February 6, 2022

Dear friend,

This week, Jagmeet Singh officially tore up the Federal NDP’s Supply and Confidence Agreement with the Liberals. New Democrats worked hard and pushed Liberals to make life better for Canadians through this agreement. 

This doesn’t mean we are about to have a federal election ​— it means New Democrats are sending a clear signal about the progressive changes we need to see from the government over the year ahead. But lately, Liberals have shown themselves to be weak and self-serving again. Liberals caved to corporate interests when they forced binding arbitration on rail workers. Their union called on railway companies to address the labour shortage, which forced rail workers to work longer days under unsafe conditions and further away from home.

Liberals won’t be able to stand up to the Conservatives, who just want to make cuts to our public systems and enrich corporate insiders.

The Supply and Confidence agreement served Canadians well, bringing us real wins for people, like the national dental care program for millions of Canadians without coverage, ten paid sick days for federally regulated workplaces, long-awaited anti-scab legislation, and the beginnings of the national pharmacare program and national school lunch program.

The NDP has set the national agenda despite not being in government, which is an incredible achievement — my federal colleagues should be proud. But now it is time for something new. Without the agreement, Jagmeet will leverage this announcement to push the Liberals harder to do more to support Canadian families.

A federal election is coming, and Canadians will have a choice between Pierre Poilievre’s cuts and the hope and relief that Jagmeet and the NDP offer. This is a powerful moment but also an exciting one. 

It is certainly exciting for Samantha Green, the Federal NDP candidate for Toronto Centre. If you don’t know Samantha already, she is a family doctor and climate activist raising her family in Moss Park. She is a force.

I look forward to everyone meeting Samantha and experiencing her care and passion for everything in life. She will make an incredible MP and bring community voices to Ottawa.

In addition to this national news, there is local excitement: this weekend is festival weekend in Toronto Centre!

I will be at the Cabbagetown Festival, the St James Town Festival, and Rastafest in Regent Park on Saturday and the Cabbagetown Festival again on Sunday! Look out for our orange tent, where my team and I will give away fun swag, including our popular tote bags. Drop by and tell us about the issues you want your provincial government to take action on. If you want to join us – even better! You can sign up to volunteer at our booths here! Please note that Parliament Street north of Gerrard and sections of Carlton St will be accessible only by pedestrians for the festival. Please plan your visit accordingly. Hope to see you there!

Have a safe and wonderful weekend,

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Fighting for Public Healthcare? Very Demure
• Labour Day Parade
• Volunteer with Us: Cabbagetown and St James Town Festivals
• My Nomination Meeting!
• Our London Family Act - Have Your Say
• You’re Invited: Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration
• International Overdose Awareness Day
• Ontario NDP Caucus Retreat
• Toronto Dragon Festival
• Conservatives’ Failure on Healthcare
• This Week’s Headlines
• Local Community News

I couldn’t resist jumping on the “Demure” social trend to brag about how the Ontario NDP is working to protect public healthcare—and especially our frontline nurses—from cuts and privatization. I hope you find this silly video “very mindful.”

Workers are unstoppable when they are united! I was thrilled to march in another amazing Labour Day Parade with Marit Stiles and workers this past Monday. 

With the cost of living crisis and cuts to the public services people count on, we need the labour movement more than ever.

Over the past year, workers across Ontario have taken to the picket line to fight and win better wages and safer working conditions. Labour Day is a day to celebrate these accomplishments, but our work is not over.

People across the province are struggling with the rising cost of living and the skyrocketing cost of housing. Women and racialized workers are still more likely to be working precarious jobs for less pay and fewer benefits. Our healthcare system is being broken down and privatized by the Ford government. 

The lessons of the past century can guide us to a brighter future in the face of these challenges. On Labour Day and every day, New Democrats are proud to stand with Ontario’s workers in solidarity, determination, and hope.

The St James Town and Cabbagetown Festivals, as well as Rastafest Regent Park, are happening TOMORROW!  All three will take place on Saturday, September 7, and the Cabbagetown Festival spans the whole weekend, continuing until Sunday, September 8. My team will be setting up community tables in Cabbagetown and St James Town, and we need your help to collect petition signatures on critical issues and hand out fun swag!

Volunteering at these festivals is a great time to connect with the community, spread the word about important provincial issues, and enjoy a beautiful weekend with friends.

Volunteer with us! 

We have shifts at 11 AM, 2 PM, 4 PM and 4:30 PM on September 7 and 8.

When can you join us?

Speculation about Ford calling an early election is getting louder. He will do anything to get ahead of the RCMP criminal investigation into his Greenbelt corruption. And we will do everything to be ready for a snap election. 

You are invited! My nomination meeting to be your next Toronto Centre Ontario NDP candidate will be on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 6:30 PM. Special guests and live music will be at The Aviary at 484 Front Street East in the beautiful Canary District. Join us for a memorable night.

I am thrilled to partner with Neighbourhood Information Post to celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival with you.

Join us on Friday, September 13, from 3-6 PM in the Community Room at 150 River Street. The celebration is FREE, and all are welcome! 

Attendees will enjoy colourful lantern-making, moon cakes, hot drinks and food, and door prizes. 

I hope to see you there! Please RSVP here.

The Our London Family Act was first introduced in 2021 by London MPPs after the horrific murder of the Afzaal family. This new law, if passed, would make changes to stop Islamophobia in Ontario. We are asking for your input before it is re-introduced to ensure it continues to propose the solutions that will keep Muslim communities safe. I hope you can join and share feedback. 

Where: Banquet Hall, 402 Shuter St, Toronto.

When: Thursday, September 19, 6:30 PM – 8 PM

Refreshments will be provided.

Last Saturday, I was honoured to speak at the flag-raising ceremony for Overdose Awareness Day at Toronto City Hall. The Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention Toronto and Flags of Hope hosted us, two organizations that do excellent overdose awareness work all year round.

Every Overdose Awareness Day is full of grief for the people we have lost. Still, this one had an extra layer of heaviness as communities work overtime to preserve life-saving services that Ford has abruptly cancelled. I will stand with the community and fight for the evidence-based mental health care and addiction services, including harm reduction health services, that our communities deserve. 

Addictions can impact absolutely anyone. When it comes to making lives better and easier, we need to lead with support, not stigma.

This week, I attended the Ontario NDP Caucus Retreat in Windsor, where Marit Stiles and our caucus laid out our goals for the upcoming legislative session (by prioritizing housing, healthcare, and reducing the cost of living). We have been preparing for all possible election timelines since Ford could call a snap election between this fall and June 2026. Doug Ford has publicly said there will be no election this fall, but he could always change his mind and reserve course as we have seen him do many times before. So we need to continue to be ready for all possibilities. 

Last weekend, I was thrilled to attend the Toronto Dragon Festival, which celebrates the rich heritage of Chinese performing arts. This successful festival saw participation from 50 performing arts groups and 80 vendors taking over Nathan Philips Square. It was a sight to behold.

The Canadian Association for Chinese Performing Arts did an incredible job hosting and sharing traditional Chinese art with Torontonians of all backgrounds. This event allowed artists to share their talents and connect with new audiences across Toronto.

This week, the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU) released a report revealing a five-fold shortfall between the hospital capacity required by 2032 and the Ford government’s ten-year plan. 

The government has said over and over again that it plans to add 3,000 staffed hospital beds in Ontario by 2032, a number that sounds impressive until you look at the data and see that we will actually need 15,000 additional beds by that time. 

It is not news that this government has been deliberately underfunding our healthcare system, leaving Ontarians without the care they need and deserve. Healthcare should be based on needs, not means. For years, governments have ignored the growing crisis, pretending it doesn’t exist while hospitals close, nurses are driven out of the profession, and hallway healthcare worsens.

Healthcare is Ontario’s backbone, our pride and joy, but under conservative leadership, our healthcare professionals are leaving for other provinces, and our system is unrecognizable. It's time for real action and substantial investments so Ontarians can finally receive the care they deserve.

Two years after Ontario legalized virtual casinos, gambling addicts say the province has made it nearly impossible to quit – even when they want to

Ontario dropped wastewater testing early, with no plan for feds to step in: documents

Toronto inspectors scrambled to respond to Ontario Science Centre shutdown: documents | CTV News 

Would commercial rent control protect small businesses in Canada? | CBC News 

American rental price fixing tech still in use in Canada after U.S. lawsuits

Rastafest invites the community to a vibrant celebration at Regent Park, hosted at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas Street East) on Saturday, September 7th, 2024 -- TOMORROW!

This free event will feature live performances by Jay Douglas, Nana McLean, Otis Gayle, Shanty Sweets, and Gavin Williamson.

• Time:
  • Children & Youth Activities, Food, and Craft Vendors: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Live Concert: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Music by: DJ Chocolate & Black Heart iNiversal

Please note, the event has been moved indoors. It promises an exciting lineup of activities for all ages.

The Friends of Allan Gardens are excited to present the new Community Market Series this September! 

Each Saturday, from 11 AM to 3 PM, the Allan Gardens Children's Conservatory and the new Teaching Garden will host themed markets featuring unique finds and fun activities for the whole family.

Location: Allan Gardens Children's Conservatory & Teaching Garden, 117 Carlton Street.

Join your BENA Operations Committee at the Bishop and Belcher on September 10 at 6:30 PM for their third Annual Social!

Please RSVP to [email protected] by Friday September 6.

See the poster attached for further details or visit their website here.

The Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape (TRCC/MWAR) invites the community to the 40th annual Take Back the Night on Thursday, September 12. This event honours survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, and state violence, including police brutality and other forms of institutional oppression.

Event Details:

• Rally: 6 PM
• March: 7 PM
• Location: Christie Pits Park, 750 Bloor Street West
• Theme: 40 Years of Reclaiming the Streets

This year’s march continues the movement’s dedication to decolonisation and resistance against settler colonialism and heteropatriarchy. Let’s come together to celebrate survivorship, resiliency, empowerment, healing, and activism.

The event is wheelchair accessible and includes ASL interpretation. It is open to everyone and is a queer and trans-positive space.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Marshall or Accessibility Team (Training dates: September 5 and 10)

For more information, visit the TRCC/MWAR website.

The Foundation for Environmental Stewardship (FES) is offering grants through its "Funding for Net-Zero" program to support student-led projects to reduce emissions in schools across Canada. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 are available for students in grades 6-12 who are ready to take action for a sustainable future. This initiative provides students with hands-on experiences and education related to achieving net-zero emissions.

The application deadline is September 12, and FES encourages educators and youth across the country to apply.

The City of Toronto is inviting residents to provide input on implementing a new renovictions bylaw modelled after successful initiatives in other cities across Canada.

In June, Toronto City Council directed City staff to create a bylaw in response to the growing trend of renovictions in Toronto, where a landlord illegitimately evicts a tenant by alleging that vacant possession of the rental unit is required to make renovations or repairs, leading to situations where landlords increase rents significantly or refuse to allow tenants to return to their homes. This results in the displacement of tenants, the permanent loss of affordable rental housing, and contributes to rising homelessness in Toronto.

To inform the development of the bylaw, the City is engaging with tenants, landlords, and residents impacted by renovictions. Staff will report back to the Planning and Housing Committee with a proposed renovictions bylaw in October.

Online survey

Residents are encouraged to share their insights and experiences by completing the online survey on the City's website by Monday, September 30.

Drop-in sessions

The City is also hosting in-person and virtual consultation meetings: 

City-wide Online Session

Date: Monday, September 9

Time: 7 to 8.30 PM

Zoom Online Meeting: Click the link or join by phone at 647-374-4685

Meeting ID: 369 644 7895

Passcode: 740975

Downtown Toronto

Date: Friday, September 13

Time: 1:30 to 3.30 PM

Location: 55 John Street – Rotunda (main floor)

More information on the Renovictions Policy Implementation report is available on the City’s website.

The Toronto Newcomer Council invites refugees, asylum seekers, and newcomers to the "Empowerment Through Employment: Refugees and Newcomers Career Navigation Seminar 2024" on September 13-14 at 163 Queen Street East. This event will connect participants with employers, training institutions, and service agencies, offering valuable insights into the Canadian job market.

Event Highlights:

• Panel Discussions & Q&A Sessions: Explore challenges and opportunities in the Canadian labour market.
• Workshops: Hands-on training in resume writing, cover letter preparation, and interview techniques.
• Networking Opportunities: Build connections with employers and fellow job seekers.
• Exhibition Booths: Engage with organizations showcasing employment resources.
• Expert Talks: Gain career navigation advice from professionals.

Attendees can meet potential employers, enhance job readiness skills, and access tailored employment programs. Register here to secure a spot.

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

Date: September 18, 2024

Time: 12 PM

Location: Downtown Toronto, details TBD

Sign up: Click here to register

This is a family-friendly event. Rain or shine!

The Young Politicians invites all youth to the Youth Civic and Political Forum on September 21 at Toronto City Hall. This event is an opportunity for young minds to come together, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore solutions to issues facing Toronto. Join like-minded peers and renowned leaders to explore, initiate, and debate on civic and political matters. For more details, click here.

Wildlands League and Mushkegowuk Council are delighted to present Tawich in the City, where Indigenous music meets science meets art and much more.

Tawich* has been a hidden gem until now. This one night only event will connect your heart, soul, and mind to Canada's great inland sea and its incredible people!

You will see astonishing wildlife footage by the award-winning Water Brothers and hear from the Omushkego leaders like Mushkegowuk Council’s Deputy Grand Chief Natasha Martin, Peawanuck’s Sam Hunter, and Juno Award winner Lawrence Martin, who is galvanizing the protection of his peoples’ sacred lands and waters.

September 25, 2024 | 7:00 PM

• Tikcets: $55.00+
• Venue: Koerner Hall
• Genre: Art & Conversation, Indigenous Music
• Presenter: Wildlands League & Mushkegowuk Council

Seniors for Climate invites the community to join their nationwide movement for urgent climate action. Fossil fuel emissions continue to fuel devastating fires, floods, and extreme weather. On October 1, seniors across Canada will stand in solidarity with youth, urging the federal government to take immediate steps towards renewable energy expansion and the end of fossil fuel burning.

Toronto Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, October 1
• Time: 1:30 PM
• Location: Rally at University Avenue and Armoury

March to the Church of the Holy Trinity, 10 Trinity Square

Notable speakers include David Phillips, David Suzuki, and Lillian Allen. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own water bottles, and masks are welcome.

This event is part of a larger initiative by the Seniors for Climate project, featuring over 50 events across Canada.

The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association (SLNA) Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 11th REmarket on October 9 and 10. This two-day event focuses on collecting unwanted items, with recycling services, donation collection, and hazardous waste drop-off available.

Event Details:

• Wednesday, October 9:
  • FreeMarket from 10 AM to 7 PM. Donate or take items for free (not for commercial resale). Bring your own bag.
• Thursday, October 10:
  • Repair Café Toronto will fix clothing, jewellery, computers, electronics, and more from 11 AM to 3 PM.
  • CultureLink Bike Hub will offer small bike repairs and safety checks from 10 AM to 6 PM.

The event will be held at the St. Lawrence Market Tent, 125 The Esplanade. For full details and guidelines, click here.

Do you know of an exemplary project, group or person who has shown leadership, commitment and the best practice in heritage conservation this past year? Help the Ontario Heritage Trust recognize and celebrate them by submitting a nomination for the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards.

Nomination deadline: October 11, 2024

This year, the Indigenous Legacy Gathering will take place over four days at Nathan Philips Square, starting on September 27 and culminating in the unveiling of the Spirit Garden on Orange Shirt Day, September 30.

Stay tuned for details on vendor applications, which will be released soon. Check the event website for updates and more information.

Dear Neighbour,

This week brought heavy news for people in Toronto Centre and across Ontario when the Ford government announced that they were closing 10 of 17 provincially approved consumption and treatment sites (CTS). Let’s unpack this backwards announcement. 

Substance abuse is a health issue and supervised consumption is a proven, evidence-based intervention that can prevent overdose amid a deadly crisis that has already claimed thousands of lives across Ontario. The Ford government’s own expert review of sites did not recommend closing any sites. Just like when Ford ignored his own expert housing panel — the housing crisis deepened. Now he is covering up his own CTS safety report and doing the opposite of what his health professionals recommended. 

As said before, ‘without supervised consumption sites, our whole city becomes an unsupervised consumption site’. Health professionals anticipate that things are about to get significantly worse and more visible when the CTS are closed.

Ontario’s framework for addressing the overdose crisis was never perfect — it was an underfunded patchwork of emergency responses. CTS is a health and referral service that should be funded to operate 24/7 and right-sized so people are not kicked out at closing time and left on the streets without other options — Ford did not even attempt this. The cap on sites that Ford himself created in 2019 forced people to access harm reduction at a limited number of facilities with restricted hours. This led to unhoused individuals using drugs in public spaces when they had nowhere to go. This is something we will see even more of when sites are closed suddenly.

By failing to invest in mental health services and supportive housing, sites that were making referrals were knee-capped by the social safety net that Ford kept broken. People had no other options when they couldn’t access housing and mental health services or addiction recovery treatment beds.

 Ford could have chosen policies that would have actually improved safety around supervised consumption sites like:

• Funding CTS to operate 24-hours-a-day so that users are not kicked out at random hours.
• Guaranteeing 24-hour access to shelter and emergency addiction treatment beds.
• Funding safety and well-being plans for service areas.
• Integrating micro-sites into health care centres to facilitate safer access, counseling, easy referrals, and prevent the overcrowding of extremely traumatized people into fewer options.
• Investing in sufficient supportive and deeply affordable housing to transition patients out of chronic homelessness, where it is unbelievably challenging to escape addiction. 

Ford chose stigma over support. While I welcome any new investment in health care, the 375 beds he is committing to creating by diverting funding will not end the overdose and poisoned drug supply crisis. This is all made worse with Ford’s privatization agenda and I predict that he will continue to take public money to enrich private, for profit companies. Nor do I believe that 375 recovery beds would be adequate for Toronto Centre alone — much less the entire province of Ontario. 

My heart is especially heavy for everyone working in health care and harm reduction who will face the frontline consequences of Ford’s decision. Hospital emergency room staff, first responders and harm reduction workers are tired and burnt-out. They have buried too many patients, community members, and friends. In particular, harm reduction workers have carried on despite the odds, grief, and pain — it is impossible to face a seemingly unending torrent of death and be hit hard by callous attacks from the Premier. I will continue to stand with you, lift up your stories, and fight to make Ontario a province where healing and recovery from addiction is not just possible — but common and widespread. 

You can sign my petition calling on Ford to adequately invest in this health care crisis here. When the house resumes, I will deliver the petition and the names of everyone who signed it to Ford's desk in the Legislature.

On another note, this week I have been made aware of disruptive noise coming from the Metrolinx Don Yards construction site in our riding. The noises range from augers banging to concrete pouring throughout the night and into the morning. I have been in contact with many of the residents in the area about the severity of the noise and how it has been impacting the health and well being of community members. 

Our office has been in communication with Metrolinx every day since we have received complaints from residents. I have asked for daily updates about the status of the noise mitigation measures, and we continue to ask them for adjustments to their construction schedule so that there is no disruption to residents while they sleep. While Metrolinx has been responsive, I continue to push them for answers and modifications on behalf of residents. 

It is imperative that if you have concerns about how the construction is impacting your life, please bring them to my office’s attention by emailing [email protected], as well as to Metrolinx directly at [email protected]. 

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Save the date! Nomination meeting announced!
• Have your say in the St. James Town Act
• AMO 2024
• Ontario Attacks Growth Plan for the Golden Horseshoe
• Ford boasts about ‘modern’ courthouse that isn’t even accessible
• Critic Portfolio Surveys
• 77 Howard St. Update
• This Week’s Headlines
• Local Community News

Speculation about Ford calling a snap election is swirling. And we will be ready to meet his challenge. 

My nomination meeting to be your next Toronto Centre Ontario NDP candidate will be on Thursday September 26, 2024. We can't let Ford's corruption and regressive policies go unchallenged. I have proven myself to be a strong defender of our democracy and province. From reversing Ford’s Greenbelt giveaway and Bill 124 to standing up for Toronto residents and small businesses. From fighting for justice, public health care, education, Ontario Place and the Ontario Science Centre, I have done what I always do - represent Toronto Centre with all my heart, dignity and strength. 

We need to show that Ontario’s New Democrats have the passion, experience, and community support to win. There will be many special guests, live music and great food. By uniting progressives across the riding and province, we will and must defeat Ford Conservatives in the next election.

You are invited to join me at my nomination meeting:

Date: September 26, 2024

Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: The Aviary, 484 Front St E (near Bayview Ave)

Six years after the fire at 650 Parliament Street, bad landlords are still getting away with negligence that threatens tenants’ lives. Tenants at 77 Howard are out thousands of dollars because the same landlord continued to fail to keep their property in a state of good repair.

The St. James Town Act proposes an elegant solution to a systemic and ongoing problem. It emerged from deep conversation with tenant leaders across St. James Town and Ontario. But we are now six years into Ford’s anti-tenant government, and we need to ensure that it will continue to meet the moment. I welcome all feedback on this proposed bill through my survey!

Residents at 77 Howard are still struggling with the aftermath of the heavy rain on July 16 that led to damaged apartments, shared spaces, and facilities like their onsite laundry room. This week, a tenant from the building shared a video with me documenting the severity of the destruction to their apartment and disruption of their lives. 

While our office awaits the incident report from the City that will give us a better sense of the structural damage and what maintenance work could have be done to prevent undue hardship, these residents continue to pick up the pieces to rebuild their lives. The property owner, WPSQ maintains this was a “natural” disaster and refuses to offer rent abatement of other financial support to help residents recoup their losses. Check out the damage cause by this so-called natural disaster below:

This week a major annual conference called the Association of Municipalities in Ontario (AMO) took place. This gathering is like a family retreat for the multiple levels orders of government in Ontario to discuss shared challenges and how to best solve them. Marit Stiles and Ontario New Democrats joined putting our best foot forward by announcing a new deal for cities and Northern Ontario communities

Marit Stiles announced a detailed and comprehensive plan aimed at reversing decades of underfunding and neglect across our province and especially in Northern Ontario. 

Key aspects of the Ontario NDP’s plan include:

• UPLOADING back provincial financial responsibility for affordable housing, shelters, and homelessness prevention programs, while maintaining locally focused delivery by municipal service managers.
• RESTORING 50% provincial funding for municipal transit net operational costs.
• Building affordable homes through Homes Ontario — the Ontario NDP’s plan to provide significant new provincial investments in public, non-profit and co-op housing.
• Fair cost-sharing between municipal and provincial governments to stabilize municipal finances.

Too many Ontarians feel that their elected representatives give them excuses for why vital city services are under-funded — ENOUGH. 

An Ontario NDP government will restore provincial funding where we need it so you can get services — and not excuses.

This week, Ford’s Minister for Creating Excuses that Perpetuate the Housing Crisis Paul Calandra announced that Ontario will repeal the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. This will harm Ontario’s environment and our ability to tackle the housing crisis.

Instead of focusing on building affordable, sustainable housing in existing neighbourhoods, this government is paving the way for more sprawling developments over limited farmland and delicate wildlife habitats. The Growth Plan helped coordinate how cities grow in the Golden Horseshoe to minimize damage to our surrounding farmland and wildlife. Scrapping the growth plan won’t help fight the housing crisis because the McMansions Ford wants to build are not the tool we need to fight the affordability crisis. Ontario New Democrats will oppose Ford’s short-sighted changes and fight for smart housing investments that actually build deeply affordable and supportive housing with real rent control.

I have created four surveys spanning the three ministerial portfolios I am responsible for including one to cover community safety as that is a priority issue for the City of Toronto and Toronto Centre. If you have general feedback that doesn’t fall into these buckets you can still provide that information through the ONDP’s general consultation survey here.

Please share my surveys with anyone in your networks who would be interested!

We will be back at the Cabbagetown and St. James Town Festivals tabling on the weekend of September 7, 2024. We would love all the volunteer help we can get engaging our neighbours. Sign up below.

Saturday September 7, 2024

Sunday September 8, 2024

It’s disappointing to be having this conversation in 2024 — all major new buildings should be accessible. But disability advocates are saying they are tripping over how long the list of problems is with Ontario’s new billion-dollar courthouse on Armoury St. 

How did we get here? I’ve toured this courthouse with workers and have some insights. First, the government sidelined workers from the development of the new courthouse. Second, the government refused to listen to the unions representing court workers as they advocated about accessibility AND safety problems in the new building. Third, Ford’s Minister of the Attorney General stuffed cotton into his ears so that he could not hear the chorus of community voices giving him free advice on how to fix what is wrong with the courthouse. Disability advocates have posted videos showing how wayfinding routes installed to help people who walk with a stick navigate were hard to follow, occasionally randomly stopped, and that brail signs are sometimes incomplete or wrong.

I will continue supporting community voices demanding the government do their job and ensure our new courthouse meets basic accessibility standards for disabled Ontarians.

• Ford government's deadly closure of safe consumption sites spells disaster for Ontario’s overdose epidemic
• Ontario municipal leaders call for new law to address harassment 
• Finding a job is tough when you have a disability, and Ontario's revamped employment system isn't helping
• Ontario to ask province to name intimate partner violence an epidemic
• Toronto wants more family-sized condos. Here's why what's being built just doesn't work 
• Killing growth plan for Greater Golden Horseshoe is a disaster for Ontario's environment
• Jarring survey results reveal worsening mental health among Ontario youth 
• Ontario and GTA traffic expected to slow to 20 km/h due to construction 
• Ontario health minister went against review recommendations on consumption sites 
• People will die: Toronto Board of Health Chair denounces plans to close supervised consumption sites 
• Electoral College Projected Averages this week

Have you ever wondered what it is like inside an Overdose Prevention Site but never had the chance to learn? South Riverdale Community Health invites you to their Moss Park Overdose Prevention Site Open House on August 26th from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at 134 Sherbourne St. Join South Riverdale Community Health’s team for an informative and engaging afternoon featuring Naloxone training, a safe needle disposal demonstration, and a site tour. Learn more about how their services can support our community. Before you go, please RSVP at [email protected].

Community members are invited to join the International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) Flag-Raising Ceremony for 2024. It will take place on August 31st at 11:00 A.M. at Toronto City Hall. 

The event is supported by organizations like Black CAP, CACVO/ACCHO, Families for Addiction Recovery, and others committed to this cause.

The event aims to raise awareness about overdose deaths and highlight that they are preventable. It also seeks to support the fight against the stigma associated with substance use and overdose.

Attendees are encouraged to add the name of their loved ones to the IOAD Commemorative Canvas.

This year Rastafest is coming to Regent Park on Saturday, September 7 from 1 PM to 5 PM! Please come by to enjoy live music, vendors, and celebrate Rastafarian culture in its entirety. 

Me and my team will be hosting a table, so please stop by to say hello and pick up a tote bag!

Louis March’s family are hosting a community celebration to honour and share loving memories of Louis. It's going to be an afternoon of music, spoken word, dance, inspiration and reflection on Elder Louis’ legacy of tireles advocacy against gun violence and youth empowerment. The event will take place this coming Sunday August 25, 2024 at 1 PM in the St. Lawrence centre for the Arts, 27 Front Street East.

Please RSVP here to attend. 

Samantha Green, our federal NDP candidate in Toronto, is out knocking on doors every week. You can join her by signing up for her upcoming shifts. 

Drop by Sunday in the Park festival from 1 PM to 5 PM, happening this Sunday, August 25 at 600 Dundas Street East. There will be free BBQ with halal and vegetarian options, as well as family friendly activities, local vendors and live entertainment.

Join New Democrats this Labour Day! Sign up below.

Dixon Hall is launching their Farmers’ Market flyer market. This unique market works on the “Pay What You Can” model.

Dates: Every other Thursday (Aug 29, Sept 12, Sept 26)

Time: 3 PM until sold out! 

Location: 190 Carlton Street

Farmers Market Quick Facts:

• PWYC Model: Choose your price, from $5 to $20, ensuring everyone can access fresh food.
• Community Engagement: Enjoy fresh produce, lively activities, and music, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
• Dixon Hall needs volunteers to help them organize the market; help out today!

Date: Every Wednesday, from July 3 – September 4, 2024

Location: The Big Park | Bake Oven

Time: 5 - 8 PM

Learn more here.

Dates: Mondays-Thursdays, July 8 – August 29

Times: 3:30 - 5:30 PM 

Location: Daniels Spectrum 2nd floor (studio 210)

Join ArtHeart this summer for drop-in summer arts programming! Children, youth and family arts will run Mondays-Thursdays (note that some Thursdays will be Family Field Trips days and may start earlier - please enquire)! 

A one-time application is required. Click here or email us at [email protected] for the application. 

This summer, participants will explore painting, sculpture, paper crafts, and more! Nourishing snacks and refreshments are provided.

Seniors Program (55+)

Date: Every Monday 

Time: 10 AM - 12:45 PM

Location: Daniels Spectrum 2nd floor (studio 210)

Adults Program (16+)

Date: Every Wednesday

Time: 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Location: Daniels Spectrum 2nd floor (studio 210)

Join ArtHeart for our year-round open art studio for adults and seniors! Participants are welcome to attend both sessions. 

Enjoy an open, welcoming environment to meet like-minded creative people! Warm meals are provided during programming.

From Aki Studios comes In my Own Little Corner! In this award winning “outstanding new play”, Carly Neis explores the mess, beauty, grief, joy and care of an unexpected friendship stitched together by the love of music and a shared longing to be acknowledged as artists, creators, and “normal” humans.

If you are interested in checking out some local theatre in an accessible, immersive experience, you can buy tickets for performances from August 23 to September 1, 2024 here.

Art à la Carte provides Ontario artists with the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents with visitors to the In Camera Dining Room at the Legislative Building. Selected artwork will be featured in an exhibit for one year. It is not a requirement that artwork is for sale; however, if it is, interested buyers will be connected with the artist.

Applications will be accepted from July 10 to August 25, 2024. Check out the link for eligibility, the application form here!

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program offers grants to Toronto residents who are behind on their hydro payments and receive support from Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). This initiative is a collaboration between the City of Toronto, Neighbourhood Information Post (NIP), and partner agencies.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Residency: Must live in Toronto
• Income: Must meet low-income guidelines
• Utility Bills: Must have a recent “past due” Toronto Hydro bill or a disconnection notice from the utility provider
• Additional Requirements: Must meet other program criteria

Please note that meeting these criteria does not guarantee grant approval, and additional documentation may be required.

Learn more here.

Did you know that Wellesley Community Centre has a new indoor pool? And it’s FREE to use EVERY DAY!

• Wellesley pool offers FREE drop-in access to all ages:
• Open leisure swim
• Aaquafit classes
• ️Lane swimming
• ️Women's only leisure swim
• ️2SLGBTQ+ friendly inclusive leisure swim

Check out the schedules here

Join The Circle of Cedar Singers for 2 Spirit Healing Drumming sessions:

• Dates: Tuesdays from July 23 to October 29
• Time: 6 - 7:30 PM
• Location: Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church St.

All are welcome to watch or join in (bring your own drum). For more details, email [email protected].

Join the St. James Town Community Corner for the St. James Town Festival 2024, celebrating with the theme "Greener and Safer: Reviving and Rebuilding Relationships."

Enjoy fun activities, performances, community awards, cultural foods, and a variety of vendors at this year’s St James Town Festival! 

• Date: Saturday, September 7
• Time: 1 - 7 PM
• Location: Ontario Street, north of Wellesley Street East

For more information or questions, email [email protected].