Newsletter Highlights

February Townhall on Education
2019 New Year's Levee Recap
In the Media
Around London
New and Noteworthy

Back to Queen's Park

Dear Neighbour,

On February 19, MPPs will be returning to Queen's Park for a busy and high-stakes legislative session.

As Doug Ford continues to roll out changes that are making things worse for Ontario families, New Democrats will continue to speak out on behalf of the people we represent.

As your MPP in London West, I will be standing up for post-secondary students in opposition to Doug Ford's cuts to OSAP. These cuts will make it harder for low and middle-income students to attend college or university, and will saddle students with even bigger debts when they graduate. I will be speaking out against the hiring of Ford family friend Ron Taverner as the new OPP Commissioner, which will undermine police independence and erode public confidence. I will be pushing for improvements to our education system, through smaller class sizes, supports for students with special needs, adequate funding for school maintenance and repairs, and the implementation of Full-Day Kindergarten (FDK) as it was designed to be. And I will be vigorously opposing any attempt by the Ford government to implement two-tier healthcare and privatize more healthcare services, which will worsen hallway medicine and make wait-times longer for all but the wealthiest patients.

We have seen Doug Ford back down on harmful changes when people rise up, most recently when he reversed course on plans to open up the Greenbelt to development and exempt businesses from the Clean Water Act and other vital environmental protections. We know that public pressure works, so please continue your advocacy!

I have so enjoyed spending time in the riding over the last month and a half, connecting with many of you in person or on the phone. I was inspired by the amazing London West volunteers who were recognized at my New Year's Levee, and who contribute so much to the strength of our community. These opportunities are truly what fortifies me to do my work at Queen's Park.

Thank you!

Education Townhall

Please join me at an Education Townhall Meeting to share your views about the government’s proposal to increase primary class sizes and introduce changes to Full Day Kindergarten (FDK).

Wednesday, February 13
7pm - 9pm

Westmount Public School (1011 Viscount Rd.)

We will hear from a panel of community members including:

• Jane Hanbuch, retired elementary principal
• Stephanie Bates, parent
• Dr. Celine Bourbonnais-MacDonald, Fanshawe College early childhood professor and former school board superintendent

Local trustees from all four school boards have also been invited.

Westmount Public School can be reached by London Transit routes 10, 11, 15, 24 & 28.

All are welcome to attend!

RSVP

Many thanks to everyone who came to the 2019 New Year's Levee and Community Recognition Awards! View the complete photo album here.

Special thanks to the wonderful performers: the Saunders Secondary School Senior String Quartet (Sarah McGuffin and Madeline Hall on violin, Emily Knapper on viola, and Tyler Collins and cello), Scallywag (Bernie Gilmore and Bob Cunningham), and vocalist Roxanne Andrighetti.

As always, sincere appreciation to the Byron Legion Ladies Auxiliary for the delicious dinner.

Congratulations to the 2019 Award Recipients!

Back row L-R: Louise Hollingsworth (Women's Events Committee), Krista Davidson (Scouts Canada - London Area), Roberta Nielsen (Girl Guides of Canada - Community 4), Sandra Collier (Kiwanis Club of Middlesex), Randy Brewe (Optimist Club of Oakridge Acres), Donald Thomas Clayton (Byron Community Organization), Eleanor Huber (Old South Community Organization), Jeremy McCall (Dad Club of London), Rob Harbottle on behalf of Pamela Harbottle (Hyde Park BIA), Brian Hill (N'Amerind Friendship Centre). Front row L-R: Rebecca Ellis (London Environmental Network), Ann Bigelow (Community Volunteer Income Tax Program), Jean Wright on behalf of Dr. Kenneth Wright (London Community Dental Alliance), Mary Margaret Farrow (Amabile Choirs of London), Mary Metcalfe (Kinette Club of London), Jug Manocha (London South Rotary Club).

Photography by Phyllis Caslick and Brad Field

In the Media

Reaction to possible full-day kindergarten cancellation swift, furious, London Free Press, January 30, 2019
Mosque, supporters mark two years since the Quebec attack in Quebec, London Free Press, January 29, 2019
More cities added to local anti-human trafficking campaign, London Free Press, January 23, 2019
'We need OSAP': Ford's announcement cuts through campus, The Western Gazette, January 22, 2019
Ontario Tories scrap free tuition for low-income students, London Free Press, January 17, 2019
Branding #LdnOnt Podcast, released January 24, 2019

Around London

With Imam Twakkal, Councillor Kayabaga and Deputy Chief Williams at the London Muslim Mosque

Recognizing Nature London “Enviro Hero” Murray Hunter of the Julia Hunter Fund for efforts to create bee-friendly gardens

At the London Women’s March

Speaking in support of students at a rally to stop the cuts to OSAP

Visiting Chelsea’s Participation House home

With Mayor Ed Holder, Councillor Stephen Turner, and students of Tecumseh Public School at the State of the City breakfast

New and Noteworthy

Contribute your thoughts on the 10th Year Review of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. The deadline is March 4, 2019. Click here to comment.
On April 15, one young woman (aged 20 to 35) from each of Ontario's 124 ridings will be selected to participate in "A Remarkable Assembly: Women's Forum 2019". The forum brings together aspiring young leaders to Queen's Park for a behind-the-scenes day of meetings with key political figures. This is a wonderful opportunity for women thinking about a career in politics to experience the Legislature in action, and to see themselves as part of it! Apply by March 8. Get the details here.
The City of London is looking for Community Champions to help implement London's Community Diversity & Inclusion Strategy. As a Community Champion, you will have an opportunity to share your perspectives on how to make London a more diverse and inclusive community. Apply online by March 25.

Community Office
240 Commissioners Rd W, Unit 106
London, ON N6J 1Y1

Tel: 519-657-3120

Email: [email protected]

Queen's Park Office
Room 359, Main Legislative Building, Queen's Park
Toronto, ON M7A 1A5
Tel: 416-325-6908
Email: [email protected]