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!
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.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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!
