June 18 2026 Newsletter

Dear friend,

The Toronto Centre Leadership Awards were magical! Community members from across Toronto Centre came together in the beautiful Allan Gardens Palm House to celebrate six amazing local leaders and organizations who make our riding a place where communities thrive.

Your  2026 Toronto Centre Leadership Award winners are: 

Alif Ashraf - the award was accepted by Hamshaa Sivaruban as Alif was travelling. 

Alif is the founder and Executive Director of Mental Health Matters, a youth-led nonprofit organization focused on community-based mental wellness and leadership development. 

Green Thumbs Growing Kids (GTGK)

GTGK is a gardening and nature program for urban children, youth and their communities. They bring urban gardens to schools, teaching students about the food system, Indigenous plant knowledge, and so much more.

Freedom City

Freedom City is a charity that serves the most marginalized in the St James Town neighbourhood and beyond, providing food and other resources to approximately 4,000 people per week.

Friends of Allan Gardens

Friends of Allan Gardens is a non-profit volunteer organization with a vision to keep Allan Gardens a public gem and aspirations to become one of the most beautiful and socially integrated conservatories and parks in the world.

Jamii

Jamii is a not-for-profit arts organization with a mission to enhance togetherness through immersive artistic experiences in public spaces and the Jamii Hub.

Doug Fisher

Doug Fisher is the author of the Cabbagetown Neighbourhood Review, a hugely popular, free weekly e-newsletter that provides local news for Cabbagetown and the surrounding area.

I am deeply grateful to have so many award-worthy leaders in Toronto Centre. Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination and made choosing just six awardees so difficult! I am already looking forward to handing out more awards next year. 

I also want to thank all of the friends, family, and community members who shared in this celebration with us. Nobody is a leader alone, and the support of loved ones and neighbours makes the important work of our award winners possible.

The evening was a special time to celebrate local excellence, enjoy delicious fare from our local caterer Daniel et Daniel, soak up the beauty of the Allan Gardens Palm House, and make new connections with local movers and shakers! 

I especially want to thank two recipients from last year’s inaugural Leadership Awards, Connie Langille and Curran Stikuts, who helped present awards to this year’s honourees. 

During the event, we captured emotionally moving videos of the award winners. We will share their stories on my social channels, and I invite you to get to know them and get involved with their community-building efforts! 

Does all this talk of people giving back to their communities make you want to do the same? If it does, come volunteer with me at Toronto Pride! 

Pride is always a ton of fun, and volunteering at the Ontario NDP booth or walking with us in the parades and marches is a great way to meet new friends, give back, and enjoy the weekend.

Join fellow New Democrats at one, two, or all three Pride marches by clicking on the links below and RSVPing:

Trans Rally, March, & Community Fair: Friday, June 26 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Dyke Rally & March: Saturday, June 27 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Pride Parade: Sunday, June 28 | 2:00 – 6:00 PM 

Sign up to volunteer for a shift at our Pride community table - we will be there all weekend long!

Still need to get into the Pride spirit? 

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles met up with former NDP MPP Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo at Hanlan’s Point for a conversation about Canada’s first Pride, the queer activists behind the We Demand campaign and the basic human rights they fought for and won: the right for Queer and Trans people to work, rent, parent, and live openly.

Pride has always been both celebration and demonstration – and its history is a reminder of what people can change when they organize, fight back, and refuse to disappear.

Please take a moment to watch this important conversation. It is a great way to celebrate Pride Month and learn about local 2SLGBTQI+ history.

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Save Cabbagetown’s Rayah Cafe! 
• Our Trek to Ottawa to Save Toronto’s Waterfront
• Ford’s Popularity is Tanking
• Canada Post's Places of Pride Includes The 519
• Combating Islamophobia in Ontario
• Supporting Workers at Surrey Place
• Grace MacInnis Co-op's 50th Anniversary
• Bay-Cloverhill Community Town Hall
• Workplace Safety for Survivors Town Hall
• Halal Mortgages and Alternative Financing Press Conference
• York Pride with the Ontario NDP
• Kristyn in the Community
• What’s Making Headlines
• Local Community Events

Rayah Cafe may be newer to Cabbagetown, but they have quickly become a neighbourhood favourite, providing delicious Moroccan cuisine, French pastries, brunch, and specialty drinks. 

I shared our community’s shock and disappointment when the owners of Rayah reached out to me to explain they had been served with a default notice ordering them to vacate their premises in three days, despite paying their rent on time and in full. 

Small businesses everywhere deserve predictability and fairness. They deserve clarity on costs and good-faith negotiation with their landlords. That is why I joined the owner, Wafa El Rhazi, and her husband, Zaki, along with advocates from the Better Way Alliance, for a press conference at the restaurant last week. You can watch the highlights here. 

Rayah is still open and is thrilled to continue welcoming customers! They are in ongoing discussions with their landlord. 

The fact that small businesses, the lifeblood of our communities, can be disrupted and blindsided in this way is unacceptable. I am so thankful to the Better Way Alliance for their work on commercial lease reform and excited to work with them further to create a more stable business environment for Ontario’s main streets. 

To support Rayah, you can stop in for a coffee or their signature Moroccan mint tea and sign my petition here.

Doug Ford shut down the conversation around protecting Toronto’s waterfront, but that doesn’t mean we stop fighting.

Last week, I joined MPPs Chris Glover, Alexa Gilmour, and over 80 concerned Torontonians on a trek to Parliament Hill to tell the Carney government that noisy, polluting jets and a $5 billion bill to pave over the waterfront are not what Toronto needs.

Our treaty protections, our parklands and wildlife, our heritage spaces, and the existing Billy Bishop Island Airport all deserve to be protected, not sold off by Doug Ford to JPMorgan, the largest bank in America.

Email your local MPs and make it clear that you do not want jets or a noisy, dirty airport on Toronto’s waterfront. You can email Minister Evan Solomon, Toronto Centre’s MP here: [email protected] 

The Federal government has also released a survey asking for public feedback on the future of Billy Bishop Island Airport. I encourage you all to fill it out, but please note that it does not engage deeply with many of the social, environmental, or health concerns you have shared with me. However, you will have an opportunity to share your concerns in the written response portion! You can fill out the survey here.

The provincial government’s takeover of the island airport, enabled by the federal government, is getting fishier by the day. The federally controlled Toronto Port Authority is refusing to share its early plans with Mayor Olivia Chow unless she signs an NDA that would prevent her from publicly discussing their contents, which is just dead wrong. 

Carney wants us to know that he’s all about the business and numbers, but he won’t call on his own federal agency to release its plans to the Canadian public. Just like you, I’m not buying this story.

This summer, Doug Ford has found a new hobby: spending public money on private jets and international trips that nobody asked him to take. No wonder his approval ratings have dropped to record lows. Ford is now at 21% approval, the lowest among Premiers in Canada. These results have gotten under his skin so badly that he has called them “fake,” despite the polling being done by Angus Reed, a national pollster with a solid reputation. 

Instead of rolling up his sleeves to tackle his low approval, Ford chose to dig himself into a bigger hole by using our taxpayer dollars to charter a private jet to the United States, flying to Washington to play Captain Canada without a single meeting booked with a government official. 

Instead of taking pictures in front of the White House, Doug Ford should come back to Ontario and start lowering people’s grocery costs, creating jobs, or fixing our healthcare system. If only Ford and his caucus hadn’t voted down every NDP proposal in the previous Legislative session, including motions to address grocery affordability and create a youth jobs plan.

To kick off Pride Month, Canada Post launched the ‘Places of Pride’ stamp issue, honouring Canadian landmarks and historical moments of freedom and resilience for our 2SLGBTQI+ community. It was an honour to celebrate this joyous occasion and recognize a cornerstone of our very own Village here in Toronto Centre, The 519 Church Street Community Centre.

The 519 has given young people their first community. It has given seniors companionship and friendship. In the 1980s, when I first came out as a queer youth, it gave me my first chosen family. Being represented on a Canada Post stamp is an honour bestowed on those who have done something truly special and worth remembering. I can think of no 2SLGBTQI+ institution in our city with a longer and more sustained history than The 519.

We have gone from 2SLGBTQI+ art and literature facing discrimination and censorship at U.S./Canadian customs, to being immortalized on postal stamps, and now you can shop for these Places of Pride stamps on the Canada Post website!

On June 5th, I stood with Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles and other members of our caucus to mark the sombre 5-year anniversary of the Islamophobia-motivated attack on the Afzal family. In 2021, a driver deliberately drove his truck into five members of the Afzal family, tragically ending their lives. I would like to take the time here to remember 15-year-old Yumnah; her parents, Madiha, an engineer, and Salman, a physiotherapist; and the family’s matriarch, Talat, who was a teacher and artist. My sincerest condolences and well wishes go to Fayez Afzal. We hold your loved ones in our hearts. 

Islamophobia and hate crimes are on the rise nationwide. This is concerning and unacceptable. To combat islamophobia, the Ontario NDP is committed to announcing anti-hate legislation as soon as the House returns in the Fall. No one should have to live in fear of violence and persecution simply because of who they are.

Thank you to the National Council of Canadian Muslims and the Islamic Society of North America for supporting this legislation. Let’s work together to create a safe and equitable Ontario for all.

Last week, I joined the OPSEU-represented staff members from Surrey Place on strike as part of the province-wide Worth Fighting For campaign, demanding the retroactive pay they are owed following Ford’s introduction of the horrendous and unconstitutional Bill 124.

This group, comprising social workers, child therapists, addictions counsellors, shelter workers, and countless others, already performing some of the most demanding and essential work in our communities, is simply demanding the pay their members are owed. They deserve recognition for the critical services they provide, not to mention their graceful handling of the crisis this conservative government has manufactured in their workplaces due to years of underfunding. 

I, alongside the Ontario NDP, will always stand with our healthcare and public service workers; they are, and always will be, worth fighting for!

Congratulations to the Grace MacInnis Housing Co-operative on their 50th anniversary celebration!

This milestone is a testament to the co-op community’s ability to operate and maintain a successful co-operative housing project, juggling financial viability with inclusion and community building. They have done excellent work in preserving the co-op’s membership diversity and deepening connections among fellow residents over the last five decades.

Grace MacInnis residents are active members of the Church-Wellesley Village and are part of an exemplary community-based housing cooperative. To address the housing crisis, we need more government investment to create successful housing initiatives like Grace MacInnis Co-ops in Ontario!

Thank you to all those who joined MPP Jessica Bell and me at our Bay-Cloverhill Community Town Hall! We had dynamic and nuanced conversations about housing, e-bike regulations, public education, health care and much more. It was empowering to see so many neighbours joining us to discuss what’s going on at Queen’s Park, and who are eager to learn how we can all work together to keep Ford accountable. Let’s work together to build an Ontario that is prosperous, welcoming and green. I look forward to our next town hall!

Thank you to everyone who joined us on our second town hall of the Talk Back Series, addressing Workplace Safety for Survivors and Intimate Partner Violence. Our incredible speakers, Kirsten Mercer, Farrah Khan, and Tracey Ramsey, alongside MPPs Lisa Gretzky and Jamie West, led conversations about the complex and intersectional challenges employees can face in the workplace and how employers and critical legislation can shape the trajectory of our conversations going forward.

If you missed the town hall or want to watch it back, you can view the entire town hall here by entering the passcode 9$UWS91c 

We look forward to holding more town halls like this, so stay tuned!

Ontarians who work hard, save a down payment, and qualify for home ownership loans should be able to access financing options that align with their values, financial needs, and faith. 

This is why I was thrilled to be joined by Dr. Mohamad Sawwaf and his team from Manzil, Canada’s premier Islamic FinTech company, and by community leader Shaffni Nalir from the Toronto Islamic Centre at Queen's Park, to speak about my new motion. If adopted, the motion will have the Ontario government work with its federal counterparts to explore and expand alternative financing options to include Halal mortgages through trusted and regulated lenders. It's time to expand consumer choice and protection in the market for all qualified homebuyers in Ontario. 

I am looking forward to the summer and fall consultations on this motion, so keep an eye out for updates. In the meantime, you can sign my petition to support expanding access to Halal mortgages and alternative financing options here.

I had a wonderful time this past weekend in Newmarket at York Pride. Marching with supporters of the Ontario NDP and members of Ontario New Democratic Youth was a privilege.

Local Pride events are incredibly meaningful. They create safe spaces where everyone can truly celebrate their authentic selves in the communities they call home. A special shout-out to all of the organizers and volunteers at York Pride who worked hard to make this Pride parade and festival run smoothly and on time.

Thank you to everyone who marched in our NDP contingent and to all the local residents who came up to say hello. The residents and business owners who lined the street to greet us, pass out cold water, and offer hugs and high-fives were moving. It is what love in public looks like, and I’m grateful for it.

The warmth and joy of Pride were definitely felt this weekend, and I look forward to even more marches and festivals this summer season!

These past two weeks have been so packed with events that I couldn’t fit them all into this newsletter! Here are some of the awesome events that I had the pleasure of attending, 

• National University of Singapore Visits Queen’s Park
• Dixonlicious
• Sumac x Regent Park OUTLOUD
• CWNA Community Space Planting
• Regent Park Summer Safety Jam

You can keep up with what has been happening in the community on my Instagram!

Toronto lawyer who filed AI-generated ‘gibberish’ ordered to pay record costs award — ‘Artificial intelligence can’t think like a lawyer’

Integrity commissioner asked to probe ex-Ford staffer’s move to mining giant

Mayor says city not being told about Billy Bishop plans, port authority asked her to sign NDA | CBC News

Ontario's public sector still impacted years after repeal of wage restraint law Bill 124

Pride flag stolen, flagpole cut down at Norwich school, OPP seek suspects

Growing Tenant Association at The Crossways Secures Rent Freeze for 2026

The wait is over. 

Back in Regent Park, all summer long, is the hugely popular Cultural Bazaar. There will be a diverse range of vendors offering exclusive, handmade products, delicious food, and unique cultural clothing. The Bazaar will take place in the Big Park next to the Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre every Friday from June 26 to August 28, from 3 to 8 PM.

From June 11th to July 19th, immerse yourself in the global culture of one of Toronto’s most historic neighbourhoods. Discover a curated series of interactive workshops, global food tours, live music, and outdoor markets. Whether you're a local or a traveler, your adventure begins right here in Cabbagetown.

The Don Yard Community Open House is taking place on Thursday, June 25, 2026, starting at 5:30 PM at Soulpepper Theatre.

Event Details

 Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026

 Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

 Location: Soulpepper Theatre, The Cabaret Room (50 Tank House Lane)

Registration is required. To register, please visit the Don Yard Event Page and click the "Register" button. 

Dixon Hall’s employment services are ready to help you with your job search! Reach out to them to connect with employers who are looking to hire immediately. 

Click here to learn more.

Peacebuilders Canada is looking for people to join their team of facilitators! Click here to learn more and sign up for a training.

Getting your condo board to act on sustainability is one of the hardest parts of condo living. This webinar is for sustainability-minded Toronto condo owners who want their building to be part of the climate solution. You'll leave with an action plan and next steps to get your condo board on board.

Date: Monday, June 29

Time: 6:30-7:30 PM

Location: Virtual webinar

Registration Link:

Learn more and register here

Wednesdays, Starting June 10, 4:30-6:30pm, at the Good Food Market – Join us this summer for Art Nights in the Park! Every Wednesday (weather permitting), starting June 10, from 4:30 – 6:30pm, at the Good Food Market. Art supplies will be provided or bring your own! All levels of creativity are welcome.

Material disobedience is a vivid showcase of contemporary craft practices that reclaim and revel in what has been minimized as the frivolously feminine, the scandalously queer, or the exotically ornamental. The showcase began on May 30 and will continue through to June 30, 2026.

Location: 

The Lost & Found Project Space

420 Queen St. E Toronto

Time:

Hours as posted online or open by appointment.

Wednesdays 12-4 PM

Fridays 12-5 PM

Saturdays 12-5 PM

Sundays 12-5 PM

Learn more here: tlaf.ca

Regent Park Community Health Centre is offering a free 4-week Summer Learning & Leadership Program for youth currently in Grades 5–7 living in Toronto’s Downtown East, with priority for families in Regent Park, Moss Park, St. James Town and Rivertown.

The program will include:

• Fun and engaging activities
• Weekly outings
• Leadership development opportunities
• Digital literacy skill-building

Families interested in learning more are invited to register for one of the upcoming information sessions using the link below:

Regent Park Community Health Centre's Summer Learning & Leadership Program Info Session – Fill out form

Running from July 27-August 2nd, the Peruvian Film Festival in Toronto will celebrate the vibrant culture of Peru, fostering meaningful cultural exchange within Toronto's diverse community. This unique event showcases award-winning Peruvian cinema, from groundbreaking new voices to celebrated classics, offering audiences an authentic glimpse into Peru's stories, landscapes, and heritage.

Find out more information here.

The Moss Park Summer Festival this year is going to take place at the green space at Ontario St. and Queen St. E on August 8 from 11 AM – 5 PM. 

Organization setup is scheduled to begin at 10 am. Click here for more details.

Join Grassy Narrows youth and community members to show that you are with them on their path to achieve mercury justice and freedom! 

Grassy Narrows people are powerful leaders in the movement for Indigenous sovereignty and environmental justice. They have shown that together we can fight for justice against all odds and make real gains. But so much is still needed to right the wrong of mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows.

RSVP to say that you will show up in solidarity and walk with them in their fight for justice on Wednesday September 23, 2026 in downtown Toronto.