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
Hawthorne Park Fun Afternoon – October 2nd
My team and I joined residents for a fun, chilly afternoon to serve ice cream to young people and chat about the work I have been doing over the summer in our community.
Vigil for Brkti Berhe – October 29th
On October 29th, I joined members of the Hunt Club-Riverside community, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Councillor Riley Brockington, and members of the Ottawa Police Service at Paul Landry Park in memory of Brkti Berhe and to grieve with her family.
On October 21st, I joined my colleagues, MPP Adil Samji, MPP Ted Hsu and Ontario Liberal Party leader Bonnie Crombie, for the start of session press conference. The Legislature resumed sitting after the Premier called an extended “Summer Break,” which began on June 7th.
Walk the Pink Carpet | Brest Cancer Canada – October 22nd
I joined colleagues from across the aisle to stand in solidarity and acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness Month and highlight the vital importance of regular breast screening.
On October 28th, I asked the Premier why patients in palliative care at home are not getting the proper medication and medical supplies they need and about the issues facing Ontario Health at Home.
Ontario Legislative Pages
It was great chatting with the newest cohort of Legislative Pages. These young people play an essential role in the democratic process that takes place every day in the Legislative Assembly at Queen’s Park.
Alina Doja, a student from Alta Vista Public School, will be joining the page team from November 18 to December 12. I look forward to meeting her when she arrives.
Investments in Free Business Training for Racialized and Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Connecting One Million More Women to Breast Cancer Screening
Investments Helping More Women Build Skills and Get Jobs
Investments Helping Workers Plan For Retirement
Dr. Jane Philpott Appointed as Chair of New Primary Care Action Team
Strengthening Supports to Combat Hate and Create Safer Communities
Free Flu Shot and New COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available Across Ontario
Ontario’s 2024 Fall Economic Statement is Released
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.
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 December 1st. You can submit a nomination online by registering through the Ontario Honours and Awards Portal.
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.
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 favor 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.
Wildflower Seed Library Native Seed Giveaway – November 2nd
The Wildflower Seed Library will be holding a number of native seed giveaways throughout November and December! The first giveaway will be taking place on Saturday, November 2nd, from 1p.m. to 3p.m. at Saint Columba Anglican Church (24 Sandridge Road). They will be in the ward at Jim Durrell Recreation Centre on November 30th to host a seed giveaway in collaboration with the Alta Vista Community Association! You can check out the full list of native seed giveaways and get more information on the Wildflower Seed Library’s website.
St. Aidan’s Yuletide Bazaar ― November 2nd
Come out and enjoy the festive spirit of a traditional Yuletide Bazaar at St. Aidan’s church (934 Hamlet Road) on Saturday, November 2nd from 10a.m. to 2p.m. You’ll find home baking, jams and other preserves, The Boutique (jewellery and accessories for men and women), books, puzzles and more. The Silent Auction will feature treasures, practical items, and gift cards. Browse and then place your bids! Finally, relax and enjoy a snack or light lunch in the holiday café. More information on the St. Aidan’s Yuletide Bazaar can be found on their website.
Rideau Park Christmas Treasures Bazaar ― November 2nd
Rideau Park’s traditional “Christmas Treasures Bazaar” is on Saturday, November 2 from 1pm-4pm. There will be baking, jams, deli meals, fine handicrafts, Garden Alley, Kids’/Teen Corner, Boutique Treasures, a silent auction, Scroungers Paradise (previously the General Store) and Books Galore to amaze you! After shopping until you drop (PLEASE bring your own bags), refresh yourself with a cup of tea, plated sandwich varieties, and sweet squares, and then redeem your tea room ticket for a complimentary book. See you there!
The Co-Convenors are Christel Kurz and Peggy Rader and they can be reached at rpucbazaar@rideaupark.ca.
Pleasant Park Public School Book Fair and Bake Sale – November 2nd
The Pleasant Park Public School is holding its annual book fair and bake sale fundraiser on Saturday, November 2nd, from 9:00a.m. to 2p.m. in the Pleasant Park Public School gymnasium (565 Pleasant Park Road). There will be gently used books for all ages (toddler to adult). Come out and treat yourself to a book and some baked goods.
Behind the Screams Haunted House – Until November 3rd
You are invited to Behind the Screams by 1DStudios where fear, fun, and fantastic frights come together for an unforgettable experience! This attraction is a multi-journey, all-ages Haunted House about a film set that has been possessed by a demon. This amazing interactive experience is taking place just outside the ward at 2935 Conroy Road until November 3rd. Learn more about this possessed film studio attraction and buy tickets on 1DStudio’s website.
Emmanuel United Church Holiday Bazaar – November 9th
Saturday, November 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find homemade baking, jams and preserves. Bid on unique items in our Silent Auction. Hunt for treasures such as house wares, toys, games, puzzles and sports equipment in Scroungers Paradise. Get your dazzle on from our Jewelry and Accessories Room. Browse in the Books & CDs/DVDs Room. Enjoy hand crafted items from the Woodworking Table and NEW handmade items from our Knitting and Sewing Table. Don’t forget to pick up a few decorations from our Christmas Table to start your holiday preparations. Try your hand at Ice Fishing or make a wish for someone in our Wish Upon a Star area. Stay and enjoy a meal in our Lunch Room (we offer Take-Out too) and take home more food from our Deli Table. All are welcome.
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.
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! |
Halloween Safety: Tips to Keep You and Your Family Safe
(Ottawa)— With Halloween just around the corner, the Ottawa Police Service wants to remind everyone to stay safe, whether you’re trick-or-treating, driving, or celebrating.
Here are some tips to ensure that this spooky holiday remains safe for all:
Trick-or-Treaters:
- Be Seen: Make sure kids are visible. Give them flashlights, glow sticks, or reflective tape.
- Use the Sidewalk: Always walk on sidewalks or paths. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, and don’t run between parked cars.
- Stay in Groups: Young children should always be with an adult. Older kids should consider going with friends. Make sure they have a charged phone and a plan in case they get separated.
- Never go inside a house to get treats.
- Always have your treats checked by an adult before eating them.
- Keep pets who may be easily spooked away from the door and trick-o-treaters
Drivers:
- Stay Alert: Be on the lookout for excited trick-or-treaters who may not be paying attention to traffic. Drive slowly, and be ready to stop.
- Avoid Distractions: Put your phone away and focus on the road. Distracted driving can turn a fun night into a dangerous or tragic night.
Plan Ahead: If you’re going to a Halloween party, plan a safe ride home. Drive sober, or use a designated driver, ride share or public transportation. As always, if you see something suspicious, suspect an impaired driver or find yourself in an emergency, call 911.
We hope that everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!
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. Protect yourself against influenza (flu) and COVID-19 by getting your vaccines
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the annual flu vaccine and the updated KP.2-containing COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. OPH is anticipating an active respiratory illness season with flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulating in the community at the same time. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are particularly recommended for people at high risk of severe illness.
Effective October 28, 2024, flu vaccines and the updated COVID-19 vaccines are available for all residents. There are many options for getting your flu and updated COVID-19 vaccine:
- Visit your nearest pharmacy (pharmacies continue to be the main point of access for flu and COVID-19 vaccines).
- Check with your regular health care provider to see if they offer the vaccines.
- Visit an OPH Community Clinic to get your vaccines.
- Visit an OPH Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hub, if you face barriers to access, for vaccines on a walk-in basis, as capacity allows.
To book your appointment for the updated COVID-19 vaccine:
COVID-19 vaccine appointments at OPH Community Clinics can be booked through the Ontario COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007).
To book your appointment for your annual flu vaccine:
Flu vaccine appointments at OPH Community Clinics can be booked through the Ottawa Public Health website.
To book the RSV antibody immunization appointment for your infant:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs resulting in cold-like symptoms. RSV infection can happen at any age but is particularly severe in infants, often leading to serious lung infections requiring hospitalization. RSV immunization appointments, for eligible infants and children, can be booked through the Kids Come First webpage.
For more detailed information, please review the Public Service Announcements on the updated COVID-19 vaccine, the annual flu vaccine and the provincial RSV prevention program.
Respiratory Virus Prevention
Ottawa Public Health wants to remind Ottawa residents that there are simple and effective ways to help protect yourself, your families and our communities against respiratory illness. Using the following layers of protection helps keep everyone safe:
- Stay home when sick until you are fever-free (without using fever-reducing medication AND your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours for vomiting/diarrhea).
- Wash your hands (or use hand sanitizer) often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home and workplace.
- Keep your vaccinations up to date, including getting your annual flu vaccine and your updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- Avoid visiting people at high-risk of severe illness when you are sick (including people living in long-term care, retirement homes or in hospital).
- Wear a mask:
- To protect yourself from viral respiratory illnesses.
- To protect others at higher risk of severe respiratory illness.
- When you’re recovering from illness.
- Use local monitoring indicators, updated weekly on our dashboard at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/VirusReport to help you assess your level of risk.
Rapid Antigen Test Kits
Rapid Antigen Test Kits are no longer provided to Ottawa Public Health for distribution by the province. The Ontario Ministry of Health announced a new COVID-19 testing strategy which focuses on the testing of individuals who are highest risk and are eligible for COVID-19 treatment. For more information on who is eligible for publicly-funded testing, where to access testing, and what treatments are available, please visit the provincial website COVID testing and treatment.
For information on what to do if you believe you have COVID-19, see the provincial site for more tailored advice.
For more information on respiratory illness, including fall vaccines, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RespVirus, or call 613-580-6744 and follow the prompts for immunization support.
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 Needles |
| Website for Parents: Youth and Opioids – What parents need to know – Parenting in Ottawa |
| Multilingual Print Resources: Ottawa Public Health – Opioid Signage Multilingual Opioid Overdose Recognition Cards:English – Signs of an Opioid Overdose 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 |
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.