Update from your Member of Provincial Parliament regarding COVID-19
Supreme Court of Canada’s decision on French-language minority education
Today Francophones in minority situations across the country were rejoiced to learn that the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in favour of the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF) and the Fédération des parents francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FPFCB) on the constitutional right to finance French-language minority education. I have been interested in this file since the beginning when I was a school board trustee for the french public board. This ruling amplified the fact that every young francophone who wants to learn in the French language should have access to it. Read my full statement here.
Let the committee work begin!
Bill 161 (Smarter and Stronger Justice Act)
This week I sat and participated in the Standing Committee on Justice Policy and discussed changes to Bill 161. Over the past three days, I’ve listened to serious concerns from the legal community that Bill 161 will undermine access to justice, reduce community legal services, and make suing the government and corporations more difficult for those harmed by their actions. At a time when there are increasing calls for accountability from government agencies and long term care homes across North America, it would be unjust for the Ford government to shield these very institutions from accountability to the people they serve. I will be requesting that the Ford government protect the independence of legal aid Ontario, reverse restrictions to class action proceedings, and ensure that value for money in our justice system is not achieved at the expense of Ontarian’s access to justice.
Stage 2
On Monday, the provincial government announced that a large part of Ontario (including Ottawa) is able to move onto Stage 2 and reopening more businesses June 12. What does this mean? Well, this is all a part of the Framework for Reopening our Province. Today the following things are allowed to be reopened :Personal care servicesPersonal servicesRestaurants & barsShopping malls & centresPhotographyFilm & TVTour & guide servicesWater recreational facilitiesOutdoor recreational facilitiesBeaches, parks & campingOutdoor recreational team sportsDrive-in & drive-thru venuesWeddings, funerals and similar gatheringsLibrariesCommunity centresAttractions & heritage institutionsSmall outdoor eventsPersonal care services Public Health still recommends you keep your physical distance from others and you wear a face covering so dont forget your face masks at home!
Local Updates for Ottawa-Vanier
OC transpo
On Monday, June 15, OC transpo will resume regular service. In order to stay up to date with the latest public health measures, OC transpo will require customers to wear a facemask or equivalent face covering. It is strongly recommended you do not use OC transpo if you are feeling unwell.
Town Halls
Your Ottawa-Vanier Elected officials gathered again this week for a town hall with the Lowertown Community Association, you can watch that here.
Next week we have opportunities for you to speak with your elected representatives :
- Jun 25, 2020 7:30PM – Beacon Hill & Rothwell Community, sign up here
- Jun 15, 2020 7:30PM – Manor Park Community, sign up here
Listening
As your MPP for Ottawa Vanier, I would like to know about your reality during COVID-19. Your input is vital to make sure I can bring Ottawa-Vanier’s voice to the Ontario Legislative Assembly during this COVID-19 re-opening process. Please fill out this form.
https://forms.gle/pb4nxrZqH9c7wUPv9
As always, thank you for doing your part in fighting COVID-19. My team remains available to help. Please feel free to give us a call at 613-744-4484 or send us an email at lcollard.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
Lucille Collard, MPP
Ottawa-Vanier