Press Releases

Ontario’s Digital Main Street Program Helps Collingwood and Town of Blue Mountains Small Businesses Build and Expand Online Stores During COVID-19

January 21, 2021

COLLINGWOOD – Twenty Collingwood small businesses and three in the Town of Blue Mountains have received Digital Transformation Grants, while others have accessed help from hired local students to go digital and increase their e-commerce sales. Throughout 2020 a total of $125,000 in funding was provided by Ontario to help Collingwood and area small businesses transform digitally, while $82,500 was granted in the Town of Blue Mountains.

“Central Ontario’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our community,” said Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson. “The Digital Service Squads are helping our businesses transition online, allowing them to access new customers safely and reliably. This program helps our downtown cores remain strong while giving local businesses the online presence they need to thrive through the pandemic and beyond,” he added.

Launched as a $57 million partnership between the Ontario and federal governments, Ontario’s Digital Main Street Program and Student Digital Service Squads are helping connect tech-savvy students, $2,500 in government grants and online training with local small businesses who need help launching and expanding their online stores - while government closures remain in place.

“Confronting the economic impacts from COVID-19 is a team effort, and through the Ontario Digital Main Street program and Digital Service Squads, we’re enlisting our students to help our local small businesses get up and running online,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. “I encourage all Ontarians to use their purchasing power to Support Local — by buying their goods virtually from local small businesses today and into the future.”

Students working in the squad program assess a business’s digital literacy and provide:

- Information on how to access the Digital Main Street digital transformation training program
- Help in creating a Digital Transformation Plan and applying for and spending the $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant
- Support to create or update a website and adopt best practices
- Advice on social media promotion and advertising
- Technological support and recommendations on tools for specific business needs
- Advice on additional digital transformation support including loyalty programs, point-of-sale systems, ecommerce and back-end business operations support.

Digital Service Squads across the province are already on track to help thousands of small businesses across Ontario develop their online offerings. This is meeting a critical need for many Ontario businesses as they transition to online storefronts.

New ICU Opening Soon at Stevenson

January 21, 2021 – Critical Care patients in South Simcoe will soon be receiving care closer to home. MPP Jim Wilson was on hand as Stevenson Memorial Hospital virtually celebrated completion of its new Level 2 Intensive Care Unit this week. The facility is expected to be available for patients next month.

“The whole team at Stevenson is to be congratulated,” said Mr. Wilson. “They pulled this project together within weeks of its original schedule, in spite of hurdles put in their way by COVID-19.” Construction had to be temporarily halted last spring because of the pandemic. 

Read more about Stevenson’s High Acuity Unit here.

Jim Wilson SMH Level 2 ICU Opening Ceremony 2

Wilson used the celebration to remind those in attendance that the pandemic has clearly demonstrated the need for new modern updated facilities at Stevenson. The hospital is hoping to receive approval this year of Stage 2 funding for its planned redevelopment project.

“We need to keep the pressure up to ensure the redevelopment doesn’t falter,” said Wilson. “I want to be invited back here in a few years to celebrate the new 21st century Stevenson,” he added.

Once given the green light, the redevelopment project will be the first major overhaul of SMH since the hospital was built almost 60 years ago.

“I urge everyone to make some noise to ensure the government approves the plans,” said the MPP. “And I encourage everyone to contribute what they can to support the project,” he added.

Applications Now Open for Ontario's Small Business Support Grant

Applications are now open for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant. As you may know, this program will help small businesses that that have been required to close or significantly restrict activities due to this lock down. The grants will be for a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $20,000. Businesses will be permitted to use this grant in any way that makes the most sense to them.

You can apply for this and other programs such as Property Tax and Energy Costs Rebates here: https://www.app.grants.gov.on.ca/msrf/#/

I am encouraged by the new Ontario Small Business Grant and hope that it will provide some meaningful support to our small businesses during this shutdown period.

Read more about the Ontario Small Business Support Grant here: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/59968/applications-now-open-for-ontarios-small-business-support-grant

MPP Lauded for his Cystic Fibrosis Advocacy

January 14, 2021 – Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson was caught by surprise recently when he learned that Beeton Cystic Fibrosis advocates Beth and Madi Vanstone had nominated him for national recognition by the CF Get Loud Campaign. CF is a fatal genetic diseae that has no cure. But there is treatment.

Wilson has been a long-time advocate on behalf of Canadians living with Cystic Fibrosis who want access to the life-changing medications that are available, approved and paid for by more than 20 other countries around the world. In Canada, negotiations between the drug manufacturer and the federal-provincial alliance which negotiates prices on behalf of provinces and patients are stalled.

“This is an issue that transcends politics,” said Mr. Wilson. “It’s about the right of every Canadian to enjoy a happy, fruitful and productive life. Everyone deserves the right to breathe.”

In nominating the MPP, Beth and Madi Vanstone said, “Jim has been walking alongside CF patients since 2012. He has continued to show himself to be a caring, compassionate man who has not been afraid to stand up for what he has believed is right despite politics.”

“I want to thank the Vanstones for their kind thoughts,” responded Mr. Wilson. “Their dedication and hard work strengthens my resolve to continue supporting the CF community. I am grateful,” he said.

See the Vanstone’s CF Get Loud Spotlight nomination here: We Got Loud Spotlight on Jim Wilson, MPP

cystic fibrosis 2020

Provincial Stay At Home Orders

My offices are receiving many calls and emails with questions about the current State of Emergency and the Stay At Home orders. The most frequent questions we have received are:

Am I permitted to travel for child care or to help a family member? Travel is permitted for the purposes of attending, obtaining or providing child care and for providing care to an individual requiring support
Can my business remain open? All employers should ensure that every employee works from home wherever possible. The updated list of Businesses permitted to open can be viewed here: Businesses permitted to open Please call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line if you need more information on your specific circumstances: 1-888-444-3659

I am very sorry that this shutdown has become necessary and realize the tremendous strain it will place on our local businesses and families. However, we have reached a crucial point where it is vitally important to minimize transmission of COVID-19 and prevent our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.

Full details on the Stay At Home Order can be viewed here: https://files.ontario.ca/solgen-stay-at-home-order-2021-01-13.pdf and here: https://files.ontario.ca/moh-enhanced-provincewide-shutdown-en-2021-01-12-v3.pdf#

The latest update from the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health unit here: https://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/docs/default-source/COVID-/Partners-and-Municipalities/20210113stakeholder-update-no-72-final.pdf?sfvrsn=0

Season's Greetings from your MPP

As Holiday season is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year. Regrettably, it will always be remembered for the dreadful COVID-19 virus inflicted on our world. Rather than fixating on the negative, we should all take a moment at this time of year to consider the good we saw in 2020.

Let's be grateful for the steadfast commitment of the front-line health care professionals who selflessly worked long hours, in very trying conditions, to care for our families and friends, especially the vulnerable elderly.

We should be thankful for the essential workers who showed up every day and were indispensable in ensuring our critical needs were met. And also for the many volunteers who sewed masks or delivered groceries and other needed goods to shut-ins.

Entrepreneurs, large and small, who re-tooled to manufacture Personal Protective Equipment, or produce urgently needed medical supplies and devices, deserve our appreciation. Like everyone, I'm in awe of the scientists who miraculously developed a vaccine in record time.

Remember the ordinary people, going about their everyday lives, whose acts of kindness – big and small – contributed to our well-being throughout the year. And, not least, let's celebrate our children who've been patient through months of restriction and lock-down, waiting for normal life to return.

Sadly, some of our neighbours are suffering. Jobs have vanished. Businesses have faltered. Tragically, there are families grieving the loss of loved ones. These are unfortunate stories we need to keep in our prayers as we move ahead.

Let's go into the New Year looking for ways to "pay it forward." To find ways of supporting our less fortunate fellow citizens. We've been going through a very rough stretch. But the end is in sight.
Let's be grateful that we live in one of the finest areas of the best country in the world.

Please accept my very best wishes for a wonderful holiday, and for a much healthier and more agreeable 2021.

Christmas Tree 2

VIDEO: MPP Wilson Thanks South Simcoe Volunteers

December 7, 2020 – Volunteers are the bedrock of our communities. Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson is grateful for the people who give freely of their time and talent to improve the lives of their neighbours and enhance the well-being of the places they live.

Mr. Wilson was pleased to participate in the recently-held 2020 virtual South Simcoe Hall of Fame awards event. And he was proud to share the stories of this year's five new inductees with his Legislature colleagues today.

"These people don't give because they want something in return," said Mr. Wilson. "They serve because they want to help others; because they want to make a difference."

You can watch the MPP's statement here:

VIDEO: Government Holds Out Hope for Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Ontario's Health Minister says the Ford government will do everything it can to make Trikafta available to Cystic Fibrosis patients as soon as the medication is approved by Health Canada.

Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson asked Christine Elliott what the province is doing to speed up negotiations between the drug manufacturer and the federal-provincial alliance which negotiates prices on behalf of Canada.

Vertex, the company which makes Trikafta and other CF drugs, has not yet officially submitted Trikafta for approval. Advocates have blamed the delay on uncertainties over pricing.

Wilson told the legislature that since he last raised questions two months ago about CF medications, a 12-year old Ontario boy has died while governments dither over price, regulation and bureaucracy.

Minister Elliott said she shares the frustration of people living with Cystic Fibrosis and committed to working with Ottawa and the other provinces to get the life-altering treatments, which are available in many other countries, into the hands of young Ontarians who need them.

Watch MPP Wilson's exchange with the Minister here:

VIDEO: Legislature Supports Hospital Planning in Simcoe-Grey

November 23, 2020 – The Ontario Legislature has voted unanimously to support planning for hospital redevelopments in Collingwood and Alliston.

In his latest effort to keep the issue on the Legislative agenda, Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson introduced a Private Member's Resolution asking the Government to support planning work for construction of a new Collingwood General and Marine Hospital and redevelopment of Stevenson Memorial in Alliston

"I'm extremely encouraged by this endorsement," said Mr. Wilson. "And I'd like to thank all of my colleagues on both sides of the House who spoke in favour of addressing the health care needs of my constituents."

Wilson's resolution echoes appeals by community leaders and citizens that the planned expansion of Stevenson, and the proposed re-build of the General and Marine on a new greenfield site, move ahead.

"Our fight doesn't end here," said Wilson. "But we have to keep the pressure on, if our region is to receive the standard of health care all Ontarians expect and deserve, now and in the future," he added.

Both the Alliston and Collingwood hospitals are severely dated and struggling to meet the needs of patients, visitors and staff. The proposed redevelopment projects are essential to meeting current needs and planned future growth in Simcoe-Grey.

MPP Wilson continues to encourage Simcoe-Grey residents to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . "The squeaky wheel gets the grease," he says.

You can watch Wilson's remarks, and Member responses, here:

CF Patients Still Waiting for Life-saving Drugs

Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson recently wrote the Prime Minister, Canadian Premiers and Health Ministers asking them to expedite negotiations for a price on life-saving drugs for people living with Cystic Fibrosis.

While gene-modulating treatments are available, and are paid for in at least 20 other countries, Canada has yet to sign a deal with Vertex, the pharmaceutical firm which manufactures them.

Reporter Sam Odrowski has published an update on the issue in the New Tecumseth Times. Read it here: MPP calls on Feds to speed up Cystic Fibrosis drug

You can also read my letter to Federal and Provincial leaders here:

CF letter October 28 2020 1