If you require immediate assistance, please email us at jfraser.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org or call us at 613-736-9573.
Protect Yourself this Fall!
Ottawa Public Health experts remind everyone to stay up to date on COVID-19, flu, school and routine childhood vaccinations.
Thousands of children and youth under 18 years old in Ottawa are missing routine vaccinations that would protect them from diseases such as measles, polio, meningitis, and HPV. Vaccinations required for child care centers and schools should be kept up to date and are free.
Flu shots will be available for the most vulnerable high-risk populations, including hospitalized individuals, hospital staff and residents and staff in long-term care homes, followed by those in retirement homes and other congregate settings. Free flu shots for the general public aged six months and older will be available starting October 30th at doctor and nurse practitioner offices, some public health units and participating pharmacies.
It is safe and convenient to receive both the COVID-19 and flu shots at the same time, reducing the need for multiple visits. The province expects to start receiving doses of Moderna’s updated SPIKEVAX XBB COVID-19 vaccine later in September, which better protects against the new Omicron XBB variant. This vaccine is Health Canada approved for people aged six months of age and older, however initial doses will be prioritized for higher risk populations. The current COVID-19 vaccines will also continue to be available for Ontarians, as long as it has been a recommended six months since their previous dose.
Meeting with the SCAO – September 6th
I had the pleasure of meeting with the Sudanese-Canadian Association of Ottawa (SCAO) and their executive team: Mohammed Said (President), Amjad Hashim (General Secretary), Abdulkarim Ali Bashir (Public Relations and Foreign Affairs), Iatmad AbdElkarim (Cultural and Media Secretary), Suzan Ahmed (Cultural and Media Secretary),Rasha Idris Mohamed (Social Officer), Nafisa Osman (Youth and Children Secretary).
Hunt Club Community Association Fall Festival – September 10th
My team and I attended the Hunt Club Riverside Park Community Association Fall Festival, and I had the opportunity to address attendees and thank the organizers for all of their work putting the festival on once again this year.
Ottawa Climate Strike – September 15th
It was a pleasure to speak at the Fridays for Future Ottawa Climate Strike on Parliament Hill and answer questions from cousins James and Charlie who happen to live in Ottawa South.
Balena Park Corn Roast – September 17th
I had a great time at the Balena Park Corn Roast this year chatting with Riverview Park community members.
The International Plowing Match – September 19th
It was great to join my Ontario Liberal Caucus colleagues at the International Plowing Match in Bowling Green, Ontario. We spoke with many Ontario Farmers about their essential role in our province.
Heron Emergency Food Centre Walkathon – September 23rd
I joined members of the community and the Heron Emergency Food Centre for their annual walkathon to support the Food Centre and raise awareness of the Center’s needs. This year they have seen a striking increase in the number of people who are coming for emergency food. In May alone, they served 2044 individuals, the highest number in their 37 year history, many of whom were coming for the first time.
Arab Business Festival – September 23rd
Thank you to Arab business leaders across Ottawa for inviting me to the launch of the Arab Business Festival held at Collège la Cité.
Shoot for the Stars Soccer Festival – September 23rd
I was pleased to announce a $118,800 Resilient Community Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that will be used to rebuild the recLINK program which provides free access to recreation to children living within OCH communities. I was joined by youth and their coaches from Blair Court, Confederation Court and Russell Heights communities and the Ottawa Community Housing Foundationat the Shoot for the Stars Soccer Festival.
On September 26th, I reintroduced my private member’s bill for the fifth time, Bill 54, WSIB Coverage for Workers in Residential Care Facilities and Group Homes Act. This bill’s goal is to support personal support workers in residential care facilities and group homes who currently don’t qualify for WSIB coverage. I believe this is an important measure that the government needs to adopt.
Your vehicle must have a valid licence plate and be insured to drive legally in Ontario. The licence plate renewal period varies depending on type of vehicle and if you choose to renew for 1 or 2 years. Renew online at: Vehicle registration | ontario.ca or visit a Service Ontario location.
When you renew:
- you will no longer receive a sticker
- you do not have to pay licence plate renewal fees
- law enforcement will be instantly aware your licence plate was renewed
Get ServiceOntario digital reminders!
Get free reminders by email, text message, or phone call 60 and 30 days before it’s time to renew your licence plate, driver’s licence, health card, or Ontario Photo Card.
Mailed renewal notices for driver’s licence holders and vehicle owners will continue for:
- individuals aged 70 years and older
- individuals with a driver’s licence class A, B, C, D, E, or F
Apply online: Get ServiceOntario digital reminders | ontario.ca
Ontario Raising Minimum Wage October 1 to Support Workers
The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released its annual student assessment results
Ontario Releases 2022-23 Public Accounts
Edith Dumont to be Installed as Ontario’s 30th Lieutenant Governor
Premier Doug Ford Updates Cabinet
Ontario Strengthening Prosperity in Francophone Communities
Exceptional Ontarians Celebrated at First Lieutenant Governors’ Legacy Award Ceremony
Ontario Training More French-Language Teachers
Flu, RSV and new COVID-19 XBB vaccines will be available to ensure Ontarians are protected this fall
Ontario Volunteer Service Awards:
Eligibility
Organizations that have been in existence for a minimum of five years may submit a nomination.
Each organization may nominate up to nine volunteers (of which a maximum of 6 nominees may be adults).
The nominee(s) must:
- be living persons residing and volunteering in Ontario
- not have received payment for their volunteer work
- be active beyond simple membership in an organization
- not have performed the services as part of their regular business or professional duties
A youth nominee must:
- be under 24 years old and under
- have volunteered with one organization for at least two consecutive years
An adult nominee must have volunteered with one organization for at least five consecutive years.
Organizations with more than one branch can submit separate nominations for up to nine volunteers for each branch.
Required information
- Nominating organization name, address, email, phone number and year established
- Volunteer first name, last name, address, email, and phone number
- Head of organization (if applicable) first name, last name, email, phone number and position title.
Deadline
The deadline to nominate someone is November 15 of each year. Nominations received after the deadline will be considered in the following year.
Selection process
Recipients receive a personalized certificate and lapel pin acknowledging their years of service at a local award recognition ceremony.
Award presentation
Recipients receive a personalized certificate and lapel pin acknowledging their years of service at a local award recognition ceremony.
The Ontario Government medal and recognition program celebrate the people who make our province a better place to live.
Click to learn more and to nominate
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.
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
February 28 to March 1, 2024
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 test your debating skills “as an MPP” in the Legislative Chamber.
Visit our website for more information & to apply!
www.ola.org/en/visit-learn/programs
Online applications will be accepted until October 15th, 2023.
The 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.
For the spring 2024 period, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Attend school in Ontario and be enrolled in Grade 7 or 8 at time of application (Note: Students in Grade 6 are not eligible; applicants must be in Grade 7 or 8 at the time of application)
- Have an academic average of Level 4 or 80 % (or higher)
Students must also demonstrate an involvement in a variety of extra-curricular (in and out of school) and community based activities; leadership skills; responsibility, maturity and commitment; an interest in current affairs; strong interpersonal and social skills; and an ability to get along well with peers and adults.
Applications for the spring 2024 term are now open. We are accepting applications until November 15th, 2023. Contact us at the pageprogram@ola.org for more information or visit the About the Page Program page on the OLA website.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
(September 30th)
On Saturday, [September 30th] a Remembering the Children gathering will take place on Parliament Hill from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, in partnership with the Aboriginal People’s Television Network and the Algonquin Nation, the event will welcome residential school survivors, Indigenous leaders and dignitaries. The Governor General will deliver remarks at the event, which will be broadcast live across the country.
Buildings across Canada, including the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill, will be illuminated in orange from Saturday at 7 p.m. to sunrise on Sunday. The Heritage Building and the OTTAWA sign in the ByWard Market will also be illuminated in orange, and the flags at all city facilities will be lowered to halfmast. At city hall, the Survivors Flag will also be flown at half-mast in front of the Heritage Building and on Marion Dewar Plaza.
On Saturday, [September 30th] the Canadian Museum of History is inviting visitors to take part in a reflection activity by writing, drawing or colouring on cards to join the conversation on truth and reconciliation. Visitors’ reflections will be displayed in the main lobbies of the history and war museums, the website indicates.
The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation, alongside the Assembly of Seven Generations and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, is hosting a short film screening of Spirit Bear: Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre’s Sacred Space. The screening will be followed by a 45-minute reconciliation tour of the grounds.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
Open House of our Research and Collections facility
(October 14th)
Saturday, October 14th – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry at 2:30 p.m.)
Natural Heritage Campus, Canadian Museum of Nature
1740 Pink Road, Gatineau (Aylmer sector)
Free event, but timed-tickets required. Reserve tickets as of October 6 at nature.ca/openhouse
Go behind the scenes. Come and see some of our 14.6 million natural history treasures—from plants, to animals, to fossils and minerals. Meet some of the Museum’s leading science experts, marvel at the collections, and visit labs.
Watch this video from the 2016 event, with testimonials from visitors, curators and scientists.
Free limited parking.
For conservation reasons, please leave backpacks, food and beverages in your car. Also, please respect the health of visitors, staff and volunteers. We recommend the use of a mask, especially where physical distancing is not feasible.
Questions: questions@nature.ca
Official Book Launch of Shawna’s Outreach: When we each give a little, a lot gets done.
(October 17th)
Join co-authors Shawna Thibodeau and Amanda Sterczyk at Morning Owl Coffeehouse & Parlour (229 Armstrong St.) on October 17th from 12:30 – 2:30 PM as they officially launch their book, Shawna’s Outreach: When we each give a little, a lot gets done.
Books for sale at the event for a minimum donation of $10, payable by cash, cheque, or e-transfer. 100% of royalties earned on the book will go directly to Shawna’s Outreach.
Buy your copy of the book on site and get it signed by the authors!
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!
Invitation to the Community
Stakeholder engagement and Indigenous consultation are key components of this study. Members of the public, regulatory agencies, Indigenous communities, and other interested persons are invited to participate.
Enbridge Gas and Dillon are hosting a drop-in style public information session to provide you with an opportunity to review the St. Laurent Pipeline Replacement Project, ask questions, and provide input.
Location: Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre – 300 des Pères-Blancs Ave.
Date and Time: October 3, 2023, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Project Website:www.enbridgegas.com/StLaurentReplacement
Representatives from Enbridge Gas and Dillon will be in attendance.
September 30th marks the 3rd annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). First recognized in 2021, this day was established by the federal government in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80. It is intended 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.
Leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, you are encouraged to take the time to learn and reflect on the meaning of this day. It is a chance to ask what individuals and organizations can do to advance Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation. In her recent book, Jody Wilson-Raybould states that True Reconciliation is achievable if we break it down into three (3) core practices – Learn, Understand, and Act.
Learn
Learning and commemorating the truth about our collective history from a First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous perspective is a vital part of the reconciliation process. There are plenty of resources available to facilitate this learning journey. For example, read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and books by Indigenous authors; listen to Indigenous podcasts or webinars hosted by the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health; and/or watch Indigenous films on residential schools on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN, Sept 29 & 30).
At a more local level, consider participating at one of the many NDTR activities taking place at the Ottawa Public Library, including a film festival; and/or watch Wabano’s video about Indigenous-specific racism in healthcare. And then, reflect on the impact that colonization has had on the lives of Indigenous Peoples, and share what you have learned with colleagues, your networks, and the community at large.
Understand
In order to effectively address injustices and harms that have occurred and continue to occur, it is critical to have a shared understanding of the True Story of colonization in Canada, as well as the contemporary lived experience, strengths and challenges of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous Peoples. Appreciating Indigenous knowledges and worldviews, contributions to society, the diversity and distinctions within and among First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous peoples, and the implications of racist policies such as the Indian Act are important first steps (e.g. 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act).
Similarly, Senator Murray Sinclair believes that every Canadian has a duty to read and understand the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). It provides a roadmap to advance lasting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It tells us what further steps must be taken to respect, recognize and protect the human rights of Indigenous peoples and to address injustices (e.g. rights to equality and non-discrimination; self-determination; lands and resources; socio-economic and political rights; culture and language).
Taking time to develop an understanding of the current issues and challenges faced by Indigenous communities and organizations is another way to demonstrate your support and commitment to Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation. This includes revelations about the harms caused by Indigenous identity fraud (Dr. Kim Tallbear, APTN, 2021), and peaceful protests taking place to oppose the passing of law Bill C-53. In a press conference held on September 20, 2023, First Nations Leaders voiced their concerns. If passed, the Chiefs of Ontario believe that Bill C-53 will grant rights to illegitimate groups in First Nations’ territories and undermine their Inherent, Treaty, and Aboriginal rights. They are demanding a transparent, in-depth, public investigation of Bill C-53, with the full involvement of First Nations rights-holders. Failure to do so reinforces the belief that Bill C-53 is a form of modern colonization – not a step toward true reconciliation.
Reconciliation is a shared responsibility for all Canadians that requires ACTION – not just on September 30, but every day. To start, it is important to acknowledge that justice will only occur with systemic changes. Next, consider the role that you can play to advance Indigenous health and wellbeing in Ottawa. For members of the Board of Health, actions might include:
- Recognize, promote and protect Indigenous rights as described in United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act;
- Advocate with local Indigenous partners for culturally safe and affordable housing and public green space for land-based healing;
- Facilitate action to address Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in the health system;
- Help create opportunities for social, economic and cultural development for First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous Peoples in Ottawa; and
- Find ways to regularly engage with local Indigenous Elders, Traditional Knowledge Keepers, and health service providers to learn how to effectively integrate Indigenous values, ways of knowing and doing into public health policies and practices (e.g., establish an Indigenous Health Advisory Circle).
Back to School – Vaccination, Dental Screening and Vision Health
Vaccination
Vaccines are one of the greatest public health accomplishments of the 20th century. Vaccines have saved countless lives and in fact, save an estimated four million lives globally each year!
As children and youth head back to school this fall, it is an important time to ensure they are up to date on their routine vaccinations. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted access to and delivery of routine childhood vaccines. In Ottawa alone, children and youth missed an estimated 40,000 doses of routine vaccines over the course of the pandemic. This means that many children are not fully protected against serious diseases that can have long-term impacts and result in hospitalization and even death. As children head back to school and resume their regular activities, getting caught up on vaccines not only helps protect each child, but it also helps protect the people they spend time with too. It helps keep children in school and doing the activities they love!
In Ontario, all children attending school need to be immunized against nine diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease, whooping cough and chickenpox (for children born in 2010 or later). Over the past year, Ottawa Public Health has been working to notify families if their child’s record with Ottawa Public Health shows a vaccine is missing. This year, Ottawa Public Health will mail notices to children born in 2006 and 2016 who are missing one or more vaccines required for school.
What is Ottawa Public Health asking parents to do?
- Review your child’s vaccine record to see if they are missing any vaccines given during childhood or adolescence.
- Make sure to report your child’s vaccine to Ottawa Public Health. Parents are responsible for reporting their child’s vaccines; health care providers do not do this for you.
- Visit your health care provider to catch up on vaccines you need.
Don’t have a regular health care provider or are having trouble seeing one?
Ottawa Public Health is working with community partners, including the Kids Come First Health Team and organizations from across Eastern Ontario, to help make it easier for children and youth to catch up on routine vaccines. Parents can now:
- Book an appointment on the Kids Come First website to review their child’s vaccine record or receive vaccines.
Alternatively, Ottawa Public Health is offering routine vaccines through its Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs, on a walk-in basis. Parents can drop into one of the locations to review their child’s vaccine record and/or receive vaccines.
Dental Screening
Last school year, close to 10% of children screened in elementary schools presented with urgent dental needs such as cavities, signs of infection, and/or pain. School surveillance of grade 2 students and dental screening in other grades will resume in September. This year, three new schools will be offered dental screening services by our OPH registered dental hygienists, for a total of 228 elementary schools. The dental screening is done using a disposable tongue depressor and a flashlight to look into the child’s mouth.
The dental screening is important as it helps identify children in pain and those who require urgent dental care. The school dental hygienists support families with referrals to our OPH dental clinics or to a private dental office and can help low-income families apply to the Healthy Smiles Ontario program.
Dental problems can affect children in different ways, by leading to issues such as poor concentration and learning difficulties in school, limited choice of foods due to inability to chew properly, lower self-esteem and much more.
Vision Health
In September, OPH will distribute vision health cards to over 16,000 junior and senior kindergarten students. This vision health information will remind parents of the importance of taking their children to the optometrist for an annual eye exam. Vision problems can affect children’s learning abilities, social development, self-esteem and hand-eye coordination. If not identified early, some problems can permanently reduce a child’s vision.
During Children’s Vision Month (October), OPH will be publishing a series of posts on social media (Facebook/Instagram), supported by a social media advertising campaign. This campaign will educate the audience on the importance of visual health, while also encouraging parents to take their children to their local optometrist for an annual eye exam.
On October 19, a local optometrist will be invited to be a guest on Parenting in Ottawa’s Facebook and Instagram pages. The optometrist will address questions and concerns about common issues around children’s vision and eye health.
Reminds eligible residents to get vaccinated against mpox
(formerly known as monkeypox)
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) would like to remind eligible residents at risk of contracting mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) to complete a two-dose vaccination series of Imvamune® as soon as possible. This reminder comes as OPH is following up with two individuals who recently tested positive for mpox in Ottawa. No individuals in Ottawa have tested positive for mpox since October 2022. It is believed the infections were acquired locally.
Anyone can contract mpox. Currently, most affected by mpox are men who have sex with men. There is a vaccine to prevent the acquisition of mpox. To find out who is eligible to receive a two-dose series of the Imvamune® vaccine and to book an appointment for vaccination, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/MPOX.
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.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Effective July 7, 2023, the Ministry of Health recommends individuals aged five years and older should consider delaying their COVID-19 booster until Fall 2023, as respiratory season commences, to maximize protection against COVID-19 outcomes when peak circulation of the virus is expected. For more information, visit COVID-19 vaccine.
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.
Ontario has a self-assessment tool:
If you think you have novel coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment to help determine if you need to seek further care. Visit here.
If you require help in Ottawa South, please visit our website for Community links and contacts.
Ottawa Public Health
For the latest updates, please click here.
Government of Ontario
Every day at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET, the Province of Ontario’s novel coronavirus (COVID-19) web page will be updated with the most up-to-date information including the status of cases in Ontario.
Government of Canada
For the latest COVID-19 updates, please click here.
For the latest on Employment and Social Development changes for employees and employers, click here.
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