Update from Doug Shipley, MP
Nov. 15, 2024 – The holidays will be here before we know it. Now is the time to start making plans, writing lists, and decorating for the big day. There’s no time like the present to get started on your holiday planning.
While you are making your lists and checking them twice, I encourage you to find opportunities to purchase goods from some of the many local shops in the region. Whether it is finding the perfect present at a gift shop downtown or ordering dessert for your Christmas dinner from a local bakery, your purchase at a local business goes a long way.
The holiday season can be a challenging time for some families. If you are fortunate enough to be able to make a charitable contribution this year, please consider doing so. Your contribution will help and be truly appreciated. If you can help, the Elmvale and District Food Bank is accepting donations and have several drop off points. You can learn about what they need this season by calling them at 705-322-9096, sending an email to elmvalefoodbankinfo@gmail.com, or checking their website – https://elmvaledistrictfoodbank.net. If you need help, the Elmvale Foodbank is also accepting applications for Christmas hampers until November 21. Please be sure to get applications in fast.
Another local group providing toys and food is Christmas Cheer Barrie and District. It supports people who need a little extra help at Christmas time and applications for Barrie, Innisfil, Angus, Oro-Medonte, and Springwater are now open online at christmasbarriecheer.com. They also offer application assistance; for more information you can call 705-730-0449 or you can check their website – https://christmascheerbarrie.com.
As always, my constituency office is available to assist you with any federal matters. Please contact my office at Doug.Shipley@parl.gc.ca or 705-728-2596 for assistance.
Sincerely, Doug Shipley
Member of Parliament – Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte
Message from Jill Dunlop, MPP Simcoe North
Nov. 16, 2024 – As we approach December and the festive season, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to everyone in Simcoe North. Christmas and New Year are a time for reflection, gratitude, and spending time with those we care about, and I hope this holiday season brings you all the joy, peace, and connection you deserve.
It is a true honour to represent such a vibrant and close-knit community. Serving as your Member of Provincial Parliament gives me a deep sense of pride, and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to work on your behalf to make Simcoe North an even better place to live, work, and raise families. From our beautiful natural landscapes to the hardworking people who call this area home, there is so much to celebrate here in our corner of Ontario.
This year, we’ve made significant progress at Queen’s Park to improve the lives of Ontarians. I’m proud to share that our government is taking strong action to address the growing problem of auto theft and careless driving. Ontario is cracking down on these crimes, working to protect our communities and keep our roads safer for everyone. Our commitment to public safety is unwavering, and we are putting in place the necessary tools to combat these issues.
We are also expanding our support for veterans who have served our country. We’re honouring their service and sacrifice by making regulatory changes and introducing legislative amendments through the Honouring Veterans Act, 2024 that would, if passed, expand awareness of the Soldiers’ Aid Commission and enhance the financial supports available to veterans.
Additionally, I’m excited to announce that Ontario is establishing a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Carleton University. This program will be the first new, university-based nursing program in Ontario in 20 years, graduating over 200 new nurses each year, helping to maintain and expand the province’s nursing workforce. As we invest $50 billion in more than 50 new and upgraded hospital projects across the province, we’re also investing in the health care workforce families are counting on.
As we move into the new year, let’s continue to support one another and celebrate the strength of our community.
Wishing you all a safe and healthy Christmas and New Year. By office of Jill Dunlop, MPP