Doug Shipley, MP Update
Aug 22, 2205
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
Ontario Investing in Mobile Crisis Response Teams to Better Protect Communities Funding will help police in Barrie support people experiencing a mental health crisis
By Office of Doug Downy, August 22, 2025
BARRIE— As part of its plan to protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the Ontario government is enhancing public safety by investing $240,000 over two years to support the mobile crisis response team led by Barrie Police Service. The funding will enable police to work with trained crisis workers to provide the specialized support often needed when interacting with people who are experiencing a mental health-related crisis.
“This funding will help the Barrie Police ensure our downtown remains safe and accessible to families and businesses, while helping to address the needs of those experience mental health or addiction crises,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie – Springwater –Oro-Medonte. “Connecting these vulnerable people to the supports they need will help improve our downtown core’s overall safety and the lives of all involved.”
“Our government is taking decisive action to protect Ontario by ensuring police have the tools, resources, and partnerships they need to keep our communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Through this grant, we are equipping police services with the means to strengthen Mobile Crisis Response Teams—made up of police and crisis workers—who are uniquely positioned to respond to people experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, de-escalating situations that could threaten public safety while connecting vulnerable individuals with the support they need.”
“The Barrie Police Service Mobile Crisis Response Team has become a valued resource in our community. The partnership of a police officer, as well as a Canadian Mental Health Association worker allows for the most appropriate response to be offered to those experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Chief Rich Johnston of the Barrie Police Service. “This grant allows us to have a Mobile Crisis Response Team focused on the downtown, where we know there is a need for this type of outreach, we can better support those community members who are experiencing mental health crises, as well as supporting them through follow up visits, and connecting with any ongoing services.”
For 2025-26 and 2026-27, 36 police services and OPP detachments will receive approximately $9 million through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant to increase the capacity of mobile crisis response teams across the province.
Ontario Supporting Ontario Workers Get Training and Land Jobs in Simcoe North
Government investing nearly $500,000 to help people gain the skills needed to work in the automotive industry
By Office of Jill Dunlop, MPP, Jul 31, 2025
MIDLAND — The Ontario government is investing nearly $500,000 through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to support people in Simcoe North get the skills they need to land good-paying, in-demand jobs in the automotive industry. This funding is a part of our broader effort to strengthen Ontario’s workforce, improve productivity, and protect workers from U.S. tariffs. This investment underpins our government’s $2.5 billion investment to promote better training, better jobs, with bigger paycheques.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in the tools, training, and resources needed to keep our workforce strong,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through targeted funding, we’re strengthening our supply chains, growing a job-ready workforce, and building the foundation for a more self-reliant and productive province – one that can compete, deliver, and win.”
The SDF Training Stream has supported over 1,000 training projects across the province, which has helped protect Ontario workers supporting Ontario’s workers, and making sure their jobs are protected so our economy can stay competitive.
The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is open to a wide range of applicants, including employers, industry associations, labour unions, hospitals and many more. The funding announced today builds on our government’s mission to protect Ontario and ensure it remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family. 2
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect more than half a million jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find good-paying and fulfilling careers close to home.
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MPP Dunlop Message
Aug 18, 2025
As we move into September and welcome the changing colours of the season, it’s my pleasure to update you on some of the ways the province is continuing to strengthen and support communities across the province.
I’m pleased to share that Ontario is launching the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream, with $260 million now available to support innovative projects that will help hire, train, and upskill workers across Ontario. Since 2021, this program has supported training for over 700,000 workers, helping them make a real and lasting impact in communities across Ontario.
Ontario’s workers are essential, powering the growth and strength of our communities every day.
That is why it’s part of our broader $2.5 billion commitment to ensure Ontario workers have the tools they need to succeed in rewarding, good-paying jobs, while helping our province remain competitive and thriving in the face of global challenges like U.S. tariffs. Applications are open until October 1, 2025, and I strongly encourage eligible organizations to apply.
I’m also excited to share that the province is investing $89 million to protect Ontario’s seniors by making the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care (CPLTC) program permanent and expanding services in First Nations communities. This program provides 24/7 access to non-emergency medical support, such as at-home treatments, diagnostic procedures, and remote monitoring, so more seniors can age safely at home, surrounded by comfort and familiarity. With this new investment, more Ontarians will benefit from timely, compassionate care in their own communities.
Together, these investments show our government’s commitment to building a stronger, healthier Ontario, one that supports workers, protects seniors, and strengthens communities across the province. I look forward to continuing this important work alongside you as we transition into fall.
As always, I’m honoured to represent Simcoe North and to stand up for the priorities that matter most to our region. I hope everyone had a restful and memorable summer, and I look forward to the opportunities this fall will bring to our communities.
Local Priorities Fund invests in specialized equipment and programs
By Office of August 25, 2025
SIMCOE NORTH — The Ontario government is investing $35 million to help long-term care homes across the province support residents with complex needs. The Local Priorities Fund (LPF) is designed to support programs that connect people with the right care for them, reducing emergency department visits and hospital stays. This investment is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by ensuring long-term care residents get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve.
Originally launched in 2022, the LPF provides specialized equipment, services and staff training to enable long-term care homes to admit new residents with specialized needs and support current residents with complex needs. Ontario’s funding helps long-term care homes purchase items such as IV equipment, bariatrics equipment bed support, bladder scanners and ECGs, as well as everyday items like slip-proof floor mats, wraparound bed rails and grab bars.
In 2024-25, the LPF supported six homes in Simcoe North, including:
- Georgian Manor Home For The Aged $68,472.00
- Trillium Manor Home For The Aged $29,595.00
- Hillcrest Village Care Centre $36,865.00
- Leacock Care Centre $60,000.00
- Oak Terrace $65,790.00
- Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital $127,096.00
Total: $387,818.00
Helping long-term care residents with complex needs is one more way the province is taking action to meet the needs of Ontario’s aging population and their caregivers by improving and expanding supports for seniors living in long-term care, congregate settings and in the community.