If you require immediate assistance, please email us at jfraser.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org or call us at 613-736-9573.
Welcoming New Staff
We have some staffing changes to share. We are happy to announce that Gabby Glasier is joining our office as Executive Assistant at Queen’s Park, and Abigail McGuire is joining our staff in the Ottawa Constituency Office. We are saying, not “goodbye”, but “see you around,” to Jordan Vecchio, who has joined the staff of MPP Tyler Watt at Queen’s Park, as well as Eric Osborne who has moved to the Ontario Liberal Caucus Office (OLCO) at Queen’s Park. We are also saying “farewell” to a member of our Queen’s Park staff, Veronika Seremet, who is returning to her studies.
Don’t forget to shop local!
Our office has free bilingual lawn signs to give out to display your Canadian pride. If you would like one, stop by our office to pick one up. We can also drop one off to you.
Congolese Solidarity Event – April 11
I was pleased to attend a Stand in Solidarity for Congo event in the riding supporting peace efforts in the Congo. it was wonderful to meet new neighbours
Medical Lab Tour – April 23
I was invited to tour the Medical lab at The Ottawa Hospital. I had the opportunity to learn about some of the equipment, and discuss some of the challenges our health care workers are facing.
Banff-Ledbury House OTF Presentation – April 24
I attended a presentation of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Seed Grant being awarded to the Banff-Ledbury Community House. I learned about the fantastic work being done to foster community engagement through recreational activities.
On the first day back at Queen’s Park in Question Period (April 16), I questioned the Premier’s Therme deal for Ontario Place.
On April 17, I continued to press the government with questions about Ontario Place, trying to get to the bottom of the Premier’s deal with Therme.
I will keep asking the tough questions until I get the answers!
Province delivering support to businesses Amid Economic Uncertainty
Ontario Connecting More People to a Family Doctor and Primary Care Teams
2024-25 EnAbling Change Program Recipients
Ontario Increasing School Board Accountability
More Children Can Access Sport and Recreation
2025-2026 Francophone Community Grants Program Launched
Update on New Children’s Treatment Centre in Ottawa
Waterloo Region Selected to Host 2026 Ontario Summer Games
Orillia Selected to Host 2026 Ontario Winter Games
Each year, approximately 150 Grade 7 & 8 students from across Ontario are selected to participate in Ontario’s Legislative Page Program. The program is designed for outgoing, high-achieving, community-involved students who have demonstrated responsibility and leadership. Legislative Pages support the functions of the House, meet key parliamentary figures, and learn first-hand about Ontario’s Parliament and the legislative process.
Page applications are accepted online twice yearly:
April 15 to June 15
and
September 15 to November 15
Check out our website at https://www.ola.org/
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 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.
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In an innovative new collaboration between Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) and the provincial and federal governments, millions of Ontarians will be one step closer to saving and improving lives.
Through this initiative, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has included a question to the federal annual income tax return that allows Ontario taxpayers to indicate their interest in receiving information about organ and tissue donation and transplantation. The question will appear on tax forms each year moving forward, with the goal of raising awareness and increasing donor registrations.
As a result of this initiative, this fall, over 2.1 million Ontario taxpayers who expressed interest will receive an email from TGLN with information about how to register as a potential donor.
Learn more about organ and tissue donation and transplantation and take 2 minutes to change someone’s life by visiting beadonor.ca.
River Ward Events
Help Riverside Park get Growing
The Riverside Park Community Association is looking for volunteers to help start vegetable seeds for their annual Seed and Seedling Giveaway on May 17. No experience required, the Garden Committee will provide the seeds, soil and pots. Volunteers just need a sunny window. Contact garden@riversidepark.ca for more information.
Hunt Club Riverside Community Creative Art Club
Bring your thoughts, inspiration, ideas and create with other like-minded people from our community. Try new steps. Build a strong connection within yourself and with others. Use a medium that works for you . ( Example: paint, canvas, wood, coloured pencils)
* Bring your own supplies, creative talent and a smile
Where: Hunt Club Riverside Park Community Centre, 3320 Paul Anka Dr
When: Every Wednesday starting March 19 to June 4 2025 from 10am – 12pm
Cost: $3 weekly drop in fee
Contact Dianne at d.arts@bell.net
River Ward Mother’s Day High Tea – Two Seatings
Back by popular demand is our annual Mother’s Day High Tea. Join Councillor Brockington in celebration of River Ward’s mothers and motherly figures; with classical music, great food and friendship. We are offering two seatings: 2pm and 3:15pm. Please RSVP, all are welcome!
When: May 10, 2pm and 3:15pm
Where: Hunt Club Riverside Park Community Centre, 3320 Paul Anka Drive
RSVP: Riley.Brockington@ottawa.ca
River Ward Strawberry Social
Annual Social with strawberries, entertainment and door prizes.
Please RSVP with Councillor Brockington’s office to secure your seat.
When: June 5, 1pm
Where: Hunt Club Riverside Park Community Centre, 3320 Paul Anka Drive
RSVP: Riley.Brockington@ottawa.ca
Alta Vista Ward Events
Seniors Lunch and Learn on Fraud Prevention – May 22nd
Seniors Lunch & Learn series is back with our next event taking place on Thursday, May 22nd, from 12p.m. to 1p.m. at the Dempsey Community Center. Lunch will be provided!
This installment of our Lunch and Learn series will discuss Scam and Fraud Prevention with a presentation delivered by Brad Burleau of the Ottawa Police. Each year, Canadians lose millions of dollars to fraud. Educating yourself on common scams is the easiest way to prevent becoming the victim of one.
All are welcome and this event is free of charge, however space is limited! To reserve your space, please call or mail my office at 613-580-2488 or email marty.carr@ottawa.ca
Made in Alta Vista Market – May 29th
The first Made in Alta Vista Night Market on May 29th, 2025, from 4-8 pm at the Jim Tubman Rink just outside the Canterbury Recreation Complex (2185 Arch Street).
You can look forward to a vast variety of vendors and local authors selling books, jewellery and accessories, art pieces, woodworking, candles, food, and more!
Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) Information Session – May 6th
Join Senior Watch Alta Vista (SWAV), a committee of the Alta Vista Community Association, to learn about the “aging in place” initiative in our community on Tuesday, May 6th, from 1:30p.m. to 3:30p.m. at the Rideau Park United Church (2203 Alta Vista Drive – side entrance). In the future, a NORC could include social and recreational activities, community programs, healthcare services and educational speakers. If you have questions, call Francine at 613-736-7449 and leave a message.
Art in the Neighbourhood Spring Art Festival – May 10th
On Saturday May 10th, Art in the Neighbourhood, will be having their annual Spring Art Festival, showcasing over 30 local Canadian artists. This will be a great opportunity for visitors to view a wide variety of art disciplines and support Canadian artists.
This special event will take place at Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink just outside of the Canterbury Recreation Complex (2156 Arch Street) from 10a.m. to 4p.m. It will be a family friendly, accessible event with live music, food trucks, free parking, and free admission.
Empowering youth to achieve their life and career goals.
Your Job Story is a 10-week program to help support and guide marginalized youth to overcome barriers to employment or pursuing life goals.
Participants receive hands-on career exploration opportunities and develop life and leadership skills. There is no cost to participate.
Earn while you learn! Participants will create their own Job Story in this unique program designed to give youth the tools to succeed in life and on the job, while earning minimum wage to participate in training
Personalized Support
- Dedicated staff available to help reduce, eliminate, or navigate barriers to employment
- One-on-one appointments with Your Job Story staff to offer ongoing support
Paid Training (4 weeks)
- Participants receive 4 weeks of paid training at minimum wage.
Training covers:- Free certifications, such as First Aid/CPR, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Service Excellence, and others relevant to your career goals.
- Sessions on Financial Literacy, Job Search Skills, and Life Skills.
- Opportunities to meet and network with local employers.
Transition to Employment (6 weeks)
- 6 weeks of support, after training, to continue job searching & settle into employment.
Participants must be:
- Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive).
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- Legally entitled to work in Canada.
- Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.
- Able to commit to full-time attendance for the entire 10-week program. This includes 30 hours per week of classes for the first 4 weeks, followed by at least 30 hours a week for 6 weeks of employment support.
- Currently not employed or enrolled in full-time education.
Participants in receipt of EI are eligible to participate in the program; however, they must first consult with their Service Canada office before participating.
Advancing the well-being 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!
Warning: OPS and OPP Alert Public to New Scam Targeting Seniors with Fake Gold Investment Schemes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, April 14th, 2025 12:25 p.m.
(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning the public about a new scam where criminals are tricking elderly people into buying and shipping large amounts of gold to avoid financial loss.
The OPS has received reports from two elderly victims who were scammed into buying over $500,000 worth of gold each, which the suspects arrange to pick up from the victim at their residence. The OPP in Norfolk County has also reported a similar case, with losses of nearly $350,000.
This scam is a new version of the “Grandparent Scam,” where criminals previously claimed a loved one was in trouble and needed money for bail. Now, the scam artists are telling victims that the only way to protect their money is to buy gold.
The criminals use pop-up messages that look like they are from trusted sources on the victims’ computers, convincing them that their online financial information has been stolen. Once the suspects have gained the victims’ trust, they convince them to buy gold and then arrange to pick it up, leading to significant financial loss. The victims are told not to tell their family or bank.
The OPS and OPP are urging everyone, especially older people, to be careful and follow these tips:
- Do not buy gold or gift cards if you get unexpected pop-up messages, emails, or phone calls.
- If someone asks you to buy gold or gift cards to protect your money, talk to a trusted family member or friend before doing anything.
- If you think you’ve been targeted or already lost money, call 211 or your local police right away
“These scams can sound very convincing, and we don’t want anyone to feel embarrassed about coming forward,” said Fraud Detective Shaun Wahbeh. “If something feels suspicious, always ask for help. We’re here to help you.”
“Those behind this type of scam are always changing their tactics, and we need to stay alert,” said OPP Regional Media Coordinator Bill Dickson. “If you’re contacted by these criminals, don’t hesitate to report it to the police. You’re not alone.”Both the OPS and OPP are dedicated to helping the public and stopping these scams. If you think you’ve been a victim or see something suspicious, please contact the police.
For more information or to report a scam, visit ottawapolice.ca or opp.ca.
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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.
CONTACT:
Media Relations Section
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366
Read this article on our website.
Statistics Canada’s quarterly information bulletin for elected officials: April to June 2025
This bulletin provides information about surveys being conducted by Statistics Canada in your area over the next few months. The data from our surveys help provide an accurate picture of the job situation, the cost of living and the economy in Canada, among other topics. Survey data will be used to guide government decisions and assist Canadians through their everyday lives.
As citizens may contact your office if they have been selected for a survey, we hope this information will help you answer their questions and address their concerns.
All surveys are conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act, which guarantees that all information provided by survey participants remains confidential and is used only for statistical purposes.
Confirming survey and interviewer legitimacy
There are several ways to verify that a survey is being conducted by Statistics Canada:
- by looking up the name of the survey in the list of surveys in collection
- by contacting Statistics Canada:
- toll-free: 1-877-949-9492
- TTY: 1-800-363-7629 (if you use an operator-assisted relay service, you can call us during regular business hours; you do not need to authorize the operator to contact us)
- email: infostats@statcan.gc.ca
How we conduct surveys
Survey participants may be contacted by telephone, by mail, by email, by text message or in person at their homes. For most surveys, Statistics Canada will first send an invitation letter or email to let respondents know about the purpose of the survey and to inform them that an interviewer will contact them.
Some of our surveys in collection
Additional information on each survey can be found on our website in the list of surveys in collection.
Endangered bat conservation takes flight thanks to TC Energy grant
RIDEAU VALLEY, April 17, 2025 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation can go to bat for endangered bats thanks to a generous grant from TC Energy’s Build Strong program.
The funds will help purchase state-of-the-art bat recording equipment to kickstart a local species at risk monitoring program. Data from those devices will allow staff to target habitat creation and conservation efforts where it’s needed most. The Foundation will partner with conservation lands staff at the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) to carry out the work.
In 2024, RVCA staff documented five of the province’s seven bat species on Authority and Foundation properties, including the Little Brown bat, Hoary Bat, Silver-haired Bat, Eastern Red Bat, and Tri-coloured Bat.
All of them are classified as endangered by the committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO), with many facing declines due to threats like White Nose-Syndrome, which has devastated up to 90% of North America’s bat population.
Beginning this spring, staff will deploy stationary Acoustic Recording Units (ARUs) on 10 properties to further confirm which bat species are using RVCA and Foundation lands, and to collect valuable distribution data.
More versatile Echo Meters, which can attach to existing devices like phones for mobile monitoring, will also be deployed to confirm the presence of bat maternity roosts, which are vital safe spaces for mothers to raise their pups.
The combination of ARUs, Echo Meters and trail cameras will help monitor the bats as they enter and exit roosts. They will also aid staff in locating and identifying critical winter hibernation habitats.
Volunteer Talks Shareable Information
Volunteer Ottawa’s Community Ambassadors are available to give in-person and virtual presentations on the benefits of volunteering and how to find rewarding volunteer opportunities. We can also set up information tables at community festivals and events. Invite us to be part of your next get-together! Complete the online request form to get started
How to Start Volunteering in Ottawa
Free information sessions (in person and virtual)
Volunteer Ottawa/Bénévoles Ottawa runs free, bilingual, information sessions to help people start volunteering in Ottawa. There are in-person and virtual options available every month. Advance registration required. https://volunteerottawa.ca/events/volunteer-infosessions/
National Volunteer Week
Special Offer for Aspiring Community Leaders!
To celebrate National Volunteer Week 2025, Volunteer Ottawa is making its Community and Board Leadership training program available at 50% off (regular price $145). Available in both English and French, this self-paced, online course is designed to equip current and prospective non-profit board members with the knowledge and skills necessary to govern with confidence and expand their impact in their community. Register online between April 27 and May 3 using the discount code: NVW-2025.
VOscars Volunteer Awards Nominations Now Open
Nominations are now open for the 2025 VOscars Volunteer Awards! Each year, Volunteer Ottawa gives you a chance to pay tribute to people and organizations making a difference in our community. Give the gift of recognition by submitting a nomination in one of 7 award categories by May 30, 2025. And please share the submission with your nominee to let them know how much their generosity is noticed and appreciated. It’s a very special way to say, “Thank You” and celebrate the difference they make in the lives of others.
Three finalists will be selected in each category and invited to the VOscars Volunteer Awards Gala on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the Preston Event Centre.
Partnering for Safety: Ottawa Public Health, Safer Roads Ottawa, City of Ottawa’s Integrated Neighbourhood Services and CHEO Team Up on Head Injury Prevention
Together, Ottawa Public Health (OPH), Safer Roads Ottawa (SRO), the City of Ottawa’s Integrated Neighbourhood Services Team (INST) and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) are making important strides in promoting cycling safety and reducing head injuries among young riders.
This initiative seeks to reduce the risk of head injuries in young cyclists by providing bicycle helmets and safety messages to children and youth visiting CHEO’s Emergency Department with cycling-related injuries, particularly those not wearing a helmet or with a damaged one.
A true collaborative effort
OPH has played a key role by supplying CHEO’s Emergency Department with bicycle helmets in a range of sizes as well as packages of safety resources to accompany each helmet. The package includes helpful materials such as helmet fitting guidance. SRO has contributed reflective gear, bike lights, and bells to further enhance safety equipment. The City’s INST has also supported this initiative with sourcing and provision of the helmets.
CHEO’s Emergency Department staff have played the very important role of distributing the helmets to children and youth, and ensuring each helmet is properly sized and fitted to its new owner. CHEO staff take the time to review fitting guidance with each patient and their family and share key safety messages.
By increasing access to helmets, and emphasizing the importance of size and fit, this initiative aims to provide optimal protection against head injuries while cycling. Wearing a properly and securely fitted bicycle helmet while cycling can dramatically decrease the risk of a serious head injury!
For information on choosing the right helmet, how to wear a helmet, when it’s time for a replacement and more, visit Helmet Safety – 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 List
- English – 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.ca
- Safe Handling and Disposal of Sharps (Training Video)
- Needle Drop-Boxes
- Returning Medical Sharps to Pharmacies
- Integrated Strategies to Collect Discarded Needles
- Working 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 Card
- French – Signs of an Opioid Overdose Card
- Arabic – Signs of an Opioid Overdose Card
- Somali – Signs of an Opioid Overdose Card
Overdose Detection Technologies Cards:
- English – National Overdose Response Service (NORS) & The Brave App Card
- French – National Overdose Response Service (NORS) & The Brave App Card
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