If you require immediate assistance, please email us at jfraser.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org or call us at 613-736-9573.
Please see the Ontario Liberal Caucus’ statement on the recent Education Bill.
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.
Don’t forget to shop local!
On May 16th, I was happy to attend the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario’s (RNAO) 22nd Annual Breakfast with the Politicians during Nurses Week.
It was “Take Your MPP to School Week” May 20-23. I want to thank Roberta Bondar Public School for opening their doors to me today. Thank you also to the visiting Canterbury High School’s Jazz Band for a wonderful performance!
We would also like to highlight the wonderful work the Brookfield Community Cupboard is doing. On May 28th, they held a Charity BBQ to celebrate their 1 year Anniversary!
I asked questions about the government’s Budget making sure to Keep government spending accountable to Ontarians.
We hear your concerns on Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025 and the Ontario Liberal Caucus will continue to amplify your voices.
Ontario Exempting Canada Disability Benefit as Income
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/
Upcoming Grant Opportunities
Seed grant stream
Application Deadline: August 20, 2025 at 5 PM ET
Learn more about the Seed Grant
Grow grant stream
Application Deadline: November 5, 2025 at 5 PM ET
Learn more about the Grow Grant
Youth Opportunities Fund
Youth and Family Innovations grant
Application Deadline: July 9, 2025 at 5 PM ET
Learn more about the Youth Opportunities Fund
Asthma Canada: Here are our 6 top tips for staying safe during wildfire season:
1. Stay informed:
Keep track of local air quality updates and wildfire information from reliable sources like Environment Canada, The Weather Network, and the Government of Canada.
2. Have an updated Asthma Action Plan:
Your plan should outline steps to take in case of worsening asthma symptoms or emergencies.
3. Limit outdoor activities:
Stay indoors as much as possible. Avoid physical exertion and exercising outdoors during peak pollution periods. If going outside is necessary:
· Wear a well-fitted N95 respirator mask
· Keep your reliever inhaler with you
· When driving, close windows and vents and set your AC to “recirculate”
4. Use air purifiers and filters in your home:
Use HEPA air purifiers and keep windows and doors closed. Set your AC to recirculation mode and avoid indoor air pollutants like smoking or strong chemicals.
5. Take your medications as prescribed:
Make sure you have all necessary asthma medications and supplies ready. Follow your treatment plan, and consult your healthcare provider if adjustments are needed due to poor air quality.
6. Stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of fluids to keep your airways moist and help reduce symptoms.
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
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.
As part of our national initiative, Under the Maple Leaf – Respecting the Canadian Flag, we are collecting tattered, faded, or damaged Canadian, provincial, and territorial flags that are ready to be retired with dignity.
The Canadian flag is more than a symbol — it represents our values, our shared history, and the sacrifices made to protect our country. When a flag becomes worn or unfit to fly, it deserves to be retired with the same respect with which it was raised. Disposing of flags improperly — in garbage bins or recycling — is not only disrespectful, it disconnects us from the national pride they represent.
To ensure these flags are honoured properly, Beechwood will host a formal sunset ceremony on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, where they will be respectfully cremated. This event will include a solemn procession, the raising of a new Maple Leaf, and participation from the RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces, and Members of Parliament.
If you or the VAC network have any flags that are ready for retirement, we would be honoured to receive them and ensure they are laid to rest with the dignity they deserve.
Please send or deliver retired flags to:
Beechwood Cemetery Foundation
Attn: Under the Maple Leaf
280 Beechwood Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1L 8A6
More information is available here:
https://www.beechwoodottawa.ca/en/foundation/under-maple-leaf-respecting-canadian-flag
Primary Care for Older Adults: An Urgent Need
Margaret Tansey, Chair Seniors Health Innovations Hub, in concert with Shawn Menard, Councillor Capital Ward, are inviting you to a Forum “Primary Care for Older Adults: An Urgent Need”. This free event will be held on Wednesday June 18, 6-8PM, online and in person, at Southminster United Church (accessible), 15 Aylmer Avenue at Bank Street.
Our goal is to build awareness of the crisis in primary health care for older adults, to share related advocacy approaches and to provide strategies to support healthy aging. The intended audience includes older adults and their families, caregivers, as well as stakeholder and advocacy groups across Ottawa.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Benoit Robert, Chief Medical Officer at Perley Health and a renowned seniors’ health expert. The Director of the Ottawa Ontario Health Team-Équipe Santé Ontario, Monica Armstrong, will set the stage for the event by presenting recent data about primary care and the needs of older adults to highlight why this is an important and urgent issue in Ottawa. Hoda Mankal, one of Ottawa’s foremost public faces for the nurse practitioner (NP) profession, will outline the scope of NP practice. Dr. Nancy Edwards, an expert on fall prevention, will present a summary of her findings and its impact on healthy aging. Nathalie Lafrenière will inform us on how to navigate the available community services important to aging at home. A Q&A session is planned.
Registration is appreciated. Providing your email will allow us to contact you with event-related information. Use this link or QR code:
River Ward Events
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 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
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.
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!
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.
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/
Ottawa Hosts 2025 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships at Carleton University
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, May 30, 2025 10:51 a.m.
Ottawa—The 2025 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships Provincial Games arrive in just a few days, hosted by the Ottawa Police Service. From June 3 to 5, Carleton University will welcome more than 1,100 student-athletes with and without an intellectual disability, along with educators from across Ontario to compete in a celebration of sport, inclusion, and community.
This year’s Championships will feature competitions in athletics, basketball, bocce, floorball, and soccer. These games serve as a capstone event for athletes aged 13–21 who have qualified through regional competitions throughout the school year across the province. Competitions will also feature unified sports. This inclusive model brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities to compete as teammates.
“Since starting Unified Sports, our athletes have become known and respected across the school. They are high-fived in the halls, asked how they are doing, and have made friends beyond the classroom. Unified Sports has had an immeasurable impact, and our students lead by example, paving the way for future teammates.” Angela Nixon, Educator, Glebe Collegiate Institute.
The Opening Ceremonies will take place on Tuesday, June 3, at the Carleton University Fieldhouse. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show running from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Media are invited to attend for photo opportunities and to witness the official start of this inspiring event. Interviews will be granted upon request and will take place at the completion of the ceremonies.
The Ottawa Police Service, as the official host, is joined by a dedicated group of volunteers, law enforcement partners, educators, and community members who are working together to make this event a success.
Our dedicated community members help bring these games to life but we need your help! We’re still looking for sponsors for our incredible student athletes. Your support can turn possibility into reality for a young athlete with an intellectual disability—giving them the chance to wear their school’s jersey, represent their community, and shine on and off the field. Be the reason a student gets their chance to be a champion. 100% of your donation will directly support a student’s chance to participate in this life-changing experience. Visit our School Championships website and Sponsor a Champion today: https://schoolchamps.ca/sponsor-a-champion
About the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships
The City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Police Service are proud to be hosting the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships. During the 2024/2025 academic year, over 10,000 high school athletes will compete across the province in an effort to qualify for the 2025 School Championships. School Programs instill confidence, contribute to a healthier lifestyle, build lifelong friendships and create a more inclusive society. Taking place June 3rd to June 5th, the 2025 School Championships will welcome over 1,100 student athletes from across Ontario to Ottawa. They will be joined by their coaches and cheered on in person and at home by their families and friends.
For more information: https://schoolchamps.ca/
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SCHEDULE INTERVIEWS, CONTACT:
Ottawa Police Media Relations
media@ottawapolice.ca
613-236-1222, ext. 5366
or
Javed Thadani
Director, Marketing & Communications – Special Olympics Ontario
javedt@specialolympicsontario.com
437-422-7231
Read this article on our website.
Spring into action – COVID-19 dose recommended for people at higher risk
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is recommending that individuals at high risk of severe illness, complications or hospitalization from COVID-19 receive an additional dose of a COVID-19 vaccine this spring. In alignment with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), those considered at higher risk, who are eligible for a spring dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, include:
- Individuals 65 years of age and older;
- Residents of long-term care and retirement homes, and other congregate living settings for older adults;
- Individuals six months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised; and
- Individuals 55 years and older who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Metis and their non-Indigenous household members who are 55 years and older.
The recommendation for all other individuals, including infants turning six months of age, is to wait until the fall for their annual COVID-19 vaccine.
Getting your spring dose of a COVID-19 vaccine:
- Pharmacies continue to be the primary point of access for COVID-19 vaccines. To find a pharmacy near you, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/FindPharmacy.
- You can also check with your regular health care provider to see if they offer the vaccines.
- OPH provides COVID-19 vaccine services only to eligible individuals facing significant barriers to accessing the vaccine in our community. For more information on how eligible residents can receive their COVID-19 vaccination, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine.
Going to the beach? Information to help you and your family stay safe
Published on
May 15, 2025
Health, public safety and emergencies
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reminding residents to be aware of the potential risks associated with swimming at the City of Ottawa’s supervised beaches this upcoming season. OPH wants to ensure residents have the information they need to make informed decisions before visiting the beach, during their time in the water, and after swimming. By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy a safe and fun swimming experience. We understand that many people rely on the beaches as their primary way to cool off on hot days. Knowing the factors that increase your risks can help you make an informed decision for you and for your family.
Ottawa’s supervised beaches have historically had good water quality, with our beaches meeting the water quality standard nearly 85 per cent of the time. Unlike pools, open water has additional risks to consider, such as changing weather conditions, hidden hazards like rocks or sudden drop offs, and bacteria from wildlife or human activity.
Know your risks before swimming
- Severe weather: Lightning is very dangerous, but high winds and heavy rain can also be hazardous and can occur suddenly during a thunderstorm.
- Heavy rain: Swimming is riskier if it’s raining heavily or if there has been heavy rainfall (20 mm or more) in the last 24 to 48 hours. Rain can wash contaminants like bird or dog poop into the water, making it less safe.
- Beach conditions: Swimming is riskier if there are visible problems around the beach like many birds, dead fish, algae, or debris in the water.
- Cloudy water: High winds and waves can make the water cloudy, hiding hazards and washing contaminants into the water. If you can’t see your feet in waist-deep water, it’s riskier to swim.
- Cuts or open wounds: Bacteria in the water can lead to infection when swimming with open cuts or open wounds.
Protect your health during and after swimming
- Risks: Swimming in natural waters like rivers can cause injury or illness from microorganisms, leading to ear, eye, stomach, or urinary infections.
- Precautions to take when entering the water:
- Take children to the toilet before swimming to reduce the risk of children peeing or pooping in the water.
- Keep your head above and out of the water. Avoid swallowing water or putting it in your mouth.
- Precautions to take after exiting the water:
- Wash hands with soap and treated water or use alcohol-based hand rub after swimming or playing in the sand, and before eating or preparing food.
- Shower as soon as possible after swimming and dry your ears thoroughly with a towel.
Stay safe around water
- Supervised areas: Swim in areas with lifeguards on duty from noon to 7 pm during the supervised swimming season.
- Close supervision: Always keep your child within arm’s reach when they are in or around water, including pools, bathtubs, and other water sources. Never leave them alone, even for a moment.
- Life jackets: Ensure children and weaker swimmers wear a properly fitted life jacket or personal flotation device in and around water.
- Babies: Hold your baby if they cannot sit without support.
- Stay sober: Do not use alcohol, cannabis, or drugs when swimming or supervising others in the water.
- Swimming lessons: Swimming lessons are beneficial but do not fully protect your child from drowning.
- Emergency preparedness: Know what to do in an emergency, including how to perform CPR and calling 9-1-1.
What is beach monitoring?
During the summer months, OPH monitors the water quality at the City of Ottawa’s supervised beaches in accordance with the Ontario Public Health StandardsOpens in a new tab or window(link is external). Beginning this season, water samples will be collected weekly to test for the presence of E. coli bacteria(link is external), as required by the standards and to align with most public health units in Ontario and the National Capital Commission. Elevated levels of E. coli indicate the potential presence of other disease-causing organisms, which can result in skin, ear, throat or gastrointestinal illnesses.
OPH’s historical sampling has built up a great understanding of how our beaches react to local conditions, including weather events. However, water sample results only provide a snapshot of water quality at the moment they are collected and the water quality can change rapidly due to environmental factors like rain, wind, and wildlife. Ottawa’s supervised beaches are all located on rivers, where the water is constantly moving. Since water samples require 18 to 24 hours for laboratory processing, the accuracy of real-time risk for beachgoers is limited. The water quality data available at the time of sampling reflects the previous day’s conditions, not the current state of the water.
These factors highlight the importance of basing your decision to swim on the real-time conditions of the beach you’re visiting. Following the simple steps outlined above can easily and effectively lower your risks and protect your health when swimming at a public beach. To learn more about these steps, including how to stay safe during or after swimming and for more on beach water testing, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Beaches(link is external)
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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