Dear Neighbour,
I hope you’ve had an excellent month. Summer is here and Simcoe-Grey is home to countless summertime destinatons! Enjoy!
I want to congratulate students throughout Simcoe-Grey on completing another school year. Also, a sincere thank you to all teachers, staff, EAs, and classroom volunteers for your passion and dedication in the classroom.
The month of June was filled with inspiring moments across the riding: community celebrations, milestone recognitions, and opportunities to connect with so many of you. These local interactions are not only meaningful, they’re essential. They ground the work I do at Queen’s Park and remind me of what matters most: the people and communities I represent.
My team and I are here, ready to listen and assist however we can. Your stories, concerns, and perspectives continue to shape my priorities and drive the work ahead. We’ve accomplished a great deal together so far this year, but there’s still more to do. I remain committed to building a stronger Simcoe-Grey, one that reflects our shared values, meets our growing needs, and continues to thrive. My office can be reached by email at brian.saunderson@pc.ola.org for any questions, concerns, or feedback.
Best wishes to you and your family!
Brian Saunderson Member of Provincial Parliament Simcoe-Grey
Celebrating Canada Day!
Simcoe-Grey was painted red and white on July 1 as we all celebrated Canada’s 158th birthday. It was a terrific day throughout our riding and I enjoyed chatting with constituents. The celebrations were filled with true north Canadian pride!
In anticipation of Canada Day, a large flag was installed at Queen’s Park in Toronto
I kicked the day off in Collingwood at the Pancake Breakfast courtesy of the Optimist Club of Collingwood & Southern Georgian Bay
I joined Mayor Scott Anderson, council, staff and residents at the festivities in the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio
Celebrating Canada Day in Angus with Mayor Sandie Macdonald, council, staff & residents in Essa Township
 
A beautiful blue sky and lots of smiling faces in Creemore
Joined MP Terry Dowdall, Mayor Yvonne Hamlin and others after the Repatriation Ceremony to help cut the huge cake in Downtown Collingwood, courtesy of Sue Nicholson and the BIA
Canada Day BBQ at Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 63 in Collingwood
Simcoe-Grey LTC homes receive more than $150,000
The Ontario Government is investing $154,723 in five local long-term care homes. It’s part of a $35 million plan to help residents with complex needs through the Local Priorities Fund (LPF).
This fund is designed to support programs that connect people with the right care for them, reducing emergency department visits and hospital stays.
This investment is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by ensuring long-term care residents get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve.
In Simcoe-Grey the following grants were issued:
Stayner Care Centre $10,800
Sunset Manor (pictured above) $29,595
Creedan Valley Community $32,909
Good Samaritan Nursing Home $38,261
Simcoe Manor $43,158
Helping long-term care residents with complex needs is one more way the province is taking action to meet the needs of Ontario’s aging population and their caregivers by improving and expanding supports for seniors living in long-term care, congregate settings and in the community.
New Fire Station Coming to Alliston
The Town of New Tecumseth celebrated the official groundbreaking of Fire Station 4 in Alliston. This new facility marks a significant investment in community safety and emergency preparedness for the area. Congratulations to all involved, including Fire Chief Dan Heydon and Mayor Richard Norcross. Construction is set to begin this summer, with completion anticipated in 2026.
Wasaga Beach Seniors Expo
The 7th Annual Seniors Information and Active Living Expo was held in June at the RecPlex in Wasaga Beach. It was jammed with vendors offering outstanding services and products geared towards the many seniors in the Wasaga Beach area. This event gets bigger and better each and every year. Our booth was one of more than 112 exhibitors and vendors. We were so pleased so many of you stopped by and entered our draw for an official Ontario flag. Thank you to everyone who took the time to meet Lisa and Ashley on our team!  
Georgian Triangle Humane Society Walk For Pets
What a day it was for pets and their people!
The 13th Annual Walk for Pets brought nearly 270 participants (plus countless furry friends!) to Harbourview Park in Collingwood for a fun-filled day in support of the Georgian Triangle Humane Society.
This beloved event is the GTHS’s largest annual fundraiser, helping sustain vital services — including the region’s only accessible animal hospital.Big news: Board Chair Monica Merz announced that construction on the long-awaited Regional Centre for Pets and People will begin next month!Huge thanks to the staff, volunteers, and community members who made this day such a success.
 
Exciting News for New Tecumseth!
I was pleased to announce a new Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) coming to Beeton — one of up to 100 new SALC programs opening across Ontario this year! These centres play a vital role in supporting the well-being, independence, and community engagement of older adults. Thank you to the Honourable Raymond Cho, MPP and Minister of Seniors and Accessibility, for joining me for this important announcement.
  
Ontario Investing $6.5 Million through Life Sciences Innovation Fund
The Ontario government is investing $6.5 million through the province’s Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF) to help 13 companies in the sector develop and launch made-in-Ontario medical technologies, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen Ontario’s position as a global leader in the industry. LSIF helps companies across the province capitalize on promising medical technologies and unlock new commercial opportunities.
Ontario is home to a thriving life sciences sector, employing more than 74,000 people in good-paying jobs across close to 2,000 companies, with annual exports exceeding $11.8 billion. Building on the success of the fund’s initial launch in 2022, the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, included a renewal of LSIF with an additional $15 million investment to be delivered over the next three years. Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian!
Friday June 27th marked the first-ever Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian Day, a new annual call to action launched by the Ontario government to rally behind Ontario workers, businesses and families.
Each year, the last Friday of June will be dedicated to reminding everyone to choose Ontario-made and Canadian-made goods, food and products to support our economy, protect Ontario jobs and keep communities strong.
Whether it’s Ontario produce, wine, lumber, destinations or manufacturing, Ontarians have access to world-class products and trusted local programs.
In the face of global instability and foreign tariffs, especially from the U.S., it’s more important than ever to stand up for Ontario businesses and protect what we’ve built.
This is more than just one day, it’s about making Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian a part of our everyday lives.
Meeting with Ontario Planners Institute
I had the opportunity to join Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing, Hon. Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London in a meeting with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute to hear their insights on streamlining key planning processes. including Official Plans and amendments.
It was a productive and engaging discussion, and I appreciated their thoughtful input on how we can improve efficiency while supporting responsible growth in our communities.
My Private Member’s Bill
I’m pleased to share that my Private Member’s Bill to proclaim the first full week of October each year as Ontario University Athletics Week has passed second reading unanimously and is now headed to the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Affairs for review.
If passed, Ontario will become the first jurisdiction in Canada to officially recognize and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our university athletes each year.
A heartfelt thank you to Gord Grace and the entire team at Ontario University Athletics (OUA) for their ongoing support and contributions to this initiative.
https://youtu.be/LXFNCx25QC8?si=iiSMhFwNcT4peZ6O
714 Wasaga Beach Air Cadets: Murray Whetung Award
Congratulations to Cadet Warrant Officer First Class Aeryn Quinn on receiving the Murray Whetung Community Service Award during the 714 Wasaga Beach Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron’s Annual Ceremonial Review on June 10, 2025.
This Provincial honour recognizes outstanding citizenship, volunteerism, and leadership – all values that Aeryn clearly embodies.
The award commemorates Murray Whetung, a WWII veteran and respected Anishinaabe elder from Curve Lake First Nation, whose lifelong dedication to service continues to inspire the next generation.
Well done, Aeryn. Your commitment to your community makes us all proud!
Tim’s at the Park!
I had the pleasure of meeting with Tim Hortons franchisees last week, including Collingwood’s own Jan Trude .
We had a great conversation about the opportunities and challenges facing rural Ontario, from staffing shortages to housing needs.
Thank you to all the local operators for your hard work and dedication to our communities!
Celebrations across Simcoe-Grey!
Motion Grand Opening in Collingwood. The team at Motion officially cut the ribbon on its new Collingwood office. Motion is a made in Canada business offering mobility and home accessibility solutions for clients of all ages.
MacLeod Highland Dance Studio. Owner Catherine MacLeod will be leading a group of 50 talented dancers. both children and adults, to Scotland this month to compete in a Highland dance competition and explore the country’s rich culture and history.
New Parliamentary Page. It was a pleasure to have lunch at the Legislative Dining Room with Parliamentary Page Calvin Huynh and his proud parents. Calvin and his family are from Alliston. and we’re so proud to see one of our own representing the community at Queen’s Park.
Foodland Ontario Awards. Congratulations to Thornbury’s Foodland store as well as Goldsmith’s Farm and Bakery. Both were recognized with a Foodland Ontario award.
These awards acknowledge their commitment to protecting Ontario farmers and the local food supply chain by promoting local food. The awards also recognize creative produce displays that showcase the bounty of Ontario’s local food industry. 
Happy 60th Anniversary to the Blue Mountains Chamber of Commerce!
I was pleased to present a congratulatory scroll to the Blue Mountains Chamber of Commerce in honour of their 60th Anniversary!
Treasurer Glenn Gatcliffe let me know that membership is on the rise, and there are many exciting projects in the works. Congratulations again! |