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Newsletter | Volume 1 | Issue 4 | January 13, 2026

January 13, 2026

In This Edition

As 2025 came to a close, I had the opportunity to reflect on the many ways our communities across Carleton came together last month. From winter parades and community events to meetings with local Councillors and the final Carleton Advisory Board session of the year, it was a busy month full of meaningful connections and progress on local priorities.

As you read through this month’s newsletter, you can use the links below to jump straight to the updates that matter most to you:

Legislative and Community Recap

Winter Parades and Community Events

This winter, my team and I were pleased to take part in many parades and community events across the riding. Each gathering offered an opportunity to celebrate local traditions, connect with residents, and experience the strong sense of pride and community that exists throughout Carleton.

Being present at these events is an important part of staying connected to the people we serve. These moments allow for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and a better understanding of what matters most to residents in their day-to-day lives.

I am grateful to the many volunteers, organizers, and community groups who make these events possible.

Their dedication brings people together, even during the colder months, and continues to strengthen the sense of community that defines Carleton.

Carleton Advisory Board Meeting

With the last legislative session coming to a close, my team and I held the final Carleton Advisory Board Meeting of the year to advise local stakeholders of the progress made during the session, answering questions our stakeholders may have, hearing feedback on legislation and any recommendations they may have. This is an important part of my role as MPP to hear back from the community and see what ways I can continue to advocate for our community at Queen’s Park.

Meeting with Local Councillors

When I returned to Carleton from Queen’s Park in December, one of the first things I made sure to do was connect with the local representatives from across the riding. I met with Councillors Brown, Gower, Desroches, and Skalski to discuss current local issues, priorities, and emerging concerns in their communities.

Having served at the municipal level myself, I know how important it is for provincial representatives to maintain strong, open lines of communication with local Councillors. Municipal leaders are often the first to hear from residents and have a clear understanding of what is happening on the ground. These conversations help ensure that provincial decision-making and advocacy are informed by real, local perspectives.

I remain committed to meeting with local Councillors on a regular basis, as these discussions strengthen collaboration across all levels of government and help ensure we are working together to support the communities we serve.

Hard Rock Phase 2 Opening

Exciting news as the 2nd phase of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa officially opened with great excitement and incredible live entertainment! It was great to attend the official opening at the newly revamped rotunda that leads to the horse racing and Casino.

It was especially meaningful to celebrate the project and follow its progress from its beginnings during my time as a Councillor through to its continued advancement as MPP. It was nice to see both Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs and Ottawa Fire Chief Paul Hutt attending alongside many other guests, including Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. Also great to see the smashed guitars all boxed up from the Phase One Opening. What a great surprise that brought us all back to that particularly fun event too!

Thank you to CEO Christine Crump and her team for yet another evening to remember.

Open Door

This week’s Open Door session had to pivot slightly as I was called down to Cornwall last-minute for Pre-Budget Consultations. I want to thank my team for holding down the fort and everyone who came in for some great discussions. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to be there myself and hope to see those I missed out in the community or at the next Open Door on Wednesday, February 4th!

During my time as a Councillor, I saw firsthand how important direct contact and open dialogue are to serving our community. Open Door sessions were among my favourite opportunities to listen, answer questions, and have meaningful conversations with constituents. I’m grateful to continue that same commitment to accessibility and connection in my role as MPP.

Important Constituency Notes

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration is now open for the upcoming school year, and families are encouraged to begin the process early. Registering on time helps school boards plan for classrooms, staffing, and student supports, ensuring a smooth start for children and families.

Families can register their child through their local school board. Registration information and details are available through the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, the Ottawa Catholic School Board, the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est, and the Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario.

If you have questions about eligibility or the registration process, your local school board can provide guidance and support to help make the transition into kindergarten as smooth as possible.

Recycling Collection Transition

Ontario is moving to a new recycling model for packaging and paper products, known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), effective January 1, 2026. This change shifts responsibility for recycling away from municipalities and places it directly on the producers that create packaging and paper products.

As part of this transition, producers have selected Circular Materials, a not-for-profit organization, to design and operate the new province-wide recycling system. This approach is intended to create a more consistent and sustainable recycling framework across Ontario. For collection-related questions, residents can continue to contact Miller Waste Systems at 1-888-852-2374 or area2@millerwaste.ca. Information about accepted materials and program updates is available at circularmaterials.ca/Ottawa, by calling 1-877-667-2626, or by emailing info@circularmaterials.ca.

News Releases, Funding Announcements, and Statements

  • Ontario Supporting Ottawa Fire Service: On December 15th, I was proud to join Ottawa Fire Service Chief Paul Hutt to announce over $740,000 in funding from our government, to support cancer prevention and lithium-ion battery incident response.
  • Ontario Government Supporting Innovative Programs: Our government announced over $1.28 million in funding will be going to local non-profit organizations in Ottawa, including the Osgoode Youth Association in Carleton.
  • Trillium Fund Capital Grant: The application period will open February 4th, 2026, and eligible non-profits and religious entities can request between $10,000 and $200,000 to update buildings, enhance physical spaces, and purchase fixed and non-fixed equipment so people and communities can thrive.
  • Summer Employment Opportunities Program: The Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO) program provides funding to non-profits, municipalities, and more to create meaningful summer employment opportunities for students. The deadline to apply for funding is January 14th, 2026.
  • Ontario Internship Program: The Ontario Internship Program helps recent college and university graduates start their career through a full-time, one-year paid developmental opportunity to provide practical work experience. This is a great opportunity for youth to look at as they look to begin or explore a career. The deadline to apply is January 30th, 2026 at 12PM EST
  • Ontario-New York Nuclear Energy Agreement: Premier Ford and Minister Stephen Lecce joined Governor Hochul of New York to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that will advance the development and deployment of clean nuclear technologies to meet growing energy demands.
  • Safer and Vital Communities Grant: Applications are open until February 11th, 2026 for non-profit organizations to apply for funding to implement projects that focus on community safety and well-being, as well as reducing crime and victimization.

Legislative Business and Government Bills

Government Bills Passed:

Private Member Bills Passed:

You can read all current and passed bills here.

Helpful Contacts

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