Wishing everyone a very Happy and Blessed Easter🐣 Easter is a reminder of hope, new beginnings, and the strength we find in our communities — something I see every day across our riding. I hope this season brings you joy, good company, and a chance to reflect on the many blessings in our lives.

🥅🏀We’re investing an additional $300 million in the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund to revitalize local sports centres, create new jobs and support the next generation of Ontario athletes.    Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/yjrvsvd8

Honoured to speak in the legislature...

Ontario has designated the third full week of September as Rural Ontario Week🚜🌲 From small towns and main streets to farms, forests, and beyond, the motion, brought forward by MPP Billy Denault and passed in the House, recognizes the vital contributions of rural communities across the province.

🐰🧺Wishing everyone a wonderful Easter weekend 🧺🐰

Delighted to meet with Lily Smith from Tweed Elementary School who participated in the Ontario Legislative Page Program this session.  It was a pleasure welcoming Lily and her family for lunch and a tour of Queen's Park. Congratulations, Lily — you've made us all proud🙌

Today on Autism Awareness Day, we celebrate the strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals on the autism spectrum🩵 Let’s continue working toward a community that is supportive, inclusive, and understanding — where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

🚍We are doubling funding for the Ontario Transit Investment Fund to help smaller communities build safe and reliable transit. This $30 million investment will protect Ontario’s economy by connecting more people to jobs and opportunity across the province.   Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/yvkesrya

Proud to recognize Page Captain Lily Smith and her family in the House this morning!

🏗️Our government is continuing to take action to speed up the construction of new homes and reduce red tape through the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act.  Learn More: https://tinyurl.com/3ubnk2bp

Congratulations on Your Retirement, Kathy Farrell👏 The Marmora & Lake Public Library will miss you. Thank you for making it a friendly and welcoming space for the whole community.  Enjoy this next chapter!

Pleased to join the Volunteer Appreciation event in Tudor & Cashel. It was wonderful to celebrate the dedicated individuals who give their time to support their neighbours. A special thanks to Debbie Woolley for 30 years of service and Elain Holloway for her tireless commitment to the community.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Grand Opening in Napanee 🎉 ReStore locations play an important role  — giving new life to donated furniture and building materials, offering affordable items for families, and supporting Habitat’s mission of helping more people access safe, affordable housing. Congrats!

🐰Great morning yesterday for a Easter Egg Hunt in Loyalist Township🐰 Township staff and volunteers had the kids playing all sorts of games and the Amherstview Lions club put on a free pancake breakfast.  What a great tradition to celebrate and count all of our blessings with the community together

HOLY MAKINAW! Had the honour of meeting Joe Bowen at his retirement reception at Queens Park. For decades, Joe has been the unmistakable voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs, bringing excitement, passion, and unforgettable moments into homes across the country.

Thrilled to join Fire Station 1 as they welcomed a brand new Aerial Ladder 811 Fire Truck to the Greater Napanee community. It was great to meet the dedicated firefighters who keep us safe, and see firsthand how this new truck will strengthen local emergency response.

Great to connect with Bonnie Clark, EOWC Chair, and Meredith Staveley-Watson, CEO from the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus on Budget Day in Queens Park. It is always important to work with our regional municipal partners as we develop the programs within the budget.

The 2026 Ontario Budget will support workers and businesses, attract jobs and investment, keep life affordable for families, while helping ensure Ontario remains competitive, resilient, and positioned for long-term success. Learn More: https://tinyurl.com/ms6hnb3r

Our government is investing $2.25 million in local grants to projects that improve accessibility and support active healthy lifestyles for seniors and people of all abilities. See how your local organizations can apply for funding today: https://tinyurl.com/4b46a4p7

In the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty, we’re working closely with the federal government to do everything we can to lower costs for families.   Learn more about our expanded HST rebate, which can save buyers up to $130,000 on new homes!   🔗: https://tinyurl.com/vs443xsu

Good to be back in the House today. I had the opportunity to recognize Tamworth’s own Jay Dearborn, who recently represented Canada at the Olympic Games and made Hastings–Lennox and Addington proud.

Our government is supporting the long-term modernization and expansion of Billy Bishop Airport.   This expansion will strengthen tourism and business travel, improve connectivity and create good-paying jobs in aviation, tourism and construction.   Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/548yetdp

Starting in September, Ontario’s new Classroom Supplies Fund will provide $750 each year to elementary school homeroom teachers to help purchase the materials students need to succeed. Learn More: https://tinyurl.com/4jxjf7w4

Skills Advance Ontario is now accepting applications! Through the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response, Skills Advance Ontario will help people pursue in-demand jobs in growing fields like health care, skilled trades, energy, and natural resources. Learn More: https://tinyurl.com/29ywcwp2

Great news for families across Ontario! Our government is creating a new provincewide Primary Care Medical Record system that will ensure seamless care for patients and reduce paperwork for doctors. Learn More: https://tinyurl.com/z56wsufs

In my role as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation, I was pleased to support the next phase of the Highway 17 expansion between Renfrew and Arnprior.

We’re rebuilding County Road 49 in Prince Edward County! This work will improve a key gateway into Prince Edward County, support good-paying jobs during construction and make it easier for visitors to access one of Ontario’s top tourism destinations.

Maple season is here 🍁 If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, there are some great local options to get out, enjoy the fresh air, and celebrate one of our favourite traditions.

A significant step forward for road safety in our region. Our government has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to redesign the intersection of Ontario Highway 7 and Ontario Highway 41 in Kaladar.

Ontario is proposing changes to open HOV lanes to more drivers during off-peak hours on provincial highways. This is part of our plan to protect Ontario by fighting gridlock and keeping drivers moving across the province.  Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/2sy48462

Very exciting day in Hastings Highlands yesterday, sharing great news for the residents, businesses, and visitors who rely on Ontario Highway 62. Our government is investing $25 million to rebuild Highway 62 North, helping improve road safety and strengthen this important transportation corridor.

Celebrating the official opening of Front and Centre Bakery at their new location — 2068 County Road 1 in Newburgh (right at the top of the hill).

Target Indoor Golf is now open in Bath, offering golfers a great new way to stay on the course year-round.

Very pleased to share that Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation will receive a $304,096 increase in provincial funding for land ambulance services. This investment will help support response times and ensure residents continue to receive reliable emergency care when it matters most.

Great news! ServiceOntario is now open at 47 Durham Street South in Madoc and Jane is the friendly face ready to serve you. If you need help with driver’s licences, health cards, or vehicle permits close to home, be sure to stop in.

Across our communities, women are leading, building, teaching, innovating, volunteering, advocating, and shaping the future in countless ways. Their work strengthens our institutions, our local economies, and our communities.

Congratulations to the graduates of the Water Treatment Operator Training Program at the Aboriginal Labour Force Development Circle.

Good to be at PDAC this week as leaders from around the world gather to discuss the future of mining and critical minerals.

Pleased to attend the Amethyst Reception at Queen’s Park hosted by Speaker Donna Skelly, celebrating Ontario’s mining sector.

It was great to meet this week with Sarah and Bill Craig of the local L&A Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club.

Attended the Limestone Skills Competition at St. Lawrence College today and was impressed by the incredible work being done by students across the region.

Ontario is updating the Veterinary Assistance Program to make it easier for livestock farmers in Northern and rural Ontario to access veterinary care. By expanding eligibility, increasing compensation & streamlining applications, we’re building a stronger, more resilient agri-food sector.

Great to attend the Seniors Active Living Fair today in Napanee. Good conversations and a strong showing from organizations supporting seniors across our region. Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen.

Great to meet with Harold Parsons and the team at the Boys & Girls Club today.

Today is the first-ever Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day in Ontario. Across Hastings–Lennox & Addington and North Hastings, hospitality workers are often the first faces people meet in our diners, cafés, restaurants, hotels, event spaces, and local attractions.

We may be reeling over the final games for both our men’s and women’s teams, but we should also be celebrating the Silver Medals they earned.

A nail-biter right through to overtime. Congratulations to the Canada women's national ice hockey team on earning a Silver Medal at the Olympic Games. The determination, skill, and resilience shown on the world stage were exceptional.

February 16–22 marks Ontario’s Heritage Week. In Hastings–Lennox & Addington, our heritage is reflected in our historic buildings, cultural landmarks, rural traditions, and community spaces that have stood the test of time.

Paul Drew has contributed hundreds of hours to maintaining and supporting the Enterprise Rink, ensuring this important community facility remains available for families and residents to enjoy.

Congratulations to Amherstview’s Dr. Cass on her appointment to the Order of Ontario.