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Dear Friend, This week has been a rollercoaster. When I woke up on Wednesday morning, I didn’t think that my bill, the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act, was going to pass second reading, even though I knew it would mean so much to survivors if it did. But then the bill did pass, with the government's support, even though they publicly voiced their opposition months ago and again earlier this week. Let me tell you about how it all went down. Before Question Period, at 9:30 AM, I held an incredibly moving press conference alongside co-sponsors of the bill, including MPPs Lisa Gretzky, Jill Andrew, Peggy Satler as well as Fartumo Kusrow, whose daughter’s former partner was charged with her murder, and Erin Lee, who was deeply involved in the Renfrew Inquest. You can watch the entire presser here.
But by 10:30 AM, Government House Leader Paul Calandra was standing up in Question Period and saying that the PCs would support Bill 173! I was stunned and elated. Then stunned again. Immediately following the about-face affirmation, agreeing to declare Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic, Minister Calandra added to our surprise. He said that he would send the Bill to a travelling committee that would criss-cross Ontario to undertake new consultation and further study. This committee is something absolutely no one asked for, not the survivors, advocates, community service providers and certainly not the families of the Renfrew triple femicide who lost their daughters to intimate partner violence in 2015. We know that IPV is an epidemic. It was confirmed by the 2022 Coroner’s Report from the Renfrew Inquest. We don’t need to study it further, and we certainly don’t need another committee to delay the declaration. Since this majority Conservative government insists on the committee process, I will work with my caucus to bring together survivors and experts who will deliver the same strong and clear message they have been sharing with Ford’s Conservatives for years: gender-based violence is a crisis, it is an epidemic, and we need action and accountability now. All day, MPP Lisa Gretzky and I, along with advocates, survivors, and their families, were overwhelmed with requests from news outlets to discuss intimate partner violence and NDP Bill 173. I have spoken to NewsTalk 1010, CityTV, CP24, CBC Ottawa, and CBC Metro Morning about the issue. The powerful voices of survivors and advocates even drowned out the government’s new (and underwhelming) housing bill tabled that same day! This victory may have been imperfect, but it was a victory nonetheless.
Before the debate on Bill 173 started at 4 PM, nearly 200 survivors, advocates, and allies gathered at our reception to connect, share stories, and hear from sector leaders about the bill's importance.
Later that evening, we debated Bill 173, and it passed second reading with the gallery packed with survivors and advocates. We tried very hard to uncouple the bill from the lengthy committee process and have third reading waived so the bill could be declared a law then and there. However, the government did not cooperate. This is disappointing but not surprising. Overall, the day was exhilarating and full of hope. I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who signed our petition, lobbied government MPPs for their votes, and those who attended the debate to support the bill - your powerful stories and advocacy made this win possible! I particularly want to thank Cait Alexander, Fartumo Kusrow, Dan Jennings, and Michelle Gilpin for attending and sharing their personal stories of how they and their families have been affected by IPV. Your voices are vital. We will not let up until Bill 173 passes third reading and receives Royal Assent. Please keep organizing and reaching out to Conservative MPPs. You can find the contact information for all MPPs here. I encourage you to call and email them, sharing why declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic matters to you. This fight is far from over, and I am grateful to be fighting alongside all of you. Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam MPP, Toronto Centre
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. Date: Tuesday April 30, 2024 Time: 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Meeting Location: Intersection of Earl St. & Sherbourne St.
Eid Mubarak to all who are celebrating! The holy month of Ramadan has come to an end. Muslim communities have come together for Eid celebrations across Ontario to mark the occasion, and I was thrilled to join them. The Regent Park Islamic Resource Centre invited me to join them for their morning Eid Prayers on Thursday at Daniels Spectrum. We shared wonderful conversations and enjoyed delicious Palestinian dates.
Earlier in the week, Mayor Olivia Chow and I attended the Ramadan Bazaar to support local entrepreneurs and a beautiful community Iftar, where we all enjoyed delicious food and great company.
The Ontario NDP has crushed a third consecutive online fundraising record in the first quarter of 2024, bringing the total raised since Marit Stiles became leader to $5 million. The party's 2024 Q1 donations show the party’s highest online fundraising totals on record, with $724,428 raised from 8,852 individual donors. This surpasses election year totals and indicates robust and consistent growth in support. I am thrilled but not surprised that our vision for a better Ontario, for public health care that's there when you need it and for housing you can afford, is resonating. This record-breaking grassroots support is about more than just numbers; it's a testament to our growing momentum as we build towards 2026 and unseating Ford’s PCs. Want to be part of the movement?
We had a fantastic turnout for the Toronto Centre NDP Annual General Meeting this past weekend – the room was packed! These meetings remind me how strong the support for the NDP is in the riding and how many people are working tirelessly to advocate for labour rights, healthcare and education for all. I'm grateful and excited to work with the newly elected executive team, a group of powerhouse organizers from every corner of the riding. Toronto Centre is home, and by continuing to work in community, we will be stronger than ever.
Ford refuses to meet with the Federation of Ontario Law Associations, who reached out to discuss his plan to appoint "like-minded" judges. He refused this meeting despite the Federation being one of Ontario's most prominent associations of legal experts and workers. What is he afraid of hearing? Is he afraid to hear that he may be wrong? That he is making undemocratic and unjust decisions for the people of Ontario? Because that’s what I’ve heard when I have spoken with the Federation about the lack of judicial independence in our Ontario courts. The Ford government is unjustly eroding the divide between our legal and political systems. I will always fight for judicial independence. You can watch me ask Ford about this here.
The Ford Conservatives’ new housing bill is weak and represents another failure by the government to take the housing crisis seriously. This government has repeatedly shown that they lack the bold vision and leadership needed to do what they should have done years ago: build at least 1.5 million homes by 2031. The government continues to ignore top recommendations of its own Housing Affordability Task Force, including legalizing fourplexes and four-storey multiplexes in all neighbourhoods as of right. What’s also missing: real rent control and government investment in non-market housing, without which the housing affordability crisis will continue. In the past decade, guideline rent increases have only raised rent by 16.5%, but overall rental prices have risen by 54.5% because of loopholes in Ontario’s rent control legislation that are so large you could drive a truck through them. On top of that, a chunk of the bill is just reversals of the government’s bad policy decisions. I wish it were different, but this bill isn't going to make it easier for Ontarians to find an affordable home or protect them from illegal eviction. I will continue championing positive, actionable policies that would make huge strides in tackling the affordable housing crisis, including:
Congratulations to the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO) Local 5115 workers at Regent Park Community Health Centre on your new tentative collective agreement. You made the difficult decision to stand up for yourselves and say that you deserve better, and the community stood with you. My colleagues and I in the NDP – the party of workers – were happy to stand and support you during your two long weeks of picketing. Everyone in Ontario can learn from your bold, courageous organizing as we work to elect an NDP provincial government that supports and funds frontline healthcare workers.
This week, our friends at Ontario Place For All released a comprehensive audit demonstrating that the Therme mega-spa cannot succeed without hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies from the government. Ford’s refusal to subsidize deeply affordable housing the same way that he subsidizes a private corporation’s for-profit parking garage is outrageous. A financial audit revealed that Therme's mega spa at Ontario Place is economically unfeasible. The report also found it unclear whether Therme can even finance the project or meet its commitments over its 95-year lease. Ontario Place For All also won a minor legal victory in their case against Doug Ford this week. It’s time to scrap this bad idea. We must save Ontario Place. Join the movement and sign my petition!
On a lighter note, I am excited to invite you to join me on an extraordinary journey as we explore the peculiar proclivities of the Ford government at Queen's Park. Watch the video here!
AGO Galery workers are on week three of a historic strike. Show your solidarity with them as they fight for decent work and a fair future. Where: The AGO, 317 Dundas Street West When: Saturday, April 13, 1 PM
This survey aims to gather insights, suggestions, and priorities from Regent Park residents to inform the neighbourhood's sustainable growth and enhancement of the Social Development Plan. To ensure that your voice is heard and considered, they kindly ask you to take a few moments to fill out the Social Development Plan survey to participate in the consultation process. Your participation will help them better understand our diverse community's needs and aspirations. Please click here to access the survey: If you have questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] or Community Development Worker Olanike at [email protected]
On April 17, 2024, from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Metrolinx will host a virtual session for community members to learn more about the next phase of construction for the future Ontario Line station in Corktown. Join to hear more about the work underway, including construction methods and timelines for this work. For online registration, please follow this link.
Date: April 18, 2024 Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: 306 Gerrard Street East RSVP: RSVP link Calling all community leaders! At this focus group, YSM wants to hear from YOU about how the they can enhance the tools they offer for community development. Join YSM to:
Refreshments and childminding will be provided, so come hungry for great conversation and collaboration. An honorarium will be paid out to residents following the event. Please RSVP to secure your spot at this dynamic event.
Corporate landlords are killing affordable housing with above-guideline rent increases (AGIs), renovictions, demovictions and other predatory tactics to exploit more money out of tenants. The Ontario PC Government is complicit. Doug Ford could save at-risk buildings if he wanted to. ACORN is organizing mock funerals in 6 cities across the province on April 18th to demand immediate action to stop the murder of affordable housing by corporate greed and government inaction. Toronto action details: When: Thursday, April 18th, 1 PM Where: 437 Jarvis Street, where tenants are fighting an AGI
DATE: Thursday, April 18, 2024 TIME: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM LOCATION: Virtual/Online via Zoom Please join Trustee Williams for a Ward 10 Forum with Trustee Williams to discuss the ways we can support student literacy and numeracy. TDSB staff will make elementary school and secondary school presentations. They will also have updates from the Trustee and Superintendents. Everyone is welcome. How to Register: Please Sign Up Here to confirm your attendance. We look forward to seeing you there!
April is Earth Month, when we recognize the need to be environmentally conscious and take care of our one and only planet. I hope that you can attend one of the city’s many cleanups in Toronto Centre. Look below to find one in your neighbourhood! Yonge and Dundas SquareHosted by Downtown Yonge BIA Date and Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:30 AM Meeting Point: Yonge-Dundas Square What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, reusable water bottles, boots, and your enthusiasm! The DYBIA will provide supplies and refreshments after clean-up. Register at: [email protected] and state how many people will be in your party. Moss Park Hosted by the City of Toronto. Date and Time: Friday, April 19, 12 PM - 1 PM Meeting Point: Shuter and Pembrooke What to Bring: Comfortable clothes. Gloves, garbage bags, and refreshments will be provided. St. Lawrence Hosted by A Greener Future, Cigarette Butt Cleanup *Participants must be 19+ Date and Time: Saturday, April 20, 10 AM - 1 PM Meeting Point: Berczy Park & Toronto Sculpture Garden What to Bring: Equipment (gloves, upcycled container), weather appropriate clothes Register at: [email protected] or https://www.agreenerfuture.ca/ Corktown Date and Time: Saturday, April 20, 10 AM - 1 PM Meeting Point: Sackville playground What to Bring: Weather appropriate clothing. Bags and equipment are provided. For more information: [email protected] Bay St Hosted by the Mayor Date and Time: Saturday, April 20, 10 AM Meeting Point: 1055 Bay Street What to Bring: Sensible shoes and gloves. Bags and equipment provided Free St James Town Dog Wellness Clinic Pop-UpHosted by the Toronto Humane Society and the City of Toronto, St. Jamestown is hosting a FREE Dog Wellness Clinic Pop-Up Date and Time: Friday April 26, 10 AM - 1 PM Location: Wellesley Community Centre, 495 Sherbourne Street Appointments are required! Be sure to register in advance at The Corner. Register in person at 200 Wellesley Street East, by phone at 416-964-6657, or by email at [email protected]
Corktown is promoting the growth of native trees by giving them away in a special Earth Month event! Deadline to place an order is Saturday, April 20. Find more information here. Tree Pickup - May 11, 10 AM -1 PM Pickup Location: 513 King Street East
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/
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 (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. |
April 12, 2024 Newsletter
Latest posts
January 11, 2025 Newlsetter
Dear Emma,
The new year has come in like a lion! We may now be facing a provincial and federal election before the month of May. Now is the time to hold on to your hats, stay informed, and get involved in your local communities.
As I’m sure you have heard by now, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that he will resign. He has also prorogued, or suspended, parliament until March 24. After that date, a federal election could happen at any point, especially since both Jagmeet Singh and Pierre Polievre have said they will table non-confidence motions as soon as possible and will not vote to support the government.
The NDP have done incredible work at the federal level over the past several years, bringing dental care and pharmacare to Canadians. Our federal party did the hard work of starting up those programs to bring dental care and access to medications to those who need it the most. These programs represent the most significant expansion to our healthcare system since Medicare and bring us several steps closer to true universal healthcare. The NDP also passed the Early Learning and Child Care Act to lower the price of child care along with anti-scab and sustainable jobs legislation to protect workers. These strides would never have occurred if the NDP had not held the threat of an election over the Liberals every day. All of those measures were opposed by both Liberals and Conservatives until the NDP forced the Liberals to enact them.
However, the NDP never intended the supply and confidence agreement to last forever. Eventually, the Liberals showed their true colours, as they always do, and the NDP couldn't look past their scandals and mistakes. It is time for a new government in Ottawa, and I am so glad that the NDP has already shown the kind of caring and effective government they will be.
At the same time as all of this drama is taking place at the Federal government, President-elect Trump is threatening to slap massive 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, providing Doug Ford with the cover he needs to seek a new mandate from Ontarians and send us back to the polls. This could happen any day now, as it is advantageous to Ford to have Ontarians go to the polls before the Federal election begins. But all of this is pure speculation. Only Ford and his insiders know when Ontarians will go to the polls.
Regardless of what the government decides, the Ontario NDP caucus and I are ready to run a campaign filled with positive, practical and ready-to-go solutions. The only thing that would make our campaign in Toronto Centre better is YOU!
Campaigns run on people power. I would love to see each and every one of you out knocking on doors with me. Let’s tell your friends and family about the significant policies of the Ontario NDP. Speak out on social media about the importance of getting out the vote, especially for first time voters. Let’s work together to elect the Ontario NDP and fix the things that has been broken by 30 years of Liberal and Conservative rule in the province.
Amidst all of this turmoil, we also need to take a moment to gather with our friends and neighbours. In that spirit, I’d love for you to join me in celebrating the possibilities of the year ahead at my New Year’s Levee.
Here are the details for your calendar:
When: Sunday, January 26, 2025
Time: 2 – 4 PM
Where: Daniels Spectrum
585 Dundas Street East
Toronto, ON M5A 2B7
We’ll have a selection of refreshments and snacks. The venue is wheelchair accessible, including washrooms.
Let’s celebrate the year ahead, including the Lunar New Year, with hope, positivity, and our shared power to create change. I can’t wait to see you there.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Jarvis Collegiate Repair Backlogs
- Supporting Small Business - Wanda’s Pie In The Sky
- 2024 in Review
- Regent Park Community Centre’s Pancake Breakfast
- Ford Fails on Housing and Homelessness
- Pride Toronto’s 2025 Theme - ALL IN!
- This Week's Meetings
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Jarvis Collegiate Repair Backlogs |
On Thursday, I returned to Jarvis Collegiate with ONDP Leader Marit Stiles and Trustee Dee Williams. Principal Stephen Bain highlighted the vibrant school community and revitalized the library and gym.
Ontario students deserve safe, fully operational and staffed schools so that they can receive the best education and learn about all career paths. I am so grateful to the principal, educators, and students we met, especially the grade 10 civics class, who are passionate about politics and asked the best questions!
We also observed important facilities that have been shut down for a decade or more, including two science labs, a greenhouse, an art room and a full industrial kitchen. Ontario’s Fiscal Watchdog, the Financial Accountability Office, warned in their December report that the Ford government was underfunding capital repairs needed in schools by $12.7 billion. What we saw at Jarvis CI is symptomatic of chronic Liberal and Conservative government underfunding in public education, leading to 85% of TDSB schools falling below the state of good repair.
| Supporting Small Business - Wanda’s Pie In The Sky |
Wanda’s Pie in the Sky is a longtime and beloved bakery in Kensington Market. I’ve known the owners, David and Wanda Beaver, for years. In fact, they used to be one of my suppliers when I owned a Timothy’s World Coffee franchise on Church Street. They’re responsible business people and exceptional pie makers. So when they reached out for assistance in December to correct an issue with City Hall, I was happy to lend my support as the Small Business Critic for the Ontario NDP.
At issue was an addition built during the pandemic to provide safe distancing for indoor dining. City Hall at that time was gripped with delivering rapid responses on critical issues during the extended state of emergency. Issuing permits was not one of the urgent core functions as City Council redeployed planning, building, transportation staff to shelter, housing and public health departments to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Caught in the middle of all this was Wanda’s Pie in the Sky who has been ordered to take down an expensive addition. Except the City’s notices were sent to their landlord and property owner but never forwarded to Wanda’s Pie as the commercial tenants. I asked David and Wanda not to tear down the addition, so we can work with the City to find an alternative solution. Thanks to Mayor Olivia Chow’s personal involvement, City staff will now be working with Wanda’s Pie to conditionally approve the addition. This is a big win! Thank you to everyone who came out to sign the petition, call their Councillor, enjoy a slice of pie, and support Wanda’s Pie in the Sky. It’s a great Toronto news story for the start of 2025!
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2024 in Review |
2024 was a huge year, and I am so proud of all we have accomplished together as a community. At the end of last year, my team and I put together a year in review to capture all of the big events. You can view the entire thing here.
A few of my favourite moments of the year include when we:
- Moved second reading of the Gender Affirming Healthcare Act (which Ford voted down)
- My Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act passed second reading after Ford was forced to support it by community pressure
- Helped to save St. Bartholomew’s Children’s Centre
- Ontario NDP cracked open the Greenbelt scandal, revealing that Ford’s office used codewords to avoid detection
- Supported St James Town tenants through flooding, power outages, and landlord negligence
- Fought Ford’s sudden closure of the Ontario Science Centre, removing fencing by hand
- Worked alongside the community to bring Rastafest to Regent Park
- Listened to 100+ expert witnesses who affirm IPV is an epidemic in Ontario
- Rode my bike from Toronto to Montreal in support of HIV/AIDs research
- Lead community consultations around the Our London Family Act and countering Islamophobia
- Hosted a Small Business Roundtable to hear directly from business owners about the support they need
- Hosted a massive National Housing Day event at Queen’s Park, bringing over 200 advocates together
- Tabled my bill to fix Ontario’s tribunal backlog at the Landlord Tenant Board
I am looking forward to everything that 2025 has in store! I know it will be a year of bringing community voices forward, fighting for access to justice, and bringing forward new ideas to make our neighbourhoods stronger.
| Regent Park Community Centre’s Pancake Breakfast |
Thank you to the City staff and volunteers at the Regent Park Community Centre for cooking up a delicious pancake and waffle breakfast for the neighbourhood. It was so much fun to make waffles and chat with everyone who attended.
The breakfast was about connection, community, and belonging for everyone during the winter season. Let’s keep showing up for one another this new year - it's what community is all about!
|
Ford Fails on Housing and Homelessness |
On Thursday, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) published its Municipalities Under Pressure Report, a searing indictment of the conservative government’s inaction on homelessness.
We in Toronto Centre know the realities of encampments and homelessness. We see our neighbours out in the cold every day. Each person sleeping unsheltered is a failure of government, and yet this conservative government doesn’t have any concrete plan to tackle homelessness. I have asked the government over and over to produce this plan, and they have refused.
The number of unhoused Ontarians grew by 25% over the past two years, with more than 81,000 people identified as experiencing homelessness in 2024. Without significant intervention, that number is expected to triple by 2035.
A future in which hundreds of thousands of people live without stable housing should be unimaginable in a province as prosperous as Ontario, but instead, it is a very real possibility.
Luckily, the Ontario NDP does have a homelessness plan and is committed to making meaningful investments in mental health care, taking back provincial responsibility for shelters and homelessness prevention programs, and building affordable and supportive housing.
| Pride Toronto’s 2025 Theme - ALL IN! |
This week, Pride Toronto announced their Pride 2025 theme: ALL IN! You can watch the announcement video here.
I am so excited about this theme, which brings solidarity and community connection to the forefront of our pride celebration. This unity is something we need now more than ever as the alt-right tries to separate LGB people from their Trans and Non-binary siblings. A threat to one of us is a threat to all of us, and we must stand strong together.
I can’t wait to celebrate pride together in June, emphasizing love, solidarity, and joy!
| This Week's Meetings |
- Rainbow Health Ontario
- Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
- The Harm Reduction Collective
- FAIR Association
| This Week's Headlines |
After refusal to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic, PCs curtail study
YorkRegion.com reporters wrote about intimate partner violence in 2024 in response to local murders
TTC board debating 2025 budget that's set to freeze fares, increase service | CBC News
Norovirus cases are on the rise. Here's what you need to know about this nasty bug | CBC Radio
CBC investigation uncovers grocers overcharging customers by selling underweighted meat
Huge tent next to Toronto landmark may finally come down after a decade
| Upcoming Community Events |
| NIP’s Rosedale Heights School of the Arts Workshops |
Neighbourhood Information Post is offering exciting workshops at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts for youth under 18. Participants can explore ceramics, filmmaking, printmaking, and photography in two after-school sessions:
- Dates: January 14, 2025, and February 4, 2025
- Time: 4:30 to 7 PM
- Location: Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, 711 Bloor St E, Toronto, ON M4W 1J4
Transportation and a gift certificate will be provided, with all supplies offered by the school. For more details, contact Seyon at 416-924-2543 x0.
|
Artreach Info Session: Community Arts Programming Grant |
ArtReach invites Toronto-based arts programmers aged 13–29 to attend an info session for the 2025 Community Arts Programming Grant. This session will provide guidance on grant applications and strengthen submissions.
Details:
- Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
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Time: 6–8 PM
- 6–7 PM: Overview of guidelines and Q&A
- 7–8 PM: Walkthrough of the application package
- Location: Online via Zoom
The grant application deadline is February 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM. For more information, visit artreach.org/workshops.
| YSM's Micro-Grants for Regent Park Entrepreneurs |
The Yonge Street Mission is supporting entrepreneurs in Regent Park with its 2025 Micro-grant Program. This initiative offers financial assistance and coaching to help individuals grow their businesses.
Program Details:
- Grant Amount: Up to $4,000 (disbursed in two payments based on progress)
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Eligibility:
- Must be a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur in Regent Park or surrounding areas
- Eligible to work in Canada
- Proficient in English and computer skills
- Involvement in YSM programs is a plus
Timeline:
- Application Deadline: January 24, 2025
- Coaching Sessions: March – May 2025 (8–10 sessions)
- Grant Interviews: May 2025
- Final Report Submission: August 2025
To apply, click here or email [email protected] for further inquiries.
| SLNA’s January ReMarket |
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association (SLNA) Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 12th annual REmarket, a two-day event for recycling and donation.
Event Details:
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Dates:
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January 29, 2025 (10 AM–7 PM):
- Donation collection, recycling services, and hazardous waste drop-off
- FreeMarket: Guests can donate or take items for free (non-commercial purposes).
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January 30, 2025 (10 AM–6 PM):
- Donation collection, recycling services, and hazardous waste drop-off
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Repair Café Toronto and CultureLink Bike Hub (11 AM–3 PM):
- Repair Café: Fix clothing, jewelry, electronics, appliances, and more.
- Bike Hub: Conduct small bike repairs and safety checks.
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January 29, 2025 (10 AM–7 PM):
- Location: St. Lawrence Market Tent, 125 The Esplanade (at Market St.)
Items Accepted:
- Recycle: Dental waste, cigarette butts, batteries, damaged textiles, disposable razors, and more.
- Donate: Household items, books, mobility aids, toys, clothing, and accessories.
For full details and accepted items, visit slna.ca/remarket-guidelines or email [email protected].
2024 in Review
Dear Neighbour,
2024 has been an incredibly eventful year. Let's look back on everything we did together.
As always, it is an honour to fight for you and our communities,
p.s. We are nearly at our fundraising goal — can you help us get over the finish line?
December 20, 2024 Newsletter
Dear Neighbour,
What a week it has been in politics!
This week's headline that shook Ottawa was the bombshell resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Today Prime Minister Trudeau shuffled his cabinet.
This cabinet shuffle is lipstick on a pig. It captures the adage — Liberal, Tory, same old story. Politicians who will cling on to power by rewarding their insider friends while ignoring what everyday people are facing.
I want to echo NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s calls for Trudeau to resign. It’s time for Trudeau to touch grass and talk to Canadian families struggling in every community.
In provincial politics, this week had another bombshell report that Doug Ford is hoping Trudeau’s news buries: the Financial Accountability Office (FAO) damning report into education funding and the schools repair backlog.
The report confirms our worst fears: the crisis in our schools of crumbling infrastructure is going from bad under the former Liberal government to worse under Doug Ford.
Here are the highlights you should know:
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84% of TDSB schools are below a state of good repair
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Ontario has a $12.7 billion shortfall over the next ten years because Ford won’t maintain and repair schools — this means the number of schools below a state of good repair will continue getting worse
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Ford Conservatives have cut school funding by $1,500 per student since 2018
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In 2024 alone, Ford further slashed education funding by $300 million
- Under Ford, Ontario has the lowest per-student funding in more than ten years
I want to echo what Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles is saying: "It means leaky roofs. It means classrooms that hit freezing temperatures in the winter and stifling heat in the summer. It means asbestos in our walls and lead in our drinking water, and students learning in portables that should have been replaced decades ago. It is unacceptable."
This isn’t an abstract problem: it is happening right here in Toronto Centre. I had personally visited Jarvis Collegiate with our progressive education champion and TDSB Trustee Deborah Williams. A beloved high school in our community has classrooms that are abandoned and collapsing because of the choices Liberal and Conservative governments make.
I also want to say thank you to everyone who volunteered us this year — thank you, thank you, thank you! With your ongoing support, we continue to get ready for Ford’s snap election call rumoured to take place this spring. On Wednesday we had our final door-to-door canvass of the year and we had a superb volunteer turn-out — and last evening we had our final phone-canvass with even more positive reception. I would love for you to join us in the new year — you can sign up to volunteer here.
And of course, I am wishing you, your family, your friends, your chosen family, and your community a warm and relaxing holiday season. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year to all!
For everyone needing support over the break, we are so lucky to have many organizations providing food, warmth, and community care during this season. Some exceptional local organizations worth knowing about over the break are:
- Yonge Street Mission
- Fred Victor
- Muslim Welfare Canada
- Calling 211 will also connect you with a full list of helpful service providers in our neighbourhoods.
- You can also find an updated list of City of Toronto Warming Centres at this link.
Finally, my team and I happily research, write, edit and send out 50 weekly newsletters like this one every year. I'm sure you would agree, it's time to give the hardworking writing elves a little Christmas break and family time.
Our community newsletters will resume after the first week of the New Year. I am so looking forward to returning in the new year with updates and to continuing to connect with you all. In the meantime, I wish all of you a happy, bright, and safe holiday season, whether you are celebrating or simply enjoying the slower pace as we end the year
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
p.s. My campaign manager is reminding me to ask you for a year-end donation to ensure you get your tax credit back in time for tax season. Thank you!
| In This Newsletter |
- You're Invited to My New Year's Levee
- Remembering Raji Sivasubramaniam
- Get Ready With Me: Political Edition
- Local Arts Organizations Receive Trillium Grants!
- Welcoming Artisan MRKT and Sans Coiffure to Toronto Centre
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community Events
| New Year's Levee |
This new year I am excited to announce that my office will be holding a New Years Levee! On January 26, 2025 from 2 – 4 PM at Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St. E) we will gather for free coffee, hot chocolate and cookies!
| Remembering Raji Sivasubramaniam |
I was saddened to learn that a pillar of our community — Raji Sivasubramaniam — passed away on December 7. Raji was a pillar of our communities in St. James Town and Regent Park. He regularly called my office to connect his neighbours to support and community resources. He cared about his community with his whole heart. Raji lived a life of service for others and will be dearly missed. I also want to thank the St. James Town Corner for organizing a bus to Mississauga so that his friends could join his funeral service last weekend. Your life and impact will not be forgotten Raji. Friends and neighbours are invited to sign the digital condolences book here.
| Get Ready with Me: Political Edition |
Before the House rose, I recorded this humourous video sharing my best secrets for getting ready for Question Period. I hope you enjoy it! ;)
|
Cabbagetown Arts Recital |
Joining Cababgetown Community Arts for their recital is an annual holiday joy! Thank you to the staff, volunteers, students, parents, & donors who are the backbone of Cabbagetown Community Arts and make everything possible. I firmly believe that connecting young people to the arts will open doors for them in transformative ways. You can learn about what they do at https://www.cabbagetownarts.org/.
|
Recognizing the Young Centre for the Performing Arts |
This week I was thrilled to recognize the Young Centre for the Performing Arts accomplishment in receiving a Trillium Grant to support their work delivering high quality arts programming for young people in our community. You can check them out at https://youngcentre.ca and consider bringing little ones in your life to see Alligator Pie presented by Soulpepper Theatre!
| Welcoming Artisan MRKT and Sans Coiffure to Toronto Centre |
I visited two growing small businesses in Toronto Centre who you should know about! Artisan MRKT by Jenna Lee is a vibrant new space celebrating Canadian artisans and entrepreneurs. You can visit this inspiring hub of creativity at 503 Parliament St. Toronto and https://artisanmrkt.ca.
San Coiffure is a new hair salon dedicated to making an empowering and safe space for 2SLGBTQI+ people and women. You can check them out at 588 Yonge St. or sancoiffure.ca.
| This Week's Headlines |
- NDP say they will vote no confidence in Liberal government with Trudeau as PM
- Singh says NDP will vote to bring down Trudeau government
- Who are the new members of Prime Minister Trudeau's Cabinet?
- Gunshots fired at Jewish girls' school for 3rd time this year
- Toronto's Medical Officer reflects on leading city's public health unit
- Gisele Pelicot wanted us to know her name. These are the men convicted in her rape.
- Freeland's resignation letter didn't mention gender, but Trudeau accused of phoney feminism anyway
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Regent Park Holiday Pancake Breakfast |
Friends of Regent Park are hosting a pancake breakfast on Saturday, December 21 at the Regent Park Gymnasium and Banquet Hall.
From 9 AM - 1 PM it is sure to be an exciting morning of pancakes, crafts, games, and more. Santa is expected to make the rounds and lots of new friends are to be made!
Ho ho hold the date!
| Regent Park Community Skate |
Looking for fun during the winter break? The Friends of Regent Park will host a Community Skating event.
Date: Saturday, December 28, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Regent Park Ice Rink (480 Shuter St.)
Skates, helmets and skating aids will be available for free on a first-come, first-served basis (courtesy of the City of Toronto's Skate Lending Library).
| A Remarkable Assembly returns to Queen's Parkl |
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s Women’s Forum will bring together 124 young women and gender diverse individuals from across Ontario for a full-day program in Toronto to promote active citizenship and public engagement through education and empowerment. The forum will feature a variety of engaging events, including panels, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Applications are currently open and we encourage you to share the attached information in your riding.
| Toronto Humane Society: Pet Food Bank & Community Days |
Daily Pet Food Bank:
Providing essential food and supplies for pets, ensuring no pet goes hungry or is separated from their family due to financial challenges.
Community Day Events:
Monthly events offering:
- Pet food
- Pet supplies (bowls, leashes, apparel, carriers, gates, toys, beds, and blankets)
Pet Food Bank Hours:
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact Information:
- Website: www.torontohumanesociety.com/pet-services/community-day
- Address: 11 River Street, Toronto, ON
- Phone: (416) 392-2273
| Artreach Info Session: 2025 Community Arts Programming Grant |
ArtReach invites Toronto-based arts programmers aged 13–29 to attend an info session for the 2025 Community Arts Programming Grant. This session will provide guidance on grant applications and strengthen submissions.
Details:
- Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
-
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
- 6:00–7:00 PM: Overview of guidelines and Q&A
- 7:00–8:00 PM: Walkthrough of the application package
- Location: Online via Zoom
The grant application deadline is February 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM. For more information, visit artreach.org/workshops.