
Dear Emma,
Yesterday, after weeks of testimony, public scrutiny, and long waits, we received Justice Maria Carroccia’s decision on the Hockey Canada case. All five players were found not guilty. Our adversarial legal system rarely provides accountability, healing, or growth to any of the involved parties; unfortunately, this time was no different.
My heart is with E.M. I hope that she is surrounded by care and that she is able to find healing.
This entire trial served as a stark reminder of the systemic challenges that survivors face when seeking meaningful justice. There is so much work that we all must do to give survivors real options for justice and accountability, including the option for restorative justice if they request it.
To survivors and their loved ones: I see you and hear you. This decision is painful, and it brings up a lot of anger, grief, and confusion. You’re not alone in that. If this week has felt especially heavy, I hope you’ve had space to rest and care for yourself. The Toronto Rape Crisis Centre offers excellent support, resources, and community, including a 24/7 crisis line that you can access at 416-597-8808. If you have a child with questions or who is in need of support, the professionals at Kids Help Phone are an incredible resource. They can be reached at 1-800-668-6868. Please connect with them when the time feels right. You are not alone. You matter, and I will keep fighting for you.
While this trial has illuminated the shortcomings of our current justice system, it has also brought conversations around consent to the forefront. Consent education is critical, especially as we reflect on the huge gulf between the consent culture we all deserve and our society’s current attitudes.
This educational gap and the need for greater consent competency are why I co-sponsored the Consent Awareness Week Act. This bill would officially designate the third week of September each year as Consent Awareness Week. This time frame was chosen because the first few weeks of the fall term at post-secondary schools are known as the “red zone,” a time when campus sexual violence spikes. Students need education, prevention, and awareness during this time to prevent violence and trauma. Consent education is, of course, also required far beyond post-secondary institutions. Consent Awareness Week will create an annual opportunity for communities, workplaces, and beyond to engage in consent education. To support our bill, you can add your name here.
We have so much work ahead of us to create a culture of consent in Ontario and beyond, a culture where sexual violence is unacceptable, and where explicit and enthusiastic consent, respect, and healthy relationships are non-negotiables. I am proud to work towards those goals every day, and so grateful to everyone I work alongside.
One concrete thing you can do today is learn how to be BRAVE. According to Statistics Canada, in 2019 there were approximately 940,000 incidents of sexual assault in Canada, yet only 6 percent were reported to police. Survivors in our community and everywhere are more likely to tell a friend, neighbour, or co-worker. That means we need to be ready. Watch this short video where my wife, Farrah Khan, an expert on sexual assault and consent culture with over 20 years of experience, introduces the BRAVE model, a practical tool she created to help people respond to disclosures of sexual assault with care, respect and compassion.
The next step is to take action in your own communities. Speak up when someone is being treated disrespectfully. Practice consent-based language with your children. Ensure your workplace and community groups have clear consent and anti-harassment policies that are frequently discussed and faithfully upheld. Consent culture starts with each and every single one of us.
On Tuesday, Toronto District School Board Trustees were locked out of their email accounts and stripped of their phone numbers – another step in Ford’s takeover of our school boards and an effort to silence our democratically elected Trustees.
Instead of experienced education professionals running Ontario’s largest school boards, we have Rohit Gupta. Mr. Gupta is a former Metrolinx advisor who lacks any experience in education. Despite being unqualified, he is responsible for the education of 248,000 students. Mr. Gupta has no public email address or phone number, and isn't answering questions.
I am hosting an Education in Crisis Townhall to respond to this gross overstep and empower students, parents, and caregivers to take action.
On Monday, July 28th, join me, MPP Jessica Bell, and elected TDSB Trustee Deborah Williams at our Virtual Town Hall to find out what the TDSB takeover means for your family, your neighbours, and your community.
Together, we'll share the information you need, answer your questions, and give you the tools you need to fight for our public education system.
Date: Monday, July 28, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Location: Online (Zoom) - RSVP for Link
Everyone is welcome!
Yours in community service,

Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Manufactured Famine in Gaza
- Bill 9 Hearings - Municipal Accountability Act
- Taste of Regent Park
- Metrolinx Facing $8.2 Billion in Lawsuits
- LiftED Education at Rose Avenue School
- Visit to Centres D’Accueil Héritage
- This Week’s Meetings
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Manufactured Famine in Gaza |
For weeks, we have all been seeing horrific images of emaciated Palestinians, especially babies and young children, battling starvation. However, the crisis has reached a new peak in the past few days. One in five children in Gaza City is malnourished, and the numbers rise every day. On Wednesday, over 100 aid organizations warned of dire consequences without a ceasefire and the rapid distribution of aid. Healthcare workers, journalists, and international aid workers have been speaking up, sharing that they are passing out at work, unable to carry out their critical duties due to extreme hunger.
While Gaza is in acute crisis, thousands of aid trucks full of enough food to feed everyone in Gaza for months wait at the border, barred from entry by the Israeli government. This famine is a massive humanitarian crisis that is entirely manufactured. It is beyond horrific that government and military officials have the power to open the border to these trucks and end so much suffering and death, but refuse to do so. Yesterday, Prime Minister Carney called the blocking of aid “a violation of international law” and called for international bodies to take over the management of aid from Israel.
Canada is one of 28 countries globally that have demanded that Israel cease blocking aid and end the bombardment of Gaza. In May, Prime Minister Carney warned Israel that if they did not lift the blockade, they could face sanctions. Yet here we are, months later, with no sanctions. We need real action now to save Palestinian lives.
I am proud that the NDP has been calling out the genocide in Gaza, demanding sanctions, and amplifying the voice of UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, whom they have nominated for the next Nobel Peace Prize.
Please write to your MPs about this crisis and urge them to pressure the Israeli government to allow aid trucks to enter Gaza, or face harsh sanctions. For millions of people, this is life and death.
|
Bill 9 Hearings - Municipal Accuntability Act |
Yesterday, I travelled to Whitby for the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy’s hearings on Bill 9. This Bill would create a process to remove an elected municipal official from office. The Bill has laudable aspirations and questionable implementation.
I was a City Councillor during the Rob Ford era. I know what it is like to have a City Council distracted by repeated ethical and professional lapses from a colleague on Council. Sitting Toronto Councillor Michael Thompson is being prosecuted for multiple charges of sexual assault. Many question why he can still vote on Council matters and supervise young interns while facing criminal charges. Our current system is crying out for change.
Unfortunately, this Bill is proposing a process that I do not think will solve Ontario’s problems. Experts commenting on the bill call its process “nearly impossible to implement”.
Bill 9, as it is currently written, would force all municipalities to establish their own Integrity Commissioner who will enforce a new standard code of conduct that the province will impose. The City of Toronto was the first in the country to create an Integrity Commissioner, and for the past 21 years, this accountability office has been providing guidance to members of council. But many smaller municipalities do not have their own Integrity Commissioners because of their small size and lack of resources. This provincial bill provides no funding for municipalities or their newly mandated Integrity Commissioners. These local Integrity Commissioners could recommend removal with the agreement of Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner. Removing someone from office would require a unanimous council vote. Yes, you read that correctly, a unanimous vote.
Ontario municipalities need better processes. No other city or town should be forced to experince what Toronto lived through during the Rob Ford era. The Association of Municipalities in Ontario and Ontario Integrity Commissioner all recommended that this incredible power be given to a judge to ensure that there are appropriate checks and balances. The Ontario NDP has also proposed legislation that would leave this decision up to a judge, just like experts are requesting. I believe that letting judges judge would be a better and far less polarizing path.
Leaving this decision up to a Council creates far too much room for external politics to cloud a decision that should be about professional Integrity. Ontarians deserve a process that is fair, independent, and as free from political considerations as possible.
I hope that the government takes the expert feedback we heard this week seriously and improves upon this bill.
| Taste of Regent Park |

I was overjoyed to be back in Regent Park’s Big Park on Wednesday for another beautiful evening at Taste of Regent Park. This weekly community dinner and market is a treasured summer tradition that we all look forward to. If you missed it, don’t worry! It happens every Wednesday until September.
Every week, the Fred Victor team works tirelessly to put together such a fun and welcoming festival. Thank you to the vendors, volunteers, staff and sponsors who make it all possible.
| Metrolinx Facing $8.2 Billion in Lawsuits |
How many times does Metrolinx get to fail? Metrolinx just released their 2024-2025 annual report and buried on page 114 is the news that they are facing an eye-popping $8.2 billion in lawsuits. ). The claims relate to property acquisitions, the Ontario Line, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, the Finch West LRT and the Hazel McCallion LRT.
Delay after delay on the Eglinton Crosstown, descoping of the GO Expansion, ballooning costs everywhere – and now a money pit of lawsuits that Ontarians will have to pay for – is the opposite of delivering for transit riders. We have all been kept in the dark for far too long, as costs skyrocket for every project.
Who is responsible? How did this happen? I am sorry to say I have no answers for you right now, but I am fighting hard to get them. Premier Ford and Minister Sarkaria must pull their heads out of the sand and start demanding transparency and accountability. It’s long past time for a public inquiry. We need to crack open Metrolinx’s black box and find out what is really going on. I will, as always, continue to keep you updated.
|
LiftED Education at Rose Avenue School |

This past Tuesday, I had the privilege of attending LiftED Literacy and Leadership at Rose Avenue Public School! LiftED runs literacy and leadership programs for underserved youth in our communities, ensuring they have the skills to fulfill their dreams. It was a delight to talk to young people benefiting from their programming. Anyone interested in learning more about what they can do can check them out here.
| Visit to Centres D’Accueil Héritage |

Centre d’Accueil Héritage is a gem just off of the Esplanade! CAH supports Francophone seniors in our neighbourhoods by providing safe and affordable housing, building community, and ensuring they have access to supports in French. All of this work helps their clients to live independently in their golden years.
It was such a gift to see the care and dedication every member of CAH’s staff brought to their role, as well as their welcoming facilities and happy clients! CAH is a wonderful model of language-inclusive care right in our neighbourhood!
Anyone with aging Francophone loved ones can learn more about their services here.
| This Week's Meetings |

- Regent Park Islamic Resource Centre and TCHC
- Black People United for Change
- Unifor
- Dr. Barrie - HIV Healthcare
| This Week's Headlines |
Heat warning continues in Toronto Friday as temperatures could feel like 40 C
Churches see alarming overdose spike on-site since safe consumption site closures
Ontario will bypass feds, issue its own work permits: Ford
Famous dead Toronto raccoon just got a permanent memorial
Toronto council butts heads over where to put new shelters
How app upgrades are helping Toronto police do more bail compliance checks
Murder victim's father impacted by change to Ontario courts
Tenants facing mass eviction say negotiations broke down over clause meant to ‘silence’ them
Mammoth 80-storey tower would completely transform major Toronto intersection
‘We’re on a journey’: TTC’s new CEO on subway ‘slow zones’ and his goals for Toronto transit
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Indonesian Food Festival |

The Indonesian Food Festival is not to be missed! In addition to delicious food, you can enjoy performances, cooking demonstrations, a fashion show, and much more!
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: 12 PM - 8 PM
Location: Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square)
|
Ecocraft Market |
Join the St. James Town Community Corner for a day of creativity and conscious crafting at the Ecocraft Market. Browse crafts handmade by locals and take home some treasures!
Date: Friday, July 25, 2025
Time: 3:30-6 PM
Location: The Corner, 240 Wellesley Street
| St James Town Pebble Mosaic Workshops |
The St James Town Neighbourhood Association has been approved for city funding to create and install three mosaic art projects in the community! They are working with ReDefine Arts on the project and want YOU to participate!
About the workshops:
- Free to attend! All are welcome! All ages!
- No experience necessary!
- Inclusive, collaborative & fully accessible.
- Interdisciplinary public art making & community building.
- No commitment required. Join one or all workshops... it's up to you.
- Spread the word! Share this opportunity with your friends, family & neighbours.
Where and When:
-
Design Workshops
- Saturday, July 26 from 2 – 4 PM at Diane Frankling Co-op (85 Bleecker Street)
-
Mosaic Design Feedback
- Thursday, August 7 from 6 – 8 PM at Diane Frankling Co-op (85 Bleecker Street)
-
Final Design Presentation
- Saturday, August 9 from 12 – 2 PM at Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne Street)
-
Mosaic Building
- Monday, August 25 from 4 – 7 PM at Winchester Park (530 Ontario Street)
- Tuesday, August 26 from 4 – 7 PM at Winchester Park (530 Ontario Street)
- RAIN DATE: Thursday, August 28, 4 – 7 PM at Winchester Park (530 Ontario Street)
-
Unveiling Celebration
- Thursday, October 2 at 4:00 PM in Winchester Park (530 Ontario Street)
| Switching Regent(s): A Creative Exploration of Bridging Queerly in Regent Park |
The Switch Collective is offering a creative workshop/art jam on Saturday, July 26, 3-7 PM, at Studio 1 on the ground floor of Daniels Spectrum. All levels of creative confidence & experience are extremely welcome!
The workshop will bring together a group of LGBTQ+ artists & Regent Park residents to:
- Collectively experimenting with movement, words and song, both in a studio and on the streets of Regent Park
- Exploring the themes of bridging distance between different communities, queer migration, and the past, present & future of life in Regent Park
- Learning about the Switch Methodology’s approach to creating queer, roving, street performance art
- Creatively manifesting our queer wishes for Regent Park
Snacks will be provided, along with dinner at 7 pm. This is not currently a masked event, but that may change based on group needs.
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: 3 PM - 7 PM
Location: Studio 1, ground floor of Daniels Spectrum
RSVP before Tuesday, July 22 by filling out this form
After the workshop, Switch Collective & collaborators will do a public share of song, audio & movement based on their previous work in the park and influenced by the workshop. It will take place outside in Regent Park, by the Aquatic Centre.
| Queen’s Park North Revitalization Consultation |
Queen's Park North is a historic and culturally significant public green space in Toronto, located north of the Ontario Parliament Building. In 2025, the City was approached by the Weston family with an offer to donate $50 million to improve the park, plus additional funding for long-term maintenance and programming. In response, City staff have been instructed by Council to undertake community and First Nations, Inuit and Metis engagement, along with design exploration, that will build on work completed in the park in 2019. The engagement conversations will inform opportunities related to park design, park amenities, Indigenous placekeeping, park programming, maintenance and governance. This public feedback will be collected and included as part of City staff’s report back to City Council in late 2025, which will include a recommended path forward.
Join the conversation! Attend an in-person public working session on July 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Metro Central YMCA, and take the online survey by August 31, 2025 to help shape the future of Queen’s Park North. Visit Get Involved for more information and other ways to participate.
| Policing Free Schools Press Conference |
Policing-Free Schools, the organizational lead of the Provincial Campaign for a Policing-Free Schools Ontario will be hosting a press conference at Queens Park along with supporters on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11 AM, demanding fund our schools not policing-in-schools and we will be launching the provincial back-to-school initiatives and upcoming actions against Bill 33! Everyone is welcome!
The Provincial Campaign for a Policing-Free Schools Ontario & supporters demand: Fund our schools not policing-in-schools
Date: Thursday July 31, 2025
Time: 11 AM
Location: South Lawn, Queens Park, 111 Wellesley St W, Toronto
Bill 33 is a proposed sweeping legislation, a power grab that ultimately mandates police-in-school programs, namely the School Resource Officer program and policing-in-schools across the province of Ontario. While simultaneously, the Ford Government has been funneling millions of dollars into policing-in-schools including police-in-school programs and technological surveillance in schooling spaces. Rather than addressing the root causes, the Ford Government chooses to siphon funds out of our schools and communities and pour tax-dollars into harmful non-evidence based carceral measures. Bill 33 is a distraction from what the real issue is, a chronically underfunded public education system and deteriorating public community-based supports.
| Get Started in Canada - Newcomer Women |
Get Started in Canada- Newcomer Women program is designed to support newcomer women in setting meaningful goals and strengthening their employability skills, while also providing the opportunity to earn micro-certificates.
Dates: Aug 11 - Oct 3, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM to 2:45 PM
Days: Mondays and Thursdays (virtual)
Tuesdays and Wednesdays (in-person at Dundas & Kipling location)
What you 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
To apply, fill out the form here.
| RAW Design Student Summer Camp |
Registration is open for RAW’s Diversity in Design Summer Camp! Running August 25–29, this is a free, week-long camp for Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth in grades 6–12. The goal is to introduce young people to architecture and design through creative, hands-on workshops, walking tours, design challenges, and conversations about how design shapes our communities.
The camp includes:
- Daily workshops (10 AM – 3 PM) at RAW’s studio near Ossington and Dupont
- Lunch, snacks, and TTC support as needed
- Mentorship from architects and designers
- Portfolio review and post-secondary prep for grade 11/ 12 high school students
Interested families or students can contact Carrie at [email protected] for more information and to register.
| Moss Park Summer Festival |

Join your Moss Park Neighbours for a celebration of summer! Enjoy a BBQ, live music, games, a raffle, photo booth, balloons, and community resources all in one place!
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Time: 1 PM - 4 PM
Location: Green Space - Queen Street E and Ontario Street Intersection
|
My Job Match |
Attention job seekers, employers, and employment support professionals! MyJobMatch is an innovative platform that connects job seekers with disabilities with employers looking to hire. Check out MyJobMatch.ca for more information.











































































