November Newsletter
Alliston Legion & Ladies Auxiliary hosts Appreciation Dinner for First Responders!
The evening paid tribute to and gave thanks to the Nottawasaga OPP, New Tecumseth Fire & Rescue, County of Simcoe Paramedics, Alliston & South Simcoe Healthcare Providers, Hospital Staff Nurses, PSW’s, LTC and Nursing Home Staff, Medical Suppliers and so many more. Thank you for all that you do and have done!
Small Business Week 2024
I was pleased to help celebrate the ambition, entrepreneurial spirit and determination of small business owners and their businesses across Simcoe-Grey. Ontario’s more than 400,000 small businesses are the backbone of our communities, employing more than 2 million Ontarians. Here’s a video that features some of the small businesses I was able to honour and recognize this past year.
Fall Economic Statement
Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy recently released the 2024 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: Building Ontario for You.
Our government continues to take a fiscally responsible approach towards building the critical infrastructure our growing communities need, reducing gridlock, and making life more affordable by keeping taxes low and putting more money back in your pocket.
If passed, our government’s plan reduces the deficit and retains a path to balance the budget by 2026–27,even with uncertain global economic conditions and other headwinds beyond the government’s control.
Compared to the 2024 Budget, Ontario is also projected to see both stronger growth in real GDP and employment in 2024.
Discussion with Simcoe-Grey Cideries
Our friends at Spy Cider House and Distillery provided the venue for me to host a round-table discussion with representatives from four Simcoe-Grey cider producers, and representatives from the Ontario Craft Cider Association and DrinkON.
It was a terrific meeting. We know the Cider industry is a growing and vibrant part of Simcoe-Grey’s economy. It employs hundreds, while attracting national and international attention to the region.
We talked about the impacts of the recent expansion of sales into convenience stores and the opportunities and the challenges facing the cider sector. Currently the taxation framework is a barrier for the cider sector, which is taxed at the same levels as wine.
We discussed the recent announcement that our Government is investing up to $6 million in the Ontario Craft Cider Marketing Fund to help provincial craft cideries market their products to more consumers and stimulate growth across the sector. We discussed how that money could be best spent in hopes of expanding Simcoe-Grey’s cider sector globally. Cheers !!
Fall Legislative Sitting Underway
It was a very busy summer in Simcoe-Grey. On my first day back, I rose in the legislature to deliver my member statement which highlighted the critical and unprecedented amount of funding that is flowing to Simcoe-Grey. I was proud to announce funding for new schools, critical infrastructure, a hospital expansion and more. Click on the video below to watch my member statement for more details.
Meet Simcoe-Grey Olympian Karl Slezak!
It was an honour to have local Olympian Karl Slezak visit my Alliston office.
Karl proudly represented Canada in the Equestrian event, participating in both Eventing Individual and Team this past summer in Paris.
Next up, Los Angeles 2028!
Congratulations to Lisa Ogbole!
Congratulations to Lisa Ogbole, the owner of Imani’s Place in New Tecumseth. She has been recognized as a 2024 honouree among 100 accomplished Black Canadian women. Imani’s Place is the first Black-led transitional home for the BIPOC Community in Canada. Thank you all for the support you provide to so many.
Tricks & Treats as “Scary” Simcoe-Grey celebrated Halloween!
It was nice to see that across the riding, many got into the Halloween spirit this year!
Marsh Street Centre receives OTF grant
The Marsh Street Centre in Clarksburg received a Resilient Communities Fund grant of $52,300. The funds will be used to rebuild and recover from impacts of COVID-19. From art class to music lessons to live shows, there is so much for so many here!
What’s happening in Simcoe-Grey?
There are many great events coming up across Simcoe-Grey. Find one near you:
Town of the Blue Mountains – https://www.thebluemountains.ca/recreation-culture/community-events-calendar
Town of Collingwood – https://www.collingwood.ca/events
Town of Wasaga Beach – https://www.wasagabeach.com/en/explore-and-discover/events-and-festivals.aspx
Clearview Township – https://www.clearview.ca/news-events-meetings/events-calendar
Essa Township – https://www.essatownship.on.ca/play-explore/recreation-programs-events/community-events/
Town of New Tecumseth – https://www.newtecumseth.ca/en/parks-recreation-and-culture/events.aspx
Township of Adjala-Tosorontio – https://calendar.adjtos.ca/default/Month