May 16th Weekly Update

Ontario Launching Electric Vehicle GO Bus Service

The Ontario government is bringing two new fully electric zero-emission GO buses into service for the first time as part of its plan to support electric vehicles, reduce emissions and expand clean, green transit options across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

Starting May 15, commuters on GO bus routes 19 (Mississauga/North York), 27 (Milton/North York), 92 (Oshawa/Yorkdale) and 96B (Oshawa/Finch Express) will have the opportunity to travel on the zero-emission buses. The buses will be identifiable by their unique exterior, which features a lightning bolt. Once onboard, commuters will experience a quieter ride and have access to USB chargers and seatbelts.

“These electric vehicle buses are an exciting new transportation option, bolstering the presence of zero-emission technology in Ontario,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “As we deliver on our plan to get Ontarians moving, we will continue to leverage clean-energy opportunities that are good for people and good for the environment.”

The new electric vehicle GO buses have been in the testing phase without passengers since December 2021. As commuters travel on the new buses, the province will continue to evaluate feedback to help inform the potential future expansion of the program and our Made-In-Ontario strategy to procure electric vehicles and low-carbon equipment.

“This funding will allow farmers, researchers and others to access critical data to help understand, and adapt to meet the needs of soil management and health protocols provincewide,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This initiative builds on actions outlined in the Grow Ontario Strategy to support the resiliency and growth of the overall food supply sector, while providing beneficial information to understand the needs and potential of the agricultural and agri-food across the province, including Northern Ontario.”

Through this investment, OMAFRA will update the province’s soil maps and information as part of its Soil Resource Inventory (SRI) work.

It will also build the Ontario Agricultural Soil Information System (OASIS). This data and information system will house, manage, and analyze soil data critical to support farming operations. As planting season begins, we want farmers to know that this programming will enable them to make better informed business and land management decisions in tending their own soils for years to come.

The Ontario government is investing more than $13.5 million through the Youth Opportunities Fund to support 38 youth-focused grassroots projects across the province that will help children, youth and families develop new skills, overcome social and economic barriers, and navigate services in their community. This includes investing more than $7.7 million in 20 projects in the Greater Toronto Area.

“Local volunteers, community leaders, and grassroots organizations are the driving force behind strong and thriving communities,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services. “The Youth Opportunities Fund helps local community organizations break down social and economic barriers and create better outcomes for children, youth, and families. I’m excited to see the positive changes these recipients will bring to their local communities.”

The Youth Opportunities Fund is a grant program administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This year’s Youth Opportunities Fund grant recipients will operate programs that:

• support youth to stay engaged in school, advance their skills and transition to employment
• empower girls and young women to be leaders
• help children, youth and their families address racism
• provide mentorship and employment-related supports, such as job shadowing and employment mentorship opportunities
• help youth and families navigate and access programs and resources in their community that strengthen family well-being as well as community and cultural connections.

Some examples of the projects receiving funding this year include:

• Christie Refugee Welcome Centre and their partners will help unaccompanied or separated Black and racialized youth navigating the immigration system in the Essex, Kent, Lambton, Niagara, and Toronto regions to access the support they need along the way. Christie Refugee Welcome Centre received a grant of $237,700 over two years.
• Maternal Mind Matters will help Muslim parents, guardians, and caregivers in Milton to access culturally appropriate mental wellbeing supports. Maternal Mind Matters received a grant of $254,500 over three years.

“Ontario’s youth are the next generation of leaders and changemakers who will help shape the future of the province,” said Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “Our government’s investment in the Youth Opportunities Fund will help youth from all walks of life overcome barriers, empower them to reach their full potential and help build strong, inclusive and thriving communities where everyone has opportunities to succeed.”