Dear Neighbour,
It has been another week of hurry-up-and-wait in Ontario. Doug Ford continues to dangle the possibility of a snap election in front of us, even as the existential threat of sky-high tariffs from the new Trump administration looms. Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP believe Ford should focus on countering this threat and delivering stability for you and your family — not engaging in a vain election. Frankly, I find it irresponsible and cynical for the Premier to exploit the threat of US tariffs to call for an expensive provincial election more than one year ahead of schedule.
The Ontario NDP and I are ready to go into an election if one is called, and I am so excited about the slate of candidates we have lined up across the province. Just this week, we nominated six candidates and are not letting up. You can learn all about these candidates and the strong visions they have for their communities here.
Despite it being a slower news week in Ontario, huge moves are being made on the international stage. We may finally have a ceasefire agreement that, if respected, will end the Netanyahu government’s current military assault on Gaza and secure the release of the hostages. I am cautiously hopeful for the people of Gaza, all detained hostages, and everyone whose loved ones have been affected by this horrible war. The road to recovery will be a long one, especially for civilians in Gaza, who have faced war crimes and crimes against humanity. Civilians in Gaza are currently living with destroyed healthcare, sanitation, housing, and public infrastructure. They need a ceasefire that includes the unencumbered flow of humanitarian supplies like food, medicine, and clean drinking water.
Rebuilding in the wake of this enormous destruction will be an immense task – only made heavier by the grief so many families are carrying. I am hopeful that the ceasefire agreement holds and that we will see justice and accountability for every warlord responsible for war crimes and genocide. The work does not end here and, in fact, only becomes more complex and delicate. Humanitarian aid is needed more than ever in Gaza, and conditions are worsening daily. I encourage you to stay informed on this issue and to donate to on-the-ground humanitarian organizations as you are able.
Each new year brings with it the possibility of peace, community connection, and our ability to collectively create a more caring world for all. In that spirit, I invite you to celebrate at my New Year’s Levee next Sunday!
Here are the details for your calendar:
Date: Sunday, January 26, 2025
Time: 2 – 4 PM
Location: Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East
We will have a selection of refreshments and snacks. The venue is wheelchair accessible, including washrooms.
I hope to see you there!
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
In This Newsletter |
- Ford’s Ontario Place Schemes - We Deserve Answers
- $200 “Bribe” Cheques Arriving Soon
- Privacy Commissioner: Ford Must Disclose Phone Records
- Cold Weather in Toronto
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community Events
Ford’s Ontario Place Schemes - We Deserve Answers |
We all know about Ford’s shady deal to sell off Ontario Place to a broke Austrian spa company by now, but the news just keeps getting worse.
This week, we learned that the Ontario Place redevelopment plan includes diverting a raw sewage pipe to the West Channel (the above red box). This change will divert the waste from a location that will become a new public beach but that will potentially contaminate areas of the lake currently used by swimmers, rowers, dragon boaters, and other beach users. Advocates from Ontario Place for All have warned that pumping sewage behind a breakwater will create an “entrapped bathtub” of polluted water, since there is reduced water flow in that area of the lake. This is unacceptable and highlights why we need a full environmental assessment for this project.
In an attempt to get answers on the shady Ontario Place deal, the Ontario NDP filed a request with the Integrity Commissioner to look into Ford’s Infrastructure Minister, Kinga Surma. The report came out this week, and generally served to highlight how toothless the Integrity Commissioner is and that we need stricter rules to hold powerful elected officials accountable for their actions. My colleagues and I will continue to use every tool possible to shine a light on this deal.
$200 “Bribe” Cheques Arriving Soon |
Repeatedly called “bribe” cheques on social media, this week, the Ontario Ministry of Finance began sending out cheques to individuals who filed their taxes in 2023. You can watch your mailbox for the cheque in the coming weeks. I do not have further details about the timeline, but when I have more information, I will share it here.
I know these cheques are important to community members who are truly struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. It’s sad to see the corrupt Ford government exploiting the crisis with a one-time vote-buying cheque in advance of their expensive snap election. Instead, Ford could be investing that $3 billion (total costs of rebate) to create long-term affordability and quality-of-life fixes for those who need it most, like raising ODSP and OW rates, funding our healthcare system, fixing our crumbling public schools or building new affordable housing, LTC homes and daycare spaces. Under Ford, there’s no means test for these cheques so even millionaires and billionaires will receive a $200 rebate.
If you are also upset about this bribe and are in a financial position to give your cheque to people in greater need, I encourage you to join with thousands of other Ontarians who have pledged to donate all or part of their $200 to local charities, mutual aid organizations, and others in need. You can make your pledge at 200dollars.ca. This organization is not making any recommendations about where to donate, only collecting pledges and showing the impact that we can make collectively.
Alternatively, you can also donate to the Toronto Centre NDP and help us organize to defeat Ford in his snap election here.
Privacy Commissioner: Ford Must Disclose Phone Records |
This week, the Information & Privacy Commissioner ruled that details about Doug Ford’s use of a personal phone to conduct government business will be made public. The very next day, Ford’s lawyers filed a “request for a judicial review” to keep the phone records private. What is Ford hiding?
The Ontario NDP has been pushing for the release of these records for well over a year and tabled a motion to this effect in 2023. This release would be a huge step towards transparency and accountability for Ontarians and I am so thankful for the diligent work by the IPC on this file.
People in Ontario deserve better than a Premier who doesn’t want you to know who he’s talking to or what he’s saying. Doug Ford likes to say his personal phone is open to anyone – but it’s just another way for him to give preferential treatment to powerful lobbyists and personal friends.
For accountability, government officials are supposed to conduct all business on their government-issued devices, but records show that Ford’s government-issued phone goes unused for months at a time, while he’s known to frequently advertise his personal device. Relatedly, the phone of Ford’s Chief of Staff was mysteriously reset without a back-up, destroying months of messages related to government business
Cold Weather in Toronto |
I hope that you are all staying warm during this cold snap we are experiencing. Cold can be very dangerous, so I encourage you all to check on your elderly and vulnerable neighbours and extend extra compassion to people who are unhoused in our communities. The City of Toronto’s warming centres are now open - you can see the full list of them here. Out of the Cold is also operating hot meal programs and other services at faith buildings across the city. You can find all of the details here. Please share these lists with anyone who needs them and volunteer to keep these programs running if you are able.
This Week's Headlines |
Feds stick provinces with vaccine bill
Five key takeaways from the 2025 Toronto budget
Local businesses vote resounding ‘no’ on funding Historic Queen East BIA
Upcoming Community Events |
Ward 10 Forum: S.T.E.P.S to Mental Health & Well-Being in Schools |
Trustee Deborah Williams invites community members to the Ward 10 Forum: S.T.E.P.S to Mental Health & Well-Being in Schools.
- Date: Monday, January 20, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Location: Online via Zoom
This forum will include an engaging presentation and discussion about supporting mental health and well-being in schools. Topics include creating safe, inclusive, identity-affirming school communities, improving access to mental health supports, and addressing stigma and barriers. Updates will also be shared from the Trustee and Superintendents.
Registration: Register Here
The Zoom link will be emailed to registered attendees.
For accessibility or interpretation needs, contact [email protected] or 416-395-8787. Everyone is welcome!
Regent Park Safety Network Meeting |
The Regent Park Safety Network invites community members to participate in the Regent Park Safety Network Meeting to discuss safety-related issues and initiatives in the neighborhood.
- Date: Monday, January 20, 2025
- Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Location: Online via Zoom
- Zoom Meeting ID: 354 498 5532
For more information, please email Leonard Swartz at [email protected].
Bay Cloverhill Community Association Meeting |
Date: Monday, January 20, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Meeting Access:
- Link: Join the Meeting
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Dial-In: 437-781-4585
PIN: 706 177 356 4968#
Agenda Highlights:
- Guest speaker from By-Law Enforcement.
- Updates on neighborhood projects and developments.
- Annual social media report.
- Open discussion on community concerns.
Join us to stay informed and engaged with your community!
FMTA Workshop: Your Tenant Rights |
Are you a tenant who lives in the GTA?
Do you have questions about your rights under the law?
This FREE and interactive workshop explains:
- How leases work
- How to get things fixed
- How legal rent increases are calculated
- What to do when you want to end your tenancy
- How evictions do and don’t work
- And lots more…
Register here for the training.
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Time: 7PM to 8 PM
Location: Virtually over Zoom
Contact: Joeita · [email protected] · 416-413-9442
Notes:
- Zoom links will be sent out the night before
- If you have access needs, please let the FMTA know as soon as possible. They will do our best to work with you.
Being in Good Relation: Actioning Solidarity in the BIPOC Non-Profit Sector |
FoodShare Toronto invites you to "Being in Good Relation: Actioning Solidarity in the BIPOC Non-Profit Sector," a presentation by Shady Hafez exploring solidarity within BIPOC-led and serving non-profits through an Indigenous lens.
- Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
- Location: Online
This session will delve into Indigenous perspectives on relationality, highlighting challenges and successes in building solidarity. The discussion will also explore the impacts of both fostering and neglecting positive relationship-building within the sector.
Register here: Event Registration.
Regent Park Cyber Wellness Workshop |
The Regent Park Safety Network is hosting a Cyber Wellness session to promote online safety and healthy digital habits.
- Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Location: 50 Regent Park Blvd (main floor recreation room)
Register here: Cyber Wellness Event Registration.
The Image Centre Winter Exhibition Season |
The Image Centre is excited to announce the opening of its winter exhibition season, featuring three captivating exhibitions and a special artist talk:
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Opening Reception:
- Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Location: The Image Centre
- The evening will celebrate Michael Benson: Planetfall in the Main Gallery, Yann Pocreau: Towards the Light in the University Gallery, and Kelly Richardson: Origin Stories on the Media Wall.
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Artist Talk with Michael Benson:
- Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Location: The Image Centre
- Michael Benson will discuss his unique photographic process, his engagement with planetary imagery, and his new body of work. This will be followed by a conversation with Ann Thomas, renowned former senior photography curator at the National Gallery of Canada, to explore the relationship between Benson’s work and the broader history of photography, space, and science.
Seating for the artist talk is limited. To reserve a spot, please contact Kristen Gergely at [email protected].
Visit The Image Centre this winter to enjoy these exhibitions and more exciting events throughout the season!
Micro-Grants for Regent Park Entrepreneurs |
The Yonge Street Mission is supporting entrepreneurs in Regent Park with its 2025 Micro-grant Program. This initiative offers financial assistance and coaching to help individuals grow their businesses.
Program Details:
- Grant Amount: Up to $4,000 (disbursed in two payments based on progress)
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Eligibility:
- Must be a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur in Regent Park or surrounding areas
- Eligible to work in Canada
- Proficient in English and computer skills
- Involvement in YSM programs is a plus
Timeline:
- Application Deadline: January 24, 2025
- Coaching Sessions: March – May 2025 (8–10 sessions)
- Grant Interviews: May 2025
- Final Report Submission: August 2025
To apply, click here or email [email protected] for further inquiries.
TTC Summer Student Program Applications Now Open |
Hiring Now Open!
From operations to administration, the TTC offers a variety of roles for students available from May to August 2025.
Application Deadline: January 26, 2025
Eligibility Requirements:
- Students must be enrolled at a Canadian university or college for the Winter 2025 semester.
- Must be available to work full-time from May to August 2025.
How to Apply:
Visit the TTC Jobs page for more details and to submit your application.
Take advantage of this opportunity to gain valuable experience with the TTC this summer!
St. James Town Community Co-op Affordable Housing Community Meeting |
St. James Town Community Co-op invites residents to an Affordable Housing Community Meeting to discuss the proposed development at 5 Huntley and 2-8 Earl Street and ways to advocate for affordable housing and community benefits.
- Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- Location: The Corner, 200 Wellesley Street
This gathering will provide an opportunity to connect with neighbours, enjoy snacks, and explore ways to get involved, including organizing information sessions, postering, door-knocking, deputations, signing the petition, and a press release.
For more details, contact Ana Teresa at [email protected].
SLNA’s January ReMarket |
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association (SLNA) Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 12th annual REmarket, a two-day event for recycling and donation.
Event Details:
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Dates:
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January 29, 2025 (10 AM–7 PM):
- Donation collection, recycling services, and hazardous waste drop-off
- FreeMarket: Guests can donate or take items for free (non-commercial purposes).
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January 30, 2025 (10 AM–6 PM):
- Donation collection, recycling services, and hazardous waste drop-off
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Repair Café Toronto and CultureLink Bike Hub (11 AM–3 PM):
- Repair Café: Fix clothing, jewelry, electronics, appliances, and more.
- Bike Hub: Conduct small bike repairs and safety checks.
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January 29, 2025 (10 AM–7 PM):
- Location: St. Lawrence Market Tent, 125 The Esplanade (at Market St.)
Items Accepted:
- Recycle: Dental waste, cigarette butts, batteries, damaged textiles, disposable razors, and more.
- Donate: Household items, books, mobility aids, toys, clothing, and accessories.
For full details and accepted items, visit slna.ca/remarket-guidelines or email [email protected].
Safety Meetings for Moss Park |
The Moss Park Safety Network invites residents to a Safety Meeting for Moss Park, focusing on key issues and community-led solutions.
- Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Location: 275 Shuter Street (Bubble Room)
Topics Include:
- Community safety
- Reflections from residents and community leaders
- Community empowerment
- Addressing community isolation
- Enhancing the resident-led safety network
Additional Details:
- Refreshments will be provided.
- The first 10 people to sign up will receive raffle tickets.
For inquiries, contact:
- Leah: [email protected]
- Zenah: [email protected]
- Hanan: [email protected] or call 416-924-2543 ext. 0.
Sign-up Link: Click here or register directly with the organizers.
Street Health Coldest Night of the Year Walk |
Street Health is participating in the annual Coldest Night of the Year walk to support individuals experiencing hunger, homelessness, and hurt in the community.
- Date: Saturday, February 24, 2025
- Time: Check the event page for schedule details
- Location: Toronto Sherbourne (see link for exact details)
CNOY is a family-friendly event that raises funds for local charities serving people in need. Walkers can participate in 2 km, 5 km, or 10 km routes while raising awareness and building solidarity.
For more details or to register, visit: Coldest Night of the Year – Toronto Sherbourne.