Greg Rickford

Sharing All Nations Health Partners Ontario Health Team COVID-19 update from yesterday:

Our government is investing $266,623 to support public transit in municipalities across KenoraRainy River through Ontario’s Gas Tax program. The Gas Tax program provides critical funding for our local public transit networks in Kenora, Dryden, Machin and Fort Frances. This additional funding will make it easier for Northerners to get where they need to go while supporting economic recovery in our communities. Learn more: https://www.gregrickfordmpp.ca/transit_funding_in_kenora_ra

Applications are open for the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant. The grant will provide up to $20,000 for eligible small businesses affected by the Provincewide Shutdown with a minimum of $10,000. To learn more, visit: Ontario.ca/COVIDsupport

Glad to be with the leadership at the Fort Frances Branch of Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario to announce $834,503 in funding for their Mental Health and Justice supports, $1,193,200 for Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services for their support services for victims of human trafficking, and an additional $106,600 in Social Services Relief funding for the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board. Our government is proud to increase capacity for mobile crisis services that involve police-partnered response teams to support people in crisis and minimize their interactions with the criminal justice system. Photo: Tom Thomson Read more: https://www.gregrickfordmpp.ca/over_2million_in_social_serv

Our government is investing $6 million to help 31 remote First Nation communities and the Town of Moosonee build and maintain 3,170 kilometres of temporary snow and ice roads for the 2020-21 winter season. By providing multi-year funding, we're reducing the administrative burden, supporting economic development and enabling our northern communities to plan more effectively for upcoming winter roads seasons. Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca//ontario-helps-build-winter-roads-

Yesterday, Ontario declared its second Provincial Emergency to address the COVID-19 crisis and save lives. Effective Thursday, January 14, 2021at 12:01 a.m., the government is issuing a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for permitted purposes or activities, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for work where the work cannot be done remotely. We received several inquiries related to ice fishing - please visit our website for further clarity, from the Northwestern Health Unit: https://www.gregrickfordmpp.ca/clarity_related_to_ice_fishi Appreciate all the work Northwestern Ontario communities have done to limit COVID-19 transmission and and protect our families and loved ones.

Working closely with Ontario’s agri-food sector, we’re launching a new strategy to help prevent the spread of #COVID19 and further protect workers and the food supply chain ahead of next year’s growing season. Learn more: http://news.ontario.ca//ontario-protecting-agri-food-worke

Thanks to Marc Bissonnette for sharing this photo looking south from the Keewatin bridge and this masterful display of "season greetings" on Lake of the Woods. Marc advises me that it want him or his family that undertook to create this message. Whoever the season's elf is who created this - thanks from all of us for bringing a little #joy to us all this week. Take care. Best of the season to everyone, through these challenging times.

All of us in the northwest and right across the north are truly delighted for you Stephanie. We look forward to following your path to the Olympics for this wonderful lifetime achievement. Wishing you well and continued success. You make us proud.

Alongside Minister Stephen Lecce, our government announced $17 million over 3 years to support First Nation, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous education partners to help ensure safe learning environments for Indigenous students - either in person, or through remote and alternative learning options. Our government is proud to provide First Nation educators with the resources they need so Indigenous students can safely and consistently engage in learning during this challenging time. Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca//ontario-provides-additional-suppo

A signal that the Christmas season is almost upon us with the "virtual lighting ceremony" of the tree at Main and Second Streets in Kenora tonight.

Proud to announce state-of-the-art policing infrastructure to support our hardworking Rainy River district police officers. This new OPP detachment provides frontline officers the tools needed to serve the people & communities across northwestern Ontario. Read more: https://news.ontario.ca//ontario-opens-new-provincial-poli

Glad to be at Redditt Curling Rink to visit the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) supported renovations of the facility. An OTF capital grant for $110,000 was received last year, allowing the rink to re-open and provide people access to the facility. The Redditt Curling Rink is a vital community space for families and social groups in Redditt and I am proud to see this money used to update and revitalize this facility.

We’re investing over $5 million to support nearly 30 food rescue organizations, First Nation communities & Indigenous organizations to help them redistribute surplus food to vulnerable communities & ensure good food does not go to waste. Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca//ontario-takes-steps-to-ensure-sur

The day has arrived for the transportation of the Kenora Main Street Christmas tree from its staging place to Main and Second Streets. Thanks to all involved in the community and at the City Of Kenora for keeping this annual tradition alive. Wishing crews a safe journey through the streets of Kenora to its place of prominence in the heart of our community and toward the eventual lighting ceremony to follow in the days ahead.

Glad to announce we are delivering 64 new long-term care beds to Kenora. We are paving the way forward for a new and modern 160-bed Wiigwas Elder & Senior Care (WESC) that will deliver the high-quality care that our seniors deserve. This is exciting news as we expand and improve Kenora’s long-term care offerings to better support our senior citizens. https://www.gregrickfordmpp.ca/64_long_term_care_spaces_in_

Glad to join Ministers Caroline Mulroney, Victor Fedeli & Ross Romano to announce the release of our government's Northern Ontario transportation plan. We're proud to build a connected transportation network that brings opportunities to the hardworking people of Northern Ontario. Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca//province-releases-comprehensive-t

Help keep you, your family, and your community stay safe this #Halloween. Let your neighbours know whether you are handing out treats by printing one of these posters. #HappyHalloween Posters available for print here: https://www.dropbox.com//vub5v1/AAAktMPUNUmsiQi8nqCuX3UOa

A signal of seasons changing with the City Of Kenora putting the Coney Island foot bridge at Cameron Narrows this week.

I want to thank Chief Chris Skead and his Council at Wauzhushk Onigum (Rat Portage) First Nation Wauzhushk Onigum Nation for their hard work on the vision to rejuvenate the land at Devil’s Gap. It will become the location of the announced 160 bed Long Term Care home.

Wonderful to see the innovative and creative thought that the Dryden Kinsmen and Domtar are putting in to bring Christmas Joy to their community. It is truly encouraging to see the way that folks are adapting their plans in the face of COVID-19 to keep spirits high.

Sincere thanks to Chief Janice Henderson and members of her Council and Band Manager Ed Morrison for the time we spent today virtually gaining an update on projects in their community. One project that we are both very proud of is the completion of the broadband project and investment of $173,000 that was announced by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund back on June 16th, 2020. The community has worked hard to get everything up and running and very pleased with the services that have improved immensely in their community.

Employment opportunities at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora Ontario - a great team and a great community in Northwestern Ontario.

City Of Kenora launched its planning process to develop a new five year economic development and tourism strategy. This project will outline tourism and economic development activities that will be undertaken over a five year period. If you are a business - we are asking you to participate in this survey as this information will feed into the remainder of the planning process. SURVEY LINK: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K9ZWJCM

We're in this together! This #SmallBusinessWeek let's show our support by shopping local, shopping safe, & shopping with confidence. Let's give small businesses here in Kenora-Rainy River all the help they can get. If you are a small local business, TAG your business below so that as a community, we can support one another.

A very timely initiative for #WorldFoodDay - help those in need by participating in the Reverse Advent Calendar project below.

ICYMI: Yesterday, we announced an investment in infrastructure expansion projects at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre and Kenora Jail. These planned projects build on other public safety initiatives designed to create a culturally relevant and responsive justice system in Ontario. https://www.kenoraonline.com//province-announces-expansion

Beginning November 1, we're proud to offer electricity consumers the flexibility to choose a bill structure that suites their lifestyle. Contact your local utility to choose between time-of-use (TOU) & tiered, flat rates. Learn about which rate structure works best for you: https://www.ontario.ca/page/your-electricity-bill

Our government is investing in infrastructure expansion projects at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre and Kenora Jail. These projects support our goal of ensuring the province's justice system is responsive to the needs of Indigenous people and communities. By expanding these existing facilities, we are providing Indigenous individuals in custody with greater opportunities for skills development, education and literacy. Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca//ontario-strengthening-correctiona

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving! Even though we can’t celebrate all together in person this year, there is still much to be thankful for. Have a great long weekend. Be safe and be well, folks.

Improving rest areas is critical to ensuring Northerners and visitors alike can use our roads safely. Our government continues to invest in vital northern infrastructure that keeps people and the economy moving across our vast region. Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca//ontario-adding-and-expanding-high