Message from MPP Dunlop
By Office of Jill Dunlop, MPP – Simcoe North/Nord, Sep 15, 2025
As the vibrant colours of fall arrive across Simcoe North, I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful and safe October. It’s a time to enjoy our beautiful trails, support local farmers at markets and fairs, and spend time with family and friends as we head into Thanksgiving.
At Queen’s Park, important work continues to support the health, prosperity, and future of all Ontarians, and I’d like to share a few highlights of recent provincial initiatives that may impact you and your family.
This fall, Ontario is launching a first-of-its-kind health screening program in Canada to protect people from life-threatening abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). This new initiative will help identify those at risk early, before symptoms appear, and can prevent potentially fatal ruptures. It’s a major step forward in saving lives through early detection and prevention.
Ontario is also investing $3 million through the Francophone Community Grants Program to support economic and cultural initiatives across the province. These funds will help Francophone organizations and small businesses enhance services, grow community programs, and celebrate our rich French-speaking heritage.
We’re also investing in Ontario’s future workforce through the Level Up! career fairs. These events are giving a record number of students, educators, and jobseekers hands-on exposure to careers in the skilled trades, helping address labour shortages while inspiring the next generation of skilled workers.
Finally, I’m proud to share that Ontario is investing $9.6 million through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program to protect and restore wetlands across the province. Wetlands play a vital role in flood prevention, water purification, and wildlife habitat, especially in regions like ours. This funding will support local conservation efforts, create green jobs, and protect our natural environment for future generations.
As always, I remain committed to advocating for the needs of families, workers, and businesses here in Simcoe North. Thank you for your continued engagement and enjoy everything this beautiful season has to offer!
Update from Doug Shipley, MP
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