Dear Neighbour, Last night, my Private Member’s Bill, the Gender Affirming Healthcare Act, was called up for second reading and we had the opportunity to debate the Bill. The vote on whether the Bill would pass second reading and go to committee will take place this upcoming Monday directly after Question Period. The Ford government has not indicated any support yet so the Bill is not guaranteed to pass. This weekend, we're urging all of our supporters to call and email Doug Ford to pass Bill 42. Let him know that we need his government to deliver equal access to health care for gender-diverse Ontarians. You can call Ford at (416)-325-7635 or email him at [email protected].
We had an incredible turnout of supporters for the debate, including Trans trailblazers who have been working towards more equitable care for Trans folks for decades, parents of Trans kids, healthcare providers, labour leaders, and community members from all over Ontario. Thank you to everyone who came out! You can watch the full debate below: You can also watch our two press conferences here, where incredible leaders shared their stories and reasons for supporting the Bill, including OPSEU President JP Hornick, CUPE Ontario leader Susan Gapka, OECTA Member, Catholic teacher and parent of a Trans child, Abby-Rose Follon: On Thursday night, I also hosted a Community Assembly on Gender Affirming Care, where I was joined by Cheri Di Novo, Bilal Baig, Sil Hernando, Jordan Zaitzow, and a room full of community members. The conversation was incredible. We really got to the heart of what gender affirming care is — providing support and tools to patients to live their lives fully as themselves. That looks different for everyone and we need flexible, accessible healthcare options to meet the needs of our diverse community.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam MPP, Toronto Centre
Black History Month Ford Tips the Scale of the Justice System NDP Delivers Pharmacare for Canadians Federal NDP Motion on Palestine KWT in Community Upcoming Local Community Events
Yesterday I was honoured to rise in the Legislature on behalf of my caucus to deliver Black History Month remarks. Black Ontarians have given so much to this province, and we must recognize their contributions and the inequities they face all year long. It was wonderful to be able to give special shoutouts to the communities of Regent Park and Little Jamaica, as well as Black business owners, healthcare workers, and local activists, who I am lucky enough to call my friends. Today also marks the start of Black Mental Health Week. The City of Toronto is hosting a variety of events that you can get involved with here.
Despite being mired in never-ending scandals, Ford’s Conservatives chose to appoint two former senior staff from the Premier’s office to the Justice Appointments Advisory Committee (JAAC, raising serious concerns about the impartiality of the judicial appointment process. But the Premier made it very clear that his government has no shame in making partisan appointments to these roles. Under this government, we have seen our court system spiral into chaos. We have seen serious cases get thrown out because of double-bookings and lack of resources, and survivors forced to re-live their trauma because of repeated delays. Instead of fixing the mess in our courts, the Attorney General is focused on using their majority to award partisan patronage appointments and erode people’s faith in our justice system. Yesterday, I asked the Premier why he thought appointing a registered gun lobbyist to the JAAC would keep our communities safer. Conservatives appointing more donors and lobbyists won't fix anything. Under his watch, Ford has underfunded the courts for 6 years. He has no plan to fix the court backlog or make Ontario safer. Add your name to fix our courts.
Just yesterday, the Federal NDP tabled legislation, supported by the Liberal Government, that will deliver universal, single-payer pharmacare to Canadians. It will begin by covering prescription contraceptives and diabetes medications and expand from there. This will be life-changing for so many Canadians. I am incredibly proud of this work. A national pharmacare program for Canadians was one of the federal NDP’s key demands going into the confidence-and-supply agreement with the federal Liberals. It establishes a process by which Canadians can access essential medication and devices through single payer coverage. But the plan’s success is contingent on whether Ontario signs on. Canada is the only country in the world with a universal public health care system that does not have universal coverage for prescription drugs outside of hospitals. People shouldn’t have to choose between essential diabetes medication, contraceptives and food. It's pretty simple: universal healthcare must include pharmacare. That was always the intention, since it was first introduced by Tommy Douglas. Now, thanks to the NDP, Canadians who are struggling with the cost of prescriptions can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The question is whether the Premier will commit and stand up for Ontarians. I know that the rest of the Ontario NDP team and I will be relentless in our pressure to deliver pharmacare, a core Ontario NDP policy during the last two elections.
Since October 7, at least 30,228 people have been killed and 71,377 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza. The revised death toll in Israel from the October 7 attacks stands at 1,139.
I am incredibly proud of the strong and principled stance that the NDP has taken in their motion to combat the humanitarian crisis we are seeing unfold in Gaza and across the region. You can read the full text of the motion here, but the highlights are that the motion calls on the government to:
The motion will be debated, and a vote will be held on March 18. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to reach out to their Federal MPs and request that they support the motion.
Congratulations to the Chinese Workers Network on hosting another wonderfully successful Lunar New Year celebration. Deep gratitude for all the hard work they do to uplift the community all year round! Congratulations to the Yonge Street Mission Evergreen Centre on the opening of their Health and Dental Clinic! For years, the YSM Evergreen has been a safe space for youth to drop by for medical care, food, employment, and housing assistance as well as supplementary social programs.Last Friday, I had a chance to stop by one of my favourite local bakeries, Whiskful Thinking Bakery at 72 Wellesley St. E for some freshly baked scones and other goodies. Thank you to their lovely staff for their warm welcome! At the Grand Re-opening of the newly renovated Foy House Mansion on 92 Isabella St., I was honoured to attend their Black History Month exhibit where they featured the photographic art of Max Lamour as part of their mansion tour. From March onwards, this historic mansion will be available to host events for the community - be sure to check out this lovely space! Last week, I had a meeting with the Anglican Diocese of Toronto and met with Executive Director, Mary Lynne Stewart, Volunteer Resources Consultant, Elizabeth McCaffrey and Faithworks Campaign Manager, Peter Mentis. It was a pleasure to learn more about Faithworks and their incredible community support programs and services.
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.
Beginning at OISE at 252 Bloor St West, the International Women’s Day Rally & March will be on Saturday, March 2 at 11 AM. March for a gender-equal world! A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
Yonge Street Mission is hosting a Community Impact Jam for community leaders to discuss how to improve their existing tools to better serve the needs within the Regent Park community. Make a difference by helping to shape the future of YSM’s community development strategy and claim your spot by emailing [email protected]. Please RSVP as soon as you can ensure that you can attend on March 6 from 5 PM to 8 PM at YSM’s Martin Centre at 306 Gerrard St. East.
After the Regent Park Cafe launch, they are now open and operational every Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM. If you are near Daniels Spectrum at 585 Dundas St. East, pop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
GOOD TO BE GOOD is pleased to announce a fifth cohort for the Change Make-Her program! This FREE interactive virtual program is for women and gender-diverse folks* interested in developing their entrepreneurship and leadership skills through mentorship-based training workshops, community building, peer support, resource-sharing, and other opportunities. Applications are now OPEN for the Change Make-Her program! The poster is attached to this email—please share and spread the word. To register, email Arezoo Najibzadeh at [email protected] or sign up by using this link: https://forms.gle/LuPLtsiWVDL5618u6. Please note that applications close Sunday, March 17.
On Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. via Zoom, join Trustee Debbie King, Trustee Alexis Dawson, and Trustee Deborah Williams for a special virtual joint ward forum. It can be challenging to sort fact from fiction online, and an increase in hate speech, alongside ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence tools, have made it even harder. This virtual workshop, led by CIVIX and TDSB staff, is designed to help parents and caregivers learn simple skills for spotting misinformation in the context of social media platforms and AI. All parents, guardians, caregivers, students, staff, and members of school communities in Parkdale-High Park, Davenport, Spadina - Fort York, University - Rosedale and Toronto Centre are welcome to attend. REGISTER HERE to confirm your interest in participating via Zoom |
April 19, 2024 Newsletter
Dear friend,
The government has moved quickly on bringing the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act to committee, which is the next step before the bill can become law. On Wednesday, I attended committee to hold preliminary talks about striking a travelling sub-committee for the bill. We are still deciding exactly what shape this committee will take, but it is exciting that it is coming together so quickly.
Of course, we know that intimate partner violence is an epidemic. We don’t need yet another committee to create a report that makes the same recommendations that we have heard a hundred times before. But the government is requiring that we do this song and dance again, so I am committed to being an enthusiastic partner. Part of what I am pushing for in this early committee work is that we do a thorough analysis of the reports we already have. Instead of duplicating efforts, we should be building from the foundations provided to us by the work and struggle of hundreds of experts and survivors. I will keep you updated on this process.
As you may have heard, this week, the Speaker of the House banned the wearing of the keffiyeh, a traditional scarf worn by many Arab and Muslim community members, including Palestinians.
The ONDP Leader, Marit Stiles, wrote to the Speaker asking him to reverse the decision. She made the very sound argument that many other politicized, but not inherently political pieces of traditional dress, such as Indigenous regalia, kilts, kirpans, vyshyvanka, and other traditional clothing are allowed in the Legislature and always have been. The keffiyeh is no different.
The PC, Liberal, and Green leaders all wrote to the speaker asking for the decision to be overturned. So this morning, the Speaker brought the issue to the house before Question Period and asked for Unanimous Consent to overturn his decision. But at least one PC member, supported by others, loudly said “no” so the ban remains. This was shocking and disheartening, especially since all of the party leaders were on-side. Now we know that Ford's support of the reversal of the ban was tepid, given that he did not whip the PC caucus vote (force his party to all vote the same way).
This decision is highly concerning, especially because it also prevents Arab and Muslim MPPs, staff, and visitors at the Legislature from wearing their traditional clothing, even outside of the legislative chamber itself. This is reprehensible, and this fight is not over. The Ontario NDP has started a petition to reverse this decision, which you can sign here.
On a completely different and more positive note, I want to wish all celebrating a very happy Tamil and Bengali New Year, which was marked this past Sunday, as well as Chag Pesach Sameach and happy Passover to all who are celebrating starting this Monday. I am hosting my own Seder with friends and family this year and am very much looking forward to it.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
In this Newsletter |
- Lydia’s Law - New Bill
- Community Canvass with Kristyn
- Ontario Needs Real Rent Control
- End Court Delays Now
- Regent Park Islamic Resource Centre Opening
- Save the Science Centre
- Dough Ford's Era's Tour: Scandal Edition
- Local Community News
Lydia's Law - New Bill |
Yesterday, my caucus member, NDP MPP Catherine Fife, along with myself and MPP Peggy Sattler as co-sponsors, tabled Lydia's Law, a piece of legislation that seeks to bring accountability & transparency to the handling of sexual assault cases in Ontario. In 2022, there were 1,326 cases of sexual assault withdrawn or stayed before their trial date. Some of those were due to legitimate processes coming to an end, but many of them were due to court delays and the lengthy, re-traumatizing legal process. These survivors deserve to have their day in court.
This legislation is critical and I will be throwing my full support behind it.
You can learn more about the bill and sign the petition in support of it here.
Community Canvas with Kristyn |
Join Toronto-Centre NDP and Team Kristyn Wong-Tam on April 30 & May 1 to talk to our neighbours about the most pressing issues in Toronto Centre.
Canvass #1:
Date: Tuesday April 30, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Meeting Location: Intersection of Earl St. & Sherbourne St.
Canvass #2:
Date: Tuesday, May 1, 2024
Time: 4:30 PM - 7 PM
Meeting Location: Intersection of Earl St. & Sherbourne St.
Ontario Needs Real Rent Control |
Rents are rising out of control. Average rent in Ontario is rising at 3 times the rate of the provincial rental guidelines. This is unacceptable. This government is allowing developers and landlords to slide through rent control loopholes and raise rent costs higher and higher for hardworking people. Bhutila Karpoche and I are demanding Ford reinstate real rent control today. Real rent control means restoring vacancy rent control to ensure affordability in Toronto Centre and beyond.
Add your name to the petition here.
End Court Delays Now |
Murder trials delayed for years. Child sexual abuse cases collapsing. With courts understaffed, Ford's tough-on-crime talk means nothing when murderers walk free in Ontario. Ford continues to ignore our crumbling court system and is letting it remain underfunded and overwhelmed. These court delays are unjust and Ontario deserves better. We need to fix our courts so that families can get the justice they need in a timely manner. Watch above as I ask Attorney General Doug Downey why so many Ontarians are waiting in agony.
Add your name to my petition here.
Regent Park Islamic Resource Centre Opening |
Today, I attended the grand opening of the Regent Park Islamic Resource Center's new mosque space. This is the culmination of years of collective advocacy, and the event was full of joy. I couldn't be more proud to have been an ally in the work to secure a new community prayer space. It will be wonderful to attend events here for years to come.
Save the Science Centre |
The most corrupt government in Ontario's history is telling Ontarians to trust their plan to move and rebuild the same Science Centre that this government has refused to maintain. But we aren't falling for it. We need to preserve the work of Raymond Moriyama, one of the most prolific architects in this city’s history and a celebrated Japanese Canadian. We have to stand up to foster the next generation of scientists and make sure that we can enjoy a well-funded and properly run Science Centre for years to come.
Last weekend, I spoke at a rally to save the science center. The crowd was huge, and their ask was clear: we need a refurbished, properly funded science center at the current site, not a smaller and cheaper one at Ontario Place.
Add your name to the petition now by clicking here.
Doug Ford's Era's Tour: Scandal Edition |
As the Swifties among us celebrate the release of the Tortured Poet's Department, I also want to remind Ontarians about the Eras of Doug Ford's scandals, a tour that may never end. You can watch it here.
Local Community News |
This Weekend: Earth Day Park Cleanups! |
April is Earth Month, when we recognize the need to be environmentally conscious and take care of our one and only planet. I hope that you can attend one of the city’s many cleanups in Toronto Centre. Look below to find one in your neighbourhood!
Yonge and Dundas Square
Hosted by Downtown Yonge BIA
Date and Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:30 AM
Meeting Point: Yonge-Dundas Square
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, reusable water bottles, boots, and your enthusiasm! The DYBIA will provide supplies and refreshments after clean-up.
Register at: [email protected] and state how many people will be in your party.
Moss Park
Hosted by the City of Toronto.
Date and Time: Friday, April 19, 12 PM - 1 PM
Meeting Point: Shuter and Pembrooke
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes.
Gloves, garbage bags, and refreshments will be provided.
St. Lawrence
Hosted by A Greener Future, Cigarette Butt Cleanup
*Participants must be 19+
Date and Time: Saturday, April 20, 10 AM - 1 PM
Meeting Point: Berczy Park & Toronto Sculpture Garden
What to Bring: Equipment (gloves, upcycled container), weather appropriate clothes
Register at: [email protected] or https://www.agreenerfuture.ca/
Corktown
Date and Time: Saturday, April 20, 10 AM - 1 PM
Meeting Point: Sackville playground
What to Bring: Weather appropriate clothing.
Bags and equipment are provided.
For more information: [email protected]
Bay St
Hosted by the Mayor
Date and Time: Saturday, April 20, 10 AM
Meeting Point: 1055 Bay Street
What to Bring: Sensible shoes and gloves.
Bags and equipment provided
Free Tree Giveaway in Corktown |
Corktown is promoting the growth of native trees by giving them away in a special Earth Month event!
Deadline to place an order is Saturday, April 20.
Find more information here.
Tree Pickup - May 11, 10 AM -1 PM
Pickup Location: 513 King Street East
Regent & Moss Park Community Consultations |
Mark your calendars! Next week, the City of Toronto will be holding consultations at the Regent Park Community Centre to hear your thoughts on how they can best represent their community in the mural.
Where: Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter Street)
When: April 23, 2024 3 PM - 6 PM and April 28, 2 PM - 4 PM
Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Can't make it? Share your feedback here.
Regent Park Safety Network Meeting |
Join the Regent Park Safety Network to share your perspective on the safety of the neighbourhood. Help to foster community and a safer Regent Park in these monthly sessions.
When: April 22nd, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Where: Zoom, Meeting ID: 354 498 5532
For more information, please email: [email protected]
CRAFT - Pre-Apprenticeship Program |
Attention all Regent Park residents! Apply for the CRAFT program to learn valuable skills in construction trades. This 14-week paid pre-apprenticeship is open to the residents living in Regent Park, and the Greater Golden Mile in Scarborough. Priority is given to residents living in community housing and individuals living in the following postal codes: M4A, M3C, M1L, M1K and M1J.
Interested individuals must provide Photo ID, SIN card and Canadian/Ontario High School Transcript for the interview.
In Person Information Session: April 23 , 2024 at 6 PM, at Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St East)
Online Information Session: April 29, 2024 at 12 PM via Microsoft Teams
For more information, contact Fatima Saya, Senior Manager of Social Impact: [email protected]
The 519 Workshop Wednesdays - Criminalization of HIV Non-Disclosure |
The 519's Health Justice Hub is hosting Workshop Wednesdays on the Criminalization of HIV Non-Disclosure on Wednesday, April 24th from 6 PM - 7:30 PM. Learn more and register here.
Free St James Town Dog Wellness Clinic Pop-Up |
Hosted by the Toronto Humane Society and the City of Toronto, St. Jamestown is hosting a FREE Dog Wellness Clinic Pop-Up
Date and Time: Friday April 26, 10 AM - 1 PM
Location: Wellesley Community Centre, 495 Sherbourne Street
Appointments are required! Be sure to register in advance at The Corner.
Register in person at 200 Wellesley Street East, by phone at 416-964-6657, or by email at [email protected]
The 519 Workshop Wednesdays - Housing |
The 519's Health Justice Hub is hosting Workshop Wednesdays on Housing Rights and Tenant Organizing every Wednesday from 6 - 7:30 PM. Learn more and register here.
Regent Park Cafe |
Date/Time: Weekly from Monday to Friday | 9 AM - 8 PM
Location: Daniel Spectrum (585 Dundas Street East)
Prepare your taste buds because The Regent Park Cafe is opening its doors at The Daniel Spectrum (585 Dundas St E, first floor) and they’re ready to party! It's a vibrant hub of local foods, flavors, passionate entrepreneurs and community connections.
Join them to indulge in delicious bites and meaningful interactions.
Stay in the loop with all the excitement – follow them on Instagram for exclusive updates: https://www.instagram.com/regentpark.cafe/
Cabbagetown Festival 2024 Vendor Registration |
The Cabbagetown Festival is one of Toronto’s longest-running and most beloved street festivals, and this year it will be returning, bigger than ever!
They are inviting over 75,000 locals and visitors across the GTA to enjoy a family-friendly, entertainment-packed weekend, including live music performances, fantastic food, Kid’s Zone, and over 200 unique vendors from Cabbagetown and beyond!
The Cabbagetown Festival is celebrating its 45th year - after returning with a bang last year, the festival is primed to become one of the most-anticipated events in Toronto! Starting at $230 for the lowest vendor level for two days, they invite business owners to apply to join them as a vendor as we celebrate this milestone.
Dates: September 7 and 8
Location: Parliament Street and Carlton Street, Cabbagetown, Toronto
Apply and pay by May 31 to take advantage of this early-bird pricing! Prices go up June 1, as long as space remains available! CabbagetownTO.com @CabbagetownBIA
Toronto Public Health: Mpox Vaccines |
Toronto Public Health (TPH) encourages eligible residents to get vaccinated against mpox (formerly monkeypox) after confirming an increase in cases since the start of the year. To provide low-barrier, convenient, and equitable access to vaccination, TPH is hosting a series of clinics starting April 3.
Walk-in and booked appointments are available. You can book appointments here.
The vaccine is free of charge, and an OHIP card is not required. In addition to TPH-hosted clinics, residents can inquire about vaccine availability where they currently access sexual healthcare services.
Eligible individuals who have not been vaccinated against mpox are encouraged to get their first dose of the vaccine as soon as possible, with a second dose given at least 28 days later. The vaccine becomes most effective after two weeks. Individuals planning to travel soon are encouraged to get vaccinated before leaving, as cases are being reported in various regions around the world.
Vaccination can protect against the mpox virus and help reduce serious symptoms. Individuals who received a smallpox vaccination in the past are not protected against mpox. They should get vaccinated against mpox as soon as possible for the best protection.
For more information including eligibility requirements, visit the City’s mpox webpage here.