Valentines for Vets
Every year, Veterans Affairs Canada invites Canadians to thank our veterans by submitting handmade Valentine’s Day cards. These cards are then distributed to Veterans across Canada. The Valentines for Vets program reminds our veterans that they are not forgotten and provides Canadians an opportunity to thank them for their service and the sacrifices they made for our freedoms.
I encourage you to give valentines to Veterans or Canadian Armed Forces members you know or who live in your community. A personal touch makes this activity more meaningful. There are a couple of ways to get messages to our Veterans – by mail or online. If sent by mail, Veterans Affairs Canada will distribute the handmade cards to Veterans across Canada. Please mail your cards to:
Valentines for Vets
Veterans Affairs Canada
Commemoration, Distribution Unit
125 Maple Hills Avenue
Charlottetown, PE C1C 0B6
If you would like to share Valentine’s Day messages online, there are three different ways to get your message out. Please visit this link at the Government of Canada website: https://veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/get-involved/ways-remember/e-cards/valentines-vets-card.
For teachers who would like to get their students involved in Valentines for Vets, a guide can be found at the following link: https://veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/classroom/valentines-for-veterans/teachers-guide. Participation in this program is an opportunity to talk to children and youth about Canada’s proud military history and the accomplishments and sacrifices of our Veterans.
I encourage you to participate in this worthwhile program. As always, if you or your family have concerns with any federal matters, please contact me at 705-728-2596 or doug.shipley@parl.gc.ca.
Sincerely, Doug Shipley, MP
Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte
As winter continues across communities throughout Simcoe North, I continue to be inspired by the strength, generosity, and neighbourly spirit that define this region. Whether it’s helping clear a snowy driveway, gathering at local rinks, or supporting community fundraisers, Simcoe North residents always show up for one another, especially during the coldest months of the year.
This past month brought important news for our area. I was pleased to welcome Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, Todd McCarthy, to Orillia to announce a major provincial investment in critical water and wastewater infrastructure. Through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, Ontario is investing $700 million to help municipalities and First Nations upgrade aging systems, protect public health, and support responsible growth.
Here in Simcoe North, this investment will support up to $78.4 million across five key projects in Orillia, Ramara, Tay, Penetanguishene, and Tiny, including significant upgrades to the Fittons Road West Sewage Pumping Station. These improvements will help prevent sewage backups, strengthen environmental protection, and ensure our communities have the capacity to grow while maintaining the high quality of life we all value.
Even in the heart of winter, our community spirit shines. I invite families, friends, and neighbours from across Simcoe North to join me for the Free Family Day Roller Skate at ODAS Park. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get active, enjoy some fun together, and celebrate Family Day in the true spirit of our community.
I would also like to take a moment of reflection as we remember Linda Belcourt, the founder of the North Simcoe Springwater News, who passed suddenly in late December. Linda was a tireless advocate for local stories and a passionate supporter of community journalism. Through her dedication, she ensured that the voices of Springwater and North Simcoe were heard, respected, and celebrated. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and by the many readers who relied on the paper she built, and that will continue to be distributed through her family.
As MPP for Simcoe North, I remain committed to serving our communities with care, accountability, and pride. Together, we will continue to build a strong and connected Simcoe North.
A Message from MPP, Jill Dunlop North Simcoe Springwater News