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The Legislature was called back last month to begin the 44th session of Parliament. One of our first duties was to choose a new speaker. The members of Ontario’s Legislature selected Donna Skelly, MPP, as the province’s first female Speaker. It’s a milestone to be certain. Speaker Skelly has represented the Hamilton-area riding of Flamborough-Glanbrook since 2018 and has served as a Deputy-Speaker. Congratulations Donna! |
| New Parliamentary Assistant Roles |
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| I am pleased to have been appointed as a Parliamentary Assistant for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing, supporting Minister Rob Flack, MPP, and Associate Minister Graydon Smith, MPP. Along with my colleagues PA Matthew Rae, MPP, and PA Laura Smith, MPP, our team will continue to provide municipalities with the resources they need to cut more red tape and put more shovels in the ground. |
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| I am also honoured to have been re-appointed as a Parliamentary Assistant for the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade, supporting Minister Vic Fedeli, MPP. Together with my colleagues, PA Tyler Allsopp, MPP, and PA Stephane Sarrazin, MPP, we will work together to grow Ontario’s economy and create more opportunities for people across the province. |
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| Tearing Down Internal Trade Barriers |
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| Our government is introducing the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act to unlock free trade and labour mobility within Canada. If passed, this legislation will create new opportunities for job creation and investment attraction, supporting economic integration across Canada and cutting costly and unnecessary red tape to help protect and grow here at home and across Ontario and Canada. |
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| Associate Minister of Small Business Nina Tangri, MPP, tours SaunaRay |
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| It was a pleasure to welcome the Associate Minister of Small Business Nina Tangri, MPP, to Simcoe-Grey. We met with Collingwood’s Rodney Palmer of SaunaRay and discussed the importance of homegrown commerce, buying local and supporting Ontario businesses. |
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| Nottawasaga OPP “Coffee with a Cop” |
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| Thank you to the hardworking officers of the Nottawasaga OPP detachment who hosted a meet and greet in Angus. It was a great opportunity for residents to meet the officers, ask questions and discuss issues in the community. |
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| Gas Tax Funding Allotted forSimcoe-Grey! |
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The provincial government has invested over $840,000 in transit for 5 local municipalities to give people more ways to connect with work, school and the people and places that matter most to them.
This is on top of the $1,476,985 in funding that was provided to support public transit operated by the County of Simcoe. Provincial Gas Tax Funding can be used to expand service hours, increase routes, purchase new vehicles and improve accessibility to increase transit ridership. |
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| Annual BIA Conference comes toThe Blue Mountains |
| Congratulations to Sue Nicholson and the team at the Downtown Collingwood BIA for hosting 2025 Annual BIA Conference in The Blue Mountains. The event was well attended, with over 300 delegates taking part.There has never been a more important time to support local businesses. |
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| It was exciting to hear what the Downtown Collingwood BIA has in store to continue to attract and promote shoppers and local businesses. |
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| Theatre Collingwood receivesOTF Seed Grant |
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| I was pleased to announce and congratulate Theatre Collingwood on receiving a $41,800 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Seed stream. The funding will be used to develop their Changemakers Project, which is an opportunity for new playwrights to create works highlighting the Change Makers in our world. Thank you to Dave West Photography for the photo. |
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| Celebrations Across Simcoe-Grey |
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Congratulations to Mary-Ann Biersteker (left) and the team at The UPS Store in Collingwood on your 15th Anniversary!
Also, congratulations to Team Froud (right) of the Alliston Curling Club. The team was presented with its World Senior Curling Champions banner. |
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Congratulations to Divyang Danak (left) and the team at the newest location of Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill in Collingwood. Best of luck, and cheers!
Also, congratulations to the dedicated team behind the Second Tracks program! It introduced 100 youth to the exciting sports of skiing and snowboarding. John Mealey of North Shore Ltd in Collingwood (right) was supported by Blue Mountain Resort and YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. |
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Congratulations to the team (left) at Collingwood’s Side Launch Brewing Company on their 10th Anniversary. For a decade the facility has been home to unique craft beer, great music and community events.
I’m also thrilled to congratulate the caring and compassionate staff and volunteers (right) of Hospice Georgian Triangle on the 10th Anniversary of Campbell House. You provide such an important service to the community.
Congratulations to the team at The Tipsy Fox in Alliston (below). The Canadian-owned chain has selected New Tecumseth and area as the home of its newest pub and grill. Best of luck, and welcome to Simcoe-Grey! |
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| Habitat for Humanity Huronia Celebrates 30 Remarkable Years! |
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| Congratulations to Habitat for Humanity Huronia on its 30th Anniversary. The team is about to finish its 67th home in this area. My thanks to all the volunteers who made this happen, and to Clearview Township which donated the land. |
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| Smile everyone!The 2025 Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign got underway in Alliston. This year, proceeds will benefit the Matthews House Hospice Foundation and Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation. I look forward to helping to decorate Smile Cookies next month in Collingwood & Alliston. |
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| OLG Issues Fourth Quarter Revenue Payment of $308,873 to Wasaga Beach |
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| Mental Health Week 2025 |
| Living with a mental health or substance use challenge is hard enough; masking can make it even harder. Living with mental health challenges often forces people to hide behind a “mask” to protect themselves from judgment and discrimination.This May 5-11, I’m encouraging people across Canada to look beyond the surface and see the whole person. In doing so, we can create a ripple effect of courage and understanding across the country. |
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| Blue Mountain Film & Media Festival Receives OCAF Grant |
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| The Ontario government, through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund is supporting the Blue Mountain Village Association to develop, promote and present The 2025 Blue Mountain Film + Media Festival with a $30,000 grant.Movie-goers will get a chance to see films that feature breathtaking landscapes to gripping performances. This year’s lineup brings bold visions to the screen. |
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| Essa Historical Society |
| Thank you to the dedicated members and volunteers of the Essa Historical Society who meet each month at the Utopia Hall to preserve the past and shape the future. For almost a half century, this group has been educating residents about Essa Township and its communities. Thank you for the terrific service you all provide! |
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