We have all seen the ads for the new Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent. Many of us have even watched the first few episodes. But what if I told you there is a new series in town? It is just as gripping and shocking but even more upsetting because it is unfolding in front of us in real time. Introducing: Law & Order Queen’s Park: Greenbelt FOI This video is hilarious and was a lot of fun to put together, but the subject matter is serious. Our Premier is under criminal investigation by the RCMP. Ministers and senior staff went to great lengths to conceal their work, using code words like G*, deleting correspondence, and using personal email addresses to conduct government business. The only reason that we know as much as we do about this corruption scandal is because of the hard work of the Ontario NDP and outside advocates filing Freedom of Information requests to uncover the truth. The NDP’s most recent FOI yielded 3,776 pages of documents from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, many bearing code words and acronyms clearly meant to conceal the actual topic of conversation. I will never stop pushing for the truth. There must be consequences for those who tried to trade away our precious Greenbelt and further enrich their wealthy friends. In sad local news, two people were killed and three others injured this week by Arnold and Dundas St. E. The violence seems to have erupted within one family, with a young man allegedly killing his father and brother and wounding his mother. This is devastating. My thoughts go out to all those feeling fresh loss and to those reliving the trauma of past events. Amid this tragedy, I am also in awe of neighbour Hani Afrah, who bravely ran into the house where the violence began after the injured mother called for help for her toddler, who remained in the house. Hani Afrah took brave steps to ensure that the child was safe. When events like this happen, it is natural to feel scared. I hope that we can all carry that fear and sadness in the community alongside the knowledge that so much work has been done to create peace in Regent Park and beyond. That work is ongoing and full of hope. If you are looking for ways to get involved, I would encourage you to reach out to Regent Park Mothers of Peace, Regent Park Shoot for Peace, and the Regent Park Social Development Plan Committees. So much incredible work is already happening in the community, and there’s always more to do. As your provincial representative and the Critic for the Attorney General I am leading the calls for real bail reform. Bail should be compassionate, while also ensuring that the 15-30 most dangerous people who are caught and released regularly finally encounter a bail system that holds them accountable. The bail system in Ontario should not let people who pose an active threat back to the streets where they hurt people. I helped write the committee report on the modernization of the bail system in Ontario, which you can read here. I know it is just a report, but it is the first step the government is taking before bringing forward new legislation with concrete changes to the bail system. I have been working alongside frontline workers, families, and justice experts to develop real proposals to fix Ontario's justice system. I will let you know when these plans are ready soon through this newsletter.
I know that many of you are as concerned about the ongoing war on Gaza as I am. I am incredibly proud of the strong and principled stance that the NDP has taken since the beginning of the conflict. On Monday, the NDP's motion to combat the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will be put to a vote. We need this motion to pass to push the Liberal government to action. I encourage everyone to reach out to Justin Trudeau and request that he and his MPs support the motion. I also want to wish a happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone celebrating. It is an honour to serve you,
Kristyn Wong-Tam MPP, Toronto Centre
The Toronto Centre Federal NDP is gearing up for the next federal election since it could be right around the corner. The first step is nominating a candidate to run under the NDP banner. Two prospective candidates have put their names forward for the upcoming nomination race. Voting to select a candidate will take place at the upcoming nomination meeting, the details of which will be shared soon. All Toronto Centre residents who signed up to be members of the NDP at least 45 days before the nomination meeting are eligible to vote. If you want to become a member, you can do so by clicking here. If you are not sure if you are a member or if your membership is still active, you can reach out to [email protected], and they will check for you. This year, we have two prospective candidates: Brian Chang and Samantha Green. Both of these incredible people have websites where you can learn about their priorities, and community involvement, and get a sense of them as people. I encourage you to check them out: Click HERE to visit Brian Chang’s website
Being an activist and caregiver is hard work and can be emotionally all-consuming. I know this firsthand. This is why I am eager to share 52 Weeks to a Sweeter Life, a new book released by award-winning author and psychotherapist Farzana Doctor. 52 Weeks to a Sweeter Life is a practical workbook that explores self-care from an inside-out and collective approach. This book is for anyone who works with people or causes and who has struggled with burnout, vicarious trauma and finding balance. Limited tickets are available for the Toronto launch of this important book on March 21. Farzana will be in conversation with Judy Rebick at Caversham Booksellers, and I guarantee you will learn something new about self and community care. To get your free event ticket, please register here.
Ontario is in a family doctor crisis. In 2022, 2.3 million Ontarians did not have a family doctor, a number that is projected to grow to 4.4 million by 2026 if nothing is done. Currently, family doctors in Ontario spend as many as 19 hours per week —40 percent of their time—following up with patients, filling out forms and performing other administrative work that could be done by administrative staff and other interdisciplinary health staff. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can free up doctors’ time by getting them access to an integrated primary care team to take this administrative work off of their plate. This change would be equivalent to adding 2,000 doctors to the system. The current family doctor shortage not only puts Ontarians' health at risk, but it’s also putting tremendous strain on our already-overburdened emergency rooms. This is a smart, simple solution to fix the massive patient backlog and get people the care they need today. We have been hearing horrific stories from Ontarians who are trying to find a family doctor, including this shocking story from an Ottawa patient who was charged $110 for routine cancer screening because the screening was done by a nurse practitioner instead of a doctor, something that was not well communicated by the clinic she went to. I, along with the Ontario NDP caucus, are calling upon this government to hire more administrative and interdisciplinary health staff so that doctors can spend more of their precious time providing much-needed care to their patients. NDP Leader Marit Stiles tabled this solution in the legislature last week and will force a vote on Monday. I will update you on the result in next week’s newsletter.
This week my staff and I held our annual Staff Retreat, where we set goals and created plans for the year to come. It was wonderful to reflect on the work we have done over the past year, celebrating our wins and reflecting on areas where we can improve. In 2024, we are excited to host community events that bring people together, champion your legislative priorities, and continue providing the constituency services that you depend upon.
This week, the Toronto Star published this excellent article, “Rent controls work: They don’t reduce housing supply, but they do limit profit”. The article argues that bringing back rent control for all units in Ontario, not just those occupied before 2018, would be better for the market as a whole and prevent rent gouging. This is something that affordable housing advocates have known for years. The Ontario NDP has been advocating for not only the return of full rent control since the policy was enacted but also for “real rent control,” sometimes called vacancy de-control, to become law in Ontario. Real rent control would mean that a unit’s monthly rent would have to follow the annual guideline rent increase even if a tenant moved out and the unit was re-rented by a new tenant. Currently, in Ontario, when a tenant moves out, the landlord can raise the rent as much as they want. While I encourage you to read the whole article, I want to share some of my favourite quotes: “In recent years, new studies have demonstrated that rent controls work. They stabilize rent increases without negative effects. Provincial governments could put an end to skyrocketing rents right now — if they were really interested in doing so.” “In 2020, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) analyzed the impact of rent controls on construction. The study compared Canadian cities with and without rent controls. Since the CMHC has a wealth of data, it used a time series going all the way back to 1971 — almost 50 years of data at the time. The key finding of the study was that “There was no significant evidence that rental starts were lower in rent control markets than in no rent control markets.” “Between 2022 and 2023, landlords in Ontario increased rents in vacant units by an average of 36%. Bringing back controls on vacant units would prevent abusive increases. It would also remove the financial incentive for evictions and other tactics used to displace tenants.”
Sherbourne Health Centre is hosting a Trans and Non-Binary Career Fair! When: March 21, 2024, 1 PM to 4 PM Where: Sherbourne Health Centre, 333 Sherbourne Street. This event aims to provide opportunities for Sherbourne Health's trans and non-binary service users and community members to connect with prospective employers committed to diversity and inclusion. These employers have attended a presentation on creating supportive work environments for trans and non-binary employees.
The Cabbagetown BIA is looking for a new Marketing & Events Coordinator! This team member works as part of a close-knit team to assist in the implementation of marketing strategies and coordinate promotional activities, including activations and events such as The Cabbagetown Festival. Assists with connecting people, businesses, and public spaces, collaborating with partners to acquire and retain a vibrant mix of retail, and attracting more people to the area. This is a part-time, contract position running from April 15 - December 20, 2024. Applicants will ideally be between the ages of 15-30 years old, as funding for this position comes from the Canada Summer Jobs Program See the full posting here.
A six-week virtual group program led by mental health counsellors, this group explores mindfulness as a practice for managing difficult emotions, as well as cultivating greater self-compassion and self-care. Learn more here. Who: Participants who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour Next Sessions: Tuesdays from 1:30 – 2:30 PM Program starts on March 26 Registration required. Call Gouri (647-299-1464) or Dyshni (437-324-9514)
Since 2011, Jamii has been fostering connections among Esplanadians, a diverse community of individuals spanning all ages who reside, work, study, and walk on The Esplanade. Through immersive artistic experiences, we breathe life into public spaces within The Esplanade neighbourhood and our home, The Jamii Hub, crafting whimsical environments that not only cultivate shared memories among our community members but also strengthen the social bonds woven throughout our neighbourhood's fabric. Jamii has exciting events focusing on art, movement, learning and community building happening every day of the week! Click here to learn more.
Arts at the Market celebrates the unique talents of local artisans who offer high-quality handmade goods for sale at the St. Lawrence Market. These artisans will fill the outdoor spaces of the Market with fresh, new, lively, and creative energy from April through October, animating and adding vivacity to the Complex. Are you an artist, craftsperson, or designer? Do you want to sell your high-quality handmade goods at one of the world’s top markets? If so, we’d love for you to be part of Arts at the Market! Apply by April 1 for early admission to the 2024 program. Applications and details available here.
You’re invited to view the future of the transformed St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts! The design team of Hariri Pontarini Architects and LMN Architects with Smoke Architecture and Tawaw Architecture Collective will present their inspired design concepts for STLC to become a multi-faceted performing arts destination. This bold reimagining includes two state-of-the-art performance halls along with creative spaces and studios, rehearsal rooms, and informal gathering areas. The team will demonstrate how the building extends an open embrace to the city to create an energized arts corridor and a new pulsing heart in downtown Toronto. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback. For those unable to attend in person, we invite you to join us via livestream at stlcnext.org. The livestream link will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting on March 26. Tuesday, March 26, 2024 6 pm – 8 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm) St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front St. E.
Announcing the Cabbagetown Cares Fundraiser! From March 1 to March 30, 2024, The Cabbagetown BIA is teaming up with Dixon Hall and Saint Luke's United Church to support our neighbours. As food insecurity continues to rise in Cabbagetown, St James Town, and Regent Park, it's more important than ever to lend a helping hand. That's where YOU come in! Simply shop at any of the 14 participating businesses throughout March, where a portion of proceeds from select items will be donated to the fundraiser. All donated proceeds will be split between the Dixon Hall and St Luke's Church meals programs. It's that easy! Click here for the full list of business offers.
The Cabbagetown Festival is one of Toronto’s longest-running and most beloved street festivals, and this year it will be returning, bigger than ever! They are inviting over 75,000 locals and visitors across the GTA to enjoy a family-friendly, entertainment-packed weekend, including live music performances, fantastic food, Kid’s Zone, and over 200 unique vendors from Cabbagetown and beyond! The Cabbagetown Festival is celebrating its 45th year - After returning with a bang last year, The Festival is primed to become one of the most-anticipated events in Toronto! Starting at $230 for the lowest vendor level for two days, they invite business owners to apply to join them as a vendor as we celebrate this milestone. Dates: September 7 and 8 Location: Parliament Street and Carlton Street, Cabbagetown, Toronto Apply and pay by May 31 to take advantage of this early-bird pricing! Prices go up June 1, as long as space remains available! CabbagetownTO.com @CabbagetownBIA
BLUEPRINT asks: “Who gets to be beautiful?” This exhibit runs March 2-31, 2024 at 420 Queen Street East BLUEPRINT is a collection of mixed media collages created by Zandra Jack, a Toronto-based digital artist who works under the pseudonym, UNKWNZJ. With a passion for altering geometric and curvilinear forms, UNKWNZJ’s work is a unique departure from more traditional modes of portraiture that lean on being as naturalistic to the human form as possible. Her subjects often don enlarged facial features and intensely darkened skin, aspects that she further amplifies with her use of bold color and intricate patterns. UNKWNZJ’s distinct creations exist as a disruption to the prevailing standards of beauty. BLUEPRINT challenges the status quo by paying homage to the unconventional; the features of black beauty that are undervalued yet paradoxically commodified in society. We would also like to extend a warm invite to audiences to take part in an in-person, interactive workshop that will be led by UNKWNZJ: Through hands-on activities and guided instruction, participants will create mixed media artworks by experimenting with various materials and collaging techniques to bring forth their own artistic visions. This event is free of charge, but space is limited. Please RSVP here.
FoSTRA (Federation of South Toronto Residents Associations) warmly invites you to the next in a series of free educational events on the theme of Housing for All, which will be held: Thursday, 21 March 2024, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM Franz Hartmann, Coordinator for the Alliance for a Liveable Ontario, presents “A Blueprint for Solving the Housing Crisis in Ontario.” Check out more details below and in the attachment. Click here to register to attend and ask a question of Franz Hartmann before the webinar.
After the Regent Park Cafe launch, they are now open and operational every Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM. If you are near Daniels Spectrum at 585 Dundas St. East, pop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
GOOD TO BE GOOD is pleased to announce a fifth cohort for the Change Make-Her program! This FREE interactive virtual program is for women and gender-diverse folks* interested in developing their entrepreneurship and leadership skills through mentorship-based training workshops, community building, peer support, resource-sharing, and other opportunities. The program is a unique development opportunity explicitly created to extend the capacity of new and early entrepreneurs through a low-barrier, inclusive, and compassionate approach. Entrepreneurship is challenging to navigate—layering being a woman or gender-diverse with intersecting identities adds another path to navigate. We believe that entrepreneurism can be a meaningful pathway to confidence, community, and independence for women and gender-diverse people facing multiple barriers. Applications are now OPEN for the Change Make-Her program! To register, email Arezoo Najibzadeh at [email protected] or sign up here. Please note that applications close Sunday, March 17.
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April 26, 2024 Newsletter
Dear Neighbour,
Our advocacy is working. Regular people and the media are waking up to the fact that Ontario’s justice system is not serving those who need to access it and that the endless court backlogs are making our communities less safe and less equitable places to live.
This week, I was invited to speak on The Agenda with Steve Paikin about Ontario’s court backlogs and our failing justice system. Lawyer Stephanie DiGiuseppe from Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP and intimate partner violence survivor Cait Alexander joined me. Ontario’s administration of justice is falling apart. Serious charges are being dropped simply because of unconstitutional trial delays.
Drunk driving, sexual assault, and human trafficking cases are being thrown out. This is heartbreaking and demoralizing for the many survivors who bared their souls on the stand for nothing. At the same time, over 80% of people in detention centres on any given day are awaiting trial. They have not been convicted of any crime and may be innocent. Yet they are forced to wait in custody while their families scramble to cover childcare, make up for lost income, and deal with the emotional upheaval of having a loved one in custody.
Ford is doing nothing to address the backlogs. Court staff shortages are preventing victims from receiving justice, but he is not taking the decisive action we need to solve this problem and hire more workers. The Ontario NDP and I will continue to demand that our crumbling court system receive the investments and attention it needs to serve our province and keep our communities safe. All Ontarians deserve justice in a timely and efficient manner.
Watch my segment on the Agenda: Is Ontario's Justice System Failing Victims? | TVO Today
In addition to the crisis in our justice system, the affordable housing emergency in Ontario is reaching a fever pitch. I know many tenants in Toronto Centre are at risk of demoviction, experiencing precarious housing, and battling rising rents. These problems are endemic across the city and the province. The Ontario government must commit to building deeply affordable purpose-built rental homes, something the private sector will not do for us as its corporate objective is to create shareholder wealth, not public housing.
It has been disappointing to see the PC government downgrade their goal of 1.5 million homes to 1.5 million “spaces” so that they can count long-term care beds and dormitory rooms as permanent housing, a unit of measure not agreed to by the Canadian Housing Mortgage Corporation. This is the kind of slippery behaviour we know Ford for, but it is still disappointing and deserving of pushback. We must build homes for people, not profit. We need real and serious solutions to Ontario's housing crisis.
That is why your Official Opposition NDP tabled a motion this week calling for the government to “take decisive action to increase the supply of affordable and non-market housing.” We don’t just need McMansions on the Greenbelt or AirBnB condo flips; we need actual homes built where people want to live that are truly affordable, stable, and not controlled by foreign investors just looking for the largest return on their investment. Housing is a human right. Let's start treating it like one. Join me and sign the petition here.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
In this Newsletter |
- Federal Nomination Candidates Debate
- On Sale Now: Pride & Politics Fundraiser!
- Keffiyeh Ban Fight Continues
- AGI Townhall
- Canvass with Kristyn
- TDSB Facing Major Funding Shortfall
- Lydia’s Law - Justice for Survivors
- Happy Passover
- Community Cleanups
- Local Community News
Federal Nomination Candidates Debate |
The Toronto Centre NDP is hosting a Federal Candidates Debate on Monday, April 29th, at 6:30 PM.
The debate will take place virtually on Zoom, hosted by yours truly, Kristyn Wong-Tam.
During the debate, you'll hear from our exceptional candidates, Brian Chang and Samantha Green, as they outline their experience and policy positions, describe their background, and explain why they're the best people to represent the NDP in Toronto Centre for the next federal election.
On Sale Now: Pride & Politics Fundraiser! |
The Toronto Centre NDP Riding Association is hosting a joyful Pride & Politics fundraiser at the iconic Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.
Enjoy iconic drag performances by Messy Margaret and Amora, light refreshments, and a chance to celebrate Pride while supporting the NDP!
Join us Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander Street, Toronto.
Keffiyeh Ban Fight Continues |
As I detailed in last week's newsletter, the Speaker of the Ontario Legislative Assembly has ruled that keffiyehs are political symbols and should not be worn at the Ontario Legislature. I strongly disagree with the Speaker’s position, as the keffiyeh is, first and foremost, an important cultural symbol for Arabs with a history going back to the 7th century.
On Thursday, the Ontario NDP, for the third time, tried to reverse this racist and discriminatory ban. A ban that shamefully forced political staff, Ontario Public Service staff, interns, stakeholders, and the general public to remove an important cultural symbol of their identity from entering the democratic House of all Ontarians.
This fight is on behalf of Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim residents, but it is also a fight for all of us. Everyone should be free to wear their cultural attire and symbols in the Legislature. This ban threatens that freedom for everyone and sets a dangerous precedent. My friend, MPP Joel Harden, articulated this point very well by wearing his family’s tartan in the chamber, which the British once banned for being tied to Scottish culture and, therefore, a threat to their rule.
Marit Stiles states in her letter, “Wearing cultural & national clothing items in our Assembly is something we should be proud of. It is part of the story of who we are as a province. Palestinians are part of that story, and the keffiyeh is significant not only to them but to many in the Arab and Muslim community.”
Shortly after we made our letter public, all other party leaders, including the Premier, came out in agreement.
Following this letter, we put forward a unanimous consent motion to acknowledge that the keffiyeh is a culturally significant item and should be permitted to be worn in the house. This failed, with conservative MPPs voting against it. You can watch that happen here.
Yesterday, MPP Sara Jama was asked to leave the chamber for daring to defy the keffiyeh ban. She rightly refused to follow such an unjust rule.
We will keep the pressure on the Ford government to reverse the keffiyeh ban. They have a majority government and entirely control the Standing Orders (the procedural rules that govern Queen's Park). Ford can prove that his opposition to the ban is sincere at any time by moving a motion to overrule the Speaker. Despite what he says, Ford does have the power to make that change. Please sign our petition and join the call to reverse the keffiyeh ban here.
AGI Townhall |
NDP Housing Critic MPP Jessica Bell is hosting a town hall to help tenants challenge Above Guideline Increases (AGIs). Know your rights and learn to advocate for yourself in the face of rental increases!
When: Wednesday, May 1, 6:30 PM - 8 PM
Where: Meeting Room at Friends House, 60 Lowther Avenue, OR ONLINE
All are welcome! RSVP here.
Community Canvas with Kristyn |
Join Toronto-Centre NDP and Team Kristyn Wong-Tam on April 30 & May 1 to talk to our neighbours about the most pressing issues in Toronto Centre.
Canvass #1:
Date: Tuesday April 30, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Meeting Location: Intersection of Earl St. & Sherbourne St.
Canvass #2:
Date: Tuesday, May 1, 2024
Time: 4:30 PM - 7 PM
Meeting Location: Intersection of Earl St. & Sherbourne St.
TDSB Budget Townhall - Major Funding Shortfall |
On Wednesday, April 16, TDSB board Chair Rachel Chernos Lin wrote a public letter to Minister of Education Stephen Lecce warning that funding shortfalls will jeopardize student and community programming.
The TDSB has already cut $64.7 million from its spending, and trustees approved an additional reduction of $17 million earlier this month. Despite these reductions, the school board still faces a $26.5 million deficit for the 2025/2026 school year.
I encourage you to learn more about these issues and work with parents, education workers, and students to advocate for high-quality public schools. Students receiving high-quality public education isn’t just a parents' issue. A well-educated population with strong critical thinking skills makes every community better.
The TDSB is holding a series of roundtables across the city for parents to learn more about what’s at stake. I encourage you to attend.
Central Budget Town Hall
When: Tuesday, April 30, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Where: In Person in the TDSB Boardroom, 5050 Yonge Street, Toronto, or Online via Zoom
Please RSVP online here.
RentSafeTO Strengthened |
The City of Toronto is expanding the scope of the RentSafeTO program to help tenants living in apartment buildings that don't meet safety standards. This will include increased inspections, from every three years to every two, and greater enforcement abilities.
You can learn more about the program here and read more about the updates to the program here.
Lydia’s Law - Justice for Survivors |
The bill I am co-sponsoring with MPP Catherine Fife, Lydia's Law, will be debated in the legislature on May 15 at 6 PM.
This legislation seeks to bring accountability and transparency to the handling of sexual assault cases in Ontario.
Lydia’s Law is named in honour of Lydia, a survivor of sexual assault who was forced to wait for almost two years to see justice. She does not want other young women to experience this painful delay in justice.
These delays are not just delays, however. If they go on long enough, they turn into denials of justice.
In 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on R vs. Jordan, establishing deadlines for completing a trial—30 months in Superior Court and 18 months in provincial and youth courts.
Since the Jordan ruling came into effect in the summer of 2016, 86 Ontario sexual assault cases have been thrown out due to delays, which is a quarter of all Jordan applications filed in the sexual assault cases in that time frame (as of November 2023).
The Jordan ruling holds Ontario courts to a standard of efficiency, which is admirable. We do not want to see trials delayed and delayed and delayed. The problem is that Ontario courts are understaffed and have not been scaled up to meet the increase in population that we have experienced. And so many cases are being thrown out simply due to delays. This is a failure of our justice system. We need a justice system where the Jordan ruling lights a fire under the justice system to keep courts moving efficiently, not set them an impossible task.
Lydia’s Law calls on the Attorney General to take recommendations one and three from the Auditor General’s 2019 report. The bill also requires the Attorney General to review the efficiency of the Victim Quick Response Program as a replacement for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board in supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking and report the results to the Assembly within one year. Finally, every police service that receives a sexual assault complaint from a person who is 16 years of age or older shall make the person aware of the Independent Legal Advice Program that is delivered through Ontario Victim Services of the Ministry of the Attorney General.
Happy Passover |
Chag Pesach Sameach to all who celebrate. Passover commemorates the liberation of the Ancient Hebrews from slavery in Egypt and their journey to freedom. I have had the pleasure of attending many Passover celebrations over the years. This Passover, I had the opportunity to host a Seder dinner of my own for the first time.
Thank you to Judy Perly from the Free Times Cafe for catering our delicious Seder meal. We gathered around the Seder plate, enjoyed traditional foods and discussed the story of the Jews' exodus from Egypt and oppression. Passover reminds us to fight for a future where we all can live in peace, dignity, and safety. I wish everyone in Toronto Centre and beyond a very happy Passover.
Community Cleanups |
The rain and snow didn't stop community members from helping at Community Clean Ups in Toronto Centre. I stopped by St. Lawrence, Corktown, and Regent Park to join friends and neighbours in making Toronto a cleaner and healthier city. Thanks to everyone, especially local organizers, who took part in this great initiative!
Michelle Senayah Lane |
I met Michelle Senayah over a decade ago, and during that time, we worked together to build up OpenStreetsTO and the Laneway Project. She was a visionary urbanist who transformed Toronto for the better. Family and friends dearly miss her. The Michelle Senayah Lane unveiling brought everyone together again in her honour. Thank you to her family, friends, and organizers for carrying Michelle's legacy forward.
Local Community News |
Spring Housing Clinics |
Are you on the rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing centralized waiting list (CWL)? Do you need help applying for RGI housing? If yes, Councillor Moise invites you to join him at the upcoming housing clinics. Registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.
When: April 25, 26 and May 2,3 from 1- 3 PM and 4 - 6 PM
April 27 from 11 AM - 2 PM
Where: Regent Park Community Centre, 2nd Floor, 40 Shuter Street
Please bring proof of status for all household members, the most recent Notice of Assessment for all household members over the age of 16.
Register: chrismoise.ca/events
Questions? Call 416-392-7902 or email: [email protected]
Good Food Market Corktown |
I was thrilled to join Corktown neighbours at the Little Trinity Good Food Market launch at 425 King Street East.
This program runs every Wednesday from 5 to 7 PM. Affordable groceries are hard to come by, so thank you, Little Trinity Church & FoodShareTO, for teaming up to tackle food insecurity.
CRAFT - Pre-Apprenticeship Program |
Attention all Regent Park residents! Apply for the CRAFT program to learn valuable skills in construction trades. This 14-week paid pre-apprenticeship is open to the residents living in Regent Park, and the Greater Golden Mile in Scarborough. Priority is given to residents living in community housing and individuals living in the following postal codes: M4A, M3C, M1L, M1K and M1J.
Interested individuals must provide Photo ID, SIN card and Canadian/Ontario High School Transcript for the interview.
In Person Information Session: April 23 , 2024 at 6 PM, at Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St East)
Online Information Session: April 29, 2024 at 12 PM via Microsoft Teams
For more information, contact Fatima Saya, Senior Manager of Social Impact: [email protected]
Momentum Rainbow Week of Action |
Just like everyone in Canada, queer and trans people deserve the freedom to be ourselves, to be safe in our communities, and treated with dignity. Through a National Rainbow Week of Action from May 11th to 17th 2024, people across Canada are lifting up our voices to urge governments and elected officials at every level to take action for Rainbow Equality and address rising hate.
You can read the full list of demands here.
Rainbow Week is holding a rally in support of these demands and the rights of queer and trans people to live safely. The rally will be at Barbara Hall Park on May 16th at 11:30AM. See you there!
SLNA REmarket Waste Reduction |
The SLNA Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 10th REmarket event on June 12 and 13, 2024.
Bring your hard-to-recycle waste, donatable items, and items needing repair! Check HERE for the full list of items they accept.
Regent Park Youth Crisis Care Fund |
The Regent Park Youth Crisis Care Fund is available to support youth from Regent Park between the ages of 12-29 who are experiencing a crisis. Funding priority will be given to applications that meet the criteria and guidelines.
YCCF Guidelines:
- The application must be completed by a youth worker, agency or community leader affiliated with an agency or SDP working group.
- At the time of application, the Youth must be from Regent Park, experiencing homelessness, or living precariously in an adjacent community.
- The incident must have occurred within the last 12 months of application. If it has been longer than that, please provide reasoning.
- Applicants can receive up to $500 per application of funding to support youth per month.
- Funds are available for transportation, temporary safe housing, pest control supplies, prescriptions, including medical aid, and food.
- Applicants will receive a response within five business days of review.
- All information gathered will be confidential, and youth identities will remain anonymous.
Apply here or email [email protected] for more information.
Songs from The Journey |
Exciting news: this year's Songs from The Journey is set to grace the stage of The Royal Conservatory of Music’s Koerner Hall on June 21st! As always, the association is committed to ensuring that Regent Park residents have the opportunity to attend. To facilitate this, we're offering complimentary tickets for community members, alongside round-trip transportation between Regent Park and Koerner Hall on Friday, June 21, 2024.
The attached flyer provides information on the availability of free tickets for pickup at Daniels Spectrum starting Tuesday, May 14, 2024
The 519 Workshop Wednesdays - Housing |
The 519's Health Justice Hub is hosting Workshop Wednesdays on Housing Rights and Tenant Organizing every Wednesday from 6 - 7:30 PM. Learn more and register here.
Workshops on Income Support Programs |
Are you in need of income support? Have questions about ODSP, OW, Old Age Security, CPP, EI, or other free/low-cost resources? St. Michael’s is running workshops on income support programs for agencies and service providers.
If you would like to host a workshop, contact Naomi at 416-864-6060 ex 76806 or [email protected]
Regent Park Cafe |
Date/Time: Weekly from Monday to Friday | 9 AM - 8 PM
Location: Daniel Spectrum (585 Dundas Street East)
Prepare your taste buds because The Regent Park Cafe is opening its doors at The Daniel Spectrum (585 Dundas St E, first floor) and they’re ready to party! It's a vibrant hub of local foods, flavors, passionate entrepreneurs and community connections.
Join them to indulge in delicious bites and meaningful interactions.
Stay in the loop with all the excitement – follow them on Instagram for exclusive updates: https://www.instagram.com/regentpark.cafe/
Cabbagetown Festival 2024 Vendor Registration |
The Cabbagetown Festival is one of Toronto’s longest-running and most beloved street festivals, and this year it will be returning, bigger than ever!
They are inviting over 75,000 locals and visitors across the GTA to enjoy a family-friendly, entertainment-packed weekend, including live music performances, fantastic food, Kid’s Zone, and over 200 unique vendors from Cabbagetown and beyond!
The Cabbagetown Festival is celebrating its 45th year - after returning with a bang last year, the festival is primed to become one of the most-anticipated events in Toronto! Starting at $230 for the lowest vendor level for two days, they invite business owners to apply to join them as a vendor as we celebrate this milestone.
Dates: September 7 and 8
Location: Parliament Street and Carlton Street, Cabbagetown, Toronto
Apply and pay by May 31 to take advantage of this early-bird pricing! Prices go up June 1, as long as space remains available! CabbagetownTO.com @CabbagetownBIA
Toronto Public Health: Mpox Vaccines |
Toronto Public Health (TPH) encourages eligible residents to get vaccinated against mpox (formerly monkeypox) after confirming an increase in cases since the start of the year. To provide low-barrier, convenient, and equitable access to vaccination, TPH is hosting a series of clinics starting April 3.
Walk-in and booked appointments are available. You can book appointments here.
The vaccine is free of charge, and an OHIP card is not required. In addition to TPH-hosted clinics, residents can inquire about vaccine availability where they currently access sexual healthcare services.
Eligible individuals who have not been vaccinated against mpox are encouraged to get their first dose of the vaccine as soon as possible, with a second dose given at least 28 days later. The vaccine becomes most effective after two weeks. Individuals planning to travel soon are encouraged to get vaccinated before leaving, as cases are being reported in various regions around the world.
Vaccination can protect against the mpox virus and help reduce serious symptoms. Individuals who received a smallpox vaccination in the past are not protected against mpox. They should get vaccinated against mpox as soon as possible for the best protection.
For more information including eligibility requirements, visit the City’s mpox webpage here.