February 15, 2023

Dear Neighbour,

It has been a horrible week in Toronto politics.

Dear John ⁠— step down

As I have said on social media, it's no secret that John Tory and I had many political disagreements. But I fully agree (with Friday night’s John Tory) that he should resign. His is not a simple, one-time lapse of judgement. He maintained an inappropriate multi-year relationship with a junior staff person. He travelled with her on several taxpayer-funded business trips.

He was her boss and abused his power. He breached the Code of Conduct of his elected office.

John Tory created instability by choosing to run again for Mayor when he knew what the fallout of this new story becoming public would be.

He amplified that instability with his 8.30 PM press conference on a Friday night where he did not give Torontonians a timeline as to when he would step down.

As the Toronto Star has reported, a notable conservative pollster, Nick Kouvalis, was in Toronto’s war room on Friday night when he was deciding what next steps to take. Since that announcement, Torontonians have received several robo-calls asking if they think John Tory should step down.

Mayor Tory can give Torontonians clarity by stepping down now. Even though Doug Ford gave him “super mayor” minority rule powers, Tory does not have the moral authority to pass a budget with a gaping $1.5 billion hole in it.

Toronto needs clarity and leadership on everything from housing, to opening warming centres, and improving transit. The core is still struggling to recover from the financial impacts of the pandemic. Tory will not be the mayor who delivers, and he should step aside so that Council can provide leadership in his absence.

I will be following the leadership of organizations like Progress Toronto and the Toronto and York Region Labour Council as our movements determine which progressive candidate can best improve our city.

Our Tribunal Panel is tonight!

The backlog facing Ontario’s tribunal system has doubled since Doug Ford took office in 2018. It is now in a deep crisis and sometimes takes years to get a hearing. Justice delayed is justice denied for Ontarians.

I am very keen to hear what our guests will say about how Ontario's tribunal system got into the crisis it is in, and what can realistically be done to resolve it. MPP Lise Vaugeios, Gary Yee, Kathy Laird, and Gilles Frenette are well-known and respected experts who will help you understand why this matters and how to take action. I look forward to hosting the discussion tonight and hope you can join us.

RSVP

Click this link to join directly at 7PM

Doug Ford’s Latest Scandal – Stag and Doe-nors

Doug Ford was facing a scandal before John Tory took over the limelight this Friday ⁠— and I want to make sure that you didn’t miss it. You can see Marit Stiles weighing in on Ford fundraising around his daughter’s Stag and Doe. I look forward to learning more when Marit submits a further complaint to the Integrity Commissioner, in response to her recent (and already accepted) complaint about Ford’s Greenbelt giveaways.

February 22 Rally Against Ford’s Plans to Privatize Public Health Care

At the top of hospital row and just steps away from Queen’s Park ⁠— Ontarians are going to deliver a loud message to Doug Ford that our health care is not for him to sell. Toronto NDP MPPs are organizing a rally to show that Ontarians will not give up on our public health care system on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 ⁠— the day when Ford is expected to introduce his legislation at Queen’s Park. We will be giving out free posters that you can then use as window signs.

What: Rally to Save Public Health Care

When: Wednesday February 22, 2023 at 5 PM

Where: Corner of University and College St.

RSVP: Click here to join the TCNDP contingent!

Thank you for your resilience and ongoing support. It is my honour to serve you. If you are joining us tonight, I look forward to seeing you at the online Tribunal webinar.

Yours truly,

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

Latest posts

June 6, 2025 Newsletter

Dear Emma,

Yesterday, the Ontario Legislature rose for its summer break, which will last until October 20, over four months. This government has a shameful pattern of rushing the passing of all of their bills on a compressed timeline and then taking long breaks to avoid scrutiny from the public. It is undemocratic and shameful.

On Wednesday, the government rammed through Bill 5, passing it despite Indigenous rights holders and their allies packing the chamber, raising their voices, calling for the government to scrap the bill. All week, Indigenous communities rallied outside of Queen’s Park, many of them having travelled eight hours or more to be there. They were there sharing their opposition to the bill, drumming so loudly that we could hear them in the chamber. It was powerful, but it did not move the Ford government, who passed Bill 5 despite massive opposition and concerns about the bill’s harmful impact to Indigenous sovereignty, the environment, labour laws and override of municipal and provincial laws at the discretion of this government.

Right after Bill 5 passed, I recorded a video explaining what was going on, which you can watch and share here.

This government should never have passed Bill 5. Instead, they should have listened to Indigenous people who are asking for real consultation and a true partnership when legislation concerns their treaty territories. None of that happened, and Bill 5 became law when it received Royal Assent yesterday.

But this is not the end. Indigenous leaders have told me that Bill 5's passing just means that their fight changes shape, and it will move from the lawn of Queen’s Park to other parts of their land. The Idle No More movement of 2012 is just one example of how they will shut things down and make their voices heard when all other means have failed. The ONDP will stand with them to resist Ford’s undemocratic seizure of power every step of the way.

First Nations chiefs and the Ontario NDP are now calling for the government to rescind Bill 5 and for the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, Greg Rickford, to resign after his blatant failure to honour First Nations rights in the lead-up to Bill 5. He has disgraced the ministry and set back Indigenous relations in Ontario for years to come.

Repeal Bill 5 Click Here to Sign

This week, we celebrated the start of the Pride season, which is always full of joy, tempered by reflection on the attacks that our Queer and Trans siblings are experiencing globally.

I attended the progress Pride flag raisings at City Hall and Queen’s Park and spoke in the Legislature about the importance of Pride Month. Making this statement in the Legislative Chamber each year is a highlight for me, as I get to bring Queer and Trans joy, as well as our struggles directly to the government. This year has brought many struggles, with attacks on Trans people and inclusion coming thick and fast. Pride Toronto has lost many core corporate sponsors who are bending to Trump’s anti-DEI ideology like cowards, Alberta is pushing a disgusting anti-Trans agenda, and American lawmakers are currently considering over 900 anti-Trans bills across their country. This Pride season, we must unite in deep solidarity, caring for each other and standing up for our collective human rights. I know I can count on all of you.

You can watch my full speech here:

I will be participating in all of the Toronto Pride marches with the Ontario NDP and would love for you to march with me! You can sign up to march in the Trans March, Dyke March, and Pride Parade with the Ontario NDP here.

The Ontario NDP is also tabling at the Pride community fair all weekend long. Join us by signing up to volunteer here!

Finally, Eid Mubarak to the Muslim community and all who are celebrating Eid Al-Adha today. May this blessed time bring you and your family peace, good health, and happiness.

Yours in community service,

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

In This Newsletter

Government Refuses to Declare IPV an Epidemic
Justice for Soli (Stop Criminalizing Mental Health Act)
Declare September Ethiopian Heritage Month
Homes Ontario: The ONDP’s Plan to Get Building
Ford’s Plan to Take Over Our School Boards
Protect Ontario Consumers - Stop the Illegal Sale of Palestinian Land
Tragic Death from Measles in Ontario
This Week's Meetings
This Week’s Headlines
Local Community Events

Share this Newsletter

Government Refuses to Declare IPV an Epidemic

Yesterday, on the last day before the Legislature rose for the summer break, I moved a Unanimous Consent motion that would have declared intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic in Ontario. Passing this motion would have declared IPV an epidemic without further delay or debate. You may remember that I have moved this motion three times in the past year, but the government said no each time. Yesterday was no different. Global News has the story here.

The Ford government’s defeat of this motion is a failure to recognize the urgency of the epidemic, which disproportionately affects Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people who face multiple, compounding barriers when seeking help.

This government has heard loud and clear from survivors and their families, law enforcement and 100 municipalities that they must immediately declare intimate partner violence an epidemic. This latest refusal again ignores those calls and puts survivors at risk. The house has risen for the summer, and the Ford government has chosen to deny survivors the immediate resources they need to escape or recover from violence.

The government did, however, move to revive the Standing Committee on Justice Policy’s Study on Intimate Partner Violence, a study they killed when they called an early election in January of this year.

When the Ford government created this study, they promised that it would be resourced to travel to Northern, Indigenous, and rural communities, to hear directly from Indigenous women about the disproportionate violence that they experience. But last year, they broke that promise. Funding was never delivered, and consultations instead occurred online over video calls.

The Ford government knows that Northern and Indigenous communities struggle to access high-speed internet. Yet, they did nothing to ensure that survivors had a secure, private place to share their stories. Because of these callous choices, so many survivors' stories went unheard.

Yesterday afternoon, I re-tabled the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act, and I will be meeting with organizations over the summer to discuss next steps and strategies.

Justice for Soli (Stop Criminalizing Mental Health Act)

On Wednesday, I reintroduced a bill that I worked on with the family of Soleiman (Soli) Faqiri, a man who was killed while in custody at an Ontario jail during an acute mental health crisis. He was a beloved brother, son and community member. He also had schizoaffective disorder.

Mr. Faqiri needed care, care that his family and other guards advocated strongly for, but that he never received. His family tried to visit him four times over the eleven days that he was incarcerated before his death. They knew that he was scared and needed support. But they were forbidden from seeing him.

A coroner's inquest into Mr. Faqiri’s death ruled that it was a homicide. It also yielded 57 recommendations for systemic change directed at the Provincial government. The first recommendation was that the government, within 60 days, “develop and issue a public position statement within 60 days of the verdict, recognizing that correctional facilities are not an appropriate environment for persons in custody experiencing significant mental health issues.”

It has now been more than 18 months, and the Ford Conservatives have said nothing. The Premier owes Maryam Faqiri and her family an apology for the killing of their beloved son and relative while in government custody.

I will continue to fight for the justice that Soleiman Faqiri and his family deserve. A person experiencing a mental health crisis needs access to health care, not incarceration.

Declare September Ethiopian Heritage Month

I was thrilled to join my good friend and ONDP Deputy Leader, MPP Doly Begum, in introducing a bill to mark September as Ethiopian Heritage Month in Ontario. You can watch our press conferences and hear from Ethiopian community leaders here.

The Ethiopian community has contributed so much to Ontario and Toronto. I want to thank them for their contributions to the many organizations based in Toronto Centre, such as the African Centre for Refugees, Wanasah, Regent Park Mothers of Peace, and so many others, which would not be as vibrant and effective without the leadership and hard work of Ethiopian Canadians.

Declaring September as Ethiopian Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate Ethiopian customs, traditions, and proud history, showcase their heritage to fellow Ontarians, and preserve it for future generations.

September holds special meaning for Ethiopian Canadians, featuring important celebrations such as Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year), Irreechaa (Thanksgiving), and Maskel (Finding of the True Cross). The Bill seeks to formally recognize these traditions and promote greater awareness and appreciation across Ontario.

Homes Ontario: The ONDP’s Plan to Get Building

The Ontario NDP has introduced a motion calling on the Ontario government to establish Homes Ontario, a new dedicated public agency with a mandate to tariff-proof Ontario’s housing market and deliver homes that are publicly built, permanently affordable homes, and made in Ontario.

Housing is essential infrastructure. Ontario cannot grow, thrive, or compete if people can’t afford to live here. Homes Ontario is about getting the government back in the business of building housing—at scale, for the public good, and for the long haul.

The motion urges the government to give Homes Ontario the tools it needs to:

Finance and deliver hundreds of thousands of permanently affordable homes
Leverage public land to fast-track development and ensure it serves the public interest
Partner with non-profit, co-op, and supportive housing providers
Create good union jobs and strengthen Ontario’s skilled trades and building capacity

I am proud to support this motion. It is critical that Ontario reinvests in building supportive, co-op, rent-geared-to-income, and affordable homes to combat the housing crisis and lift up our communities.

Ford’s Plan to Take Over Our School Boards

Late last week, Education Minister Paul Calandra tabled a shocking new education bill, Bill 33.

The bill gives the Minister unfettered power to take over school boards, silence trustees, and ignore students and parents. It establishes that school boards must follow the Minister’s every whim or risk having the ministry take over management of the board.

The bill doesn’t once mention fixing our crumbling schools, putting more caring adults in classrooms, or making sure our kids have what they need to succeed. Instead, this government is focused on locking parents out, silencing them from speaking up about their kids’ education.

This bill does nothing to improve learning conditions, reduce class sizes, or support kids with special needs. It does nothing to fill the $6.35 billion funding gap created by this government. As a public school parent myself, I am proud to stand with the Ontario NDP in supporting students, families, and educators in fighting this legislation and protecting the integrity of our public education system from political control.

Sign the Petition Invest in Education!

Protect Ontario Consumers - Stop the Illegal Sale of Palestinian Land

Did you know that illegally occupied Palestinian land is regularly sold at closed-door real estate events in Ontario? These events have no transparency, scant records, and hide information about the sellers and land title. Selling this land is illegal under international law. These sales violate the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Rome Statute. They also undermine work to establish a just and secure peace with freedom for all. If Ontario land were sold under the same conditions, it would be title fraud. Ford government knows this is happening and is doing nothing. This must end. I was proud to share this petition in the Legislature and await the Minister's response

Relatedly, I want to highlight the work of the Madleen Flotilla. This flotilla is a peaceful attempt to break the Israeli government’s genocidal siege of Gaza. It aims to peacefully facilitate the flow of essential supplies into the Gaza Strip and draw international attention to Israel’s total blockage of food, water, and medicine from entering the Gaza Strip. You can learn more about their effort here.

Tragic Death from Measles in Ontario

Measles is a serious viral infection that can cause lasting harm and cost lives. We received sad news yesterday when Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer made public that a baby has died following a measles infection. The Chief Medical Officer shared that "the child contracted the virus before birth from the mother, who had not been immunized against measles, mumps and rubella. Measles was a significant contributing factor in the premature death of this child, but the child also had other serious medical complications unrelated to the virus."

My heart goes out to the grieving family. No family should face what they are going through.

Ontario has over 2000 measles cases — more than the entire United States. We need to increase vaccine uptake to keep everyone safe. Many young people missed required vaccine appointments during COVID-19 remote learning. If a young person in your life still needs their MMR shot, they have two options. First, they can get this shot at a family doctor's office. Second, if they don't have a family doctor — they can use Toronto Public Health's booking system here.

I have also launched a petition about this, so you can take action. Sign if you agree that we need more funding to increase vaccine uptake and fix loopholes in our system.

Sign the Petition Stop Measles

This Week's Meetings

Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada
Consortium of Restorative Justice Advocates
Centre for Independent Living Toronto

This Week's Headlines

Ford government is still underfunding education despite budget increase, school boards say

Ontario hospital files $100-million lawsuit claiming shoddy construction, like uneven floors, putting patient safety at risk

Parts of GTA under special air quality statement Friday amid wildfire smoke

Four of Doug Ford’s HART Hubs are open in Toronto. What are they?

Full closure of King-Church intersection beginning a month ahead of schedule on June 2

‘Our festival will go on,’ says executive director, as Google, Home Depot drop Pride Toronto sponsorship

City staff recommend allowing sixplexes across all Toronto neighbourhoods

Toronto’s new Indigenous Health Centre hailed as ‘a place of healing, hope and reconciliation’

Opposition parties slam Ford government for legislature’s long summer break

Doug Ford pushes through rapid development law despite objections of First Nations

Upcoming Community Events

TRANScendTO

TRANScendTO: Registration is Open!

In partnership with LGBT Youthline and the Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance, the City of Toronto is hosting a one-day gathering and service provider fair for Two-Spirit, Trans and non-binary (2STNB) youth. Admission is free and food is provided.

This transformative day of learning, community-building, and celebration for trans and gender-diverse youth will include:

Workshops and peer-led spaces
A service provider fair
A Kiki Ball to close out the day

Date: Friday, June 6

Time: 12 to 8:30 PM

Location: TMU Student Centre, 55 Gould St

Registration and more information

Toronto’s Waste Strategy Update - Phase 2

The City is updating its 2016 Long-term Waste Management Strategy to guide waste reduction, reuse, and diversion over the next 30-50 years, with an implementation plan for 2026–2036.

The process is currently in Phase 2, evaluating options based on public feedback, best practices, and City staff input.

This includes exploring residual waste disposal options like energy-from-waste (incineration) and understanding related environmental, economic, and social values.

Phase 3 will develop a ten-year implementation plan, culminating in a final strategy presented to City Council and the public.

Get involved:

Take the online survey by June 29
Join the public event on June 10, 6–8 p.m. at City Hall (100 Queen St. W), live streamed
Learn more and participate at toronto.ca/wastestrategy.

Join the St James Town Festival Planning Subcommittees!

The St James Town Service Providers Network is looking for community input in planning the 2025 SJT Festival, taking place in August.

This is an opportunity to share your voice and leadership in this amazing yearly celebration!

Sign up for a festival planning subcommittee that meets your interests, where you can share your skills or learn new ones! To join a SJT Festival Planning Subcommittee, fill out this online form, and you will receive an email with next steps. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact the SJT Festival Planning Team, [email protected].

Roaming Performers Program - Call for Local Performers

Call for Local Talent: Cabbagetown Roaming Performers Program Returns

Cabbagetown BIA is bringing back the Roaming Performers Program to animate the neighbourhood with live music, movement, and creativity all summer long.

Program Dates: June 6 – September 1, 2025
Application Deadline (First Round): Friday, May 31, 2025
Final Rolling Deadline: Saturday, June 15, 2025

Who They’re Looking For:

Musicians, magicians, dancers, balloon artists, jugglers, street performers, and other entertainers ready to perform short sets throughout the community.

Program Details:

Performances run 2–3 hours
Honorarium of $200–$300 per session
Artists must bring their own equipment
Performances must be mobile and suitable for street settings
Open to solo acts and small groups (up to 3 members)

Selected performers will activate Cabbagetown’s public spaces with joyful, engaging shows for visitors, patio diners, and residents alike.

Apply now: Application for Roaming Performers — Cabbagetown BIA

Fred Victor: THRIVE - Employment Program for Trans & Non-Binary People

Fred Victor’s Employment and Training Services is launching THRIVE! A low-barrier, drop-in employment support program specifically for trans and non-binary people.

When & Where:

Fridays, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Fred Victor ETS Office
145 Front St. E., Lower Level Unit #2

What’s Offered:

Resume & cover letter support
Skills-building workshops
Referrals to employment specialists & job retention workers
Computer + internet access
Quiet space to work on employment goals

Contact the Fred Victor team here: [email protected]

Regent Park Summer Safety Jam 2025

Date: Saturday, June 14 (Rain dates: June 15 and June 21)
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Location: The Big Park, 600 Dundas St. East

Hosted by: Toronto Community Housing, Daniels, Tridel, and local partners

Enjoy a fun day celebrating community safety and togetherness, featuring:

A free halal BBQ
A local bazaar
Live music

51 Division Open House

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025

Time: 11 AM - 2 PM

Location: 51 Parliament Street

Join 51 Division for a family-friendly event including:

Police Exhibits
TPS vintage cars
Station tours
Entertainment
Food, refreshments and more!

Contact [email protected] with questions.

It Takes a Village Walking Tour

Date: Sunday, June 15, 2025
Time: 3 PM
Start Location: Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street

Cost: $8/person

Participants will hear stories of Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ community — from the activism sparked by the Bathhouse Raids and the AIDS crisis to the spaces of belonging found at City Park Apartments, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, and St. Charles Tavern. The tour also explores ongoing efforts to strengthen the Church-Wellesley Village.

Click here to register and learn more.

Toronto Neighbourhood Group - Tai Chi with Chinese Seniors Group

TNG Community Services invites residents to the TNG Challenge, an event supporting seniors to live independently, safely, and with dignity.

Event: Tai Chi with the Chinese Seniors Group
Date: Saturday, June 21
Time: Not specified
Location: 349 Ontario Street

This engaging outdoor event promotes wellness and community spirit. Participants can also get involved by donating, starting a fundraising page, or becoming a matching donor.

Learn more at Get moving in support of seniors!

Market Street Pride

Market Street Pride promises a day of music, delicious food, engaging workshops, and live demonstrations. Local queer vendors will be featured, along with a carabiner decorating session with Beyond the Bow.

Performances will light up the Great Lakes Brewery Stage, including a show by the iconic Tynomi Banks. Freedom School Toronto and the Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance will offer youth workshops and demos.

Date: June 22, 2025

Time: 10 AM - 5 PM
Location: St. Lawrence Market

Legacy Labyrinths Designation Ceremony

Toronto’s public labyrinth at Trinity Square Park is becoming the 10th Legacy Labyrinth in the world. To celebrate this distinction, two great community events are coming up!

🌿 Legacy Labyrinth Designation Ceremony

Saturday, June 21 at 12:00 PM
📍 Trinity Square Park
The ceremony will be followed by a Summer Solstice Walk, inviting reflection in support of global and local community care.

🍽 Legacy Project Workshop – Lunch & Learn

Sunday, June 22 from 12:30 to 2:00 PM
📍 Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E.
This interactive session will explore how walking a labyrinth can raise awareness for social issues, including the needs of Toronto’s unhoused residents.

Find Your Voice Through Empowerment - Storytelling Workshop

Date: June 26 and July 03

Time: 6 PM – 8 PM

Location: 180 Sackville Street (main floor meeting room)

*Attend at least 2 sessions to qualify for raffle draw.

**Free child minding, call for more info.

Click here to register

Find Your Voice Through Empowerment Of Storytelling Workshop uses the art of storytelling as a therapeutic approach to mental health, it will allow community members to discover their lifepath, or something that brings confidence, and to be able to link it to their identity. For more info on the details of each session, please find the syllabus here.

The Find Your Voice workshop will consist of 2 sessions (2hrs per session). The workshop will be facilitated by Sarah Abusarar (RSW, ExAT). Sarah is a professional Storyteller, registered social worker, and expressive arts therapist with a focus in the areas of survivors of violence and gender based violence at home.

Canadian Immigrant Fair

Canadian Immigrant is bringing its signature Canadian Immigrant Fair back to Toronto on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North (255 Front Street West).

This free, one-stop event is designed to support newcomers with the tools and connections they need to succeed in Canada, focusing on:

Careers
Education
Settlement

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with employers, recruiters, educational institutions, government agencies, and community service organizations.

Highlights include:

One-on-one résumé critiques
An engaging lineup of guest speakers
Access to valuable resources for job searching, upgrading education, and settling in a new community

Admission is free and open to all.

May 31 2025 Newsletter

Dear Emma,

On Wednesday night, I was at the Legislature until 12:30 AM fighting the government’s unconstitutional Bill 5. This Bill attacks Indigenous sovereignty, environmental regulations, workers' rights, municipal bylaws and more in favour of reckless development. My Ontario NDP colleagues and I used every committee tool in the book to delay Ford’s attempt to rush through this legislation, and our filibustering was successful!

By forcing debate to continue late into the night, we ensured that committee hearing for Bill 5 would continue on Monday, giving advocates and journalists critical time to spread the word and build resistance around this horrible legislation. Yesterday afternoon, the Ford government changed the rules to prohibit the Opposition from any further filibustering of Bill 5. Now we must move on to new tools. Sign the petition to stop bill 5 here and click below to email Doug Ford and your MPP about Bill 5. Please share these links with your friends! Ford’s team has caved before under public backlash — we need to stop him again!

Click HERE to email Doug Ford

We know that Bill 5 isn’t about our economy. It isn’t about the North. It isn’t about anything other than an unchecked, unfettered power grab by Ford. Local democracy is just collateral damage.

I spoke in the Legislature about the dire consequences of Bill 5 and the government’s undemocratic action. You can watch it here.

It is shameful and wrong that Ford tried to jam Bill 5 through without proper consultation with First Nations. Indigenous leaders have told this government loud and clear that they need to scrap Bill 5, go back to the drawing board, and write a new bill that deeply honours Indigenous peoples. Delaying this bill has bought us time to get organized and overwhelm this government with opposition, just like we did with the Greenbelt.

Click HERE to email Doug Ford

Yesterday, I was absolutely thrilled to host the Toronto Centre Leadership Awards, honouring seven exceptional individuals and organizations who work to make our communities better every day. They work together to improve the environment, report community news, ensure faith communities have gathering spaces, encourage thoughtful development in culturally significant neighbourhoods, fight for affordable childcare, do outstanding advocacy for the Queer and Trans community, and start social enterprises to empower newcomer women. Pretty impressive, right?

Our three recipients of the King Charles Coronation Medal are:

Connie Langile, President of the Church-Wellesley Neighbourhood Association.Connie brings the Village together by championing community safety, heritage preservation, and social connection.
Sureya Ibrahim, founder of Regent Park Mothers of Peace and affectionately known as the “Mayor of Regent Park.” Surreya harnesses the power of social enterprises and community organizing to lift up women and children in more ways than I have space to name here.
Erin Filby, Early Childhood Educator and community organizer with the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario (AECEO). Erin works every day in service of more accessible, affordable, and high-quality childcare for everyone.

Our four recipients of the inaugural Toronto Centre Leadership Awards are:

Curran Stikuts, Director of Advocacy & Strategic Communications at The 519. Curran’s skill in hearing the smallest voices helps him to heal community wounds, support 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, and advocate for affordable and accessible housing.
Emad Hussein, founding member of the Regent Park Islamic Resource Centre. Emad is a pillar of strength and leadership within the Muslim community in Regent Park. He is always working to unite the community and welcomes everyone to his table.
The Bridge Community News, an independent local newspaper covering the Downtown East. When local papers were disappearing and we were losing neighbourhood-level news, the Bridge appeared, offering hyper-local coverage and critical perspectives.
St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association’s Waste Reduction Group, which works to divert waste from landfill and build community through their regular RE:market events. RE:market offers recycling of typically non-recyclable items, repair cafes, a free store, and chances for neighbours to meet each other.

We had a wonderful celebration, gathering with the recipient's friends and families to toast their accomplishments. It was also a great opportunity to make connections – some recipients had ot met each other. I can only imagine what great local work could come from their shared talents!

I am so proud of these local leaders and can’t wait to support them as they continue their community work!

Yours in community service,

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

In This Newsletter

Bombshell Report on Maplehurst Correctional Complex
Free Ice Cream - Eid ul-Adha Celebration
Changes to Ontario Civil Court Rules
Rally for Public Education
Asian Heritage Month Celebration
YWCA Women of Distinction Awards
Ontario NDP Plan to Support Caregivers
You're Invited: Rosemary Brown Awards
This Week's Meetings
This Week’s Headlines
Local Community Events

Share this Newsletter

Bombshell Report on Maplehurst Correctional Complex

The Solicitor General, Michael Kerzner, knows just how bad the conditions inside Maplehurst Correctional Complex are, but he refuses to act.

Just yesterday, the Toronto Star published a damning investigation, sharing details from two internal investigations by the Ministry of the Solicitor General into the horrific two-day collective punishment carried out at Maplehurst Correctional Complex in 2023. We all recall the chilling video of this violent incident; two hundred inmates were stripped, handcuffed, and made to crouch in hallways in their underwear. In this report, staff across the organization, including and especially former superintendent Winston Wong, were implicated in the violence prisoners experienced.

One report describes an “absence of competent managerial oversight from the beginning to the end of this incident.” These reports are full of horrific details, including an incident where an inmate says he was tied up like a Christmas turkey by correctional officers while his cellmates were forced to sing carols. I cannot even imagine how degrading that would have been.

Yesterday, during Question Period, I asked the Solicitor General when he would break his silence, end the cover-up, and act on the reports written by his own ministry, which indicate structural changes are needed at Maplehurst. He dodged the question as usual - you can watch our exchange here. I will continue to shine light on this abuse of power and hold the government accountable for addressing the systemic problems in our provincial prisons.

Free Ice Cream - Eid ul-Adha Celebration

Join me on June 6 from 3 PM to 6 PM for free ice cream as we celebrate Eid ul-Adha in Regent Park! I am excited to join in on the Regent Park Cultural Bazaar and would love to see you as part of our Eid celebration. All are welcome!

Date: Friday, June 6, 2025

Time: 3 PM - 6 PM

Location: Regent Park Boulevard

Changes to Ontario Civil Court Rules

This week, I sent a letter to the Attorney General, echoing calls from the legal community across Ontario for the government to reconsider proposed changes to civil courts. The modernization of Ontario’s civil rules is welcome, but the timelines are rushed, given how significant the changes are. Legal experts are asking for a little more time to consider the legal implications of these changes and share their considered feedback. The Middlesex Lawyers’ Association has an excellent summary of widely shared concerns that you can read here.

In my letter, I requested that the Attorney General heed these calls and alter the finalization timelines to be more realistic, allowing more time for meaningful collaboration with the very stakeholders who are expected to operationalize them.

Rushing this consultation process could limit access to justice and prevent parties from reaching fair settlements sooner. This could result in more costly avoidable trials, making court backlogs worse. This is something that the Ontario courts simply cannot afford or support. As Shadow Attorney General, I intend to continue to advocate for thoughtful changes to Ontario’s justice system that will benefit Ontarians.

Rally for Public Education

Last Saturday was a blast! I was joined by hundreds of students, parents, caregivers, education workers, and labour allies in front of Queen’s Park to raise our voice for public education. We called on the government to properly fund our public schools so that we can save our pools, support music and outdoor education, and ensure special education supports. This is not fluff! These are essential parts of learning that our government should adequately fund.

Thank you to everyone who came out, chanted with us, enjoyed ice cream, got their face painted, and sent a message to this government - education is not for sale!

Sign the Petition - Invest in Education!

Asian Heritage Month Celebration

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Ontario NDP’s Asian Heritage Month Reception at Queen’s Park on Wednesday evening. I was very proud to co-host this event and connect with so many Asian-Canadian leaders!

Every May, we celebrate the contributions, diversity, and cultural brilliance of Asian communities across Ontario. This month is a time to celebrate culture, yes, but also to recommit to the ongoing fight against anti-Asian racism and to reflect on the historic oppression of our communities. There is so much work to be done, but with the enthusiasm everyone brought to the room on Wednesday, I know we can get it done!

YWCA Women of Distinction Awards

On Tuesday, I left the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards feeling hopeful. It’s so important to celebrate and shine a spotlight on the brilliant women driving real, lasting change across Toronto. Congratulations to all of the award winners!

I want to give a special shout-out to my unstoppable wife, Farrah Khan, who was honoured with an award for her work in advancing gender equity and justice across Canada. I am so proud of her!

Ontario NDP Plan to Support Caregivers

This week, I supported my colleague MPP Wayne Gates as he reintroduced his motion to establish the Ontario Caregiver Support Benefit. So many of us are or will be caregivers in our lives, just as many of us have or will require care. It is a role I know well.

MPP Gates’ bill would establish a direct monthly support payment for unpaid caregivers across Ontario. At his press conference, MPP Gates stated, “This isn’t just compassionate policy—it’s smart economics,” and I agree! This bill has the potential to reduce the need for nearly 8% of all long-term care beds, saving up to $300 million annually. The NDP is proud to bring this proposal forward, and I am proud to support it!

You're Invited:
Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards Ceremony

On behalf of Official Opposition and Ontario NDP Leader, Marit Stiles, I are honoured to invite all of you to the 2025 Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards Ceremony, an evening dedicated to recognizing exceptional individuals and organizations working to eliminate racial discrimination and advance equity and justice across Ontario.

Named in honour of Rosemary Brown, the first Black woman elected to a provincial legislature and the first to run for leadership of a federal party — these awards carry on Rosemary’s legacy of fighting sexism, racism, and poverty, both here in Ontario and around the world.

In that same spirit, this ceremony will spotlight changemakers who have made meaningful contributions toward dismantling systemic racism and building a more equitable province.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Kennedy Convention Centre, Hall A

(Parking & main entrance at rear. Accessible entrance via Hall C)

1199 Kennedy Road, Scarborough

To confirm your attendance, please RSVP by Friday, May 30 using the following link: RSVP here.