Peggy Sattler MPP, London West

Government of Ontario
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Hello Neighbour,

As we head into the long weekend, please accept my best wishes for a safe and happy Canada Day. In my last newsletter, I highlighted some of the celebrations and events happening in London. Global News has also compiled a list of events happening in the city for all to enjoy - click here to read more.

July 1 not only provides an opportunity to reflect on the rich history of our country and what it means to be Canadian, but also to acknowledge the pain that colonialism has inflicted on the Indigenous peoples who have been stewards of this land from time immemorial. For many Indigenous communities, including the three First Nations just outside London, Canada Day will be emotionally difficult and draining. If you are looking to learn more about First Nations history, treaties, and residential schools, visit the London Public Library for access to free educational resources.

While the long weekend marks the official end of Pride Month (recognized every year in June to honour the 1969 Stonewall riots) it also signals the countdown to an exciting line-up of London Pride events in July. There is something for everyone to enjoy as we celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and advocate for the rights of all to love and self-expression. 

You may have heard that the Ford government has announced that the Ontario Legislature will resume on August 8. The session will begin with a Speech from the Throne and will include the passage of the Conservative budget, expected to be substantially the same as the budget tabled before the election. During the debate on the Throne Speech and budget, I will be sharing some of the issues and concerns that people raised with me during the campaign, and would love to hear your thoughts on the priorities you believe the government must address.

Certainly housing will remain a top priority. The recent announcement of a 2.5 percent increase in rent-controlled buildings has many London tenants worried, and tenants who live in newer buildings (post-2018) are even more fearful of unaffordable rent hikes. And as CMHC has warned, Ontario will need to build 1.8 million more homes than it is projected to build by 2030 if we are to ensure that everyone can afford a home to live in.

Please click below to let me know your thoughts and suggestions on the coming session of the Ontario Legislature.   
CLICK HERE

Thanks as always for reading! Stay safe and take care, 

My constituency office is open to serve constituents by phone at 519-657-3120 or by email at [email protected] 
 
 
In this newsletter:
 

Around London
Thank you to everyone who generously donated to my hygiene drive, and helped spread the message! I am grateful to represent such a kind and compassionate community, and will be delivering these much-needed hygiene donations to local non-profit organizations. 
I visited Brescia University College to deliver a 2022 Leading Women Leading Girls certificate to recipient Lissette Ochoa. It was a pleasure to tour campus in the company of inspiring student "agents of change" Tala Naoroukh and Birabwa Serumaga. I also appreciated meeting with Brescia President Dr. Lauretta Frederking to learn more about Brescia's commitment to mentoring, cultivating and celebrating female leaders. You can read more about my Leading Women Leading Girls recognition program and the 2022 recipients here.
 

In the Community
The second annual Turtle Island Healing Walk will be held on July 1 at Victoria Park to remember the Indigenous children taken from their families by the residential school system and honour the bodies recovered in unmarked graves. The healing walk lets us reflect on the ongoing legacy of colonialism and the intergenerational trauma experienced by Indigenous communities, and commit to continuing on the path of truth, reconciliation and justice. For more information, please visit their Facebook page.
On June 26, I joined many other members of the Ontario NDP caucus, including London North Centre MPP Terence Kernaghan and ONDP Interim Leader Peter Tabuns, to participate in the Toronto Pride parade. I also enjoyed reconnecting with federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. Happy Pride! 
I am looking forward to attending the first-ever Wortley Pride event on July 16. Join me to celebrate and support 2SLGBT2QIA+ folks here in London West and across the globe! There will be lots of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.  If you are able to make your way to Wortley Pride, please consider visiting my booth to say hi! 
Are you looking to fill your calendar with more Pride festivities? Visit Pride London for a list of local Pride events, including the ever-joyful and family-friendly London Pride parade on July 24. 
Support local businesses in Hyde Park for a chance to win $500! This is a great incentive to support London West business owners. You can learn more by visiting the Hyde Park Business Improvement Association website.
London's globally-recognized Sunfest festival will be back in person once again! After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, Sunfest has announced its biggest line-up to date. From July 7 to July 10, Victoria Park will be transformed into a lively hub for international art, cuisine and culture. Enjoy live outdoor music, delicious food, unique crafts and extravagant art exhibits! 
The Home County Music and Art Festival is also making its return to Victoria Park this July. Enjoy music and art from some incredible Canadian talent - including one of my favourite local performers, Sarina Haggarty! To learn more about the event, please click here to visit their website.
 

In the Media

Public health guidelines call for five days of self-isolation following a positive COVID test, yet Ontario's temporary and inadequate three paid sick days for COVID-related reasons are set to expire at the end of July. This will force workers without paid sick days to choose between losing income if they get COVID - potentially risking their ability to pay the rent or buy groceries - or go to work sick and risk spreading illness to coworkers or customers. The Ontario NDP will continue to fight for permanent paid sick days, alongside health care workers and public health experts, so that workers can stay home if they are sick without jeopardizing their financial security.    
 

Your Voice at Queen's Park
I am honoured and grateful to be sworn in once again as MPP for London West. I will always be mindful of the weighty responsibility to fairly represent and advocate for the people of London West, and am committed to fighting for Londoners on affordable housing, improved health care, bold climate action, the passage of Our London Family Act, and much more. Thank you for placing your trust in me! 
 

COVID-19 Developments

With the lifting of mask mandates in most indoor settings, the Ontario NDP is calling for expanded eligibility for fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, as in In Quebec and the United States where anyone 18 and older can get a fourth shot.  

Currently, fourth doses are only available for individuals aged 60+ and First Nation, Inuit, and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18+. The fourth dose may be administered after a minimum of three months from when the third dose was given, but it is recommended to wait five months.
  • Make an appointment at an MLHU mass vaccination clinic
    • Call the Boys & Girls Club transit services at 519-434-9119 (8am - 5:30pm, Monday to Friday) to book a ride if you have mobility issues and cannot get to a clinic yourself
    • You can also get vaccinated in your car at a mass clinic (call 226-289-3560 to book, 8am - 7:30pm, Monday - Friday)
  • If you cannot leave your home, arrange a vaccination at home (call 519-663-5317, 8am - 7:30pm, Monday - Friday
The provincial government has lifted the mask mandate in most public settings, with the exception of long term care and retirement homes. However, masks may still be required in businesses and workplaces that choose to implement it.

Ontario is dispensing Paxlovid, a COVID antiviral pill, through participating pharmacies for higher-risk groups. These are the following eligibility requirements: 
  • Individuals aged 18 and over who are immunocompromised (have an immune system that is weakened by a health condition or medications);
  • Individuals aged 70 and over;
  • Individuals aged 60 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses; and
  • Individuals aged 18 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses and at least one risk condition (e.g., a chronic medical condition)
  • You can find participating pharmacies here.
Free rapid antigen tests will remain available at participating pharmacies and grocery locations while supplies last. You can find participating locations here

Everyone born in 2016 or earlier is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario, and everyone aged 12 and over is now eligible for a third booster dose.

  • Make an appointment at an MLHU mass vaccination clinic
    • Call the Boys & Girls Club transit services at 519-434-9119 (8am - 5:30pm, Monday to Friday) to book a ride if you have mobility issues and cannot get to a clinic yourself
    • You can also get vaccinated in your car at a mass clinic (call 226-289-3560 to book, 8am - 7:30pm, Monday - Friday)
  • Visit a walk-in pop-up clinic
  • Make an appointment at a participating pharmacy
  • If you cannot leave your home, arrange a vaccination at home (call 519-663-5317, 8am - 7:30pm, Monday - Friday)
For the most up-to-date information, please refer to linked sources and the COVID-19 information provided at the Middlesex-London Health Unit website, COVID-19.Ontario.ca, London.ca/covid-19, Canada.ca/coronavirus. You can also find a range of helpful resources on my website at peggysattler.ca/covid19resources.
 
Did you know that you can get a free Naloxone kit at select pharmacies? Click here for a list of participating locations.
 
The Ontario Harm Reduction Network has provided an easy-to-follow training video on how to administer Naloxone. It only takes ten minutes to watch and works as a great refresher for those already trained. 
 
Learn more about Naloxone and how to identify overdoses here.