Dear Friend,
This week, the Study on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) began at the Legislature, with two days of hearings.
Phase One of the study includes ten days of hearings, during which I and the other committee members will hear the testimony and recommendations of subject experts and ask them questions to strengthen our understanding of this epidemic.
These past two days have been difficult in many ways, as we have heard heavy stories of unspeakable violence. But they have also been uplifting because we have the solutions. They just need to be funded and implemented.
So many of the deputants have aligned on the solutions to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). This week, we heard over and over again that in order to reduce instances of IPV, we must:
- Declare IPV an epidemic in Ontario
- Focus on early intervention & prevention, especially for young men and boys
- Remove barriers and expand services for perpetrators wanting to change
- Expand permanent core funding for agencies doing this work, not just project-based grants
- Ensure government accountability and transparency on IPV action and framework
- Expand services for survivors of diverse cultural backgrounds
- Invest in affordable housing and income benefits for survivors and those at risk of IPV
- Look holistically at the intersections of mental health, trauma, food insecurity, and poverty on IPV perpetration and victimization.
Wednesday’s presenters were clear and aligned: early intervention programs around emotional regulation and fostering healthy masculinities for boys and young men to stop IPV and gender-based violence before it starts.
Thursday’s presenters showed us how a complex web of poverty, exposure to violence at a young age, access to alcohol and guns, and lack of community support work together to create a perfect environment for IPV to occur. But if we work to eliminate those risk factors, we can save lives and build healthier families.
So many people are doing heartbreaking frontline IPV prevention and survivor care work on a shoestring budget because they care and have the trust of the community. This is wonderful, but these workers deserve proper funding and support from this government.
A surprising and powerful outcome of these hearings has also been hearing my fellow MPPs open up about their own experiences with mental health and violence, both personally and within their own families. MPPs have spoken about how they have learned and unlearned harmful ideas, seen those behaviours in themselves and their loved ones, and worked to create healthier coping strategies both personally and in their wider communities. It is always wonderful to know that we have fostered an accessible committee process that allows for vulnerability and authentic conservations, especially when working together on such critical issues.
Day one of hearings began unconventionally with the ousting of MPP Goldie Ghamari, chair of the Justice Policy Committee. MPP Ghamari was recently removed from the PC caucus for being too racist for even the Conservatives after meeting with a far-right extremist and frequently spouting Islamophobic, xenophobic, and racist views.
I spoke in favour of replacing her as Chair, highlighting the need for the committee to be a safe space for witnesses and survivors to share their stories and call for change. The vote for her removal passed unanimously. You can watch my remarks motivating her removal here.
This week is just the beginning of a consultation process that will last into October. I will update you as the process continues here and on social media. Phase one is all about hearing from professional experts (academics, researchers, and sector leaders). During phase two, we will hear from Ontario Ministers and staff. In phase three, the committee will travel outside of Queen’s Park, as members of the public will be invited to share their testimony with the committee.
While the most recent IPV study was requested by Ford, I remain frustrated that he has not acted on many prior reports with recommendations spelling out exactly what his government can do to end intimate partner, teen dating, gender-based, and sexual violence.
Months ago, I called on the Ontario government to declare Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic. But they chose not to. I maintain the government can still make this declaration now, as many widely held solutions remain without an implementation framework or funding. With Ford threatening an early election, there is no need to wait for this IPV study to be completed. These are political decisions from Ford - I would have chosen different ones.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- 77 Howard Street Electrical Failure
- Protecting Our Healthcare from Privatization
- Statement - Death of 42-Year-Old Pedestrian
- Regent Park's Olympic Family
- Settling Insurance Claims After Flooding
- Regent Park Social Development Plan Refresh Meeting
- Save the Science Centre Rally
- Ontario Line Interactive Map
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community News
| 77 Howard Street Electrical Failure |
Catastrophic damage has been inflicted on the electrical system of 77 Howard Street after a pipe burst, an event triggered by the historic rainfall of July 16. 77 Howard is a high-rise building located in St. James Town. The building is home to more than 800 tenants who will now face a difficult and uncertain future, as they will be forced to go without electricity in their apartments for weeks — or even months.
Yesterday, I visited the building to speak to tenants about what they need and how they are doing. I heard a lot of anxiety and fear, especially around residents' security of tenancy. Many of them were scared that if they left the building to a hotel or a loved one's home that their belongings or even their tenancy could be affected. They are scared to push back on the landlord or assert their rights for fear of reprisal. Many tenants have tenant insurance, but their deductibles are unaffordably high, and the landlord has not yet offered rent abatements or any other kind of financial assistance.
Residents told me that they have been raising concerns about the building's longstanding maintenance issues for years, but those concerns have gone unaddressed. This is unacceptable. Tenants should not have to advocate for basic repairs, nor should they have to live with the consequences of catastrophic failures in their neglected buildings.
My immediate concern is for tenants’ health and safety. The elderly, residents with chronic illness, comorbidities, those living with disabilities and others have additional vulnerabilities that must be addressed in an immediate and equitable manner to prevent further declines in health. Tenants with mobility challenges told me that they have been missing medical appointments because of a lack of access to elevators. This is unacceptable.
Tenants have lost all of their perishable food in their fridges and freezers. Some are using camping equipment in their units to meet their basic needs. The landlord is providing coffee in the morning and pizza at dinner time, but tenants are on their own for breakfast and lunch, with no safe way to prepare or store food. Many told me that buying prepared food for multiple meals a day is completely unaffordable for them. I have encouraged tenants to keep all receipts from the expenses that they incur during this time.
I am in touch with Councillor Moise and have offered him my assistance in supporting tenants and amplifying their housing, rental abatement, and accommodation requests to the landlord. Tonight, I will be visiting the building again to speak further with tenants who have asked for support.
Toronto Fire has recommended that tenants shelter-in-place for the time being while repairs take place. While I have complete confidence that Toronto Fire has issued the right advice, I am acutely aware that they had to weigh competing factors when making this decision. I was a City Councillor when electrical failures at 650 Parliament Street and 260 Wellesley Street East took place and know that this decision was made with immense consideration.
It is incredibly difficult to shelter-in-place without electricity for any extended period of time. Every household at 77 Howard is impacted when they can not use their refrigerators, electric stoves or microwaves. But those who rely on CPAP machines, chilled medicines or need to charge their mobility devices cannot easily live in a building that has no power. Immuno-compromised individuals will be exposed to greater COVID and other health risks having to travel and spend time in public places so that they can charge their phones.
I know that because Toronto’s shelter system is stretched to the breaking point, that Emergency Services cannot readily recommend mass relocation because there is nowhere else for the tenants to go.
77 Howard tenants are actively looking for temporary apartments to relocate to but are faced with absolutely unaffordable rents, oftentimes thousands of dollars more than they are paying today. These are the real effects of the housing and shelter crises in Toronto and they reflect decades of underfunding by all levels of governments.
I also know that while Tuesday’s flooding was unprecedented, these catastrophes have all happened in buildings with poor electrical maintenance owned by the same landlord — Wellesley Parliament Square. My predecessor Suze Morrison tabled the St. James Town Act to address the deplorable lack of safety-related maintenance after the 650 Parliament Street fire, and I will be taking into account new tenant input as I look at retabling this Act following this electrical failure.
Councillor Moise will provide City updates on this page to keep residents informed, it is also where tenants can sign up for text updates.
|
Protecting our Healthcare from Privatization |
The Ontario government is pushing to privatize our public healthcare system, and I am deeply concerned about the lack of safeguards in place. The deadline for companies to apply to establish private health facilities is fast approaching and when these facilities open up, we face a real risk of conflicts of interest and a talent drain from our public hospitals and clinics. This privatization effort could hurt us all by diverting resources and skilled professionals away from the public system we rely on. We need strong safeguards to protect our health care and ensure transparency and accountability. Your health and our community’s well-being depend on it. Read the letter I sent Minister Jones urging her to save our public system here.
|
Statement - Death of 42-Year-Old Pedestrian |
I am full of grief as I share my condolences with the family and loved ones of the 42-year-old Toronto woman who was killed yesterday evening after being struck by a car. My heart breaks for everyone who knew her and is feeling her sudden, tragic, and preventable loss today.
The woman was struck at around 5:45 PM at a pedestrian crossover at the Sackville and Queen Street East intersection. Local residents have flagged this intersection as unsafe and potentially requiring an upgrade to a full traffic light. I will speak to the City about expediting this process.
Much more must be done to make our streets safe for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. As a pedestrian and cyclist myself, I know that our streets are sometimes dangerous places to be. Toronto’s Vision Zero strategy is working to address these safety gaps, but expedited action is clearly needed to save lives and prevent tragedies like the one our community is currently experiencing.
Provincial Legislation like the Protecting Vulnerable Road Users Act, tabled by my colleague MPP Jessica Bell, must be passed and acted upon to make our streets safer and prevent the next tragedy.
|
Regent Park's Olympic Family |
Many of you know Sugar from Regent Park, a passionate advocate for the community and awesome mom to her kids.
Sugar's daughter, Charity Williams, is going to the Paris Olympics as part of Team Canada! Charity is a rugby 7s player and won bronze with her team in Rio in 2016, Rugby 7s debut year in the Olympics!
Sugar and Charity were instrumental in the success of Regent Park's Access to Recreation advocacy, which gave priority to local residents in the registration process for City of Toronto recreation programs at facilities in Regent Park. Both Sugar and Charity spoke with then-Mayor John Tory and Sugar told him "If you want any more Olympians, you have to work with us." Mayor Tory later supported the program, which he
Charity started her athletic career in Regent Park as a gymnast, but transitioned to rugby as she grew up. She mainly plays internationally, and in Vancouver, so her three young siblings have never seen her play competitively! They are hoping to make it to Paris this year to cheer on their sister! You can learn more about Charity's family's journey to see her play here.
I am so excited to cheer Charity on at the Paris Olympics this year and I hope you will join me!
|
Settling Insurance Claims After Flooding |
If you suffered damage from the recent flash flood in Toronto, Ontario and have questions or concerns about your insurance claim, there is free, independent, and impartial help available from the General Insurance OmbudService (GIO). GIO is an independent body set up to help Canadians find a fair resolution to disputes with insurance providers. GIO can provide advice on dealing with your insurance company as a first step. If you are not satisfied with the decision from your provider on your claim, GIO can help resolve your claim. Contact them here.
| Regent Park Social Development Plan Refresh Meeting |
On Tuesday I attended and spoke at the Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) Refresh meeting.
As Regent Park, Canada’s largest social housing neighbourhood, enters the final phases of evolving into a dynamic and inclusive mixed-use revitalization, it’s the right time for an SDP refresh. Regent Park is a vibrant, connected, and activated community, but that isn’t accidental. Community members and workers work hard every day to build and maintain the beautiful community we have in Regent Park. Documents like the refreshed SDP are critical for this work to continue.
As the former Councillor, I was glad to see another great community turnout - Regent Park always shows up! Thank you to the City of Toronto, TCHC, and Councillor Chris Moise for their wonderful insights.
|
Save the Science Centre Rally |
At the Save Our Science Centre rally last Sunday, I stood with community advocates from Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park who call on Ford to keep the science open and make whatever repairs are necessary to keep it open and in its home community.
Communities and the Ontario NDP will keep fighting for the Science Centre and we need your support — Ford is playing defense! Add your name here.
| Ontario Line Interactive Map |
Metrolinx has published an interactive map of the Ontario Line. Click here to see progress, overlay existing transit, and view information about the planned stations.
Toronto Centre will be home to Moss Park and Corktown stations, and there will be a new connection at the existing Queen Station.
| This Week's Headlines |
- ICJ says Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal
- LCBO reaches tentative agreement to end strike
- ‘Throwaway cost’: Doug Ford ordered Highway 413 signs, then replaced them weeks later
- Fewer than 4% of grocery stores have applied for Ontario’s new alcohol licence — here’s why many don’t want one
- Toronto newcomers paying up to 12 months' rent up front to secure housing
- CMHC says annual pace of housing starts in June down 9% from May
- After 2nd major flooding event in 11 years, experts say Toronto needs to do more to adapt to changing climate
- After the Flood: Rethinking Toronto’s Urban Infrastructure
- Why the Ford government nixed deposit on soft drink cans, bottles
- Toronto police officers were 'misleading' to justify use of force during raid of rapper's condo: judge
- LCBO strike: Why premixed cocktails are stirring up so much controversy
- ‘The chickens are coming home to roost’: Traffic woes causing residents to consider leaving Toronto area, poll finds
| Samantha's Scoop - Climate Resiliency |
From extreme heat to a torrential flood- July has been a month that reminded our community and all of Toronto about the very real consequences of the climate crisis. While we grapple with the harm caused by this week’s flooding, like the damage to the electrical system at 77 Howard leaving hundreds of our neighbours without power potentially for weeks, it’s important to remember to check on those around us who are most vulnerable.
I was glad for the opportunity to give several interviews over the past few weeks about the extreme heat and how it adversely impacts all of us. The increasing frequency of heat waves and climate events in general has brought the potential dangers to the forefront- especially for infants and toddlers, seniors and people with chronic physical and mental health conditions.
Join me to say hi to our neighbours!
Our team has started door-knocking regularly this month!
In Regent Park, community members were telling me about the hardships they face every day because of a decade of the Liberal government’s inaction on the housing and cost of living crises.
New Democrats are the only party in Ottawa fighting for you. As my team and I get out to more doors in the coming weeks and months, I am excited to meet more of you and hear your stories.
Join us for more door knocking.
| Upcoming Community Events |
| 2SLGBTQ+ Family Pride Celebration: Rainbow Safari |
The 519 EarlyON Child and Family Centre invites families with children (0-6 years old) to join their Rainbow Safari celebration:
- Date: Saturday, July 20
- Time: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
- Location: The 519 EarlyON, 519 Church St.
Enjoy story and circle time, performances by Baby Bel Bel, Sushmita, and DJ Psi, a zen room with Terry Kelly, plus resources, food, prizes, and more! For more details, email [email protected].
| Dixon Hall Farmers’ Market |
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 15, 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 is in need of volunteers to help them organize the market - help out today!
|
Taste of Regent Park |
Date: Every Wednesday
Location: The Big Park | Bake Oven
Time: 5 PM -8 PM
The community enjoyed coconut buns and Mango Mojitos at the last Taste of Regent Park.
This upcoming Wednesday the community will come together again to enjoy mac and cheese! The first batch will be ready around 5:45 PM.
Learn more here.
| Regent Park Under the Stars Movie Nights |
Ready for the ultimate movie night under the stars?
🍿🌟 Regent Park Film Festival’s annual outdoor screening series is back!
July 24: Crooklyn
July 31: Queen of My Dreams
📅 Save the dates: Wednesdays July 24, 31
🕢 Time: Pre-show kicks off at 7:30 PM | Movie starts at sundown (~9 PM)
📍 Location: The Big Park in Regent Park (600 Dundas St E)
All Under the Stars events are free and open to the public (not ticketed), thanks to generous donations.
| ArtHeart - Summer Drop-In for Children, Youth, Family |
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 be exploring painting, sculpture, paper crafts, and more! Nourishing snacks and refreshments are provided.
| ArtHeart – Seniors and Adults |
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 PM - 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.
| Dixon Hall’s Next Step Program |
Dixon Hall is launching their Next Step skills-based training program for those seeking meaningful employment in Toronto’s Downtown East. This program is being launched in partnership with George Brown College’s Continuing Education Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts. The program innovatively combines theoretical learning with hands-on training, preparing participants for successful careers in the dynamic culinary and food industry.
Key benefits of the program include:
- Innovative Learning: Hybrid courses that blend online education with practical, in-kitchen experiences.
- Earn Certifications: Gain industry-recognized certifications that ensure you have the skills needed for a thriving career.
- 1-on-1 Employment Assistance: Personalized support from employment advisors to ensure you’re job-ready upon completion.
| Low-Income Energy Assistance Program |
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 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 a grant approval, and additional documentation may be required.
Learn more here.
| Free Daily Swimming at Wellesley Community Centre |
Did you know that Wellesley Community Centre has a new indoor pool? ... & that it is FREE to use EVERY DAY!!!!!
Wellesley pool offers FREE drop-in access to all ages:
- ️Open leisure swim
- ️Aquafit classes
- ️Lane swimming
- ️Women's only leisure swim
- ️2SLGBTQ+ friendly inclusive leisure swim
Check out the schedules here
| 2 Spirit Healing Drumming |
Join The Circle of Cedar Singers for 2 Spirit Healing Drumming sessions:
- Dates: Tuesdays from July 23 to October 29
- Time: 6:00 PM - 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]
| Trans Youth Mentorship Program (TYMP) |
The 519 invites 2 Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse youth ages 16 to 29 to join the Trans Youth Mentorship Program:
- Dates: Wednesdays, July 24 to November 20
- Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Location: The 519, 519 Church St.
This program provides a supportive space to build life skills, find support, and foster community.
Register by July 15 here. For questions, contact [email protected]
| Mental Health Matters Planter Decorating Workshop |
Mental Health Matters is opening registration for their FREE Planter customization workshop on July 27 from 2 - 4 PM at the 150 River Street Party Room.
Through this workshop, individuals can paint or customize their own basketball planter. Participants will receive a plant, the planter, and a planter stand to take home. Light refreshments and food will be provided, as well as an MHM t-shirt!
Eligibility for this program:
- Must be a self-identifying woman
- Between the ages of 17-30
- Must reside in either Regent Park, Moss Park, St. James Town, Esplanade or Don Mount.
By joining this program you consent to your photos/videos being taken for our outreach purposes.
If you are interested, please register by clicking here!
