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Politics – July 31st

Ontario Signs New Free Trade Agreements with British Columbia and Canada’s Three Territories

Memorandums of understanding now in place with 10 provinces and territories to grow Ontario’s economy by removing internal trade barriers

By Premier’s Office, July 21, 2025

HUNTSVILLE — Today, Ontario Premier Doug Ford was joined by British Columbia Premier David Eby, Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton, Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok to sign two new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to boost internal trade, improve labour mobility and tear down long-standing barriers to doing business between provinces and territories. This included an Ontario-British Columbia MOU and an MOU between Ontario and the three territories.

“With President Trump’s ongoing threats to our economy, there’s never been a more important time to boost internal trade to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy,” said Premier Ford. “By signing these MOUs and working together, we’re helping Canada unlock up to $200 billion in economic potential and standing shoulder to shoulder to protect Canadian workers across the country.”

Through these agreements, premiers are working together to eliminate red tape, cut costs for businesses and open new pathways for skilled workers to move more freely across the country. With the MOUs signed today, Ontario has now secured agreements with 10 provinces and territories, making Ontario the national leader in strengthening interprovincial trade and cooperation.

To support this work, the Ontario government recently passed the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, which strengthens Ontario’s ability to pursue cross-Canada commerce, withstand U.S. tariffs and tackle future economic challenges head-on. Ontario also remains the only province or territory to eliminate all party-specific exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.

“When Ontario and BC team up to knock down trade barriers, it’s good for workers, it’s good for businesses and it’s good for the people of both provinces,” said Premier David Eby, British Columbia. “Between our provinces, we have more than half of the population of the country. This agreement is key to unlocking one Canadian economy.”

“This agreement between Ontario and the territories is about making it easier for people, goods and ideas to move across the country,” said Premier Mike Pemberton, Yukon. “It’s an important step in reducing barriers and expanding opportunities for workers, businesses and communities in the North — building on progress we’ve already made. By working together, we’re helping ensure that the territories, including the Yukon, can fully participate in and contribute to Canada’s economy.”

“For the North to reach its full economic potential, we need to reduce the barriers that make it harder for our people and businesses to connect with the rest of the country — and for them to connect with us,” said Premier R.J. Simpson, Northwest Territories. “This agreement is a step toward that: supporting labour mobility, streamlining certification and opening up new opportunities for Northerners. It reflects a shared commitment to building a more open, connected and resilient Canadian economy.”

“This MOU is a strategic opportunity for Nunavut to enhance labour mobility, reduce trade barriers and strengthen our economic ties with other jurisdictions,” said Premier P.J. Akeeagok, Nunavut. “It positions Nunavut to be a more connected and competitive player in Canada’s economy.”

Premier Doug Ford will host Canada’s Premiers and their delegations for the Council of the Federation’s 2025 Summer Meeting from July 21–23.

 

Ontario Breaks Ground on Two LongTerm Care Homes in Barrie

New projects will bring 337 modern longterm care beds to the community

By Ministry of LongTerm Care, July 28, 2025

BARRIE — Construction is underway at the Grove Park Home for Senior Citizens and the Village of Innis Landing longterm care home in Barrie. Both projects are recipients of the Construction Funding Subsidy topup and are part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by creating good jobs and building for the future, while ensuring longterm care residents get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve.

“As Ontario continues to grow, our government is making historic investments to protect families and their loved ones,” said Natalia KusendovaBashta, Minister of LongTerm Care. “Today’s announcement is great news for Barrie and will ensure that 337 residents will get the care they need, in modern and safe homes.”

The Grove Park Home for Senior Citizens is upgrading 62 of its existing beds and adding two new beds, for a total of 145 beds in the home. The project will also update the nursing call system, improve fire detection and suppression systems and introduce new monitoring features to ensure resident safety. The home will house a café and community hub space, with mechanical lifts added to resident rooms. The property will also have a newly redesigned outdoor space.

The Village of Innis Landing project involves the redevelopment of Coleman Care Centre. The new home is adding 80 beds for a total of 192 beds. The home will include expansive common spaces to support a variety of care and recreational programming, along with various opportunities for residents to engage with one another and visitors.

Both homes will feature designs that include larger resident common areas and air conditioning throughout. The homes are centred around ‘Resident Home Areas’, each of which creates a more intimate and familiar living space for up to 32 residents, with dining and activity areas, lounges and bedrooms.

These projects are part of the Ontario government’s continued progress toward its commitment to build 58,000 new and upgraded longterm care beds across the province, as outlined in the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario. The government is improving longterm care to ensure Ontarians get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve. The plan to improve care for longterm care residents is built on four pillars: staffing and care; quality and enforcement; building modern, safe, and comfortable homes; and connecting seniors with faster, more convenient access to the services they need.   “Today’s announcement ensures that our seniors will be able to age with dignity and the care they need, in the community they love. By upgrading these existing facilities, residents will be able to choose care in places they know and trust while still receiving the qualify of care they have come to expect.”

Doug Downey

MPP, Barrie—Springwater—OroMedonte

 

MPP Dunlop Announces Ontario Government Supporting Non-Profit Organizations in Simcoe North

$692,200.00 is helping 8 local programs and services that help deliver critical community programming across the province

By Office of  MPP Jill Dunlop

SIMCOE NORTH – July 18, 2025 – The Ontario government is providing 8 non-profit organizations (OR municipalities, First Nation communities) in Simcoe North with $692,200.00 in funding this year through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) Capital grant stream. This funding will help make it easier for local residents to access the critical programming, activities and spaces that make Simcoe North a great place to live, work and play.

“Our government believes organizations like these recent recipients enrich the lives of people in Simcoe North and play an important role in building a strong and prosperous economy in Ontario. That’s why I am proud they are receiving capital funding support,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “These 8 recipients are a pillar of our community, and this support will enable them to better serve the people of Simcoe North and continue to make a positive difference.”

OTF’s Capital grant stream helps organizations improve their infrastructure so they can continue delivering programs and services that Ontarians need to thrive. Whether it’s purchasing equipment, building a new space or completing renovations, retrofits or repairs, these grants support projects that are making a difference in Simcoe North.

In Simcoe North, organizations receiving funding include:

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Simcoe $13,800.00
  • Champlain Sailing Club $90,900.00
  • CLH Developmental Support Services $117,100.00
  • Community Reach North Simcoe $52,000.00
  • Hospice Huronia $50,000.00
  • Midland Cultural Centre Inc. $128,000.00
  • Orillia Rowing Club $40,400.00
  • Town of Midland $200,000.00

 

HERE TO HELP

July 25, 2025 – As your federal Member of Parliament, I work to keep you informed on what the federal government is up to in Ottawa. While I am always happy to answer your questions about policy, a significant part of my job is to help constituents navigate federal government programs and services.

My team and I are happy to greet in person visitors and answer phone calls and emails Monday to Friday in my local office. You can find us at 48 Alliance Boulevard Suite 104 in Barrie. You can also reach us by telephone at 705-728-2596.

We can assist with the following matters:

  • Passports
  • Canada Revenue Agency Inquiries
  • Employment Insurance
  • Canada Pension Plan and Canada Pension Plan Disability
  • OAS and the Guaranteed Income Supplement
  • Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada inquiries
  • Any other federal matters

How we can help is determined on a case-by-case basis, so the best thing to do is contact my office by telephone or email and discuss your specific situation. Then we can let you know what steps we might be able to take to assist you.

When contacting my office, you will often reach one of my knowledgeable team members as I am juggling responsibilities both here in Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte and in Ottawa. If you would like to reach me directly to share your concerns around policy, legislation or government service the fastest way to connect with me is by sending an email to Doug.Shipley@parl.gc.ca

With the various demands on my time every day I may not be able to respond immediately. I do review all emails and if I think that you will be best served by a direct conversation with a member of my team then I will ask them to follow up. Otherwise, you will receive a response from me.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Doug Shipley

Member of Parliament – Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte

Ford to change parks law for Wasaga Beach redevelopment

By: Abdul Matin Sarfraz / Canada’s National Observer / Local Journalism Initiative, Source: Canada’s National Observer, Jul 24, 2025

The Ford government is proposing legislative changes to the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act to remove more than three per cent of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park from protection and transfer the land to the Town of Wasaga Beach and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming for development.

Under the current Act, removing more than 50 hectares or one per cent of a provincial park requires a study, a report and approval by the Ontario Legislature. Experts say to enable this land transfer — which would remove more than 60 hectares — the province would first need to eliminate that key safeguard from the Act.

Tim Gray, executive director of Environmental Defence, warns this change would make it easier for the province to quietly remove sections of parks without public scrutiny and could open the door to privatizing protected lands across Ontario.

“If that clause is repealed, the cabinet could quietly remove parts of any provincial park in Ontario whenever they want without the public knowing and without the legislature voting on it,” Gray said.

In its public posting, the government mentioned an amendment to the Act but did not clarify which section would be changed. Canada’s National Observer reached out to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for clarification but did not receive a response in time for publication.

The Ford government has previously introduced dozens of legislative changes to fast-track resource development and enable the transfer of environmentally protected public land to private interests, such as the Greenbelt land swap, the Ontario Place redevelopment and the proposed Dresden landfill.

While the province says the Wasaga Beach move is intended to boost tourism, environmental advocates are raising alarms about both the local impact and the broader precedent.

The Ford government has previously introduced dozens of legislative changes to fast-track resource development and enable the transfer of environmentally protected public land to private interests.

Gray said this fits a wider pattern under the Ford government: shifting public lands to private hands by rewriting laws.

Environmental concerns

The lands being targeted include ecologically sensitive sand dunes, wetlands and nesting habitat for the endangered piping plover. Tony Morris, conservation director at Ontario Nature, says transferring these areas to the town puts both wildlife and long-standing conservation efforts at risk.

Morris said Ontario Parks has managed the area for decades, restoring dunes and protecting habitat. Under town ownership, those protections could disappear.

Without the Provincial Parks Act in place, Morris says the town would not be required to manage the land for ecological health.

He questioned why the transfer is even needed, noting Wasaga Beach is already Ontario’s most-visited provincial park.

“There’s not a lot of information on why this is necessary. What’s the business case?” Morris said.

Both Environmental Defence and Ontario Nature plan to submit formal comments to the Ford government and notify the federal environment minister about risks to the piping plover — a federally protected species.

Earlier this year, the Ford government announced a $38 million investment to build “Destination Wasaga” — a tourism project that includes revitalizing Nancy Island, upgrading roads and transferring part of the provincial park to the town. The province says the goal is to boost tourism, support jobs and grow the local economy.

‘Wouldn’t have it any other way’

The proposed changes do not say whether the transferred lands will be sold to private developers.

In an email response, Brian Smith, mayor of the Town of Wasaga Beach, confirmed the town is seeking about 60 hectares as part of the proposed transfer from Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. Smith says the land is not being given to private developers but to the municipality, with the condition that the beach remains public.

“The plan is to collaborate with the province to reimagine the large swath of crumbling, paved parking lot at Beach Area 1,” Smith said. “The Town and citizens of Wasaga Beach wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Smith said the goal is to create a sustainable, four-season waterfront destination focused on eco-tourism and public access.

The town will work with ecologists, urban designers and the community to ensure shoreline areas — including dunes and piping plover habitat — are protected, he added.

The Town has recently pursued redevelopment at Beach Area One, including selling several pieces of public beachfront land for millions to a private developer.

On its website, the town says it is actively seeking “a visionary partner to help reimagine our waterfront into a globally recognized destination.” It adds: “The right partner will help us set a new benchmark for sustainable urban design.”

Gray said that pattern suggests the new parkland would likely follow the same path.

“There’s no guarantee these parklands won’t be next,” he said.

Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner says Ford is once again removing important protections, just like with Bill 5 — this time putting provincial parks at risk.

“He’s doing it all to benefit wealthy insiders and putting the rest of provincial parks under threat,” Schreiner said. “Ontario parks belong to the people, not wealthy Ford-connected insiders.”

He urged the public to push back before more damage is done.

“Our parks are home to species at risk, vital wetlands and ecological features that protect nearby communities from flooding and extreme weather,” Schreiner said in a statement. “They are also cherished spaces where Ontario families can camp, hike, swim, paddle and connect with each other and nature.”

What’s next

The proposed changes still need to be voted on at Queen’s Park, but that won’t happen until the legislature returns in late October.

Gray is urging people to act now by contacting their MPPs and pushing back. He says provincial parks belong to the people of Ontario and should remain protected.

“It is appalling that the current government is trying to give away big parts of our most popular park and make it easy to give more park land away in the future,” Gray said. “These beachfront lands on Georgian Bay are worth millions of dollars and owned by the people of Ontario. They should never be a gift to well-connected developers.”

 

U.S. Softwood Lumber Duties Hurt Workers and Families on  Both Sides of the Border

By Ministry of Natural Resources

TORONTO – July 25, 2025 – Today, Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products, Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources, and Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, issued the following statement in response to the latest U.S. decision on softwood lumber duties.

“Today’s decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce to increase duties on softwood lumber will hurt American and Canadian workers, families and communities alike. These duties disrupt industries, drive up costs and put our shared competitiveness at risk.

Ontario and the U.S. trade together and build together. The U.S. market needs Canadian lumber and our softwood lumber producers are proud to bring high quality, sustainably harvested construction materials to market, building communities and driving economic growth on both sides of the border.

Continued duties on Canadian softwood lumber exports are an unjust burden which limit productivity, raise construction costs and make homes less affordable for American families. We remain firm in our position that these duties should be lifted entirely, for the benefit of workers and families on both sides of the border.”

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