March Newsletter 2023

News

Mar 30

Written By

Message from Stephanie

I hope this message finds you well as we welcome spring here in Don Valley West and see the first flowers blooming out of the soil in gardens and parks across the riding. Now that we are into April, I want to share some updates from our community and the legislature from last month.

March was packed with constituency events. Many in Don Valley West celebrated Nowruz, and my Iranian Community Liaison William Cooper created a video greeting for the occasion. You can watch it by clicking here. Thank you to everyone who joined me for Town Hall meetings and Coffee with Stephanie chats; I appreciate the valuable insights you provided on the state of our healthcare system, the economy, and local development issues. I will be bringing your inputs with me back to the legislature.

Last month was also a busy time in the legislature. The government released their budget, which was "more of the same" and will not address the dire needs of this province. This budget shortchanges Ontario families and Ontario's economy. No new money for education and no repeal for Bill 124 which restricts funding for healthcare workers. To move our economy forward, we must invest in the workforce that is the lifeblood of the province. A total of four billion dollars is being set aside in contingency funds, rather than dealing with the crises in our ERs and hospitals.

As many of you are aware, many of our neighbourhoods are changing as new infrastructure and housing projects are proposed and constructed. This includes new condo towers near the new Leaside Crosstown station, which are completely out of line with the cancelled Midtown in Focus plan that would have addressed the need for density in a planned, sustainable way. I stood in the legislature to condemn the government's lack of a plan, and you can view my remarks on the topic here.

As always, I encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have. Our team is here to provide any help and support in any way that we can. I look forward to getting in touch soon!

To everyone in Don Valley West, I wish you all the best for a fun and happy spring. To the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities of Don Valley West I say Chag Pesach Sameach, Happy Easter, and Eid Mubarak!

Sincerely,

Stephanie

In the Legislature

Question Period

I asked if the Minister of Finance will close the $21.3 billion funding gap to address the record number of ER closures, record number of nurses leaving the profession, and a record shortage of family doctors. Unfortunately, I did not get an answer, and neither did the people of Ontario. Watch here.

Interview on the Agenda

On March 24th, I joined Steve Paikin to discuss the uninspiring new budget. This government is not delivering on the investments the people of Ontario urgently need. Watch here.

My Statement on Budget 2023

Life has not gotten better for the people of Ontario under this government We see it in healthcare staff shortages and long wait times, cuts to education, slow progress on housing, and transit issues. This budget was a chance for real change — instead we have more of the same. Watch here.

Constituency Event Highlights

Agnes McPhail Award RecipientDr. Shakhlo SharipovaCongratulations to Dr. Shakhlo Sharipova on receiving the Agnes McPhail Award.She is a woman with a mission — to serve her community, especially those experiencing food insecurity, children with autism and their families.