Dear Emma,
In a surprise move, Doug Ford and his Conservative Caucus decided that yesterday was their last day in the Legislature until October 21, starting the summer break a week early and extending it to five months long. I am frustrated by this move. We were supposed to have one more week in the Legislatures to debate, table our own bills and motions, and hold Ford's corrupt feet to the fire. Clearly, Ford is scared of our hard-hitting questions and will do anything to run from them, including shamefully giving himself a five-month reprieve from public accountability.
I'm proud to say that your Ontario NDP debated and voted against the Conservative plan to hide from tough questions from the opposition and the Queen’s Park press gallery. Ford wants us to forget about their scandals and use this time to continue courting their wealthy donors and insiders.
Ford also quietly shuffled his cabinet yesterday, bloating it to 36 Ministers and Associate Ministers, the largest in Ontario’s history. Each of these titles comes with a hefty salary increase, many more staff, and resources. Once again, Ford is making cuts to healthcare, education, and housing just to turn around and spend that money on his friends and insiders. It is shameful.
Even more infuriating is that Steve Clark, the disgraced former Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, who oversaw the corrupt greenbelt grab, is back as Government House Leader. This means that he is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the government in the legislature, taking the lead on scheduling, fast-tracks bills, and often answering the bulk of opposition questions in question period. While this is deeply troubling, it is not surprising since the outgoing Government House Leader, Paul Calandra, is highly adept at gaslighting and hiding from government scandals. It is very telling that Steve Clark has faced no long-term consequences for his actions within the government despite being under active investigation by the RCMP for corruption.
The other big change-up in this cabinet shuffle is that longtime Education Minister Steven Lecce has been swapped with Todd Smith, the Minister of Energy and Electrification. I know that many are happy to see Minister Lecce moved out of the education file, as he had failed to listen to thousands of families with students in our public schools and aggravated teachers' unions for years. I am, however, concerned that he is now leading the critical energy file and will be in charge of our province’s nuclear energy sector. You can read more about the cabinet shake-up here.
All that said, committee work will continue even when the Legislature is not in session, including – crucially – my multi-partisan work on the Intimate Partner Violence Sub-Committee. As the Ontario NDP lead on this file, I will be working with the PC sub-committee chair throughout the summer and autumn months to hold consultations and hear from subject matter experts, Ministers and ministry staff, and people with lived experience. It remains my intention to have the government declare intimate partner violence an epidemic before the end of this year when we wrap up province-wide consultation and head toward the final action plan.
Regardless, in addition to my sub-committee obligations, I intend to be hard at work in Toronto Centre during the break, as I will be researching and drafting future motions and bills, consulting with stakeholder groups, meeting with constituents about their concerns, and – of course – seeing all of you and your families at the many festivals and events Toronto has to offer this summer. I encourage you to keep an eye on this newsletter, especially the community events section, so you never miss out on the fun and action.
Speaking of fun, last night was our Pride & Politics Fundraiser, and did we ever have a blast. Our drag queens Messy Margaret and Amora tore up the stage, and I even joined them, alongside ONDP Leader Marit Stiles and Dr. Samantha Green, our Toronto Centre federal candidate.
Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and donated. Your generous contribution is helping us get ready for the anticipated early election next year.
This event was a wonderful way to ring in the pride season, and I can’t wait to do it again next year!
Happy Pride Month! I look forward to seeing you all during the summer festival season!
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Pride at the Legislature
- Volunteer with Us at Pride!
- Regent Park Summer Safety Jam
- NDP Bill to Tackle Illegal Handguns
- Grassy Narrows Sues Ontario Government
- Local Community News
| Pride at the Legislature |
This week, we raised the rainbow progress flag at Queen’s Park. This event was a wonderful collaboration between my office and the Ontario Public Service Pride Network. Their partnership was invaluable, and almost 200 people were in attendance, making the 10th anniversary Pride flag raising at Queen’s Park the largest ever. Watching the pride flag go up in front of our provincial legislature alongside so many public servants, community members, and allies was powerful.
As the flag rose, Singing Out Choir, Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQIA+ community choir, serenaded us. Watching the flag go up as they sang Rina Sawayama’s “Chosen Family” was an emotional experience. I found myself reflecting on how far we have come as a community and how far we still must go. Events like this energize me to keep fighting for our community every day.
Pride Month is a time for joy, community, remembering our history, and coming together to push for human rights and recognition for all 2SLGBTQIA+ people. This week I shared this message in the house, calling for the Ontario government to invest in our communities all year round and create the comprehensive anti-hate strategy Ontario desperately needs. You can watch my speech here.
| Volunteer with Us at 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
|
Regent Park Summer Safety Jam |
Last Saturday, Regent Park was buzzing! It was a perfect summer day, and the community was out in droves to enjoy the Summer Safety Jam, where we were treated to a barbecue, bouncy castle, local vendors, and sweet treats. I was there, next to my big orange tent, and got to talk to many neighbours! It was wonderful to talk about the issues that are of most concern to you, including housing affordability, quality education for our kids, access to healthcare, and of course, community safety.
Under the tent, we gave away tote bags, shared information about government services, and collected petition signatures on the issues that matter most to you.
If you see me at a neighbourhood festival this summer, please come and say hello! I would love to chat with you.
| NDP Bill to Tackle Illegal Handguns |
On Thursday, I was proud to stand alongside my colleague MPP Peter Tabuns to support his bill, the Stopping Illegal Handgun Smuggling Act. This bill would require the Attorney General to develop a plan to pursue legal action in response to the entry of illegal handguns into Ontario, with a specific focus on whether taking legal action against American gun manufacturers for their role in the problem could be fruitful. Depending on the results of the research the Attorney General may be compelled to take the recommended legal action. This kind of litigation is currently being pursued by the Mexican government and I am watching closely for those results.
We all know how devastating gun violence is in our communities. It rips families apart and fills neighbourhoods with fear. This Conservative government must do much more to keep our streets safe from gun violence, and that starts with tackling illegal handguns.
Today is the National Day Against Gun Violence. This morning, I joined advocates and survivors at Nathan Philips Square to honour the lives we’ve lost to senseless violence in our neighbourhoods. Gun Violence causes devastating tragedy in our lives, and we must recommit now more than ever to work toward eliminating all forms of gun violence through community-driven change and meaningful action.
Thank you to TO Wards Peace, Mothers of Peace, the City of Toronto, and local community organizations from across the city for coming together and creating a space for healing and peace today.
|
Grassy Narrows Sues Ontario Government |
Grassy Narrows has been asking the Ontario government to clean up their mercury-poisoned river for decades, travelling to Queen’s Park for their “river run” demonstrations annually.
All of this action has been in response to the government's refusal to clean up the English-Wabigoon river system on their territory, which was poisoned when a paper mill dumped 9,000 kilograms of mercury into it in the 1960s. No additional mercury has been dumped since the 1970s, but levels in the lake have not changed in 40 years. And the mill is still operating, dumping effluent into the lake that reacts with existing mercury, creating even more toxic methylmercury.
Residents in the area have become very sick, suffering from nerve disease and all manner of chronic health effects. The government has done very little, even with the release of a new report confirming that the continued operation of the mill is exacerbating the poisoning.
This stunning lack of government action has resulted in Grassy Narrows First Nation filing a lawsuit against the Ontario government, stating that their treaty rights have been breached, especially as the mercury has profoundly affected the health of their members and the fish that they harvest for food and income.
I am very proud of my colleague, ONDP Deputy Leader Sol Mamakwa, who has stood alongside Grassy Narrows, and I will continue to support them as they work towards justice for their nation.
| Upcoming Community Events |
| 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.
| 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
| The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park |
Free Books for Kids!
The Children's Book Bank is open Monday-Thursday from 10am-6pm and Friday-Saturday from 10 AM -3 PM
Where: 585 Dundas St E Suite 260
All children and families welcome! Adults must bring a child with them.
| Free Public Wifi Consultations |
The City of Toronto is holding a series of public consultations to inform an expanded Free Public Wi-Fi Strategy based on considerations including how residents use free public Wi-Fi, which City spaces could benefit from it, steps the City can take to enhance the experience of getting online and ways to monitor quality and identify areas for improvement. In addition to public consultations, the City is working with community organizations across Toronto to facilitate in-depth discussions with people with lived experience in the digital divide.
Consultations
Virtual consultations will be held on:
- Tuesday, June 18, from 1 to 2 p.m.
In-person consultations will be held on:
- Thursday, June 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Heron Park Community Centre, 292 Manse Rd.
Participants have the option to join virtual consultations by phone. More information about timing, locations and dial-in details for virtual consultations can be found on the City’s webpage.
| Pride Events All Month Long! |
Pride isn’t just one weekend! Prid 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.
| Shine On! A National Indigenous Histories Month and PRIDE Marketplace |
Join the YMCA as we 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!
| 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]
