Dear friend,
Since the house rose last week, Queen’s Park’s rumour mill has been working overtime. Pundits are speculating that the PCs may call a provincial election as soon as this fall or next spring instead of the scheduled time of June 2026. Since Doug Ford and the Conservatives have a majority, he can make this decision.
Nothing is concrete or even credible yet, but I will keep you informed and continue to work for the betterment of our communities wherever this election rollercoaster takes us.
Despite the legislature being on a break, I am still sharing policy ideas and bringing forward experts to speak on them. Yesterday, I hosted a press conference highlighting a motion I recently tabled to increase access to PrEP, PEP, HPV vaccines, and take-home cervical cancer screening kits. This press conference brought together HIV/AIDS experts and advocates, a clinical researcher specializing in HPV, and a nurse practitioner. You can watch the whole press conference here.
Expanding access to these life-saving medications, vaccines, and tests is critical for Ontarians to take charge of their sexual health, prevent cancer and HIV/AIDS, and ensure that fewer families have to go through the heartbreak of losing a loved one too soon. I know this first hand as my wife’s rare and aggressive cervical cancer was caught early by a stroke of luck during a routine medical examination.
People who are at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS can take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce their chance of contracting HIV by 99%. These life-changing medications save our health system money, but for individuals, they cost $200-1,000 per month. That is simply out of reach for most people without medication coverage. To quote PrEP advocate Travis Frank L’Henaff, “we were promised an HIV-free generation. And it’s possible.” My motion would cover these medications for everyone who needs them.
The HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine protects individuals from HPV-caused cervical, genital, rectal, and head-and-neck cancers. It is most effective when given before someone becomes sexually active — which is why students are now given the vaccine in Grade 7. However, many students missed getting the shot because they were too old when routine vaccinations began, or their school’s vaccination program was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, or their parents inaccurately thought that being vaccinated against HPV would make them more sexually active. My motion would cover the HPV vaccines for anyone prescribed the vaccine by a doctor.
Take-home cervical cancer screening kits are another life-saving and cost-saving tool that the Ontario government should cover. These kits allow women to do their own cancer screenings when they don’t have access to traditional screenings, including those in rural, remote, and fly-in communities, as well as those who have experienced sexual or medical-based trauma and are not comfortable going to a doctor for these procedures. The NDP government in British Columbia has led the charge funding these tests through public health insurance.
Our health system should cover these life-saving and life-changing interventions. If you agree, please sign my petition here:
Throughout the Legislature's summer break, I will be returning to the building and traveling across the province as part of my work on the Standing Committee on Justice Policy. This week, I participated in the Estimates process for the Justice Committee. Estimates are a process where planned expenses for a given government department are shared, and there is an opportunity to ask questions of the Minister responsible for that department. I used my speaking time to ask the Attorney General about court backlogs and press him to do much, much more to ensure that serious cases are not thrown out simply due to delays.
You can sign my petition in support of clearing the court backlog here.
I am wishing everyone a safe, happy, and healthy weekend as we celebrate both Father's Day and Eid al-Adha. To all of the fathers and those celebrating them, I wish you a weekend full of love and family. And to our Muslim friends and family, I wish you a very happy Eid al-Adha. May it be a blessed and joyous occasion.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
In This Newsletter |
- Volunteer with the NDP at Toronto Pride!
- Ontario Cuts Wastewater Testing
- Happy Portuguese Heritage Month
- Pathways to Education Graduation
- African Centre for Refugees Pride Celebration
- Toronto’s New Asia Pacific Peace Museum
- Local Community News
Volunteer with the NDP at Toronto Pride! |
Come and celebrate pride with us and connect with your community. The Ontario NDP is running a table all Pride weekend and walking in each major parade! You can sign up for a volunteer shift at the links below. You can choose to help with the NDP booth, walk in one of the parades that weekend or both! See you there!
Friday, June 28th:
Walk with the Ontario NDP in the Trans March (Friday, June 28)
Table for the Ontario NDP on Friday Evening
Saturday, June 29th:
Walk with the Ontario NDP in the Dyke March (Sat June 29)
Table with the Ontario NDP on Pride Saturday, June 29th at 1 PM
Table with the Ontario NDP on Pride Saturday, June 29th at 3 PM
Table with the Ontario NDP on Pride Saturday, June 29th at 4 PM
Sunday, June 30th:
Walk with the Ontario NDP in the Pride Parade (Sun June 30)
Table with the Ontario NDP on Pride Sunday, June 30th at 1 PM
Table with the Ontario NDP on Pride Sunday, June 30th, at 3 PM
Table with the Ontario NDP on Pride Sunday, June 30th, at 4 PM
Ontario Cuts Wastewater Testing |
Poop has become an unsung hero of epidemiology in Ontario through wastewater testing — it doesn’t say much, but it tells everything. When we are sick, our bodies shed dead viruses through our waste. Scientists can accurately predict what diseases are spreading and how prevalent they are by sampling wastewater at water treatment plants.
Wastewater testing empowers health care workers to plan for surging infections so that they can ensure hospitals and emergency rooms have enough staff ready. The program paid for itself by helping health administrators better pinpoint the start of seasonal RSV, preventing 295 children from being hospitalized and 950 medically attended hospital visits — saving the province $3.5 million.
Ford's cuts to wastewater testing in Ontario are wrong. He is claiming that he is just reducing redundancies created by the new Federal wastewater testing program, but that program does not sample nearly as many municipalities and does not test for viruses like RSV, H5N1, and monkeypox, which we need to be monitoring. These programs should be working together and finding efficiencies so that we can stay on top of infections in Ontario.
Add your name here if you agree that Ontario should save wastewater testing.
Happy Portuguese Heritage Month |
I was honoured to represent my Ontario NDP caucus at the Portugal flag-raising at Queen's Park on Monday.
It was joyful to see so many proud Portuguese people, learn more about the country's history, and hear the beautiful Portuguese national anthem sung.
June is Portuguese Heritage Month, so get out there and enjoy the beautiful food, music, and folklore that Portuguese culture has to offer!
Pathways to Education Graduation |
Pathways to Education held their graduation celebration last Friday, and I was honoured to attend. The ceremony was emotional and inspiring as students who faced barrier after barrier to education earned their high school diplomas.
I am so thrilled for these hard-working students, their families, and the educators and mentors who helped them on their journeys. Congratulations graduates!
African Centre for Refugees Pride Celebration |
The African Centre For Refugees does incredible grassroots work helping newcomers rebuild their lives in Ontario. The majority of their members arrive in Canada having fled anti-LGBTQI+ persecution and extreme violence in their home countries, leaving behind everyone they know.
Attending their pride celebration and seeing their joy firsthand filled my heart. I saw so many people safely celebrate who they are, surrounded by community, acceptance, and love.
Toronto’s New Asia Pacific Peace Museum |
Last weekend, I joined the opening of Toronto's new Asia Pacific Peace Museum — a world-class space where people can learn about and remember the victims of war and atrocity in Asia during World War II. I wish this museum all the best in continuing to educate people across cultures and generations about peace and reconciliation. The success of this museum is a testament to the leadership of Dr. Joseph Wong and Flora Chong, two powerhouses in the Asian-Canadian community. Learn more and plan your visit here.
Upcoming Community Events |
Regent Park Fathers Day Celebration |
Join the Regent Park community and Oak Street Co-op for a joyful Fathers Day celebration! Everyone is welcome!
When: Saturday, June 15, 2024. 3-9 PM
Where: Oak Street Co-op, 120 Cornwall Street Party Room
Launch of Cabbagetown Main Street Mosaic Tours |
Discover the vibrant history and charm of Cabbagetown with their new self-directed walking tours. Accessible through their innovative app, these tours will guide you through the heart of one of Toronto’s oldest neighbourhoods, revealing stories of its rich past, dynamic present, and exciting future. From stunning architecture to historic landmarks, explore the unique character of Cabbagetown's main street and local businesses.
Launch Party
- Date: June 15, 2024
- Time: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Location: Winchester Park
Join the Cabbagetown BIA for an outdoor celebration featuring:
- Historical photo exhibit
- Live music and samba lessons
- Movie in the park "School of Rock" at 9:00 PM
- Face painters, old-time photobooth, and caricature artist
- Local food vendors
- Fun activities for all ages
Filipino Heritage Month Celebrations |
Come and celebrate the 126th Philippine Independence Day with the local Filipino community. Enjoy Filipino games, coconut buns, music, and chess competitions.
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Location: Big Park - 620 Dundas St E.
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Dixon Hall Walk and Roll Challenge 2024 |
Register today!!! Dixon Hall is hosting their Walk and Roll Challenge 2024 to raise money for their seniors programs!
Join them on Saturday, June 22nd, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Regent Park Athletic Grounds (51 Wyatt Ave, Toronto). The challenge distances are 1, 2, and 5 kilometres, and the event is fully accessible—folks with mobility devices are encouraged to attend!
Click HERE to learn more, sign up, and donate to teams!
Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 Individual and top team fundraisers (most money raised).
Taste of Regent Park 2024 |
Fred Victor invites you to the Taste of Regent Park 2024! This beloved community meal in the park will take place every Wednesday from July 3rd to September 4th. Join in to enjoy a variety of foods made by local caterers each week, all while being entertained by local artists!
- When: Wednesdays, July 3 - September 4, 2024
- Where: Regent Park Big Park
Fred Victor is seeking food vendors and entertainers to participate in this community celebration. If interested, please reach out to Humaira at [email protected] by the registration deadline on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
45th Toronto International Storytelling Festival |
Storytelling Toronto's 45th annual Toronto International Storytelling Festival, Many Voices Tell A Story, will run from June 13-16, 2024, at many venues across Toronto, including Regent Park.
The official opening event is on June 13th at 7:30 p.m. at the ArQuives at 34 Isabella St. Carmel Whittle will start the welcome ceremony as the Indigenous advocate and then perform later as one of the storytellers.
Storytelling Toronto is partnering with the Friends of Regent Park to host a storytelling event at the Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter St). Sunday, June 16, from 10:30 AM - 5 PM. Find out more here.
Jamii’s National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations! |
Mark your calendars for Friday, June 21st to join Jamii's 6th Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations! The event will take place in David Crombie Park, located at the corner of The Esplanade and Princess St, from 6 pm to 8 pm.
This celebration brings a rich array of activities to our neighbourhood:
- Taste Indigenous Food: Savour traditional bannock and bearpaws!
- Dance Performance by Tribal Vision Dance: Enjoy a dance performance, by Tribal Vision Dance, that brings Indigenous traditions to life.
- Indigenous Marketplace: Check out the marketplace featuring Indigenous vendors with stunning beadwork, paintings, and other crafts.
Additionally, there will be a photo exhibition unveiling by emerging photographer Maddy King and a showcase of paintings by emerging artist Amberlee King, both from Pikangikum First Nation. They are visiting Toronto for this occasion, and their works offer a glimpse into the beauty of their community.
This event is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate and learn more about Indigenous culture and peoples!
WHEN | Friday, June 21st, 2024, 6 pm to 8 pm
WHERE | David Crombie Park, Esplanade & Princess St
ADMISSION: Free
MORE INFO: Click here
Shine On! A National Indigenous Histories Month and PRIDE Marketplace |
Join the YMCA as they celebrate Indigenous History and Pride Month with craft stations, activities for children and youth, a food drive collecting non-perishable items, and a marketplace for Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ vendors.
Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Central YMCA, 20 Grosvenor Avenue.
All are welcome to this family friendly event. The YMCA is a mask-friendly environment. RSVP here!
Save Ontario's Science Centre Rally |
Save Ontario's Science Centre invites you to join their upcoming rally on Sunday, June 23, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Wells Hill Park, 145 Hilton Ave, Toronto. Supported by MPP Jill Andrews and Councillor Josh Matlow, this event aims to unite concerned citizens from St. Paul's riding and across the city to advocate for a fully funded, immersive science and nature experience at the Ontario Science Centre in the Flemingdon community.
Wells Hill Park, located near St. Clair Ave and Bathurst Street, is easily accessible by transit and cycling, and offers a scenic walk through Cedarvale or Nordheimer Ravines.
Stay tuned for the rally poster, available early next week, to share with your community. Let's send a strong message to Doug Ford about the importance of preserving the Ontario Science Centre.
Canadian Women’s Studies Launch Event |
Join the Canadian Women Studies Launch Event! This event’s topic will be Cuban Women: Politics, Culture and Revolution. It will include readings, food, music, and a cash bar.
When: Thursday June 27th, 7pm-10pm
Where: United Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil St
To RSVP, email: [email protected]
Nominate a Mental Health Champion! |
Each year the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) recognizes 7 Canadians whose work has helped to advance the mental health agenda across the country. These remarkable people are recognized at CAMIMH's annual Champions of Mental Health Awards Gala in Ottawa
This year, nominations will be accepted in seven categories, including youth, media, workplace, and community. Click here to learn more and nominate a champion!
Pride Events All Month Long! |
Pride isn’t just one weekend! Pride Toronto's Pride Guide is full of amazing events happening all month long. From workshops, to film screenings, to markets to concerts, there is something for everyone this Pride Month! Find out more here.