Newsletter - July 31, 2024
There are many reasons that I chose to raise my family in Oakville - one of the most substantial being the palpable commitment to the collective welfare of our residents. From our youth to our seniors and everyone in between, our town's community spirit is truly unlike any other.
Over the last five years, I have had the honour of fighting for measures that uphold these shared values so that the Town of Oakville remains a safe and community-oriented place for years to come. More recently, auto theft has been a front-of-mind issue for communities across Canada. Here in Oakville, I have heard from residents about the impacts auto theft is having on public safety and private property.
Disrupting auto theft requires collaboration across all jurisdictions. Through federal initiatives like $121 million to bolster Ontario law enforcement and the deployment of a mobile X-ray scanner to more effectively detect stolen vehicles in the GTA, that is exactly what we are fostering.
With auto theft down 14% in Ontario, we have the track record to prove that our plan is working.
Our government is also ensuring that Canada's bail laws keep people safe, strengthen public confidence in the justice system and respect the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
That's why the federal government passed Bill C-48 at the beginning of this year; these targeted additions further strengthen the Criminal Code's bail regime to make it harder for repeat, violent offenders to get bail. This includes shifting responsibility from the prosecutor to the accused persons to convince the court that they should be released, rather than detained, while awaiting their trial.
Our judicial system is a shared responsibility and provinces are responsible for the administration of bail. The province of Ontario must enforce these changes so that police and prosecutors have the tools they need to effectively monitor and enforce the law, including Bill C-48. It is also the province`s responsibility to provide a well-functioning provincial court system in Ontario, which our safety and well-being depend on.
Madina Food Bank Services
The Madina Food Bank is now fully operational and ready to serve those in our community who are in need of assistance. The Madina Food Bank provides non-perishable food items to individuals and families on a weekly or monthly basis. If you or someone you know requires support, please do not hesitate to reach out.
How to Access the Madina Institute's Services:
Email: Contact us at oakvillemasjid@gmail.com
for more information or to apply for assistance.In-Person: Visit us at 520 Speers Rd during one of the prayer times at the mosque (madinainstitute.ca).
The Madina Institute is committed to helping community members in need and ensuring that no one goes hungry. Please spread the word to anyone who might benefit from these services.
Local Excellence
I would like to sincerely congratulate high school student, Pooria Ahmadi for being awarded the 2024 Schulich Leader Scholarship. This prestigious award is bestowed on students who demonstrate academic excellence as well as strong leadership skills; this award embodies Pooria's accomplishments inside and beyond the classroom.
I wish you the best of luck at Queen's University as you continue to explore and contribute to the world of STEM.
Affordable Housing Fund
One of the most effective ways to address housing needs in our community is to repair the homes we’ve already got - and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Through the Affordable Housing Fund, we are investing $97M to build & repair 8,669 homes, including right here in Halton.
Renewed Border Services Group collective agreement
This agreement demonstrates that the best deals are reached at the bargaining table. Border Services employees are critical to the safety and security of our borders and this agreement recognizes this while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent prudently.
One-year Anniversary at the Treasury Board of Canada
Since taking on my portfolio as President of the Treasury Board, we have:
Completed our first spending review
Launched the Government of Canada Cyber Security Strategy
Launched the Action Plan for Black Public Servants
Re-ignited the Canada-U.S. Regulatory Cooperation Council
… and much more.