January and February were busy and exciting months for me.
I rang in the new year with my family and co-hosted my first New Year’s Levee with Rob Oliphant, M.P. It was great to see so many of you there.
Recently, I travelled around the province alongside other members from the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs (SCFEA) for pre-budget consultations, a chance for us to hear feedback about the issues that matter most to Ontarians.
I want to ensure that your voices are heard in the legislature, resulting in a budget that reflects the needs and interests of our communities. This means addressing the healthcare and mental health crises while ending underfunding of education and other important programs.
The Legislature sat again just after Family Day. I was proud to have debated my first private member’s bill, the Building Better Business Outcomes Act. If passed, the bill would have improved opportunities for marginalized communities while growing our economy. I was disappointed in the Government’s decision to vote down my bill; however, it will not stop my work to address the issues we see in our community and in our province.
I am looking forward to spending more time connecting with constituents in the coming weeks. Many of you may have received my first newsletter, giving an overview of my work in Don Valley West and at Queen’s Park. If you want to discuss any of that work in person, we will be hosting Town Halls and “Coffee with Stephanie” meetings over the next few weeks. Details for those are at the bottom of this letter.
As always, I encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have. Our team is always here to provide any help and support that we can. I look forward to getting in touch soon!
Wishing you all happiness and good health in 2023.
Bill 50: Building Better Business Outcomes Act
Before the holiday break, I introduced Bill 50, the Building Better Business Outcomes Act. This bill would have required publicly traded corporations to develop their plan to nominate women, people of colour, people with disability, and LGBTQ+ people to their board of directors. This has proven economic benefits, and other jurisdictions across the world are taking the lead and implementing these policies.
A task force appointed by this current government even recommended this policy, but they refused to implement it themselves. After introducing my bill, I spoke to members from all parties, and many MPPs in government told me they supported my policy. However, the entire government caucus voted against my bill.
I worked hard to show the government that this bill had the support of different communities and organizations around Ontario.
While it is unfortunate that the government refuses to support this legislation, as they claim to support a strengthened, diverse economy, I am happy to have brought more attention to this issue. I will continue to fight for it and a better Ontario for all.
Pre-Budget Consultations
Kenora, Ontario
The pre-budget consultation tour made its first stop in Kenora, where we heard perspectives and concerns from residents and stakeholders. Presentations were given by Kenora Chiefs Advisory Inc., the Mayors of Kenora, Dryden, and Red Lake, the Kenora Seniors Coalition, the Seven Generations Education Institute, and representatives of the timber industry.
The consultation highlighted pressing challenges for Kenora and the Northwest region, including a significant shortage of housing, high rates of drug use, a growing mental health crisis, the labour shortage, concerns about police resources, and funding challenges for social services. The community is waiting for the government to listen and respond to these challenges with action. It is imperative that the this government considers the results from the consultation and finally provides the funding needed to address these pressing issues.
Sudbury, Ontario and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
During the week of January 30th, SCFEA visited Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie to continue the pre-budget consultations in Northern Ontario. These communities echoed concerns from the previous consultations, including the need for increased investment in healthcare, housing, reconciliation with Indigenous partners, and more substantial efforts to address the opioid crisis.
One issue that stood out was the situation facing the Université de Sudbury. Following Laurentian University’s bankruptcy and termination of its relationship with the federated colleges, the Université de Sudbury has found it increasing difficult to maintain its French-language education for the Franco-Ontarian community.
The cuts at Laurentian and Université de Sudbury have forced many students to seek education elsewhere, often in the south. This increases the chance they will not return north, leading to further human resource challenges there.
While they have received federal support, the provincial government has yet to provide any assistance, despite the university’s important role in the north and for French education. This government needs to take action to provide quality educational opportunities for people in Northern Ontario to ensure the long-term sustainability of these communities.
Back at the Legislature
First Day Back
On February 21st, we returned back Queen’s Park following the winter break. My colleagues and I are committed to protecting the Greenbelt. We will continue to push for transparency from this government. They must answer why they are developing the Greenbelt when their own housing task force says it isn’t necessary.
Western University “Women in the House”
I had the pleasure to have Sofia and Lara from my Alma Mater, Western University, join me at Queen’s Park for “Women in House”; a day for students to shadow women MPPs at the legislature.
Toronto Metropolitan University’s “Women in the House”
On February 27th, students from TMU’s RU Women in House spent the day at Queen’s Park meeting with all three caucuses including my colleagues and me. We talked about our journey to becoming MPPs & our work here, including my Private Member’s Bill on diverse boards.
Dairy Farmers of Ontario
In January, I attended the Dairy Farmers of Ontario AGM. I talked with farmers, producers, board members, and folks from Farm Credit Canada about the industry and its plan for the future.
The meetings highlighted the impact of changing consumer habits and production costs in the face of inflation. Our Ontario dairy farmers work hard to produce high-quality food for the people of Ontario. That shone through during the AGM – I am glad I could be there to talk to them firsthand about their work and see their commitment to keeping this industry thriving.
ROMA
At ROMA (Rural Ontario Municipal Association), participants addressed the challenges created by Bill 23 in reducing the revenue they have for infrastructure. They spoke of the need for accelerating investment in digital infrastructure to support rural communities and businesses, and the pressing issue of affordable housing in rural areas.
The labour force and the availability of services in rural areas were also identified as critical areas of concern. The discussions were enriched by compelling and thought-provoking remarks from Jesse Wente, a well-regarded Ojibwe activist and public speaker who emphasized the importance of accepting Canada’s truth with respect to Indigenous Peoples, in order to advance reconciliation.
The discussions at ROMA highlighted the importance of working together to find solutions to the complex issues facing rural Ontario.
Hands off the Greenbelt Rally
I joined with protesters for the Hands off the Greenbelt rally outside of Queen’s Park on February 25th, as we stood in support of protection for our Greenbelt.
The people of Ontario showed how united they were at the rally, and I will continue to work with my colleagues and across party lines to stop this government’s efforts to give the Greenbelt to developers.
Community Events
Left to right: Netralaya Lions Club Winter clothes Drive, Lunar New Year Celebration with Bayview York mills Chinese Community, and Thorncliffe-Flemingdon Community Leadership Forum.