Focusing and reflecting on the values we share
I hope you and your families are doing well as we start celebrating the holiday season at home and in the community. I am sure your kids are just counting down the days until Christmas!
In many ways, the Christmas spirit is a wonderful expression of the things that matter most – family, community, and togetherness. As another year comes to a close, let’s focus and reflect on these common values that we share.
Supporting Child Care Workers
There is no doubt that child care workers do vital work here in our community and across the province. That is why I am proud to announce that our government is launching the most significant and comprehensive Child Care Workforce Strategy in Ontario’s history.
We are increasing the starting wage for Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) employed by child care operators enrolled in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care system by a historic 19.3%, from $20/hour to $23.86/hour. Furthermore, these workers will see wages increase annually by $1/hour per year. This is a part of our government’s strategy to recruit and retain qualified educators, ensuring that child care is accessible for families in our community.
Making Transit More Affordable
As the Associate Minister of Transportation, I am proud to be taking the lead on our government’s One-Fare program, which will put an average of $1,600 back into the pockets of transit riders. By early 2024, we will be getting rid of double fares when switching between transit systems.
We are making life easier and more affordable for commuters here in Scarborough–Rouge Park and across the GTHA.
Building a Strong Ontario Together
Our government delivered the 2023 Fall Economic Statement outlining our plan to continue with a responsible and targeted approach to building Ontario.
Ontario’s Plan to Build is the most ambitious capital plan in Ontario’s history with an investment of $185 billion over 10 years to build highways, transit, and critical infrastructure projects.
We are also:
- Extending the current gas and fuel tax rate cuts through to June 30, 2024.
- Removing the full 8% provincial portion of the HST on qualifying new purpose-built rental housing.
- Expanding access to breast cancer screening for women ages 40 to 49, by allowing them to self-refer for a mammogram through the Ontario Breast Screening Program.
- Launching the Ontario Infrastructure Bank to help build more infrastructure.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our office at 8130 Sheppard Ave. East Unit 105, by email at vijay.thanigasalam@pc.ola.org, or give us a call at 416-283-8448.