Dear Neighbour,
Ford's Education Minister Todd Smith stepped down today, shocking everyone — and turning up the dial on speculation of an early election.
This is suspicious. Todd Smith had recently been promoted to being the Education Minister. The Queen's Park rumour mill is alleging that he was unhappy having been moved from energy to education — but these excuses have more holes than Ford's social safety net.
I see merit in theories that the work and responsibility of an early election led to him wanting out.
This is especially strange after news broke this week with the impending announcement of a new child care funding formula. Todd Smith was supposed to be the salesperson for this new plan.
Ford has shuffled his cabinet. The new Education Minister is Jill Dunlop. Nolan Quinn is replacing her as the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. Kevin Holland has become the new Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products as part of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Graham McGregor has been made the new Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform as part of the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
After uncertainty, foot-dragging, and question-dodging by the Ford government, a new clear formula will allow small businesses to plan and count on government funding as Ontario attempts to realize the federal government’s $10-a-day child care commitment.
Ford is instead planning to cap costs at $22-a-day. While we are waiting for more details, what we know does not meet the moment — it does not include a clear plan (or the necessary funding) to recruit, train, and retain child care sector workers.
When it comes to child care, the child care workforce is everything. Having well-trained, fairly paid child care workers means better child care. It will allow the sector to grow and waitlists to shrink.
It was not that long ago that nurses and teachers were grossly underpaid because the sector was seen as largely women’s work — though there is still so much more to do still. It took decades of organizing community power by unions and families to secure the improvements to pay that both professions have.
It’s time for child care sector workers to win a similar transformation.
Ford’s funding formula has no clear plan to transform pay for child care sector workers to match the importance of the work that they do. This kind of hollow posturing is why I struggle to read the headlines and not see another bullet point he wants to print on his campaign flyers and ads.
We can read the writing on the wall — and we are getting election ready. We are grateful to everyone who can volunteer or donate!
Additionally, I have created four surveys spanning the three ministerial portfolios I am responsible for including one to cover community safety as that is a priority issue for the City of Toronto and Toronto Centre. If you have general feedback that doesn’t fall into these buckets you can still provide that information through the ONDP’s general consultation survey here.
Please share my surveys with anyone in your networks who would be interested!
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- WPSQ continues to mistreat tenants at 77 Howard St.
- New Ontario Homelessness Numbers
- IPV Committee Hearings
- Walk with the NDP in Labour Day
- Volunteer at the St. James Town and Cabbagetown Festivals
- Ontario NDP Platform Survey
- Visiting Little Canada - Top Toronto Attraction
- Ford Jokes About Hospital Wait Times
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community News
| WPSQ Continues to Mistreat Tenants at 77 Howard |
I was deeply disappointed to see Wellesley Parliament Square (WPSQ) continue gaslighting and invalidating what their tenants are going through at 77 Howard St. In a new article by Gaye Taylor, their spokesperson told the media that " if it’s coming from anybody other than the building management, it’s either supposition, rumour or third-hand (information)".
I cannot take WPSQ's spokesperson seriously considering their track-record of not getting back to tenants and failing to manage the building. WPSQ has also failed to meet the deadline to answer the letter I sent them last week.
Adding insult to injury, a tenant at 77 Howard St. sent my office a video this morning showing dust pouring into the open laundry room —when tenants were doing their laundry! Tenants are already struggling because only 1/3 of laundry machines are operating. They deserve laundry refunds and compensation.
|
Ontario Homeless Numbers on the Rise |
Next week the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) will meet, and this week featured a preview of the issues they will raise with numbers reported that Ontario’s homeless population has grown to number more than 230,000 — almost a quarter million.
This is up over 200,000 from 21,000 in 2018.
Those numbers are not a typo.
These numbers encapsulate Ford’s failure to respond to the housing crisis. An NDP government will make sure provincial responsibilities are paid for by the province in a new partnership with cities, based on respect.
We will act urgently to fix our housing, health care and addictions crises, so that everyone, no matter where you live in Ontario, can live a good life.
| IPV Committee Hearings Continue |
The committee studying intimate partner violence continued this week. I started this seventh differently by calling on MPP Mike Mantha to formally resign from the intimate partner violence (IPV) study committee and our Justice Policy Committee. I want to echo the call from Marit Stiles that he step down as an MPP after reports were published that he sexually assaulted his constituency staff. Perpetrators of sexual harassment and violence should not shape the laws intended to stop IPV.
This week, the IPV Study Committee and I delved into comprehensive discussions to address the urgent need for declaring intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic and passing Bill 173. Presenters, including those from the Moose Hide campaign, emphasized the integration of land-based healing and Indigenous sovereignty into IPV initiatives. We spoke to experts about how to use tools like the ODARA and the limits of their effectiveness within diverse communities.
Further discussions highlighted the crucial role of education and training in detecting and responding to IPV, the ongoing failure to act on past IPV recommendations, and the need for preventative measures to reduce emergency situations. We also explored the systemic issues of human trafficking and the significant role of family services in healing IPV impacts.
Calls were reiterated for legislative actions including the immediate passing of Bill 173, expansion of Legal Aid, smarter bail reforms, and better housing and counseling access for survivors. The expert consensus is clear: Ontarians want comprehensive reform and accountability to protect and empower IPV survivors.
Walk with the NDP in Labour Day |
Join New Democrats this Labour Day! Sign up below.
|
Volunteer at the St. James Town and Cabbagetown Festivals |
We will be back at the Cabbagetown and St. James Town Festivals tabling on the weekend of September 7, 2024. We would love all the volunteer help we can get engaging our neighbours. Sign up below.
Saturday September 7, 2024
Sunday September 8, 2024
| Ontario NDP Platform Survey |
We need your help to finalize our platform! Thank you to everyone who has already filled this out — I know that it is not a quick survey to complete and appreciate everyone’s time and patience in filling it out. The Ontario NDP and I want to ensure this plan reflects what hardworking Ontarians expect from their government.
Click here and let us know — what are your priorities?
| Visiting Little Canada - Top Toronto Attraction |
This week, I had the chance to meet with Little Canada and talk about the vital support our arts and culture organizations need to take risks and grow. Their miniature display of Toronto Centre’s landmarks at 10 Dundas St. E is truly a labour of love. Be sure to visit this can’t miss attraction! Learn more at their website.
| Ford Jokes About Hospital Wait Times |
I’ll be honest that I did not have “Ford thinks the health crisis he created is funny” on my 2024 bingo card — but here we are. While at the opening for a new animal hospital earlier this week, Doug Ford joked that a new animal hospital be the overflow site for human patients when looking for “MRIs, CAT scan and everything else.”
The moronic comments from Ford show how out of touch he is when 2.3 Ontarians are struggling to find a family doctor, burnt out nurses are leaving the profession in record numbers and wait times for surgeries are months long. He is simply not up to job.
He has failed to apologize.
| MPOX Vaccination Strongly Recommended by Public Health |
Earlier this week, the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern because a new strain of mpox is spreading rapidly through Central Africa.
What you need to know:
- The outbreak is linked to a new strain (called a Clade) of mpox that is highly virulent
- Over 15,000 infections have happened in Central Africa, with a fatality rate of 3.7% — this is higher than the fatality rate of the strain of mpox that spread in 2022.
- Declaring a public health emergency of international concern is a signal for countires like Canada to share our vaccine stockpiles — something the Trudeau government has not yet agreed to do.
Mpox cases increased significantly in Toronto last month. Public health officials are encouraging people who meet the eligibility criteria to get vaccinated. You can see the eligibility criteria here.
There are three currently eligible groups:
- Any queer person who has (or plans to have) sex with men who are having non-exclusive sex with other men
- Anyone who does sex work
- Any immunocompromised person who lives with someone who is eligible based on the above criteria.
To anyone who is eligible — odds are that you want to look fabulous all the time. An mpox infection is not just extraordinarily painful — it will temporarily make you less attractive than you otherwise could be. Do the right thing for everyone, and please get your shot!
You can book an mpox vaccination here.
This is another wake-up call for our government to pass the Ontario NDP's Stay Home If You Are Sick Act.
| Visiting the Underpass Farmers' Market |
I had a fabulous time visiting the Underpass Park Farmers' Market! Many thanks to all the sponsors including co-founder, Socrates Apallas, and the team of vendors & farmers who show up every Thursday from 4 PM – 7:30 PM. Harvest themes are fast approaching and this exceptional market runs until October.
| This Week's Headlines |
- Low-Income Residents Push Landlord for Compensation After ‘Catastrophic’ Toronto Storm
- Ontario privacy commissioner issues new guidance for intimate partner violence professionals
- ‘These are not your lands to give away’: 6 First Nations take Ontario to court over mining law
- The PCs claim their new law will end puppy mills in Ontario—it won’t even come close
- Ontario nurses group supports national pharmacare program
- NDP plans to ban renovictions
- Encampments a ‘public policy failure’ by successive governments. Ontario municipalities push for thousands more supportive housing units
- Toronto business owner calls out Metrolinx
- ‘We have nothing to hide,’ Doug Ford says as RCMP interviews potential witnesses 🤥🤥🤥
- Are private health care providers breaking the law? Four doctors speak out on for-profit care
- Finding a job is tough when you have a disability, and Ontario's revamped employment system isn't helping
- Why Nurses are calling out Highway 413
- Electoral College Projected Averages this week
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Canvass with Samantha Green |
Samantha Green, our federal NDP candidate in Toronto, is out knocking on doors every week. You can join her by signing up for her canvass this Monday or seeing all her upcoming shifts.
|
Friends of Allan Gardens Plant Swap |
Friends of Allan Gardens invites the community to a Summer Plant Swap & Fundraiser. Bring your pest-free cuttings, plants, and seeds to trade with fellow plant enthusiasts. Alongside the swap, a volunteer-propagated plant sale will offer $5 and $10 plants. The event also features a raffle, so bring some cash for a chance to win great prizes!
- Date/Time: Saturday, August 17th, 2024, from 10 AM – 2 PM
- Location: Allan Gardens Children’s Conservatory & Teaching Garden, 160 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2E5
For more details, visit: Friends of Allan Gardens.
| Mudday Mornings in Allan Gardens |
Friends of Allan Gardens invites kids and families to Mudday Mornings, a fun and educational drop-in program throughout August. Explore urban agriculture and nature through interactive learning stations that change weekly, making each Monday morning unique.
- Designed for Ages: 3-8 (siblings welcome)
- Parent/Guardian Supervision: Required
- Cost: Pay-what-you-can, with a $5 suggested donation per child
- Date/Time: Every Monday in August, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM (drop-in anytime)
- Location: Allan Gardens Children’s Conservatory & the Edible Garden, 160 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2E5
Special thanks to the Garden Club of Toronto and the City of Toronto for supporting this program. Hosted by Matt Canaran and Friends of Allan Gardens volunteers. For more details, visit Friends of Allan Gardens.
| Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway |
St. James Town Community Corner and Toronto Police Services are hosting a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway for kids aged 4 to 16 years. This event is designed to support families with a combined annual income of $50,000 or less. The giveaway will take place at The Corner, located at 200 Wellesley Street East.
To participate, families need to register in person on:
- Tuesday, August 20, from 4 - 6:30 PM
- Wednesday, August 21, from 4:30 - 6 PM
Please note that supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Don't forget to bring your children's ID cards for age verification.
For more information, please contact The Corner at 416-964-6657 or [email protected]
| Moss Park Back to School Drive |
Steps to Support Houselink & Mainstay Community Housing, along with community partners, are hosting their 3rd Annual Back to School Drive. Families with children aged 4-18 who reside in designated buildings (listed below) are invited for an afternoon of fun, entertainment, and refreshments. There will also be a raffle!
Event Details:
- Date: August 23
- Time: 12 - 4 PM
- Location: Moss Park Basketball Court, Queen St East & Ontario St Intersection
Eligible Buildings:
- 275 Shuter
- 285 Shuter
- 295 Shuter
- 155 Sherbourne
- 200 Sherbourne
Registration: To register, call with your name, building, unit number, and the names and ages of each child in your household.
Contact for More Information:
- Candice Stoute: (437) 246-3587, [email protected]
- Steps to Support Office Mainline: (416) 368-2424
Registration Deadline: August 12
This event is a wonderful opportunity to prepare for the new school year while enjoying a day out with the community!
| The 519's Back-to-School Bash |
The 519 invites the community to their 8th Annual Back-to-School Bash, a fun-filled event to celebrate the new school year.
- Date: Sunday, August 25
- Time: 1 - 5 PM
- Location: Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street
Enjoy music, food, games, and activities for the whole family as we gear up for the new school year. Don't miss this exciting event! Learn more here.
| Cabbagetown Festival Call for Volunteers |
The Cabbagetown Festival is looking for volunteers to help bring their event to life! If you, your family members, or friends are able to help, the festival would appreciate your support. Please share this opportunity with them!
Volunteers will be needed for various 5-hour shifts between 6 AM - 10 PM on Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8.
Benefits of Volunteering:
- Meet new friends from your community!
- Earn valuable work experience for your resume.
- FREE lunch.
- Support local small businesses.
- Complete your high-school community service requirements.
- IT'S FUN!!
If you would like to volunteer, please fill out the form below. The Cabbagetown Festival thanks you!
Deadline to Apply: Sunday, August 18
| St. James Town Festival |
Join the St. James Town Community Corner for the St. James Town Festival 2024, celebrating with the theme "Greener and Safer: Reviving and Rebuilding Relationships."
Enjoy fun activities, performances, community awards, cultural foods, and a variety of vendors at this year’s St James Town Festival!
- Date: Saturday, September 7
- Time: 1 - 7 PM
- Location: Ontario Street, north of Wellesley Street East
For more information or questions, email [email protected].
| Call for Vendors — St. James Town Festival |
St. James Town Community Corner invites vendors and performers to participate in the St. James Town Festival 2024. Showcase your products and art, or perform on the festival’s main stage.
- Date: Saturday, September 7
- Time: 1 PM - 7 PM
- Location: Ontario Street, north of Wellesley Street East
Vendor and Performer Registration:
- Email: [email protected] with the subject title "Festival Vendor/Performer"
|
Dixon Hall Farmers' Market |
Dixon Hall is launching their Farmers’ Market flyer market. This unique market works on the “Pay What You Can” model.
Dates: Every other Thursday (Aug 29, Sept 12, Sept 26)
Time: 3 PM until sold out!
Location: 190 Carlton Street
Farmers Market Quick Facts:
- PWYC Model: Choose your price, from $5 to $20, ensuring everyone can access fresh food.
- Community Engagement: Enjoy fresh produce, lively activities, and music, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
- Dixon Hall needs volunteers to help them organize the market; help out today!
| Taste of Regent Park |
Date: Every Wednesday, from July 3 – September 4, 2024
Location: The Big Park | Bake Oven
Time: 5 - 8 PM
Learn more here.
| ArtHeart — Summer Drop-In for Child, Youth, and Family |
Dates: Mondays-Thursdays, July 8 – August 29
Times: 3:30 - 5:30 PM
Location: Daniels Spectrum 2nd floor (studio 210)
Join ArtHeart this summer for drop-in summer arts programming! Children, youth and family arts will run Mondays-Thursdays (note that some Thursdays will be Family Field Trips days and may start earlier - please enquire)!
A one-time application is required. Click here or email us at [email protected] for the application.
This summer, participants will explore painting, sculpture, paper crafts, and more! Nourishing snacks and refreshments are provided.
| ArtHeart — Seniors and Adults |
Seniors Program (55+)
Date: Every Monday
Time: 10 AM - 12:45 PM
Location: Daniels Spectrum 2nd floor (studio 210)
Adults Program (16+)
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Location: Daniels Spectrum 2nd floor (studio 210)
Join ArtHeart for our year-round open art studio for adults and seniors! Participants are welcome to attend both sessions.
Enjoy an open, welcoming environment to meet like-minded creative people! Warm meals are provided during programming.
| Low-Income Energy Assistance Program |
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program offers grants to Toronto residents who are behind on their hydro payments and receive support from Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). This initiative is a collaboration between the City of Toronto, Neighbourhood Information Post (NIP), and partner agencies.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Residency: Must live in Toronto
- Income: Must meet low-income guidelines
- Utility Bills: Must have a recent “past due” Toronto Hydro bill or a disconnection notice from the utility provider
- Additional Requirements: Must meet other program criteria
Please note that meeting these criteria does not guarantee grant approval, and additional documentation may be required.
Learn more here.
| Dixon Hall's Next Step Program |
Dixon Hall is launching their next step skills-based training program for those seeking meaningful employment in Toronto’s Downtown East. This program is being launched in partnership with George Brown College’s Continuing Education Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts. The program innovatively combines theoretical learning with hands-on training, preparing participants for successful careers in the dynamic culinary and food industry. Information here.
Key benefits of the program include:
- Innovative Learning: Hybrid courses that blend online education with practical, in-kitchen experiences.
- Earn Certifications: Gain industry-recognized certifications that ensure you have the skills needed for a thriving career.
- 1-on-1 Employment Assistance: Personalized support from employment advisors to ensure you’re job-ready upon completion.
| Free Daily Swimming at Wellesley Community Centre |
Did you know that Wellesley Community Centre has a new indoor pool? ... & that it is FREE to use EVERY DAY!!!!!
Wellesley pool offers FREE drop-in access to all ages:
️open leisure swim
️aquafit classes
️lane swimming
️women's only leisure swim
️2SLGBTQ+ friendly inclusive leisure swim
Check out the schedules here
| 2 Spirit Healing Drumming |
Join The Circle of Cedar Singers for 2 Spirit Healing Drumming sessions:
- Dates: Tuesdays from July 23 to October 29
- Time: 6 - 7:30 PM
- Location: Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church St.
All are welcome to watch or join in (bring your own drum). For more details, email [email protected].
