August 26, 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Canada’s trade-war with the United States has escalated in a frightening and unpredictable way. Trade negotiations collapsed at the 11th hour (literally) because Trump appears to have given last minute directives to the United States’ representative. These directives sharply broke from the understandings built up during weeks of talks. 

I support the Prime Minister’s decision to order the return of our negotiators to ensure that the Trump administration understands that they cannot treat Canada with the disrespect they are showing. Team Canada is united and ready to fight back against the tariffs. 

That is why Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles was absolutely right to demand that Doug Ford recall the legislature immediately. Queen’s Park should pass an emergency relief bill to support Ontario’s tariff-exposed workers and businesses. 

Part of a Team Canada approach means that we need our political leadership to not freelance foreign policy. That includes the Premier avoiding verbal provocations that could raise the price that Canada and Ontario’s economy might have to pay to reach a final agreement. 

Like Marit Stiles said in response to Ford’s remarks that Trump could “kiss his ass”: he needs to “get his ass back to work.” Real action that the Ford government could take right now includes:

• Reviewing all government contracts to cancel any with U.S. businesses and replace them with Canadian providers wherever possible.
• Prohibiting new A.I. data centres that benefit U.S. companies
• Strengthening made-in-Canada procurement laws including for Ontario’s vehicle fleet
• Ensuring all provincial agencies prioritize Ontario’s forest products in our purchasing

The trade war escalation threatens to sharply increase the cost of living for Ontario families already struggling to get by. I’m calling on Doug Ford to pay attention to this and act by stabilizing grocery prices and making them more affordable, and by bringing in real rent control to curb increasing housing costs.

There is more news I want to share. Last week, I was surprised to hear reoccurring reports by political commentators on the radio and television that I would run again in this year’s municipal election in Ward 13 (Toronto Centre). I started to receive phone calls, emails and messages from many Toronto Centre residents and business owners enthusiastically urging me to run for City Councillor again. Of course, based on the encouragement I was receiving, I did think about it.

But as readers of my regular newsletter, you will know that I am deeply committed to fighting for Toronto Centre at Queen’s Park alongside my fellow Ontario New Democrats and leader Marit Stiles. As your City Councillor, I saw legislative, systemic and budgetary problems that only the province can fix. This is why I am determined to serve our local communities at Queen’s Park. Toronto Centre is worth fighting for and this is what I'm doing every single day as your MPP.

So, I decided to put the circulating rumours to rest. I hosted a press conference at Nathan Phillips Square on Thursday and made my intentions clear: I am endorsing Curran Stikuts in this municipal election to be the next City Councillor for Toronto Centre. 

So, I decided to put the circulating rumours to rest. I hosted a press conference at Nathan Phillips Square on Thursday and made my intentions clear: I am endorsing Curran Stikuts in this municipal election to be the next City Councillor for Toronto Centre. 

I have known Curran for more than 10 years, and have had the opportunity to work with him and see the kind of man and community advocate that he is. 

Curran has also received the Toronto and York Region Labour Council endorsement. This is no doubt because of his amazing track record working in Toronto Centre. 

Curran has a long track record of championing community safety. He has worked closely with residents, small businesses, BIAs, and community groups to make our neighbourhoods better. I know that his experience working in the cooperative housing sector and community health care will help him be an incredible Councillor.

You can watch the video of my endorsement alongside Labour Council here.

He is also intelligent, energetic and caring, and I am confident he can do the job of Councillor incredibly well. Curran is an active listener and I have observed him to be responsive and highly effective. 

I know he is young, but so was I when I first ran for City Council back in 2010; this does not change the fact that Curran is the best person for the job.

And of course, please get involved in the two byelections taking place in Toronto.

Shannon Devine, the federal NDP candidate in Beaches - East York deserves your support. Shannon Devine is a fighter; she’s a strong leader with an impeccable track record of advocating for our communities for over 20 years. She knows what Beaches—East York needs, and I am proud to support her this election. Click here to volunteer.

And don't forget to get involved in the Scarborough Southwest campaign for Fatima Shaban! Her campaign has only continued to gain momentum ahead of the by-election, and they are still in need of volunteers to help bring her over the finish line. Sign up to help Fatima in Scarborough HERE. 

Yours in community service,

And of course, please get involved in the two byelections taking place in Toronto.

Shannon Devine, the federal NDP candidate in Beaches - East York deserves your support. Shannon Devine is a fighter; she’s a strong leader with an impeccable track record of advocating for our communities for over 20 years. She knows what Beaches—East York needs, and I am proud to support her this election. Click here to volunteer.

And don't forget to get involved in the Scarborough Southwest campaign for Fatima Shaban! Her campaign has only continued to gain momentum ahead of the by-election, and they are still in need of volunteers to help bring her over the finish line. Sign up to help Fatima in Scarborough HERE. 

Yours in community service,

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Ford's Minister bills his riding for foreign travel
• Metrolinx shrugs as Ontario Line cost skyrockets to $34 Billion: triple what was originally projected
• Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference 2026
• Halal Mortgages and Alternative Finance Consultation and Capital Pride in Ottawa
• Dance Immersion comes to Toronto Centre
• Canvass with Sharon Devine
• Thank you to the Ontario NDP Interns
• 14th Annual Inspire Awards
• The Regent Park Islamic Resource Centre BBQ!
• The 2nd Annual Regent Park Youth Safety Forum
• Connect in Motion Received OTF Funding!
• What’s Making Headlines
• Local Community Events

Vic Fedeli looked a committee in the eye and said "we don't expense our meals. We are a very, very lean machine." 

Except for when he expenses his meals to his riding association when travelling abroad, that is.

Turns out the meals were just billed to his riding association instead, more than $21,000 for foreign travel, and that account is funded partly by the same taxpayers he was bragging to. 

This is creative accounting designed to gaslight you, and Mr. Fedeli needs to explain exactly what that money bought.

Twenty-three billion over what he promised, and Metrolinx still can't say what the final number is or when you'll ride it. If any of us ran our households this way, we'd have lost the house years ago. We've been calling for a public inquiry into Metrolinx for years, and this latest news proves it's long overdue.  

Ontarians deserve a government that can actually build. That government will be an Ontario NDP government.

Last week, I travelled to Ottawa for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference with the rest of the Ontario NDP to connect with more than 3,000 municipal leaders, provincial and federal representatives, and other stakeholders. 

While I was there, I witnessed countless delegation meetings, policy discussions, and conversations with attendees, and I took away several key points from AMO this year. Similar to what I have been hearing in my own riding of Toronto Centre, many Ontario towns and cities are struggling with a province-wide homelessness, housing and cost of living crisis. 

Every year, AMO feels different because I am watching municipalities grow increasingly frustrated with Ford’s bad decisions and even more miserly funding. Municipalities are Ontario’s first responders. Like first responders, they are not getting the respect, support, or funding to stop the crises they are seeing, from the housing crisis to a poisoned drug supply and overdoses.

That is why an Ontario NDP government will upload the funding responsibility for social services like homelessness and affordable housing back to the province. We will not see a reduction in homelessness until we undo the damage Mike Harris wrecked on Ontario when he burdened Ontario municipalities with responsibilities that he knew they could not afford to sustain.

While in Ottawa, I also squeezed in a few other activities. We hosted another Halal Mortgages event before heading home.

These consultations are an important part of informing my work on alternative financing options so everyone, regardless of faith, has the opportunity to buy a home. If you support this work, I encourage you to sign my petition to support halal mortgages here.

Then, I joined several other Ontario NDP members to celebrate Ottawa’s Pride! At a time when communities across Canada are facing attacks on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, it is more important than ever to protest, celebrate and speak up so that everyone can live safely and with dignity.

Thank you to dance Immersion Executive Director Timea Wharton-Suri for welcoming me to your new space in Toronto Centre! It was a pleasure speaking with you and learning more about dance Immersion’s work to produce, promote, and support dancers and dances of the African Diaspora. I look forward to working together.

Find Dance Immersion at Canada’s National Ballet School’s Betty Oliphant Theatre.

I got out to Beaches—East York’s Queer Canvass for Shannon Devine a few weeks ago!

Shannon Devine is a fighter; she’s a strong leader with an impeccable track record of advocating for our communities for over 20 years. She knows what Beaches—East York needs, and I am proud to support her this election.

All Beaches—East York residents: The by-election is coming up on Monday, August 31st, which is in just two weeks! Whether you can door-knock, make some calls, take a lawn sign, or simply donate, visit beyndp.ca or Beaches-East York NDP to find out how you can support Shannon’s campaign!

Some of the best people open doors wide for future generations to follow with more freedom. 

barbara findlay did exactly that. 

babara findlay survived involuntary committal to a psychiatric ward because she was attracted to women. She dedicated the next 50 years of her life to ensure no one would have to suffer what she did. 

She trailblazed queer rights laws in Canada, including the same-sex marriage case in British Columbia that gave two mothers the right to be named on their child’s birth certificate and the right for trans students to be safe and accommodated in schools. 

The banner on her webpage read: protect trans kids. That is barbara findlay’s ask of us. 

barbara’s life embodied the radical politics of queer refusal. Along with so many of her friends and family, Toronto’s queer and trans communities will forever be grateful for her immense contributions to our movement. I will honour barbara’s memory every time I refuse to be quiet about transphobia and homophobia.

PROTECT TRANS KIDS.

Hosted by the Federation of African Canadian Economics Coalition, I joined the top 20 Melamoon national pitch competition two weeks ago. This competition celebrated Black entrepreneurs across the country, and it was inspiring to see so many talented entrepreneurs showcase the incredible business they are building. The contestants demonstrated tremendous tenacity, creativity, and determination.

I even got to try Einkorn bread for the first time!

These entrepreneurs represent the talent and ambition that make our province so great. I am proud to have been there to celebrate their achievements.

Congratulations to all the incredible winners of the 14th Annual INSPIRE Awards at Hart House!

I’m so grateful to have celebrated alongside this year’s winners and every nominee, whose leadership and commitment continue to make a meaningful difference in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Thank you, INSPIRE Awards, for having me back again this year to speak and present the Lifetime Achievement Award. It was an honour to be part of such a special evening celebrating so many inspiring leaders.

Learn more about this year’s winners at inspireawards.ca.

I had an amazing time at the Regent Park Islamic Resource Centre’s (RPIRC) annual community BBQ over the weekend! 

It was wonderful to serve food and connect with residents, alongside friends Mayor Olivia Chow, Muslim Welfare Canada, Fred Victor, and the Workers Action Centre. 

Thank you to the RPIRC for organizing the event and for bringing our community together.

Thank you to TCHC and so many other community partners for inviting me to the Regent Park Youth Safety Forum. 

Youth safety should be top of mind when we talk about community well-being, and I'm glad so many people in Toronto Centre step up for our children. 

For Regent Park youth, the forum provided a meaningful platform to be heard, helped bridge gaps between young people and service providers, and strengthened the support networks that play a vital role in keeping the community safe, connected, and resilient.

Congratulations to Connected in Motion on receiving the Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed grant to train 20 team members in Wilderness First Aid and program-specific leadership, enabling safer, more consistent outdoor programs across Toronto.

Connected in Motion’s mission is to foster a community of people living with Type 1 diabetes so that they may inspire one another to live life without limits. Learn more at connectedinmotion.ca.

• Moss Park Market Offers Community-Led Approach to Food Access, Frequency News
• Toronto family says life is 'upside down' after apartment gutted by fire, CP24
• Crown appeals Frank Stronach mistrial, asks court to reinstate Toronto billionaire's sex assault conviction, Toronto Star
• Margaret's drop-in vacates All Saints Church, The Bridge
• Doug Ford wins major court battle to strip Toronto of its main downtown bike lanes, Toronto Star
• Latest figures show a battery bursts into flames in Toronto every 3 days on average, blogTO

We are excited to share that registration for the TDSB Learn4Life Fall 2026 session has officially begun!

Please help us spread the word! Please share this information and the attached postcard in your newsletter with community members, who may be interested in taking a course this fall.

There are lots of incredible courses to choose from, with opportunities to learn new skills, explore your interests, meet new people, and enjoy learning in a welcoming environment. Whether you want to develop a new skill, pursue a personal interest, or simply try something different, Learn4Life has a course for you!

Browse Courses & Register:  https://www.tdsb.on.ca/adult-learners/learn4life

Registration is open for PTP's fall courses for newcomers. Spots fill quickly, so apply as soon as possible.

Courses include skills like business writing, financial literacy, and G1 Driver license support.

Who can apply: Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees, Protected Persons, Live-in Caregivers, and Palestinians from Gaza (MOME2023).

Questions: 416-510-8079 or 416-239-7309

Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 12 - 11am until 8pm, and Sunday, Sept. 13 - 11am until 7pm

Cost: Free

Location: Parliament Street (from Gerrard St. to Wellesley St.) and Carlton Street (from Parliament St. to Sherbourne St.)

Cabbagetown Annual Parade: Meet at Parliament & Gerrard @ 6pm on Sunday, Sept. 13

Interested in volunteering? Sign up here! The Cabbagetown Festival could not happen without our volunteers! It is a fun time, a great way to meet new friends, and an opportunity to build volunteer hours.

Come out and enjoy the diverse range of vendors offering exclusive, handmade products, delicious food, and unique cultural clothing at the Cultural Bazaar. Taking place in the Big Park next to the Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre, every Friday until August 28, from 3 to 8 PM.

International Overdose Awareness Day is more important than ever with sites closing across Ontario. Join PASAN, Street Health, the Regent Park Community Health Centre, The Neighbourhood Group, and other service providers on August 31 from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Northwest corner by the baseball diamond at Moss Park at 151 Shuter Street.

This will be a day for remembrance of those who have been lost to overdose. 

The Corktown Residents & Business Association is hosting a casual community coffee chat at Roozamoon Cafe.

Come meet your neighbours and local business owners, learn more about the CRBA and what we’re working on, and share your ideas for the neighbourhood.

Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Roozamoon Cafe

398 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON, M5A 1T3

Free to attend. Everyone is welcome. No RSVP required.

The survey is open to autistic self-advocates, parents, caregivers, and family members across Ontario who are accessing—or attempting to access—services and supports, including:

• Ontario Autism Program (OAP) services
  • Diagnosis and assessment services
  • Special education supports
  • Respite services
  • Adult services and supports like housing, employment, and community living services

While governments can provide statistics on waitlists and service utilization, only the people directly impacted by these systems can tell us what those numbers mean in practice. This survey is designed to capture the lived experiences behind the data and document the realities facing autistic people and their families across Ontario.

In addition to quantitative questions, the survey includes opportunities for respondents to share their experiences, concerns, and recommendations in their own words. The results will be compiled into a public report and shared with the autism community, community partners, elected officials, and the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VDXXBM9  

The more voices that are heard, the more accurate and powerful the picture of the current state of autism-related services and supports in Ontario will be!

Join Grassy Narrows youth and community members to show that you are with them on their path to achieve mercury justice and freedom! 

Grassy Narrows people are powerful leaders in the movement for Indigenous sovereignty and environmental justice. They have shown that together we can fight for justice against all odds and make real gains. But so much is still needed to right the wrong of mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows.

RSVP to say that you will show up in solidarity and walk with them in their fight for justice on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, in downtown Toronto.

Apply before September 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM! More Information can be found here: Identify ‘N Impact Grant Program – City of Toronto.

Dancemakers are hosting two free performances!

The first is called NKABOM, an African street dance show featuring artists from Toronto and Montreal. This will take place on Saturday, August 29 at the Underpass Park at 7 PM. 

The second is called RangaMandal, a participatory Garba dance showcase and community dance party. This is happening on Friday, September 4 at the Small Arms Inspection Building starting at 4 PM. Find out more here!

The City of Toronto’s Black-Mandated Funding Framework (BMFF) is accepting applications from eligible Black-led, Black-serving and Black-focused (B3) grassroots groups and established organizations in Toronto. Grassroots groups do not need to be incorporated or have audited financial statements; successful grassroots applicants will be supported through a trustee.

Funding: Up to $40,000 per year for two years
Application Deadline: September 22, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
Who can apply: Eligible Toronto-based B3 grassroots groups and established organizations
Application: Through the City of Toronto's TGRIP portal

Apply here!