If you require immediate assistance, please email us at jfraser.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org or call us at 613-736-9573.
Read the following news release for more information on this change.
Ontario Begins Automatic Licence Plate Renewals | Ontario Newsroom
Mayor’s Seniors’ Canada Day Breakfast – July 1st
It is was great to serve our communities’ seniors at the Mayor’s Seniors’ Canada Day breakfast. This is a staple event in the City and it was great to see so many seniors in attendance this year.
Ottawa Lebanese Festival – July 17th
I was pleased as always to join many friends and colleagues at the opening ceremonies of the 34th Annual Ottawa Lebanese Festival in Ottawa South and sample some of the delicious food available.
Ottawa Children’s Aid Society Workers Strike – July 18th
For the past two weeks, the front line staff of the Ottawa Children’s Aid Society have been on strike, calling on the Ford Conservatives to put children first. I visited those workers to thank them for their service and to tell them that I am standing in solidarity with them.
I am always working hard over the summer to make the government aware of issues important here in Ottawa and Ottawa South.
Please read 2 of my letters concerning water testing for lead in local schools as well as the ongoing Children’s Aid Society strike in Ottawa.
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.
New police helicopters will help prevent violent carjackings in Ottawa and the Greater Toronto Area
Ontario Increasing Access to Free Menstrual Products in Schools
Enhancing Protections for People Throughout Fall Respiratory Illness Season
Ontario Exploring More Ways to Expand Role of Pharmacists
Ontario Investing Up to $260 Million in New Funding to Train Workers
Ready-to-Drink Beverages and Large Beer Pack Sizes Available in Grocery Stores
Ontario Making Electric Vehicle Chargers More Accessible
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
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:
- Residential property (Urban)
- Residential property (Rural)
- Multi-residential properties
- Farm properties
- What makes property assessment fair?
- FAQ – is your assessment fair?
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.
Home prices are top of mind for property owners throughout Ontario. That’s why MPAC recently created the Property Pulse dashboard which can be accessed through mpac.ca. This free new resource allows users to access the very latest residential sales data so they can research price changes throughout the province.
Users can search through their own neighborhoods or explore the entire Province by comparing up to 5 municipalities simultaneously. The data is updated monthly which allows users to monitor how the property landscape continues to shift over time. Property owners can visit mpac.ca to create an AboutMyProperty™ account and view the new dashboard.
OCBN Workforce Development News Announcement
The Ottawa Community Benefits Network, in partnership with the Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec Building Trades Council, is pleased to provide tenants in community housing with an introduction to the skilled trades and the opportunity to gain industry recognized certifications in the construction sector.
The OCBN will be hosting information sessions in person and virtually.
Information on this program and to express interest can be found at www.ottawacommunitybenefits.ca/workforce.
Please contact workforce@ottawacommunitybenefits.ca for more information.
French Language Services Commissioner releases new report about out-of-home advertising
French Language Services Commissioner Carl Bouchard today released a report, entitled Missed Messages, urging the Ontario government to make all of its out-of-home advertising bilingual, after his latest investigation found it systematically failed to meet its obligations under the French Language Services Act (FLSA) – even when communicating important public health information.
The investigation, led by the French Language Services Unit of the Office of the Ombudsman, examined 17 advertising campaigns by or on behalf of the Ministry of Health between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2023 – a period when many messages were about the COVID-19 pandemic. Only three of these campaigns included any out-of-home advertising in French.
The investigation was launched by Commissioner Bouchard on his own initiative in light of the French Language Services Unit’s observations of unilingual ads in public places, and trends in cases received over the years. The investigation reviewed the process of developing government advertising campaigns, which is centralized in Cabinet Office.
Commissioner Bouchard makes seven recommendations in the report, including that the government use a bilingual format for all out-of-home advertising, to ensure messages are delivered across the province in English and French in an equivalent fashion and at the same time.
The report and all related materials are available on our website here: https://www.ombudsman.on.ca and here: https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/resources/reports-and-case-summaries/reports-on-investigations.
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.
Ottawa at the Olympics – Paris 2024
Ottawa will be represented by 17 Team Canada athletes at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games! Check out the OttawaSportsPages.ca for more information about our Team Canada athletes.
A Company of Fools Presents: Macbeth – Until August 24th
Best known for our Torchlight Shakespeare in the Park series, we tour 90-minute versions of Shakespeare’s hits to over 35 community parks during July and August.
Our shows pair Shakespeare’s text with physical theatre techniques of slap-stick, mask, and puppetry. Let us help you discover your love for theatre through our foolish approach to storytelling!
We believe that it doesn’t matter where you live, how much you make, or how old you are: theatre should be accessible to everyone. All of our performances are for pass-the-hat donations, family friendly, and our tour to community parks means we bring the theatre to your own neighbourhood.
Performances of Macbeth will take place in Ottawa South parks on July 25th at Greenboro Park (363 Lorry Greenberg Dr), July 31st at Weston Park (955 Pleasant Park Rd), August 7th at Owl Park (215 Owl Dr) and August 17th at Alta Vista Park (1309 Randall Ave).
Ridgemont Block Party – August 24
Join the Ridgemont community on Saturday, August 24 from 4-8PM. Meet neighbours and enjoy cool summer treats, games and prizes, face painting, water games and much more. Visit their website for more information: WWW.RB.GY/2VILB
Riverview Park Community Association Summer Carnival – August 24
Join the RPCA for a Summer Carnival and Movie Night at Balena Park (1640 Devon Street) in the heart of Riverview Park on Saturday, 24 August at 6:30 PM. Enjoy fun under the stars for the whole family. There will be games, face painting, snacks, popcorn, a campfire, and a screening of the Disney movie Encanto.
Please bring your own chair or blanket, as well as a food item for the Blair Court Community Food Bank. Rain date is next day at the same time. The Riverview Park Community Association, the lead organizer of this event to build stronger ties between neighbors, acknowledges the financial support of the City of Ottawa through its civic engagement fund. We also thank our provincial and federal elected representatives for their support.
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!
Residents Matter Enforcement Initiative Results: July 19-20
(Ottawa) — Members of the Ottawa Police Service Traffic Escort & Enforcement Unit and frontline patrol officers were out last weekend as part of the Residents Matter (#ResidentsMatter) late-night traffic enforcement initiative.
On Friday, July 19th, officers were deployed to the Barrhaven area. 41 provincial offence notices (PONs) were issued during Friday’s enforcement, including 16 for speeding and seven for improper or no mufflers.
Five drivers were charged with stunt driving/street racing on Friday.
- 125 km/h in a 70 km/h zone – Strandherd Drive / Aura Avenue
- 112 km/h in a 70 km/h zone – Strandherd Drive / Chapman Mills Drive
- 126 km/h in a 70 km/h zone – Strandherd Drive / Claridge Drive
- 141 km/h in an 80 km/h zone – Limebank Road / Tom Roberts Road
- 181 km/h in a 70 km/h zone – Strandherd Drive / Kennevale Drive
Aside from the stunt driving charge, the motorcyclist doing 181 km/h in a 70 km/h zone was also charged with seven other offences, including careless driving, driving while suspended, not having a motorcycle licence, using plates not authorized for the vehicle, and having no insurance.
Saturday, July 20th, officers were in the Orleans area. 18 PONs were issued, including two for speeding, two for failing to display two licence plates and five for improper window tints.
On Saturday, three drivers were issued Court Summons for stunt driving/street racing.
- 141 km/h in an 80 km/h zone – Innes Road / Anderson Road
- 150 km/h in a 60 km/h zone – Trim Road / Portobello Boulevard
- 138 km/h in an 80 km/h zone – Highway 174 / Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard
In addition, the driver driving 150 km/h in the 60 km/h zone was also charged with two Criminal Code violations for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and impaired driving for being more than double the legal limit.
Upon conviction, a stunt driving charge may result in a minimum $2000 fine, six demerit points, a possible six months in jail, and a further 1-year licence suspension.
“Some of the speeds we are seeing on our roadways are shocking. Not only are their lives in danger, but they are also endangering the lives of every other road user. The streets are no place for this reckless and foolish behaviour,” cautions Cst. Phil Kane of the Ottawa Police Traffic Escort & Enforcement Unit.
Do you have any information about a late-night traffic-related problem location? Traffic complaints can be filed online at: ottawapolice.ca/report. It only takes a few minutes, and the data collected assists us in the allocation of enforcement resources.
| In Ontario, all children going to school need to be vaccinated against certain diseases. These vaccines are offered at no cost and are given to protect children and youth from serious diseases like measles and meningitis. The summer is a great time for families to catch up on any missed vaccines before the next school year. What can parents/caregivers do to make sure their child(ren) are up to date? Check their child’s vaccine record: compare the records they have with the Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule to make sure it is up to date. Speak to their child’s health care provider about any vaccines their child needs. Report their child’s vaccine(s) to Ottawa Public Health (OPH): It is possible that the child (ren) are up to date on their vaccines, but OPH was not notified. Health care providers do not report vaccinations to OPH, so even if they are up to date, OPH might not have this information. If they need a vaccine: OPH is working with the Kids Come First Health Team and other partners to make it easier to get children vaccinated. For children without access to a primary care provider or an Ontario Health Card (OHIP), parents or guardians can book an appointment to have their child’s vaccine record reviewed or to receive a vaccine. Routine childhood vaccines are also offered on a drop-in basis at the Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs . For any additional questions about immunization records or accessing a clinic, parents can call Ottawa Public Health, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 613-580-6744. 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 ListFrench – Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Resources ListEnglish – African, Caribbean, Black (ACB) Mental Health and Substance Use Resources ListFrench – African, Caribbean, Black (ACB) Mental Health and Substsance Use Resources ListOttawaPublicHealth.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 CardFrench – Signs of an Opioid Overdose CardArabic – Signs of an Opioid Overdose CardSomali – 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.