September 2020
Back to School
Students are returning to their classrooms and our School Board administrators, principals, teachers, staff and school bus drivers are working hard to ensure our students stay safe.
No doubt there will be challenges ahead and unanticipated issues may arise, but we can and we will work together to resolve them. Our children deserve nothing less than our very best efforts.
I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone in our education system for their dedication, caring, and professionalism, this year above all years.
A century of fair and impartial Ontario elections
Our right to vote and elect our parliamentary representatives in a free and fair election gives each of us an equal and direct say in deciding who will govern our Province. It also gives legitimacy to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to debate and enact laws, levy taxes, administer programs, and lead us into the future.
This year, Elections Ontario is celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of the appointment of the first Chief Election Officer, who was charged with the responsibility of organizing fair and impartial elections of the Members of the Legislature. This year is also the fiftieth anniversary of the creation of Elections Ontario itself, as a separate independent agency.
Around the world in many places, democratic institutions and traditions are being threatened and eroded. But in our Province, Elections Ontario and an informed citizenry will always be the guardians of free and fair elections.
MPPs Return to Queen’s Park
While the Legislative Assembly sat many weeks between February and July this year, Members were also kept busy in their Ridings. I know all MPPs, Government and Opposition alike, have been very appreciative of the response of the people of Ontario and the expressions of encouragement and support we have received.
On September 14, we resume sitting again. There will be much to discuss and debate, including the best ways to continue the fight against COVID-19, the help Ontarians need from their Government, and how we can revive the economy safely.
The Legislature is scheduled to sit into December.
