Dear Friend,
This week has been a busy week in terms of high-level political news. President Joe Biden is not running for re-election, the Bank of Canada dropped interest rates by 0.25%, and LCBO workers reached a deal that reopened stores this past Tuesday.
But, you know all of that already. I am here to shed light on the happenings at Queen’s Park and in our local communities that you may have missed in the news.
So here is what you need to know:
On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, I was back at Queen’s Park for the Committee Study on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). These days were incredibly sobering, and I am so thankful to the witnesses who took time away from their critical frontline and research work to speak to the government yet again about things that are largely known and already contained in reports delivered to our government years ago. That said, I am learning a lot about the nuances of the issue and clear themes are solidifying.
Over four days of consultations, we heard heartbreaking stories of our system failing survivors despite advocates' best efforts. There were moments of hope when witnesses shared their program successes with us.
Themes continue to emerge, including the call for a funded provincial framework to end IPV:
- Implementation - The government must act on the excellent advice and best practices shared through this consultation, many of which are decades old but never implemented.
- Transparency - The government must be open and honest about how funding decisions are being made and why survivors continue to be inadequately supported.
- Accountability - The government and the sector must be held accountable to each other so Ontario can stop failing survivors and their families.
- Public Education - Ontarians need to know what the warning signs are for IPV and what to do if they experience it or see it.
- Awareness and Training - Professionals, including first responders and frontline workers, need to understand the IPV risk factors and be able to respond appropriately. Perpetrators and those at risk of harming also need training and support to heal and develop skills to stop violent behaviour.
Witnesses have also said prevention is by far the best way to combat intimate partner and gender-based violence and gave three broad themes around prevention:
- Training and support for men and boys around developing healthy masculinity, positive parenting skills, and becoming male allies is critical to stopping IPV before it starts.
- Combating poverty and enhancing access to basic resources is IPV prevention. Food insecurity, unemployment, economic stress, and housing instability are all risk factors for IPV that can be reduced with broad anti-poverty initiatives.
- Family violence is a generational trauma. If we can prevent it today, we can prevent it for the next generation. We must also recognize that being violent is often a response to having experienced family violence and that perpetrators need trauma-informed support to change.
I am eternally grateful to the witnesses who shared their time, expertise, and emotional labour with us. They do unimaginably complex and delicate work for the betterment of our communities. Their work enables us to understand what needs to be done to end IPV and how to implement it.
Trigger warning: Sexual assault, lack of care and resources
On Wednesday, I was told a story by presenters from the Nishnabe Aski First Nation. They told me about a young woman who was sexually assaulted in her fly-in community and was waiting for a sexual assault kit to be administered. When a survivor is waiting like this, they are not able to change their clothes or wash themselves at all, as their body is a crime scene. In this survivor’s fly-in community, there were no healthcare professionals who could administer the sexual assault kit for her. She was forced to wait for a plane to take her to Winnipeg, where the kit would be done. She waited for three days for that flight without bathing or changing her clothes after she was raped. After three days, no flight was available, so she gave up.
This story went straight to my heart, and I found it difficult to speak about it after it was shared. I can only imagine what that brave young woman experienced over those three days, and I hope she was surrounded by care during that time. Survivors like her are why I am so passionate about this work. We must do better. I will do everything I can to force this government to do better.
This morning, I attended a press conference at Queen’s Park hosted by the African Canadian Collective (ACC), a group of agencies, housing providers, and churches working together since last year to call attention to the horrible plight of African migrants and asylum seekers in Ontario. It’s the one year anniversary since this group gathered outside of Toronto’s Central Shelter Intake at 129 Peter Street to demand that all governments do more to address the refugee crisis. One by one, today’s speakers came forward to share the hardships of those who came to Canada looking for safety and a new life. Many African asylum seekers have left their home countries to escape anti-LGBTQI legislation, leading to punishing violence and imprisonment.
Unlike his swift response to the Ukrainian war and offer of funding and support to Ukrainian refugees, Ford has never acknowledged the African refugee crisis in Ontario cities. The double standard and anti-Black racism from Ford must be called out.
It’s clear that Ford has failed to address the housing and refugee crises by not adequately funding the provincial portion of the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit, which has run out of provincial funding since March of this year. Even more so, it’s a missed opportunity that Ford can not recognize that we have a labour workforce educated, trained, and ready to work living in shelters and church basements. They cannot work and successfully settle in their new province without a stable home.
On the evening of July 18, we learned the heartbreaking news that one of our neighbours was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing the street at Queen and Sackville. A few days later, it was confirmed that the person we lost was Bilkis Khanam, a mother of three who was nine months pregnant with her fourth child. She and her unborn baby were killed while bringing food to her sister-in-law, who was working at St. Paul Catholic School — illustrative of the kind and caring person that Bilkis was throughout her life.
This tragedy is beyond anything I can imagine, and my heart goes out to Bilkis’ three children, her husband, extended family and all of her loved ones who I know are missing her dearly right now. You can learn more about how to support the family here.
Life is precious, and I ask you to pray for Bilkis’s family tonight and in the weeks ahead.
Finally, I would like to share a joyful announcement with you!
Rastafest is Canada’s largest celebration of Rastafari heritage and culture, and they are launching an exciting new festival in our riding of Toronto Centre. Rastafest Regent Park, presented by The Daniels Corporation, is hosting a community launch next Friday, August 2, from 1 to 3 PM at Daniels Spectrum. This free event will give us an early peek into the award-winning musical lineup, headlining the main festival stage on September 7, 2024.
Rastafest Regent Park, presented by The Daniels Corporation, is an inclusive, multi-disciplined, family-friendly event highlighting different aspects of Rastafari and Reggae culture. The festival draws from the rich and diverse Rastafari lifestyle, culture, and history.
I want to thank Masani Montague of Rastafest, Mitch Cohen and Heela Omarkhail from Daniels Corporation, the Cohen Family Foundation, the Councillor’s Office, and the City of Toronto Music Office for working together to bring Rastafest to Regent Park. We can’t wait to celebrate this new cultural jewel with you.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In this Newsletter |
- 77 Howard St. Electrical Failure, Letter to WPSQ
- Ford Underspending By Billions on Healthcare, Education
- LCBO Workers Reach Deal, End Strike
- Changes to Toronto’s Short-Term Rentals Bylaws
- ODSP and GAINS Rate Changes
- Coffee Cups Now Accepted in Toronto Blue Boxes
- New Rules for Dogs Traveling Across U.S. Border
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community News
| 77 Howard Street Electrical Failure, Letter to WPSQ |
While I am pleased to hear that auxiliary power from external generators has enabled some semblance of everyday life for the tenants, many continue to worry about the building's long-term safety, maintenance, and operations. In consultation with tenants, I have written to the landlord, Wellesley Parliament Square seeking rent abatements, reimbursements of all expenses caused by the flooding and power outage, a freeze on rental increases for 2025, the honouring of existing leases for those who had to relocate, as well as urging them to prioritize repairs and renovations of damaged units.
The requested measures are necessary to support residents during this immense hardship. Their cooperation with my office and the tenants will significantly impact the well-being of all those living at 77 Howard Street.
I recognize that WPSQ is working hard to fix the electrical system at 77 Howard. Emergency responses have improved since the catastrophic disaster at 650 Parliament and the electrical outage at 280 Wellesley. However, property managers' and owners' responsibilities remain unchanged — more can be done to support the tenants.
If you are a tenant and are unsure what to do next, please contact my office.
|
Ford Underspending by Billions on Healthcare & Education |
This week, the Financial Accountability Office (FAO) released its latest review of government spending, which revealed that the government failed to spend $7.8 billion of its budget last year, including $1.3 billion less in healthcare spending than planned.
Those billions could have gone to recruiting and retaining nurses, fixing our schools, and building affordable housing. Instead, that funding was held back. That is shameful.
Ford loves a flashy photo op and a promise to invest in public services, but he never follows through. Over a billion dollars have been left unspent in the health sector, while ERs are closing, and hospitals are facing deficits across the province.
Ford has the resources to fix what is broken in Ontario. He knows he can make life better for you and your family. He doesn’t want to do it and must be held accountable.
|
LCBO Workers Reach a Deal, End Strike |
I am so proud of LCBO workers who stood strong in the name of good jobs and funding for public services and won an excellent contract for themselves and the people of Ontario.
These workers have put their livelihoods on the line for the past two weeks to protect billions of dollars that go into services like healthcare and education from LCBO revenues. Their victory on Sunday night makes me hopeful. When we come together, we can protect our public services and create good jobs in our communities.
I am also relieved that a solution was reached. I know many small businesses in Toronto Centre were concerned about being able to access the alcohol products that they rely on for their bar services during those busy summer patio months. I am thrilled that this week, the LCBO’s operations started to return to normal for wholesale customers and those who pop into our local stores for refreshments before gathering with family and friends.
|
Changes to Toronto's Short-Term Rental By-Laws |
The City of Toronto has made changes to short-term rentals, which will come into effect in three phases on June 30, 2024, September 30, 2024 and January 1, 2025. You can read more details here. Highlights include enhanced safety information for guests, additional checks to ensure that the property being rented out is indeed the operator’s principal residence, and banning licensed multi-tenant house operators from applying for a license.
Operators can find more information in the updated Good Operator Guide. Cracking down on unlicensed short-term rentals is key to tackling Toronto’s housing crisis and making more units available for residents. I am proud of the city's leadership on this file and know that we will feel the benefits in our communities.
|
ODSP and GAINS Rate Changes |
In 2023, the Ontario government agreed to raise Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) rates every July. On July 31, ODSP recipients should see a 4.5% increase in their monthly payment from $1308 to $1368. The increase only applies to core amounts and does not apply to several other ODSP benefits, including the Remote Communities Allowance, Special Diet Allowance, and the Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Nutritional Allowance.
The Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) is a program run by the Government of Ontario for seniors living on a low income. On July 1, 2024, the most a single senior can get went up from $83 to $87 monthly. For couples, the amount went up from $166 to $174 a month.
If you think you qualify for GAINS but are not receiving it, call the Ontario Ministry of Finance at 1-866-668-8297, TTY: 1-800-263-7776.
These increases are paltry and don’t come anywhere near meeting the needs of people with disabilities or seniors in our province. I will continue to push for the doubling of ODSP and far greater support for low-income seniors.
| Coffee Cups Accepted Now in Toronto Blue Boxes |
As of July 3, 2024, Toronto residents can recycle beverage cups at home and other eligible locations! This is so exciting! Click here to learn more about the pilot project.
Please follow these instructions for easier sorting and processing at the recycling facility:
- Rinse the cup: Empty your cup of any remaining liquids and give them a quick rinse to remove any residue.
- Separate components: Remove lids, sleeves, and any other accessories from the cups and place them loosely in your recycling bin.
- Loose placement: Place the cups loosely in the recycling bin, without stacking or nesting them together.
|
New Rules for Dogs Travelling Across U.S. Border |
New rules will apply to Canadians with dogs crossing the U.S. border starting August 1st. You can read all of the fine print here.
The Canadian government is asking to be exempted from these new rules, but in the meantime, here is what you need to know before you head south:
- Dogs must be at least six months old
- Dogs must be microchipped
- Dogs must be vaccinated for rabies
- You must complete a CDC Dog Import Form.
- You will require a clear photo of the dog showing its face and body.
- Dogs younger than one year old must have the photo taken within ten days.
Rabies Documentation
- Dog owners must have a Documentation of Canadian-Issued Rabies Vaccination signed by a Canadian licensed veterinarian.
- Dogs must be microchipped and certified that the dog has been vaccinated for rabies.
Canadian dogs that have visited a high-risk country in the last six months will be denied entry. If you do not meet the requirements, your dog will not be allowed to enter the U.S. and will be sent back at your expense.
| This Week's Headlines |
- They’re the gold standard of care for severe mental illness. So why doesn’t Ontario fund more of them?
- Ontario Science Centre survives severe rainstorm despite fears over roof
- Toronto’s Ombudsman reports on first year of office’s new Housing Unit, underscores human right to housing
- Ford Government Silent on Future of King’s Counsel
| Upcoming Community Events |
| 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 needs volunteers to help them organize the market, help out today!
|
Taste of Regent Park |
Date: Every Wednesday, from July 3rd – September 4th, 2024
Location: The Big Park | Bake Oven
Time: 5 PM-8 PM
Last Wednesday the community came together to enjoy mac and cheese for only $5. My team and I will be there with special guest Marit Stiles next week on Wednesday, July 31. Come see what they'll be serving this week, and stop by to say hello!
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 explore 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? And 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 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 Regent Park, Moss Park, St. James Town, Esplanade or the 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!
