Blog
Affordable Housing Announcement - Kemptville

Affordable housing investment is being made in Kemptville through joint federal-provincial programs! I was pleased to join MPP Steve Clark, Warden Patrick Sayeau, Mayor Nancy Peckford, and Sandra McNamara, Executive Director of Community Living North Grenville, in celebrating this important step to providing affordable homes in our community.
September 25, 2020Congratulating Creekside Diner on 10 Years

Pleased to present a congratulatory scroll to owners Bill and Dar as they celebrate Creekside Diner’s 10th Anniversary!
September 19, 2020Local Manufacturing: Douglas Barwick Inc. Plant Tour

Did you know we have a leading manufacturer of stainless steel pipe and related products right here in Leeds-Grenville? Douglas Barwick Inc. (a DB Piping Group Company) is located in Brockville. Many thanks to Lorne Phillips, Branch Manager, and John Jonkman, Plant Manager of DB Piping Group, for the tour of your outstanding plant. We need more of this in Canada! #localmanufacturing #canadianmade
New Horizons for Seniors Program - 2020-2021

The New Horizons for Seniors Program is accepting applications for 2020-2021. The deadline to submit is October 20, 2020 at 3:00 pm Eastern time.
This funding program has assisted many organizations throughout the years to provide assistance to seniors and help them remain engaged in their communities. Particularly with the hardships brought on by Covid-19, this program is even more important. I encourage organizations to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Funding is available through two streams:
Grants for Community based Projects up to $25,000. Click HERE for more information.
Small Grants for Community based Projects up to $5,000. Click HERE for more information.
If you have questions about the program and cannot find answers on the government website, reach out to my office by email at michael.barrett@parl.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-498-3096.
September 17, 2020Visiting Local Manufacturer Canarm Ltd.





Support Local: Village of Merrickville

The Village of Merrickville-Wolford certainly lives up to its name “Jewel of the Rideau”. A big "Thank You" to everyone who took time to discuss your business, unique products, and challenges - your feedback is appreciated as we move forward - and to Mayor Doug Struthers for touring me around. These are just some of many amazing shops and people you will find:








Emergency Community Support Funding for Local Organizations

These past few months have definitely been hard ones, particularly for the most vulnerable in our communities. United Way Leeds & Grenville and Brockville and Area Community Foundation have done great work to provide support for local organizations in partnership with federal programs.
I was pleased to join Trish Buote and Erik Wang as they presented funding to The Brockville and Area Food Bank for Operation Harvest Sharing. Amanda Warner & Joanne Sytsma (co-chairs) and Tony Barnes (treasurer) received the cheque and also took time to update me on the needs of the community. Thank you!
Happy Retirement to Vijay Beri after 50 years!

What a legacy and inspiration! After 50 years in business running Electric Appliance Ltd. in Brockville, Vijay Beri has retired. It was an honour to present congratulations and best wishes. Thank you for your many years of service to our local communities! Happy Retirement!
August 25, 2020Local Businesses Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries

August 2020 is a milestone year for two amazing local businesses.
For 25 years, the Lockett family has been serving Prescott and area their daily dose of Tim Hortons. I joined Councillors from the Town of Prescott, Ontario (Official) to mark the occasion with the Lockett family. Congratulations as you and all your staff celebrate this quarter-century milestone!
I also extend congratulations to Jim, Linda, & Nick Kafenzakis and their family on 50 years of delicious food at Luna Pizzeria! To mark this milestone, I joined MPP Steve Clark & the Premier in celebrating with the family.
Support Local: Township of Rideau Lakes (Elgin)

August 19, 2020: It was a beautiful afternoon to tour Elgin in the Township of Rideau Lakes! Mayor Arie Hoogenboom and I checked in with Dan O’Farrell at Elgin Pharmacy; dropped by Scotland Funeral Home to chat with owner Roger Merkley; discussed this year’s harvest and challenges with Jim & Pam Cairncross at Cairnbrae Elevator; and no tour of Elgin would be complete without stopping by Rideau Restaurant & Pizzeria, owned and operated by Spiros Antonakos and his family! Remember to get out and support local!
August 20, 2020