Newsletter | Volume 1 | Issue 1 | November 10, 2025

November 10, 2025

In This Edition

The past six months have been an incredibly busy and productive period, both at Queen’s Park and across the riding of Carleton. From the spring sitting, through a packed summer of community events, to the first weeks of the fall session, there has been no shortage of activity and engagement. This newsletter takes a detailed look back at everything that has happened over this time. While this section is longer than usual, it reflects half a year of work and community involvement. Going forward, our newsletter will be monthly, and these recap sections will be much shorter, providing timely updates on the work being done on your behalf.

Use the links below to jump to the section that interests you most:

• Legislative and Community Recap
  • Spring Session
  • Summer in the Riding
  • House Resumes
• News Releases, Funding Announcements, and Statements
• Legislative Business and Government Bills
• Meet the Team
• Helpful Contacts

Legislative and Community Recap

Spring Session:

It has been a busy and productive first session at Queen’s Park! Immediately following the provincial election, I jumped right into my new role representing the people of Carleton at the Ontario Legislature. I also had the privilege of being appointed as Parliamentary Assistant to the President of the Treasury Board and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, two portfolios that align closely with the priorities and values of our community.

One of the major undertakings this spring was advancing trade and labour-mobility partnerships across Canada. Under the newly passed legislation like the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, our government has signed agreements and memoranda of understanding with other provinces and territories to reduce internal trade barriers, from recognizing workers’ credentials across jurisdictions to facilitating direct-to-consumer sales of goods like alcohol.

These agreements mean more opportunity for Ontario businesses, smoother movement of skilled workers, and a stronger, more resilient domestic economy. It’s about standing up for our province, standing up for the workforce, and ensuring Carleton is plugged into the growth these trade partnerships open up.

It was a whirlwind few months filled with committee meetings, stakeholder consultations, and late-night sittings, but through it all, my focus remained where it belongs: on the people of Carleton.

One of the most meaningful moments of the session was delivering my inaugural speech in the Legislature, where I reflected on the values and priorities that guide me in public service. I was also honoured to rise in the House to recognize outstanding community members, including Vera Mitchell and the incredible volunteers behind Shroomfest.

The Spring Session also marked a historic milestone for Ontario: the election of Donna Skelly as the first-ever female Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, a tremendous moment of progress and representation.

With the spring session wrapped up, the summer offered a welcome opportunity to return to Carleton and stay engaged with residents through a busy season of events, meetings, and local initiatives.

Summer in the Riding:

Following the conclusion of the spring session, I spent the summer back in Carleton fully immersed in community life, attending hundreds of events and working hard to stay connected with residents. We moved the constituency office to Manotick, a more central and accessible location, to better serve all constituents, and over the course of the summer I participated in nearly 300 events across the riding.

I also had the chance to participate in numerous local celebrations and fairs, including the Metcalfe Fair (where Team Carleton served over 4,500 bags of popcorn!) and Dickinson Day, engaging with residents of all ages and enjoying the vibrant energy of our rural and suburban communities. Beyond these larger events, I attended countless smaller gatherings, community fundraisers, and volunteer initiatives, ensuring that every corner of Carleton felt supported and heard.

It was an incredibly full and rewarding summer. Connecting with constituents, attending events, and celebrating the achievements of our community reinforced the importance of staying engaged, accessible, and hands-on in serving the people of Carleton.

 After a full summer connecting with the community, it was time to return to the Legislature to continue advancing the work that matters most to Carleton families and businesses.

House Resumes:

As the Legislature resumes for the fall sitting, my focus remains on representing the people of Carleton both at Queen’s Park and throughout the riding. This season has been filled with opportunities to engage with residents, support local initiatives, and raise important issues on their behalf.

Additionally, I was pleased to speak in support of the Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicle One-Trail Pass system, advocating for initiatives that balance recreational opportunities with public safety.

I have also had the pleasure of attending multiple receptions at Queen’s Park, where I had the opportunity to connect with colleagues, stakeholders, and leaders from across the province while continuing to advance Carleton’s priorities.

Back in the riding, I celebrated Small Business Week, visiting local businesses and recognizing their vital role in our economy. I was honoured and humbled to be among the invited dignitaries receiving one of the first poppies marking the kickoff of the Poppy Campaign. The season also included fun and community-focused events such as the Ward 20 Trunk or Treat, which brought families together across the riding. Across these events, I made it a priority to hear directly from residents, celebrate community achievements, and support local initiatives whenever possible.

It’s been a dynamic and rewarding Fall so far, balancing legislative work with active community engagement, and I look forward to carrying this momentum throughout the rest of the session.

News Releases, Funding Announcements, and Statements

• Fall Economic Statement: At a critical time in Ontario and Canada, it has never been more important that our government make the investments necessary to Protect Ontario from the economic uncertainties which face us. This statement provides an update on the investments that our government has been making in Carleton, in Ottawa, and across the province.
• Seniors Community Grant Program Accepting Applications: The grant is accepting applications for local not-for-profit community groups and organizations to deliver projects that support older adults (55+). The deadline is December 18th, 2025 at 5PM.
• Student Nutrition Program Announcement: As Parliamentary Assistant to Minister Parsa (Community, Children and Social Services) I was very glad that our ministry increased funding for the Student Nutrition Program by $5 million this year, for a total investment of $37.5 million.
• Investments in Ottawa Sports Competitions: Minister of Sport, Neil Lumsden, announced over $600,000 to support a number of sports competitions happening in Ottawa during 2025 and 2026. Sports recreation and tourism are very important for our local economy, and some of the organizations being funded include the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club, City of Ottawa Ringette Association, and Ontario Para Network.
• Investments in Primary Care: Our government is investing just under $10 million to invest in primary care teams that will connect between 28,000 and 31,000 people to primary care in Ottawa.
• Ontario Volunteer Awards: The Ontario Volunteer Service Award nomination deadline is coming up on November 15th. If you know long-standing volunteers in an organization and you would like to nominate them, please feel free to check out this website.
• Poverty Reduction Strategy: As the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services, Minister Parsa, I’d like to share the survey for the re-development of a poverty reduction strategy.
• HST Rebate for First-Time Home Buyers: Our government announced that as part of the 2025 Fall Economic Statement, our government will be proposing up to $80,000 off the cost of a new home.
• Ontario Investing $1.1 Billion to Expand Home Care: Our government is investing $1.1 billion over three years to expand home care services and the Hospital to Home program.
• Ontario Investing $43 million in After School Programs: $43 million over three years will continue to support the ASP, keeping more than 13,000 children and youth active and healthy each year.

Legislative Business and Government Bills

Building a More Competitive Economy Act (Bill 56): *PASSED*

• The bill will reduce red tape for forest management plans for crown forests.
• The bill will repeal the framework for Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras, and look to limit city liability for breaking contracts with vendors, as well as letting the Minister of Transportation direct cities to install signs in school zones.
• The bill will reduce red tape under the Labour Mobility Act related to out-of-province certifications
• The bill will also reduce red tape under the Regulated Health Professions Act to use a new procedure for out-of-province applicants who apply to various health colleges, reducing the amount of registration requirements and speeds up timelines
• The bill will make amendments to the Species Conservation Act to clarify that the purpose is to protect species at risk, rather than all species.

Respect for Taxpayers Act (Bill 57):

• This bill would vacate the office of the Haldimand County school board trustee position on the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board.
• This bill is in response to a trip that a trustee, alongside three others, took a trip to Europe in 2024 and reimbursed funds related to the trips.
• The Minister of Education determined the expenses were not appropriate, and three of the four trustees paid back the funds.
• One did not, and that is why this legislation is being brought forward.

Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act (Bill 60): This bill makes changes to many acts, with some of the changes summarized below. Full details are available on the OLA website.

• The bill makes changes to the Development Charges Act which require more transparency for cities regarding their background studies and by-laws
• The Highway Traffic Act would be modified to state that cities shall not reduce a number of lanes that are available for use by cars
• The bill proposes various amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act related to prescribed form for notices, compensation requirements, and more
• The Transit-Oriented Communities Act will be amended to make it easier to enter into agreements for land identified for transit-oriented communities

Meet the Team

Stephanie Nelson – Chief of Staff

Stephanie leads the constituency team as Chief of Staff, ensuring the office runs smoothly behind the scenes. She tackles complex constituent issues, manages the budget and office systems, and supports the team in navigating challenging files so they can focus on serving the community.

Having worked with MPP Darouze during his time as City Councillor, Stephanie brings years of experience, leadership, and deep knowledge of the community. She helps guide the team’s priorities and ensures residents and local initiatives receive thoughtful attention.

Outside of work, Stephanie spends her time volunteering in the community and enjoying moments with her young family, whether it’s exploring local parks or attending school and community events.

Her leadership strengthens the team and ensures residents receive the attention and care they deserve.

Candice Coates – Executive Assistant

Candice keeps the office running on the front lines, managing scheduling, communications, and daily operations. She ensures residents, media, and stakeholders stay informed while supporting the team with case work, speeches, and announcements.

She began her public service journey with the former MPP and joined MPP Darouze following the 2025 election, bringing continuity and reliability to the office. Her organizational skills and attention to detail make sure both residents and the team receive responsive support.

When she’s not keeping the office organized, Candice enjoys exploring the riding of Carleton with her husband, their 2 children and their ever curious dog.

Her calm, capable approach ensures the office operates smoothly and keeps the team connected.

Owen Murdoch – Policy Advisor

Owen focuses on policy and community priorities, keeping the team informed on government announcements, attending key meetings, and working on files to ensure residents’ concerns are addressed. He also contributes to policy content for the newsletter and social media, helping keep the community engaged on important issues.

Having been part of MPP Darouze’s team since his time as City Councillor, Owen brings a wealth of experience and insight into local and government processes. His thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach ensures the office responds effectively to challenges and opportunities.

Away from policy meetings and research, Owen enjoys watching sports, keeping up with his favorite teams, and cheering on games with his friends and family.

His expertise helps the team tackle complex issues while keeping residents informed and supported.

Jane DiRaimo – Community Liaison

Jane is the team’s main connection to the community, fostering strong relationships with residents, stakeholders, and local organizations. She helps coordinate events and supports the office’s outreach, ensuring community initiatives are well represented.

Having worked with MPP Darouze for over a decade, first in his Councillor’s office and now in the constituency office, Jane brings deep experience and understanding of local issues. She thrives on helping people and creating meaningful connections.

In her free time, Jane enjoys spending quality time with her family, travelling, and soaking up sunny days in her backyard.

Her approachable manner and dedication make her a trusted presence for both the team and the community.

Ethan Smith – Part-Time Communications Assistant

Ethan balances his Political Science studies at the University of Ottawa with his role in our constituency office. He assists with drafting news releases, speeches, the community newsletter, and correspondence with ministries on behalf of constituents.

He also helps support community events and maintains the office’s social media presence, keeping the community informed and engaged. Ethan is passionate about public service and enjoys helping people access the support they need.

Outside of the office, he enjoys playing hockey, skiing, and keeping up with current events and politics.

His energy and commitment bring enthusiasm and fresh perspective to the team, benefiting both the office and the community.

Helpful Contacts

Not sure who to reach out to? Whether your concern is about local services like roads and garbage collection, provincial matters such as healthcare or education, or federal issues like taxes and passports, this guide can help point you in the right direction.

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