July 19, 2024 Newsletter

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

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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

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.

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!

Latest posts

December 5, 2025 Newsletter

Dear friend,

This week, Ford continued to push through his disastrous legislative agenda, trampling your rights and looking out for his friends. But what is new? We have only one more week in the Legislature before the winter break begins, and I plan to use every minute to hold this corrupt government to account.

Speaking of accountability, the Ford Government received a massive dose of it this week in the form of the Auditor General’s Annual Report. This time, the AG’s reporting focused on government advertising spending, healthcare, recycling, and environmental rights. None of these reports were rosy for the government, and they must act to fix them now. You can watch me rant about the report here.

If you have watched TV, gone to the movies, or ridden the subway recently, you have certainly seen a government-sponsored ad. You know the ones: they say Ontario is amazing, that we have so many jobs, and that nobody is struggling to find a home, a family doctor, or food to eat!

These ads are shockingly out of touch, and I find them offensive to watch. Even more offensive is the fact that the Auditor General found that we, as Ontario taxpayers, paid over $111 million for these ads ahead of this year’s election. These ads would not have passed under the previous version of the Government Advertising Act because they had the primary goal of fostering a positive impression of the governing party. Frustratingly, the last Liberal government amended the Government Advertising Act to bolster their own public image, and now the current Conservative government is abusing the system in the very same way. This unjust practice must end. Ontarians don’t need propaganda. We need a government that works.

We especially need a government that delivers on healthcare. And yet, the Auditor General outlined how Ford and his government are failing to provide the care that people need, especially primary care doctors. The government has no plan. The AG noted that there is no reliable forecast of where family doctors are needed and no system to track whether new training seats turn into practicing physicians. To actually fix this, Ontario needs to fully fund team-based care, build a provincewide recruitment and retention strategy, modernize the outdated HealthCare Connect program, and set performance measures that reflect what patients need.

Families need a government that recognizes the critical role of primary care in every Ontario community. On top of these gaps in family doctor access, Ontarians are struggling with increased privatization of our system and a few bad actor doctors over-charging OHIP for services with little oversight.

To be healthy, people need a stable climate and an environment free of harmful substances. This is why Ontario has an Environmental Bill of Rights. But Doug Ford doesn’t care. The Auditor General reported that the Ford government continues to ignore legally required consultations, sometimes even passing laws before the processes are finished. This is all on top of the fact that the Conservatives have done away with climate targets altogether and are nowhere near on track to meet their 2030 emissions-reduction commitment. Ford has given up on tackling the climate crisis and is treating the rights and voices of Ontarians with contempt. We all deserve so much better.

I am committed to holding this government to account on these issues and more. We must speak up and let Ford know that he cannot get away with this blatant corruption. I promise to always bring your voices with me to Queen’s Park. If you are feeling fired up, please reply to this email and share your thoughts.

Yours in community service,

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

In This Newsletter

Ethiopian Heritage Month Proclaimed!
Stop E-Bike Fires
Inaugural Youth Council Meeting
Standing Against Gender-Based Violence
National Housing Day Rally in Toronto Centre
World AIDS Day
Lebanese Flag Raising at Queen’s Park
Attending the TABIA Awards Night
Professional Engineers License Certifications
This Week’s Meetings
What’s Making Headlines
Local Community Events

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Ethiopian Heritage Month Proclaimed!

Amid all of this doom and gloom, yesterday was a bright spot in my week – September is officially Ethiopian Heritage Month in Ontario! The Ethiopian Heritage Month Act, a significant bill that I co-sponsored with MPP Doly Begum, passed in the Legislature yesterday. In a surprise move, the government agreed to pass a slate of bills to proclaim various weeks and months of significance, including Ethiopian Heritage Month. I am so glad that so many communities will be able to celebrate with official recognition from the province this year.

It was so joyful to pass this bill and celebrate with Ethiopian community leaders who joined us in the chamber. I can’t wait for next September when we will celebrate this newly minted heritage month with the Ethiopian community, complete with music, food, community, and of course, coffee - first discovered in Ethiopia!

Stop E-Bike Fires

Yesterday, I asked the Solicitor General when he will pass my motion to update fire safety rules and keep our communities safe from runaway lithium-ion battery fires. Lithium-ion battery fires are up 1200% from 202 levels because of unsafe e-bike batteries. These fires have already destroyed homes and left people injured in Toronto Centre.

Instead of giving you the answers you deserve, the Solicitor General dodged my question and reverted to everyday fire-safety language, which is not always applicable to lithium-ion fires.

My motion calls on the Government of Ontario to work with Ontario's fire services to update fire codes to address the novel risks posed by lithium-ion fires and keep the people of Ontario safe. Click here to sign my petition for safe batteries.

Inaugural Youth Council Meeting

We had a great kickoff meeting with our first-ever Toronto Centre Youth Council! Youth voices are critical to understanding their needs in the province, and this council will play an essential role in shaping long-term community partnerships and contributing to upcoming legislation and projects. Thank you to all who joined—I look forward to working together and having your back at Queen’s Park!

Standing Against Gender-Based Violence

On November 27, I was proud to stand in solidarity with MPP Alexa Gilmour and her motion to end gender-based violence and ensure women’s economic security and safety. Forty-four percent of Canadian women will experience some form of intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime. This crisis has only worsened with the chronic underfunding of social services, which creates immense barriers for those trying to leave abusive relationships, with nowhere safe to go.

Cruelly, the Ford government voted this motion down. But I know that the Ontario NDP will never stop striving for women’s social, economic, and physical wellbeing. This is far from over.

National Housing Day Rally in Toronto Centre

On November 22, we marked National Housing Day, which coincided with the weekend before the Ford government brought their anti-tenant Bill 60 for its final vote. My kiddo and I joined the York South–Weston Tenant Union, Toronto ACORN, No Demovictions Toronto, and the Encampment Justice Network for their National Housing Day Rally.

Bill 60, which has now passed, will set a terrible precedent for tenants in Ontario. Here in Toronto Centre, that means over 70% of our population will be directly affected by this legislation. None of the changes proposed in Bill 60 will make housing safer, more affordable, or better maintained. Instead, the bill will only speed up evictions for our most vulnerable tenants, worsening homelessness in Toronto and across Ontario.

Ford needs to know that Ontario is not for sale—especially to his corporate landlord buddies. Residents were encouraged to visit stopbill60.ca to make their voices heard.

World AIDS Day

Every year on December 1, we mark World AIDS Day. This year, I reflected on how Ontario's history shows us that we can face horrifying odds and transform our government’s response. We must do so again.

This World AIDS Day was also different because of the earlier announcement by the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) that after 42 years of community service, they will permanently close their doors on March 31 next year. This announcement must be a wake-up call to all levels of government that AIDS organizations are facing a financial crisis that has been decades in the making.

You can read my entire statement on behalf of the Ontario NDP by clicking here.

Lebanese Flag Raising at Queen’s Park

The Lebanese community has contributed significantly to the social fabric of Ontario and Canada for almost 150 years, and we proudly celebrate the strength and resilience of its people, along with their beautiful and vibrant culture and traditions. I was so happy to join members of my caucus and the Lebanese community to raise the flag at Queen’s Park and mark November as Lebanese Heritage Month in Ontario.

Attending the TABIA Awards Night

It was a joy to join the Cabbagetown BIA as a guest at the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas Awards Night on Tuesday! BIAs like Cabbagetown, Downtown Yonge, Old Towne, Bloor-Yorkville, Financial District, and Church-Wellesley Village are at the heart of our communities and do much of the work behind the scenes alongside our cities to ensure local small businesses in our neighbourhoods thrive! When doing your holiday shopping this year, make sure to support local businesses!

Professional Engineers License Certifications

On Wednesday, I was honoured to attend the Professional Engineers Ontario East Toronto Chapter engineers licensing ceremony, where they received their License Certifications.

Engineers are an integral part of (both figuratively and literally!) building our province. The work of engineers keeps our province running, and helps shape an accessible, innovative and transformative Ontario for all. Thank you to Sarah Ayub, Miyadah Babulla and all the board members for inviting me to take part in the licensing ceremony!

This Week’s Meetings

Film Ontario
Eastern Ontario Mayors Caucus
Ontario Real Estate Association
Ontario Public Transit Association
Toronto Drop-In Network
African Centre for Refugees in Ontario-Canada
Canadian Civil Liberties Association

This Week's Headlines

Toronto Public Library announces location of new District Library

Success rate for injured applicants at Licence Appeal Tribunal continues to plummet

How Toronto could build more than 20 km of new bike lanes — despite provincial restrictions

Blue bin complaints? Starting next month, they're not our problem, say Toronto officials

EAQA scores reveal insufficient progress, Ontario education minister says as he announces new plan

Group of Toronto buildings to be torn down for huge condo tower

Ontario education minister to make decision on school trustee elimination in early 2026

TTC considering flip-book style advertising on subway tunnel walls

Eglinton Crosstown expected to open ‘in the coming weeks,’ province says

Upcoming Community Events

Seniors Holiday Pancake Breakfast

Join Friends of Regent Park and TSHC for a seniors holiday pancake breakfast!

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM

Location: 252 Sackville St, 7th Floor

Allan Gardens Holiday Market

Join Friends of Allan Gardens for a festive Holiday Market on December 7th from 10 AM to 7 PM!
Discover local vendors, seasonal treats, and holiday treasures — and don’t miss the City of Toronto’s stunning Poinsettia Flower Show inside the Conservatory.
Come together with friends, family, and neighbours to celebrate community, creativity, and the beauty of the season, all in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Keep an eye out for our vendor list in the coming weeks!
Date/Time: Sunday, December 7, 10AM-7PM
Location: Children’s Conservatory at Allan Gardens on the west side of the park by Jarvis and Carlton.
Address: 19 Horticultural Ave, M5A 2P2
Come ready. Come early. The most desirable products go fast!
Come on foot, or take transit. There is NO parking on site. There is street parking along Carlton St. and Gerrard St., as well as a Green P parking lot at 405 Sherbourne St.
Bring your own bags and packaging to reduce waste, including a way to keep your plants warm while you travel home!
Cash, debit, and credit are accepted. Each vendor will have their own point of sale.

Holiday Tree Lighting at Riverdale Farm

Join Riverdale Farm as they light their tree. There will be carolers, crafts, cookies and hot chocolate.

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025

Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Location: Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester St.)

Tree Lighting: 7:00 PM

The Changing Cultures of Regent Park and Downtown East - Info Session

Join Focus Media Arts and the University of Toronto for an info session about a collaborative course to learn about the Downtown East Identity. Gain skills to make your own documentary!

Information Session:

Date: Wednesday, December 8, 2025

Time: 6 PM

Location: Daniels Spectrum, 3rd Floor

Apply here!

TDSB’s Black Student Summer Leadership Program

The Black Student Summer Leadership Program is a paid summer internship for Black TDSB high school students. Participants gain hands-on job experience, mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities to build confidence, skills, and community connections.

Please note: This program is open only to students attending Toronto District School Board schools.

Important Dates

Application Period: December 8, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Interviews: February 2026

Offer of Employment: March 2026

TDSB Learn4Life - Registration Open!

The TDSB Learn4Life Adult General Interest and Seniors Day programs, Winter 2025 term is now open for registration. The TDSB also has over 50 languages and African Heritage classes for elementary school aged children!

Browse Courses & Register: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/adult-learners/learn4life

Regent Park Youth Safety Forum

Join for a meaningful community conversation focused on youth safety, wellness, and leadership in Regent Park.

Event details:

Date: Wednesday, December 10
Food Served: 5:00 PM (Halal meal provided)
Event Start: 5:30 PM
Location: Regent Park Centre of Excellence, Regent Park Community Centre
402 Shuter Street, Toronto
Audience: Open to all youth residents of Regent Park

Speakers:

Omar Abdelgawad — Resident of Regent Park, law school graduate, currently articling for Kim Schofield’s office.
Deluxson Yogarajah — Gestalt student-therapist in training with 8+ years of experience as a youth worker specializing in youth violence prevention and mental health.

Click here to register.

St James Town Safety Summit and Social

Join the St James Town Residents Council for their Safety Summit and Social and enjoy a multicultural food fair, community resources, and a chance to connect with service providers and neighbours.

Date: Friday, December 12, 2025

Time: 10 AM - 2 PM

Location: Wellesley Community Centre, Multipurpose Room F, 2nd Floor

United Way’s Leading Social Justice Collective

United Way Greater Toronto and the University of Toronto’s School of Cities are launching this year’s Leading Social Justice Collective (LSJC) - a unique, cross-sector leadership program for changemakers across the GTA. As our communities face growing inequities and complex challenges, we need leaders from all sectors – community, public, and private - to come together to reimagine and rebuild our systems.

LSJC equips participants with the mindset, tools, and networks to drive long-term, systems-level change rooted in equity and social justice.

Applications are now open until December 12, 2025: [Apply here]

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

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, or healthcare.
Submit your nominee's information here, and we will go through them to make an informed decision on who to award.

November 28, 2025 Newsletter

Dear friend,

I’m dropping you a quick note to let you know your big weekly newsletter will be back next Friday.

I have been working around the clock for the past week to prepare a dissenting report for the Standing Committee on Justice Policy’s Study on Intimate Partner Violence. It’s been years since my university days, when I last had to pull an all-nighter. With many cups of coffee coursing through my veins, I submitted the report in the nick of time. I gave the dissenting report everything I had and then some, so I just can’t deliver the high-quality newsletter you expect this week.

As you read in my last newsletter, the Committee’s report writing process devolved into something that neither I nor my NDP colleagues could stand behind. So we walked out. But we didn’t want the voices of the notable survivors and IPV advocates who presented to the Committee to go unheard. So a dissenting report was written and submitted on behalf of the Official Opposition in just six days. I believe with all my heart that we did everything possible to honour survivors' testimony in our report.

I am calling the dissenting report a “part 1” because I intend to welcome community and stakeholder feedback in part 2. No report on this complex and multi-dimensional topic can be perfect or truly capture every perspective.

I am looking forward to sharing the report with all of you when it is released publicly, alongside the government report, which will be sometime on or before December 10. Until then, I am sadly unable to share any further details, as the report writing process is considered “in camera” and therefore confidential.

Yours in community service,

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

P.S. I hope to see you next Sunday at the Toronto Centre NDP’s holiday party! Learn more and RSVP here!

Date: December 7, 2025

Time: 1 - 4 PM

Location: Regent Park Community Centre, 402 Shuter Street

A catered lunch will be served. Door prizes and special guests!

RSVP here - Join the waitlist!

All are welcome, including Santa’s little helpers. Please register here to reserve your seats.

November 21, 2025 Newsletter

Dear friend,

This week was one of walkouts and protests. The Ford government is not interested in listening to voices outside their own circles or taking accountability for their errors. This kind of arrogance and removal makes for the worst kind of government.

On Wednesday, Marit Stiles, leader of the Ontario NDP, was ejected from Question Period. She was asked to leave after she refused to withdraw her comments that called Doug Ford and his government corrupt due to them giving away millions of public dollars to unqualified businesses run by their friends through the Skills Development Fund. Accusing a government of corruption is considered “unparliamentary language.” It is therefore not allowed in the Legislative Chamber, as is accusing another MPP of lying. Acting in a corrupt manner or telling a verifiable lie in the chamber, however? Totally okay.

Yesterday, I was forced to walk out of a committee hearing because I could not, in good conscience, participate any longer. Specifically, I walked out of a report-writing session where the Standing Committee on Justice Policy’s Intimate Partner Violence Sub-committee was being asked to provide edits and feedback on the report that was solely authored by a conservative government MPP.

Reports like this are typically written by non-partisan legislative staff, and it is highly irregular for them to be written by a single government MPP. Despite this rocky start, I approached the process in good faith. After the second day of report writing, I could not continue.

Following serious reflection, and guided by our respect and gratitude for survivors, advocates, experts and service providers, my NDP colleagues and I decided to withdraw from the committee process. We hold ourselves to a high standard and want to ensure that any report we sign off on has a high degree of integrity, accountability, and respect for survivors. Those goals now require that we withdraw from the government's report-writing process.

I wish I could tell you more. But right now I simply can’t. Report writing takes place “in-camera,” which means that MPPs are not allowed to discuss what is happening during the writing process. By the rules of the legislature, everything discussed in-camera is strictly confidential. This is a normal part of report writing, but it does make communications about this matter difficult.

Survivors deserve to have their voices heard. That has been my priority throughout this committee. Ontario's Official Opposition NDP believes that we must now produce our own dissenting report to ensure that survivors' voices and calls for change are heard. I wish this were not the case, but now I will dedicate my efforts to ensuring that this new dissenting report honours what we heard at committee. I will keep you updated.

It is now all but assured that MPPs will vote on Bill 60, the government’s housing bill, this coming Monday. Since the government has a majority, it will almost assuredly pass and become law. This is heartbreaking for renters and everyone who is struggling to secure decent and affordable housing in Ontario.

Yesterday, I stood in the Legislature, while housing, shelter, and healthcare access advocates from the Women’s Coalition looked on from the gallery. I asked the Premier when he would stop pandering to his landlord friends and instead support women fleeing violence and homelessness with real investments into supportive housing. I received a non-answer. You can watch our exchange here. But I will never stop fighting for these essential public services.

Yours in community service,

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

In This Newsletter

Transgender Day of Remembrance
Housing Day of Action
Join My Youth Council
Ford Rams Through Bill 33
TCNDP’s Holiday Party - You’re Invited!
Coffee With Kristyn - January 15th
Medscheck Concerns Grow
Take Urban Wildfires Seriously
Toronto Pride Partner Symposium
What’s Making Headlines
Local Community Events

Share this Newsletter

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Yesterday we marked the 26th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR). This is a day of solemn reflection on the scourge of transphobia and transphobic violence in our world, a time to remember and honour the Trans people we have lost, and an opportunity to recommit to creating a world without transphobia. As the first MPP to identify as non-binary and use they/them pronouns in the Legislature, this day is very special to me. But this year it was made even more meaningful, because I am no longer alone. My fellow NDP MPP from Ottawa Centre, Catherine McKenney, is also non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. It is so profoundly wonderful to have a friend in them.

At Queen’s Park, we held a moment of silence in the chamber to mark TDoR, followed by statements from all parties. You can watch my statement here. I was very impressed by the heartfelt and sincerely respectful statements given by all parties in the chamber. Now we just need to spur those same parties to action on the Gender Affirming Healthcare Act and other policies that lift up Trans folks.

In the afternoon, we raised the Transgender flag at Queen’s Park, flying it at half mast to remember all those who we miss. Friends of Ruby, an incredible local organization that supports Queer and Trans youth, organized the flag raising, and their representatives spoke beautifully, inviting us all to say the names of the remarkable Trans people who are no longer with us. I am continually in awe of the life saving work that Friends of Ruby does and can’t wait to attend the grand opening of their new space in a few months.

Housing Day of Action

I was honoured to welcome the Women’s Coalition to Queen’s Park yesterday, for their annual housing day of action. The Women’s Coalition brings together housing, shelter, mental health, addictions, and other service providers across Ontario to advocate for women.

During their press conference, I was particularly struck by what one of the speakers, Lucy, a client at Street Haven, said: “Housing women is a nation-building project.” She is so right. If any infrastructure builds a nation, it is housing. After all, as one of the other presenters said, “If we can prevent a mother from becoming homeless, we keep two generations housed.”

Working with the Women’s Coalition has been such a joy. I hope that all of the government members they met with yesterday felt that way too and will work to meet their demands of investment in supportive housing, mental health and addictions programs, and increased emergency shelter programs, all tailored to women.

Join my Youth Council!

Are you between the age of 17-25 with a passion for politics, policy, and community building? Apply to the Toronto Centre Youth Council to have your voice heard on provincial issues.

Join Our First Session - pizza provided!

Date: November 26, 2025

Time: 4:45-6PM

Location: 120 Carlton St, Unit 401

Apply now: kristyn.ca/youth-council

Ford Rams Through Bill 33

Bill 33 also passed this past week, even as education advocates and union activists descended on Queen’s Park in protest. The fact that this government refuses to listen to education and community safety experts, instead plowing ahead with their destructive plans, is a clear sign that they don’t care about doing what is right and prefer to double down rather than fix their mistakes.

Student trustees from public and catholic boards were clear that they did not want government appointees who ignore them. Parents told us they did not want decisions made behind closed doors or by Conservative insiders, paid hundreds of thousands of dollars, to override them. Education workers told us this bill was not the solution to crowded classrooms and unsafe schools. The government ignored all of them.

Similarly, post-secondary student organizations like CFS-Ontario, OUSA, CSA and OSV warned that this bill would mean the loss of vital campus programs students urgently need, including food banks, mental health peer supports and accessibility services. They told the government that our postsecondary sector is in crisis. Hundreds of programs have been cut, campuses are closing, almost ten thousand jobs have been lost at Ontario colleges, and eighty thousand students will be shut out of university seats because of government underfunding. The Premier chose not to listen.

Bill 33 is a blight on Ontario’s education system and must be repealed. You can watch POlicing Free Schools and other stakeholders speak about this destructive bill at their press conference here.

Toronto Centre NDP Holiday Party - You’re Invited!

Get ready for a fabulous Toronto Centre NDP Holiday Park with lunch, prize giveaways, entertainment, festive cheer, and, of course, surprise VIP guests!

Date: December 7, 2025

Time: 1 PM - 4 PM

Location: Regent Park Community Centre, 402 Shuter Street

All are welcome, including Santa’s little helpers. Please register here to reserve your seats.

RSVP Here!

Coffee With Kristyn - January 15th

I’m very excited to host my third Coffee with Kristyn at Good Earth Coffee House on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM! This is an opportunity for you to come and sit down with me, your Toronto Centre MPP, and share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while supporting our local small businesses.

I look forward to sitting down with you over a cup of coffee! I will also be hosting a roundtable chat with all attendees for the last 30 minutes so that we can all come together to share ideas.

Medscheck Concerns Grow

New data shows that Shoppers Drug Mart billed more than $81 million to the Ontario government for MedsChecks in two years. This is a clear and shameful corporate moneygrab.

The MedsCheck program was created to help people manage their medications safely, prevent harmful interactions, and ensure they receive the care they need. It is a service meant to protect patients… not to fuel corporate profit targets.

I am deeply troubled and disappointed by the reports we continue to hear from pharmacists across Ontario about being pressured by corporate offices to perform unnecessary reviews. When one chain bills more in two years than it did in the previous six combined, and when over a hundred investigations have been opened into corporate pressure, it’s clear that the program is being used to make profit, not to help Ontarians.

I want to thank the many pharmacists who have shown immense dedication to their patients and the spirit of the MedsCheck program by speaking up about the pressures they have been experiencing.

“Ontarians deserve a health-care system they can trust. The Ministry must act now to strengthen and modernize the MedsCheck program with clear eligibility criteria, proper documentation, and safeguards that protect both patients and the pharmacists who care for them.

Take Urban Wildfires Seriously

Whether Ford wants to admit it or not, climate change is real, and urban wildfires like those in Los Angeles and Fort McMurray are unfortunately a very real possibility across Ontario. I am proud to join my fellow Ontario NDP caucus members in calling on the Ford government to establish an Urban Wildfires Advisory Committee.

Toronto-Danforth MPP Peter Tabuns is introducing the Protecting Ontario from Urban Wildfires Act, 2025; a bill that would require the Conservatives to establish an Urban Wildfires Advisory Committee tasked with guiding risk assessment, prevention, response, and recovery. The Ford government currently has no such measures in place, despite the uptick in devastating fires spreading to urban areas.

Wildfires are not only life-threatening but also financially destructive. Ontario firefighters have the commitment and smarts to take on this challenge, but they need the requisite equipment and training. We must be prepared to protect the safety of all Ontarians.

The urgency of the matter is compounded by the Ford government’s inaction on climate change. Ontario’s Auditor General reported in October that the Conservatives would fall well short of their 2030 emissions reduction target.

Our first job is to stop carbon pollution to stabilize things. The next job is preventing these fires, and where we can’t, making sure we have the resources to fight them. I am proud to be part of a caucus doing this vital work.

Toronto Pride Partner Symposium

This morning, I had the opportunity to be a panellist on “The Politics of Pride: Navigating Queer Representation” for Pride Toronto’s Partner Symposium event! We discussed how queer representation and Pride are understood and represented through a political, policy, and equity-based lens. A warm thank you to Kojo Modeste for facilitating the flow of our discussion, and all participants and sponsors who came together for these important conversations.

What's Making Headlines

‘Do you know what they’ll do to me? I’m a judge’: Woman testifies senior Ontario judge raped her, broke her wrist

City Raccoons Are Evolving to Look More Like Pets

More people will struggle to be housed in Ontario if Bill 60 is passed, open letter warns

Two Toronto tenants were almost evicted for being one cent short of rent

The Landlord and Tenant Board Annual Report: Progress but still a long way to go

Upcoming Community Events

Little Trinity Christmas Market

Little Trinity Church invites community members to join in the holiday spirit at the second annual Little Trinity Christmas Market, held in collaboration with the Good Food Market.

Enjoy an evening filled with festive cheer, local treats, and holiday shopping:

Live Music: Come enjoy seasonal performances by Dr. Ben!
Free Goodies: Take a load off and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider, and yummy treats!
Unique Gifts: Do your holiday shopping and pick up some unique hand-made gifts for your loved ones!
Groceries: Stop by our regular produce market, offering high quality fruits and veggies at wholesale prices!

All proceeds will go to Good Shepherd Ministries, a local organization that serves over 1000 meals a day to those in need.

Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Time: 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Location: Little Trinity Church

Mandle Philharmonic Orchestra: Ode to Joy

Dates: November 27 and December 04, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM

Experience a night of unforgettable music this holiday season! Beethoven’s towering Symphony No. 9 with its triumphant “Ode to Joy,” Orff’s exhilarating Carmina Burana, and a heart-warming selection of Christmas carols come together in one spectacular concert. A perfect celebration of joy, drama, and festive spirit - do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime evening.

Learn more here.

Holiday Tree Lighting at Riverdale Farm

Join Riverdale Farm as they light their tree. There will be carolers, crafts, cookies and hot chocolate.

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester St.)

Tree Lighting: 7:00 PM

Regent Park Youth Safety & Well-Being Forum

The Regent Park Youth Safety & Well-Being Forum is a community-driven initiative that fosters a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for young people in Regent Park to engage in open conversations about safety, security, and mental health.

This forum encourages self-reflection, community connection, and helps youth access real-world support systems to promote overall well-being.

Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Time: 5:00 PM

Location: Regent Park Community Centre, 402 Shuter Street

Open to all youth residents of Regent Park.

United Way’s Leading Social Justice Collective

LSJC equips participants with the mindset, tools, and networks to drive long-term, systems-level change rooted in equity and social justice.

Applications are now open until December 12, 2025: [Apply here]

Apply for $5,000 to support your community-led project!

As a part of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS), they are providing the opportunity to apply for a grant that supports resident-led projects. These projects can encourage local activation and focus on the five domains of TSNS – economic opportunities, healthy lives, participation in civic making, physical surroundings, and social development - across all neighbourhoods.

The Local Leadership Grant prioritizes the leadership and participation of Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving groups within Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, Emerging Neighbourhoods, and other communities of focus.

Find out more by clicking here!

Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards - Nominations Open

Who Can Be Nominated:

The award ceremony will be held in March 2026.

Toronto Centre NDP

Constituency Office