If you require immediate assistance, please email us at jfraser.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org or call us at 613-736-9573.
Congratulations to all the 2025 graduating students! We wish you and your families a fun and safe summer!
Canada Day is getting closer!
Our office has limited quantities of free bilingual lawn signs to give out to display your Canadian pride. If you would like one for your lawn or your window, stop by our office to pick one up. We can also deliver one to you.
Don’t forget to shop local!
June 7th – I was pleased to attend the Christie Lake Kids “Canoe for Kids” event.
June 10 – I was happy to attend the Perley Health Foundation’s annual Strawberry Social.
June 11 – I had the pleasure of speaking with Steve Paikin on his podcast “The Agenda”
If you are interested in watching, the video can be found here: Do Politicians at Queen’s Park Really Hate Each other? | TVO Today
June 12 – I had a blast spending time with students, parents, and staff at the École Marie-Curie BBQ!
The Legislative Assembly rose last week. Although I am looking forward to spending more time in Ottawa South, serving the community and hearing your point of view, I don’t think the Legislative Assembly should be adjourned for almost five months. There are pressing issues regarding affordability, healthcare and education that we should be debating. I will continue to work hard to fight for those things that matter most to residents of Ottawa South.
Some highlights of the last few weeks include:
The Ford Government pushing through 10 bills to Royal Assent, despite strong pushback from the public.
At least 2 midnight sittings, where I and the Liberal Caucus brought forth amendments and debated some of these contentious bills.
MPP Ted Hsu added 4000 amendments to Bill 5 in an effort to give the public more time to raise their voices, and more time for the government to fix their mistakes.
The Ford Government ended the session early, giving MPPs only 7 sitting weeks to ask the tough questions and hold the government accountable.
The government also announced that the house wouldn’t resume sitting until October 20th, much later than usual.
Bill 5 is unfair, unjust, and undemocratic! The fight isn’t over, it is only just beginning.
The Premier finally decided to attend Question Period and respond to my questions about Bill 5 (middle of video). I also asked the government, that in light of too many people having lost their lives to Opioids, when will they finally do something about it?
Celebrate Father’s Day Weekend in Ontario with Free Fishing
Each year, approximately 150 Grade 7 & 8 students from across Ontario are selected to participate in Ontario’s Legislative Page Program. The program is designed for outgoing, high-achieving, community-involved students who have demonstrated responsibility and leadership. Legislative Pages support the functions of the House, meet key parliamentary figures, and learn first-hand about Ontario’s Parliament and the legislative process.
Page applications are accepted online twice yearly:
April 15 to June 15
and
September 15 to November 15
Check out our website at https://www.ola.org/
Upcoming Grant Opportunities
Seed grant stream
Application Deadline: August 20, 2025 at 5 PM ET
Learn more about the Seed Grant
Grow grant stream
Application Deadline: November 5, 2025 at 5 PM ET
Learn more about the Grow Grant
Youth Opportunities Fund
Youth and Family Innovations grant
Application Deadline: July 9, 2025 at 5 PM ET
Learn more about the Youth Opportunities Fund
Asthma Canada: Here are our 6 top tips for staying safe during wildfire season:
1. Stay informed:
Keep track of local air quality updates and wildfire information from reliable sources like Environment Canada, The Weather Network, and the Government of Canada.
2. Have an updated Asthma Action Plan:
Your plan should outline steps to take in case of worsening asthma symptoms or emergencies.
3. Limit outdoor activities:
Stay indoors as much as possible. Avoid physical exertion and exercising outdoors during peak pollution periods. If going outside is necessary:
· Wear a well-fitted N95 respirator mask
· Keep your reliever inhaler with you
· When driving, close windows and vents and set your AC to “recirculate”
4. Use air purifiers and filters in your home:
Use HEPA air purifiers and keep windows and doors closed. Set your AC to recirculation mode and avoid indoor air pollutants like smoking or strong chemicals.
5. Take your medications as prescribed:
Make sure you have all necessary asthma medications and supplies ready. Follow your treatment plan, and consult your healthcare provider if adjustments are needed due to poor air quality.
6. Stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of fluids to keep your airways moist and help reduce symptoms.
211 is completely free, confidential and calls are answered 24/7 in 150+ languages. If you prefer, you can also text the number 2-1-1 or use the online chat at 211ontario.ca Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m
When everyday people step forward to make a lifesaving connection, the impact is significant Lives are changed. Lives are saved.
Book now at Blood.ca
More than 90% of Ontarians are in favour of organ donation.
However, only one in three Ontarians have registered their consent to donate. It only takes two minutes to register…
BeADonor.ca is the simple, electronic and quick way for you to register your consent for organ and tissue donation. It only takes a moment to register with results that will be long-lasting and positive. Register today.
__
In an innovative new collaboration between Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) and the provincial and federal governments, millions of Ontarians will be one step closer to saving and improving lives.
Through this initiative, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has included a question to the federal annual income tax return that allows Ontario taxpayers to indicate their interest in receiving information about organ and tissue donation and transplantation. The question will appear on tax forms each year moving forward, with the goal of raising awareness and increasing donor registrations.
As a result of this initiative, this fall, over 2.1 million Ontario taxpayers who expressed interest will receive an email from TGLN with information about how to register as a potential donor.
Learn more about organ and tissue donation and transplantation and take 2 minutes to change someone’s life by visiting beadonor.ca.
What to do with your old and tattered Canada or provincial flags?
As part of our national initiative, Under the Maple Leaf – Respecting the Canadian Flag, we are collecting tattered, faded, or damaged Canadian, provincial, and territorial flags that are ready to be retired with dignity.
The Canadian flag is more than a symbol — it represents our values, our shared history, and the sacrifices made to protect our country. When a flag becomes worn or unfit to fly, it deserves to be retired with the same respect with which it was raised. Disposing of flags improperly — in garbage bins or recycling — is not only disrespectful, it disconnects us from the national pride they represent.
To ensure these flags are honoured properly, Beechwood will host a formal sunset ceremony on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, where they will be respectfully cremated. This event will include a solemn procession, the raising of a new Maple Leaf, and participation from the RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces, and Members of Parliament.
If you or the VAC network have any flags that are ready for retirement, we would be honoured to receive them and ensure they are laid to rest with the dignity they deserve.
Please send or deliver retired flags to:
Beechwood Cemetery Foundation
Attn: Under the Maple Leaf
280 Beechwood Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1L 8A6
More information is available here:
https://www.beechwoodottawa.ca/en/foundation/under-maple-leaf-respecting-canadian-flag
Primary Care for Older Adults: An Urgent Need
Margaret Tansey, Chair Seniors Health Innovations Hub, in concert with Shawn Menard, Councillor Capital Ward, are inviting you to a Forum “Primary Care for Older Adults: An Urgent Need”. This free event will be held on Wednesday June 18, 6-8PM, online and in person, at Southminster United Church (accessible), 15 Aylmer Avenue at Bank Street.
Our goal is to build awareness of the crisis in primary health care for older adults, to share related advocacy approaches and to provide strategies to support healthy aging. The intended audience includes older adults and their families, caregivers, as well as stakeholder and advocacy groups across Ottawa.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Benoit Robert, Chief Medical Officer at Perley Health and a renowned seniors’ health expert. The Director of the Ottawa Ontario Health Team-Équipe Santé Ontario, Monica Armstrong, will set the stage for the event by presenting recent data about primary care and the needs of older adults to highlight why this is an important and urgent issue in Ottawa. Hoda Mankal, one of Ottawa’s foremost public faces for the nurse practitioner (NP) profession, will outline the scope of NP practice. Dr. Nancy Edwards, an expert on fall prevention, will present a summary of her findings and its impact on healthy aging. Nathalie Lafrenière will inform us on how to navigate the available community services important to aging at home. A Q&A session is planned.
Registration is appreciated. Providing your email will allow us to contact you with event-related information. Use this link or QR code:
Alta Vista Ward Events:
Alta Vista Market – Every Saturday from June 14th until October 11th:
The opening date for the Alta Vista Market is coming up on Saturday, June 14th! Taking place from 9a.m. to 1p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church (2345 Alta Vista Drive) every Saturday until October 11th, you can look forward to new and returning vendors, as well as family friendly activities every week!
Senior Watch Alta Vista Strawberry Social – June 17th:
Senior Watch Alta Vista, a committee of the Alta Vista Community Association, and their NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) planning group will be hosting a Seniors Strawberry Social on Tuesday, June 17th, from 1:30p.m. to 3:30p.m. at Jim Durrell Recreation Centre (1265 Walkley Road) in Ellwood Hall. Please register by June 14th by email to swav.norc@gmail.com or leave a phone message at 613-736-7449.
Hawthorne Park Fun Day – June 18th:
City Councillor, Marty Carr’s office will be hosting their second annual Summer Fun Day from 4p.m. to 6p.m. in Hawthorne Park (2139 Tawney Road) on Wednesday, June 18th! The Zoo Crew will be returning to provide hands-on animal fun, as well as Ottawa Fire Services. There will also be ice cream served by yours truly, MPP John Fraser.
Empowering youth to achieve their life and career goals.
Your Job Story is a 10-week program to help support and guide marginalized youth to overcome barriers to employment or pursuing life goals.
Participants receive hands-on career exploration opportunities and develop life and leadership skills. There is no cost to participate.
Earn while you learn! Participants will create their own Job Story in this unique program designed to give youth the tools to succeed in life and on the job, while earning minimum wage to participate in training
Personalized Support
- Dedicated staff available to help reduce, eliminate, or navigate barriers to employment
- One-on-one appointments with Your Job Story staff to offer ongoing support
Paid Training (4 weeks)
- Participants receive 4 weeks of paid training at minimum wage.
Training covers:- Free certifications, such as First Aid/CPR, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Service Excellence, and others relevant to your career goals.
- Sessions on Financial Literacy, Job Search Skills, and Life Skills.
- Opportunities to meet and network with local employers.
Transition to Employment (6 weeks)
- 6 weeks of support, after training, to continue job searching & settle into employment.
Participants must be:
- Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive).
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- Legally entitled to work in Canada.
- Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.
- Able to commit to full-time attendance for the entire 10-week program. This includes 30 hours per week of classes for the first 4 weeks, followed by at least 30 hours a week for 6 weeks of employment support.
- Currently not employed or enrolled in full-time education.
Participants in receipt of EI are eligible to participate in the program; however, they must first consult with their Service Canada office before participating.
Catching up on routine immunizations
If your child has missed a vital immunization required for school this fall, we can help! The Kids Come First Health Team, has launched their Vaccination and Up-to-Date campaign to tackle just that, and they are taking appointments now!
Find out the requirements and book your child’s vaccination today!
Statistics Canada’s quarterly information bulletin for elected officials: April to June 2025
This bulletin provides information about surveys being conducted by Statistics Canada in your area over the next few months. The data from our surveys help provide an accurate picture of the job situation, the cost of living and the economy in Canada, among other topics. Survey data will be used to guide government decisions and assist Canadians through their everyday lives.
As citizens may contact your office if they have been selected for a survey, we hope this information will help you answer their questions and address their concerns.
All surveys are conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act, which guarantees that all information provided by survey participants remains confidential and is used only for statistical purposes.
Confirming survey and interviewer legitimacy
There are several ways to verify that a survey is being conducted by Statistics Canada:
- by looking up the name of the survey in the list of surveys in collection
- by contacting Statistics Canada:
- toll-free: 1-877-949-9492
- TTY: 1-800-363-7629 (if you use an operator-assisted relay service, you can call us during regular business hours; you do not need to authorize the operator to contact us)
- email: infostats@statcan.gc.ca
How we conduct surveys
Survey participants may be contacted by telephone, by mail, by email, by text message or in person at their homes. For most surveys, Statistics Canada will first send an invitation letter or email to let respondents know about the purpose of the survey and to inform them that an interviewer will contact them.
Some of our surveys in collection
Additional information on each survey can be found on our website in the list of surveys in collection.
West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease in Ottawa
Ticks and mosquitoes have the potential to spread infections to residents of Ottawa. Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus (WNV) are two of the most prevalent diseases.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is an infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), most commonly during the spring, summer and fall months. If a person finds a tick on their body, they should remove it as soon as possible. The risk of Lyme disease increases the longer the tick is attached. Blacklegged ticks in Ottawa are known to carry this bacterium. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) recommends that, if a person finds a tick on their body that may have been attached for more than 24 hours, they should speak to a healthcare provider or pharmacist. The healthcare provider or pharmacist will provide recommendations on what to do. Next steps may include monitoring for symptoms for the next 32 days and, if appropriate, taking post-exposure prophylaxis (antibiotics). Early signs of Lyme disease occur three to 32 days following a tick bite. This may include an expanding, circular rash, which may look like a “bull’s eye,” but is not present in all cases. Other symptoms can include fatigue (tiredness), fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle and joint pain. If untreated, the infection may cause additional rashes on other areas of the body, fatigue, weakness, and may harm the heart, liver, nerves and joints.
What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus (WNV) is a disease primarily spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. Mosquitos, especially the Culex type, become infected with WNV when they feed on infected birds. They can then spread the virus to humans and other animals by bites. It can take between three and 14 days before symptoms occur after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Most people infected with WNV will remain asymptomatic, but approximately 20% will develop symptoms of usually mild (through to sometimes debilitating) febrile illness, which may include headache, fatigue, body aches, rash, nausea, and vomiting. Less than 1% of those infected may develop severe neurological illness. In Ontario, locally acquired WNV occurs in the summer months, with the majority of cases occurring in August and September.
What is OPH’s Role?
OPH works to prevent Lyme disease and West Nile virus through a variety of measures, including:
- OPH investigates every report of a person being infected with WNV to identify the likely source of infection and, where appropriate, takes action to minimize further risk to the population.
- OPH conducts epidemiological surveillance of reported infections of Lyme disease and WNV to identify trends and populations at risk.
- OPH, in partnership with University of Ottawa researchers, conduct tick surveillance to assess their spread and the presence of pathogens like Lyme disease. OPH conducts surveillance and management of mosquito populations through its West Nile Virus Prevention Program.
- Mosquito traps are placed around the city to determine species and densities of mosquitoes, with tests for WNV carried out weekly.
- OPH contracts services to apply Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks approved products. A biological larvicide (Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis – Bti) is used on surface waters such as ditches and storm water management ponds as needed throughout the season. A chemical larvicide (methoprene) is used to treat non-surface waters, such as roadside catch basins.
- If homeowners have a backyard catch basin they would like to have treated, they can contact OPH at healthsante@ottawa.ca.
- OPH provides information to healthcare providers to aid in clinical diagnosis.
- OPH also conducts public education on tick and mosquito bite prevention.
- If necessary, conduct mosquito control using adulticide (malathion), based on assessment of increased transmission and risk. No adulticide treatment has been used to date in the history of OPH’s West Nile Virus Prevention Program.
How can individuals protect themselves from these infections?
- Apply a Health Canada approved insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin to exposed skin and clothing
- Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes, and socks to cover exposed skin
- Tuck your pants into your socks
- Wear light-coloured clothing to spot ticks more easily; this is also appropriate for mosquitoes as they are attracted to darker colours
- Stay on the trails when hiking in the woods and other natural areas. Enjoy the mowed/maintained areas in parks and playing fields, while being mindful of tick habitat, such as tall grass and leaf litter.
- For ticks, do a “full body” check on yourself, your children, and pets. Pay careful attention around your toes, back of the knees, groin, armpits and scalp
- For mosquitoes, avoid being outside during dusk and dawn – periods when they are most active – and at any time in shady, wooded areas. Remember to use repellent and protective clothing if you must be out during these periods
- Make sure all windows and doors in your home have well-fitting screens that are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering
- Mosquitoes need water to breed. Decrease mosquito numbers around personal property by reducing or eliminating areas or objects that can accumulate or retain water (e.g., old tires, garbage or recycle containers, flowerpots, toys, bird feeders, ornamental ponds, pool covers, etc.). Empty and refill them regularly, turn them over when appropriate, or dispose of them accordingly.
Going to the beach? Information to help you and your family stay safe
Published on
May 15, 2025
Health, public safety and emergencies
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reminding residents to be aware of the potential risks associated with swimming at the City of Ottawa’s supervised beaches this upcoming season. OPH wants to ensure residents have the information they need to make informed decisions before visiting the beach, during their time in the water, and after swimming. By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy a safe and fun swimming experience. We understand that many people rely on the beaches as their primary way to cool off on hot days. Knowing the factors that increase your risks can help you make an informed decision for you and for your family.
Ottawa’s supervised beaches have historically had good water quality, with our beaches meeting the water quality standard nearly 85 per cent of the time. Unlike pools, open water has additional risks to consider, such as changing weather conditions, hidden hazards like rocks or sudden drop offs, and bacteria from wildlife or human activity.
Know your risks before swimming
- Severe weather: Lightning is very dangerous, but high winds and heavy rain can also be hazardous and can occur suddenly during a thunderstorm.
- Heavy rain: Swimming is riskier if it’s raining heavily or if there has been heavy rainfall (20 mm or more) in the last 24 to 48 hours. Rain can wash contaminants like bird or dog poop into the water, making it less safe.
- Beach conditions: Swimming is riskier if there are visible problems around the beach like many birds, dead fish, algae, or debris in the water.
- Cloudy water: High winds and waves can make the water cloudy, hiding hazards and washing contaminants into the water. If you can’t see your feet in waist-deep water, it’s riskier to swim.
- Cuts or open wounds: Bacteria in the water can lead to infection when swimming with open cuts or open wounds.
Protect your health during and after swimming
- Risks: Swimming in natural waters like rivers can cause injury or illness from microorganisms, leading to ear, eye, stomach, or urinary infections.
- Precautions to take when entering the water:
- Take children to the toilet before swimming to reduce the risk of children peeing or pooping in the water.
- Keep your head above and out of the water. Avoid swallowing water or putting it in your mouth.
- Precautions to take after exiting the water:
- Wash hands with soap and treated water or use alcohol-based hand rub after swimming or playing in the sand, and before eating or preparing food.
- Shower as soon as possible after swimming and dry your ears thoroughly with a towel.
Stay safe around water
- Supervised areas: Swim in areas with lifeguards on duty from noon to 7 pm during the supervised swimming season.
- Close supervision: Always keep your child within arm’s reach when they are in or around water, including pools, bathtubs, and other water sources. Never leave them alone, even for a moment.
- Life jackets: Ensure children and weaker swimmers wear a properly fitted life jacket or personal flotation device in and around water.
- Babies: Hold your baby if they cannot sit without support.
- Stay sober: Do not use alcohol, cannabis, or drugs when swimming or supervising others in the water.
- Swimming lessons: Swimming lessons are beneficial but do not fully protect your child from drowning.
- Emergency preparedness: Know what to do in an emergency, including how to perform CPR and calling 9-1-1.
What is beach monitoring?
During the summer months, OPH monitors the water quality at the City of Ottawa’s supervised beaches in accordance with the Ontario Public Health StandardsOpens in a new tab or window(link is external). Beginning this season, water samples will be collected weekly to test for the presence of E. coli bacteria(link is external), as required by the standards and to align with most public health units in Ontario and the National Capital Commission. Elevated levels of E. coli indicate the potential presence of other disease-causing organisms, which can result in skin, ear, throat or gastrointestinal illnesses.
OPH’s historical sampling has built up a great understanding of how our beaches react to local conditions, including weather events. However, water sample results only provide a snapshot of water quality at the moment they are collected and the water quality can change rapidly due to environmental factors like rain, wind, and wildlife. Ottawa’s supervised beaches are all located on rivers, where the water is constantly moving. Since water samples require 18 to 24 hours for laboratory processing, the accuracy of real-time risk for beachgoers is limited. The water quality data available at the time of sampling reflects the previous day’s conditions, not the current state of the water.
These factors highlight the importance of basing your decision to swim on the real-time conditions of the beach you’re visiting. Following the simple steps outlined above can easily and effectively lower your risks and protect your health when swimming at a public beach. To learn more about these steps, including how to stay safe during or after swimming and for more on beach water testing, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Beaches(link is external)
Ontario Health 811
A free, secure and confidential service you can call or access online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get health advice from a registered nurse or to find health services or information. Toll free TTY line: 1-866-797-0007. You can visit Health 811 for more information.
Helpful Links – Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health
Stop Overdose Ottawa Webpage: StopOverdoseOttawa.ca
Public Online Learning Platform: OLearn (Ottawa.ca)
Ottawa’s Overdose Response Strategy: What is Ottawa’s Plan?
Harm Reduction Services: Ottawa Public Health – Harm Reduction Services
Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Resources:
- English – Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Resources List
- French – Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Resources List
- English – African, Caribbean, Black (ACB) Mental Health and Substance Use Resources List
- French – African, Caribbean, Black (ACB) Mental Health and Substsance Use Resources List
- OttawaPublicHealth.ca/WellnessResourcesAndServices: Additional resources for children, youth and young adults, parents, newcomers, older adults, postpartum families, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, 2SLGTBQ+ communities, people experiencing violence, people experiencing loss, people looking for suicide prevention supports, health care workers, and people who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Discarded Needles in Our Communities: Discarded Needles – StopOverdoseOttawa.ca
- Safe Handling and Disposal of Sharps (Training Video)
- Needle Drop-Boxes
- Returning Medical Sharps to Pharmacies
- Integrated Strategies to Collect Discarded Needles
- Working with Individuals Who Use Needles
Website for Parents: Youth and Opioids – What parents need to know – Parenting in Ottawa
Multilingual Print Resources: Ottawa Public Health – Opioid Signage
Multilingual Opioid Overdose Recognition Cards:
- English – Signs of an Opioid Overdose Card
- French – Signs of an Opioid Overdose Card
- Arabic – Signs of an Opioid Overdose Card
- Somali – Signs of an Opioid Overdose Card
Overdose Detection Technologies Cards:
- English – National Overdose Response Service (NORS) & The Brave App Card
- French – National Overdose Response Service (NORS) & The Brave App Card
For older posts, please visit our website