December 30, 2016

Ms. Ann Hoggarth
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Community and Social Services
6th Floor, Hepburn Block
80 Grosvenor Street
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1E9

Dear Ms. Hoggarth:

I am honoured to have you as my parliamentary assistant, and thank you for the valuable support that you will provide me in this crucial role. I welcome you to the Ministry of Community and Social Services and look forward to working closely with you to ensure that both ministry and overall government objectives are achieved.

At this mid-point of our mandate — and after having achieved two years of real and tangible progress — we are redoubling our efforts to deliver on our top priority — economic growth and good jobs. Our balanced plan to build Ontario up for everyone will deliver real benefits and more inclusive growth that will help people in their everyday lives. We will do this by continuing to invest in better infrastructure, more affordable and accessible postsecondary education, a competitive, low-carbon economy and improved retirement security.

Responsible fiscal management remains an overarching priority for our government, and, thanks to our disciplined approach, we are on track to balance the budget next year, in 2017-18.

The mandate letter I received in September from Premier Wynne sets out my specific priorities as minister for the coming two years. Parliamentary assistants play a key role in meeting these priorities and in helping put our government’s plan into action.

Our mandate is to promote resilience and inclusive communities by helping people achieve their potential, build independence and improve their quality of life. Our specific priorities include working collaboratively with lead and affected ministers, broader public sector partners and stakeholders across the province to:

  • Support low-income Ontarians to reach their full potential
  • Promote inclusion and improve support for persons with disabilities, including developmental disabilities, and
  • Support survivors of human trafficking, sexual and domestic violence.

As Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Community and Social Services your specific responsibilities include:

  • Supporting the government’s broad public consultation on a Basic Income Pilot.
  • Promoting innovation and facilitating dialogue on housing options for people with developmental disabilities, in partnership with the Ministry of Housing.
  • Supporting the implementation of Ontario’s Strategy to End Human Trafficking and linked efforts to strengthen supports for victims of domestic and sexual violence, in partnership with the Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues and other partner ministries.

A tremendous opportunity lies before us — to ensure that our ministry’s mandate is fully and effectively implemented, to continue to build Ontario up and to deliver real benefits to all Ontarians.

Sincerely,

Original signed by

The Honourable Dr. Helena Jaczek
Minister of Community and Social Services