December 2021 MPP Report from Merrilee Fullerton

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MPP Report ~ December 2021

I am writing this newsletter just as the Ontario Government had to implement new health and safety measures to respond to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. At a time when we were looking forward to holiday gatherings with family and friends, this troubling turn of events is reminding us that we are not yet done with COVID-19.

The Ontario Government has immediately enacted new measures which you can read about below. We can all do our part by getting a booster shot, which will lessen the effects of the virus should you come into contact with it, and give you a better chance to avoid getting seriously ill and possible hospitalization. Please book your appointment and help eligible loved ones book theirs as well at Ontario.Ca/BookVaccine or call 1-833-943-3900.

The photo was taken at the Glen Cairn community tree lighting ceremony. I have always found that this is a very special time of year. In spite of the challenges the world is facing with COVID-19, we must continue to find ways to celebrate through the holiday season. Enjoy the moments you share with your loved ones. Take the time to reach out -- phone, zoom, email, or send a note -- and connect with your family and people who make a difference in your life.

My Christmas Wish to You and Yours

From my family to yours, I want to wish you all the best through the holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please stay safe and healthy – and please stay in touch,

To protect Ontarians, there are new measures announced to combat the Omicron variant

To protect against COVID-19 and safeguard the province’s hospitals and intensive care units with the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant, the Ontario government is immediately accelerating its booster dose rollout by expanding eligibility to all individuals aged 18 and over, as well as shortening the interval between shots to three months after an individual’s second dose. Read more here: All Ontarians aged 18 and over are eligible for a COVID-19 booster after only an interval of three months following their second dose.

Starting Monday, December 20, 2021, individuals aged 18 and over will be eligible to schedule and appointment for their booster dose. Additionally, pharmacies and other channels may provide boosters to people aged 18 and over at the three-month interval. If you are eligible for a booster or need a first or second dose, book your appointment as soon as possible. Here is how to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Learn more about the additional measures being implemented in Ontario to slow the spread of Omicron as the province accelerates its rollout of booster doses. Here is how the Ontario Government is further strengthening its response to Omicron.

Also, Ontario is providing free COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) during the holiday season. There will be a holiday schedule for pop-up RATs (RATs are for non-symptomatic people, if you have symptoms, go to an assessment centre.). Find out when and where you can access a free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests during the holiday season.

Here are some COVID-related information links:
The Provincial Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term
Access your vaccination receipt
FAQs about using your vaccination receipt
Support and resources for business

If you have yet to get your shot… being vaccinated is the best protection possible.
Book your appointment
Pharmacy Finder

This month I released a Fall 2021 Update Report for businesses and residences in Kanata and West Carleton that details the progress being made with the “Kanata-Carleton’s High Tech and Business Initiative.”

In Spring 2019, I published a set of strategic objectives for fostering sustainability and prosperity in our business community. I identified four pillars of collaboration with the business leaders: 1) Profiling the Kanata North Footprint, 2) Attracting Venture Capital, 3) Strengthening Networks with the Education Community, 4) Extending Broadband, Internet and Cell Services.

Since the initiative was made public in 2019, the pandemic has impacted business around the world. My Fall 2021 Update Report identifies how the Ontario government is responding to the needs of our local business community. It reviews local news from the Premier’s announcement regarding the Ontario government's support for Hub350 (photo above) to meetings with Sonya Shorey of Invest Ottawa regarding latest business developments in our community and the exciting work of entrepreneurs at Bayview Yards (below).

The Fall 2021 Update Report ~
Kanata-Carleton’s High Tech and Business Initiative

Direct link to report:
merrileefullerton.ca/kanata_carleto
MPP media release:
merrileefullerton.ca/mpp_fullerton_

The Minister of Digital Government visited Kanata twice in the last month. This photo was taken while the minister was visiting the Hub350 facilities to speak at a Kanata-Carleton business breakfast. The minister discussed the support the Ontario Government has provided for the technology sector.

This month the Minister of Small Business & Red Tape Reduction also toured and spoke with business leaders in the Kanata tech park. The minister had a good discussion with Kanata North Business Association President Jamie Petten as well as representatives from Carleton University and the University of Ottawa.

I recently had the pleasure of dropping into the grand opening of Kettlemans on Eagleson Road in Kanata South to congratulate Craig Buckley, owner and founder of this Ottawa landmark business. It is wonderful to have Kettlemans in Kanata!

I was also pleased to drop into a new fitness centre in the community. Power Muscle & Fitness – at the corner of March Road and Terry Fox Drive opened its doors on December 6th. Congratulations to Kevin Ling on his new business!

If you wish to request a meeting or for me to attend an event connect with my Community Office. I would be pleased to discuss issues of concern or to tour your facilities.

Shop Local and Support Our Community Throughout the Holiday Season

In the weeks ahead, when purchasing goods online, please shop local. On my website I have made available a helpful series of links of local retail indexes for consumers wishing to shop local. The links can be found here: Shop Local and Support Our Community Through the Holiday Season

Also, the Ontario government has produced an online resource “The Holiday Gift Guide” to make it easier for shoppers to identify and purchase Ontario-manufactured products.

While in Ottawa, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions made a stop in Kanata-Carleton to tour and speak with the staff of the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre – a community-based agency that supports youth in achieving a healthier lifestyle. Thank you minister for taking the time to meet and discuss the good work at the Centre.

My MPP "Let's Get Active" awareness campaign profiles the health benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle. In Kanata and West Carleton I will be promoting staying physically active through the winter months. The awareness campaign is aimed at all ages, but will include a special outreach to encourage seniors to begin a walking routine. Here is the media release:
MPP Fullerton: “Get outdoors and take a daily walk”

For seniors who do not like the cold, consider taking part in an exercise and falls prevention program. Exercise can help seniors stay safe, healthy, active, and mobile. If you are 65 years old or older, you can join fall prevention and exercise classes offered free of charge in your community. Read more about this free service provided by the Ontario Government: Exercise and Falls Prevention Programs

Here is a link to our local Champlain Health Unit and programs in our City: LOCAL INFO

Through the upcoming weeks and into the New Year, please consider donating to charities that are helping those in need in our community.

I have been highlighting local charities and their good work on my MPP website and in social media through the month of December. I believe that the charity and generosity demonstrated each December brings out the best in ourselves and our community.

I am pleased to highlight local volunteer efforts on an ongoing basis on my website and Facebook and Twitter platforms. If you know of a volunteer group or community initiative that would like to be promoted on my MPP volunteer webpage, please contact my Community Office and let me know the details.

This is part of my MPP's commitment within Kanata-Carleton Community Volunteer Initiative. Read the July 8, 2019 media release and MPP Fullerton's comments at the time I launched the volunteer initiative.

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 the MPP news section here: https://www.merrileefullerton.ca/news.

If you have missed one of my monthly newsletters, you can access an index of the MPP Report here: MPP Merrilee Fulllerton's Monthly Newsletters

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 would like to arrange a meeting or have me 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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