencies are making a huge difference in efficiently administering the vaccine doses when they become available.
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With Ontario’s vaccination implementation plan, the Province reached a key milestone – ahead of schedule – when it completed the first round of vaccinations in all long-term care homes in the priority designated regions. As of January 19th more than 40 percent of all long-term care homes across the Province have had an opportunity to receive the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 83,000 long-term care residents, staff and essential caregivers have been vaccinated.
More information on this remarkable milestone:
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/60011/ontario-achieves-key-milestone-with-vaccinations-in-long-term-care
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In Ottawa, the Ontario Government is providing $2.4 million to train up to 300 personal support workers for positions in our community’s long-term care homes. This investment supports a pilot scholarship program delivered in partnership with Willis College. Training is being offered at no cost to accepted applicants. More information: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/60060/ontario-launches-pilot-program-to-train-personal-support-workers
This Ottawa initiative is part of the Province's historic long-term care staffing plan released in December 2020. I recently met with the Ontario Personal Support Workers Association to discuss the Province’s vaccine rollout as well as training issues (photo above).
Thank you to OPSWA (representing 40,000 PSWs) for our informative exchange. And to all PSWs, thank you for your commitment and service in caring for Ontario’s most vulnerable.
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The City of Ottawa has received an additional $34,269,000 support funding from the Provincial Government. This is discretionary funding that will be used to offset operating costs during the pandemic and to ensure the City does not carry an operating deficit into 2021. The money will enable our community to continue delivering the core municipal services such as transit and social services. More information on the provincial funding: https://www.merrileefullerton.ca/local_mpps_announce_more_financial_relief_for_ottawa
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Small businesses and retailers are the heart and soul of our local economy. The Ontario Small Business Support Grant helps eligible businesses that are restricting operations because of the pandemic. A business can receive a minimum of $10,000 and up to $20,000 to help with costs of PPEs and protective equipment, property taxes, energy bills, or extra support if the business had to restrict services because of public health measures. Click here for more information about these grants.
Local businesses stay informed of the assistance that is available. Check the information here: Businesses: Get help with COVID-19 costs
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My office continues to promote a “Shop Local” campaign to encourage all residents to buy goods and services within our community. The awareness campaign reminds us that shopping at local retail stores provides employment for Kanata and West Carleton people, helps to carry the expenses of the store, and ensures our money remains in the community. When you buy from our community's business owners and their employees you are supporting our friends and neighbours.
(This photo is from a December meeting with Carp BIA President Jennifer Stewart. We discussed news on the local business scene.)
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A study by the Canadian Food Centres Canada found that 1 in 7 Canadians are experiencing food insecurities. No doubt our community is like others -- we have households who need support. Through the winter months, please consider donating to our local food banks and community charities.
(This photo was taken before Christmas when I was briefed by the workers at the Kanata Food Cupboard.)
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Stay connected and stay informed. Make it a habit to visit the news pages on my MPP website to get the latest details on provincial news, programs and services that impact our Kanata-Carleton community. Visit: https://www.merrileefullerton.ca/news.
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