Monthly Newsletter

  • Community Update

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


National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

Learning the TRUTH your way, so You Can ACT

September 30 marks the 4th annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). First recognized in 2021, this day was established by the federal government to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, the survivors, their families and communities. Coinciding with Orange Shirt Day, it is an opportunity to bring awareness to the painful legacy and ongoing impacts of the residential school system, and to collectively advocate for social justice and critical system changes.

Reconciliation – everyone’s responsibility
Leading up to the NDTR, all people of Canada are strongly encouraged to take the time to learn and reflect on the meaning of this day. It is a chance to ask what each one of us can do to promote Indigenous health, rights, and reconciliation (IHRR) – not just on September 30, but every day. It is also an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, to actively participate in Indigenous community events or learning activities, and to make a personal and professional commitment to learn the TRUTH so you can conscientiously ACT to advance IHRR.

Here are a few examples of activities that are easily available to assist you on your journey:

For those of you who like to READ:

For those of you who prefer to WATCH:

Or if you prefer a more EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING approach:

  • National Arts Centre: Days for Truth & Reconciliation – Join one of the NAC’s all-age virtual and in-person offerings, highlighting the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, their cultures, communities, and stories.
  • Participate in an in-person or virtual gathering on Parliament Hill at 3pm on September 30 that is hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR).
  • Explore the Reconciling History Walking Tour, a free, self-guided journey through downtown Ottawa.
  • Learn about Indigenous issues from an Indigenous author at the Ottawa International Writer’s Festival – e.g., an evening with Tanya Talaga where she discusses her new book, The Knowing, a riveting exploration of her family’s story and a retelling of the history of the country we now call Canada. Click here for free tickets to this event that takes place on September 30 at 7 pm.

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

Ontario Begins Automatic Licence Plate Renewals | Ontario Newsroom




Perley Village Fair – September 7th

My team and I joined residents and staff at Perley Health for their Perley Village Fair. It was a great opportunity to connect with Perley residents.

Hunt Club Community Association Fall Festival – September 7th

The rain didn’t dampen the fun at this year’s Hunt Club Community Association Fall Festival. It was a great turnout!

Emerald Wood Residents’ Association Fun Day – September 8th

Great to attend the Emerald Woods Fun Day which we haven’t been to in a very long time. Good chance to connect with residents.

Balena Park Community Corn Roast – September 15th

It was great to join Councillor Marty Carr and Mayor Sutcliffe at Balena Park for the annual corn roast in Alta Vista. It is always such a great event and turned out to be the perfect day to serve ice cream.

Franco-Ontarian Day Flag-raising – September 25th

It was great to join members of our Franco-Ontarian community at City Hall on Franco-Ontarian Day for a flag-raising ceremony. The Franco-Ontarian community is truly an integral part of our province’s mosaic.

Holy Cross Church Seniors’ Luncheon – September 26th

I joined seniors here in Ottawa South at Holy Cross Church for lunch. We discussed the state of our health care system in Ontario and the lack of family doctors here in Ottawa South and across the province. They are concerned about losing their family doctors at a point in their lives when they need that primary care most. As MPP, I am here to listen to their concerns and do what I can to advocate for them at Queen’s Park.


Provincial Updates. Government of Ontario.

Provincial News

Ontario Building Training Centre for Sheet Metal Workers in Ottawa

Ontario Expanding Diagnostic Services in Ottawa Long-Term Care Homes

Ontario Commemorates Sixth Annual Rowan’s Law Day

Ontario Investing in Indigenous Businesses and Entrepreneurs


Ontario Legislative Page Program

Each year approximately 150 young students from across Ontario are selected to participate in Ontario’s Legislative Page Program. This unique educational program for Ontario students provides an opportunity to experience the provincial legislature in action and forge new lifelong friendships with peers from all over the province! 

The program is designed for outgoing, high-achieving, community-involved students who have demonstrated responsibility and leadership. Legislative Pages meet key parliamentary and political figures, and learn first-hand about Ontario’s Parliament and the legislative process. 

While at Queen’s Park, they are under the direction of the Page Program Coordinator who is a certified Ontario teacher. Pages also receive an honorarium during their term of duty. 

We are accepting applications for the Spring 2025 term from September 15th until November 15th, 2024.

Page applications are accepted online twice yearly: April 15 to June 15 and September 15 to November 15. Contact us at pageprogram@ola.org for more information.


Be a Part of the Model Parliament Program at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario!

This engaging, educational program at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario offers civic-minded students an opportunity to experience democracy at work. This 3-day program takes place at the Legislative Building in Toronto.

Who Can Apply?

Ontario students in grades 10 to 12 with an interest in current affairs, provincial issues and government.

Why Apply?

Meet the Speaker, Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) and other like-minded students from across Ontario! Learn how the provincial legislature works firsthand and debate “as an MPP” in the Legislative Chamber.

Online applications will be accepted until October 6th, 2024 – apply now!


Exhibit your art at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario!

The Youth Arts Program celebrates the incredible artistic talents of young Ontarians aged 12-18. Each year, youth from across the province submit their works of art to be displayed throughout the Legislative Building, showcasing their creativity and diverse artistic abilities. 

Online applications will be accepted from
August 15th to October 15th, 2024 – apply now!


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: 

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.


Logos de l’Ombudsman de l’Ontario et de l’Unité des services en français. Ombudsman Ontario and French Language Services Unit logos
La couverture du rapport d'enquête Messages manqués en anglais et en français. The cover of the Missed Messages investigation report in English and French.

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.


In our community. Ottawa South

Come stop by and say hi to me and my team at the Alta Vista Market at 2345 Alta Vista Dr, this Saturday, September 28th.


Ontario Senior Achievement Award

This award recognizes individuals for significant contributions to their communities after the age of 65. Up to 20 individuals are recognized each year.

Eligibility

The person you nominate (the nominee) must:

  • have contributed to the community after the age of 65
  • be a resident of Ontario

Seniors who qualify for this award may have contributed to many different fields such as the arts, literature, community service, volunteering, education, environment, fitness, and humanitarian activities.

You cannot nominate:

  • yourself
  • someone who has passed away
  • someone currently holding political office
  • elected federal, provincial, municipal representatives or political appointees

Required information

To submit a nomination, you will need to provide:

  • The nominee’s first name, last name, address, email and phone number.
  • A detailed description of the nominee’s achievements and why they should receive the award.
  • At least two signed testimonial letters. The letters must be from two different people who are not the nominator. An electronic signature or scanned copy of the signed letters are acceptable. The testimonial writers should:
    • know the nominee
    • be able to explain the value and impact of the nominee’s achievements
    • support the nomination
  • The testimonial writers’ first name, last name, email address and phone number.

Additional information

You may include optional supporting documents to give more insight into your nominee’s accomplishments, such as:

  • supplementary testimonials
  • publications
  • media stories and news articles

The annual deadline for nominations is October 1st. You can submit a nomination online by registering through the Ontario Honours and Awards Portal


Rideau Park United Church Nearly New Clothing Sale – October 4th and 5th

Rideau Park United Church (2203 Alta Vista Drive) will be holding their annual Nearly New Clothing Sale on Friday, October 5th, from 6p.m. to 8p.m. and Saturday, October 5th, from 9a.m. to 11:30a.m. Stop by to add some new pieces to your fall wardrobe! If you have items you would like to donate, drop off at Rideau Park United Church Thursday, October 3rd, from 9a.m. – 12p.m. / 1p.m. – 4p.m. / 6p.m. – 8p.m. and Friday, October 4th, from 9a.m. – 12p.m.


Join OrKidstra in Heron Gate: make music, make friends!’

OrKidstra is an Ottawa-based social development program that empowers kids and builds community through the universal language of music.

Join OrKidstra’s FREE and fun after-school music program in the heart of Heron Gate, complete with healthy snacks! Programming includes KiddlyWinks (a fun music and movement program for kids ages 5-8) and KidSingers (an innovative choir program for children and youth ages 8+). KidSingers will also be introduced to the wonderful world of instruments through our KidStarters program. OrKidstra’s After-School Program in Heron Gate will run on Mondays and Wednesdays between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM from October 16, 2024, through June 2025.

Location: Heron Gate Community Hub (2850 Cedarwood Dr., rear entrance)

Ready to join in on the musical fun? Apply today at orkidstra.ca/apply.

If you have any questions about the OrKidstra program, please contact OrKidstra at programadmin@orkidstra.ca.



Go Steam!

Where: Heron Gate Community Hub – 2850 Cedarwood Drive.
When: Tuesdays, 4:00 – 5:00 PM – October 8th to December 3rd.


Calling all students, grads, mid-career professionals … and lifelong learners!

This fall’s biggest career expo is coming on Thursday, Oct. 17th.
 
Don’t miss the Best Places to Work Career and Training Expo to plan your next career move. It’s FREE to attend, but you must pre-register.
 
What to expect:Get face-to-face contact with 75+ of Ottawa’s best employersEmployers from technology, homebuilding, manufacturing, professional services, public sector and more!Stage presentations on the latest hiring trends and job openingsGain insights into upskilling and career advancement 
Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024
Time: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Shaw Centre

Register here: Best Places to Work Ottawa – Discover the Best Employers in Ottawa (bestplacestoworkexpo.ca)


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).


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!


Beware of a scam, impersonation of Ottawa Police and Ottawa Victim Services

 

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Organized Fraud Unit is warning the public of a reported scam. 

Victims have received calls from persons pretending to be victim support workers from Ottawa Victim Services.

The fraudster typically tells the victim that their personal information has been compromised and appeared on the dark web relating to crimes against children. The victim is then instructed to attend their banking institution and transfer funds or offered help by the fraudster to transfer money out of their compromised accounts into the one that has been specially prepared for them.

To further complicate matters, the fraudster references a partnership with Ottawa Police Service investigators and the calls appear to be from a telephone number that belongs to Ottawa Victim Services (613-238-2762).

People are reminded that, should they receive unsolicited calls from a person requesting money or personal information, they should advise the person on the line that they will call them back. They should then verify the correct number for whatever agency is supposedly calling and call them back, as applicable.

It should be further noted that the actual Ottawa Police phone number (613-236-1222) as well as Ottawa Victim Services (613-238-2762) will not show up on your call display when you are receiving a legitimate call from either of them.

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.


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. 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 ParentsYouth and Opioids – What parents need to know – Parenting in Ottawa
 Multilingual Print ResourcesOttawa 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 CardFrench – National Overdose Response Service (NORS) & The Brave App Card

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