October 2020 MPP Report from Merrilee Fullerton

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MPP Report ~ October 2020

My newsletter this month provides helpful background information and links to Ontario Government programs and services. It also provides the details of our community's Remembrance Day Services.

Each year I am honored to take part in local Remembrance Day activities. I have always had a reverence for those who came before us and fought for our freedom and democracy. The men and women who served deserve our respect for their willingness to defend their beliefs in the times when they were being challenged. Similarly, we must thank the Canadian Forces personnel who today serve around the world for their steadfast commitment to our country. It is so important that we continue to recognize and value the tremendous costs of our peace and freedom. For these significant reasons, November 11th is one day to pause and be grateful.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the ending of World War II, a horrific global conflict that exacted a heavy toll on mankind. More than one million Canadians served and of those approximately 42,000 were killed and another 55,000 wounded.

Please wear a poppy to honour of and respect for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives for our liberties. On November 11th, please take a moment. Lest we forget.

If I can be of any assistance, or you just wish to discuss an issue or a community matter, please connect with my Community Office. Stay in touch,

P.S. - Wondering about what needs to be considered regarding Halloween this year? Here are details from Ottawa Public Health on being HalloWise on Saturday.

The photos above and below are from the last year's Remembrance Day services with our local Legions. As your Member of Provincial Parliament I am honored to take part in our community’s annual activities each November 11th. This year, the Remembrance Day ceremonies will be restricted due to COVID-19. Here are the details of the local events:

Kanata Legion Branch 638 will have wreaths laid at Village Green Memorial Park Cenotaph (and will have a virtual service on Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. at www.stpaulshk.org/webcast)
In Carp, there will be wreaths laid at the Cenotaph and this will be streamed on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WCWarMemorial
West Carleton Legion Branch 616 will host a service for Branch executive members on Nov. 7
The 2020 National Remembrance Ceremony is streaming live from the National War Memorial at 10:45 a.m. on Nov. 11 – more information about the telecast at www.legion.ca.

I encourage everyone to reach out to our Legions and let them know of your continued support.

At this time of year Canadians proudly wear their poppies to honour our country's veterans and those who sacrificed their lives for the liberty and freedoms that we enjoy. Learn about the history of the poppy and our tradition of wearing the flower as a sign of respect for those who served: The Poppy.

Take a moment to learn more about the Royal Canadian Legion: Importance of Remembrance.

The above photo captures what is a typical day for me when I am at the Community Office. I spend a good portion of my days and evenings on the phone or exchanging emails with residents of Kanata and West Carleton. There have been a few occasions this past month when a constituent meets with me at the office.

My constituency staff and I are pleased to respond to your concerns about health, business, and the community as well as to provide information about provincial programs and services.

Recently I reached out to our community’s business association to discuss the local economy. I spoke with representatives from the Kanata-North Business Association, the Carp BIA, Kanata Central BIA, and the Ottawa Board of Trade. I also had productive teleconference meetings with Kanata North City Councillor Jenna Sudds and Kanata South City Councillor Allan Hubley.

For local businesses looking for support from Provincial programs and services, learn about the details of what is available for your business as it recovers from COVID-19 disruptions. INFO: Help for Businesses in Ontario

PLEASE THINK LOCAL... A new poll says Canadians intend to spend 66% of their holiday budgets online with sites like Amazon or at big box stores. Only one-third plan on going to small, independent businesses.

I encourage everyone to please support local businesses. Make a conscious effort to buy local, shop in Kanata and West Carleton stores, and conduct your business within the Ottawa business community. When you buy from our community's business owners and their employees, you are supporting our friends and neighbours.

This year 1 in 7 Canadians are experiencing food insecurities according to a new study by Canadian Food Centres Canada. This alarming fact serves as a reminder of how important our local food banks are in our community. In Kanata-Carleton we have two food banks that support residents: West Carleton Food Access Centre and the Kanata Food Cupboard.

On October 14th I was pleased to meet with Cindy Manor to talk about the latest news about Ottawa's Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre. The Centre's mission is to provide youth and families in need with integrated, evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment, delivered by competent professionals within a caring and compassionate environment. It's a safe place for a fresh start.

Has your driver's license or health card expired? Until further notice you can continue to use your expired cards. 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.

The Ontario Government has made a series of special announcements through the summer to improve the Province’s long-term care system. Recently it announced an investment of over half-a-billion dollars to support the preparedness of our long-term care homes in Ontario. This is an unprecedented investment that will provide much needed support to long-term care through the next phase of COVID-19. Read more here: Ontario providing over $500,000,000 to protect vulnerable seniors against second wave of COVID-19.

You can stay up to date with the latest news regarding the Ministry of Long-Term Care here.

Here are a few more significant announcements recently made by the Ontario Government.

The Province is investing $52.5 million to recruit and support health care workers and caregivers. This will help ensure the health care system can meet a potential surge in demand, while continuing to provide safe and high-quality care to patients.
Ontario is investing up to $461 million to temporarily increase wages for eligible PSWs and direct support workers to attract and retain the workforce needed to care for patients, clients and residents in response to the pandemic.
Ontario is investing $741 million to help clear the backlog of surgeries and build more capacity in the health care system to effectively manage surges and outbreaks in COVID-19 cases.
Ontario is hiring up to 600 more recruits as Contact Tracers and Case Managers across the Province.

The health and well-being of Ontarians remain a top priority for the Premier and all MPPs. On a daily basis Ontarians are updated on the latest health and government services. Stay informed of COVID-19 news from the Ontario Government. You may also wish to reference my Information and Resources Page on the MPP website for important phone numbers and online contact coordinates respecting COVID-19 information and services in our community.

Please visit the news pages on my MPP website to stay up-to-date on provincial news, programs and services. Visit: https://www.merrileefullerton.ca/news.

If you did not see last month's newsletter, you can click here: September 2020 MPP Report.

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