June 28, 2024 Newsletter
Dear Emma,
Since the news broke last Friday about the Ontario Science Centre’s immediate closure, so much has happened. Support for the Science Centre has poured in, and thousands of you have told me that you want to see it remain where it is. This week has been a wild ride, so I want to update you all here.
Ford Conservatives have done nothing through this process to earn back the trust of the people of Ontario. They have lied and failed to be transparent or compassionate, so we are left fearing the worst.
I don't trust that a new Science Centre will be built at Ontario Place. I worry that Ford’s press releases are a shell game to defraud Ontarians. I have had this concern since the government announced that Therme Spa would be Ontario Place’s anchor tenant. I am not confident that the spa’s business model is sustainable, even with all of the public money that is subsidizing their startup costs.
Since I have known him, Doug Ford has been obsessed with building a casino on Toronto’s waterfront. As far as I know, he is alone in this strange, corrupt dream. Nobody I have spoken to is excited about a waterfront casino. I am concerned that Ford will seize the chance to scrap all of the Ontario Place plans and replace them with a mega casino once Therme Spa fails or doesn't even get off the ground. Watch me share more thoughts on Ford’s corrupt casino obsession here.
On top of that, Ford lied (again) when he said that no workers would be laid off following this closure. This week, we learned that 50 food service workers, represented by OPSEU, will be laid off. Thankfully, the workers have a strong union backing them and their workplace. Please add your name here to support Science Centre workers.
On Thursday, I visited the Science Centre again with Marit Stiles and members of the Ontario NDP Caucus. We expressed our love for the building, its workers, and the magic that happens inside it. Frustrated by the injustice of the situation, I started to take down the fencing.
If you are as passionate as I am about saving the Science Centre, donate here to voice your support:
Few support Ford’s plan to ruin and move the Ontario Science Centre, least of all architects and scientists. Many architects have come forward to share their interpretation of the architectural report that the government cited as the reason that the building needed to close. However, that report stated that only 6% of the roof was at risk of becoming unsafe this winter, all in sections that could be reasonably closed without the entire building needing to be shut down. They were also clear that the building, which is only 50 years old, was in this state because of a lack of regular maintenance and repairs. Additionally, several wealthy scientific innovators have come forward to express their love for the Science Centre and pledged hundreds of thousands; one individual even offered up to a million dollars for repairs to the beloved building.
We also can’t forget that the Science Centre was designed by renowned Japanese-Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama, who was held in the horrific Japanese internment camps in British Colombia with his family during World War II. This building holds incredible historical and architectural significance and deserves to be preserved. Moriyama’s architectural firm has also offered its services free of charge to the government to oversee the repairs.
Since last Friday’s heartbreaking announcement by Ford, love and generosity have been pouring out for the Science Centre from every riding in Ontario. It is crystal clear to me that the Science Centre is a treasured cultural and scientific landmark worth much more than just a static budget line. I deeply regret that Ford may never come to understand this. It’s up to us to change his mind, as we have done before when we successfully reversed his Greenbelt grab. Until then, please keep emailing him and add your name to my petition to save the Science Centre here.
Goldie Ghamari is out. After meeting publicly with known far-right Islamophobe, convicted stalker, and fraudster Tommy Robinson, she has been ousted from the Conservative caucus and will now sit as an independent. Honestly, I am surprised that it took this long for her to face consequences for her views and attitudes. Her actions – and especially her posts online – are routinely Islamophobic, combative, and not conducive to productive dialogue. Goldie Ghamari was the chair of the Justice Policy Committee, so we have been in many rooms together. I am not sad to see her go to the independent bench.
This weekend is Pride Weekend in Toronto, one of the year's biggest weekends! The festivities have begun (keep reading below to hear about the events that have already been held this week), and I can’t wait to celebrate with all of you all weekend long.
Along with the leader, I will be at the Trans March, Dyke March, and of course the big parade on Sunday. If you see me, come and say hi! The Ontario NDP also has a fabulous booth in the community fair where you can get some great swag, talk policy, and meet up with friends! If you want to volunteer at our community fair booth this weekend, click here!
Please note that my Constituency Office will be closed Monday-Wednesday next week as my staff take a well-deserved post-Pride break. They will be happy to serve you starting on Thursday.
Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and joyful pride weekend,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Millions Unaccounted for in the Premier’s Office
- AIDS Candlelight Vigil
- Green Space Festival
- Street Haven Pride Barbecue
- Sherbourne Health Food for Good Cafe Grand Opening
- Transformations at Trinity St. Paul’s
- Homeless Connect Toronto’s 10th Anniversary
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community News
| Millions Unaccounted for in the Premier’s Office |
This week, my colleagues, Ontario NDP Finance critic Catherine Fife and MPP Terence Kernaghan, raised concerns about almost five million dollars of unaccounted-for spending by the Premier’s office.
The Premier’s numbers simply don’t add up, which is deeply concerning.
For the 2023-24 budget year, the Premier submitted information to the estimates committee that showed spending on staff salaries in the Premier’s Office would be $2,007,100. However, the 2023 Sunshine list totals the Premier’s office spending on salaries was $6,965,299.78. How did almost five million dollars for staff suddenly appear?
So far, we don’t have the answers, but I know that MPPs Fife and Kernaghan are working on it. You deserve this transparency.
| AIDS Candlelight Vigil |
For 40 years, the AIDS Candlelight Vigil has been a beautiful gathering where our communities can hold space for everyone we have lost and everyone living with HIV/AIDS. This event is one of the most moving parts of Pride for me personally, which I always attend to reflect on the unwavering strength of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. I’m proud to carry grief and rage alongside my joy and pride. It means I will never stop fighting for and loving my community, and this means extending OHIP coverage for universal access to PReP, PeP, HPV vaccines and take-home cancer kits. Show your support and sign the petition here.
The AIDS Candlelight Vigil reminds us that people might have been infected by a virus, but it is stigma that kills. May we remember those we have lost and recommit to building a world where everyone is free from stigma and protected from disease.
|
Green Space Festival |
On Wednesday, Marit Stiles and I attended the 519's iconic Greenspace Festival and was treated to a performance by one of my favourite queens, Sasha Velour!
Greenspace runs throughout the weekend at Barbara Hall Park, with incredible DJs and performers each night. It's a ton of fun and a key fundraiser for the 519 Community Centre. I hope you stop by!
| Street Haven Pride Barbecue |
Street Haven at the Crossroads’ Pride Events ensure that people who need Pride the most—people surviving housing insecurity—experience acceptance, support, community, and joy!
I was thrilled to attend their Pride BBQ and enjoy the celebration. Showing up for women and nonbinary people surviving homelessness is what Pride is all about. Toronto Centre is so blessed to have Street Haven showing up for Queer and Trans communities all year round!
Streethaven is also holding a fundraiser for their critical work. I encourage everyone to give generously here!
|
Sherbourne Health Food for Good Cafe Grand Opening |
I attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting this week for Sherbourne Health Centre’s exciting new Food for Good Cafe. This wonderful addition to our local and award-winning health centre will go a long way in addressing food insecurity in the Downtown East community. The Food for Good Cafe will provide nutritious food and create job opportunities, strengthening our community and sharing deliciousness. Congratulations to the staff, board, volunteers and donors for bringing this significant project to life!
| Transformations at Trinity St. Paul’s |
It was an honour to join Trinity-St Paul's United Church and the Centre for Faith, Justice and the Arts for their second annual gathering, “Transformations.” This event brought together Trans, Non-binary, and Gender queer folks and their allies to discuss how we can change politics to be more truly inclusive. It was wonderful to speak with the participants, share my personal experience, and encourage everyone to get involved in political organizing to protect and advance human rights for the 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
As always, my dear friend Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo deserves a huge thank you for bringing people from across the political spectrum together for this important event. After years of advocacy and hard work, she remains a relentless advocate for Trans-inclusive futures.
| Homeless Connect Toronto’s 10th Anniversary |
For over a decade, Homeless Connect Toronto (HCT) has done incredible work and supporting them has always been a priority for me.
Seeing this powerful grassroots initiative celebrate a 10-year milestone anniversary was thrilling. Over those years, HCT has grown into an innovative resource for homelessness with one-stop-shop events, a 24/7 Everyday Connect portal, Peer Support Training, and a Step-Up Employment Program.
Ending homelessness requires deep systemic change. Grassroots innovation by groups like Homeless Connect Toronto shows how our communities can realize that change. I deeply appreciate all of the work done by the incredible staff and volunteers. I hope you will support them with sponsorship or by getting involved with them here.
| This Week's Headlines |
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Rastafest Community Launch |
Rastafest is coming to Regent Park this year! As we await details, why not get prepared by attending the Rastafest Community Launch at Studio M? Enjoy a crafts market at 3 PM, health and wellness workshops, and live performances at 6 PM!
When: Saturday, June 29
Where: Studio M - 1672 Eglinton Avenue West
More information: [email protected] or Rastafest.tv
|
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 friend,
This week, Ford continued to push through his disastrous legislative agenda, trampling your rights and looking out for his friends. But what is new? We have only one more week in the Legislature before the winter break begins, and I plan to use every minute to hold this corrupt government to account.
Speaking of accountability, the Ford Government received a massive dose of it this week in the form of the Auditor General’s Annual Report. This time, the AG’s reporting focused on government advertising spending, healthcare, recycling, and environmental rights. None of these reports were rosy for the government, and they must act to fix them now. You can watch me rant about the report here.
If you have watched TV, gone to the movies, or ridden the subway recently, you have certainly seen a government-sponsored ad. You know the ones: they say Ontario is amazing, that we have so many jobs, and that nobody is struggling to find a home, a family doctor, or food to eat!
These ads are shockingly out of touch, and I find them offensive to watch. Even more offensive is the fact that the Auditor General found that we, as Ontario taxpayers, paid over $111 million for these ads ahead of this year’s election. These ads would not have passed under the previous version of the Government Advertising Act because they had the primary goal of fostering a positive impression of the governing party. Frustratingly, the last Liberal government amended the Government Advertising Act to bolster their own public image, and now the current Conservative government is abusing the system in the very same way. This unjust practice must end. Ontarians don’t need propaganda. We need a government that works.
We especially need a government that delivers on healthcare. And yet, the Auditor General outlined how Ford and his government are failing to provide the care that people need, especially primary care doctors. The government has no plan. The AG noted that there is no reliable forecast of where family doctors are needed and no system to track whether new training seats turn into practicing physicians. To actually fix this, Ontario needs to fully fund team-based care, build a provincewide recruitment and retention strategy, modernize the outdated HealthCare Connect program, and set performance measures that reflect what patients need.
Families need a government that recognizes the critical role of primary care in every Ontario community. On top of these gaps in family doctor access, Ontarians are struggling with increased privatization of our system and a few bad actor doctors over-charging OHIP for services with little oversight.
To be healthy, people need a stable climate and an environment free of harmful substances. This is why Ontario has an Environmental Bill of Rights. But Doug Ford doesn’t care. The Auditor General reported that the Ford government continues to ignore legally required consultations, sometimes even passing laws before the processes are finished. This is all on top of the fact that the Conservatives have done away with climate targets altogether and are nowhere near on track to meet their 2030 emissions-reduction commitment. Ford has given up on tackling the climate crisis and is treating the rights and voices of Ontarians with contempt. We all deserve so much better.
I am committed to holding this government to account on these issues and more. We must speak up and let Ford know that he cannot get away with this blatant corruption. I promise to always bring your voices with me to Queen’s Park. If you are feeling fired up, please reply to this email and share your thoughts.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Ethiopian Heritage Month Proclaimed!
- Stop E-Bike Fires
- Inaugural Youth Council Meeting
- Standing Against Gender-Based Violence
- National Housing Day Rally in Toronto Centre
- World AIDS Day
- Lebanese Flag Raising at Queen’s Park
- Attending the TABIA Awards Night
- Professional Engineers License Certifications
- This Week’s Meetings
- What’s Making Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Ethiopian Heritage Month Proclaimed! |
Amid all of this doom and gloom, yesterday was a bright spot in my week – September is officially Ethiopian Heritage Month in Ontario! The Ethiopian Heritage Month Act, a significant bill that I co-sponsored with MPP Doly Begum, passed in the Legislature yesterday. In a surprise move, the government agreed to pass a slate of bills to proclaim various weeks and months of significance, including Ethiopian Heritage Month. I am so glad that so many communities will be able to celebrate with official recognition from the province this year.
It was so joyful to pass this bill and celebrate with Ethiopian community leaders who joined us in the chamber. I can’t wait for next September when we will celebrate this newly minted heritage month with the Ethiopian community, complete with music, food, community, and of course, coffee - first discovered in Ethiopia!
| Stop E-Bike Fires |
Yesterday, I asked the Solicitor General when he will pass my motion to update fire safety rules and keep our communities safe from runaway lithium-ion battery fires. Lithium-ion battery fires are up 1200% from 202 levels because of unsafe e-bike batteries. These fires have already destroyed homes and left people injured in Toronto Centre.
Instead of giving you the answers you deserve, the Solicitor General dodged my question and reverted to everyday fire-safety language, which is not always applicable to lithium-ion fires.
My motion calls on the Government of Ontario to work with Ontario's fire services to update fire codes to address the novel risks posed by lithium-ion fires and keep the people of Ontario safe. Click here to sign my petition for safe batteries.
| Inaugural Youth Council Meeting |
We had a great kickoff meeting with our first-ever Toronto Centre Youth Council! Youth voices are critical to understanding their needs in the province, and this council will play an essential role in shaping long-term community partnerships and contributing to upcoming legislation and projects. Thank you to all who joined—I look forward to working together and having your back at Queen’s Park!
|
Standing Against Gender-Based Violence |
On November 27, I was proud to stand in solidarity with MPP Alexa Gilmour and her motion to end gender-based violence and ensure women’s economic security and safety. Forty-four percent of Canadian women will experience some form of intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime. This crisis has only worsened with the chronic underfunding of social services, which creates immense barriers for those trying to leave abusive relationships, with nowhere safe to go.
Cruelly, the Ford government voted this motion down. But I know that the Ontario NDP will never stop striving for women’s social, economic, and physical wellbeing. This is far from over.
| National Housing Day Rally in Toronto Centre |
On November 22, we marked National Housing Day, which coincided with the weekend before the Ford government brought their anti-tenant Bill 60 for its final vote. My kiddo and I joined the York South–Weston Tenant Union, Toronto ACORN, No Demovictions Toronto, and the Encampment Justice Network for their National Housing Day Rally.
Bill 60, which has now passed, will set a terrible precedent for tenants in Ontario. Here in Toronto Centre, that means over 70% of our population will be directly affected by this legislation. None of the changes proposed in Bill 60 will make housing safer, more affordable, or better maintained. Instead, the bill will only speed up evictions for our most vulnerable tenants, worsening homelessness in Toronto and across Ontario.
Ford needs to know that Ontario is not for sale—especially to his corporate landlord buddies. Residents were encouraged to visit stopbill60.ca to make their voices heard.
|
World AIDS Day |
Every year on December 1, we mark World AIDS Day. This year, I reflected on how Ontario's history shows us that we can face horrifying odds and transform our government’s response. We must do so again.
This World AIDS Day was also different because of the earlier announcement by the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) that after 42 years of community service, they will permanently close their doors on March 31 next year. This announcement must be a wake-up call to all levels of government that AIDS organizations are facing a financial crisis that has been decades in the making.
You can read my entire statement on behalf of the Ontario NDP by clicking here.
| Lebanese Flag Raising at Queen’s Park |
The Lebanese community has contributed significantly to the social fabric of Ontario and Canada for almost 150 years, and we proudly celebrate the strength and resilience of its people, along with their beautiful and vibrant culture and traditions. I was so happy to join members of my caucus and the Lebanese community to raise the flag at Queen’s Park and mark November as Lebanese Heritage Month in Ontario.
| Attending the TABIA Awards Night |
It was a joy to join the Cabbagetown BIA as a guest at the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas Awards Night on Tuesday! BIAs like Cabbagetown, Downtown Yonge, Old Towne, Bloor-Yorkville, Financial District, and Church-Wellesley Village are at the heart of our communities and do much of the work behind the scenes alongside our cities to ensure local small businesses in our neighbourhoods thrive! When doing your holiday shopping this year, make sure to support local businesses!
| Professional Engineers License Certifications |
On Wednesday, I was honoured to attend the Professional Engineers Ontario East Toronto Chapter engineers licensing ceremony, where they received their License Certifications.
Engineers are an integral part of (both figuratively and literally!) building our province. The work of engineers keeps our province running, and helps shape an accessible, innovative and transformative Ontario for all. Thank you to Sarah Ayub, Miyadah Babulla and all the board members for inviting me to take part in the licensing ceremony!
| This Week’s Meetings |
- Film Ontario
- Eastern Ontario Mayors Caucus
- Ontario Real Estate Association
- Ontario Public Transit Association
- Toronto Drop-In Network
- African Centre for Refugees in Ontario-Canada
- Canadian Civil Liberties Association
| This Week's Headlines |
Toronto Public Library announces location of new District Library
Success rate for injured applicants at Licence Appeal Tribunal continues to plummet
How Toronto could build more than 20 km of new bike lanes — despite provincial restrictions
Blue bin complaints? Starting next month, they're not our problem, say Toronto officials
EAQA scores reveal insufficient progress, Ontario education minister says as he announces new plan
Group of Toronto buildings to be torn down for huge condo tower
Ontario education minister to make decision on school trustee elimination in early 2026
TTC considering flip-book style advertising on subway tunnel walls
Eglinton Crosstown expected to open ‘in the coming weeks,’ province says
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Seniors Holiday Pancake Breakfast |
Join Friends of Regent Park and TSHC for a seniors holiday pancake breakfast!
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Location: 252 Sackville St, 7th Floor
| Allan Gardens Holiday Market |
Join Friends of Allan Gardens for a festive Holiday Market on December 7th from 10 AM to 7 PM!
Discover local vendors, seasonal treats, and holiday treasures — and don’t miss the City of Toronto’s stunning Poinsettia Flower Show inside the Conservatory. Come together with friends, family, and neighbours to celebrate community, creativity, and the beauty of the season, all in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Keep an eye out for our vendor list in the coming weeks!
Date/Time: Sunday, December 7, 10AM-7PM
Location: Children’s Conservatory at Allan Gardens on the west side of the park by Jarvis and Carlton.
Address: 19 Horticultural Ave, M5A 2P2
Come ready. Come early. The most desirable products go fast!
Come on foot, or take transit. 
There is NO parking on site. There is street parking along Carlton St. and Gerrard St., as well as a Green P parking lot at 405 Sherbourne St.
Bring your own bags and packaging to reduce waste, including a way to keep your plants warm while you travel home!
Cash, debit, and credit are accepted. Each vendor will have their own point of sale.
| Holiday Tree Lighting at Riverdale Farm |
Join Riverdale Farm as they light their tree. There will be carolers, crafts, cookies and hot chocolate.
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester St.)
Tree Lighting: 7:00 PM
| The Changing Cultures of Regent Park and Downtown East - Info Session |
Join Focus Media Arts and the University of Toronto for an info session about a collaborative course to learn about the Downtown East Identity. Gain skills to make your own documentary!
Information Session:
Date: Wednesday, December 8, 2025
Time: 6 PM
Location: Daniels Spectrum, 3rd Floor
|
TDSB’s Black Student Summer Leadership Program |
The Black Student Summer Leadership Program is a paid summer internship for Black TDSB high school students. Participants gain hands-on job experience, mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities to build confidence, skills, and community connections.
Please note: This program is open only to students attending Toronto District School Board schools.
Important Dates
- Application Period: December 8, 2025 – January 9, 2026
- Interviews: February 2026
Offer of Employment: March 2026
|
TDSB Learn4Life - Registration Open! |
The TDSB Learn4Life Adult General Interest and Seniors Day programs, Winter 2025 term is now open for registration. The TDSB also has over 50 languages and African Heritage classes for elementary school aged children!
Browse Courses & Register: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/adult-learners/learn4life
| Regent Park Youth Safety Forum |
Join for a meaningful community conversation focused on youth safety, wellness, and leadership in Regent Park.
Event details:
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Date: Wednesday, December 10
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Food Served: 5:00 PM (Halal meal provided)
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Event Start: 5:30 PM
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Location: Regent Park Centre of Excellence, Regent Park Community Centre
402 Shuter Street, Toronto
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Audience: Open to all youth residents of Regent Park
Speakers:
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Omar Abdelgawad — Resident of Regent Park, law school graduate, currently articling for Kim Schofield’s office.
- Deluxson Yogarajah — Gestalt student-therapist in training with 8+ years of experience as a youth worker specializing in youth violence prevention and mental health.
| St James Town Safety Summit and Social |
Join the St James Town Residents Council for their Safety Summit and Social and enjoy a multicultural food fair, community resources, and a chance to connect with service providers and neighbours.
Date: Friday, December 12, 2025
Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
Location: Wellesley Community Centre, Multipurpose Room F, 2nd Floor
| United Way’s Leading Social Justice Collective |
United Way Greater Toronto and the University of Toronto’s School of Cities are launching this year’s Leading Social Justice Collective (LSJC) - a unique, cross-sector leadership program for changemakers across the GTA. As our communities face growing inequities and complex challenges, we need leaders from all sectors – community, public, and private - to come together to reimagine and rebuild our systems.
LSJC equips participants with the mindset, tools, and networks to drive long-term, systems-level change rooted in equity and social justice.
Applications are now open until December 12, 2025: [Apply here]
| Here Hold My Grief: 2SLGBTQIA+ Family Building Stories |
Birthmark is hosting an Ontario Arts Council–supported initiative: Here, Hold My Grief, an arts-based workshop series designed for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced grief during family building.
Workshops will take place in Toronto between January–April 2026 and offer a supportive, creative space for reflection, healing, and community connection.
For more information: [email protected]
| Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards - Nominations Open |
Nominations for the 2026 Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards are now open until January 15. If you know a changemaker in your community who deserves recognition, please consider submitting a nomination using this form.
Who Can Be Nominated:
There are four categories: Individual, Group, Women, and Youth (under 25). Any Ontario resident, or Ontario-based organization, group, or initiative may be nominated. This includes educators, writers, community workers, social and political activists, social action groups, trade unions, youth organizations, multicultural organizations, schools, coalitions, professional associations, media, and service clubs.
The award ceremony will be held in March 2026.
| Toronto Centre Leadership Awards |
Do you know a phenomenal leader in your community who deserves recognition?
Kristyn Wong-Tam will be awarding six people with a 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, or healthcare.
Submit your nominee's information here, and we will go through them to make an informed decision on who to award.
Dear friend,
I’m dropping you a quick note to let you know your big weekly newsletter will be back next Friday.
I have been working around the clock for the past week to prepare a dissenting report for the Standing Committee on Justice Policy’s Study on Intimate Partner Violence. It’s been years since my university days, when I last had to pull an all-nighter. With many cups of coffee coursing through my veins, I submitted the report in the nick of time. I gave the dissenting report everything I had and then some, so I just can’t deliver the high-quality newsletter you expect this week.
As you read in my last newsletter, the Committee’s report writing process devolved into something that neither I nor my NDP colleagues could stand behind. So we walked out. But we didn’t want the voices of the notable survivors and IPV advocates who presented to the Committee to go unheard. So a dissenting report was written and submitted on behalf of the Official Opposition in just six days. I believe with all my heart that we did everything possible to honour survivors' testimony in our report.
I am calling the dissenting report a “part 1” because I intend to welcome community and stakeholder feedback in part 2. No report on this complex and multi-dimensional topic can be perfect or truly capture every perspective.
I am looking forward to sharing the report with all of you when it is released publicly, alongside the government report, which will be sometime on or before December 10. Until then, I am sadly unable to share any further details, as the report writing process is considered “in camera” and therefore confidential.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
P.S. I hope to see you next Sunday at the Toronto Centre NDP’s holiday party! Learn more and RSVP here!
Date: December 7, 2025
Time: 1 - 4 PM
Location: Regent Park Community Centre, 402 Shuter Street
A catered lunch will be served. Door prizes and special guests!
RSVP here - Join the waitlist!
All are welcome, including Santa’s little helpers. Please register here to reserve your seats.
Dear friend,
This week was one of walkouts and protests. The Ford government is not interested in listening to voices outside their own circles or taking accountability for their errors. This kind of arrogance and removal makes for the worst kind of government.
On Wednesday, Marit Stiles, leader of the Ontario NDP, was ejected from Question Period. She was asked to leave after she refused to withdraw her comments that called Doug Ford and his government corrupt due to them giving away millions of public dollars to unqualified businesses run by their friends through the Skills Development Fund. Accusing a government of corruption is considered “unparliamentary language.” It is therefore not allowed in the Legislative Chamber, as is accusing another MPP of lying. Acting in a corrupt manner or telling a verifiable lie in the chamber, however? Totally okay.
Yesterday, I was forced to walk out of a committee hearing because I could not, in good conscience, participate any longer. Specifically, I walked out of a report-writing session where the Standing Committee on Justice Policy’s Intimate Partner Violence Sub-committee was being asked to provide edits and feedback on the report that was solely authored by a conservative government MPP.
Reports like this are typically written by non-partisan legislative staff, and it is highly irregular for them to be written by a single government MPP. Despite this rocky start, I approached the process in good faith. After the second day of report writing, I could not continue.
Following serious reflection, and guided by our respect and gratitude for survivors, advocates, experts and service providers, my NDP colleagues and I decided to withdraw from the committee process. We hold ourselves to a high standard and want to ensure that any report we sign off on has a high degree of integrity, accountability, and respect for survivors. Those goals now require that we withdraw from the government's report-writing process.
I wish I could tell you more. But right now I simply can’t. Report writing takes place “in-camera,” which means that MPPs are not allowed to discuss what is happening during the writing process. By the rules of the legislature, everything discussed in-camera is strictly confidential. This is a normal part of report writing, but it does make communications about this matter difficult.
Survivors deserve to have their voices heard. That has been my priority throughout this committee. Ontario's Official Opposition NDP believes that we must now produce our own dissenting report to ensure that survivors' voices and calls for change are heard. I wish this were not the case, but now I will dedicate my efforts to ensuring that this new dissenting report honours what we heard at committee. I will keep you updated.
It is now all but assured that MPPs will vote on Bill 60, the government’s housing bill, this coming Monday. Since the government has a majority, it will almost assuredly pass and become law. This is heartbreaking for renters and everyone who is struggling to secure decent and affordable housing in Ontario.
Yesterday, I stood in the Legislature, while housing, shelter, and healthcare access advocates from the Women’s Coalition looked on from the gallery. I asked the Premier when he would stop pandering to his landlord friends and instead support women fleeing violence and homelessness with real investments into supportive housing. I received a non-answer. You can watch our exchange here. But I will never stop fighting for these essential public services.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Transgender Day of Remembrance
- Housing Day of Action
- Join My Youth Council
- Ford Rams Through Bill 33
- TCNDP’s Holiday Party - You’re Invited!
- Coffee With Kristyn - January 15th
- Medscheck Concerns Grow
- Take Urban Wildfires Seriously
- Toronto Pride Partner Symposium
- What’s Making Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Transgender Day of Remembrance |
Yesterday we marked the 26th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR). This is a day of solemn reflection on the scourge of transphobia and transphobic violence in our world, a time to remember and honour the Trans people we have lost, and an opportunity to recommit to creating a world without transphobia. As the first MPP to identify as non-binary and use they/them pronouns in the Legislature, this day is very special to me. But this year it was made even more meaningful, because I am no longer alone. My fellow NDP MPP from Ottawa Centre, Catherine McKenney, is also non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. It is so profoundly wonderful to have a friend in them.
At Queen’s Park, we held a moment of silence in the chamber to mark TDoR, followed by statements from all parties. You can watch my statement here. I was very impressed by the heartfelt and sincerely respectful statements given by all parties in the chamber. Now we just need to spur those same parties to action on the Gender Affirming Healthcare Act and other policies that lift up Trans folks.
In the afternoon, we raised the Transgender flag at Queen’s Park, flying it at half mast to remember all those who we miss. Friends of Ruby, an incredible local organization that supports Queer and Trans youth, organized the flag raising, and their representatives spoke beautifully, inviting us all to say the names of the remarkable Trans people who are no longer with us. I am continually in awe of the life saving work that Friends of Ruby does and can’t wait to attend the grand opening of their new space in a few months.
| Housing Day of Action |
I was honoured to welcome the Women’s Coalition to Queen’s Park yesterday, for their annual housing day of action. The Women’s Coalition brings together housing, shelter, mental health, addictions, and other service providers across Ontario to advocate for women.
During their press conference, I was particularly struck by what one of the speakers, Lucy, a client at Street Haven, said: “Housing women is a nation-building project.” She is so right. If any infrastructure builds a nation, it is housing. After all, as one of the other presenters said, “If we can prevent a mother from becoming homeless, we keep two generations housed.”
Working with the Women’s Coalition has been such a joy. I hope that all of the government members they met with yesterday felt that way too and will work to meet their demands of investment in supportive housing, mental health and addictions programs, and increased emergency shelter programs, all tailored to women.
|
Join my Youth Council! |
Are you between the age of 17-25 with a passion for politics, policy, and community building? Apply to the Toronto Centre Youth Council to have your voice heard on provincial issues.
Join Our First Session - pizza provided!
Date: November 26, 2025
Time: 4:45-6PM
Location: 120 Carlton St, Unit 401
Apply now: kristyn.ca/youth-council
| Ford Rams Through Bill 33 |
Bill 33 also passed this past week, even as education advocates and union activists descended on Queen’s Park in protest. The fact that this government refuses to listen to education and community safety experts, instead plowing ahead with their destructive plans, is a clear sign that they don’t care about doing what is right and prefer to double down rather than fix their mistakes.
Student trustees from public and catholic boards were clear that they did not want government appointees who ignore them. Parents told us they did not want decisions made behind closed doors or by Conservative insiders, paid hundreds of thousands of dollars, to override them. Education workers told us this bill was not the solution to crowded classrooms and unsafe schools. The government ignored all of them.
Similarly, post-secondary student organizations like CFS-Ontario, OUSA, CSA and OSV warned that this bill would mean the loss of vital campus programs students urgently need, including food banks, mental health peer supports and accessibility services. They told the government that our postsecondary sector is in crisis. Hundreds of programs have been cut, campuses are closing, almost ten thousand jobs have been lost at Ontario colleges, and eighty thousand students will be shut out of university seats because of government underfunding. The Premier chose not to listen.
Bill 33 is a blight on Ontario’s education system and must be repealed. You can watch POlicing Free Schools and other stakeholders speak about this destructive bill at their press conference here.
| Toronto Centre NDP Holiday Party - You’re Invited! |
Get ready for a fabulous Toronto Centre NDP Holiday Park with lunch, prize giveaways, entertainment, festive cheer, and, of course, surprise VIP guests!
Date: December 7, 2025
Time: 1 PM - 4 PM
Location: Regent Park Community Centre, 402 Shuter Street
All are welcome, including Santa’s little helpers. Please register here to reserve your seats.
| Coffee With Kristyn - January 15th |
I’m very excited to host my third Coffee with Kristyn at Good Earth Coffee House on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM! This is an opportunity for you to come and sit down with me, your Toronto Centre MPP, and share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while supporting our local small businesses.
I look forward to sitting down with you over a cup of coffee! I will also be hosting a roundtable chat with all attendees for the last 30 minutes so that we can all come together to share ideas.
Sign up for your coffee slot by clicking here.
| Medscheck Concerns Grow |
New data shows that Shoppers Drug Mart billed more than $81 million to the Ontario government for MedsChecks in two years. This is a clear and shameful corporate moneygrab.
The MedsCheck program was created to help people manage their medications safely, prevent harmful interactions, and ensure they receive the care they need. It is a service meant to protect patients… not to fuel corporate profit targets.
I am deeply troubled and disappointed by the reports we continue to hear from pharmacists across Ontario about being pressured by corporate offices to perform unnecessary reviews. When one chain bills more in two years than it did in the previous six combined, and when over a hundred investigations have been opened into corporate pressure, it’s clear that the program is being used to make profit, not to help Ontarians.
I want to thank the many pharmacists who have shown immense dedication to their patients and the spirit of the MedsCheck program by speaking up about the pressures they have been experiencing.
“Ontarians deserve a health-care system they can trust. The Ministry must act now to strengthen and modernize the MedsCheck program with clear eligibility criteria, proper documentation, and safeguards that protect both patients and the pharmacists who care for them.
| Take Urban Wildfires Seriously |
Whether Ford wants to admit it or not, climate change is real, and urban wildfires like those in Los Angeles and Fort McMurray are unfortunately a very real possibility across Ontario. I am proud to join my fellow Ontario NDP caucus members in calling on the Ford government to establish an Urban Wildfires Advisory Committee.
Toronto-Danforth MPP Peter Tabuns is introducing the Protecting Ontario from Urban Wildfires Act, 2025; a bill that would require the Conservatives to establish an Urban Wildfires Advisory Committee tasked with guiding risk assessment, prevention, response, and recovery. The Ford government currently has no such measures in place, despite the uptick in devastating fires spreading to urban areas.
Wildfires are not only life-threatening but also financially destructive. Ontario firefighters have the commitment and smarts to take on this challenge, but they need the requisite equipment and training. We must be prepared to protect the safety of all Ontarians.
The urgency of the matter is compounded by the Ford government’s inaction on climate change. Ontario’s Auditor General reported in October that the Conservatives would fall well short of their 2030 emissions reduction target.
Our first job is to stop carbon pollution to stabilize things. The next job is preventing these fires, and where we can’t, making sure we have the resources to fight them. I am proud to be part of a caucus doing this vital work.
|
Toronto Pride Partner Symposium |
This morning, I had the opportunity to be a panellist on “The Politics of Pride: Navigating Queer Representation” for Pride Toronto’s Partner Symposium event! We discussed how queer representation and Pride are understood and represented through a political, policy, and equity-based lens. A warm thank you to Kojo Modeste for facilitating the flow of our discussion, and all participants and sponsors who came together for these important conversations.
| What's Making Headlines |
City Raccoons Are Evolving to Look More Like Pets
More people will struggle to be housed in Ontario if Bill 60 is passed, open letter warns
Two Toronto tenants were almost evicted for being one cent short of rent
The Landlord and Tenant Board Annual Report: Progress but still a long way to go
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Little Trinity Christmas Market |
Little Trinity Church invites community members to join in the holiday spirit at the second annual Little Trinity Christmas Market, held in collaboration with the Good Food Market.
Enjoy an evening filled with festive cheer, local treats, and holiday shopping:
- Live Music: Come enjoy seasonal performances by Dr. Ben!
- Free Goodies: Take a load off and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider, and yummy treats!
- Unique Gifts: Do your holiday shopping and pick up some unique hand-made gifts for your loved ones!
- Groceries: Stop by our regular produce market, offering high quality fruits and veggies at wholesale prices!
All proceeds will go to Good Shepherd Ministries, a local organization that serves over 1000 meals a day to those in need.
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Time: 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Location: Little Trinity Church
| Mandle Philharmonic Orchestra: Ode to Joy |
Dates: November 27 and December 04, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Experience a night of unforgettable music this holiday season! Beethoven’s towering Symphony No. 9 with its triumphant “Ode to Joy,” Orff’s exhilarating Carmina Burana, and a heart-warming selection of Christmas carols come together in one spectacular concert. A perfect celebration of joy, drama, and festive spirit - do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime evening.
|
Holiday Tree Lighting at Riverdale Farm |
Join Riverdale Farm as they light their tree. There will be carolers, crafts, cookies and hot chocolate.
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester St.)
Tree Lighting: 7:00 PM
| Regent Park Youth Safety & Well-Being Forum |
The Regent Park Youth Safety & Well-Being Forum is a community-driven initiative that fosters a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for young people in Regent Park to engage in open conversations about safety, security, and mental health.
This forum encourages self-reflection, community connection, and helps youth access real-world support systems to promote overall well-being.
Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Regent Park Community Centre, 402 Shuter Street
Open to all youth residents of Regent Park.
| United Way’s Leading Social Justice Collective |
United Way Greater Toronto and the University of Toronto’s School of Cities are launching this year’s Leading Social Justice Collective (LSJC) - a unique, cross-sector leadership program for changemakers across the GTA. As our communities face growing inequities and complex challenges, we need leaders from all sectors – community, public, and private - to come together to reimagine and rebuild our systems.
LSJC equips participants with the mindset, tools, and networks to drive long-term, systems-level change rooted in equity and social justice.
Applications are now open until December 12, 2025: [Apply here]
| Apply for $5,000 to support your community-led project! |
As a part of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS), they are providing the opportunity to apply for a grant that supports resident-led projects. These projects can encourage local activation and focus on the five domains of TSNS – economic opportunities, healthy lives, participation in civic making, physical surroundings, and social development - across all neighbourhoods.
The Local Leadership Grant prioritizes the leadership and participation of Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving groups within Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, Emerging Neighbourhoods, and other communities of focus.
Find out more by clicking here!
| Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards - Nominations Open |
Nominations for the 2026 Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards are now open until January 15. If you know a changemaker in your community who deserves recognition, please consider submitting a nomination using this form.
Who Can Be Nominated:
There are four categories: Individual, Group, Women, and Youth (under 25). Any Ontario resident, or Ontario-based organization, group, or initiative may be nominated. This includes educators, writers, community workers, social and political activists, social action groups, trade unions, youth organizations, multicultural organizations, schools, coalitions, professional associations, media, and service clubs.
The award ceremony will be held in March 2026.