July 5, 2024 Newsletter
Dear friend,
Last weekend we celebrated Pride and Canada Day, and I have so much to share with you!
Pride festivities took place in Toronto Centre and it was incredible. As in previous years, I met many wonderful queer folks and allies at all three signature marches.
The Trans March on Friday is one of the highlights of the year, and this time was even more spectacular as the community turned out like I have never seen before! The street was packed with Trans, Non-Binary, and Two-Spirit people and their allies - the turnout was magnificent as Toronto cemented its reputation as the city that hosts the largest Trans March in the world.
When we marched, supporters lined the streets, many of them holding signs expressing their love for the Trans community. I met parents accompanying their Trans teen to their first Pride and Trans grandpas hoisting their grandkids on their shoulders to get a better view of the marchers. The sight filled me with joy and optimism for the future. Even as radical conservative and religious fundamentalists try to erase Trans and Gender-Diverse people from our communities, we come back stronger and braver each time.
Just before the start of the march, former MPP, Rev. Dr. Cheri Di Novo, C.M., and I shared with the crowd the story of Toby Dancer, the namesake behind Toby’s Act, an NDP bill that officially included gender identity and gender expression as protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Toby Dancer passed away ten years ago, so Cheri and I spoke about her legacy as an activist and a music director and scattered symbolic ashes in her memory. It was a powerful moment. We made a promise as New Democrats to always stand up for the Trans community and we move forward to advance human rights for all.
The Saturday Dyke March was similarly full of joy and fun, especially since we were marching with the Ontario NDP’s “Big Dyke Energy” banner. The banner always gets a lot of love, and I very proud to march alongside Marit Stiles and the rest of our Ontario NDP team!
Of course, there was the Sunday Pride parade! I was thrilled to be joined by my fellow Ontario NDP MPPs, Marit Stiles, and many supporters! The DJ and dancers on our float kept our energy up the whole time, and the viewing crowd was massive. It was an incredibly fun afternoon of Pride and politics.
During Pride at our Ontario NDP booth at the community fair in the Village, we were overrun with supporters and do you know what queer people wanted to talk about?
The Ontario Science Centre!
I heard stories about priceless childhood memories from residents. Many people shared how they were excited to bring their own young children to the Science Centre but had that opportunity ripped away from them by Ford. This is a sentiment that resonates strongly with me, knowing my son will never again be able to visit the Science Centre as we know it.
I also heard from a Flemingdon Park community worker about how the Science Centre is an essential cooling centre for tenants in nearby apartment towers who don’t have access to air conditioning in their homes.
We all know that the Ontario Science Centre is crucial and must be saved. The Ontario NDP has launched a new campaign to help you send a letter to members of the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy, asking them to hold a special hearing about the future of the Science Centre. You can use our template letter or edit it to make it your own!
But you know that the fun didn’t end on Sunday! I was thrilled to join the St. Lawrence neighbourhood for their annual Canada Day celebration in St James Park. As a proud patriot, I know Canada Day is a critical time to reflect upon and celebrate the milestones of our nation. I teach my young son these lessons every year. Together, we boldly explore the full history of our great country and commit ourselves to building true reconciliation with Indigenous communities. The work is very far from done. It will be a lifelong journey but I am committed to learning and working alongside my family, Indigenous colleagues, and community members to get it done every day.
I hope you all had a wonderful long weekend and that July brings you rest, fun in the sun, and time to enjoy all of the wonderful summer festivals that Toronto has to offer.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Bay-Cloverhill Town Hall
- LCBO Workers on Strike for Good Jobs, Public Services
- 2024 Rent Guideline Increase Set
- Save the Ontario Science Centre
- Bonnie Crombie Bills Donors for a New Wardrobe
- Samantha's Scoop
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community News
| Bay-Cloverhill Town Hall |
Calling all Bay-Cloverhill residents! I am teaming up with MPP Jessica Bell to host a Town Hall at Queen’s Park to hear your feedback, ideas, and concerns. I can’t wait to hear what you have to share - RSVP today!
Date: Thursday, July 11
Time: 7 PM - 8:15 PM
Location: Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Room 351, 111 Wellesley St W.
Since it is at Queen’s Park, RSVPs are required to ensure you are on the security list. Please make sure to bring government-issued photo ID with you, as it is required in order to enter the building.
| LCBO Workers on Strike for Good Jobs, Public Services |
LCBO workers went on strike for the first time ever today.
These workers are striking for good jobs in our communities and for better pay, but they are also doing a massive service to all of us - they are protecting a critical public asset that brings billions of dollars of revenue to Ontario every year, funding our healthcare system, education, and so much more.
But instead of protecting that public system and treating workers with the respect that they deserve, Doug Ford’s Conservatives want to privatize alcohol sales in Ontario, lining the pockets of his rich friends at the expense of everyone else.
I am incredibly proud of the action LCBO workers are taking and can’t wait to join them on the picket line. I encourage you all to go out and support your local LCBO workers as they strike for the benefit of us all. You can find a picket line near you here.
I hope that Ford and the LCBO board get back to the negotiating table soon. None of us want to see a dry summer.
|
2024 Rent Guideline Increase Set |
In a classic Doug Ford move, the government announced the 2024 Rent Increase Guideline amount last Friday, just before a long weekend, when everyone is distracted.
This year’s rent increase guideline is 2.5% — Ford likes to claim that it is below the rate of inflation, but so many tenants are being hit with AGIs, renoviction, demoviction, or no longer have rent control, so their rents are rising at astronomical re. Ford is letting his wealthy insider friends continue taking when tenants who have nothing more to give.
It’s never been more expensive to rent or own a home in Ontario, and 2025 is not going to bring any relief to renters unless this government acts now.
After six years of the Ford government, life is getting much harder and less affordable for everyday Ontarians. The Conservatives' housing policies, including the scrapping of rent control for newly built homes, the lack of vacancy control between tenants, and landlord-friendly rules for Above Guideline Rent Increases mean higher housing costs for tenants.
Ford’s refusal to bring back meaningful rent control is allowing provincial rents to continue rising by three times the rent increase guidelines. He has no intention of making life more affordable for renters. We are in a housing crisis, and it’s time we had a government that acted like it.
When Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP form government, we will implement real rent control and put an end to Ford’s housing affordability crisis.
| Save the Ontario Science Centre |
The love that I have seen pouring out for the Ontario Science Centre since its closure and demolition were announced has been overwhelming and so positive. But we need to keep the pressure on and tell Doug Ford that he can’t take away this public treasure just because he wants to.
I am proud to stand with Marit Stiles, who has demanded that Doug Ford not make any moves to demolish the site.
Luckily, the future of the Ontario Science Centre isn’t in Ford’s hands; it’s in ours. It’s in yours. If we all band together, we can save it, just like we saved the Greenbelt.
The Ontario NDP has launched a new campaign to help you send a letter to members of the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy, asking them to hold a special hearing about the future of the Science Centre. You can use our template letter or edit it to make it your own! I encourage you to share your story about why the Science Centre matters to you in your letter. Personalizing letters helps the campaign to work better and reach more MPPs!
If Doug Ford and his MPPs think they can close the doors on a beloved, world-class cultural and scientific institution with less than a day’s notice, he has no idea what is coming.
It's no secret that I don’t trust this government and neither should you. Doug Ford better not lay a finger on the Ontario Science Centre unless it’s to fix it.
|
Bonnie Crombie Bills Donors for a New Wardrobe |
- $3,765 at Freda’s, a boutique that offers personal shoppers by appointment.
- $766 was spent at Veronica Beard, an upscale shop where best sellers range from a $195-short-sleeve tee to a $1,598-blazer.
- $635 at Judith & Charles, a posh retailer in Yorkville.
- $858 for makeup artist A Glow By Joan.
| Samantha's Scoop |
Welcome to a new Newsletter segment - each week our Federal NDP candidate for Toronto Centre, Samantha Green, will be sharing an update. I can't wait to read more of Samantha's insights as she navigates the front lines of our healthcare system while living and parenting in Toronto Centre!
Hello!
My name is Samantha Green and I’m running to be the next Member of Parliament for our community with the NDP. I live in our community with my partner and kids, and have worked as a family doctor here for a decade.
Recently one of my patients was hospitalized because of an asthma flare. When she was discharged, she showed me photos of her apartment—walls and ceiling covered with mould. And I know so many stories like this one where a person’s health is directly related to political decisions.
We must fix this. Housing is the number one issue here—for tenants, for folks in need of deeply affordable housing, for the unhoused and for parents whose kids can’t afford to move out.
As a family doctor, I see how things like the housing crisis, soaring food costs, and gaps in our healthcare system are making it harder for so many of our neighbours to get by. I cannot stay silent witnessing this injustice. For this and many other reasons, I decided to run to share the stories of my community and to bring change to Toronto Centre.
I am so thankful that we have strong provincial representation in Toronto Centre with Kristyn and their principled and progressive politics. With strong representation at the federal and municipal level, I know that we can achieve meaningful results for everyone in our community.
Over the next few months and leading into the federal election, I look forward to meeting you on the doorsteps, seeing you at events and running into you in our community. Please come say hi!
In hope and solidarity,
Samantha Green
Federal NDP Candidate- Toronto Centre
| This Week's Headlines |
-
How much of the Ontario Science Centre roof is at risk of collapsing? See for yourself
-
Israel turbocharges West Bank [land theft] expansion with largest [illegal] land grab in decades
-
Ontario forest firefighters call for new job classification that would compensate them for dangerous work
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Mental Health Matters Planter Decorating Workshop |
Mental Health Matters is opening of registration for their FREE Planter customization workshop on July 27th from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the 150 River St Party Room.
Through this workshop individuals will be able to paint/customize their very 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!
|
Toronto Fringe Festival 2024 |
Toronto Fringe Festival is excited to announce its 2024 programming. Join the launch party with free community activities on July 2, followed by 77 productions from July 3-14 at various locations across the city. Explore a variety of shows including comedy, drama, musicals, dance, and storytelling. Enjoy daily free community events at the Fringe Patio located at the Tranzac, featuring entertainment, snacks, and drinks.
Key Details:
- Launch Party: July 2
- Festival Dates: July 3-14
- Locations: 16 venues across Toronto
- Special Events: Free activities at Fringe Patio and KidsFest Club
Get Involved: Tickets are now available on the Toronto Fringe Festival website. 100% of the box office profits go directly to the artists. Participate in free events, visit the artisan market, and enjoy diverse food and drink offerings at the festival’s social hub.
Why Fringe Matters: Celebrating its 36th year, the Toronto Fringe is Ontario’s largest performing arts festival, providing a platform for artists of all backgrounds. The festival uses a lottery system for participant selection and subsidizes space, marketing, and box office costs to ensure accessibility for both artists and audiences. Notable alumni include creators of "The Drowsy Chaperone," "Da Kink in My Hair," "Kim’s Convenience," and "Come from Away."
Discover the next big talent at this year’s festival!
| Call for Artists - Cabbagetown Murals |
The Cabbagetown BIA is looking for a mural artist to paint a new Cabbagetown-themed mural on the side wall of 204 Carlton St. to bring added vibrancy and branding to the streetscape and deter future vandalism. This mural's addition will help reduce graffiti at this location and in the area overall. The BIA also trusts that this project will act as a draw for foot traffic to the neighbourhood, increase support for public art, encourage further murals across the neighbourhood, and highlight Cabbagetown as a neighbourhood for innovation.
Bold, bright colours will weave together across the wall, depicting different aspects of Cabbagetown, and what makes it wonderful and unique. The mural will aim to capture the diverse energy that pulses through our streets. We want to the mural to be dynamic and showcase activities that are popular Cabbagetown - such as visiting animals at Riverdale Farm, Victorian house and garden tours, sights from Riverdale Park, people meeting for coffee, kids eating ice-cream, and cabbage-cutting at The Cabbagetown Festival, for example.
All-inclusive muralist fees will be $7,500 plus HST.
The mural should be vibrant and representative of the Cabbagetown community. The mural should be colourful, bright, and complement the streetscape, but keep green at the forefront when possible. Themes, objects, and messaging that could be conveyed/shared through the mural include, but are not limited to:
- Cabbagetown history
- Victorian architecture and historic homes
- Flourishing gardens
- Diverse community life
- Street signs
- Diverse small businesses
- Local attractions, such as Riverdale Farm, Riverdale Park, St Jamestown Cemetery, and Allan Gardens.
- Cabbages
All-inclusive muralist fees will be $850 plus an additional $100 to help subsidize the cost of materials.
|
Cabbagetown Festival Call for Performers |
The Cabbagetown Festival is celebrating its 45th year, returning bigger and better than ever! During the Festival, Cabbagetown is excited to host unique and vibrant live entertainment to delight their guests. They are currently looking for entertainers such as:
- Musicians, Bands, and Singers
- Dancers
- Performance Artists
- Circus Artists & Buskers
- and much more!
Saturday, September 7: 11 AM – 8 PM
Sunday, September 8: 11 AM – 7 PM
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Dear Emma,
This has been a tough week. I am devastated by the horrific shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. Everyone in the Tumbler Ridge community, and particularly the loved ones of those injured and killed, are in my thoughts and have my deepest condolences. I am so thankful for all of the first responders who risked their lives to protect others at the scene.
This tragedy should never have happened. Right now we grieve, but soon, we recommit and take further action to end gun violence before another mass shooting takes place. Tragically, in Toronto Centre, we are not strangers to gun violence. My heart is additionally heavy for everyone in our communities who has been directly affected by gun violence and may be finding this news particularly difficult. If you need support, I encourage you to reach out to the Distress Centre of Greater Toronto or the Gerstein Crisis Centre.
Violence should have no place in our communities, and yet it exists all around. But when people come together to speak without shame and offer each other support, we move one step closer to a world without violence. I am so thankful to everyone in the community who is organizing for a world without violence. This work is not new, but it deserves so much more support from our government. We all stand on the shoulders of the organizers and advocates who have come before us.
During my virtual town hall on intimate partner violence this week, I was filled with gratitude for all of the community advocates who joined us for the panel. They all interface with violence every day in their professional lives. It is difficult work, but they do it with so much love and grit.
Thank you to the 430 people who registered for the town hall. A big thank you to my co-host, MPP Alexa Gilmour and our esteemed presenters Pamela Hart, Erin Lee, Andrea Vasquez-Jimenez, Pamela Cross, Marlee Liss, and Ololade Aje. These leading advocates were so generous with their time, knowledge, and care. For those who missed the town hall and want to catch up, here is the link to watch.
The conversation was at times heavy, but the event was dynamic, and every attendee made their voice heard through interactive polling, sharing ideas, and submitting questions to our Q&A. I was particularly moved by the number and quality of responses we received when we asked participants what action they would take in their communities to counter IPV. Ideas ranging from “bring in a speaker for my next union event” to “have a conversation with other men in my life” to “volunteer at a local shelter” and more.
The success of this first virtual town hall on IPV demands an encore, and that is what I intend to bring you in the weeks ahead. So watch this space for more announcements as I invite new speakers and subject matter experts to join us in future town halls on this issue.
If you attended, I would love to hear your feedback on the event and what you would like to see in the future.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Inspection into Police Corruption
- You’re Invited: Community Iftar
- Coffee with Kristyn - Corktown
- Huge Cuts to OSAP Grants Hurt Students
- Stop Taxing Severance Pay
- FAO Report Projects $10.7B Healthcare Shortfall
- What’s Making Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Inspection into Police Corruption |
Over the last week, we have learned more and more about the corruption within the Toronto Police. Ontario’s Inspector General of Policing announced a province-wide inspection into corruption and integrity in policing. This is a heartening next step, and I am very encouraged by it.
It is deeply disturbing that police officers have allegedly been able to, while employed with the force, engage in the trafficking of uniforms, misuse of police firearms, and conspiracy to kill a corrections manager. These are incredibly serious offences for anyone, let alone someone in a position of public trust.
To regain and maintain trust in our province’s law enforcement institutions, we must ensure transparency and unobstructed public oversight. That oversight must be especially focused on Toronto, which should demand much of this inspection’s attention. No stone should be left unturned to ensure that Ontarians feel safe in their communities and to restore accountability and public trust.
This corruption has caused a massive breach of trust, as other incidents of police-community interactions have in the past, and it requires a massive effort on the part of the police to repair. I look forward to their sincere and open efforts.
| You’re Invited: Community Iftar |
You're invited to a Community Iftar Party!
Join me for an evening of spiritual reflection, delicious dinner, and warm company as we break fast together.
Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
Location: 150 River Street - Main Floor Party Room
Community Market: 3 - 8 PM
Iftar: 5 PM onwards
RSVP is required to reserve your seat. All are welcome!
| Coffee With Kristyn - Corktown |
Thank you so much to the awesome constituents who joined me for Coffee with Kristyn at Roozamoon Cafe in Corktown on Wednesday! I had a wonderful time hearing your ideas about addressing food insecurity, expanding public health care and protecting heritage buildings. Your stories were inspiring, and these conversations helped me bring your on-the-ground concerns to Queen’s Park.
Watch out for future Coffee with Kristyn events coming to a cozy neighbourhood cafe near you!
| Huge Cuts to OSAP Grants Hurt Students |
While announcing their changes to post-secondary funding this week, which did include increased funding, Ford’s Minister glossed over a huge change: OSAP grants, which currently can make up as much as 85% of the funding a student receives (with the other 15% being loans), will now be capped at just 25%. That means students are losing thousands of dollars in grant funding for their education and are forced to take on 75% or more of their education costs in loans. This is a massive change that will hit the lowest-income students the hardest.
In addition to these grant changes, the government is allowing public post-secondary schools to raise tuition by up to 2% per year for the next three years, after years of a tuition freeze. This will put students in an even more difficult position as they figure out how to pay for school, rent, and food.
Our public colleges and universities, as well as students, deserve more than to beg for scraps from the government. They deserve a robustly funded public system where students can learn without the stress of loans, and institutions can provide the best quality education without the government breathing down their neck to cut costs at every turn.
| Stop Taxing Severance Pay |
Doug Ford has to get serious about protecting workers. It is tough out there, especially for tariff-affected workers getting laid off in this job market. So why are these laid-off workers being punished again when the government taxes their severance pay? It’s not nice to kick people when they are already down. Ford must tell the Prime Minister to stop taxing the severance pay of workers’ impacted by tariff job losses.
Ford is a jobs disaster. That is not up for debate. Ontario lost 67,000 jobs in January, and the manufacturing sector alone has lost 51,000 jobs in the last year. Tens of thousands more workers are starting a new year filled with anxiety and uncertainty, while they wait for Ford to finally come up with a jobs plan.
While we are forced to wait for that plan, the least that Ford can do is demand that the Prime Minister stop taxing laid-off workers' severance pay. Thousands of workers were handed pink slips while Ford stuck to his wait-and-see approach. It’s time for him to show up for these workers and their families.
These Ontario workers need a lifeline. The Premier has the opportunity to be serious for once and use his power to deliver needed relief instead of more empty promises.
|
FAO Report Projects $10.7B Healthcare Shortfall |
This past Wednesday’s Financial Accountability Office report confirms what patients and family members accessing health care across Ontario already know: the Ford government’s health care plan is actively damaging Ontario’s health system and putting patients at risk.
The FAO projects a $10.7 billion health sector funding shortfall by 2027-28 under the government’s current spending plan. That is a massive and devastating gap, especially as our population grows, ages, and healthcare needs become more acute. This plan is reckless and dangerous for patients.
The FAO also projects the government’s plan would result in fewer funded hospital beds, fewer nurses, and fewer PSWs across Ontario by 2027-28, even as demand for care continues to rise. These choices create a perfect storm of runaway hallway medicine, staff pushed to the breaking point, and inadequate care as a result. The Ford government must step up and adequately fund day-to-day hospital operations.
We know this conservative play: cut and starve the system until it is so broken that you can say “See? The system doesn’t work. We need to privatize it!” We know as Canadians that is not acceptable. We need a well-funded public health care system so that everyone can thrive. Click here to sign my petition to fund healthcare and stop privatization.
| What's Making Headlines |
Insufficient rail screws behind derailment that caused days-long GO disruptions, Metrolinx CEO says
What's open and closed in Toronto on Family Day
Toronto unemployment rate is totally out of control compared to other cities
Tenants heartbroken after 111-year-old Toronto building’s stained glass windows deemed fire hazard
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Free Family Day Fun at Queen’s Park Winter Festival |
Looking for something fun and free to do this Family Day weekend? Come to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for hands-on activities, indoor and outdoor experiences, and live entertainment during this year’s Winter Festival!
Set in the heart of downtown Toronto at the historic Ontario Legislature, this two-day celebration is designed for families of all ages.
Indoors, learn about Parliament during a Chamber tour, get creative with crafts and activities, transform into a cool character with face-painting, grab a twisty balloon, and keep entertained with live musical performances, storytelling, and magic shows. Outdoors, take part in a mini hockey arena and curling rink, admire the work of a professional ice carver in action, participate in an inflatable carnival game, and keep an eye out for a roaming Jack Frost who always loves a “warm” hello.
Need a treat? Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase at the Quorum Café.
Event dates: Saturday, February 14 and Monday, February 16, 2026
Times: 10 AM to 4 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM)
Location: Ontario's Legislative Building, Queen's Park.
All visitors entering the Legislative Building must go through airport-style security screening.
Free admission
Click here for a full schedule of events.
| Family Day at Regent Park Community Centre |
The Regent Park Community Centre will be hosting a Family Day event.
Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
Time: 11 AM - 2 PM
Location: Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter St.)
Enjoy Pancakes, music, colouring and more. All are welcome. FREE.
| Family Day Skate at the Regent Park Ice Rink |
The Friends of Regent Park, in partnership with the Regent Park Community Centre, Councillor Chris Moise, and the Toronto Police Services, is hosting a Family Day Skating event!
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Time: 1 PM to 4 PM
Location: Regent Park Ice Rink (480 Shuter St.)
Skates and helmets will be available for FREE on a first-come, first-served basis. It will be an afternoon filled with fun, music, games and activities.
| Lunar New Year at Queen’s Park with NIP |
Join Marit Stiles and community partners like the Neighbourhood Information Post for a fun-filled Lunar New Year Reception at Queen’s Park! You won't want to miss the lion dance.
Date: Monday, February 23,
Time: 6 - 8:30 PM - Lion dance at 7:30 PM
Location: Queen’s Park Main Legislative Building, Room 351
RSVP here to be added to the visitors list.
| Petition: Expand the Allan Gardens Greenhouse |
🌼 Friends of Allan Gardens just launched their petition to expand the Allan Gardens greenhouses! 🌼
With this expansion, they can scale up their existing cross-cultural and cross-generational work: the farmers' market, food-growing that supports food banks, horticultural education, venue space, and Indigenous-focused programming like language keeping and storytelling.
They are aiming for 10,000 signatures and need your help!
Click here to sign and share with your networks.
| Participate in Jamii’s PASI Photo Exhibition |
PASI is a large-scale outdoor community photo exhibition led by Jamii, taking place along Toronto’s Esplanade promenade from May to July 2026. The project brings together Torontonians of all ages to reflect how people from around the world live side by side in one city.
Meaning “a soccer pass” in Swahili, PASI will feature a continuous chain of portraits in which participants symbolically pass a ball from one image to the next. Installed between the Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market, the exhibition includes 48 large-scale outdoor portraits representing countries participating in the 2026 tournament.
Click here to sign up and have your portrait taken for this community art exhibit!
| St Lawrence Waste Reduction REmarket |
The SLNA Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 15th REmarket event on February 11 and 12, 2026. This event has a direct, tangible impact on both the environment and the social welfare of our local communities, and you can widen that impact. New items being added to the growing recycling list at the upcoming REmarket include: hearing aids, elastic bands and non-synthetic corks. On February 11, stop by to participate in their FreeMarket, where anyone can drop off gently used items and take home items free of charge (not for commercial resale).
On February 12, bring your items in need of repair to the Repair Cafe. Items such as clothing, jewelry, small appliances, electronics, and bikes can be fixed free of charge by local volunteers.
Learn more about the event, as well as recycling and donation guidelines here: REmarket Guidelines
Dates and Times:
February 11, donation 10 AM - 7 PM, FreeMarket 10 AM - 6 PM
February 12, donation 10 AM - 6 PM, Repair Cafe 11 AM - 3 PM
Location: St Lawrence Market Tent, 125 The Esplanade
| Youth 4 Future Launch |
Youth 4 the Future (Y4F) is a youth-led SDG Accelerator and Civic Incubator empowering Canadians (ages 15–29) to translate global goals into tangible local action. The campaign provides interactive workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities to develop youth leadership and civic engagement skills. Participants will gain access to our exclusive Youth Incubator Program, digital resources, and a Certificate of Leadership for attending the full event.
Location: Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, 647 Queens Quay W, Toronto
Date: March 1, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
| Ontario NDP Iftar at Queen's Park |
The Ontario Official Opposition and NDP Leader, Marit Stiles, is honoured to invite you to an Iftar on Wednesday, March 4, at Queen’s Park.
As the sun sets, community members will come together to break fast and share in a serene evening in the spirit of Ramadan. The program will run from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, allowing time for our community to participate in Taraweeh at their local mosques.
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Time: 5 – 7 PM
Location: Queen’s Park, Main Legislative Building (south entrance), 111 Wellesley Street West, Toronto
Please RSVP here to be added to the guest list.
| Share Your Thoughts: Surveys Informing Regent Park Strategic Plan |
The Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA), with assistance from Endeavor Consulting, is developing a three-year strategic plan.
Regent Park residents are invited to participate by completing a short survey and participating in a small focus group discussion.
Focus Groups:
Virtual focus groups are being convened for the following stakeholder groups:
- Market Tenants
- TCHC Tenants
- Community Partners
- RPNA Board Members
To participate in a focus group, reach out to Hanieh Shams Kolahi, Engagement Manager, Endeavour Consulting: [email protected]
Surveys:
| Toronto Centre Leadership Awards - Nominations Open |
Do you know a phenomenal leader in your community who deserves recognition?
Kristyn Wong-Tam will present six people with the prestigious Toronto Centre Leadership Award in June 2026.
This honour recognizes individuals who have made a profound and lasting contribution to the Toronto Centre community in any field. This can include the arts, politics, community building, healthcare, and beyond!
|
Outside Mural & Street Art Program |
Applications are now open for the City of Toronto’ Outside Mural & Street Art Program!
Business associations and community groups with strong local participation can receive one-time funding of up to $7,500 for outdoor murals projects. Eligible costs include artist fees, materials, installation, and equipment rental. Applicants are responsible for ongoing maintenance.
As a FIFA host city, special consideration will be given to murals celebrating the tournament and the city’s theme, “World in a City.” Selected proposals must follow FIFA branding and IP rules.
Deadline: Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Details here.
| Statistics Canada is Hiring for the 2026 Census |
The next Census of Population will take place in May 2026. Census data provides a detailed statistical picture of the country’s people and places every five years, vital for government, businesses, and communities to plan essential services, determine electoral district boundaries, allocate funds, understand changing demographics, and support informed decisions for a thriving Canada.
Statistics Canada is hiring approximately 32,000 people across Canada to help residents complete their census questionnaires. Applications are now being accepted for supervisory and non-supervisory positions across the country. Details here.
Dear Emma,
My Virtual Town Hall on the next steps that the Ford government must take to address intimate partner violence (IPV) in Ontario is less than a week away! If you haven’t RSVP’d, the time is now:
I am honoured that an incredible group of leading advocates from across Ontario are sharing their time and insights with us. They will provide brief presentations, and then the event will be turned over to you - the audience! You will have a chance to share your feedback and ideas and ask the panellists questions. We strive to build stronger communities through conversation and collaboration. You will leave with a deeper understanding of how we can all work together to end IPV, along with other clear next steps.
The leading advocates who will be joining us are:
- Pamela Cross, Feminist Lawyer and author of “And Sometimes They Kill You”
- Erin Lee, Executive Director of Lanark County Interval House
- Marlee Liss, Founder of Survivors for Justice Reform and author of “Re-Humanize”
- Andrea Vásquez Jiménez, Community & Electoral Political Organizer Director of Policing-Free Schools
- Ololade Aje, Student Trustee, Durham Catholic District School Board
- Pamela Hart, Executive Director of Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto
- MPP Alexa Gilmour, Shadow Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity
Ontario doesn’t need another report. We need government action and accountability. I hope you will join us.
Virtual Town Hall on IPV
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time: 7 PM
So many people in Ontario need our government to give a damn about them. From survivors of IPV to those living on our streets, the family struggling to put food on the table, the need is massive. That is why I want to share a good news story with you today.
On Wednesday, I had the honour and privilege of visiting Journey Home Hospice at 90 Shuter Street. I was overwhelmed by the love and care oozing from every inch of this facility, and so proud that it is located in the heart of our riding.
Journey Home Hospice provides wraparound and trauma-informed end-of-life care for people who, before they called Journey Home their home, were unhoused or precariously housed.
I want you to imagine for a moment: you are living on the streets or couchsurfing, you are more than likely a senior, and you have been told by a doctor that you have less than 6 months to live. That would feel pretty hopeless, wouldn’t it? But then, imagine again that you are told that you won’t be spending the end of your life in a hospital or out on the street. There is a place for you at Journey Home, a hospice that understands your unique needs and will treat you with warmth, love, and humanity.
Ontarians at the end of their life deserve loving, personal, and high-quality hospice care. Care in a place that feels like home. And that is exactly what I saw at Journey Home. During my visit, I was welcomed by kind and personable healthcare workers and volunteers who spoke about their clients and their place of work with reverence.
Not everything at Journey Home is rosy. Of course, people die there. Patients who are eligible for Journey Home have had difficult and traumatic lives. They often struggle with mental health and substance use. That is not shied away from. I was proudly shown the secure medication cart and fridge where doctor-prescribed narcotics and alcohol were stored. The clinical focus here for those who use substances is preventing withdrawal and managing symptoms. At the end of life, it is all about comfort and dignity.
The things that stuck with me the most were the little things: the blanket warming machine that meant residents always had access to coziness, the volunteer pulling a freshly baked apple crisp out of the oven in the community kitchen, and the care menu that offered a hand massage or a conversation about legacy on a hard day. This place is about so much more than healthcare: it is about honouring the full person, the life they lived, and the life they are still living.
I want to thank Matthew, Felicia, and all of the staff, volunteers and residents at Journey Home for welcoming me into their space and showing me that dignity and care at the end of life are for everyone.
Journey Home is creating a model that must be properly funded and replicated across Ontario. They already have a satellite location in Windsor and are in contact with other hospices caring for this patient population. I am so proud of their work and looking forward to championing hospice care for all at Queen’s Park. To learn more about their services and volunteer opportunities, click here.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- You’re Invited: Community Iftar
- Coffee with Kristyn in Corktown
- Doly Begum’s Departure
- Toronto Police Arrests
- Grocery Prices Don’t Have To Be This High!
- Chronic Hospital Underfunding Risks Lives
- Ford’s TDSB Supervisor Scraps Class Size Caps
- Youth in Custody Deserve Dignity
- Black History Month in Toronto Centre
- What’s Making Headlines
- Local Community Events
| You’re Invited: Community Iftar |
You're invited to a Community Iftar Party!
Join me for an evening of spiritual reflection, delicious dinner, and warm company as we break fast together.
Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
Location: 150 River Street - Main Floor Party Room
Community Market: 3 - 8 PM
Iftar: 5 PM onwards
RSVP is required to reserve your seat. All are welcome!
| Coffee With Kristyn - Queen Street East |
Come join me at the beloved Roozamoon Cafe, 398 Queen St East on Wednesday, February 11th, from 10 AM to 12 PM.
Click here to book your 15-minute meeting slot!
Afterwards, we will have a 30-minute roundtable for anyone who wants to stay and continue speaking with a larger group. Stay tuned as we announce upcoming locations and dates.
| Doly Begum’s Departure |
As many of you will have seen, Doly Begum resigned as MPP for Scarborough Southwest on Tuesday. She will be running federally for the Liberals in Scarborough Southwest in a byelection that will be called soon.
This news was very hard for me and many New Democrats to hear. Doly has been a personal friend and colleague for many years. I wish her well in the journey ahead.
Scarborough Southwest has strong and deep connections to the ONDP. The MPP constituency staff are valued members of the ONDP caucus team and continue to serve local residents without any interruption. A provincial byelection will be called in the weeks ahead, and the ONDP looks forward to continuing to serve the great people of Scarborough Southwest.
| Toronto Police Arrests |
Like many of you, I have been carefully watching the developing story of the eight Toronto Police officers (seven current and one retired) who we learned last night were arrested on multiple serious charges.
I want to begin by commending York Regional Police and the more than 400 officers across multiple services who dedicated months of painstaking work to this investigation.
This investigation touches on the trust Ontarians place in law enforcement, and demands a thorough, unobstructed public oversight investigation concurrent with this criminal investigation. This is a deeply troubling situation. We must see real accountability, consequences, transparency, and systemic change from this process so that trust in our province’s law enforcement and justice system isn’t further eroded. This will be a long road, but one that must be walked.
|
Grocery Prices Don’t Have To Be This High! |
We all know the feeling: you do your regular shop at a big three grocery store and then bam! You get to the checkout and are hit with a bill that can’t possibly be right. Suddenly, you are paying double digits for a bag of apples and $3 for a grapefruit?
Marit Stiles breaks down the issues in this informative and funny video she shared on socials, which you can watch here!
Grocery prices have been rising faster than inflation at the big three grocery chains, meanwhile, small mom-and-pop grocers are finding ways to keep prices low and deliver high-quality products to their customers.
Right now, there is no mechanism to hold big-box stores accountable. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In Manitoba, the NDP government just froze milk prices! An Ontario NDP government will bring in a consumer watchdog to guard against price gouging and other unfair practices, so that something like the bread price fixing scandal doesn’t happen again.
| Chronic Hospital Underfunding Risks Lives |
Chronic hospital underfunding by the Ford government is driving hallway medicine and putting patients at serious risk across Ontario. This isn’t news to anyone, but to get results, we must keep pushing. We all know someone who has waited a full day to be seen in the ER or was put on a stretcher in the hallway when they were critically ill. These events are not random. They are what happens when a government knowingly underfunds hospitals year after year.
This government was warned. They were shown the data. They heard from workers and hospital leaders. And they chose not to act. Hallway medicine exists because the Ford government allows it.
And now, not only is Ford not taking action, but they are refusing to share data about hallway healthcare numbers. To rebuild our public healthcare system, we need transparency, accountability, and action. Instead, we are getting secrecy and inaction.
This government’s inaction means that healthcare workers and patients are paying the price. Nurses and doctors are doing everything they can, but you cannot run hospitals at crisis capacity forever and expect people not to get hurt. The best time to fix this situation was 10 years ago, but the second-best time is today.
|
Ford’s TDSB Supervisor Scraps Class Size Caps |
Ford’s appointed TDSB supervisor has decided that hard class size caps are no longer needed in grades 4-8. I don’t know if any of them have ever been in a classroom, but that is categorically false.
The Ministry of Education has a class size policy that states that class sizes within a given board must not, on average, exceed certain caps. For grades 4-8 that cap is 24.5 students. However, there is no hard cap on the number of students in any given classroom.
The TDSB decided to set its own hard cap of 32 students per grade 4-8 class to ensure there are no ultra-large outlier classes. Ontario students and teachers deserve a safe learning and working environment.
Education workers, parents, students, and experts tell us that smaller class sizes lead to more individualized support for students, fewer fights, and greater safety for everyone.
Right now, our public education system needs adequate funding, class-size caps, capital repair plans, and more caring adults in the classroom to support kids' learning.
Instead, since the Ford Conservatives came to power, they’ve cut $6.3 billion from education. Meanwhile, teachers are buying their own paper. Children are sitting on the floor because there are too many kids in their classroom. This is what Doug Ford and Paul Calandra think our kids deserve.
If you are as fired up about this as I am, I encourage you to attend our Shadow Education Minister MPP Chandra Pasma’s Emergency Education Town Hall on Feb 9 at 7 PM.
RSVP here: Hands Off Our Schools Emergency Townhall: Stop the Takeovers, Fund Education
|
Youth in Custody Deserve Dignity |
Doug Ford must immediately address disturbing reports of ongoing strip searches at the Roy McMurtry Youth Centre: the province’s largest youth detention facility.
Provincial regulations around strip searches were tightened in 2023, but multiple accounts of systemic strip searches have emerged, including an instance of a teen being searched four times in less than 48 hours.
Doug Ford’s crisis in our youth justice system is hurting youth in custody and violating their rights. What will it take for this government to listen to youth, workers, and Ontarians calling for change? What will it take for youth justice facilities to be properly resourced to ensure youth and workers are safe?
For years, New Democrats have sounded the alarm about Ontario’s youth justice system. Each time, the Premier has ignored our calls to address the chronic understaffing and unsafe conditions. Ford and Minister Parsa must ensure that the human rights of both youth and workers are strictly safeguarded. This can’t be ignored.
A child’s well-being should be the primary concern, no matter where they are. Ontario’s youth justice system must be a safe environment for youth and workers. Anything less is pure neglect.
|
Black History Month in Toronto Centre |
February is here, and that means Black History Month is in full swing! I am so excited to profile black-owned businesses and events celebrating Black history all month long.
First, I want to spotlight the work being done by Regent Park TV to highlight Black stories in February and all year long! RPTV has started off with the above interview with local community advocate, educator, and broadcaster Murphy Browne. Click here to watch.
BGC Toronto Kiwanis is hosting their Black History Month Community Celebration on Feb 21, 2026—a large-scale community-led event bringing together 250+ attendees, including youth, families, artists, entrepreneurs, community orgs, and civic leaders.
I am so excited to attend this celebration and enjoy the creativity and artistry of Black youth in our communities. We will be wowed by youth-led performances, cultural showcases, community awards, and opportunities to connect across Regent Park, Cabbagetown, and St. Jamestown. I hope to see you there!
Are you a Black youth who wants to participate? Register to perform here.
Toronto Kiwanis will also recognize the winners of its Black Excellence Awards at the event. Nominate an amazing Black young person here.
| What's Making Headlines |
Ontario NDP names Ali Chatur as Provincial Director
Toronto Centre Tenants Union holds training session amidst rising rent pressures
Thousands of people want to double size of historic Toronto attraction
Development Application in Regent Park South
Why bestselling author Rowan Jetté Knox sold his home to open a queer café in Toronto's Village
| Upcoming Community Events |
| TCHC Community Support Initiative: Applications Open! |
Toronto Community Housing is accepting applications for the 2026 Regent Park Community Initiative Support program. The program provides financial assistance to initiatives led by community groups within Regent Park. You can request up to $2,000.
Application deadline: Monday, February 9, 2026
Application details: Community Initiative Support
| Family Day Skate at the Regent Park Ice Rink |
The Friends of Regent Park, in partnership with the Regent Park Community Centre, Councillor Chris Moise, and the Toronto Police Services, is hosting a Family Day Skating event!
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Time: 1 PM to 4 PM
Location: Regent Park Ice Rink (480 Shuter St.)
Skates and helmets will be available for FREE on a first-come, first-served basis. It will be an afternoon filled with fun, music, games and activities.
| Lunar New Year at Queen’s Park with NIP |
Join me and Neighbourhood Information Post for a fun-filled Lunar New Year Reception at Queen’s Park! You won't want to miss the lion dance!
Date: Monday, February 23
Time: 6 - 8:30 PM
Location: Queen’s Park Main Legislative Building, Rooms 228-230.
RSVP here to be added to the visitors list.
| Petition: Expand the Allan Gardens Greenhouse |
🌼 Friends of Allan Gardens just launched their petition to expand the Allan Gardens greenhouses! 🌼
With this expansion, they can scale up their existing cross-cultural and cross-generational work: the farmers' market, food-growing that supports food banks, horticultural education, venue space, and Indigenous-focused programming like language keeping and storytelling.
They are aiming for 10,000 signatures and need your help!
Click here to sign and share with your networks.
| Participate in Jamii’s PASI Photo Exhibition |
PASI is a large-scale outdoor community photo exhibition led by Jamii, taking place along Toronto’s Esplanade promenade from May to July 2026. The project brings together Torontonians of all ages to reflect how people from around the world live side by side in one city.
Meaning “a soccer pass” in Swahili, PASI will feature a continuous chain of portraits in which participants symbolically pass a ball from one image to the next. Installed between the Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market, the exhibition includes 48 large-scale outdoor portraits representing countries participating in the 2026 tournament.
Click here to sign up and have your portrait taken for this community art exhibit!
| St Lawrence Waste Reduction REmarket |
The SLNA Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 15th REmarket event on February 11 and 12, 2026. This event has a direct, tangible impact on both the environment and the social welfare of our local communities, and you can widen that impact. New items being added to the growing recycling list at the upcoming REmarket include: hearing aids, elastic bands and non-synthetic corks. On February 11, stop by to participate in their FreeMarket, where anyone can drop off gently used items and take home items free of charge (not for commercial resale).
On February 12, bring your items in need of repair to the Repair Cafe. Items such as clothing, jewelry, small appliances, electronics, and bikes can be fixed free of charge by local volunteers.
Learn more about the event, as well as recycling and donation guidelines here: REmarket Guidelines
Dates and Times:
February 11, donation 10 AM - 7 PM, FreeMarket 10 AM - 6 PM
February 12, donation 10 AM - 6 PM, Repair Cafe 11 AM - 3 PM
Location: St Lawrence Market Tent, 125 The Esplanade
| Youth 4 Future Launch |
Youth 4 the Future (Y4F) is a youth-led SDG Accelerator and Civic Incubator empowering Canadians (ages 15–29) to translate global goals into tangible local action. The campaign provides interactive workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities to develop youth leadership and civic engagement skills. Participants will gain access to our exclusive Youth Incubator Program, digital resources, and a Certificate of Leadership for attending the full event.
Location: Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, 647 Queens Quay W, Toronto
Date: March 1, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
| Ontario NDP Iftar at Queen's Park |
The Ontario Official Opposition and NDP Leader, Marit Stiles, is honoured to invite you to an Iftar on Wednesday, March 4, at Queen’s Park.
As the sun sets, community members will come together to break fast and share in a serene evening in the spirit of Ramadan. The program will run from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, allowing time for our community to participate in Taraweeh at their local mosques.
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Time: 5 – 7 PM
Location: Queen’s Park, Main Legislative Building (south entrance), 111 Wellesley Street West, Toronto
Please RSVP here to be added to the guest list.
| Share Your Thoughts: Surveys Informing Regent Park Strategic Plan |
The Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA), with assistance from Endeavor Consulting, is developing a three-year strategic plan.
Regent Park residents are invited to participate by completing a short survey and participating in a small focus group discussion.
Focus Groups:
Virtual focus groups are being convened for the following stakeholder groups:
- Market Tenants
- TCHC Tenants
- Community Partners
- RPNA Board Members
To participate in a focus group, reach out to Hanieh Shams Kolahi, Engagement Manager, Endeavour Consulting: [email protected]
Surveys:
| Toronto Centre Leadership Awards - Nominations Open |
Do you know a phenomenal leader in your community who deserves recognition?
Kristyn Wong-Tam will present six people with the prestigious Toronto Centre Leadership Award in June 2026.
This honour recognizes individuals who have made a profound and lasting contribution to the Toronto Centre community in any field. This can include the arts, politics, community building, healthcare, and beyond!
|
Outside Mural & Street Art Program |
Applications are now open for the City of Toronto’ Outside Mural & Street Art Program!
Business associations and community groups with strong local participation can receive one-time funding of up to $7,500 for outdoor murals projects. Eligible costs include artist fees, materials, installation, and equipment rental. Applicants are responsible for ongoing maintenance.
As a FIFA host city, special consideration will be given to murals celebrating the tournament and the city’s theme, “World in a City.” Selected proposals must follow FIFA branding and IP rules.
Deadline: Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Details here.
| Statistics Canada is Hiring for the 2026 Census |
The next Census of Population will take place in May 2026. Census data provides a detailed statistical picture of the country’s people and places every five years, vital for government, businesses, and communities to plan essential services, determine electoral district boundaries, allocate funds, understand changing demographics, and support informed decisions for a thriving Canada.
Statistics Canada is hiring approximately 32,000 people across Canada to help residents complete their census questionnaires. Applications are now being accepted for supervisory and non-supervisory positions across the country. Details here.
Dear friend,
We have all seen the videos of ICE agents in the United States executing legal observers, apprehending toddlers, and sowing fear. Their conduct is racist, violent, and wholly unacceptable. Until yesterday, agents were positioned at the Canadian border between Maine and New Brunswick, intimidating residents.
So why are ICE armored vehicles being manufactured in Ontario? And why is Ford praising the order as ‘fantastic’? Ontario and Canada should not have any part in the atrocities being committed in the United States.
We need to honour our Canadian and Ontario values by cancelling the ICE contract.
Ontario needs to create stable opportunities for our manufacturing sector, instead of increasing our reliance on the United States. At a time when Donald Trump is targeting Canada’s sovereignty, we need to find opportunities for Ontario manufacturers to strengthen Canada, not arm the United States against civilians.
Our world-class workforce and manufacturers should be working on made-in-Canada, built-in-Canada projects that strengthen our economy. Cancelling the contract is the right choice, the brave choice, and one I am proud to call for.
In addition to violence south of the border, we must tackle the violence happening within our own communities and families. Regular readers know that I have been pushing the government to action on intimate partner violence for years. Rates are on the rise, and so far, all this government has done is release a report that seems to be largely AI-generated. Survivors and our wider communities deserve so much better.
Join me on February 11th for Talk Back: A Virtual Town Hall About Intimate Partner Violence in Ontario.
I am so excited to hear from the slate of expert panelists who will be joining us for this townhall:
- Pamela Cross, Feminist Lawyer and author of “And Sometimes They Kill You”
- Erin Lee, Executive Director of Lanark County Interval House
- Marlee Liss, Founder of Survivors for Justice Reform and author of “Re-Humanize”
- Andrea Vásquez Jiménez, Community & Electoral Political Organizer Director of Policing-Free Schools
- Ololade Aje, Student Trustee, Durham Catholic District School Board
- Pamela Hart, Executive Director of Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto
- MPP Alexa Gilmour, Shadow Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity
I am also looking forward to hearing from you through interactive elements where you can share your priorities and ideas.
We don’t need another report. We need action and accountability. I hope you will join us.
Virtual Town Hall on IPV
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time: 7 PM
Location: Zoom
This week, many little ones, including my son, enjoyed playing in the snow as Toronto turned into a winter wonderland. It is gorgeous outside, but also dangerous. Please take your time while travelling and be mindful of frostbite risks as the temperatures are set to remain very cold through the weekend.
The city has opened a new temporary warming centre at John Innes Community Centre, where anyone who needs it is invited to come in, rest, and warm up. The centre is open to walk-ins and is pet-friendly. If you see someone in need of a warm place, you can call 311 to have a street outreach worker connect with them and assist with transportation. Learn more about warming centres here.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- More of Ford’s Hand-Picked Grant Recipients Under Police Investigation
- Peel District School Board Under Supervision
- Ford Cuts Affordable Housing and Healthcare: Report
- Happy Tamil Heritage Month
- Happy Black History Month
- What’s Making Headlines
- Local Community Events
| More of Ford’s Hand-Picked Grant Recipients Under Police Investigation |
Is anyone else completely unsurprised that the Minister of Favours (Labour) scheme to give his friends millions of dollars while ignoring more qualified applicants, is turning out to be less than stellar?
This week we learned that the Ontario Provincial Police are investigating yet another recipient of Skills Development Fund grants. It is shameful that this government overlooked the careful and unbiased work of our public servants, instead giving millions in public money to their under-qualified friends. Trust in government is built upon transparency and traceable decisionmaking. This government is doing neither and it is coming back to bite them. We must hold them accountable. It is past time to fire David Piccini, the Minister of Labour! Add your name if you agree - click here to sign my petition.
| Peel District School Board Under Supervision |
The takeover of the Peel District School Board shows that Education Minister Paul Calandra is more focused on power grabs than improving public education. This takeover, like the takeovers of the TDSB and TCDSB, comes with no new funding and reduces families’ abilities to advocate for students. Additionally, the York Catholic District School Board has been given two week’s notice of a possible takeover.
If student success was truly this minister’s priority, then he would directly invest the necessary resources into our classrooms. Instead he is installing costly and insufficiently trained “supervisors” to cut programs without listening to community input. Students with special needs are unsupported, programs that nurture students’ unique talents are underfunded, and our schools are facing a massive repair backlog. In 2024, the Financial Accountability Office estimated that it would cost $21.7 billion to bring all school buildings to a state of good repair by 2034. According to the FAO’s new report released Wednesday, only $15.8 billion has been allocated for school repairs and renewal. This is not an issue of schools mismanaging their budgets. It is an issue of chronic government underfunding amid rising costs.
We have seen time and time again that the school boards that have been put under ministerial supervision have not improved student outcomes. What they have done is silence students, families, and elected trustees’ voices while eroding our democracy. Sadly, this takeover will be more of the same.
I urge students, parents, caregivers, and education workers to get involved in their local school councils and coordinate to push back against these takeovers directly to the Minister. You can sign my petition to end the takeover of our school boards here.
|
Ford Cuts Affordable Housing and Healthcare: Report |
Ontario’s public hospitals are on the verge of collapse as historic deficits, staff shortages, and overcrowded emergency rooms push the health care system past its breaking point. This week, the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) published the pre-budget submission, stating that increased patient volumes and complexities are creating “significant challenges.”
Healthcare inflation is at 6% a year, due to a combination of general inflation pressures alongside a growing and aging population. The HOA president stated that “Many [hospitals] are projecting year-end deficits, have eroded their working capital, and in the absence of certainty about their revenues, cannot properly plan for the future,”
This is not an issue that “efficiencies” can resolve. Emergency rooms are overcrowded, our aging population has more healthcare needs than ever, and healthcare workers are dealing with unmanageable workloads.
Marit Stiles, myself, and the rest of the Ontario NDP are demanding immediate action from the Ford government to stop the erosion of public health care. The NDP created universal health care, and we'll be the ones to protect it.
Ford’s cuts have left Ontario's hospitals to make impossible funding choices, meaning that we'll lose even more of the burnt-out health care workers who are holding this system together as it buckles.
The Ford government is quick to throw money at pie-in-the-sky vanity projects like luxury spas and fantastical tunnels, but is failing to care for Ontarians in the most fundamental ways.
These growing hospital deficits are the blueprint for a full health care collapse. This crisis is not accidental. It is the result of deliberate decisions made by Doug Ford and his Conservative government to starve our public health care system, so they can say: “it does not work, we need a solution”, and the solution they will propose will be for-profit health care. We all know that for-profit care is not the answer. The Ontario NDP will never stop fighting for a strong, public, accessible healthcare system for all.
| Happy Tamil Heritage Month |
Every January here in Canada, we celebrate Tamil Heritage Month! Thank you to Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action, the Tamil Heritage Month Council, the Offices of Mayor Olivia Chow and City Councillor Neethan Shan for inviting me to the Tamil Heritage Month ceremony at City Hall! I was so happy to congratulate the 30 Under 30 Award recipients on their achievements and inspiring leadership!
Tamil Canadians across our country have helped build caring and vibrant communities that enrich our province and our country. Together, we learn about their beautiful history as one of the oldest cultures in the world, along with their vibrant traditions and art forms.
I wish everyone who is celebrating a very happy Tamil Heritage Month.
You can watch my video bringing greetings to the Tamil community here.
|
Happy Black History Month |
Sunday will mark the beginning of Black History Month! I am so excited to celebrate the amazing Black Canadians who have shaped our communities, struggled against discrimination, and made huge strides for Black and other racialized people.
There are many exciting community events coming up to mark the month, including the Kiwanis Black History Month Community Event. You can learn more about this event below in the “Community Events” section. I hope to see many of you there!
| This Week's Headlines |
The largest youth jail in Ontario is routinely strip searching children: 'A systemic violation'
Ontario's mental health crisis demands accessible, proven community solutions
Want the federal government to hear your thoughts on AI? New consultation launched
Toronto's biggest Black History Month festival returns next month with exciting lineup
Ottawa is subsidizing a tech firm that provides wiretapping tools to ICE
Developer cancels condo tower that was to replace iconic Toronto strip club
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Alto High-Speed Rail Open House |
High-speed rail is coming to Canada! The Toronto–Québec City High-Speed Rail Network, known as Alto, is a federally led project set to bring world-class high-speed rail to Canada. Trains will travel at speeds of 300 km/h or more along nearly 1,000 km of electrified tracks, linking major cities and making travel faster and more convenient for millions of people across the corridor.
This transformative network is expected to cut travel times in half between key destinations, reshaping the way Canadians live, work, and move across the region.
Toronto Open Houses: (Bilingual and Sign Language Available)
St. Lawrence Market North, 92 Front St E
Wednesday, February 4
Daytime Session: 11 AM to 3 PM
Evening Session: 5 PM to 9 PM
Thursday, February 4
Daytime Session: 11 AM to 3 PM
Evening Session: 5 PM to 9 PM
Virtual Information Sessions are also available in French and English.
Online Consultation
|
TCHC Community Support Initiative: Applications Open! |
Toronto Community Housing is accepting applications for the 2026 Regent Park Community Initiative Support program. The program provides financial assistance to initiatives led by community groups within Regent Park. You can request up to $2,000.
Application deadline: Monday, February 9, 2026
Application details: Community Initiative Support
| Participate in Jamii’s PASI Photo Exhibition |
PASI is a large-scale outdoor community photo exhibition led by Jamii, taking place along Toronto’s Esplanade promenade from May to July 2026. The project brings together Torontonians of all ages to reflect how people from around the world live side by side in one city.
Meaning “a soccer pass” in Swahili, PASI will feature a continuous chain of portraits in which participants symbolically pass a ball from one image to the next. Installed between the Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market, the exhibition includes 48 large-scale outdoor portraits representing countries participating in the 2026 tournament.
Click here to sign up and have your portrait taken for this community art exhibit!
| St Lawrence Waste Reduction REmarket |
The SLNA Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 15th REmarket event on February 11 and 12, 2026. This event has a direct, tangible impact on both the environment and the social welfare of our local communities, and you can widen that impact. New items being added to the growing recycling list at the upcoming REmarket include: hearing aids, elastic bands and non-synthetic corks. On February 11, stop by to participate in their FreeMarket, where anyone can drop off gently used items and take home items free of charge (not for commercial resale).
On February 12, bring your items in need of repair to the Repair Cafe. Items such as clothing, jewelry, small appliances, electronics, and bikes can be fixed free of charge by local volunteers.
Learn more about the event, as well as recycling and donation guidelines here: REmarket Guidelines
Dates and Times:
February 11, donation 10 AM - 7 PM, FreeMarket 10 AM - 6 PM
February 12, donation 10 AM - 6 PM, Repair Cafe 11 AM - 3 PM
Location: St Lawrence Market Tent, 125 The Esplanade
| Black History Month Community Celebration |
BGC Toronto Kiwanis is inviting youth creatives to register for their Black History Month Community Celebration on Feb 21, 2026—a large-scale community-led event bringing together 250+ attendees, including youth, families, artists, entrepreneurs, community orgs, and civic leaders.
Expect youth-led performances, cultural showcases, community awards, and opportunities to connect across Regent Park, Cabbagetown, and St. James Town.
🗓️ Deadline to register: Feb 13
📲 Learn more at bgctk.org/the-black-excellence-awards
| Youth 4 Future Launch |
Youth 4 the Future (Y4F) is a youth-led SDG Accelerator and Civic Incubator empowering Canadians (ages 15–29) to translate global goals into tangible local action. The campaign provides interactive workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities to develop youth leadership and civic engagement skills. Participants will gain access to our exclusive Youth Incubator Program, digital resources, and a Certificate of Leadership for attending the full event.
Location: Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, 647 Queens Quay W, Toronto
Date: March 1, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
| Ontario NDP Iftar at Queen's Park |
The Ontario Official Opposition and NDP Leader, Marit Stiles, is honoured to invite you to an Iftar on Wednesday, March 4, at Queen’s Park.
As the sun sets, community members will come together to break fast and share in a serene evening in the spirit of Ramadan. The program will run from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, allowing time for our community to participate in Taraweeh at their local mosques.
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Time: 5 – 7 PM
Location: Queen’s Park, Main Legislative Building (south entrance), 111 Wellesley Street West, Toronto
Please RSVP here to be added to the guest list.
| Share Your Thoughts: Surveys Informing Regent Park Strategic Plan |
The Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA), with assistance from Endeavor Consulting, is developing a three-year strategic plan.
Regent Park residents are invited to participate by completing a short survey and participating in a small focus group discussion.
Focus Groups:
Virtual focus groups are being convened for the following stakeholder groups:
- Market Tenants
- TCHC Tenants
- Community Partners
- RPNA Board Members
To participate in a focus group, reach out to Hanieh Shams Kolahi, Engagement Manager, Endeavour Consulting: [email protected]
Surveys:
| Toronto Centre Leadership Awards - Nominations Open |
Do you know a phenomenal leader in your community who deserves recognition?
Kristyn Wong-Tam will present six people with the prestigious Toronto Centre Leadership Award in June 2026.
This honour recognizes individuals who have made a profound and lasting contribution to the Toronto Centre community in any field. This can include the arts, politics, community building, healthcare, and beyond!
|
Outside Mural & Street Art Program |
Applications are now open for the City of Toronto’ Outside Mural & Street Art Program!
Business associations and community groups with strong local participation can receive one-time funding of up to $7,500 for outdoor murals projects. Eligible costs include artist fees, materials, installation, and equipment rental. Applicants are responsible for ongoing maintenance.
As a FIFA host city, special consideration will be given to murals celebrating the tournament and the city’s theme, “World in a City.” Selected proposals must follow FIFA branding and IP rules.
Deadline: Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Details here.
| Statistics Canada is Hiring for the 2026 Census |
The next Census of Population will take place in May 2026. Census data provides a detailed statistical picture of the country’s people and places every five years, vital for government, businesses, and communities to plan essential services, determine electoral district boundaries, allocate funds, understand changing demographics, and support informed decisions for a thriving Canada.
Statistics Canada is hiring approximately 32,000 people across Canada to help residents complete their census questionnaires. Applications are now being accepted for supervisory and non-supervisory positions across the country. Details here.