Dear Neighbours,
I hope by now everyone has settled well into the New Year and is on track for New Year resolutions.
January marks Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the perfect time to raise awareness and spread education about Alzheimer, a disease affecting mostly ageing population. Studies shows 1 in 14 people over age 65 and 1 in 6 over age 80 are diagnosed by any form of dementia. Currently, there are 228,000 seniors living with Alzheimer's in Ontario and it is estimated to increase to more than 430,000 by 2038.
Communities across Ontario showcased the essence of multiculturalism by celebrating, Orthodox Christmas and Orthodox New Year. People across enjoyed cultural festivals such as Thai Pongal, Lohri and Makar Shakaranti, representing the first harvest of the year. The Lunar New Year was also celebrated by our Chinese communities across Ontario. Hence, giving us a very energetic begging of the year!
The government has released its surgical recovery strategy to prioritize patients waiting longer than recommended clinical guidelines. The government is also investing in digital tools to enhance the coordination of surgical services between hospitals and enable better patient flow through the implementation of the Centralized Waitlist Management (CWM) program.
As part of the family day celebration, my office is hosting the 4th annual family paint night at Iceland Arena, on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 2 PM to 5 PM. I’m looking forward to our fun conversation over the canvas. Please do not forget to register at this link. All art supplies will be provided while supplies last. I look forward to celebrating the spirit of the family together with my extended family at Mississauga-Malton.
Sincerely,
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Mental health conditions affect the way we think about out selves, relate to others and interact with the world. While some are easily noticeable to other people, some are much harder to identify. Mental illnesses are just like any other illness, in that everyone deserves care, help, and support. #Mentalhealthishealth
The Ontario Government is now investing $4.75 million to expand mental health services for children and youth across the province through “One Stop Talk” virtual walk-in counselling, and 8 new Youth Wellness Hubs.
“Mississauga-Malton is home to many young families; a quarter of the population is under 20 years of age. This grant will be a big step in making sure its residents can get the support they need” said MPP Deepak Anand.
Click here for more information on the Ontario Government’s mental health & addiction programs and resources.
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Former Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion Passed Away Sunday January 29 at Age 101 |
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Hazel McCallion was a fierce leader of our great city for 36 years, and became an icon who put Mississauga on the world map.
Madam McCallion you will always stay in our hearts. Rest in Peace.
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Ontario Creating Conditions For Good Jobs |
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Ontario’s Plan to Build Stronger has attracted $93 Million in investments by companies re-shoring in Ontario, with more than 150 new investment deals. Last year Ontario lead the nation in job creation by adding over 100,000 jobs, totalling over half a million since 2018. Our economy is on fire, Ontario is the place to grow and realize dreams. |
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Expansion of Pharmacy Roles and Capabilities |
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Local pharmacies are now better equipped than ever to help Ontarians by being able to prescribe treatments for 13 different ailments including rashes, pink eye, insect bites and urinary tract infections.
This new service is in addition to pharmacists being able to renew prescriptions for most medications, such as blood pressure, diabetes and asthma medication.
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As of Right Legislation Attracting More Health Care Workers to Ontario |
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“As of Right” Legislation, if passed in February, will recognize credentials of health care workers from across the country allowing them to work in Ontario.
As a part of the government’s focus on making health care more convenient for Ontarians, the province is also hiring more health care professionals to better connect Ontarians to the care they need, when and where they need it.
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This work is on top of other initiatives to recruit more health care workers, such as making it easier for internationally-educated nurses to join Ontario’s workforce and investing to upskill nurses currently working in the province. As Ontario continues to expand its health workforce, patients can expect more services in their community, shorter wait times and greater access to high-quality care. |
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Increasing the Non-Resident Speculative Tax Rate |
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Ontario is helping families buy homes by reducing the number of vacant properties through the Non-Resident Speculative Tax (NRST) which has been increased to 25%.
The NRST applies to the purchase or acquisition of any residential properties in Ontario by by Foreign Nationals (those who are not Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents), Foreign Corporations or Taxable Trustees.
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Virtual Town Hall Meeting |
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MPP Deepak Anand launched 2023 with residents of Mississauga Malton in a virtual townhall meeting on Jan 27th.
The townhall began with the MPP and attendees marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a moment of silence.
Town hall was joined by a special guest from Wellfort Community Health Services, Amber Khalid, Diabetes Educator. Data provided by Amber was eye opening, in that there are over one million people living with diabetes in Ontario. MPP Anand has reinforced his commitment to work with the community, to spread education and raise awareness about diabetes testing, to the people most affected by this silent epidemic.
At the meeting, the MPP briefed the constituents about Queen’s Park updates, and how Ontario is investing $1.3 billion in creating more affordable child care.
He also spoke about how the Learn and Stay Grant will go a long way in funding students studying in priority programs and communities. As part of the Grant, $81 million will be invested to expand the Community Commitment Program for Nurses for up to 1,500 nurse graduates in 2022-23 and 2023-24, to receive full tuition reimbursement in exchange for committing to practice for two years in an underserved community.
Another important initiative touched upon was the Seniors Community Grant Program where the province is investing a record $6 million in 2022-23 for seniors-based projects that help Ontario’s seniors stay safe and active.
The meeting was also informed about investments in the riding, for the repair and expansion of Highway 401, and the increase in operational funding to Trillium Health Partners for the third straight year.
This was followed by an active and open discussion among the attendees.
Finally MPP Anand wrapped up the townhall by inviting residents for a Family Paint Night being hosted by his office on February 11 and the Seniors Fun Hour planned for February 24. The next Town hall will be held on March 31.
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The Ontario Government has commit to building more than 30,000 new long-term care beds across the province and upgrading 28,000 more by 2028.This will help increase overall bed capacity, address long-term care waitlists and hallway health care, and provide our seniors the care they deserve.
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This includes an increase of over $23 million in funding under the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit for women and children fleeing violence.
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The Ontario Government is committed to the healthcare Ontarians deserve, and is reducing wait times for surgeries & procedures by:
- Clearing the current backlog of cataract surgeries
- Expanding the scope of local surgical/diagnostic centres
- Increasing local access to MRI/CT scans
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This will increase locally accessible care, freeing up spaces for major procedures at other hospitals across the province.
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The Ontario Government is investing in “One Stop Talk” virtual counselling program as well as building 8 new Youth Wellness Hubs across the province, making it easier than ever for youth to receive the guidance, counseling and support they need.
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Bimbo Canada, will use this investment to boost production capabilities, bringing more jobs to Ontario.
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Tax Season - Helpful Information |
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Filing dates for 2022 taxes
- February 20, 2023: Earliest day to file your taxes online
- April 30, 2023 (May 1, 2023): Deadline to file your taxes
- June 15, 2023: Deadline to file your taxes if you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed
Payment date for 2022 taxes
- April 30, 2023 (May 1, 2023): Deadline to pay your taxes
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Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), community organizations host free tax clinics where volunteers file tax returns for people with a modest income and a simple tax situation. |
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The Ontario Seniors Home Safety Tax Credits allow seniors to claim safety and accessibility related renovations made to their homes such as hand-rails and wheelchair ramps.
The Seniors Care at Home Tax Credits can be applied to medical expenses to support those aging at home, such as hearing aids or in-home hospital beds.
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The Ontario Staycation Tax Credit was introduced as a way to encourage residents to support our local travel and tourism sector during the Covid-19 Pandemic, and allows Ontarians to claim up to 20% of eligible 2022 accommodation expenses for travel within the province.
The Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) is a tax-free amount paid to help low- to moderate-income families provide for their children. OCB payments are delivered with the Canada child benefit in a single monthly payment.
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ODSP Monthly Earnings Exemption Increase |
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Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) monthly earnings exemptions are now increased from $200 - $1000.
This means ODSP recipients will be able to put more money in their pockets, while contributing to work force, without affecting their payments or benefits.
Changes will be reflected on payments starting in March, based on February earnings.
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Seniors Programming Grants |
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The Ontario Government is investing $4.5 Million to support programming and learning for seniors.
Organizations can now receive between $1,000- $25,000 to support initiatives that help keep people 55+ active, healthy, and connected to their communities.
Activities and services supported by the program include:
- fitness programs to keep adults age 55+ active, healthy, and socially connected to their communities
- nutrition and health classes to foster independent living at home
- community engagement to reduce social isolation and increase volunteerism
- strategies to promote employment and entrepreneurship among adults 55+
Deadline to Apply: March 6
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Indigenous Economic Development Grants |
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This funding provides $3.2 million through the IEDF and $6 million through the ICCGP to promote economic development in Indigenous communities and increase employment opportunities for Indigenous people.
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The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant helps get in-demand professionals to under serviced areas by providing funding for students studying in priority programs in priority communities in Ontario.
This program:
- requires you to learn and work in the region where you study
- responds to labour market needs, including in health care
- helps communities get the workers they need for in-demand professions
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Out and About in the Community |
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Ontario General
Contractors Association
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Healthcare Excellence Awards |
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Canadian Indian Association of Halton Region |
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Canadian Truck
Operators Association
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Rural Ontario
Municipal Association
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Celebrating With Residents |
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Heartfulness Sankranti Celebrations |
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Winter Magic at
Celebration Square
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Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association |
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