VIEW FROM QUEEN’S PARK: Long Weekend, Tick Prevention, and more…

August 2, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Chris Ballard, MPP
Newmarket-Aurora

TD-Newmarket Jazz+ Festival and the Civic Long Weekend
I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable Civic Day long weekend with family and friends. It was my honour to kick-off the long weekend at the opening ceremony of the TD-Newmarket Jazz+ Festival.
The festival has been named as one of Ontario’s top 100 festivals and events. The TD-Newmarket Jazz+ Festival has been such a success at Riverwalk Commons that this year it had to be moved to the Ray Twinney Complex so that they could accommodate the number of visitors.
The Newmarket Jazz+ Festival is an amazing event that builds our community.
This fun event showcases not only “Big Name” entertainment, but local talent as well. The festival ran over four days and was set up on multiple stages both indoors and outdoors. This festival provides fun for everyone from the music to the food and drinks and even the Creative Kids Zone. The TD-Newmarket Jazz+ Festival never disappoints.

Tick and Lyme Disease Prevention
Lyme disease, if not caught early, can lead to infection and recurring illness. Lyme disease is spread to humans by an infected blacklegged tick. Throughout the province of Ontario, there are known risk areas where tick populations have been recognized. When out with family and friends enjoying everything that Newmarket-Aurora – and all of Ontario – have to offer, be sure to take extra care to prevent tick bites.
Some tips include, using insect repellent that contains DEET or lcaridin, wearing light coloured clothing and long-sleeve shirts and pants and doing a full-body check after spending time outdoors in woodlands, tall grass or bushes. Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics if it is diagnosed and treated early.
The most common symptom of Lyme disease is a non-itch to mildly-itch rash that can begin anywhere from three to 30 days after the bite. If you believe that you or a family member has been affected or you have any concerns, please contact your health care provider.

Ontario is investing $100 million this year in Home and Community Care
This year the province will invest approximately $100 million to enhance the support for home care high needs home care clients and their caregivers. $80 million will be used towards home care and $20 million for caregiver respite. This incredible investment will allow for 300,000 additional hours of nursing care, 1.3 million additional hours of personal support, 600,000 additional hours pf respite services for caregivers and 100,000 additional hours of rehabilitation. The Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care provides patients with faster access to the right care, better home and community care and a health care system that will be sustainable for generations to come.

Ontario is Seeking Input to Protect Workers
The Province of Ontario has started the next phase in their consultations on employment and labour laws to help protect workers and support business in our ever changing economy. The feedback will be on the Changing Workplace Review Interim Report.
The report outlined reviews from the Labour Relations Act, 1995 and the Employment Standards Act, 2000. This review and consultation could enhance protection for workers. There is still time for residents here in Newmarket-Aurora to get involved and to have their voices heard by email or mail-in submissions.
The deadline for submissions is October 14, 2016. Submissions specifically relating to the subject of Personal Emergency Leave must be completed by August 31, 2016. The provincial government is committed to their economic plan to build Ontario up and to continue to deliver on its first priority—to grow the economy and create jobs.

Accessible Double Decker Go Buses
Last month the province announced that Metrolinx would be introducing fully accessible, low-floor, low-height double-decker GO buses into service starting July 25. These new buses mean that Go Transit double decker buses will now be able to access four major terminals that were inaccessible before due to height restrictions.
The terminals include Hamilton, Yorkdale, York Mills and Union Station Bus Terminals. This is good news all around, the new buses mean that more people will be served by Go Transit and with the order of 253 buses it is creating up to 30 new full-time jobs in Ontario.
Part of the government’s economic plan is to expand and improve GO Transit. The new buses will feature lower floors, a longer and more gradual ramp and a wider area for wheeled mobility aids. The new buses will now be able to accommodate 81 passengers.
I wish you all a happy and healthy summer with your family and friends and as always, I invite you to contact me on any issue. Please call my community office at 905-750-0019, or visit my website at www.ChrisBallardMPP.ca. My email is: cballard.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org.
I look forward to hearing from you.