Markham-Stouffville Community Update for January 18, 2023
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Ontario Reducing Wait Times for Surgeries and Procedures
The Ontario government is making it easier and faster for people to access the publicly-funded surgeries and procedures they need by further leveraging community surgical and diagnostic centres to eliminate surgical backlogs and reduce wait times. As the government significantly expands the number of surgeries being done through community surgical and diagnostic centres, it will do so with measures in place to protect the stability of health human resources at public hospitals, including requiring new facilities to provide detailed staffing plans as part of their application and requiring a number of physicians at these centres to have active privileges at their local hospital.
Community surgical and diagnostic centres have been valuable partners in responding to the pandemic and addressing the pandemic-related backlog in surgeries. Increasing community delivery of surgeries has proven to increase patient and provider satisfaction and reduces the risk of a rescheduled appointment. Surgeries performed at these centres will be publicly-funded.
Ontario has a three-step plan that better integrates and uses these state-of-the-art facilities to speed up how quickly people are able to get surgeries and procedures using their health card.
Learn more:
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1002641/ontario-reducing-wait-times-for-surgeries-and-procedures
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Bail Reform Letter by Premier of Ontario and Fellow Premiers
Following the tragic death of OPP Constable Grzegorz Pierzchala, the Premier and his colleagues have written a letter to the Prime Minister, joining the calls of countless law enforcement officials asking the federal government take immediate action to strengthen Canada’s bail system to better protect the public and Canada’s first responders.
Too many innocent people have lost their lives at the hands of dangerous criminals who should have been behind bars – not on our streets.
The justice system fundamentally needs to keep anyone who poses a threat to public safety off the streets – that starts with meaningful changes to the Criminal Code of Canada, an area primarily within the federal government’s jurisdiction.
The public safety of Canadians cannot wait. The time for action is now.
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Thai Pongal Greetings
Happy Thai Pongal! I wish all those celebrating a happy and joyous festival, filled with laughter, prosperity, and optimism. From my family to yours, Thai Pongal Vazhthukal!
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Local Pharmacies Now a One-Stop-Shop for Thirteen Common Ailments and Prescription Renewals
Ontario is making it more convenient for people to connect to care closer to home by launching pharmacist prescribing for some of the most common medical ailments.
Since January 1, 2023, Ontarians have been able to stop in at pharmacies across the province to receive prescriptions for thirteen common ailments, including rashes, pink eye, insect bites and urinary tract infections with their health card. This service makes it more convenient to access care by removing a doctor’s office visit and comes at no extra cost to Ontarians.
Allowing pharmacists to prescribe for these common ailments will make it more convenient for Ontarians to receive the care they need, while offering patients more convenient choices for how they access and receive health care.
Learn more:
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1002620/spread-the-word-local-pharmacies-now-a-one-stop-shop-for-thirteen-common-ailments
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York Region Police Crime Prevention Session
York Regional Police wants to enlist your help in the fight against crime. Join members of York Regional Police #5 District command and officers from the Community Services Bureau on January 18 from 6:00-7:30pm at this crime prevention session for residents living in Markham and Whitchurch-Stouffville.
Together, we will learn important steps we can take to make our neighbourhoods safer places to live, work and play.
Topics discussed will include:
- Break and enters vs. home invasions: What's the difference?
- Surveillance enhancements: Natural surveillance, video surveillance, peep hole and doorbell cameras
- Target hardening: How we can strengthen points of entry, including doors, windows and fences
- Alarm systems
- Lighting
- Panic room essentials
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Passing of Hon. David Onley, Former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the Honourable David C. Onley, who served as Ontario’s 28th Lieutenant-Governor. He was a leader and a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. He was truly an inspiration. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Thank you for your dedication and service to the people of Ontario.
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2023-24 Seniors Community Grants Accepting New Applications
The Ontario Government is now accepting applications for this year's Seniors Community Grants.
Seniors Community Grants support local not-for-profit community groups and organizations to deliver programs and learning opportunities that:
- Keep our seniors and all adults 55+ fit, active, healthy and socially connected close to home
- Promote community engagement that encourages social inclusion for all adults (aged 55+)
- Increase volunteerism and
- Promote employment and entrepreneurship among all adults 55+
The application portal on the Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) site opened on January 11, 2023. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM on March 6, 2023.
Please note that applicants must create a ONe-key account on TPON before applying. You can find instructions on how to create an account here.
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Constituency Office Services
My constituency office is here to serve you. We offer assistance for various provincial government services such as the renewal of Driver's Licences, Health Cards, WSIB claims, ODSP/FRO cases, and any other service under provincial jurisdiction.
Should you require any assistance, please email paul.calandra@pc.ola.org or call 905-642-2588. We will endeavour to respond as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Paul Calandra, MPP
Markham-Stouffville
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