February 19, 2024 Newsletter

Dear Neighbour,

Please consider this your formal invitation to my Community Assembly on Gender Affirming Health Care!

We will be gathering on Wednesday, February 28, starting at 6 PM, at Trinity St Paul’s United Church on Bloor Street for an energizing community conversation.

The evening will be hosted by me and queer advocate Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo, who is the force behind many of the robust 2SLGBTQIA+ protections we have in Ontario today.

Joining us on the panel will be Bilal Baig, the creator of Sort Of on CBC, Monica Forrester from Trans Pride Toronto, Sil Hernando of Rainbow Health Ontario, and Jordan Zaitzow from Trans PULSE Canada.

Our panelists will discuss the state of gender affirming care in Ontario, how it can be improved, and how trans folks and allies can use their stories and voices to make change in their communities.

I hope that you'll be able to attend. Please share this invite with your communities, and let's pack the house!

Click here to RSVP

Additionally, I want to wish you and all of your loved ones a wonderful and love-filled chosen family day. Family has meant more to me than ever this year. I hope you are able to spend time with your family and loved ones today.

Warmly,

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

In this newsletter

Action to Save Lives in Gaza
Chosen Family Day
Legislature Resumes Tuesday
Bill 124 Ruled Unconstitutional
Mourning Alexey Navalny
Shingles Vaccine Extension
Faqiri Inquest Deadline Missed
St Bartholomew’s Childcare Centre Needs a New Home
Community Spotlight: Birthmark
OneFare System Coming Soon
Local Community News

Action to Save Lives in Gaza

Like so many in our community, I am horrified by reports that the Netanyahu war cabinet plans on attacking Rafah – a town in the Southernmost part of the Gaza Strip.

As the Executive Director of Medicins Sans Frontiers (MSF), Avril Benoît, has said: “Rafah is the end of the line. There is nowhere else to flee. Even if displaced people return north, they will find no homes to go back to, and no supply lines to bring in food, water, medicines, or any other essentials. The consequences of a full-scale assault on Rafah are truly unimaginable. We cannot stand by and wait for this to unfold. A ceasefire in Gaza has never been more urgent.”

MSF made a powerful video documenting the flow of people into Rafah since the violence escalated after October 7, 2023. I encourage everyone to watch it.

Simply: attacking Rafah – the civilian centre that Netanyahu’s forces ordered civilians to flee to – would contradict the International Court of Justice's measures requiring Netanyahu's government to prevent acts of genocide. This assault must not happen. It will not help living hostages return home or lay the groundwork for future peace. This must stop.

NDP Foreign Affairs Critic MP Heather McPherson has a petition with Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East that I encourage everyone to sign calling for an arms embargo on Israel.

Sign the Petition

I want to share MP Heather McPherson’s Statement as she fights for the Liberal government to release documents on Canada’s arms exports to Israel:

“The Minister has an obligation under the Arms Trade Treaty not to approve export permits for military goods and technology where there is a substantial risk of human rights abuses. It is astonishing that Canada isn’t working to prevent genocide in Gaza – but may be complicit in serious crimes because of its ongoing arms sales.”

Chosen Family Day

I want to recognize another Day of Significance. In three days, on Feb 22, Chosen Family Day recognizes all of the Ontarians who have created families outside of traditional legal definitions, providing love, support, and care for each other.

Chosen families are particularly common within 2SLGBTQIA+ communities since Queer and Trans folks have historically experienced high rates of separation and lack of acceptance from their families of origin. But these families were not only forged out of tragedy and necessity. They have also been forged out of joy, love, and a shared commitment to take care of each other through the seasons of life. Often Queer and Trans folks don’t have relatives in their families of origin who are like them, so they turn to elders in their wider community for support and guidance. Drag families are another fabulous expression of chosen family.

However, chosen families are not exclusive to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. People of many cultures and backgrounds create chosen families. Veterans, survivors of childhood abuse and immigrant communities often come together over shared backgrounds to provide support and understanding when families of origin are unsafe, far away, or simply don’t understand.

Chosen families, just like many families of origin, are vital and life-affirming. They make people feel seen, loved, and cared for in good times and in bad. Chosen families are true families.

The Ontario NDP is proud to champion Chosen Family Day and work towards it becoming officially recognized as a day of significance in Ontario.

Ontario Legislature Resumes Tuesday

Next Tuesday, February 20, the Ontario Legislature resumes. I am excited to return and present real solutions to the housing, health care, and cost of living crises while holding Ford’s Conservatives accountable. I always want to hear your feedback and ideas. You can reach me at [email protected]

People across our province are facing real challenges right now. They are waiting hours for basic healthcare, are stuck with sky-rocketing housing costs, and their bills are not getting any lower. I know these are your priorities.

But this government is too wrapped up in its never-ending scandals to develop real solutions that matter to Ontarians.

We've taken on a corrupt Conservative government and forced them to reverse course on countless bad decisions. Now, they’re under a criminal investigation for selling off the Greenbelt to the highest bidder and were forced to walk back wage-suppression policies after losing twice in court. Every climbdown and policy reversal is proof that when we work together, we can win.

I will champion real solutions in the legislature, from targeting the staffing shortage in hospitals and underused public hospital resources, to expediting housing—including deeply affordable housing.

Bill 124 Ruled Unconstitutional by Appeals Court

Last Tuesday, Ontario’s Court of Appeal ruled that Bill 124, the PC’s wage suppression legislation, was unconstitutional. The decision concluded that the Bill unduly interfered with workers’ rights to collective bargaining.

This is a huge win, a win that belongs to the workers, unions, and advocates from across the province who stood firm against the Conservatives’ unconstitutional attack on their rights.

Bill 124 hurt our province. It forced health care and education workers out of the profession, cut people’s wages during an affordability crisis, and eroded people’s trust in their government.

It is unconscionable that this government wasted many years and untold taxpayer dollars fighting workers in court to uphold an unconstitutional Bill and take away wages. Thankfully, the government has stated that they will not challenge this ruling at the Supreme Court and will repeal it in full. But that is not enough.

This government has to make up for lost time and wasted energy and start fixing their mess by hiring health care workers into our public system and paying back workers for lost wages.

I am proud to always stand with workers and I celebrate this win alongside them.

Mourning Alexey Navalny

Like so many people across Canada and the world, I am mourning the recently reported murder of Alexey Navalny by the Putin regime. Alexey Navalny’s life defied the odds – he survived deadly poison, he stood up to and inspired millions of Russians to stand up to Putin, and he gave people in Russia and across the world hope that Russia could one day embark on a path unlike the totalitarian vision of Vladimir Putin. Putin is a murderous coward who is unfit to lead.

I am dismayed by Pierre Pollievre’s milquetoast statement on Navalny’s death. Everyone who believes in democracy should be outraged by what any reasonable observer knows was a Kremlin-orchestrated murder. Putin’s murder deserves nothing less than full-throated condemnation.

Navalny lived accepting that this could happen. In the documentary on his life, he was asked what his message to Russians would be if Putin has him killed: “If they decide to kill me, it means that we are incredibly strong. We need to utilize this power. To not give up. We are an incredible power that is being oppressed by these bad dudes. We don’t realize how strong we actually are. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing. So don’t be inactive.”

Navalny was 47.

One way you can show your opposition to Navalny’s murderer is to join the Ukrainian Canadian Congress is organizing a rally at Nathan Phillips Square at 3pm on Saturday February 24, 2024. You can show solidarity with Ukraine and everyone resisting Putin on the second anniversary of Putin’s illegal invasion. I encourage everyone to join.

OneFare System coming to GTA in February

Starting February 26, Ontario's One Fare Program will allow transit riders to pay only once when connecting to and from the TTC and GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay and York Region Transit.

This is an exciting development that will let people across the GTHA connect more affordably and encourage transit ridership. I am thrilled that this dream is now a reality - thank you to all of the community advocates who have been pushing for this for years!

How Ontario's One Fare Program works:

For trips connecting between TTC and GO Transit, the TTC component of the trip will become free, regardless of travel direction (cost of TTC trip is discounted from overall trip cost).
For trips connecting between TTC and local transit systems, the second portion of the trip will become free (first payment will enable a two-hour free transfer across all systems).
PRESTO automatically calculates a 100 per cent discount and applies it to a PRESTO card, credit or debit card or PRESTO in Google Wallet. Transit riders must tap on and off with the same card.
Transfers are valid for two hours for trips started on local transit and within three hours of the start of a GO Transit trip.
The payment method used to tap and pay a fare is a customer’s proof of payment. Riders approached for fare inspection will need to tap the card, phone or watch used on the inspection device.

FREE Shingles Vaccine Extension

Since 2020, Ontarians age 65-70 years old have been eligible for a FREE two-dose shingles vaccine from their family doctor.

Recently, the program was extended until the end of 2024! I encourage everyone who is eligible to receive the vaccine to speak with their family doctor or other healthcare provider. Shingles is a painful and often preventable disease with proper immunization.

If you do not qualify for the publicly funded Shingles vaccine, you can purchase it from a participating pharmacy with a prescription from your primary care provider. Some private insurers may cover all or part of the cost of the vaccine. You should check with your insurance company for more information on your coverage.

Faquiri Inquest Deadline Missed

Last Friday marked 60 days since the Ontario government received the results of the Coroner’s Inquest into Soleiman Faqiri’s death in an Ontario jail in 2016. The inquest jury made 57 recommendations to the Ontario government that would prevent this tragedy from recurring.

The first of the 57 recommendations was to Develop and issue a public position statement within 60 days of this verdict, recognizing that correctional facilities are not an appropriate environment for persons in custody experiencing significant mental health issues.

The government failed to acknowledge the deadline, let alone issue a statement.

The Faqiri family is hurting. Their loved one was killed when he needed compassionate support. The least that this government could do to honour Soleiman Faqiri’s memory would be to implement the jury’s first recommendation on time and work towards a corrections system where people in mental health crisis receive support and treatment, not violence.

Despite multiple appeals, this government has not given any indication that they are attempting to meet the deadline for these recommendations. Their silence shows a pattern of failing to follow the advice of experts and Coroner's Inquest recommendations.

I will keep pushing for justice for the Faqiri family and everyone else living with mental health concerns in Ontario’s corrections system.

Birthmark — Call for Donations

Birth Mark is a wonderful local maternal and family health provider, offering free-of-charge, full-spectrum reproductive doula care and complementary perinatal support services. They also partner with food security programs, shelters, hospitals, and more to help all pregnant people and parents. You can see a full list of their programs by going to their website.

Unfortunately, Birth Mark has encountered severe funding challenges and has been forced to end some of their programming.

As it operates as a charity, Birth Mark relies on donors' generosity to offer its services. Their main donor is redirecting its funds, jeopardizing the future of Birth Mark. Without this funding, thousands of patients have lost or will lose the care they need. If you are able, please donate, volunteer, and share their information with your circles.

St. Bartholomew’s Children’s Centre Needs a New Home

St. Bartholomew’s Children’s Centre, located in Regent Park, is one of only 2 stand-alone licensed school-age daycares in Toronto. Their caring staff have been dedicated to serving the children of Regent Park for over four decades, providing before- and after-school programming and full-day care when school is not in session. They take pride in having nurtured and graduated over 1,000 students during this extensive period, including tailored support for children with higher needs.

Recently SBCC was served notice from their landlords (St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church) that they must vacate their home of 40 years to accommodate structural renovations to the foundation of the church. This work could take up to 30 months.

The staff of SBCC are currently working to find new space and are reaching out to the community for help. If you have any leads on a space for them please reach out to me!

Here are their requirements:

1. A total of 835 sq. ft. of unobstructed floor space

2. A separate area for: toileting, food preparation, retention of records, staff rest area, outdoor space

Community Events & Info

Moss Park Quarterly Community Meeting

Join Moss Park residents at their quarterly community meeting this Tuesday, February 20, at 6:15 PM. You’ll be able to meet your Moss Park Neighbourhood Community Officers (NCOs), receive updates on critical incidents, and ask questions.

Black History Month at CL&D

The Centre for Learning and Development is hosting a Black History Month event on February 23 from 6 PM to 8 PM at 540 Dundas St. East. Learn more about Black history with their speaker, Jemmelia Morgan. Jemmelia is a seasoned Child & Family Therapist specializing in empowering racialized communities. She is a dedicated professional at SickKids CCMH, where she passionately champions mental health and safer communities.

Get your tickets here!

Rumours of a River

Did you know there's a river buried under Church Street? The Church Wellesley Village BIA & Lost Rivers Toronto present Rumours of a River — a neighbourhood walking tour. This tour will start at 1:30 PM on Saturday, 17 February, at The ArQuives (34 Isabella Street). If you are interested in 2SLGBTQ histories and present-day stories, RSVP for the event here.

TNG Repair Café

The Neighbourhood Group and the St. James Town Community Centre are coming together for a Repair Cafe. You can learn how to fix computers, clothing, bikes, and more! Attend for free on February 24 from 12 PM to 4 PM at the Central Neighbourhood House.

They are also looking for handy volunteers with experience fixing items. Find out more here!

2024 LunarFest

Tomorrow, February 17, at 12 PM, LunarFest will begin at the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. To enjoy the Lunar New Year festivities and celebrate the Year of the Dragon, RSVP here.

Tenant Union Meet & Greet

The Toronto Centre Tenant Union is having a meet and greet on Tuesday, February 20, from 6 PM to 7:30. Head to Glad Day Bookshop at 499 Church St. to chat with other tenants. And follow their great work on Instagram at to.centre.tenants!

Latest posts

May 23, 2025 Newsletter

Dear Emma,

I hope you have all stayed dry and warm during this unseasonably rainy and cool week! I am looking forward to some beautiful spring and summer weather over the next few weeks – fingers crossed!

Tomorrow, Saturday, I’m co-hosting a Rally for Public Education outside of Queen’s Park from 12 to 1:30 PM. Join me and other passionate education advocates on the Queen's Park South Lawn for kids' activities, free ice cream, and an opportunity to advocate for the high-quality public education we need.

Ontario’s public schools are in crisis. Chronic underfunding has led to larger class sizes, cancelled programs, delayed repairs, and a growing crisis in special education.

Since 2018, Ontario has been spending $1,500 less per student when adjusted for inflation. That adds up to a $3 billion shortfall across our education system.

We're calling on the Ford government to reverse the cuts and properly invest in public education.

The rally will be family-friendly, accessible, and feature speakers from the communities most impacted by the cuts, including students, educators, and parents.

Speakers will highlight issues like:

Special education cuts
Mental health supports
Program cancellations (pools, arts, adult education)
Overcrowded classrooms

Bring your family, friends, neighbours and noise makers!

RSVP for the Rally Here!

You may have seen me and my team at your school entrances this week, handing out flyers promoting this rally and talking with parents and students about how the government’s budget cuts affect their schools. A huge turnout will send a strong message to Doug Ford and Education Minister Paul Calandra.

Keep reading below to learn more about Ford’s budget cuts to essential school services, such as swimming pools, music classes, outdoor education, and more. To save our schools, we need you to get involved. Together, let’s tell Ford to invest in our kids!

May is Asian Heritage Month! The Ontario NDP Caucus and I are hosting a reception to mark this important month on Tuesday, May 28, from 5 to 7 PM at Queen’s Park. We would love for you to attend.

This catered reception celebrates diverse Asian cultures and the diasporic communities that call Ontario their home. It will be a special event with food, beverages and special guests. Please RSVP by Monday, May 26, at noon.

RSVP for the Asian Heritage Month Reception Here!

I hope to see you at tomorrow’s Queen’s Park Rally for Public Education!

Yours in community service,

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

In This Newsletter

Emergency Education Meeting Recap
Scrap Bill 5!
Muriel Collins Housing Co-op’s 30th Anniversary
Marry Me Mochi Grand Opening
You're Invited: Rosemary Brown Awards
This Week’s Headlines
Local Community Events

Share this Newsletter

Emergency Education Meeting Recap

This Tuesday’s Emergency Education Meeting was a huge success! Nearly 100 participants joined MPP Jessica Bell, Trustee Williams, and me, and the discussion was dynamic. It was energizing to be around many people dedicated to ensuring our students and public schools are well-resourced. The Ford government is banking on busy parents and caregivers being overwhelmed by budget numbers and government talking points. The clear and concise explanations from my co-hosts left everyone who attended feeling more informed about what’s at stake if Ford does not reverse his budget cuts. Trustee Williams shared her excellent presentation with me, and I’ve posted her slides for you here.

If you are fired up and ready to take action like I am, the most impactful thing you can do to fight cuts to education is to organize your school community. Join your parent council, speak to other parents and caregivers at pickup and dropoff times, and organize a Rally for Public Education of your own in front of your local school before school hours. If you need support with any of this work or would like me to attend your school's rally, please reach out to my office.

If you are looking for a smaller way to get started, you can sign our digital petition here or print out and sign a paper petition, which you can find here.

As your MPP, I will introduce and read your paper petition into the official legislative records. Please note that the Ontario Legislative Assembly only accepts paper petitions. (I know, I know.)

Paper petitions are a great way to initiate a friendly, in-person conversation with your neighbours about public education. Please share all paper petitions with me to ensure they are tabled to make your voice heard. Contact my office and we will arrange a time to pick the petitions from you.

Scrap Bill 5!

Yesterday, the government held hearings for Bill 5, their proposed legislation which, if passed, would overhaul mining laws in Ontario, reducing or eliminating environmental assessment requirements, overhauling endangered species protections, potentially overriding labour laws, and more. As with many government bills lately, Bill 5 is written in a very open-ended fashion, allowing most of the details to be finalized “in regulation,” a step that happens after the bill is passed at the discretion of the Minister. This style of governing is very frustrating and, in my opinion, borders on anti-democratic.

Many critics of Bill 5 say that this government is using the threat of tariffs as a convenient excuse to do what they always planned: strip environmental regulations from mining projects. This bill also faces massive opposition from Indigenous nations, especially those near the “Ring of Fire” mineral deposits in Northwestern Ontario. Yesterday, many Indigenous leaders came to Queen’s Park to share their concerns and register their opposition to Bill 5.

You can join the movement to scrap Bill 5 by clicking here to send an email to Doug Ford and Minister Lecce demanding that they scrap this dangerous bill!

Committee consultation on the bill will continue on Monday, and written submissions will be accepted until Monday at 6 PM. To share your feedback with the committee, click here.

Muriel Collins Housing Co-op’s 30th Anniversary

Last Saturday, I had a splendid time celebrating Muriel Collins Housing Co-operative’s 30th anniversary with their members, extended family and supporters of the co-op movement.

Muriel Collins is an iconic housing co-op built in the 1990s on provincial land. It was made possible through the leveraging of government investments and sponsorship from CUPE Local 79, the union representing the City of Toronto’s inside workers. It was a beautiful reminder that the solutions to Ontario's housing crisis are already tried, tested and successfully on display in Toronto Centre.

Doug Ford should take note that selling government-owned land to land speculators is incredibly short-sighted and a policy failure. Public land can do so much more if we only look at the examples that already exist all around us. Workers and everyday folks need affordable housing now!

This special anniversary and the co-op members I met have strengthened my passion for fighting to build more affordable and co-op housing in Toronto Centre.

Marry Me Mochi Grand Opening

Congratulations to Marry Me Mochi on the grand opening of their 15th store, this time in Canada's busiest mall, the Eaton Centre!

It's remarkable to see this Canadian independent business, run by a passionate group of siblings, supported by their extended family, accomplished the feat of opening 15 stores in less than one year. I encourage everyone to visit the new location and indulge in delicious Marry Me Mochi donuts. I can't wait to see the next 15 stores and another 15 more after that!

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.

This Week's Headlines

‘Financial landlords’ more aggressive on raising Toronto rents than other landlords, study finds

Lawyer groups are ‘deeply concerned’ about proposed changes to civil lawsuits in Ontario

Rainfall warning in Toronto downgraded as drizzle, unseasonable cold to continue into the weekend

Why is it cold in Toronto this week?

Mining claims in Ring of Fire up 66 per cent over past 3 years: environmental group

Toronto police 911 upgrade expected to improve response times

Upcoming Community Events

Doors Open Toronto - This Weekend!

Explore Toronto’s architectural, historical, cultural and socially significant buildings for free during Doors Open weekend, this weekend, May 24 and 25. With sports, music and theatre venues and more than 150 sites to discover, the city becomes an urban playground. Get ready to play!

Use this map to explore all of the locations and plan your weekend!

Sites are open from 10 AM to 5 PM unless otherwise indicated.

Youth-Led Roundtable - Building Solidarity Across Communities

The Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter and the Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action invite community members to a youth-led roundtable dedicated to fighting racism and fostering solidarity.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, May 24
Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
Location: Scarborough Civic Centre + Zoom
Language: English with interpretation available in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Tamil
Support: Snacks and TTC tokens available as needed; volunteer hours recognized

This hybrid event features youth leaders from Chinese and Tamil communities sharing powerful stories, strategies, and resources. Participants will hear how youth created culturally relevant workshops, developed educational tools, and gained confidence in sharing their lived experiences. The roundtable also offers space to connect with mentors, engage with peers, and contribute ideas to grassroots anti-racism efforts.

Register: Youth Led Roundtable: Asians Against Racism and Hate Tickets, Sat, May 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

Contact:

Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter – [email protected]
Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action – [email protected]

Regent Park Community Birthday Celebration

Friends of Regent Park, alongside community partners, invite residents to a joyful Community Birthday Celebration on Saturday, May 24 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter Street).

This free, all-ages event brings together neighbours for an afternoon of:

Cake
Games
Music
Fun activities

Everyone is welcome to take part in the festivities and celebrate the spirit of Regent Park with friends, family, and community.

New Beginnings - Overstock Inventory Sale

New Beginnings Support Program Hosts Final Overstock Inventory Sale

New Beginnings Support Program is organizing a final inventory sale to support women and children in the community. All proceeds will go directly to the program’s ongoing initiatives.

Event: Final Overstock Inventory Sale
Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Suite 418, 120 Carlton Street, Toronto, Ontario
Payment: Cash only

Items for sale include:

Clothes
Wedding dresses
Dove and Silk’n products
Toys

Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags. Everything is priced to go, with items starting at just $2.

New Play: Long Live the Rainbow

As part of Pride Toronto's 2025 Affiliate Events, Long Live the Rainbow brings a vibrant celebration of love, resilience, and queer joy to the stage.

🎭 Long Live the Rainbow

📅 May 16 – May 25, 2025
📍 Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley Street, Toronto
🎟 Tickets: Long Live the Rainbow Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

💖 $5 from each ticket supports Rainbow Railroad, helping LGBTQ+ people find safety from persecution.

Eid al-Adha Bazaar

The Centre of Learning & Development, Mothers of Peace Regent Park, and ArtHubs Toronto invite everyone to a festive Eid al-Adha Bazaar celebrating community, culture, and local talent.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, May 27
Time: 2 – 8 PM
Location: Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East

Enjoy a vibrant market filled with henna, jewellery, clothing, delicious food, and more — all from local vendors!

Contact for Questions or Vendor Inquiries:
Sureya at [email protected] or 647-493-2462 ext. 112

Toronto Newcomer Day

Toronto Newcomer Day 2025 Celebrates Diversity and Community Connection

The City of Toronto will host Toronto Newcomer Day on Wednesday, May 28 at Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St. West) from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

This annual celebration welcomes newcomers to Toronto with a day filled with:

Information booths from community service providers
A vibrant marketplace and food fair
Free cultural performances throughout the day

Special Feature:

A storytelling session with Indigenous knowledge keeper Jim Adams, offering an interactive, all-ages program. The presentation will explore the histories and relationships of Indigenous peoples in the region — past and present — with a focus on wampum belts, treaties, and cultural traditions. Sensory and auditory elements will be included to engage participants of all ages.

Space is limited. Registration for this program is required and is managed by Toronto Public Library via Eventbrite. Group bookings should include the total number of tickets needed.

ReMarket - May Edition

The SLNA’s Waste Reduction Group is hosting their 13th REmarket! This two-day community initiative supports waste reduction by collecting unwanted items, encouraging reuse, and offering repair services.

📍 Event Details

Location: St. Lawrence Market Tent (125 The Esplanade)

🗓 Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Donation collection, recycling services, and household hazardous waste drop-off:
⏰ 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
FreeMarket:
⏰ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Guests can bring and take items freely (non-commercial use only). Bring your own bag.

🗓 Thursday, May 29, 2025

Donation collection, recycling services, and household hazardous waste drop-off:
⏰ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Repair Café Toronto & CultureLink Bike Hub:
⏰ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Clothing, jewellery, electronics, small appliances, and more will be repaired on site. CultureLink Bike Hub will offer bike repairs and safety checks.

ICL’s People, Power, Change Workshop Series

Do you have a desire to step up and fight for a better, fairer, more just world? This People, Power, Change workshop is for you. This workshop series is designed to help anyone learn how to make a difference by organizing their communities.

Based on the work of Marshall Ganz, this in-person workshop develops five core leadership practices:

Tell your story to share your own leadership journey, connect with your people, and foster shared purpose
Develop an effective structure that scales up as your movement grows
Build intentional relationships rooted in shared values
Develop realistic strategies based in a meaningful power analysis
Design campaign tactics that grow your capacity while reaching for your goals

Dates: June 7 and 8, 2025
Times: 9 AM - 4:30 PM

Deadline to Register: May 30th, 2025.

Price: $499.00 per person, $2,000 team tickets for groups of 6 people committed to working in a team together. Scholarships available, please complete this form to apply.

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

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!

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.

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 16, 2025 Newsletter

Dear Emma,

This week, the Ford government made their priorities crystal clear. Yesterday, they tabled the Ontario Budget for 2025-2026, and it left me wanting, especially when it comes to education funding, which was stagnant despite the growing crises in our schools.

This budget failed to include new funding to tackle the structural deficits facing school boards across our province, especially in Toronto. Without new funding, these deficits will result in Ford forcing the closure of 50% of all TDSB pools, slashing music and outdoor education programs, and leaving students with learning and developmental exceptionalities without vital support.

The budget was a punch in the gut to partners and students fighting for new funding for special education, despite the clear need for more support. Working and middle-class families are struggling with the high cost of groceries, this is expected to worsen as the tariff war drags on. Yes, Ford could not find it in his heart to invest in student nutrition programs, proven to enable better learning. It’s hard to stay focused when your tummy is growling!

This is why we must band together to Save Our Schools - Invest in Kids and Protect Our Pools!

On Tuesday, May 20, at 8 PM, I am co-hosting a virtual Public Education Emergency Meeting. Please join MPP Jessica Bell, TDSB Trustee Dee Williams and me to learn more about the Ford’s proposed service cuts and program closures. Have your say and let’s take action together to save our vital school resources.

Emergency Meeting - RSVP Here

Following the Emergency Meeting, on Saturday, May 24, let’s take our message directly to Doug Ford and his government at Queen’s Park with a Rally for Education Funding. The stakes are too high, and we must not let the Conservatives get away with defunding our schools and closing our pools.

For the little ones and their parents, we know weekends are precious, so we will have craft paper and markers for sign-making opportunities and free ice cream for everyone.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Education Rally - RSVP Here!

Besides the disappointment in education funding, the budget was rife with other policy failures. It missed the opportunity to tariff-proof Ontario or invest in the nation-building projects we need, like new affordable homes, schools, and hospitals.

Doug Ford and his government had a choice with this budget: to build a tariff-proof future so Ontario can take on the economic uncertainties from Donald Trump’s reckless tariffs or to table a business-as-usual budget. Unfortunately, he picked the latter.

This budget delivers little hope or reassurance for families already stretched thin, overworked health care and education workers, and auto workers worried about their livelihoods. I am disappointed.

Over the past few months, the people of Ontario have been asking themselves: Why wasn’t Ontario in a stronger position to take on these tariffs? Today’s budget offers a clue.

This budget cuts $1.2 billion from post-secondary education, takes us even further off track from the goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2030, and delivers no relief to communities stuck with closed and overcrowded emergency rooms.

I am proud to stand with the Ontario NDP and our plan to strengthen Ontario. If we had tabled a budget today, it would have included plans to:

Accelerate public infrastructure projects — hospitals, schools, and affordable housing so Ontario can address social challenges and create jobs.
Invest in training and apprenticeships to build a resilient workforce.
Grow Ontario’s economy, strengthen local supply chains, and bolster efforts to find new markets for Ontario goods and services.
Protect jobs and implement tough measures to stop jobs and manufacturing from leaving the province.
Bring real income supports for workers and emergency funding for tariff-exposed industries.

I look forward to the rest of this legislative session as the ONDP pushes for these priorities and improves life for everyday people in Ontario, instead of sticking wet band-aids on gaping funding holes like this government is doing. Ontarians deserve reassurance, relief, and results. That is exactly what I intend to deliver.

If you want to have your say about the budget or any other legislation moving through the Legislature, you can sign up to depute at a committee, either in person or through a written submission, here.

Yours in community service,

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

In This Newsletter

PC Reliance on Private Nursing Costs $9.2 Billion
Ford Broke His Promises to Survivors
ONDP Demands No Clawbacks to Federal Disability Benefit
Allan Gardens Palm House Reopening
TNG Cabbagetown Open House
St Lawrence Market North Grand Opening
CWNA 15th Anniversary Celebration
This Week's Meetings
This Week’s Headlines
Local Community Events

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PC Reliance on Private Nursing Costs $9.2 Billion

Over the past 10 years, the Ontario government has spent over $9.2 billion on private for-profit nursing agencies to fill hospital staffing gaps, according to a report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, published this week.

Agency nurses are up to three times as expensive per shift as public hospital staff nurses, and they cannot provide the continuity of care that staff nurses can because they work at hospitals so sporadically. This is a lose-lose situation for hospitals, staff, patients, and taxpayers.

But instead of investing in, retaining, and recruiting nurses to our public system, Ford is privatizing our healthcare system by emptying public coffers into the private bank accounts of nursing agency shareholders.

This week, I asked Ford when his government would stop using band-aid solutions to fix our province's systemic and far-reaching problems. As usual, I received a non-answer.

Instead of addressing the root causes of Ontario’s healthcare staffing crisis, like underfunding, low wages, or lack of full-time work, the government has chosen to reintroduce bills like The More Convenient Care Act. This bill would make changes that could weaken local public health oversight, line the pockets of private healthcare profiteers, and put Ontarians’ personal health information at risk.

Ford Broke His Promises to Survivors

Last week, when I spoke to the government’s new justice bill, I had the opportunity to hold the government accountable for their abandonment of all Ontarians touched by intimate partner violence. You can watch part of my speech here.

We can never forget the three women who were murdered in Renfrew County in September 2015 at the hands of their former partner. I carry the three of them and their stories with me every time I stand up in the Legislature.

Many families, friends and advocates from Renfrew travelled to Queen's Park on behalf of the victims last year to support my introduction of Bill 173, a bill that would declare intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic in Ontario. Instead of passing the bill quickly, the Ford government referred it to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy to “study” the issue, even though there were already numerous studies, including the Renfrew Inquest recommendations from 2022 that have not yet been implemented by the province.

Nevertheless, the government promised to let the committee travel to Renfrew County and other rural and Indigenous communities to meet with families and survivors to support their efforts to end IPV problems. Then, without notice, Ford took away our resources to visit these vital communities. Bill 173 was never called up for debate again, and it died on the order paper when Ford called his snap winter election this past February.

Just like the stories of its victims, Ford’s duplicity when it comes to IPV is painful to witness. His trail of broken promises is heartless. Survivors and advocates in Ontario refused to be ignored and shoved to the side. This fight is not over, and we will win.

ONDP Demands No Clawbacks to Federal Disability Benefit

The new Federal Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is scheduled to roll out this summer, with eligible recipients expecting their first installment in July 2025. This benefit is a cornerstone initiative of Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan - a whole-of-government approach to improve the lives of disabled people in Canada. The CDB aims to reduce poverty among working-age disabled folks, a worthy goal that we should have accomplished long ago.

However, the funds from the CDB are at risk of not flowing to the people who need them most. Alberta has cruelly decided to claw back the Federal CDB for individuals receiving provincial disability support. This is appalling, especially since allowing individuals to receive both does not increase their costs, and may even reduce costs as people who are lifted out of poverty generally require fewer emergency supports.

I am proud that the ONDP is firm that the CDB must be a top-up for provincial benefits, not a replacement. I have co-signed a letter, along with all of my ONDP colleagues, calling on the Ontario government to join Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Nunavut, Quebec, and British Columbia and announce immediately that we will not claw back social assistance for disabled people. You can read the letter here.

Allan Gardens Palm House Reopening

On Wednesday morning, I attended the long-anticipated re-opening of Allan Gardens’ historic Palm House. This space was a refuge for me as a teenager, and seeing it restored and transformed was powerful.

It was a joy to officially open this space to the public, alongside Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Chris Moise. I encourage everyone to pop by and enjoy this refreshed green space!

TNG Cabbagetown Open House

I was so pleased to visit TNG Community Services at their open house in Cabbagetown this week. Their talented team generously provided a tour of the facility and shared details about the wide range of community services they offer. I learned that TNG provides home care for 1 in 20 Torontonians who need it!

During the tour, we discussed how children ages 7-12 who need pre- and after-school care are left out of conversations surrounding affordable childcare. We also talked about the financial challenges TNG faces in delivering its critical services. I am so thankful to the incredible staff and volunteers for their hard work and to the many community members who welcomed us!

St Lawrence Market North Grand Opening

Last weekend, I spent a fantastic Saturday morning at the St. Lawrence Market North Market Grand Opening!

I am in awe of the entire St. Lawrence Market team. They have done beautiful work on this revitalization project. After years of planning and anticipation, seeing the hustle and bustle of local vendors serving the thousands of visitors was a wonderful sight!

I encourage you to check out the newly expanded market from Tuesday to Sunday every week!

CWNA 15th Anniversary Celebration

Congratulations to the Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association, who celebrated their 15th anniversary last night! The CWNA is an integral part of Canada’s largest and most diverse 2SLGBTQI neighbourhood working tirelessly to make sure we foster a vibrant, Queer, safe, and welcoming space for everyone who calls the Church Wellesley Village home.

I am so thankful for all of the leaders, volunteers, and community members who work so hard to promote and empower this remarkable neighbourhood. Here's to the next 15 fabulous years ahead!

This Week's Meetings

Hassle Free Clinic
Canadian Race Relations Foundation
Pride at Work
Ontario Association of Landscape Architects
Toronto Community Housing

This Week's Headlines

Victoria Day weekend 2025: What's open and closed in Toronto

Toronto police warn of phone scam where fraudsters claim to be Shanghai police

Toronto mayor calls for financial support fighting rising costs, in letter to Carney

Health minister, premier defend Ontario's response to worsening measles outbreak

On the run for 21 years, U.S. fugitive 'psychic' arrested in Toronto

Loblaw says number of tariff-affected products will triple in coming weeks

Toronto shares long-awaited details of proposed ‘bubble zone’ bylaw aimed at limiting protests near places of worship

Toronto’s splash and spray pads to reopen over Victoria Day long weekend

Upcoming Community Events

New Play: Long Live the Rainbow

As part of Pride Toronto's 2025 Affiliate Events, Long Live the Rainbow brings a vibrant celebration of love, resilience, and queer joy to the stage.