Glen Murray MPP Newsletter - August 28, 2015

News From Queens Park 
Ontario Supports Survivors of Domestic Assault and Sexual Violence 
Over the next three years, Ontario is investing $1.1 million a year in specialized counselling services and community outreach support for survivors of domestic assault and violence. That funding will be broken down into $900,000 for enhancing existing specialized counselling services  across Ontario, with the remaining $200,000 dedicated to developing a province-wide community outreach program. Support for victims of sexual violence and creating a safer province is important project for everyone living in Ontario. 

Safer Roads for Ontario 
Ontario's roads are among the safest in North America and the new measures taking effect September 1st will help keep them that way. Here are some changes to keep in mind for the 1st of September: 

• Tougher penalties for distracted drivers, - up to a $1,000 fine plus three demerit points and a minimum 30 day suspension for novice drivers on conviction.
• To help keep tow truck drivers safe – like with ambulances and police responding at roadside -- drivers will be required to ‘slow down and move over’ for tow trucks stopped to assist at roadside.
• School bus safety – to help ensure that school buses are distinctly recognizable, only school buses will be permitted to be chrome yellow.
• New rules to keep cyclists safe – drivers need to keep a one-metre distance when passing cyclists; higher fines for cyclists who don’t have proper lights and reflectors; higher fines and 3 demerit points for opening a door into passing cyclists and traffic.

We will continue to partner with stakeholders on new public education campaigns on pedestrian safety, impaired driving and other road safety initiatives as those measures are implemented in the coming months.

Community Events 
St. James Town and Cabbagetown Festivals  
Come and join us on September 12th and take part in the annual St. James Town festival. The Festival will last all afternoon and will involve raffles, sports and games, and a Food Bazaar. Entertainment will include live music and well as dancing. For more information on the St. James Community Festival click HERE.
Time: 1PM-7PM
Location:240-260 Wellesley St. East   

Beginning on the same day, be sure to stop by the Cabbagetown Festival. The festival boasts some very exciting and diverse events, from arts and crafts to a Cabbagetown Pubcrawl! The festival lasts two full days and features activities all over Cabbagetown, so be sure to click on THIS link for all the information you need.
Time: September 12th 11AM-10PM, September 13th 11AM-7PM

Muslim Welfare Centre Lunch 
On September 20th, MPP Glen Murray and staff will serve lunch with the Muslim Welfare Centre to guests of the Christian Resource Centre located in Regent Park. 
Time: 12-2pm
Location: The CRC, 40 Oak St.

Corktown Common Reopens
Following the closing ceremonies of the Pan-Am and Parapan-Am games, The Corktown Commons have reopened ahead of schedule. Autumn is just around the corner, so enjoy the award winning and much loved park while the summer heat lasts!