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Remembering the Fallen

On Remembrance Day, residents in Davenport and across the country remember the sacrifice of those who served. The annual service at Prospect Cemetery once again saw hundreds of attendees and it was an honour to present a wreath on behalf of our community.
Wherever you are today, I hope that you can take time to reflect on the significance of this day. Let's recommit to ensuring our surviving veterans and their families receive the support they need, and keep working to build a world without the scourge of war.

Legislature back in session

After an unprecedented 5 month recess, the Legislature resumed on October 28:

Education Ministry at Estimates Committee
As the Education Critic for the Official Opposition, I led the Estimates' committee questioning of the Minister of Education as we reviewed their expenditures. Over 7 hours of questioning, we tried to make visible Doug Ford's education cuts, the planned loss of 10,000 teaching positions, class size increases and changes to child care funding.
Over the course of the hearings we learned that, strikingly, Ontario's school repair backlog has risen to $16.3 Billion, increasing by $400 Million from the $15.9 Billion backlog left behind by the Liberal government.

Fall Economic Statement
On Wednesday, the Finance Minister delivered Ontario's Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, a kind of mini-budget and statement of the government's priorities.
The document does nothing to reverse Ford's cuts to education and healthcare, and actually makes additional cuts to a number of ministries including $25 million from Environment, Conservation and Parks - especially alarming in the context of the climate emergency - and a further 2.2 million from Indigenous Affairs.

Bill 124 passes
Bill 124 imposes a below-inflation cap on wages for workers across the public sector. The bill was rushed through the legislative process with the public given only 24 hours notice to appear before MPPs at committee, and the committee itself was given only 6 hours to hear from the people most affected.
It was clear from the start that this bill was an attack on collective bargaining that will undoubtedly end up mired in constitutional challenges. In the meantime, some of the lowest paid workers in the province will be forced to foot the bill for the government's tax cuts and legal battles. The NDP Caucus voted against the bill at final reading on Thursday. Thank you to all constituents who wrote in to oppose this bill.

Davenport Diamond Update

Last week, I called on the Ford government and Metrolinx to re-engage our community on the Davenport Diamond project, give us an update on the construction plans and follow through on the promised GO Station, public realm components and electrification.
Metrolinx has finally announced a community information session to be held November 20 from 6-9pm at Casa de Madeira at 1620 Dupont St. You can see the details here: https://mailchi.mp/…/construction-activity-maintenance-cond…
I will post continuing updates on the Davenport Diamond on my website at:
www.maritstiles.ca/davenport_diamond

Watch my statement calling for action on the Davenport Diamond project.

In the Community

Joining Aangen Community Centre volunteers to prepare for their Walk to Heal Hunger.

Celebrating 40 years of the Bloorcourt BIA!

Our amazing team of volunteers joined the Regal Heights Residents' Association to help plant daffodils. Thank you to the organisers!

Students and families from Carleton Village PS were one of many local schools that participated in the October 10 walk-ins for public education. Great work!

Forward

Copyright © 2019 Marit Stiles Member of Provincial Parliament for Davenport, All rights reserved.

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