Councillor Palleschi arrived at 11:11 a.m.
Councillor Groves arrived at 11:15 a.m.
Councillor Crombie arrived at 11:39 a.m.
Natalia Kusendova, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), Mississauga Centre, provided an overview of ongoing and upcoming provincial initiatives focused on mental health and addictions, long term care and small business support.
In response to a question from Councillor Groves regarding the shortage of psychiatrists and the inability to utilize psychiatrists with foreign credentials, MPP Kusendova stated that provincial staff are investigating strategies to make use of international talent.
In response to a question from Councillor Groves, MPP Kusendova explained that police officers are required to complete training specific to human trafficking as part of the provincial advocacy priority. She noted that while mental health training is not provincially mandated, individual police departments may provide supplemental mental health training. The provincial government is considering ways to expand these training programs.
Councillor Dasko inquired about provincial supports for small business during the COVID-19 pandemic, MPP Kusendova provided an overview of the work undertaken by MPP Sarkaria to support the Region of Peel and the joint initiatives being undertaken with the federal government in an effort to avoid a full return to stage 2 restrictions.
Councillor Innis requested that MPP Kusendova advocate on behalf of the Region of Peel to include the Region in the Independent Commission into Long Term Care.
Regional Chair Iannicca departed at 12:30 p.m.