EAGER FOR NEW CHALLENGE AHEAD

Late last month, our government installed a renewed cabinet and parliamentary assistants. I am honoured to say I was named parliamentary assistant for housing to Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark. Throughout the summer, I am glad to now have the opportunity to spend more time in our community. I look forward to meeting with constituents, stakeholders and business owners all across Milton.

While representing our community remains my top priority, I look forward to helping the minister of municipal affairs and housing implement our Housing Supply Action Plan. It is a plan that will help increase housing supply quickly and responsibly so everyone can find quality, affordable homes in Milton and across the province.

In fact, we already hit the ground running. I was recently joined by Minister Clark to announce the province’s investment of $900,000 in Halton Region to give people who are homeless, or are at risk of becoming homeless, the housing and support services they need.

This investment will go toward 24 new apartments for individuals and families at the Victoria Park Community Homes in Milton, some of whom are on housing wait-lists. This new building, which is expected to open next year, is in addition to the organization’s existing 12 townhomes and 14 apartments.

I am also pleased to say that another property in Milton, Catherton Charitable Foundation Apartments, received $900,000 in joint federal-provincial funding. This is because we value a cross-government approach to identify opportunities that streamline and improve the coordination of Ontario’s supportive housing programs.

As we move forward, I want to assure you I will continue to be a strong voice for our community. Investments in Milton for supportive housing is just one of the ways the government of Ontario is helping to build healthy and vibrant communities. Together, we will create an environment that encourages growth and opportunity for everyone.