a message from doug ford
TRANSCRIPT
Friend,
At the very start of the COVID-19 outbreak, I made a non-negotiable promise to do whatever it takes to protect allOntarians from the virus and make sure no one is left behind. That’s why your PC government has committed a total of $51billion dollars to safeguard the health and safety of all Ontariansand our economy, and to finish the job we started over a yearago.
Team Ontario is ready to get needles into arms as soon as dosesarrive from the federal government. And to support these efforts,we are investing $1 billion to make sure that every Ontarian whowants to get vaccinated, can get vaccinated.
We are also ramping up testing and contact tracing to reduce thespread of the virus, make life safer, and help life get back tonormal.
We are continuing to provide supports for folks like you. We aregoing to protect our families and communities, help people getback to work, and ensure Ontario’s small businesses rebuild andrecover. And we are also investing billions over the next decadein transit and broadband to stimulate economic growth, createjobs, build stronger communities and lay the foundation for astrong recovery, so that when the time is right, we can turn thecorner on the pandemic.
From the beginning, we have been focused on deliveringwhatever was needed to get our province on the other side of thepandemic. We’ve hit roadblocks along the way – like vaccineshortages and weak measures around our borders – but our PCteam has remained focused on protecting Ontarians from COVID-19. And while our battle isn’t over yet, our progress on gettingneedles into arms have given us all hope. We will need tocontinue working together and do whatever it takes to defeatthis deadly virus.
Thank you and God bless.
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ISSUE #007 Spring 2021
A Message from Doug Ford
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I know how difficult these past several months have been. And I know that your attention – just like that of
Premier Doug Ford – is focused on getting Ontarians vaccinated as quickly as possible so we can emerge from the
pandemic in a position to put focus on getting people and businesses back to work.
With vaccines in distribution in Ontario, we have taken a step forward towards our long journey to return life back
to normal. And it’s all thanks to the leadership of our PCPO Team and the support of our members like you that we
have gotten this far.
We want to carry this message of hope through a strong rebound this year – and into the 2022 election year. We
know how important this coming election is for you and everyone else in this province. That’s why, while Premier
Ford governs, we’re laying the groundwork and preparing our team for our re-election in 2022. Because the stakes
couldn’t be higher. Ontario cannot afford the out of touch Liberals or NDP at the helm. We need stability now
more than ever. And the path forward through the pandemic and into a period of stable economic prosperity
starts with the roadmap our PC Team has charted for 2021 and beyond.
Thank you for your unwavering support for our Party during these challenging times. I hope you enjoy our most
recent edition of the member-exclusive newsletter.
Stay well,
Brian Patterson
President, Ontario PC Party
IN THIS ISSUEIntroducing PC HUB.............................................
Ridings in Focus....................................................
A Moment With an MPP......................................
Committee Update................................................
Women in Politics.................................................
Online Shop..............................................................
About the Newsletter..........................................
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In late 2019, the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario embarked on an extensive undertaking to reinvigorate our
database, transform the Party’s digital capabilities and offerings, and deliver more value to those who use it.
We are pleased to introduce PC HUB, a new database platform that quite literally brings our system into the 21st
century!
This modern, effective platform will give us a wealth of new tools to win elections. It’s user-friendly, innovative, and
created based on what the grassroots of the Party have told us they need from their tools.
Questions? Please contact [email protected].
Message from the President
INTRODUCING "PC HUB"
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NipissingMember Held Riding
The Nipissing PCPO Riding Association has acclaimed
Vic Fedeli as our candidate for the next provincial
election. The Honourable Vic Fedeli is currently the
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and
Trade as well as the Chair of Cabinet. Our riding is so
pleased to have Vic as our representative at Queen's
Park and we are confident of a big VIC-TORY in 2022!
Our MPP Vic Fedeli has been exceptionally busy with
COVID-related supports for Nipissing, and active in
many areas in the community. Upon receiving funding
under the Northern Ontario Recovery Program (NORP),
Julie Gohm, owner of the Original Bug Shirt Company,
thanked MPP Fedeli and noted, “Receiving this funding
has enabled The Original Bug Shirt Company to
restructure the inside of our workplace, thereby
allowing us to retain all of our employees during
COVID-19."
Dr. Merrilee Fullerton on Encouraging and
Supporting Community Volunteers
As a physician, mother, and resident who
has volunteered throughout my life, I know
how important the act of volunteering is.
Kanata-CarletonMember Held Riding
RIDINGS IN FOCUS
People who volunteer are happier individuals in making meaningful social connections with others. And stronger,
active volunteer organizations make for more vibrant and dynamic communities. This is why I have made it a
priority for my MPP Community Office to encourage and support volunteer efforts in Kanata-Carleton. In 2019 I
launched the Community Volunteer Initiative to encourage greater volunteer engagement in our community and
provide information that may get residents involved with volunteer activities that interest them. Also, I hoped to
facilitate exchanges among the community’s volunteer groups so they might share insights and experiences and
help strengthen all local organizations. Today, three dozen local groups are part of broader discussions on
volunteer engagement, organizational operations, and community outreach. The groups include community
associations, food banks and resource centres, business groups, service clubs and local charities. My collaboration
with the groups profiles their activities and amplifies their voices in the community. This is a very important
partnership that I believe is helping to strengthen volunteerism in our community. In my term as MPP for Kanata-
Carleton, our community has experienced devastating tornados, flood waters, and the COVID-19 crisis. I can tell
you through all of this, volunteer efforts have played an essential role and made our community more resilient. In
knowing this, my work with the Community Volunteer Initiative is that much more rewarding.
A long-time liberal stronghold is set to turn PC thanks to our candidate, Peng
You. An immigrant to Canada from China, Peng You made his home in Thunder
Bay in 1990 where he owned and operated two successful restaurants. He then
used his background in education and pursued his interest and training in Tai Chi,
in which he is a Master. Peng You took his love for this art and opened a school
where he has now trained thousands of students all over the world. He is always
ready to share Tai Chi with the community and was instrumental in the
development of Tai Chi Park and in confirming the World Tai Chi conference for
Thunder Bay. Peng You decided to run municipally in the last election. He jumped
right in, vying for the Councillor-at-Large category and led in the total number of
votes. He has served his community in a term that can best be described as one-
of-a-kind, always keeping a positive attitude and dedication to new investment
and partnerships.
I am Eric Cote, and I am the candidate for this amazing riding. Our riding was
created in 2017 and has a population of approximately 30,000, which is smaller
than most northern ridings. Our riding is 27 per cent Indigenous and 60 per
cent Francophone, and enjoys a vast cultural experience from the
southwestern shores of James Bay to the southern area of the riding, which
includes Hearst and Kapuskasing and many smaller communities, such as
Moonbeam and Smooth Rock Falls.
As a municipal councillor for the Township of Moonbeam and working for the
Township of Kapuskasing, I understand firsthand that for our riding to truly
prosper, it needs a representative that will listen to the people in this riding,
rather than dictate what should be done.
Putting people, families and jobs first, and building up our rich natural
resources, are important to the growth of this community. Being part of Doug
Ford’s government will be a first step to MJB’s economic revival. With the
support of my wife Chantal and our beautiful twins Chad and Audrey, we are
ready to turn MJB blue in 2022.
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Thunder Bay–Superior North Non-Member Held Riding
Mushkegowuk–James Bay Non-Member Held Riding
While Premier Ford governs, our Party is laying the groundwork and preparing our team for our re-election in 2022. We are in the process of
nominating our candidates in non-member held ridings as part of this planning - and we're off to a great start! We're pleased to introduce a
few of our recently acclaimed candidates in Northern Ontario, with many more nominations to come in the coming weeks and months.
When asked why he decided to jump into provincial politics, he said the pandemic quickly opened his eyes to how
leadership is so important in making good things happen in the worst times. “I am very impressed with how Premier
Doug Ford, and his team, have been able to handle issues around the pandemic,” said Peng You. “I asked myself how I
could better serve my community and the obvious answer was to join the Doug Ford team.”
Maureen (Moe) Comuzzi is a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay. She is married
with one son and has been involved in her community in numerous ways over
many years. Maureen currently works at Royal LePage Lannon Realty as a
Broker. She is also an active volunteer in many associations, and enjoys golf,
hiking and kayaking.
Maureen has spent over 30 years in the automotive industry in Sales/General
Management and obtained industry recognized certification for auto dealership
management. She has significant experience in the foodservice industry as well,
owning her first restaurant at the age of 21. Maureen understands the
importance of hard work, commitment and building a strong team to ensure
success.
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Born and raised in Barrie, Randy Hazlett has been a Northern Ontario resident in
the French River area since 2016. He quickly grew to love the region and its
people, and wants to make a difference in the community and surrounding area
that he now calls home.
Randy has been involved in many local projects and boards including serving as
Vice Chair of the French River Library Board, Chair of the French River
Environmental Committee, and member of the Recreation Committee and the
Economic Development Committee. Outside of his French River council duties, he
joined The Sudbury and District's Board of Health, the Executive and Finance
Committee and prior to his acclamation he served on The Association of
Municipalities as a board member in the Northeast caucus.
Randy fills his personal free time with family and volunteering with organizations
such as the French River Lions Club as the director of membership. As a long-time
supporter of the conservative movement, and coming from the city of Barrie
which has a long-standing Conservative stronghold, Randy is prepared to join
Doug Ford and the people of Nickel Belt to make a difference and make change.
Thunder Bay–Atikokan Non-Member Held Riding
Nickel BeltNon-Member Held Riding
Maureen has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science with a Minor in Women’s Studies from Lakehead University,
where she was able to use her skills in action through her passion in politics. She ran as a Federal Conservative
Candidate in 2011 and 2015, as well as in the Municipal election in 2018. Additionally, Maureen has sat on the Finance
and Audit Committee, and currently sits on the Policy and Governance Committee. She is also a Member of the
Canadian Italian Business Professionals and a Director and Member of the Thunder Bay Real Estate Board.
Maureen is a long-time Progressive Conservative. She loves her community and is committed to helping Thunder Bay
and Atikokan attract new industries and job creation. She wants to shine a light on the uniqueness this part of
Northwestern Ontario has to offer. Thunder Bay is home, and she wants to be a part of bringing new growth and
opportunity for everyone now and for generations to come.
1) What do you do in your spare time?
2) What is the one thing you can't start your daywithout?
3) What do you always take into the legislature withyou?
4) How do you wind down after a busy day at Queen'sPark?
5) What is your favourite thing to do in your riding?
6) What are you currently reading or listening to?
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A MOMENT WITH AN MPP
Jane McKennaBurlington
Pre-COVID, my spare time was spent with my 5 kids
and grandkids. Now I spend a lot of time reading and I
love skiing.
You can follow Jane McKenna on Social Media at:
@janemckenna47 @janemckennampp
Steeped tea with milk.
These days, my mask.
A glass of red wine.
I have lived in Burlington nearly my entire life. My favourite thing to do in my riding is to support our local
restaurants and businesses. Before the pandemic we enjoyed visiting various local restaurants and enjoying
new and different foods.
Premier Ford.
COMMITTEE UPDATE
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GTA WestWe would like to introduce two new Riding Presidents in the GTA West:
John Capobianco: Etobicoke-LakeshoreAs a lifelong resident of Etobicoke-Lakeshore, where my parents came and settled from Italy, I
have had the pleasure of living in a wonderful riding that is bordered on three sides by water
and continually evolves as a community. I have been active in conservative politics since I was
in university, becoming active in youth politics both in the riding and at the party level having
served as OPCYA President in 1990 and then as 1st VP on the PCPO Executive for many years
after that. I served as riding executive member since my youth and have worked on every
riding campaign from then to as recently as helping our MPP Christine Hogarth in the last
election, where I currently serve as riding president.
Hasan Chowdhury: Mississauga-Malton I’m a lifelong conservative and the new President of the vibrant and diverse Mississauga
Malton riding. We have a lot of work ahead of us and I am looking forward to working
together with MPP Anand and Premier Ford as well as the dedicated team of volunteers to
build a resilient community and keeping Ontario Blue.
On March 2nd, Fred Bennink was nominated as our Ontario PC candidate for
Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas (HWAD). With a wide network of business
and community contacts, Bennink is working hard to flip HWAD to a Tory win
in 2022. Bennink is Vice-Chair of the Hamilton Police Services Board and
recently retired after building a successful business from inception to
Canada’s national sign leader. His extensive involvement in the community
includes the hospital foundation and social services agencies aimed at mental
health and poverty reduction.
PC WOMEN IN POLITICS
South Central Ontario
Over the last several months, PCWIP has been busy with monthly meetings and had a great Zoom meeting with MPP
Rudy Cuzzetto from Mississauga Lakeshore. We were very fortunate to have Rudy provide the audience with a budget
update! We were also lucky to have the provincial candidate from Scarborough-Guildwood, the incredible Alicia Vianga,
as a speaker. Alicia will make a great MPP and if you are in her riding, please connect with her team at
www.aliciavianga.com. The final speakers of the evening were Co-founders Dena and Lisa of the Public Relations firm
Bubblegum Canada. These incredible and successful women spoke to us about the creation of their firm and how to
navigate business during a pandemic. We look to forward to hosting many other meetings in the coming months and we
hope that everyone is staying healthy!
Just two weeks after being nominated it was all smiles as the Premier dropped in for a virtual visit. Over 40
supporters gathered for the first event in a series of Coffee Chats that Bennink will host with community groups until
more traditional door-to-door campaigning can begin. “I’m keen to get to the doors and talk about the great work
being done by the PCs and our Leader Doug Ford,” said Bennink, noting that the 2021 Ontario Budget was a home
run.
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We hope that you enjoy this newsletter, an initiative of the PCPO Executive’s Communications Committee and thePC Party of Ontario. We welcome feedback and suggestions, and, of course, content!
To have your riding or a dedicated volunteer considered for inclusion in an upcoming edition, please [email protected] or [email protected].
@ontariopc
@OntarioPCParty
ontariopc
ontariopc.ca
416-861-0020
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