Our neighbours, our co-workers, our seniors are being forced to make difficult choices every day. Can you help make a difference this 🎄 season? "Every $1 donated provides two healthy, nutritious meals in the community." - Kim Wilhelm, CEO and Executive Director, Food Bank of Waterloo Region

Our Life Science sector is Ontario’s strength. Thanks to Elliot Fung (ED, Medical Innovatiob Exchange) for sharing some milestones from 2025: Job Creation: 336 new high-skilled jobs created; 968 total positions sustained. Capital Attraction: $40M+ in new private investment secured.

“Environmental laws are only as strong as oversight and accountability,” Fife said. “This government has weakened both.” #onpoli www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/18/news/ontario-ford-special-economic-zones-criteria

Our neighbours, our co-workers, our seniors are being forced to make difficult choices every day. Can you help make a difference this 🎄 season? "Every $1 donated provides two healthy, nutritious meals in the community." - Kim Wilhelm, CEO and Executive Director, Food Bank of Waterloo Region

Did you know...? Incidents of hate against *anyone* in Waterloo Region can be reported to the Coalition for Muslim Women through their Anti-Hate program, an initiative that empowers individuals. Data in this report shows a 38% rise in hate-related incidents in 2024: cmw-kw.org/wp-content/u...

“It’s a real mess,” said Fife. “There are really no accountability measures when corporate landlords choose to get the units in such a state that people have to move out. It’s just the wild west out there in rental housing. That’s why we need a renoviction ban in Waterloo.” #onpoli

A good news story to end last week. After a doctor submitted an OINP application in August 2024, he contacted my office this May for help getting an update. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development finally approved him. A rare OINP case resolution. #onpoli

We've seen a steady erosion of democracy in ON. Ford is shutting down the legislature until March 23 while we see record unemployment, a housing & healthcare crisis. The Leg is the only place where we can create laws to help tackle these issues. To the Ford govt: do better. Respect our democracy.

Remember the “Golden Girls” sitcom? Welcome to Ontario. These amazing women, Marion and Pat, are getting creative on the housing front for senior women (55+). Thanks for your time and efforts! Check out their website to learn more Senior Women Living Together. swlt.ca/about-swlt

Aging water infrastructure has paused housing development in Waterloo Region...amidst a housing crisis. We shouldn’t have 7 municipalities making their own growth plans, without coordination around water. #onpoli

That's rich. The Ontario legislature has sat for just 51 days this year. Today is our last day at Queen's Park for 2025, and we won't be returning until March 23, 2026. It's Doug Ford who needs to come back to work - for Ontarians. #onpoli

"Waterloo Region lost its planning department in 2024, by decree of Premier Doug Ford. The cities and townships now have responsibility for that. But if cities and townships want to grow faster than the water supply can handle, we have a problem." #onpoli

All housing development has paused in WR. You can’t address the housing crisis without adequate water infrastructure, which can't be funded off the local tax base. Municipalities drive jobs and need the province’s support – not denial & deflection. Ford has created chaos from a planning perspective.

Thanks to the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care for your advocacy – pleased to work together MPP Teresa Armstrong to ensure that community-based childcare operators will be able to access barriers that will be supplied free of charge. 👏👏👏 #onpoli

“This has been referred to as the Hunger Games,” said Jill Croteau, chair of the Ontario Physicians Recruitment Alliance. “If a municipality doesn’t have the resources for financial incentives, then they’re being held at a disadvantage.” #onpoli www.therecord.com/thestar/news...

The feds opened the door for 5,000 new doctors while the ON gov is blocking them with OINP delays and zero urgency. US physicians have told me about barriers their facing before they can practice in ON. The healthcare crisis is a leadership test, and Ford is failing. #ONpoli

"In Ontario, 1 in 4 food bank visitors are employed, up 83 per cent since 2019-20. In Waterloo Region, that number is 1 in 20, and Wilhelm said a number of those people are working more than one job." www.therecord.com/news/waterlo...

Thanks to CFUW KW for leading the community in remembering the victims of the École Polytechnique massacre and all victims of femicide. "Tonight, may we honour those that we've lost by creating the future they deserve." - Sara Casselman, Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region.

December 6, 1989: An armed man killed 14 women and injured 13 other people at École Polytechnique. Fuelled by misogyny, he claimed he was "fighting feminism". We must never forget the horror of that day. I'm honoured to be joined by community leaders to name the victims. #CallItFemicide

Doug Ford is a jobs disaster and these new numbers make that clearer than ever. Ontario lost thousands of manufacturing jobs last month, and the province led the entire country in losses in wholesale and retail trade. Families are feeling the hit in every community. #onpoli

New Ontario Arts Council-funded workshop series! For 2SLGBTQ+ community members navigating grief or loss in their family-building journey, "Here, Hold My Grief" offers supportive, artist-guided workshops in Toronto, ON (Jan–Apr 2026). Learn more: [email protected].

In the latest issue of The Parliamentarian, in my role as the newly elected Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), I wrote about the challenges of finding a home in 🇨🇦 politics. issuu.com/theparliamen...

Catch up with my fall newsletter, including: - Observing Remembrance Day - Chairing the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians - Make your voice heard at Pre-Budget Consultations - The KW Community Spirit Lions Free Family Skate - Get your free 2026 calendar mailchi.mp/ndp.on.ca/pb...

I was honoured to pay tribute to former MPP Mike Farnan in the presence of his family at Queen's Park today. Mike passed away earlier this year after a lifetime in the service of others. He served with integrity, charm, warmth, and a strong sense of humour. He will be missed by many.

25-year-old Eli Wood, a Wilfrid Laurier student, has been missing for 6 wks. Concerned community members have organized a ground search this Sun Dec 7 from 11:30am - 2:30pm not far from his last known location. Consider lending a hand. Learn more at www.facebook.com/groups/1156553859879048/.

"Kalsi said he once believed Canada was a place where skilled, hardworking people could build a life. But after years of delays, uncertainty and now the return of his file, he said he cannot offer the same hope to others." #onpoli #oinp

Come and meet Santa at today's FREE Family Skate from noon to 2pm at Piller's Rink, Rim Park! Thanks to the KW Community Spirit Lions Club for hosting this fun, family event on the ice. Join the community and celebrate the season ❄️⛸️

"The Business Development Bank of Canada says if Canadians re-direct $100 more of their existing holiday budget to Canadian products, they will inject about $13 billion into the economy." 🇨🇦 #ShopLocal #SupportLocal www.cbc.ca/news/busines...

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s recent report reveals the online sexual victimization teens face on social media platforms. They found that 93% of teen victims believe the gov should legally force apps and platforms to prevent harm online. Let’s get to work to protect our youth. #onpoli

November 25 was International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Each year, the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH) collects the names of femicide victims in Ontario. This year, 43 women were murdered by men. These women mattered - They deserve justice.

Congratulations to Jenn Pfenning on being reelected for her second term as president of the National Farmers Union. Jenn is a passionate advocate of local, sustainable agriculture. As a family owner of Pfennings Organic Farm in Wilmot, she is a tireless warrior in the #FightForFarmland.

Thanks to Asma Alwahsh from the Canadian Arab Women's Association for meeting with me to discuss how she & her team are connecting, supporting & empowering Arab women in our Region & beyond. This helps to increase representation in the broader community, public service & elected office.

The Waterloo Knights of Columbus is holding its New Toys For Needy Kids annual toy drive. Every year, they collect and distribute toys to needy children at Christmas, and they're asking for the community's help. Find out how to donate at waterlooknightsofcolumbus.com/toy-drive/. #SupportLocal

The May Court Club KW pays it forward and makes shopping cool! I met with Karen Falkenstern at the club's store in Belmont Village to learn more about annual Christmas Dreams fundraising campaign. Support them at www.maycourtclubofkw.org/christmas-dreams-34/. #SupportLocal

Last Spring I tabled my motion asking the Ontario Govt to establish a strategy to protect children from online harm and warn parents of the risks. They have yet to move. #onpoli www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/child-advocates-urge-government-to-bring-back-online-harms-legislation/

My new 2026 calendar is available now! I won't be doing my usual community wide mailing this year, but if you call my community office at 519-725-3477 or email [email protected], my team will send one directly to you. You can also pick up a copy in person from 100 Regina St. S.

The government has forced through #Bill33 without public consultation or meaningful debate. While Ford has tried to silence the public, educators are here at Queen's Park in large numbers to make sure that their voices are heard. #onpoli #DemocracyNow

If you have concerns about where provincial funds are being invested or NOT invested. Please consider weighing in on #Budget2026 - www.ola.org/en/apply-committees. Reach out with questions. #onpoli

This situation keeps getting worse. Shame on the govt for betraying people who put their faith in them. What they got in return was many months of waiting in vain for a decision. Patience was rewarded with a callous email on Friday to tell them it was all for nothing. #onpoli

Yesterday, I presented the Stop Ford's Attack on Tenant Rights petition. On Sunday, I hosted a housing forum, inc the doc Thinking Beyond the Market. We'll never stabilize the economy without a strong housing strategy, which ON doesn't have. #onpoli @briandoucet.bsky.social @acornunion.bsky.social

Thanks to everyone who came to our free screening of the documentary "Thinking Beyond the Market" by Dr Brian Doucet. The panel discussion that followed left me feeling positive & optimistic about housing possibilities for the future. #onpoli @briandoucet.bsky.social @acornunion.bsky.social #YWCAWR

It was a pleasure meeting some of the passionate members of May Court Club KW at their consignment store in Belmont Village. These female leaders raise funds to serve & support women and children in need in our community. Thank you for caring and making a difference.

Mornings do shine brightly at Eggstatic's new Waterloo location! Experience the beautiful fusion of breakfast classics and Middle Eastern flavours. Welcome to the Laurelwood neighbourhood. #ShopLocal #SupportLocal

More than 53,000 adults with intellectual disabilities in ON are still waiting for vital services. Decades of delay have left too many at risk of homelessness, exploitation & poverty. This cannot continue. Sign the petition at Waiting2Belong.ca. #WaitingToBelong www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmlJH93O8iE

Last week, MPP Sol Mamakwa and I pressed the Ford government on why Ontario taxpayers will have to foot the bill for the legal fallout of their unconstitutional Bill 5. Ontarians shouldn’t pay for this government’s mistakes. #onpoli

FULLY BOOKED! This Sun Nov 16 at Princess Cinemas, I'll be hosting a FREE screening of the affordable housing doc "Thinking Beyond the Market", followed by a panel discussion. The topic is so popular that I booked a second theatre - and now that's filled, too! #onpoli @briandoucet.bsky.social

Across Ontario, more than 53,000 adults with developmental disabilities are currently on waitlists for essential supports & services. Thank you to KW Habilitation CEO Ann Bilodeau for sharing details of their great work at the community level, despite the chronic underfunding of this sector. #onpoli

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, our community paused for 2 minutes silence to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. We will remember them. #LestWeForget #RemembranceDay

Thx to leadership at Cabinono (Marc, Derek, Tyler) for the tour & sharing your goal of 1 mil homes in the next 10 yrs. We need this kind of ambition on the housing front 👏👏Delivering missing middle housing at scale, on under-utilized land is key to bringing homes to communities. Sign me up! #onpoli

It was a pleasure meeting with Ontario Medical Association President Dr. Abdurrahman this morning to discuss family health teams, consistent professional training standards, and the OMA's response to views on last week's provincial Fall Economic Statement. #onpoli