STAFF WRITER
MPP John Jordan is looking back on a successful 2024, highlighting key accomplishments in healthcare, housing, and economic development, while preparing for a busy 2025.
“There were many positive accomplishments, including increases in base funding to all our hospitals within our riding, operating funds for the new MRI in Smiths Falls, and capital funding for the new Emergency Department in Carleton Place,” said Jordan in a media release on Jan. 23.
Jordan also pointed to significant progress in healthcare infrastructure. “The expansion of the Ottawa Valley Family Health Team in Carleton Place, a new Family Health Team in Perth, new long-term care homes in Carleton Place and Almonte, and the expansion of Broadview Nursing Home in Smiths Falls will go a long way to ensure people have the care where and when they need it.”
In addition to healthcare, housing and economic growth were also major focuses in 2024. “We’ve seen additions in affordable housing, with another project completed in Smiths Falls,” said Jordan. “Diversifying and growing local economies with funds invested in festivals, events, trails, Seniors Active Living Centres in areas including North Lanark and Montague, and other recreational facilities have promoted active living and increased tourism to our communities.”
Infrastructure improvements remain a priority, with funding directed at road rehabilitation in Mississippi Mills and water and sewer capacity expansion in Carleton Place. Jordan also emphasized the importance of supporting the local agricultural sector. “Targeted funding to beef and dairy farms, grain operators, syrup producers, and agri-food production management throughout the riding continues to strengthen the agri-food sector and fuel economic growth,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2025, Jordan reaffirmed his commitment to healthcare, housing, infrastructure, and economic development. He also expressed enthusiasm about maintaining collaborative relationships with municipal leaders through organizations such as the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), and the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC).
The looming closure of Algonquin College’s Perth Campus has also drawn Jordan’s attention. “There are important opportunities for niche-based learning that could take advantage of the tools and skill sets already in place,” he said. “I am optimistic that if we continue to work together to focus on meeting the unique needs of a specialized market, we can find a sustainable path forward, despite the current setbacks.”
Jordan outlined several new provincial initiatives aimed at improving life in rural communities, including the Home Renovation Rebate, offering Ontarians up to 30 per cent for home energy efficiency renovations, and the expanded Rural Ontario Development Program, which has doubled its annual funding. Increased funding for 100 new Seniors Active Living Centres is also on the horizon, a program Jordan said the Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston riding has been very successful in securing.
“We must continue to have all levels of government working together to make our communities the best places to live, work and do business, while expanding services and programs that have a real impact on the lives of the people and families in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston,” Jordan said.
For more information, MPP John Jordan can be reached at www.johnjordanmpp.ca or by email at john.jordan@pc.ola.org.
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