Monthly Newsletter

  • Community Update


Over the Holiday break we will be monitoring email and phone messages.
If you require assistance, please email us at jfraser.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org or call us at 613-736-9573.


Happy New Year!

My family and I wish you and your family a very Happy New Year filled with good health and happiness!

We also invite you to our:

New Year’s Levee on Sunday, January 7, 2024 from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm inside Canterbury Community Centre (2185 Arch St.)

Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, juice and some nibbles. Public skating (bring your own skates/helmet) will take place outdoors from 4:00-6:00 pm at Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink.

RSVP to 613-736-9573 or jfraser.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org.

Please consider bringing a non-perishable food donation for local food banks as demand in our community continues to be very high.


Free Flu Shot and New COVID-19 Vaccines Available for All Ontarians

Starting October 30, Ontarians will be able to receive their free flu shot and the new, most recent COVID-19 vaccine at local pharmacies, public health units and primary health care providers across the province. Staying up to date on vaccinations continues to be the best way for people to stay safe and healthy this respiratory illness season and avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital.

You can book a COVID-19 vaccine through participating pharmacies, through public health units or via our website or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007 toll free) from Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Eastern Time.




Supporting the Ottawa Food Bank – December 14th

I was pleased to join the Chicken Farmers of Canada in delivering their $10,000 donation to the Ottawa Food Bank. We all know this time of year puts a lot of strain on food banks, so It is great to see this support being given to our local food bank.

Ottawa Mission – December 17th

Every year during the holiday season, I join colleagues like MP Mona Fortier (Ottawa Vanier) from the federal, provincial and municipal levels to serve people at the Ottawa Mission. It is always great to give back to our community.

Holiday Drop in Visits

It was great to visit residents of 1365 Bank St., 1161 Belanger Ave., and 1455 Heatherington Rd. and Ottawa Community Housing partners and spread some holiday cheer. We also stopped by South East Ottawa Community Health Centre (SEOCHC) Seniors Groups’ Holiday lunches.

Bruyère Saint-Vincent Hospital Visit – December 21

It was great to get a tour and see all the changes Bruyère has done to provide excellent complex continuing care for patients in Ottawa and the surrounding region.

Riley Brockington Holiday Dinner – December 22

I had fun serving the residents of Riverside-Hunt Club at Councillor Brockington’s annual festive dinner alongside my provincial and municipal colleagues.



On November 30th, I rose in the Legislative Assembly to ask a question about the status of Bill 141, Defibrillator Registration and Public Access Act, 2020.

Ontario 211 Reception – December 6th

Many Ontarians rely on social services, whether that be health services, utility help or newcomer services. 211 is there to help connect people with these essential services. It was great to speak at the 211 reception at Queen’s Park, emphasizing the indispensable role 211 plays in Ontario.


Provincial Updates. Government of Ontario.

Provincial News

Ontario Consumers Will be Able to Buy Beer, Cider, Wine and Low-Alcohol Ready-to-Drink Beverages at Convenience, Grocery and Big Box Stores

Ontario Helping More Students Kick-Start Careers in the Trades

Ontario Connecting Children and Youth in Eastern Ontario to Care Close to Home

Ontario’s Top Baby Names in 2022


Attention Drivers! Remember to renew your licence plate before your birthday!

Your vehicle must have a valid licence plate and be insured to drive legally in Ontario. The licence plate renewal period varies depending on type of vehicle and if you choose to renew for 1 or 2 years. Renew online at: Vehicle registration | ontario.ca or visit a Service Ontario location.

When you renew:

  • you will no longer receive a sticker
  • you do not have to pay licence plate renewal fees
  • law enforcement will be instantly aware your licence plate was renewed

Get ServiceOntario digital reminders!

Get free reminders by email, text message, or phone call 60 and 30 days before it’s time to renew your licence plate, driver’s licence, health card, or Ontario Photo Card.
Mailed renewal notices for driver’s licence holders and vehicle owners will continue for:

  • individuals aged 70 years and older
  • individuals with a driver’s licence class A, B, C, D, E, or F

Apply online: Get ServiceOntario digital reminders | ontario.ca


Capital grant stream resources are available to help you plan
Across Ontario, non-profits require support for capital projects to help them deliver safe, quality programs and services.
Through the Capital grant stream, non-profits can apply for a grant to fund capital improvements that directly benefit Ontarians such as updates to buildings, enhancement of spaces, and the purchase of equipment.
The Capital grant application is available from February 7, 2024 until the deadline of March 6, 2024 at 5 PM ET.

Capital grant information is available well in advance of the application period so applicants can familiarize themselves with the grant expectations.

Explore the updated information available now! Who is eligible to applyCapital grant application questionsApplication checklist – NEWEligible project objectives, activities, and budget itemsHow we assess grant applications Explore OTF’s refreshed Grant Investment Framework for a look into how we invest in communities.

Application supports 
One-on-one coaching calls
Coaching calls are now available to discuss your capital project with an OTF Program Manager. Book a 20-minute coaching call today.

Webinars
Webinars will begin in January 2024 to learn about eligibility criteria for applicants and Capital grant application requirements. Register and book your spot for a support webinar

Contact our team 
Contact OTF’s Support Centre for general questions and technical support at otf@otf.ca or 1 800 263-2887.

Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM ET

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.


How your property is assessed

We determine the assessed value of each property based on several variables, and we use different approaches to value properties depending on the property type. Click on the links below to learn more: 

Property assessment and taxation toolkit

To better help property owners understand the relationship between property assessment and taxes, as well as the key roles different levels of government play, MPAC has developed a toolkit. 

View the toolkit here.


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


In our community. Ottawa South

Holiday Fun at the Museum – December 26 to January 7

Canada Science and Technology Museum

Experience the charm and thrill of old-fashioned entertainment this holiday season! Listen to the melody of an antique music box, gaze at a magical lantern show, or hop on a historic bike replica. Stop by Exploratek, our maker space, to try your hand at building a hand-cranked toy. Then, put your brain to the test as you unravel practical illusions and solve amusing riddles. Don’t miss the opportunity to try these classic pastimes with a modern twist. 


Youth Futures

Youth Futures helps youth succeed in post-secondary education and the workforce. The program aims to create equal opportunities for youth facing marginalization and other barriers. Provided in French and English, at no cost to the participants, the program runs intensively from February to August every year.

Apply now through this link: Youth Futures program application form | City of Ottawa. Make sure to apply by December 31st, 2023.


Cheo - Kids come first.

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!


Ottawa Police is warning the community about Fraudulent Liens and Mortgages

 

(Ottawa) —The Ottawa Police Service Organized Fraud Unit would like to warn the community about fraudulent Liens on personal property (known as Notice of Security Interest-NOSI) and Mortgages that may be occurring in the Ottawa Area.  Police has received information that individuals may be attempting to defraud unsuspecting homeowners in the City. 
“This scam works when individuals knock on your door suggesting they can do free or nearly free repairs, or appliance installation in your home or consolidate outstanding debts into a mortgage,” said Staff Sergeant Cameron Graham with the Organized Fraud Unit. “The scam can take many months to play out before people realize they have been taken advantage of and can lead to the loss of individual’s homes to loan companies.”
The Ottawa Police offers Ottawa residents the following tips: 

  • Be suspicious if a financial company approaches you, unsolicited at your home, indicating they can help you get out of payments or to consolidate your debt – especially for previous liens against your property.
  • Ask yourself: why is this person offering to help and how do they know about your own personal situation?
  • Remember no renovations are free and you could be paying through a lien.
  • Never share personal information or copies of any bills, financial statements, or mortgage papers with someone who knocks on your door.
  • Do not give in to high-pressure sales techniques – where decisions have to be made on the spot. Always involve people you trust for more oversight into this type of decision making.
  • Do not sign blank documents.

“We encourage everyone to talk about this type of fraud with friends and family, especially older and vulnerable people,” added Staff Sergeant Graham. “If you have contact with a vulnerable loved one, talk with them about how their banks can prevent suspicious money withdrawals.”
If you are concerned that a loved one has become a victim, you can check if there are liens against their home through the Ontario Land Registry Access ONLAND portal.
If you think you have been the victim of this type of fraud, please make a report online with the Ottawa Police Service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by phone at 1-888-495-8501 (toll-free).


Thefts of vehicles continue in Ottawa; Stay safe and know how to protect your vehicle
 

(Ottawa)— The Ottawa Police would like to remind residents to remain vigilant, stay safe, and safeguard their vehicles to avoid being a victim of vehicle theft.
Over 1200 thefts of various vehicles have been reported to police this year, in several different neighbourhoods across Ottawa (see attached maps). This month, there have been 85 vehicle theft reports filed.

The Ottawa Police continues to work with municipal, provincial and federal governments and partners to disrupt these criminal organizations.
To counter this growing crime trend, Ottawa Police experts have trained patrol officers on the current trends, and the technologies and methods needed to intercept thefts in progress before they leave the city.

The Ottawa Police frontline patrol has made more than 80 arrests this year, and 315 stolen vehicles have been recovered. District investigators have been successful in their prosecutions and will continue to hold offenders accountable in the court of law.

Thefts of late model luxury SUVs and light trucks continue in Ottawa however, the vehicle theft trend is not limited to Lexus/Toyota products.  Newer models of the Rav4 , Honda CRV, Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as Ford F-Series trucks (higher trim level) and all makes and models of vehicles that are equipped with a proximity key (i.e., push-button start), have also been targeted by thieves. Vehicle thefts have also increased in the province of Quebec and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Public Safety Warning

Recently, Ottawa thieves have been arrested with weapons in their possession, to intimidate vehicle owners who catch them in the act. Items like a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) known as a taser, pepper spray, crow bars have been seized.

If you see someone attempting to steal your car, please call 911. For your own safety, DO NOT engage the thief. Further to that, if you have the ability to track your vehicle once it has been stolen, do not follow the vehicle. Please call 911 and advise the operator that you have a tracking device on the vehicle.
Vehicle owners are encouraged to consider the following prevention methods:  

  • Park inside a garage if available (in Ottawa to date, no vehicles have been stolen from inside a garage);
  • Block your vehicle in tightly in front of a second less sought after vehicle or a barricade;
  • If you do not have a garage or second vehicle, one of the most reliable techniques is to install an after-market vehicle immobilizer and alarm;
  • Use a steering wheel lock (i.e. “Club”) to deter thieves (keep in mind they can cut the steering wheel to remove it); it works best when combined with a secondary anti-theft device that may not be as visible to the thief;
  • Install after-market tracking devices, GPS or air tag trackers – many of these have the ability to “fence in your car” notifying the owner’s phone if the vehicle leaves the established perimeter;
  • If you use tracking devices, be mindful that the thief may also be able to detect that the vehicle is being tracked. Ensure they are well hidden in a less obvious location.
  • If you find a tracking device in your vehicle or receive a message on your phone that you are being tracked, please call police, as this is one means that thieves use to find a targeted vehicle. They typically return under the cover of darkness to steal it;
  • Install an Engine Control Module (ECM) port-lock;
  • Install motion detection lights and exterior surveillance cameras at home as these can act as a deterrent;
  • Keep in mind that thieves have returned to steal the replacement vehicle when a vehicle has been stolen, so remain vigilant;
  • Neighbourhood watch is still the best defense – so please report any suspicious activity immediately to police at 613-236-1222.  Call 911 to report a crime in progress.
  • When parking your vehicle at shopping malls or sporting events, for example, always lock your doors and activate any security features. Thieves scout these areas and will steal vehicles day or night.

For more information, visit ottawapolice.ca


School – Vaccination and Dental Screening 

Vaccination

Vaccines are one of the greatest public health accomplishments of the 20th century. Vaccines have saved countless lives and in fact, save an estimated four million lives globally each year!

As children and youth head back to school this fall, it is an important time to ensure they are up to date on their routine vaccinations. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted access to and delivery of routine childhood vaccines. In Ottawa alone, children and youth missed an estimated 40,000 doses of routine vaccines over the course of the pandemic. This means that many children are not fully protected against serious diseases that can have long-term impacts and result in hospitalization and even death. As children head back to school and resume their regular activities, getting caught up on vaccines not only helps protect each child, but it also helps protect the people they spend time with too. It helps keep children in school and doing the activities they love!

In Ontario, all children attending school need to be immunized against nine diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease, whooping cough and chickenpox (for children born in 2010 or later). Over the past year, Ottawa Public Health has been working to notify families if their child’s record with Ottawa Public Health shows a vaccine is missing. This year, Ottawa Public Health will mail notices to children born in 2006 and 2016 who are missing one or more vaccines required for school.

What is Ottawa Public Health asking parents to do?

Don’t have a regular health care provider or are having trouble seeing one?
Ottawa Public Health is working with community partners, including the Kids Come First Health Team and organizations from across Eastern Ontario, to help make it easier for children and youth to catch up on routine vaccines. Parents can now:

  • Book an appointment on the Kids Come First website to review their child’s vaccine record or receive vaccines.

Alternatively, Ottawa Public Health is offering routine vaccines through its Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs, on a walk-in basis. Parents can drop into one of the locations to review their child’s vaccine record and/or receive vaccines.

Dental Screening

Last school year, close to 10% of children screened in elementary schools presented with urgent dental needs such as cavities, signs of infection, and/or pain. School surveillance of grade 2 students and dental screening in other grades will resume in September. This year, three new schools will be offered dental screening services by our OPH registered dental hygienists, for a total of 228 elementary schools. The dental screening is done using a disposable tongue depressor and a flashlight to look into the child’s mouth.

The dental screening is important as it helps identify children in pain and those who require urgent dental care. The school dental hygienists support families with referrals to our OPH dental clinics or to a private dental office and can help low-income families apply to the Healthy Smiles Ontario program.

Dental problems can affect children in different ways, by leading to issues such as poor concentration and learning difficulties in school, limited choice of foods due to inability to chew properly, lower self-esteem and much more.

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.


MPP John Fraser congratulatory scrolls.

Recognition

Have a special day coming up? Commemorative Scrolls are available from the province of Ontario to recognize events and special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or other notable events like the anniversary of a church, a major act of heroism, recognizing outstanding community service, or winning provincial championships.

For 60th wedding anniversaries and 100th birthdays, greetings from His Majesty the King can also be obtained, but a minimum of eight weeks advance notice is required as well as proof of birth or marriage.


Ontario has a self-assessment tool:

If you think you have novel coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment to help determine if you need to seek further care. Visit here.

If you require help in Ottawa South, please visit our website for Community links and contacts.

Ottawa Public Health

For the latest updates, please click here.

Government of Ontario

Every day at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.  ET, the Province of Ontario’s novel coronavirus (COVID-19) web page will be updated with the most up-to-date information including the status of cases in Ontario.

Government of Canada

For the latest COVID-19 updates, please click here.
For the latest on Employment and Social Development changes for employees and employers, click here.Know what to do if you’re a victim of fraud.

Learn how to protect yourself when banking online.

Find out about the current reported scams related to COVID-19.
For older posts, please visit our website