Local Press Release

The Ontario government is investing a total of $47.2 million in the York Region District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board for a new joint elementary school, helping working families in Vaughan. This investment, announced by Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill, will support the creation of 1,134 student spaces and 49 licensed child care spaces as part of the government’s commitment to building state-of-the-art learning spaces for Ontario students.

The Ontario government is keeping costs down for public transit riders with the launch of “One Fare,” which will save riders an average of $1,600 each year. Beginning February 26, 2024, riders will pay only once as they transfer for free between the TTC and participating transit agencies in the Greater Toronto Area, including GO Transit.

The Ontario government is providing $3.7 million over the next three years to the York Regional Police to help in three key areas to continue the province’s plan to help protect communities, support victims of crime and keep people safe.

The Ontario government is investing $900,000 over three years to help York Regional Police Services combat and prevent auto thefts in York Region.

The Ontario government is taking another step forward to get shovels in the ground on the Yonge North Subway Extension by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the contract to design and build the subway’s tunnels. The Yonge North Subway Extension is one of Ontario’s four priority subway projects for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and will deliver much-needed rapid transit between York Region and Toronto.

Ontario is committing to new expanded mandatory learning on Holocaust education in the compulsory Grade 10 History course. This addition will be implemented for September 2025 and complements new mandatory learning on the significance of the Holocaust in Grade 6 Social Studies.

MPP Laurie Scott, Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, and MPP Laura Smith, Thornhill, tabled a joint Private Member’s Bill today to stop convicted offenders under Christopher’s Law from legally changing their names in Ontario. This bill, if passed, will prevent sex offenders who have committed horrific crimes the ability to hide their identities.  

The Ontario government is making investments in York Region to connect local residents and families to faster, more convenient public health services and emergency care in their communities.

From October 1-8 they are partnering with Restaurants Canada on a new campaign called Dine
Ontario (#DineOnt), and all restaurants are invited to participate! Dine Ontario will provide free
promotional materials to restaurants that feature an Ontario food or seasonal dish special during
this time period, and we encourage, where possible, including a feature beverage such as
Ontario wine, beer, cider or spirits. This could include highlighting current Ontario menu items or
a new creation for this week.

Funding for new video surveillance equipment and technology will help police fight crime THORNHILL – […]