Dear Emma,
Half of all criminal court cases categorized as “Crimes Against the Person” in Ontario are withdrawn before trial. You didn’t misread. That’s 1 in 2 criminal charges being dropped in Doug Ford’s Ontario. These include serious crimes like homicide and major assault.
This is not normal. In 2015, the number was one in three, including cases withdrawn due to a lack of evidence, a low likelihood of conviction, or other reasonable grounds. Those reasonable withdrawals are still taking place, but now they are joined by cases with high degrees of merit and likely convictions, simply because of court delays caused by case backlogs.
Last Friday, I spoke with CTV News about how the underfunding crisis in Ontario courts is jeopardizing safety and access to justice. You can watch the whole segment here.
I have been ringing this alarm bell for years, and the crisis in our justice system is only deepening. I have raised this issue repeatedly in the Ontario legislature during Question Period, at standing committees, and with the Attorney General himself. Numbers like the ones below for “crimes against the person,” including murder, should be a massive wake-up call to the Ford government. But they are not listening.
The pandemic court backlog was never cleared, and things have only gotten worse. Doug Ford has left our courts in shambles and allowed open-and-shut cases of murder, assault, and other egregious crimes to wallow without convictions. This is unacceptable. This is not justice, and we are not safer because of Ford’s failure to fix our courts.
Ontario's justice system requires intentional investments, more staff and judges and faster utilization of technology and modern overhauls to function effectively and regain the trust of everyday people. Crown attorneys, the government lawyers who represent the Crown in court, have also been speaking out about unmanageable workloads and their inability to give each case the time and attention it deserves. This is horrifying. Modern cases often include hours of video evidence and digital communications that take time to review and prepare for disclosure, yet our courts have not been resourced to handle this increased workload or to streamline processes. That must change.
We also need the Ford government to invest in holistic, upstream crime prevention and diversion programs, as well as alternative justice options when victims and survivors request them. These investments will save money and time in the long run, lighten the burden on our strained justice system, and centre the well-being and healing of survivors.
But instead of investing in our social safety net and community-based programs, Doug Ford is eroding that funding, leaving our communities high and dry. This government is failing to invest adequately in education, healthcare, affordable housing, and community programs that we know reduce crime and make our neighbourhoods more prosperous and safe. This is shameful.
I will never stop pushing for the solutions we need to keep our communities safe and our justice system working.
As I write this, Toronto is already seeing the beginnings of another winter storm set to last through the weekend. Please be safe if you need to travel – give yourself extra time, be kind to those around you, and limit trips where you can. Also, please look out for your neighbours and anyone who might need a little extra help. The city’s warming centres, including surge sites that open when temperatures drop to -15 or less, will be open and ready to receive people.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Talk Back - IPV Town Hall - RSVP Today!
- Renewing My Vows at MCC
- ROMA 2026
- Homelessness in Ontario On The Rise
- Ford Replaces School Advocates With Bureaucracy
- Coffee with Kristyn - Corktown
- What’s Making Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Talk Back - IPV Town Hall - RSVP Today! |
The alarming rates of violence in Ontario directed at women and girls are on the rise. Femicide, or the intentional killing of women and girls based on their gender, has become nearly normalized. Some local police departments say the majority of their service calls are about intimate partner violence. The data is clear, the next steps have been published in reports, but where is the government action?
Join esteemed speakers and me for an in-depth conversation about IPV prevention and what comes next for Ontario. The government has released its controversial report, but it provides no plans or timelines for implementation. Centring the voices of survivors, it is time for us to step up and make those plans together.
This evening will feature dynamic presentations from seven experienced speakers, each bringing unique perspectives to the conversation. There will be an audience Q&A and interactive polling. Come out and make your voice heard!
Date: February 11, 2026
Time: 7 PM- 8:30 PM
Location: Zoom - RSVP here to be sent link
|
Renewing My Vows at MCC |
Last week, I shared a story about marriage equality, and this week it’s worth expanding on.
2026 is the 25th anniversary of what would become the world’s first legalized same-sex marriages officiated by Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes in a bulletproof vest at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto on January 14, 2001. With over a thousand angry protestors outside the church doors, under the constant threat of death and violence, and relentless media scrutiny, those marriages, although not legal at the time, were critical to a groundbreaking Supreme Court ruling that eventually led to same-sex marriage becoming law in Canada in 2005.
Doing the right thing requires courage. Fighting for the rights of minorities is not popular, but it is where the arc of the moral universe will take us, if we are listening with our hearts.
With our 6-year-old son serving as our ringbearer, Farrah and I renewed our vows this past Saturday in a beautiful and meaningful ceremony at MCC Toronto, alongside other couples, in recognition of this historic anniversary. This was a community celebration of love, a triumph over oppression, and the honouring of decades of activism that secured equal marriage in our country.
Thank you to Senior Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, Senior Pastor Rev. Deana Dudley, Rev. Junia Joplin, and their entire MCC team, board, staff, and volunteers, who created a special event for all in attendance and for those watching from a distance.
We are so lucky to have MCC here in Toronto, a queer-led, dynamic and inclusive church that has been at the forefront of the fight for equal marriage and many other campaigns for queer and trans rights. They work alongside other cherished queer clergy leaders, including former NDP MPP Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo, who officiated the first same-sex marriage registered in Ontario in 2001. The Ontario registrar's office issued the marriage certificate, failing to recognize that the names on the document belong to a lesbian couple. To them, I say thank you for your leadership and advocacy.
My heartfelt gratitude also goes out to the countless others who have risen with and stood by our community. I am proud to have played a modest part in this long fight during my time with Asian Canadians for Equal Marriage. I am moved by the hard work and sacrifices of the many pioneering couples, activists, lawyers, philanthropists, organizations, and other community leaders who, for years, fought to ensure marriage equality is the law for all Canadians.
My parents walked me down the aisle in 2016, and now my dad has passed on. Still, his presence was strong at MCC this weekend. He would have reminded us that Canada is the greatest country in the world and that it has come a long way. But that there is more to do, and that we can never take anything for granted.
With the rising rhetoric around the world and here at home, the call to reverse 2SLGBTQ rights and equality is getting louder. In some places, it’s all they ever hear.
So yes, let’s celebrate our wins and remain steadfast in our resolve to defend them so that we can pass them along to the next generation and every generation after.
|
ROMA 2026 |
Rural Ontario municipalities help build our province! I was happy to attend ROMA's annual conference on Monday and Tuesday to connect with rural leaders and understand their unique community needs. The Ontario NDP caucus was proud to meet with delegations from towns representing every corner of Ontario. They all have a partner in us, and we will always have their backs.
We will invest in local infrastructure, housing, hospitals, schools, roads and fight for fair funding to ensure local employment and economic development benefits all!
|
Homelessness in Ontario On The Rise |
Homelessness in Ontario is rising at shocking rates. As new data shows, more than 85,000 people in the province, including over 20,000 children and youth, are without a home. This is unacceptable and represents a massive and systemic government failure.
But it is not all doom and gloom. We have solutions; they just need to be implemented and funded sustainably.
Last week, during the pre-budget consultation process in Ottawa, Kaite Burkholder Harris of the Alliance to End Homelessness presented a vision of a hopeful, caring Ontario that actually ends homelessness.
Local governments are already showing us it can be done: the Guelph area has reduced youth homelessness by 75%. London, Ontario, has effectively ended homelessness among veterans. Even in American cities, progress has been made, as Houston, Texas, reduced homelessness by two-thirds. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has reduced the number of families experiencing homelessness by more than 50%.
In Doug Ford’s Ontario, about 580 young adults age out of child welfare and foster care housing at the age of 18. One in four of these young adults ends up homeless within 10 days. It would cost approximately $15 million annually to keep these young people housed and give them a shot at succeeding in life. That’s a wise investment because it stops a pipeline to chronic homelessness and gives our young people a real shot at the kind of stable life they deserve.
Budgets are all about values and priorities. I, for one, think that keeping people housed, healthy, and participating in their communities is one of the smartest things governments can do to reduce inefficiencies, grow our workforce and build up our economy.
Pre-budget consultations are ongoing, and there is still time to file a written submission on behalf of an organization or as an individual.
Pre-budget written submissions are due on Thursday, January 29th at 6 PM.
To send a written submission:
- Go to: Request to participate in committees | Legislative Assembly of Ontario
- Click “Yes” and select “2026 Pre-Budget Consultations” from the drop-down menu.
- Select “Submit material only” and “Written Submission Deadline: January 29, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (EST).
- Fill out the required information and either attach or paste in the written submission.
I hope that you make your voices heard!
| Ford Replaces School Advocates With Bureaucracy |
As the new Student and Family Support Office opened on Tuesday morning in the TDSB and TCDSB supervised school boards in Ontario, they confirmed what critics have been saying all along: these changes from Education Minister Paul Calandra simply replace the meaningful support from elected Trustees with layers of bureaucracy.
This announcement isn’t surprising. These so-called ‘support offices’ are just phone numbers and email addresses, with no named staff and no new capacity to truly support students and families. Parents are still being told they have to first go to the teacher, then the principal, then the superintendent, and only afterwards this “new Student and Family Support Office; where they’re asked to retell their story, get a case number, and be triaged to someone else.
By the time families finally reach Ford-controlled school boards, they would have gone through five bureaucratic layers. Families need advocates, not a call centre that assigns them a number while they wait on hold.
As a parent myself, these so-called new “offices” add insult to injury. I am proud of our elected trustees for their continued advocacy and care for our school communities. I will always stand with them, the students and families we serve.
| Coffee with Kristyn - Corktown |
On February 11 from 10 AM to 2 PM, I am hosting my next "Coffee with Kristyn" event at Roozamoon Cafe, at 398 Queen Street East in Corktown.
I am excited to hold this event before the holy month of Ramadan begins in late February, so that all community members can join me in sharing a cup of coffee and a delicious snack. To sign up to attend, please click here.
| What’s Making Headlines |
Bitter cold will slam Canada with some lows plunging to -50 C
Hospitals warn ‘no easy choices’ if Ontario doesn’t substantially increase funding
Ford government sues second Skills Development Fund recipient, alleging 'unjust enrichment'
Amid backlash, TDSB supervisor justifies scrapping elementary class size cap
Toronto may cancel new community centres, libraries if development funding dries up
Toronto saw dramatic decline in new bike lanes during 2025 after provincial ban
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Ontario NDP Iftar at Queen's Park |
The Ontario Official Opposition and NDP Leader, Marit Stiles, is honored to invite you to an Iftar on Wednesday, March 4, at Queen’s Park.
As the sun sets, community members will come together to break fast and share in a serene evening in the spirit of Ramadan. The program will run from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, allowing time for our community to participate in Taraweeh at their local mosques.
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Time: 5 – 7 PM
Location: Queen’s Park, Main Legislative Building (south entrance), 111 Wellesley Street West, Toronto
Please RSVP here to be added to the guest list.
| City of Toronto Community Champion Award |
- Nomination Deadline: Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- Who Can Nominate: Any Toronto resident
- Purpose: To recognize organizations making a meaningful difference in local communities
- Award Ceremony: Recipients will be honoured in May 2026
| RentSafeTO : Apartment Building Standards Program |
Who: City of Toronto
How to participate: Complete the online survey
More info: toronto.ca/RentSafeTO
Survey: https://ca.mar.medallia.com/?e=90004957&d=l&h=8A68825CD770DA0&l=en
| St Lawrence Waste Reduction REmarket |
The SLNA Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 15th REmarket event on February 11 and 12, 2026. This event has a direct, tangible impact on both the environment and the social welfare of our local communities, and you can widen that impact. New items being added to the growing recycling list at the upcoming REmarket include: hearing aids, elastic bands and non-synthetic corks.
February 11: stop by to participate in their FreeMarket, where anyone can drop off gently used items and take home items free of charge (not for commercial resale).
February 12: bring your items in need of repair to the Repair Cafe. Items such as clothing, jewelry, small appliances, electronics, and bikes can be fixed free of charge by local volunteers.
Click here to learn more about what is accepted for recycling and donation, as well as the schedule of events.
| Kiwanis Black History Month Event |
Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) leaders are pleased to invite community members, youth, artists, organizations, and local leaders to participate in the upcoming Kiwanis Black History Month Community Event, on Saturday February 21, 2026 at the ADA SLAIGHT HALL. (Full Day Event)
This event will be a vibrant celebration of Youth, culture, leadership, and community resilience. It will center community voices, highlight youth creativity, and create space for learning, connection, and collective pride.
They are currently welcoming expressions of interest in the following areas:
Ways to Participate
- Youth performers and artists (music, spoken word, dance, visual arts)
- Community organizations and service providers interested in hosting resource tables
- Youth entrepreneurs and vendors
- Speakers, facilitators, and cultural contributors
- Volunteers to support event coordination and day-of activities
Why Participate
- Showcase your work, talent, or services to a broad community audience
- Connect with residents, youth, families, and partner organizations
- Contribute to a meaningful Black History Month celebration rooted in community leadership and empowerment
- Support youth engagement, cultural expression, and community connection
The Kiwanis Black History Month Event is being organized in collaboration with community partners and is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all.
Next Steps
If you or your organization are interested in participating, please contact the SDP coordinators at your earliest time with a brief description of your interest and how you would like to be involved. Additional event details, logistics, and confirmations will be shared with confirmed participants. To express interest, please email [email protected].
| Get Started in Canada |
PTP is thrilled to announce that a new cohort of Get Started in Canada will begin in the new year! This program supports newcomer women in setting meaningful goals, strengthening employability skills, and earning micro‑certificates to boost their career journey.
Program overview:
Dates: Jan 26 - Mar 20, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM to 2:45 PM
Days: Mondays to Thursdays (hybrid and virtual options)
What participants will get:
- Micro-certificates such as WHMIS, Business Writing, Customer Service, and more
- Goal-setting support and enhanced job search skills
- Increased confidence and workplace communication skills
How to apply:
Fill out the inquiry form here: Get Started in Canada - PTP
| Toronto Centre Leadership Awards - Nominations Open |
Do you know a phenomenal leader in your community who deserves recognition?
Kristyn Wong-Tam will be awarding six people with a prestigious Toronto Centre Leadership Award in June 2026.
This honour recognizes individuals who have made a profound and lasting contribution to the Toronto Centre community in any field. This can include the arts, politics, community building, healthcare, and beyond!
