The Etobicoke—Lakeshore Report: Newsletter, Issue 5
Wrapping Up 2025 In Etobicoke—Lakeshore
Newsletter Issue No 5 December 2025
Dear Constituents,
I want to wish all of you a very happy holiday season. It has been lovely to share some holiday cheer at events at Queen’s Park and attend the many markets and events in the riding.
The weeks prior have been a very busy session at Queen’s Park with daily Question Period, many bills debated, hearings at the Public Account Committee and meetings with stakeholders. The government moved a motion to extend the winter break to March 23rd instead of February 17th. After sitting for only 51 days this year, I expressed my disappointment and emphasized that being at Queen’s Park allows us to relay your concerns, ask questions and hold the government to account. Despite this, I will meet with constituents, attend local events, prepare for some debate and advocacy when the Legislature returns. Below you will find some of the highlights of the fall session.
Also please mark your calendars for January 31st for our New Year’s Levee Skating Party at Colonel Samuel Smith Park. Details are below - I hope to see you there!
You can keep up with Etobicoke—Lakeshore news and my work at Queen’s Park by following me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Please note that our Constituency Office is closed from December 22, 2025 until January 5, 2026. If you require immediate assistance over this time, please email us at lfairclough.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org or call us at 416-259-2259.
All the very best for a Happy New Year!
Lee
From Monday to Thursday, Question Period allows us ask the government questions about their current policies and choices. Here are a few highlights of topics I asked about:
Selling Surplus US Alcohol that the Government has Purchased and Donate Profits to Charity: I asked the Premier why Ontario isn’t taking the same approach as four other provinces this holiday season by selling off surplus U.S. alcohol that was removed from store shelves and donating all the proceeds to local food banks and charities. Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and PEI are directing the profits to food banks and charities. Nova Scotia, for instance, is donating about $4 million after selling $14 million worth of U.S. alcohol. The Daily Bread Food Bank, “Who’s Hungry” report revealed that there were 4.1 million clients visiting Food Banks in Toronto. Now more than ever, do we need to help our organizations on the frontlines supporting those that are impoverished and hungry. You can watch my question to the Premier here.
Municipalities Asking For Help With Homelessness In Their Communities: I asked the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing about their plan to respond to the Big City Mayors Caucus call to name homelessness as an emergency to trigger real action. So many communities across Ontario are struggling, and the province continues to download responsibility and costs to local taxpayers.
Skills Development Fund: My Liberal caucus colleagues and I continued to question the government on its management of the $2.5 billion Skills Development Fund. We learned most recently there is an OPP investigation into a recipient of the Skills Development Fund. I will continue pressing for more accountability regarding taxpayer money being spent responsibly in this fund.
Bill 33 and Education
I continue to hear from many of you regarding Bill 33, The Supporting Children and Students Act. Many of you have expressed concerns surrounding the power that this bill grants to the Minster of Education over the operations and responsibilities of school boards, including giving them authority over democratically elected trustees. In the next parliamentary session, I will continue to advocate for strong local governance in our school boards.
Protecting Tenants Rights
I also continue to hear from many of you on Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act. This bill, which has now been unanimously passed by the government, significantly weakens the safeguards and protections entitled to tenants. It is an expansive bill in many areas, and I do not feel it will solve the crisis in new housing starts and availability of affordable housing.
My caucus and I voted against this bill, and I will continue to hold the government accountable for engaging in meaningful consultation with tenants, housing advocates, and community organizations.
Changes being Proposed by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts
On an issue related to my critic portfolio, my Liberal caucus colleagues MPP Tyler Watt and MPP Adil Shamji and I wrote to the Minister of Health urging her to take necessary actions to protect the training standards for psychologists. The College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts is moving ahead with proposed changes that weaken training, remove safeguards, and could put patients at risk. We called on the Minister to intervene to ensure that professional standards remain strong and patient safety remains the top priority. Thank you to the many psychologists and health care professionals that reached out to express their concerns on this issue. You can read our statement here.
Members Statement on Care for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
I rose to speak on the findings of the Ombudsman Office’s “Lost in Translation” report. This report reveals adults with developmental disabilities and mental health disorders are being left in hospital beds for months and years, simply because there is nowhere else for them to go. Sadly, this situation is too familiar to me from my days working in hospitals. Many vulnerable members of our society needlessly languish this way because they are unable to find an appropriate place to live with supportive care in communities. I highlighted excellent examples of solutions through partnerships between housing, supportive care providers and hospitals - solutions that should be more widespread. This approach would be better for patients and open more beds for others in need of care. A hospital bed is not a home. You can watch my member’s statement here.
Bill Debate
Bill 72, Buy Ontario Act
I also had the chance to debate Bill 72, the Buy Ontario Act, which would give the government broad authority to control procurement in Ontario. Drawing on my previous experience managing procurement as the President of a hospital, I rose to express my concerns about the large amount of power the government gives itself over procurement in this bill. Nevertheless, because there were several important and valuable components of the bill that protect local Ontario businesses, I voted in favour of the bill’s passage.
National Ethnic Press Media Council Holiday Dinner
It was incredible to join the National Ethnic Press and Council of Canada for their annual holiday party, bringing together hundreds of Canadian Publications, Electronic Media that represents 101 linguistic and cultural communities.
Now more than ever, NEPMCC’s mission to promote and integrate the economic, social and cultural interests of diverse communities into the Canadian social fabric is critical. Thank you to president of the NEPMCC Thomas Saras for the invitation and for the opportunity for my Liberal caucus colleagues and I to share a few remarks at this important gathering. Thank you to all the press and media organizations who joined us and for the vital work you do as a linguistic and cultural bridge for your communities.
Community Events at Queen’s Park
Romanian National Day Flag Raising
Bună ziua! Lee joined the Romanian Canadian community for their flag raising at Queen’s Park celebrating the Great Union of 1918 and the long friendship between Canada and Romania. With more than 230,000 Canadians of Romanian heritage, the Romanian diaspora continues to enrich our province through its culture, traditions, and leadership. Thank you to former MPP Tony Ruprecht, Consul General Ms. Gherghe, the choir, and colleagues from all parties for coming together.
Covering the four corners of the riding and everywhere in between, Lee has been meeting with consitutents, resident associations, community organizations, businesses, schools, attending local events and much more.
Etobi-CLICK Photo Challenge Event
It was wonderful to welcome Etobicoke—Lakeshore residents to our office to celebrate the winners of this year’s Etobi-Click Photography Challenge and share in some holiday cheer.
The winning photographers captured beautiful images of our community, now displayed in our office and featured in our 2026 calendar. My hope with this challenge has always been to bring our riding together and celebrate the incredible local talent that makes it special. Thank you to Arts Etobicoke, Lakeshore Arts and Mabelle Arts for being part of our selection panel. We look forward to hosting this celebration again next year!
Etobicoke—Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade
Santa Claus came to town!
It was wonderful to participate in the annual Etobicoke—Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade. Congratulations to the organizers on another very successful event and it was so good to see thousands of people out to watch. Special thank you to all the volunteers that came to participate in the parade with me and spread some holiday cheer.
Holiday Markets
It is the time of year for Holiday Markets! It was great to attend some of these events, meet wonderful local vendors and support good causes such as the Etobicoke Humane Society at the market hosted by the Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre and Humber Polytechnic.
The market at Legion Branch 643 was organized by the dedicated volunteers of the Ladies Auxiliary. It was lovely to meet the principal and leaders from the German International School at their market too. Lee picked up a number of gifts along the way.
Kingsway BIA Holiday Party
It is always nice to have the opportunity to talk to local business owners and take in some holiday cheer at the Kingsway BIA holiday party. Lee heard from BIA members about a wide variety of issues and the importance of shopping local.
36th Anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to the Dalai Lama
Lee joined with members of the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre to mark the 36th Anniversary of the conferment of Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. At a time when the world was wrestling with conflict, division, and deep uncertainty, the Dalai Lama offered a different model of leadership: one grounded in compassion, moral courage, and an unwavering dedication to peaceful dialogue. Thirty-six years later, his message remains as urgent and necessary as ever.
Joining Guest of Honour His Eminence Tulku Neten Rinpoche, and Chief Guest MP James Maloney, MPP Fairclough was glad to share remarks expressing her respect for the work of His Holiness, and to give thanks to members of the Tibetan Community in our riding.
Provincial Program Announcements
Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grants
Deadline March 4, 2026
Programs and services that support the people of Ontario are delivered locally in a range of community buildings and physical spaces. These places provide opportunities for activity, recreation, and connection and play an important role in creating healthy and vibrant communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
In the Capital grant stream, OTF funds projects that update buildings, enhance physical spaces, and purchase fixed and non-fixed equipment so people and communities can thrive.
The grant application period is from February 4, 2026 to March 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET. To find out how to apply, what the grants fund and other resources, visit their website here.
Lakeshore Lions Free Skate
Join the Lakeshore Lions Club for their Free Skate Sunday, December 28 2025 from 11:45 to 1:45 pm
Ford Performance Centre Rink #1
400 Kipling Ave, Etobicoke, ON
50/50 Draw and More Prizes
Children Require Helmets!
Free Parking
Rink side seating and warm observation area, music and more
EVERYONE WELCOME
All Proceeds go to Lions Community Benefit From
Serving the Etobicoke—Lakeshore Community since 1931
If you wish to list an event in our newsletter please reach out to our office.
Please note that our Constituency Office is closed from December 22, 2025 until January 5, 2026. If you require immediate assistance, please email us at lfairclough.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org or call us at 416-259-2259.
MPP Fairclough’s Constituency office is located at 1136 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON. There is street parking available as well as transit on the Queensway.
Office Hours:
Mondays 9 am - 5 pm
Tuesdays 9 am - 5 pm
Wednesdays 11 am - 7 pm
Thursdays 9 am - 5 pm
Fridays 9 am - 5 pm
Closed weekends and holidays
Phone: 416 259 2249 Email: lfairclough.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Web: LeeFaircloughMPP.ca
Contact us if you need assistance with:
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