The Ontario Liberal Caucus is urging the government to fix their new housing bill by adopting amendments that would build livable communities, not just houses.“We are encouraged to see the government set ambitious and much-needed housing goals for cities across Ontario, but we must be in the community-building business not simply the house-building business,” said MPP Stephen Blais, Ontario Liberal Critic for Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Communities cannot thrive without the infrastructure that makes them livable places, such as parks, recreation centres, protective services, roads and sewer systems.” 

Stephen congratulated 18 individuals and 10 organizations in Orléans for receiving over $242,000 in grant funding to further pursue the Arts in the community.Arts, music, theatre and drama play an important role in shaping the livelihood of our communities, and it is welcoming to hear that Orléans has so many dedicated members pursuing and excelling in the Arts.

You might see school buses now showing off a new Eight Lamp Amber-Red Warning System.With school just around the corner, watch for buses with the new system and give them lots of space for safety.

As we approach the Labour Day long weekend, and the sun continues to set earlier in the night, it marks the unofficial end to the summer for families across Ontario.I hope that the children in your life have enjoyed their time off from school, taking advantage of the summer weather and exploring the great outdoors.As kids prepare to return to school, we as adults also need to prepare to keep our children safe during these times.Let’s remember to slow down while driving, ensure we stop for school buses, and be extra cautious for children who may be walking or biking to school.

Come out to our Annual Community Corn Roast and BBQ on Petrie Island on Thursday August 25, 2022 for some family fun in the sun! ☀️

Stephen addressed the 2022 annual meeting of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. The AMO conference hosts 2,000 of Ontario's top municipal leaders: Mayors, Councillors and municipal officials from across the province.

Stephen introduces Bill 5: Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act in the Legislature.

Stephen takes questions from the Queen's Park press gallery on the return of the Legislature and the re-introduction of his private members bill.

Stephen has written to the Minister of Health about the dire situation facing hospitals in Ottawa and across the province.The Ontario government must take immediate steps to prevent further closures and alleviate the current strain on our healthcare system.

Gisèle Lalonde, a true champion for the Franco-Ontarian community, passed away at the age of 89 at the Montfort Hospital on July 27, 2022.Gisèle Lalonde led the ferocious charge to save the Montfort Hospital from closing down in 1997, when the Ontario government slashed healthcare funding and services.Being the only hospital administered in French has played an integral role in addressing the health needs of our Francophone community, and without the leadership and determination of Mrs. Lalonde, the Montfort Hospital would not be open today.Gisèle was a true champion for our city, province, and country.Rest in Peace, Mrs. Gisèle Lalonde.

On July 19, The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) released their Expenditure Monitor 2021-22 Q4 Report.The FAO projects a provincial deficit of $8.1 Billion in 2021-2022.This report provides information on spending by the Province through the end of the 2021-22 fiscal year.

Stephen was recently sworn in as MPP for Orléans in the 43rd Parliament by the Clerk of the Legislature.

June 24, 2022 commemorates Saint-Jean Baptise Day, and I'd like to wish everybody in Orléans a Happy Saint-Jean Baptise Day! As we say across the Canadian Francophonie, "Bonne St-Jean!" 

ICYMI - On June 11, 2022, the Ontario government, in conjunction with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, dropped masking requirements in most of the province's remaining masking mandates, including on public transit.However, to continue providing an additional layer of protection for the most vulnerable, masks will still be required in long-term care and retirement homes. Masking is recommended in higher-risk congregate living settings, such as shelters and group homes.