Dear Emma,
Happy New Year! And Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating Orthodox Christmas this week. My extended Ukrainian family takes great joy and pride at this time of year, and I wish all observing a peaceful time with loved ones and delicious homemade food.
To mark the new year, I made a list of “Ins” for 2026 and “Outs” I am leaving behind in 2025. This was a social post, and you can read my lists in full here.
Some of my “Ins” include: handwritten thank-you notes, declaring IPV an epidemic, everyone being cancer-free, learning to make dumplings, dumping Ford, and getting a dog.
The “Outs” that I am leaving in 2025 are: mindless scrolling, billionaires, policing gender, AI-generated government IPV reports, overcommitting, cops in schools, clutter, and – of course – Doug Ford!
Another thing that is IN for 2026? The NDP and the courts are holding the Ford government to account! On Monday, an Ontario court ordered Ford to turn over his personal phone records in response to numerous freedom of information requests. 
Ford has made no secret of using his personal phone and email to conduct government business. Due to these choices, there has been no accountability and no access to these records, and Ford wants to keep it that way.
This issue goes back to the beginning of the Greenbelt scandal, when the Ontario NDP demanded that the Cabinet Secretary lock down the Premier’s records. We have continuously called for transparency from Doug Ford and his government, despite their constant refusal to provide it.
It is shameful that Ontarians had to take the Conservatives to court to get answers about this, but Ford plans to waste more time and taxpayer dollars with another appeal. Just like the scandalous Skills Development Fund, he pulls out all the stops to avoid being honest with the people of our province.
Make no mistake, Ontarians deserve the truth, and we will get it.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Ontario Sues Recipient of SDF, Ontarians Foot the Bill
- Holiday Meal in Regent Park
- Ford’s New Recycling Program Stumbles
- Regulatory Changes Coming for Deaths in Corrections - Have Your Say
- A New Year Message from Trustee Deborah Williams
- Meeting with the Ontario Salt Pollution Coalition
- Outdoor Skating Rinks in Toronto Centre
- What’s Making Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Ontario Sues Recipient of SDF, Ontarians Foot the Bill |
Today, we learned that the Ford government has filed a $25 million lawsuit against Keel Digital Solutions, a recipient of Skills Development Funds personally chosen by scandal-ridden Labour Minister David Piccini.
The Minister of Labour bragged about hand-picking Keel Digital Solutions to receive public money over other, higher-scoring applications. Then, his government triggered a forensic audit of that same company, leading to an OPP investigation, before finally suing them for fraud.
Doling out millions of taxpayer dollars to such a shady company can only be explained by preferential treatment. Remember; Minister Piccini partied in Paris at Keel lobbyist Michael Rudderham’s wedding, and enjoyed rinkside hockey seats with their executive Peter Zackarow.
Rather than take accountability for this mess, Ford is once again going to court to cover his tracks, and it's Ontario taxpayers left footing the bill. He has ignored my calls to remove this Minister for too long already; it’s time for the Premier to do the right thing and fire him.
| Holiday Meal in Regent Park |
As the holiday season drew to a close, it was heartwarming to join the Regent Park community once again to share a meal this past Sunday. Thank you to Khurram Aftab and his team at Sam’s Food Stores for working so hard to prepare such delicious food!
It was a joy to serve a meal to community members and to bring gifts for Santa to share with the kids.
|
Ford’s New Recycling Program Stumbles |
Many Torontonians did not get their recycling picked up as planned last week, as Circular Materials, the new private recycling group that has producers pay for the recycling of their products, took over from the City of Toronto.
The first week of January is when most holiday-season recycling is collected. It is one of the highest-volume pickup weeks of the year. And it is when Circular Materials was required to begin collecting recycling. Circular Materials understandably struggled with this, as it was their first week and also one of the most complex of the entire year. The Province could have shifted this timeline to avoid these predictable issues and provide a better experience to residents, but they failed to do so.
I spoke with CBC journalist Gabriela Silva Pointe about this issue for her article referenced above. I told her:
“This government is breaking a system that largely worked, and nobody asked for this. Now they're creating a lot of chaos and confusion, and at the end of the day, it's actually Ontarians that are stuck with the problem.”
“Now Torontonians have got to find new places to store recyclable material in wet, cold and freezing conditions. And it's happening at the worst time of the year.”
|
Regulatory Changes Coming for Deaths in Corrections - Have Your Say |
The Ontario government is considering changes to how non-natural deaths that occur in correctional facilities (as well as deaths resulting from injuries sustained in corrections) are handled in Ontario and they are asking for your feedback.
The current process is that each death receives a full jury inquest, something that can only happen after all criminal proceedings and other investigations surrounding the death are complete. This often means that the inquest is not complete until 5-7 years after the death occurred.
The province is proposing that mandatory inquests be replaced with a mandatory coroner-led annual review of all non-natural deaths in corrections for a given year. Families of the deceased could still request a full inquest in addition to the review if they desire.
With a government as dishonest as the Conservatives, it is hard to see how this change could result in life-saving practices being implemented sooner without robbing families of a full inquest should they request it. We also know that this government is systemically failing to act on inquest recommendations, including those related to the death of Soleiman Faqiri, so it is hard to be sure that a faster timeline would improve the situation. Much more needs to be done to hold this government to account and create safer environments within corrections.
Have your voice heard! Share your comments here.
|
A New Year Message from Trustee Deborah Williams |
I am thrilled to pass along the message below from Deborah Williams, the democratically elected TDSB trustee for Toronto Centre and University-Rosedale. Deborah is a tireless advocate for our communities, even as she has been stripped of her duties and privileges by the Ministry of Education's massive overreach.
Here is Deborah Williams’ message:
Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a joyful and hopeful start to 2026. Even in moments when governments fuel despair, we have the power to choose hope instead. Together, we can reject fear and division, lift one another up, and ensure that the most vulnerable among us are never left behind.
Ontario families deserve responsible leadership - not taxpayer-funded ads that scapegoat trustees while our schools face chronic underfunding, rising needs, and classrooms stretched to the limit. Tax dollars should support students, not government messaging that undermines confidence in public education or the people who keep schools running. Many of Ontario’s strongest education policies began with local trustees and were later adopted province‑wide (including full‑day kindergarten, child care in schools, safe schools reforms, mental health frameworks, concussion protocols, codes of conduct, ombudsman oversight, Indigenous education, and student trustees).
As we look ahead, our public education system continues to face real pressures. Since 2018, Ontario schools have been underfunded by $6.35 billion, leaving many boards in deficit, facing rising costs, growing student needs, and major special education shortfalls. Families, educators, and community members across the province are speaking up, and your voices matter.
This month, there are important opportunities for the public to be heard. I encourage all community members (including school councils, parents, caregivers, and residents) to share these consultations widely and take part.
Ontario 2026 Pre‑Budget Consultations: The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs will meet to conduct 2026 Pre-Budget Consultations. Written submissions due before January 29, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (EST). See more information > HERE
Ontario Survey - 2026 Budget Consultations: We want to hear from you! Tell us how Ontario’s next budget can help support your family, business or community. Closing date: January 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. See the link to the survey > HERE
Proposal for regulations under the Education Act, related to school boards and local police services. Comments for this regulatory proposal are due by February 2, 2026, at the following link > HERE
Research shows that schools are safest when we focus on student well‑being, not policing. That means investing in mental‑health supports, social workers, child and youth workers, and restorative practices as the foundation of safety. Police should only be involved in clearly defined situations, with strong human rights protections to prevent disproportionate impacts on marginalized students. Any provincial regulations must ensure transparency, accountability, and meaningful student voice - always keeping educational and well‑being goals at the centre of decision‑making.
Local democracy matters. These consultations are an opportunity for all of us to advocate for strong, well‑funded public schools. I am asking you to stay engaged. Share information with neighbours. Every action - big or small - helps build the momentum we need.
CALL TO ACTION:
Call and Email Premier Doug Ford at 416-325-1941, [email protected] & Education Minister Paul Calandra at 416-325-2600, [email protected] to DEMAND they:
- Fund Our Schools!
- Fund education to match inflation
- Fully fund special education and student supports
- Repeal Bill 33
Thank you for everything you do to support our schools and our neighbourhoods. When we act together, we build a more caring, inclusive, and hopeful future.
Best Regards,
Deborah Williams
Elected Trustee, TDSB Ward 10 University-Rosedale and Toronto Centre (*June 27, 2025 TDSB under supervision of the Ministry of Education)
During the TDSB supervision period, Deborah Williams can be reached at
SIGN-UP for Deborah Williams Updates & Advocacy
| Meeting with the Ontario Salt Pollution Coalition |
There are growing environmental and public health impacts from the overuse of road salt across Ontario. I was pleased to meet with the Ontario Salt Pollution Coalition and their partner organizations yesterday to be brought up to speed on how this winter practice affects our lakes, drinking water, and the environment.
Protecting our waters is a year-round responsibility, and I look forward to working alongside the Coalition on this important issue in the weeks and months to come. Keep your eyes out for updates!
| Outdoor Skating Rinks in Toronto Centre |
The City of Toronto operates many public skating rinks in Toronto Centre and beyond every winter! Skating is a great way to get outside, move your body, and have fun during the cold months, either with friends and family or by yourself.
Toronto centre is home to rinks at Toronto Metropolitan University Square pond, College Park skating loop, the Moss Park Arena (indoors), and Regent Park Athletic Grounds.
For a full list of locations and free skate times click here to visit the City’s website.
| What’s Making Headlines |
Another murder prosecution falls apart and frees accused, this time in bounty killings of 2 brothers
Mayor Chow says Toronto's 2026 budget will prioritize affordability
Province sues company for over $25M, alleges fraud linked to Skills Development Fund
How this flu season is sending Ontario seniors into a ‘downward spiral’
Toronto’s high unemployment, affordability concerns to hinder real estate recovery, economists say
Unemployment rate climbed to 6.8% in December, StatCan says - National
Chrystia Freeland’s resignation as Liberal MP takes effect Friday
| Upcoming Community 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 centre 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 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
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
|
Here Hold My Grief: 2SLGBTQIA+ Family Building Stories |
Birthmark is hosting an Ontario Arts Council–supported initiative: Here, Hold My Grief, an arts-based workshop series designed for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced grief during family building.
Workshops will take place in Toronto between January–April 2026 and offer a supportive, creative space for reflection, healing, and community connection.
For more information: [email protected]
| Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards - Nominations Open |
Nominations for the 2026 Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards are now open until January 15. If you know a changemaker in your community who deserves recognition, please consider submitting a nomination using this form.
Who Can Be Nominated:
There are four categories: Individual, Group, Women, and Youth (under 25).
Any Ontario resident, or Ontario-based organization, group, or initiative may be nominated. This includes educators, writers, community workers, social and political activists, social action groups, trade unions, youth organizations, multicultural organizations, schools, coalitions, professional associations, media, and service clubs.
The award ceremony will be held in March 2026.
| 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!
