Recently I was proud to announce that nine organizations in Mississauga–Lakeshore have just received $969,000 through the Ontario Trillium Foundation Resilient Communities Fund. This includes $200,000 to support Armagh House, the only transitional shelter in Peel for victims of domestic violence; the new house will have double the capacity moving forward. The Embrave Agency to End Violence received $40,000. DEEN Support Services received $200,000 to help expand their program for people with intellectual disabilities. Epilepsy South Central Ontario, which is now based in Port Credit, received $79,000 to help expand their program for people living with epilepsy and their families. The Don Rowing Club received $90,000 for a safety boat and rowing shells to expand their programs in Port Credit. And as we’re looking forward to the summer festival season, the Southside Shuffle festival has received $76,000, and the Crane Creations Theatre Co. received $200,000.

Speaker, I want to congratulate these non-profits again on receiving these grants, and I want to thank them for everything they do to enrich the lives of people in Mississauga–Lakeshore and to help build a better and stronger Ontario for everyone.

June is here, which means the five-day Vaughan International Film Festival is fast approaching. Now in its 11th year, the Vaughan Film Festival, or VFF, offers public screenings, scholarships, industry events and panels to support experienced and aspiring filmmakers.

Lauren Pappas, Paolo Calzini and Daniel Fusco are students at St. Elizabeth Catholic school in Thornhill, whose films are featured at the VFF this year. Lauren’s film titled Influenced is about a teen influencer and the realities of that. Give Back, Paolo’s film, is a story about a young woman who helps out a friend in need. The VFF offers a platform for independent creators to share their short films and further excel within the industry, giving them an opportunity to reach over 20,000 people. Arts and culture events like the VFF enrich our lives and stimulate economic growth. And it would not be possible without artists like Lauren, Paolo and Daniel, who contribute to our community.

I want to thank the sponsors and the volunteers and the creative mind who started the project, Mr. Antonio Ienco.

I invite the extended community to come join us on June 19 at the VFF to celebrate filmmakers who bring the communities together and put Vaughan and Thornhill on the international stage.