March 13, 2026

Dear Neighbour

My original draft of this newsletter began discussing Ford’s plans to take over Billy Bishop Airport. 

Then, this morning, Ford announced that he will introduce legislation to change how Freedom of Information requests are processed in Ontario. I’m livid as he takes another swing at our democracy. We must stop Ford's plans from going ahead. 

Freedom of Information (FOI) requests are an essential part of our democracy. They force the government to share information so that the voting public, media, and their democratic opposition can hold them to account. FOI requests helped save the Greenbelt and farmland. FOI requests brought daylight to Ford’s Skills Development Fund corruption. 

Despite these wins, the FOI process needed strengthening, not dismantling. The government already fails to answer FOI requests on time. At every chance, Ford and his team hide, redact, and delay information that Ontarians deserve about how their tax dollars are being spent, who the government meets with, and how we are being governed. And yet, FOI requests have worked to bring down Ford's Ministers and change course. And this is the point. FOIs are a necessary tool of good government, and the process should be strengthened, not gutted.

The conservative government is planning to rip out the critical elements of the FOI in a way that may not even be constitutional. Ford wants to fully exempt himself as Premier, his Ministers, their Parliamentary Assistants and all staff in the Ministers’ offices from Freedom of Information requests. FOI requests would only apply to the work of civil servants. The allowable response time would also be extended from 30 calendar days to 45 business days. And these changes would retroactively apply to every existing FOI request, including the years-long quest to obtain access to Ford’s cell phone records. This means 76 out of the 79 sitting Conservative MPPs would become exempt from being held publicly accountable to the Ontarians who elected them

I almost never swear, but I fully stand by Marit Stiles reaction to journalists: "these changes are bullshit." 

Stay tuned for action. We must save FOIs the way we saved the Greenbelt. 

During this week of back-to-back announcements, Doug Ford pompously announced that he will take over Billy Bishop Airport. This adds to Ford's list of waterfront projects — like a luxury spa at Ontario Place and a new mega convention centre on an artificial island.

Ford’s plan to seize Billy Bishop Airport risks undermining decades of work to improve Toronto’s waterfront.

Ford's track record lists colossal failure after colossal failure:

• The Eglinton Crosstown LRT opened seven years late and $8 billion over budget.
• Ford shut down the Science Centre instead of just repairing itsas roof.
• Ford destroyed Ontario Place's West Island so he could give a $2.2 billion taxpayer subsidy for a private Austrian spa at Ontario Place.

Why would this be different?

While Ford cosplays as the Mayor of Toronto, Ontario’s health care system is crumbling. And his OSAP cuts are handing an entire generation of students a lifetime debt sentence. Fixing what's broken and making life affordable should be Ford's priority — not back-of-the-napkin, pie-in-the-lake schemes that bypass consultation.

Ontario needs properly-funded daycares, schools, hospitals and long-term care homes. If the Premier wants to make our province an economic powerhouse, he should reverse OSAP cuts and invest in Ontarians.

Ford showed how out of touch his priorities are this week when he "justified" his self-promotional ads, saying that the problem with Ontario healthcare is that people don't know how much his government is spending on healthcare. I made a video talking about that here because I was shocked by how outrageous Ford's take was.

I hear from constituents every week who are waiting hours in emergency rooms, struggling to find a family doctor, and watching hospitals buckle under impossible financial strain. Our frontline health-care workers and patients everywhere are asking for real investments now.

I also want to speak directly to the fear and grief that our Jewish neighbours are feeling after shootings outside multiple synagogues in Toronto. Antisemitism has no place in our city, our province, or our country and I condemn it with all my being. Shooting a place of worship is a despicable hate crime. 

I'm concerned that government responses for increased security don't address the root problem. The Ontario NDP has long advocated for early community-level intervention to confront and stop hate. Anti-hate programs need funding for education and to build real local community networks that defend inclusion in all walks of life. Jewish Ontarians deserve to feel safe and for government action to stop hate at the source.

This Sunday, ONDP Leader Marit Stiles and MPP Alexa Gilmour will be hosting a special International Women’s Day reception in Regent Park. It will be a beautiful event with catering provided by Toronto Centre’s very own, Carousel Cafe. They will honour exceptional women leaders in Ontario, and I hope you can join us. Spaces are limited, so please read ahead on how you can save a spot.

Finally, for those with school-aged children, the March Break is upon us. If you are looking for fun activities to do together, there are suggestions listed in the space ahead, including ones from the City of  Toronto, which are all accessible and free. I wish you and your family a joyful week filled with relaxation and time together. 

To our valued readers, if you have suggestions on how to improve this newsletter or ideas about my work at Queen’s Park, please share them. I would love to hear from you.

Until next time, I remain yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Ontario NDP IWD Reception
• Coffee with Kristyn - St Lawrence Market
• Politics and Public Health: Endometriosis Townhall
• Join my Canvass in Scarborough Southwest!
• March Break in Toronto
• Save OSAP Town Hall Shows Momentum
• What’s Making Headlines
• Local Community Events

Join the Official Opposition Leader Marit Stiles, Parkdale-High Park MPP Alexa Gilmour, and I for a reception this Sunday celebrating International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 15 at 1:30 PM.

We will gather at Daniels Spectrum in Regent Park to applaud the accomplishments of women leaders across Ontario following last weekend’s successful IWD rally and march. There will be many special guests and this is an event not to be missed.

IWD Reception

Date: Sunday, March 15

Time: 1:30-3:30 PM

Location: Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East

RSVP: Click here

Delicious catering provided by Carousel Cafe.

Let me buy you a cup of coffee!

As you know, for the past year I’ve been hosting Coffee with Kristyn conversations in every neighbourhood in Toronto Centre. Next Thursday March 19, I will be at Au Pain Doré Bakery with fresh pastries waiting for you. I would love to know what provincial and local issues are top of mind for you and your family. 

Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM

Location: Au Pain Doré Bakery at 81 Front Street East

Click here to reserve your timeslot and stay for a group discussion at the end. I am excited to see you!

Thank you to the hundreds of students and concerned Ontarians who joined Marit Stiles, Ontario NDP MPPs, and I for our electric-hot OSAP town hall last night! 

Students deserve a government that invests in their futures, not one that cuts OSAP and makes education harder to access. It was inspiring to see the power of collective organizing as students shared their stories and learned key strategies to take action against Ford and his Conservatives’ harmful decisions. 

I’m energized and look forward to the next Save OSAP rally at Queen’s Park on March 24 at 1:30 PM!

Endometriosis is a disease where uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, often causing debilitating symptoms including extreme pain, heavy bleeding, and fertility struggles. The condition is still not well understood and treatments are often difficult to access and lack effectiveness. 

People with endometriosis deserve so much better and they need our support!

Join Lesley Stoyan, five amazing advocates, and me for a powerful virtual town hall to understand endometriosis, why treatment is so hard to access, and what we can all do to push for greater awareness and research around women and gender-diverse people's health.

Dr. Jill Andrew, Former MPP & Community Advocate

Natalie Mehra, Ontario Health Coalition

Dr. Grace Liu, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists

Michelle Withers, Peer Health Navigator

Kate Wahl, EndoAct Canada

Date: Monday, March 23, 2026

Time: 7 PM

Location: Virtual, on Zoom - RSVP for the link

There will be a provincial byelection in Scarborough Southwest this year. Join myself and the Toronto Centre team as we head out to Scarborough to knock on doors and talk to voters! Sign up here! 

Date: Monday, March 16, 2026

Time: 4-6 PM

Location: Meet up at Warden Subway Station. If you need transportation, please reach out by replying to this email.

March Break is finally here! There are so many ways for families to explore, learn, and have fun across our city!

Museums and institutions like the ROM, Jamii, and the AGO have special programming this week, including hands-on activities, workshops, and performances designed especially for kids and teens. The Toronto Public Library is also hosting March Break programs at many branches, from crafts and storytelling to STEM activities and gaming.

Whether you’re discovering something new at a museum, spending time at your local library, or enjoying the outdoors, I hope everyone has a safe and joyful March Break.

You can find a full list of programs and activities by visiting the City of Toronto’s March Break webpage.

The Ontario NDP is accepting applications for its 14-week Summer Youth Leadership Internship Program that gives young Ontarians aged 18 to 25 hands-on experience with organizing, campaigning, and working with communities across the province.

The program runs from May 10 to August 14, 2026 and includes 12 full-time paid internship positions.

Toronto Realtors Lisa Marie Doorey and Cheryl Thompson are collecting clean ready-to-wear (i.e. gently used) medium and large winter coats for Covenant House. Due to the harsh winter weather this year, they’re working to meet the needs of homeless youths.

You can email Lisa Marie at [email protected] to get involved. Every little bit helps and I know you want to help. Thank you to Lisa Marie and Cheryl for your kindness in leading this effort.

GO train near Oakville was seconds away from ‘worst-case’ derailment, internal Metrolinx report shows

‘We’re not okay’: Calls for more support as Ontarians with intellectual disabilities face homelessness and exploitation

Ford to introduce bill exempting Premier, cabinet from FOI requests

Gélinas: Time to end experiment with for-profit blood brokers

Fix it, don’t toss it: NDP calls on Ford to pass Right to Repair legislation

“Another attack on the environment,” Tabuns rips Ford’s decision to gut conservation authorities

NDP will force a vote on Ford’s callous OSAP cuts

The Friends of Allan Gardens and Mozhdeh Hashemian are hosting Allan Gardens 3rd Annual Nowruz Celebration! This is a public event for people of all ages, and backgrounds focused on sharing Iranian culture and celebrating our community's shared love for the spring and its accompanying blooms! Enjoy the beautiful spring blooms in the Temperate Show House, a beautiful greenhouse cared for by City of Toronto Parks Staff!

More Info:

Posted online here.

This event is run by Friends of Allan Gardens volunteers.

Special thanks to Mozhdeh for organizing the festivities!

$5 or pay-what-you-can donation would be welcome to cover the snacks and materials.

The FWC26™ Youth Career Summit is a free, one-day event taking place at St. Lawrence Market North on March 27, 2026, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. There will be a DJ, food, workshops, and a day of exploring industries related to sports and large scale events!

• Group registration via Eventbrite is required.
• Organizations may register up to 9 youth plus one staff/chaperone per submission (additional registrations can be completed if needed). Registration will ask for chaperone details (for those under 18), dietary restrictions, accessibility needs, and total tickets required.

Please register by Friday, March 13. For questions, contact [email protected].

The Order of Ontario is the province’s highest civilian honour, recognizing individuals whose excellence and achievements have left a lasting impact locally, nationally, and globally. You can nominate someone excelling in any field, from business, healthcare, education, arts, sports, science, and more. Nominees must be long-term or former Ontario residents, living at the time of nomination, and have made a major contribution to society.

Deadline for nominations is March 31. Details here.

The Well at Work Career Fair, hosted by Sherbourne Health is a great opportunity for Trans and Non-binary jobseekers to connect directly with employers from a variety of industries and sectors who are: 

• Actively hiring 
• Offering internship opportunities 

Participants will have the chance to: 

• Meet employers face-to-face
• Learn about available roles
• Apply on the spot
• Participate in interviews

Registration is mandatory to attend. Please register by March 13 to secure your spot. Register here.

This is also a valuable networking opportunity to build connections for future employment and meet others interested in similar career paths. 

The Well at Work Career Fair will feature over 10 employers from a range of industries including corporate and community services. 

Additional Supports Available On-Site 

•  Free professional clothing shop – Business and professional attire will be available. You may change upon arrival or take items for future use. 
• Mental health support services –  For anyone feeling overwhelmed or anxious during the event, you can connect 1:1 with our mental health counselors, and program staff. 
•  Food and TTC tokens will be provided. 

Toronto Centre residents are feeling intense pressure in the condo and rental market, and we’re seeing growing interest in collaborative ownership models.

On Saturday, March 14 at Parkdale Hall, Husmates is hosting a full-day conference on co-ownership: Find Your People. Find Your Place. Discover the Power of Co-Ownership.

Many people in need of stable housing fall into the “missing middle” – earning too much to qualify for affordable housing, but unable to purchase independently in today’s market. Co-ownership is emerging as one practical pathway for these households to access stable homeownership through shared equity and collaboration.

The conference brings together legal experts, lenders, urbanists, and experienced co-owners to provide practical information about governance structures, financing, and risk mitigation – along with facilitated opportunities for residents to connect.

Event details:

Date:  March 14, 2026

Time: 8:30 AM - 6 PM

Location:  Parkdale Hall, 1605 Queen St W suite 3, Toronto

Ticket purchase information, agenda, and speakers list can be found here.

Vendor applications for the 47th annual Cabbagetown Festival are now open! Click here to sign up! The festival runs from September 12-13, 2026 at Parliament and Carlton. 

This year’s festival will feature a new Rainbow Market,  spotlighting 2SLGBTQI+ makers and businesses! If your business is 2SLGBTQI+-owned or your products/services align with this space, apply now—Super Early Bird rates are on. 

Last year the festival welcomed 100,000+ guests and 250+ vendors. Come meet your future fans!

Dates and Times:


• Saturday, September 12, 11 AM – 8 PM
• Sunday, September 13, 11 AM – 7 PM

Apply: Visit cabbagetownto.com/festival-call-for-vendors 

The Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA), with assistance from Endeavor Consulting, is developing a three-year strategic plan. 

Regent Park residents are invited to participate by completing a short survey and participating in a small focus group discussion.

Focus Groups:

Virtual focus groups are being convened for the following stakeholder groups:

• Market Tenants
• TCHC Tenants
• Community Partners
• RPNA Board Members

To participate in a focus group, reach out to Hanieh Shams Kolahi, Engagement Manager, Endeavour Consulting: [email protected]

Surveys close to comments on March 16, 2026. 

Surveys:

• Market Tenants
• TCHC Tenants
• Community Partners
• RPNA Board Members

Do you know a phenomenal leader in your community who deserves recognition?

Kristyn Wong-Tam will present six people with the prestigious Toronto Centre Leadership Award in June 2026.

This honour recognizes individuals who have made a profound and lasting contribution to the Toronto Centre community in any field. This can include the arts, politics, community building, healthcare, and beyond!

Submit your nominee here!

Registration for the TDSB Learn4Life Spring 2026 session has officially begun!

Learn4Life offers a wide range of engaging and affordable courses for adults 18+, including language classes, arts, fitness, technology, professional development, and general interest programs. Classes are designed to support lifelong learning, skill building, and community connection in a welcoming environment.

Registration is open!

Browse Courses & Register here: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/adult-learners/learn4life

Don’t miss out — popular classes fill up quickly!

PASI is a large-scale outdoor community photo exhibition led by Jamii, taking place along Toronto’s Esplanade promenade from May to July 2026. The project brings together Torontonians of all ages to reflect how people from around the world live side by side in one city.

Meaning “a soccer pass” in Swahili, PASI will feature a continuous chain of portraits in which participants symbolically pass a ball from one image to the next. Installed between the Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market, the exhibition includes 48 large-scale outdoor portraits representing countries participating in the 2026 tournament.

Click here to sign up and have your portrait taken for this community art exhibit!