Monthly Newsletter

If you require immediate assistance, please email us at jfraser.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org or call us at 613-736-9573.

Our office will be closed from June 27th until July 2nd.
We hope you have a great Canada Day and long weekend!

I was pleased to have been able to attend graduation ceremonies at local schools here in Ottawa South over the past few weeks, and I would like to congratulate students on their academic achievements once again.

Read the following news release for more information on this change.

Ontario Begins Automatic Licence Plate Renewals | Ontario Newsroom

Alta Vista Market – June 1st

It is always nice to spend a Saturday morning at the Alta Vista Market connecting with neighbors and our community’s small business owners!

Ottawa Food Bank – June 7th

I was happy to officially announce a $41.5K from the Ontario Trillium Foundation as part of their Capital Grant stream. This funding was instrumental in helping them equip a clean room in their warehouse, where bulk items (like oats, beans, and rice) can be repackaged into smaller portions that can be distributed more easily by their agencies. It is always great to meet with and visit the team and volunteers doing such great work there.

École Marie-Curie End of Year Barbecue – June 12th

As the school year comes to an end, it was great to join students at l’École Marie-Curie for their end of year barbecue.

Hunt Club Park Community Association Summer Festival – June 22

It was great to participate once again in the Community Association’s annual Summer Festival.

Canterbury Community Association Family Fun Day – June 22nd

It was great to join the Canterbury Community Association and members of our community enjoying a fun Saturday afternoon for kids of all ages.

Strawberry Social – June 24th

Thank you to everyone who came out to my Strawberry Social at Billings Estate this past week. It was great to chat with you all while enjoying the fresh local strawberries from Kiwan Farms.

On June 3rd, I rose in the Legislature to ask the Premier why he is choosing to spend $1 Billion on terminating the Beer Store contract a year early, while Ontario families are struggling and can’t find a family doctor.

On June 7th, I joined my colleges Bonnie Crombie and MPP Stephen Blais in a press conference to call out Premier for shutting down the Legislature early for the summer.

Support Access to Spine Care Petition:

Our office has taken on a constituent’s request to collect signatures to support the calls to the government to increase support for people suffering from conditions like scoliosis.

To help and sign the petition, please download the PDF file, print it out, and collect physical signatures so that MPP Fraser can present this petition to the Legislature.

Provincial Updates. Government of Ontario.

Ontario Celebrating Canada Day with Free Fishing

Ontario Supporting Francophone Entrepreneurs

Ontario Connecting More Seniors to Dental Care and Affordable Prescription Drugs

Ontario Getting More People Hooked on Fishing

Ontario Creating Pathways for Youth to Enter the Skilled Trades

2024 Census Test

As part of its standard process, Statistics Canada conducts a comprehensive test of the revised census questionnaire and collection procedures two years before every census. The census test is designed to improve the clarity of the census questions and effectiveness of the collection procedures, helping to ensure accurate and efficient data collection for the 2026 Census of Population and the 2026 Census of Agriculture.

In turn, the data collected in the census are used in setting electoral boundaries and calculating federal, provincial, and territorial transfer payments, for example. They also inform the development of government policies, programs, and processes that directly impact your constituents.

About the 2024 Census Test

The census test will take place between May 6 and June 28, 2024, spanning across all 10 provinces. Approximately 198,000 households and 10,000 agricultural operations have been randomly selected to participate in this test.
Out of the total sample, 89,000 households were randomly selected from Nova Scotia, Québec, and Saskatchewan. Statistics Canada enumerators will assist respondents in these communities in completing their census test questionnaire

The remaining 108,700 households were randomly selected from all 10 provinces. These households will be required to complete census test questionnaires but will not receive in-person follow-up visits from census enumerators.

Participation and confidentiality

Households selected to participate in the 2024 Census of Population Test will receive a letter containing instructions on how to fill out a questionnaire. The easiest way to complete the census test questionnaire is online. However, paper questionnaires will be available on demand. If a household is selected for the census test, it is legally required to participate.

All information is collected under the authority of the Statistics Act and will be kept strictly confidential. Census test data are collected for test purposes only and will not be released to the public.

The 2024 Census of Agriculture Test, by contrast, is voluntary. Nevertheless, Statistics Canada relies on the responses from farmers across Canada to assess their understanding of the questionnaire content.
This year, Statistics Canada is introducing a new participation method for a selected number of households (around 8,700). These households will be given two options. They can:

fill out a questionnaire, or
allow Statistics Canada to count the members of their household using pre-existing information already provided to the government.

If households choose this latter option, no further action is required from them, and their legal obligation to participate in the census test is fulfilled.
For more information

For more information, visit the 2024 Census Test page. To learn more about other milestones related to the 2026 Census, visit The road to the 2026 Census.

If you have any questions, please contact InfoStats at infostats@statcan.gc.ca.

Upcoming grant application deadlines

Grow stream: November 6, 2024 at 5 PM ET

Youth Opportunities Fund

Youth Innovations and Family Innovations Grant:
• Application deadline: July 10, 2024 at 5 PM ET

Visit otf.ca for more information about our grants, resources and supports.

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.

Value Matters – Awareness Campaign

MPAC recently launched Home Values Matter, a new awareness campaign that aims to help homeowners and prospective homeowners better understand the role MPAC plays in property assessment.

We’ve launched a new Home Values Matter page to host helpful resources for Ontarians and have started promoting these tools with our new Home Values Matter YouTube video.

You can view our recent social media posts on this campaign at the below links. X (Twitter), Linked-In, Facebook.

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

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.

Consultation Paused on Updated Wetland Mapping

Please be advised that the SNC, RVCA and RRCA are pausing consultation on updated wetland mapping. We appreciate the feedback and comments we have received to-date and support the direction we received from the Ministry of Natural Resources giving us time to work on a local approach.

Over the coming months, the conservation authorities will work with ministry staff, municipalities, and stakeholders to develop this local approach. Please note that this means that open houses and one-on-one meetings with property owners will be paused and rescheduled at a later date.

CANCELLED – Open House on June 26 (RVCA Administrative Office, Manotick)
CANCELLED – Open House on June 27 (SNC Administrative Office, Finch)

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@nation.on.ca or 613-984-2948.

Rugby Canada – July 6th

It is Rugby Canada’s mission to offer every school-age child in the Ottawa region the opportunity to redeem a complimentary ticket to Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team’s match against Scotland on July 6, 2024, at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00PM. As you may know, Scotland is one of the best rugby teams in the world. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see them play.

How to access tickets: Parents can access the registration link either through the QR code on the flyer I will attach, or using the link down below. After signing up, parents will receive a follow up communication from Rugby Canada on how to redeem ticket(s) including a ticket link to select the purchased ticket option and then will receive both the purchased and complimentary ticket.

FREE TICKET OFFER FOR CANADA VS SCOTLAND THIS JULY IN OTTAWA (office.com)

Walk for Lupus Ontario – July 28th

On July 28th, please join us for the Ottawa WALK for Lupus Ontario at Vincent Massey Park. We would be honoured if you attend and say a few words prior to the WALK Stepping off.

The WALK for Lupus is Lupus Ontario’s largest provincial fundraising and awareness event. It began over 23 years ago with a single walk and has grown into an event involving thousands of participants throughout Ontario. Over the years, the WALK for Lupus has raised over $1.5 million to fund the Lupus Ontario Geoff Carr Research Fellowship, support and education programs for lupus patients and their families, and advocacy projects aimed at improving programs and services for lupus patients.

WHEN: Sunday, July 28th 2024, Check-in at 10:30am with the walk stepping off at 11:00am

WHERE: Vincent Massey Park, Ottawa, ON (Picnic Area S & F1)
Vincent Massey Park Map

Lupus Ontario is the largest Canadian provincial organization focused on improving the lives of lupus patients and their families. Lupus Ontario’s mission is to provide vital support, education, awareness, advocacy and research through the fundraising efforts of our staff and volunteer community to help those with lupus live longer, healthier and better lives.

Advancing the wellbeing of Ottawa’s older adults.

As a bilingual and inclusive Council, their vision is respected, informed and engaged older adults living in an age-friendly city.

Visit them at 217 – 815 St. Laurent Blvd. Ottawa, Ontario K1K 3A7 and for more information give them a call (613) 789-3577, send them an email coa@coaottawa.ca or visit their website at The Council on Aging of Ottawa – The Council on Aging of Ottawa (coaottawa.ca).

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!

Protect yourself from scams

(Ottawa) – Each year, Canadians lose millions of dollars to fraud. Educating yourself on common scams is the easiest way to prevent becoming a victim of one.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t fall for high pressure sales tactics that don’t allow you to think over a decision or that require you to provide personal, banking or credit card information before you have even accepted an offer. Any reputable company will put the offer in writing and give you time to think it over.
Do your due diligence. Check companies with the Better Business Bureau, ask for references and visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to find out about the latest scams and where they are active. Taking a little time is worth the effort if it avoids you becoming a victim.
If you didn’t request a service, don’t accept unsolicited offers by phone, computer or at your doorstep. Always do your homework first to ensure you are dealing with a reputable company and get a contract with the scope of work being done, a timeline and the fees.
No government agency or legitimate business will ask you to purchase gift cards or bitcoin in order to settle an account.
Be careful where you share your personal information, particularly on social media. Over-sharing personal details can make it easier for fraudsters to make false credit applications in your name.
Scams work because fraudsters don’t give you time to think about what is being asked. Call a trusted family member to discuss it or call your local police service.
Talk about common types of fraud with friends and family, especially older and vulnerable people.

If you have been a victim 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).
You can read more about scams and tips to protect yourself. You can also visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for information on popular scams and the Toronto Police Service for tips on how to protect yourself from scams.

Beat the Heat” Resources
When the temperature and humidity are high, our bodies can overheat, especially in the first few days of hot weather while our bodies adjust.

Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high-risk category. It is recommended that you Download the WeatherCAN app to your mobile device to stay informed of all weather alerts.

Extreme heat affects everyone. The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors. Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions. Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable.

There are many public places residents and visitors can cool off in Ottawa including splash pads, wading pools, swimming pools, parks, libraries, and community buildings. The public is welcome to seek access to air conditioning at any City facility during regular hours of operation.

The Beat the Heat resources on the Ottawa Public Health Extreme Heat and Humidity website include:   A Beat the Heat factsheet that identifies the many public places people can go to cool off in Ottawa, and tips on how to cool off when it is hot outside.  An interactive map of public places to cool off in Ottawa including City pools, splash pads, libraries, shade structures, parks, and more.  What to do if there is a power outage during a heat wave. 
Other things you can to do prepare yourself include: Download the WeatherCAN app for mobile devices.  Who to call for advice and support when it is hot out:   Call 2-1-1 for social services assistance information such as locations and to access information about day programs, meals, and how to access homeless shelters. Find out more about shelters in Ottawa.   Call 3-1-1 to get assistance for someone who needs transportation to a shelter to get out of the heat.   Call Ottawa Public Health 613-580-6744 for information on staying cool during a heat wave or email healthsante@ottawa.ca.    Call 8-1-1 Health Connect Ontario for non-emergency medical advice.  Call 9-1-1 for medical emergency such as heat stroke.   The “Find Your Way Community Resource Guide” provides contact information for services such as shelters and drop-in centres.      Printable posters from Health Canada on ways to protect you and loved ones during an extreme heat event.  Stay tuned to our Facebook, X (twitter) and Instagram channels for more resources and tips. West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease in Ottawa

When ticks and mosquitoes are active, they have the potential to spread infections to Ottawa area residents.

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. Because blacklegged ticks in Ottawa are known to carry this bacteria, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) recommends that, if a person finds a tick on their body that has been attached more than 24 hours, they speak to a healthcare provider or pharmacist. The healthcare provider or pharmacist will provide recommendations on what to do, which 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 can 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. Mosquitoes, especially the Culex type, can become infected after biting a bird with the virus which can then spread the virus to humans by a bite. 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, conducts surveillance of tick populations to assess for spread and the presence of the bacteria or virus that causes Lyme and other public health relevant diseases spread through ticks.OPH conducts surveillance and management of mosquito populations through its West Nile Virus Prevention Program.OPH provides information to healthcare providers to aid in clinical diagnosis.OPH also conducts public education on tick and mosquito bite prevention.OPH contracts services to:Apply Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks approved and environmentally-friendly biological larvicides (Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis – Bti or Bacillus sphaericus) or chemical larvicide (methoprene) to treat for mosquito larvae.Altosid pellets (methoprene), Vectolex pouches (Bacillus sphaericus) or Altosid briquettes (methoprene) placed into catch basins of storm drains in the city.Vectobac (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, liquid) or My-Crobe (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, liquid) and Vectobac (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, granular) or My-Crobe (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, granular), applied to ditches and temporary or permanent pools including storm water management ponds within the city if found to contain Culex pipiens/restuans larvae.Vectolex (Bacillus sphaericus, granular) applied to sewage lagoons or similar facilities if found to contain Culex pipiens/restuans larvae.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 clothingWear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes, and socks to cover exposed skinTuck your pants into your socksWear light-coloured clothing to spot ticks more easily; this is also appropriate for mosquitoes as they are attracted to darker coloursStay on the trails when hiking in the woods and other natural areas. Enjoy mowed and maintained areas in parks and playing fields but be mindful of the borders adjacent to natural areas and tall grass that may be suitable tick habitatFor 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 scalpFor mosquitoes, avoid being outside during dusk and dawn – periods when they are most active – and at any time in shady, wooded areas – remembering to use repellent and protective clothing if you must be out during these periodsMake sure all windows and doors in your home have well-fitting screens that are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from enteringMosquitoes 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.
For more information about West Nile virus and Lyme disease, visit the OPH website at Insects, Animals and Bites – Ottawa Public Health.
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 ListEnglish – 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.caSafe Handling and Disposal of Sharps (Training Video)Needle Drop-BoxesReturning Medical Sharps to PharmaciesIntegrated Strategies to Collect Discarded NeedlesWorking with Individuals Who Use NeedlesWebsite 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 CardOverdose Detection Technologies Cards:English – National Overdose Response Service (NORS) & The Brave App Card French – National Overdose Response Service (NORS) & The Brave App Card

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.