The Etobicoke—Lakeshore Report: MPP Fairclough Newsletter, Issue 6
Heading in to a New Year
Newsletter Issue No 6 January 2025
Dear Constituents,
Happy New Year! As we greet the new year, I want to acknowledge the world around us that is rapidly changing, especially in the United States. I find now more than ever, community and human connection matters. Turning off our screens, getting out in nature, coffee with friends, and volunteering are all ways to manage our mental health. If you or a family member are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to community resources, I have listed those resources below.
It is rewarding to be able to serve the constituents of Etobicoke-Lakeshore and spend more time in the community. I hope to see many of you tomorrow at our New Year’s Levee too!
I am also travelling in my role as the Ontario Liberal Caucus Critic for Hospitals, Homelessness, Mental Health and Addictions. I attended pre-budget hearings, for instance, at the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs in Kitchener, London, Kapuskasing and Thunder Bay. It is an opportunity to hear from a range of perspectives in different parts of the province in these precarious times and to inform our provincial policy direction.
You can keep up with Etobicoke—Lakeshore news and my work at Queen’s Park by following me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
All the very best for 2026!
Lee
New Year’s Levee
My annual New Year’s Levee and Skate is this weekend on Saturday January 31st from 2 - 4 pm.
Join us for some hot chocolate, ice skating, to make new friends in the community and to welcome in the New Year! There will be activities indoors and outdoors, light refreshments and I will share some reflections on the year.
The New Year’s Levee will be at the Col. Samuel Smith Park Skate Trail at 65 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr.
To RSVP, please email lfairclough.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
Reflections on 2025
Over the past year, as a new MPP elected in February 2025, I’ve worked every day to be a strong voice for our community at Queen’s Park. That means showing up, asking tough questions, proposing solutions and ensuring local concerns are heard where decisions are made.
This year, I:
Asked 14 Oral Questions in Question Period to hold the government accountable
Made 4 Members’ Statements, bringing the voices and experiences of our community in to the Legislature
Took part in 21 Bill Debates, pushing for better legislation and speaking up when policies missed the mark
Co-sponsored a Private Members Bill, Bill 28 The “Homelessness Ends With Housing Act”, to set a proactive strategy to end homelessness, and support people staying housed.
Presented our community Petition for Accessibility at Mimico GO following days of action with local residents and the Mimico Residents Association.
These are just a few examples. Every time I rose in the Legislature, it was with the people I represent in mind. I’m grateful for the trust you place in me, and I remain committed to standing up for our community, today and in the year ahead.
Advocacy on Hospital Investments
This month, we learned about more cuts in service that hospitals are facing. Ontario hospitals are the lowest funded on a per-capita basis in the country. Patients do not want service cuts or hospital closures. They do not want hospitals forced into impossible decisions after years of underfunding – decisions that lead to fewer staffed beds, longer emergency room waits, delayed surgeries, and more frequent closures.
Please see my full statement here calling for a larger investment in our hospitals.
Park Lawn GO and Mimico GO
Since being elected, I have been clear that delivering reliable, accessible transit for our community is a priority—particularly at Mimico GO and the future Park Lawn GO station. Many residents made the decision to live here based on promises that the Park Lawn GO station would be built, and the population growth in this area only reinforces the urgency of getting this right.
In May, I tabled a petition in the Legislature calling for improved accessibility at Mimico GO. The petition urges Metrolinx to accelerate the work required to make the station fully accessible, including the installation of an elevator to support residents with disabilities, parents with strollers, seniors, and anyone unable to safely use the stairs. To read more see my letter in response.
In November, we received the government’s response. While the response confirms that planning work is underway, it does not provide a clear timeline for completion—leaving residents without the certainty they deserve. I have responded to this letter and reiterated my call for firm commitments to the Mimico GO station.
At the same time, I have remained in regular communication with Metrolinx, the Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Infrastructure regarding the Park Lawn GO station. Metrolinx has advised that the project is currently paused with the developer, which is deeply concerning given the scale of growth in the area and the long-standing transit commitments made to this community.
I am currently seeking meetings with Metrolinx, the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Infrastructure to push for progress on both stations—because accessible, reliable transit should not be an afterthought, and our community deserves clear timelines and accountability from this government.
Canadian Polish Congress
Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku!
Honouring the Canadian-Polish community in Ontario—and especially here in Etobicoke–Lakeshore, proudly home to the Consulate General of Poland in Toronto—I welcomed the new year with the Polish-Canadian community.
We marked the occasion with the centuries-old tradition of sharing the Opłatek wafer, a meaningful symbol of a fresh start, reflection on the year past, and optimism for the year ahead.
It was also a pleasure to share this moment with colleagues from all levels of government, including my federal colleague MP James Maloney. Thank you to Canadian Polish Community President Dominik Roszak and special guest His Excellency Witold Dziewczynki, Poland’s Ambassador to Canada.
Lohri
Happy Lohri!
It was a joy to attend the wonderful Lohri gathering and celebrate this vibrant festival. Celebrated across Punjab and Northern India, Lohri marks the end of winter and the return of longer days—a time to give thanks for the harvest, especially sugarcane and wheat. The bonfires, folk songs, and offerings of jaggery, rewari, peanuts, and sesame seeds reflect gratitude, renewal, and togetherness. It was lovely to join with Member of Parliament for Brampton-Centre Amandeep Sodhi and meet constituents from Etobicoke-Lakeshore at the event.
Daily Bread Food Sorting
Ahead of the holidays, over 200 people joined to sort food for the Daily Bread Food Bank. Families and teams came together showing their holiday giving spirit.
Last year there was a record high 4.1 million visits to food banks in Toronto. We know more people are making choices between staying housed or feeding their families, and it is thanks to the generosity of people in our community that they can turn to food banks. Last year close to a quarter using food banks were children.
Thank you to CEO Neil Hetherington and the amazing team at Daily Bread Food bank for all you do. It is always a good time to support a local food bank!
Lakeshore Lions Skate
Stronger communities are built when people show up for one another. Lakeshore Lions Club does exactly that.
Over the holidays, I had a great time joining their free community skate. It was wonderful hearing about the incredible service work the Lakeshore Lions do year-round to support our community. If you’re looking for a way to give back or get involved close to home, you can find or join a Lions Club near you at lionsclubs.org.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Many have heard of Big Brothers Big Sisters, but did you know they operate right here in Etobicoke—Lakeshore? In my meeting with Big Brothers Big Sisters Toronto, I learned that over 30 youth in our community are part of their programs. However, there are still more youth on the waitlist who need to be matched with a mentor. Learn more at https://bbbstoronto.com/
LAMP Roundtable on Housing
An affordable home shouldn’t be a nice-to-have — it should be the foundation of our communities and something that everyone can aspire to.
At a roundtable hosted by LAMP community health centre, I had the opportunity to discuss what the state of housing looks like in Ontario, how we can increase availability of more affordable rentals, and supportive housing.
Thank you to the constituents who asked their questions and shared ideas. I hope this is the first of many conversations, as we create a province where affordable housing is not a far fetched dream, but a reality.
Black Excellence in Politics Summit
Political representation matters.
I was grateful to attend the Black Excellence in Politics event in Kitchener hosted by the Waterloo, Laurier, Guelph and Western Young Liberal Associations. I listened to black elected officials about the barriers they encountered, and the importance of taking your seat at the table as someone from a marginalized community.
When underrepresented and underserved voices are at the table, our legislatures better reflect the people they are meant to serve. In a decade from now, I expect to look back at this night as a pivotal moment in our Liberal movement and democracy.
We still have much more progress to make, but this event gave me real hope. The future of black political leadership isn’t tomorrow - it is starting now.
ROMA Conference
The ROMA Conference is about hearing directly from rural and northern communities, and it made one thing very clear: These communities are facing challenges that aren’t being met with the support they need. Repeatedly, municipal leaders talked about how one-size-fits-all policies don’t work for rural Ontario—especially when it comes to things like roads, rail, health care, and basic infrastructure. As someone who grew up in a small rural community on the shores of Lake Huron, I understand the challenges.
I spoke with leaders from across rural Ontario, including the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, the South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation, Tweed, the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, Bracebridge, Caledon, Oro-Medonte, and Springwater.
2026 Pre-Budget Consultations
Kitchener, London, Kapuskasing and Thunder Bay
Ontario's budget affects our everyday lives — from housing and health care to childcare and food on our tables.
Last week I attended pre-budget consultations in Kitchener and London, where local and provincial organizations made presentations to MPPs on how the Ontario government should shape the next provincial budget. You will be able to see the transcripts of these meetings here.
Some of what I heard:
Municipalities are overwhelmed with health, housing, homelessness and social service costs that are provincial responsibility. They are asking for the province to come to the table and collaborate with them as these challenges continue to grow.
Diversifying trade partners, and supporting efforts to sustain local economies is a critical issue in southwest Ontario and in the north. There are opportunities in food processing, greater reliance on local produce and foods, retooling in industries such as pulp and paper and ensuring communities can attract health care professionals, teachers and others needed to support local economies.
The homelessness crisis is growing and was raised by several stakeholders including, REALTORS®, AMO, CMHA, Family Health Teams, and Chambers of Commerce
Investments to ensure access to health care and mental health care (especially for youth) was a consistent request.
The Council of Universities emphasized that Ontario’s universities are critical economic infrastructure, and that chronic underfunding is undermining the province’s ability to address labour shortages, drive innovation, and remain economically competitive.
Provincial Program Announcements
Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grants
Capital Grant Applications Open February 4
Capital grant applications open February 4
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.
Ontario Arts Council 2026 Dates
New year, new arts experiences! 🎉
2026 is here – dream big and make it happen. Explore the OAC’s 2026 program deadlines and start planning your next arts project! The full list of funding opportunities and application deadlines for 2026 is now available here: https://www.arts.on.ca/grants/general-granting-information/grant-program-deadlines-and-important-dates
Curbside Recycling: Extended Producer Responsibility Updates
Extended Producer Responsibility came into full force Thursday, January 1, 2026. The City of Toronto will no longer be responsible for curbside recycling collection. Circular Materials, a producer responsibility organization, has assumed control of recycling operations in Ontario.
For any issue you experience with collections, contact Circular Materials at customerservice@circularmaterials.ca or 1-877-667-2626.
2026 Census Jobs
Statistics Canada is hiring approximately 32,000 people for the #2026Census, with jobs available across Canada. It's a great opportunity to gain experience, earn income, and support an important national initiative. Apply now: census.gc.ca/jobs.
Coldest Night Of The Year 2026
The annual Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly walk that takes place across Canada to raise money for local charities such as the Haven on the Queensway Hope with Wheels street outreach program serving those experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness in the community.
On February 28, 2026 Lee will be joining with many from the community to walk and gather for good... because it’s cold out there.
Learn more at: CNOY 2026 | Haven on the Queensway
If you wish to list an event in our newsletter please reach out to our office.
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
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