Hi there!
It has been a busy two weeks and I am glad to have this opportunity to give you some updates.
Remembrance Day
While ceremonies had to look different this year, I hope everyone was able to take time this week to honour and remember the sacrifices of all those who served and continue to serve our country. Remembrance Day is an important occasion that reminds us that so many Canadians fought for our freedom. Thank you to all our veterans and those currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Budget
Last week, the government released the 2020 Ontario Budget. We face systemic challenges emphasized by this pandemic and the government had an opportunity to invest and use its powers to support our most vulnerable. Instead, the government betrayed the trust and hope of Ontarians by failing to provide meaningful support. From education to long-term care to businesses, the government failed to tackle many of the issues these sectors are facing. I encourage you to visit my Twitter page where I’ve been sharing my thoughts through the #2020OntarioBudget hashtag!
Ottawa-Vanier Affordable Housing Task Force
This Tuesday, Councillors Mathieu Fleury, Rawlson King, Tim Tierney, and I, launched the Ottawa-Vanier Affordable Housing Task Force. Ottawa’s social housing waitlist currently exceeds 12,000 families, a nearly 15% increase since 2017. This was a campaign promise I made eight months ago and COVID-19 has emphasized how essential this is. I am eager to get to work on this important initiative. Read more about the Task Force on my website.
New Public Health Measures – Update on Restrictions
The government just released a new colour-coded COVID-19 Response Framework. I know that this system raises many questions and concerns, but it is still very important that we all do our best to understand it. Ottawa is currently classified as Orange – Restrict (Intermediate measures) based on this framework. Visit this page to better understand what this means for our region.
Changes to Hydro Rates
If you’re a residential or small business customer that pays Time-of-Use (TOU) electricity prices, you can choose to switch to Tiered prices. Each option suits different needs and it’s important to make this decision based on your household. You can find out more on this and how to make a switch by reading more on the Ontario Energy Board’s website.
Now Open: Bernard Grandmaître Respite Centre
As colder weather is upon us, the Bernard Grandmaître Arena is now open as a respite centre Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4 pm. In addition to access to showers and washrooms, clients will have a place to rest during the day. The centre also provides essentials like toiletries, food, clothing, crisis intervention, and referrals and links to other primary care services. This is an important resource for our most vulnerable residents. For immediate concerns, residents may call the Respite Centre Operations at 613-806-7291 during the hours of operation explained above. Outside of these hours, this number will be forwarded directly to 3-1-1 for response. You can also email the respite centre at Bernard-GrandmaitreRespite@ottawa.ca.
Have a great weekend,
Lucille