Dear friend,
The Federal election is just three days away! I am proud of the campaign that Dr. Samantha Green and her team have run in Toronto Centre. Samantha has connected with many community members, spreading the NDP’s hopeful message of greater affordability, a stronger safety net and a more prosperous Canada.
Many political pundits have observed that Mark Carney as Prime Minister represents a significant policy shift to the right for the Liberals. A conservative friend of mine has even described him as “the Conservative leader I always dreamed of,” which is apt.
The Liberals have given Toronto Centre voters a “disgraced” candidate in Evan Solomon, according to the news headlines. In 2015, Evan Solomon ”was fired by CBC News in the wake of alleged secret art deals.”
The Guardian, a British daily newspaper reported Solomon was “accused of taking in commissions of over $300,000 in art sales arranged through journalistic contacts.”
Two days ago, Allison Smith, Editor of TorontoToday and former publisher of Queen’s Park Today report, “Liberal candidate, Evan Solomon, says he's been “sleeping on a buddy’s couch’ while campaigning in Toronto Centre. The former broadcast journalist, who spent 15 years in Ottawa and NYC, sloughed off criticism from his NDP opponent about his ties to Toronto.”
Toronto Centre needs an MP with a strong moral compass. Someone with the courage to speak up in the face of injustice, here and abroad. Someone with a proven track record on climate action. Someone who has earned our trust and deeply loves our communities. The stakes are high and Toronto Centre can not be taken for granted. I can’t think of anyone more trustworthy than Dr. Green, who has been a beloved family doctor and neighbour in our community for years.
We need a strong NDP caucus in Ottawa to combat the Liberals' rightward shift. Only New Democrats have been successful in forcing the Liberals to invest in the programs that Canadians depend on, such as dental care, pharmacare, $10-a-day childcare, real affordable housing, and much more. The small but mighty NDP caucus was able to do it last time, and the same push is required now more than ever, as we face economic uncertainty.
I hope you vote for Dr. Samantha Green on Monday. Make your plan to vote at howyouvote.ca and pledge your support for Samantha here!
If you want to get more involved, the campaign is looking for volunteers on Saturday and election day. Sign up here! Any amount of time you can give is so valuable!
Yours in hope,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Ford Threatens Toronto School Boards
- Bike Lane Victory (For Now)
- Ford’s Greenbelt Lobbyist Banned
- OPSEU Convention
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Ford Threatens Toronto School Boards |
This week, my concern about Paul Calandra becoming the Minister of Education was proven right. The Ministry of Education has taken control of one Ontario school board and is investigating three others, including the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), due to their “inability” to balance their budgets. What the government failed to share were the reasons for the budget shortfalls, specifically chronic underfunding from the Ford government.
Minister Calandra cited two egregious instances of board overspending as the reason for these takeovers, neither of which was expensed by the Toronto boards. While these two expenses were far from examples of prudent spending, they only totalled $230,000, which is far from the difference between these boards balancing their budgets or not. There are deeper, structural issues at play that the government refuses to acknowledge.
The Ford government says again and again that education funding has never been higher, which is true. What they fail to mention is that the cost to deliver education is also at an all-time high and that school boards, especially those in larger urban areas, are struggling to keep up.
Ford and Calandra also blame these unbalanced budgets on bloated administration budgets, even though all school boards have their administration costs capped at 2.5% of their funding, which is considered very lean by even conservative business standards. Meanwhile, almost every school board in Ontario spends more than the government funds them for on special education for students with disabilities and still fails to meet students’ needs. We need more special education funding now!
Last week, I shared updates from the TDSB’s budget town hall, where they outlined their budget shortfalls and the fact that they would need to make significant cuts to balance their budget.
Here are the main funding issues identified by TDSB:
- Increases to employer-paid CPP and EI contributions
- Teacher and support staff salaries that are higher than the ministry standard to which they are funded
- Inability to close schools, no increased funding for half-full schools that cost the same to operate as a full school, minus teacher costs
- High inflation, in terms of both labour and supply costs
- Greater than average populations of students with special needs (they are only funded for the provincial average)
- Greater than average populations of students who are refugees, newcomers, and need ESL support (they are only funded for the provincial average)
TDSB staff have said that they may be forced to cut programs that community members rely on, including the program that supplies a Chromebook to every student in grade 5 and above, as well as the Learn4Life adult general interest programs. However, even if they cut both programs entirely, that would not result in a balanced budget.
I look forward to returning to the legislature next week to hold the government accountable for its misleading rhetoric and scapegoating of school boards. Our kids deserve better!
| Bike Lane Victory (For Now) |
Incredible news! This week, Cycle Toronto and two individual cyclists were granted an injunction that temporarily halts the removal of bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue.
The battle is far from over, and the government can still appeal, but I am hopeful. In the final decision, the judge in this case referenced the lack of credible evidence that the bike lanes cause congestion, which is the government's main argument for their removal.
I am so proud of these brave activists working so hard to ensure that Toronto continues to be a place where cyclists and other vulnerable road users are respected, protected, and safe. I hope to have more updates soon!
|
Ford’s Greenbelt Lobbyist Banned |
Last week, Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner issued a 2-year lobbying ban on John Mutton a.k.a. Mr. X, and named Matt Johnston, both prominent characters in Premier Ford’s Greenbelt carve-up.
It is horrifying that these rule-breakers are the kind of people that this government is in business with – a lobbyist who has broken the law not once, not twice, but repeatedly for almost a decade. This is ridiculous, and we know that we will only learn more when the RCMP investigation into the Greenbelt carve-up is made public.
Next, the Integrity commissioner should reveal just which public officials were in positions of conflict of interest, receiving Toronto Raptors tickets and other bribes from Mr. X and his friends.
People in Ontario are facing a lot of uncertainty right now. They are worried about their jobs, how they are going to afford groceries this month, and whether they will continue to have a stable place to live. In an environment like this, we all deserve a government that we can trust to put our best interests first. The Premier needs to clean up the culture of cash-for-access and preferential treatment that continues to plague his government so we can get to work strengthening Ontario. We can’t afford any more distractions.
| OPSEU Convention |
On Thursday, I was proud to attend the opening ceremony of the OPSEU/SEFPO Convention 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. I enjoyed the opportunity to show my support for the nearly 180,000 members of the Ontario Public Service that OPSEU/SEFPO represents. I was joined by my fellow caucus members, MPPs Chris Glover and Jamie West, and together we reflected alongside the Indigenous Elders leading the procession into the Convention and listened to the opening remarks. I thank OPSEU/SEFPO for the invitation to attend this year’s convention and for the ongoing solidarity between workers and the ONDP caucus.
| This Week's Headlines |
Council approves new plan to ease Toronto congestion, create 'traffic czar'
Mistrial declared in sex assault case against 5 ex-world junior hockey players in London, Ont.
How to see peak cherry blossom bloom in Toronto
Hudson’s Bay expected to begin liquidation at final six stores
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Clean Toronto Together - Community Cleanups this Saturday |
Clean Toronto Together is happening this weekend! Tomorrow, community associations across Toronto Centre are coming together to clean up our local parks and green spaces!
Here are just a few of the community cleanups happening tomorrow:
St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Cleanup Day
📅 Saturday, April 26, 2025
⏰ 10 AM – 1 PM
📍 Southwest corner of The Esplanade and Frederick Street
🧤 Garbage bags and gloves will be provided
🗑️ Please bring your own plastic containers for cigarette butt collection
Friends of Berczy Park Cleanup Day
📅 Saturday, April 26, 2025
⏰ 10 AM – 1 PM
📍 Berczy Park
Bay-Cloverhill Neighbourhood Cleanup Day
📅 Saturday, April 26, 2025
⏰ 10 AM
📍 1055 Bay Street
🥪 Lunch afterwards at Firkin on Bloor
Corktown Community Cleanup at Sackville Playground
📅 Saturday, April 26, 2025
⏰ 11 AM – 1 PM
📍 Sackville Playground
| People's Assembly on Housing Justice |
🗓️ Friday, April 25th, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Panel Discussion: Financialization of Housing and Low-Income Communities
Featuring:
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John Clarke (230 Fightback)
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Walied Khogali Ali (Regent Park Residents Association)
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Chiara Padovani (York South Weston Tenant Union)
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Lorrain Lam (Shelter Housing Justice Network)
🗓️ Saturday, April 26th, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Full-Day Assembly
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10:15 AM – 12:15 PM: Working Together
Speakers from Climate Justice Toronto, Migrant Workers Alliance, No Demovictions, Toronto Underhoused and Homeless Union/Shelter Housing Justice Network, Friends of Chinatown, and Parkdale Housing Justice.
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12:15 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch (provided onsite)
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1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Workshops on Organizing and Tactics
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3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Mobilizing Communities
Panel speakers: Gaetan Heroux (230 Fightback) and Bruno Dobrusin (York South Weston Tenant Union)
- 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Final Comments and Closing Reflections
📍 Location: Toronto PWA Foundation, 4th Floor, 163 Queen St E, Toronto
🆓 This is a free event. Registration is optional and not required to attend.
🍽️ Lunch will be served on Saturday.
For more information, reach out to [email protected].
| Seniors For Climate Toronto - Earth Day Event |
A family friendly and entertaining outdoor event which will link defending our right to choose our own future – a future that eliminates carbon emissions - a better future that provides the necessities of life, (clean air, clean water, good health, affordable housing and a job that pays a living wage) and a future with justice for Indigenous People. Come on out and enjoy speakers, music, street theatre, and a kids table!
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 1 PM to 4 PM
Location: Allan Gardens – Jarvis at Carlton (North-West section) 160 Gerrard Street East, Toronto.
| Spring is in the Air |
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 1 PM – 4 PM
Location: Regent Park Greenhouse & Picnic Area (600 Dundas St. E.)
Hosted by Green Thumbs, this free, family-friendly event celebrates the arrival of spring and the kickoff of Green Thumbs’ 26th season.
Event highlights include:
- Live music by David Celia & Co, blending retro pop, folk, rock, and improv
- Face painting, children’s activities, and silent auction pickup
- Plant sale to support children’s gardening programs
- Tasty food and community connection
|
Weekend Pop-Up at at Double Take Thrift Store |
Double Take Thrift Store invites you to their pop-up market celebrating local talent, sustainable style, and conscious shopping.
Event Details:
- Saturday, April 26 & Sunday, April 27, 2025
- 11 AM – 5:30 PM
- Double Take Thrift Store
- 310 Gerrard Street East, Toronto
- Free customer parking available
Highlights Include:
- A curated selection from 12 local vendors offering handmade goods, vintage finds, and unique treasures
- An exclusive opportunity to browse the Online Luxury Collection in person
- New releases from the Upcycling Studio
Every purchase helps support the Yonge Street Mission’s community programs!
| Cabbagetown BIA is Hiring: Summer Projects Assistant |
The Cabbagetown BIA is looking for a motivated and community-minded Projects Assistant to support summer initiatives that uplift local businesses and animate the neighbourhood.
Position Overview:
- Title: Projects Assistant
- Location: Hybrid work based out of 237 Carlton St., Toronto
- Wage: $21/hour
- Hours: 35 hours per week
- Duration: May 5 to August 22, 2025
- Application Deadline: Sunday, April 27, 2025
View the whole job description and apply here.
| Toronto Local Leadership Grant |
The City of Toronto's Local Leadership Grant is now open!
As a part of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS), the Local Leadership Grant of $5,000 supports resident-led projects that support local activation and focus on the five domains of TSNS – economic opportunities, healthy lives, participation in civic-decision making, physical surroundings, and social development - across all neighbourhoods. The Local Leadership Grant prioritizes the leadership and participation of Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving groups within Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, Emerging Neighbourhoods, and other communities of focus.
Applicants must be a resident-led group consisting of at least 3 members who live in Toronto but do not live in the same household
Group projects must offer community-based activities related to at least one of the five domains of TSNS (i.e., economic opportunities, healthy lives, participation in decision-making, social development and physical surroundings) of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy
- Grant Closes: Monday April 28, 2025 at 12 PM
Click Here to submit your online application
Click here to learn about the online information sessions and grant office hours to support you with your application.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]
|
Regent Park Scholarship and Bursary Program |
Applications due: Friday, May 2, 2025 (online)
In-person deadline: Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 4 PM
Regent Park tenants can apply for up to $3,000 toward tuition fees, along with a $500 bursary to help cover books and additional education costs.
Who is eligible:
- Current or relocated tenants of Regent Park due to revitalization
- Ages 17 and older
- In good standing on rent payments
- Enrolled or accepted into a post-secondary program or training course at a recognized institution (college, university, trade school, career academy), part-time or full-time
- Able to show financial need
- Demonstrated community involvement and/or leadership
How to apply:
Online:
Complete the application by Friday, May 2, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Click here for the online application
In-person:
Pick up a paper application at 530 Dundas St. E.
Available Mondays and Thursdays, 10 AM – 4 PM
Submit completed applications by Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 4 PM
For a paper copy, translation, or other support with your application, contact Vanessa Gyali at 437-717-3378 or [email protected]
| Supporting Students with Autism: Community Forum |
Trustee Deborah Williams invites community members to a thoughtful and informative panel discussion on the supports available for TDSB students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Event Details:
🗓️Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍Location: Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, 711 Bloor Street East, Toronto (near Castle Frank Station)
RSVP here!
This forum will explore how families can navigate supports such as the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) and Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Panelists will share insights on advocacy, school resources, and system navigation. Updates from the Trustee and Superintendents will also be shared.
Childminding and light refreshments will be available.
Accessibility supports, interpretation, and additional accommodations can be arranged upon request during registration.
| CWNA’s 15th Anniversary AGM and Celebration |
The Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association invites the community to their 15th Annual General Meeting — an evening to connect, renew memberships, and celebrate local leadership.
🗓️ Thursday, May 15th, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 The 519 Ballroom, 519 Church Street
Evening Schedule:
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6:30 PM: Registration and Membership Renewal
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7:00 PM: Business Meeting (Board of Directors elections; members in good standing are eligible to vote and run)
- 8:30 PM: 15th Anniversary Celebration and Cake Cutting
Questions? Contact [email protected].
| Community Violence and Healing Workshop |
The 519’s Health Justice Program invites community members to an important discussion on Community Violence and Healing, part of the Talking Justice series.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
- Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
- Location: In person at The 519 (519 Church Street) or virtually
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Tickets: Free (Presto tickets and snacks provided)
Bianca Braganza, MSc, JD/BCL, Pro Bono Lawyer with The 519’s Combatting 2SLGBTQ+ BIPOC Hate and Racism Program, will lead a conversation exploring:
- Community and structural violence
- Social determinants of health in relation to crime and justice
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Alternative approaches to safety and justice
The 519 is a fully accessible space with all-gender washrooms. Additional accessibility supports are available upon request during registration.
RSVP preferred at The519.org/hjprog
|
Winchester Park Residents' Association AGM |
The Winchester Park Residents Association is hosting its Annual General Meeting!
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Hugh Garner Co-op (550 Ontario Street, 8th Floor Meeting Room).
This annual gathering brings neighbours together to reflect on local developments and shape the future of the community. The evening will include:
- Guest speakers
- Presentations from local representatives
- Board elections
- Updates on housing and development in the area
- A Q&A session for community members
Residents interested in serving on the board are encouraged to submit a nomination in advance. To apply, send your name, address, length of residency, and a brief note on your interest to [email protected]. Community members from all housing backgrounds— renters, owners, co-op members, or otherwise—are welcome to apply.
| Regent Park Film Festival Call for Submissions |
The Regent Park Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 2025 festival!
Regent Park Film Festival (RPFF) is an award-winning, community-based, non-profit organization, and Toronto’s longest-running, FREE film festival.
RPFF’s mission is two-fold: to amplify and center marginalized communities and their stories, providing a platform for the work of emerging and established artists, while opening up access to the film and television industry; and to ensure art is free and accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status.
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2024
🎥 Open to: Canadian and international filmmakers
📍 Submissions accepted online
- Welcomes films from Black, Indigenous, and racialized creators, as well as those from marginalized communities
- All genres and formats considered, including features, shorts, documentaries, and animation
- Free to submit
The festival prioritizes stories that reflect social justice, community, and the realities of those living in underrepresented spaces.
