March 31, 2023 Newsletter

Dear Emma,

I hope you have all stayed dry and warm during this unseasonably rainy and cool week! I am looking forward to some beautiful spring and summer weather over the next few weeks – fingers crossed!

Tomorrow, Saturday, I’m co-hosting a Rally for Public Education outside of Queen’s Park from 12 to 1:30 PM. Join me and other passionate education advocates on the Queen's Park South Lawn for kids' activities, free ice cream, and an opportunity to advocate for the high-quality public education we need.

Ontario’s public schools are in crisis. Chronic underfunding has led to larger class sizes, cancelled programs, delayed repairs, and a growing crisis in special education. 

Since 2018, Ontario has been spending $1,500 less per student when adjusted for inflation. That adds up to a $3 billion shortfall across our education system.

We're calling on the Ford government to reverse the cuts and properly invest in public education.

The rally will be family-friendly, accessible, and feature speakers from the communities most impacted by the cuts, including students, educators, and parents.

Speakers will highlight issues like:

• Special education cuts
• Mental health supports
• Program cancellations (pools, arts, adult education)
• Overcrowded classrooms

Bring your family, friends, neighbours and noise makers!

You may have seen me and my team at your school entrances this week, handing out flyers promoting this rally and talking with parents and students about how the government’s budget cuts affect their schools. A huge turnout will send a strong message to Doug Ford and Education Minister Paul Calandra. 

Keep reading below to learn more about Ford’s budget cuts to essential school services, such as swimming pools, music classes, outdoor education, and more. To save our schools, we need you to get involved. Together, let’s tell Ford to invest in our kids! 

May is Asian Heritage Month! The Ontario NDP Caucus and I are hosting a reception to mark this important month on Tuesday, May 28, from 5 to 7 PM at Queen’s Park. We would love for you to attend.

This catered reception celebrates diverse Asian cultures and the diasporic communities that call Ontario their home. It will be a special event with food, beverages and special guests. Please RSVP by Monday, May 26, at noon.

I hope to see you at tomorrow’s Queen’s Park Rally for Public Education!

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Emergency Education Meeting Recap
• Scrap Bill 5!
• Muriel Collins Housing Co-op’s 30th Anniversary
• Marry Me Mochi Grand Opening
• You're Invited: Rosemary Brown Awards 
• This Week’s Headlines
• Local Community Events

This Tuesday’s Emergency Education Meeting was a huge success! Nearly 100 participants joined MPP Jessica Bell, Trustee Williams, and me, and the discussion was dynamic. It was energizing to be around many people dedicated to ensuring our students and public schools are well-resourced. The Ford government is banking on busy parents and caregivers being overwhelmed by budget numbers and government talking points. The clear and concise explanations from my co-hosts left everyone who attended feeling more informed about what’s at stake if Ford does not reverse his budget cuts. Trustee Williams shared her excellent presentation with me, and I’ve posted her slides for you here.

If you are fired up and ready to take action like I am, the most impactful thing you can do to fight cuts to education is to organize your school community. Join your parent council, speak to other parents and caregivers at pickup and dropoff times, and organize a Rally for Public Education of your own in front of your local school before school hours. If you need support with any of this work or would like me to attend your school's rally, please reach out to my office. 

If you are looking for a smaller way to get started, you can sign our digital petition here or print out and sign a paper petition, which you can find here. 

As your MPP, I will introduce and read your paper petition into the official legislative records. Please note that the Ontario Legislative Assembly only accepts paper petitions. (I know, I know.)

Paper petitions are a great way to initiate a friendly, in-person conversation with your neighbours about public education. Please share all paper petitions with me to ensure they are tabled to make your voice heard. Contact my office and we will arrange a time to pick the petitions from you.

Yesterday, the government held hearings for Bill 5, their proposed legislation which, if passed, would overhaul mining laws in Ontario, reducing or eliminating environmental assessment requirements, overhauling endangered species protections, potentially overriding labour laws, and more. As with many government bills lately, Bill 5 is written in a very open-ended fashion, allowing most of the details to be finalized “in regulation,” a step that happens after the bill is passed at the discretion of the Minister. This style of governing is very frustrating and, in my opinion, borders on anti-democratic. 

Many critics of Bill 5 say that this government is using the threat of tariffs as a convenient excuse to do what they always planned: strip environmental regulations from mining projects. This bill also faces massive opposition from Indigenous nations, especially those near the “Ring of Fire” mineral deposits in Northwestern Ontario. Yesterday, many Indigenous leaders came to Queen’s Park to share their concerns and register their opposition to Bill 5. 

You can join the movement to scrap Bill 5 by clicking here to send an email to Doug Ford and Minister Lecce demanding that they scrap this dangerous bill! 

Committee consultation on the bill will continue on Monday, and written submissions will be accepted until Monday at 6 PM. To share your feedback with the committee, click here.

Last Saturday, I had a splendid time celebrating Muriel Collins Housing Co-operative’s 30th anniversary with their members, extended family and supporters of the co-op movement. 

Muriel Collins is an iconic housing co-op built in the 1990s on provincial land. It was made possible through the leveraging of government investments and sponsorship from CUPE Local 79, the union representing the City of Toronto’s inside workers. It was a beautiful reminder that the solutions to Ontario's housing crisis are already tried, tested and successfully on display in Toronto Centre.

Doug Ford should take note that selling government-owned land to land speculators is incredibly short-sighted and a policy failure. Public land can do so much more if we only look at the examples that already exist all around us. Workers and everyday folks need affordable housing now!

This special anniversary and the co-op members I met have strengthened my passion for fighting to build more affordable and co-op housing in Toronto Centre.

Congratulations to Marry Me Mochi on the grand opening of their 15th store, this time in Canada's busiest mall, the Eaton Centre! 

It's remarkable to see this Canadian independent business, run by a passionate group of siblings, supported by their extended family, accomplished the feat of opening 15 stores in less than one year. I encourage everyone to visit the new location and indulge in delicious Marry Me Mochi donuts. I can't wait to see the next 15 stores and another 15 more after that!

On behalf of Official Opposition and Ontario NDP Leader, Marit Stiles, I are honoured to invite all of you to the 2025 Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards Ceremony, an evening dedicated to recognizing exceptional individuals and organizations working to eliminate racial discrimination and advance equity and justice across Ontario.

Named in honour of Rosemary Brown, the first Black woman elected to a provincial legislature and the first to run for leadership of a federal party  — these awards carry on Rosemary’s legacy of fighting sexism, racism, and poverty, both here in Ontario and around the world.

In that same spirit, this ceremony will spotlight changemakers who have made meaningful contributions toward dismantling systemic racism and building a more equitable province.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Kennedy Convention Centre, Hall A

(Parking & main entrance at rear. Accessible entrance via Hall C)

1199 Kennedy Road, Scarborough

To confirm your attendance, please RSVP by Friday, May 30 using the following link: RSVP here.

‘Financial landlords’ more aggressive on raising Toronto rents than other landlords, study finds

Lawyer groups are ‘deeply concerned’ about proposed changes to civil lawsuits in Ontario 

Rainfall warning in Toronto downgraded as drizzle, unseasonable cold to continue into the weekend 

Why is it cold in Toronto this week?

Mining claims in Ring of Fire up 66 per cent over past 3 years: environmental group

Toronto police 911 upgrade expected to improve response times

Explore Toronto’s architectural, historical, cultural and socially significant buildings for free during Doors Open weekend, this weekend, May 24 and 25. With sports, music and theatre venues and more than 150 sites to discover, the city becomes an urban playground. Get ready to play!

Use this map to explore all of the locations and plan your weekend! 

Sites are open from 10 AM to 5 PM unless otherwise indicated. 

The Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter and the Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action invite community members to a youth-led roundtable dedicated to fighting racism and fostering solidarity.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, May 24
  
  
• Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
  
  
• Location: Scarborough Civic Centre + Zoom
  
  
• Language: English with interpretation available in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Tamil
  
  
• Support: Snacks and TTC tokens available as needed; volunteer hours recognized
  

This hybrid event features youth leaders from Chinese and Tamil communities sharing powerful stories, strategies, and resources. Participants will hear how youth created culturally relevant workshops, developed educational tools, and gained confidence in sharing their lived experiences. The roundtable also offers space to connect with mentors, engage with peers, and contribute ideas to grassroots anti-racism efforts.

Register: Youth Led Roundtable: Asians Against Racism and Hate Tickets, Sat, May 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

Contact:

• Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter – [email protected]
  
  
• Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action – [email protected]

Friends of Regent Park, alongside community partners, invite residents to a joyful Community Birthday Celebration on Saturday, May 24 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter Street).

This free, all-ages event brings together neighbours for an afternoon of:

• Cake
• Games
• Music
• Fun activities

Everyone is welcome to take part in the festivities and celebrate the spirit of Regent Park with friends, family, and community.

New Beginnings Support Program Hosts Final Overstock Inventory Sale

New Beginnings Support Program is organizing a final inventory sale to support women and children in the community. All proceeds will go directly to the program’s ongoing initiatives.

• Event: Final Overstock Inventory Sale
• Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Suite 418, 120 Carlton Street, Toronto, Ontario
• Payment: Cash only

Items for sale include:

• Clothes
• Wedding dresses
• Dove and Silk’n products
• Toys

Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags. Everything is priced to go, with items starting at just $2.

As part of Pride Toronto's 2025 Affiliate Events, Long Live the Rainbow brings a vibrant celebration of love, resilience, and queer joy to the stage.

🎭 Long Live the Rainbow

📅 May 16 – May 25, 2025
📍 Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley Street, Toronto
🎟 Tickets: Long Live the Rainbow Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

💖 $5 from each ticket supports Rainbow Railroad, helping LGBTQ+ people find safety from persecution.

The Centre of Learning & Development, Mothers of Peace Regent Park, and ArtHubs Toronto invite everyone to a festive Eid al-Adha Bazaar celebrating community, culture, and local talent.

Event Details:

• Date: Monday, May 27
  
  
• Time: 2 – 8 PM
  
  
• Location: Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East

Enjoy a vibrant market filled with henna, jewellery, clothing, delicious food, and more — all from local vendors!

Contact for Questions or Vendor Inquiries:
Sureya at [email protected] or 647-493-2462 ext. 112

Toronto Newcomer Day 2025 Celebrates Diversity and Community Connection

The City of Toronto will host Toronto Newcomer Day on Wednesday, May 28 at Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St. West) from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

This annual celebration welcomes newcomers to Toronto with a day filled with:

• Information booths from community service providers
• A vibrant marketplace and food fair
• Free cultural performances throughout the day

Special Feature:

 A storytelling session with Indigenous knowledge keeper Jim Adams, offering an interactive, all-ages program. The presentation will explore the histories and relationships of Indigenous peoples in the region — past and present — with a focus on wampum belts, treaties, and cultural traditions. Sensory and auditory elements will be included to engage participants of all ages.

Space is limited. Registration for this program is required and is managed by Toronto Public Library via Eventbrite. Group bookings should include the total number of tickets needed.

The SLNA’s Waste Reduction Group is hosting their 13th REmarket! This two-day community initiative supports waste reduction by collecting unwanted items, encouraging reuse, and offering repair services.

📍 Event Details

Location: St. Lawrence Market Tent (125 The Esplanade)

🗓 Wednesday, May 28, 2025

• Donation collection, recycling services, and household hazardous waste drop-off:
  ⏰ 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  
  
• FreeMarket:
  ⏰ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  Guests can bring and take items freely (non-commercial use only). Bring your own bag.
  

🗓 Thursday, May 29, 2025

• Donation collection, recycling services, and household hazardous waste drop-off:
  ⏰ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  
  
• Repair Café Toronto & CultureLink Bike Hub:
  ⏰ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  Clothing, jewellery, electronics, small appliances, and more will be repaired on site. CultureLink Bike Hub will offer bike repairs and safety checks.

Do you have a desire to step up and fight for a better, fairer, more just world? This People, Power, Change workshop is for you. This workshop series is designed to help anyone learn how to make a difference by organizing their communities.

Based on the work of Marshall Ganz, this in-person workshop develops five core leadership practices:

• Tell your story to share your own leadership journey, connect with your people, and foster shared purpose
• Develop an effective structure that scales up as your movement grows
• Build intentional relationships rooted in shared values
• Develop realistic strategies based in a meaningful power analysis
• Design campaign tactics that grow your capacity while reaching for your goals

Dates: June 7 and 8, 2025
Times: 9 AM - 4:30 PM

Deadline to Register: May 30th, 2025.

Price: $499.00 per person, $2,000 team tickets for groups of 6 people committed to working in a team together. Scholarships available, please complete this form to apply.

Call for Local Talent: Cabbagetown Roaming Performers Program Returns

Cabbagetown BIA is bringing back the Roaming Performers Program to animate the neighbourhood with live music, movement, and creativity all summer long.

• Program Dates: June 6 – September 1, 2025
• Application Deadline (First Round): Friday, May 31, 2025
• Final Rolling Deadline: Saturday, June 15, 2025

Who They’re Looking For:

 Musicians, magicians, dancers, balloon artists, jugglers, street performers, and other entertainers ready to perform short sets throughout the community.

Program Details:

• Performances run 2–3 hours
• Honorarium of $200–$300 per session
• Artists must bring their own equipment
• Performances must be mobile and suitable for street settings
• Open to solo acts and small groups (up to 3 members)

Selected performers will activate Cabbagetown’s public spaces with joyful, engaging shows for visitors, patio diners, and residents alike.

Apply now: Application for Roaming Performers — Cabbagetown BIA

TNG Community Services invites residents to the TNG Challenge, an event supporting seniors to live independently, safely, and with dignity.

• Event: Tai Chi with the Chinese Seniors Group
• Date: Saturday, June 21
• Time: Not specified
• Location: 349 Ontario Street

This engaging outdoor event promotes wellness and community spirit. Participants can also get involved by donating, starting a fundraising page, or becoming a matching donor.

Learn more at Get moving in support of seniors!

Toronto’s public labyrinth at Trinity Square Park is becoming the 10th Legacy Labyrinth in the world. To celebrate this distinction, two great community events are coming up!

🌿 Legacy Labyrinth Designation Ceremony

Saturday, June 21 at 12:00 PM
📍 Trinity Square Park
The ceremony will be followed by a Summer Solstice Walk, inviting reflection in support of global and local community care.

🍽 Legacy Project Workshop – Lunch & Learn

Sunday, June 22 from 12:30 to 2:00 PM
📍 Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E.
This interactive session will explore how walking a labyrinth can raise awareness for social issues, including the needs of Toronto’s unhoused residents.

Canadian Immigrant is bringing its signature Canadian Immigrant Fair back to Toronto on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North (255 Front Street West).

This free, one-stop event is designed to support newcomers with the tools and connections they need to succeed in Canada, focusing on:

• Careers
• Education
• Settlement

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with employers, recruiters, educational institutions, government agencies, and community service organizations.

Highlights include:

• One-on-one résumé critiques
• An engaging lineup of guest speakers
• Access to valuable resources for job searching, upgrading education, and settling in a new community

Admission is free and open to all.

Dear Emma,

This week, the Ford government made their priorities crystal clear. Yesterday, they tabled the Ontario Budget for 2025-2026, and it left me wanting, especially when it comes to education funding, which was stagnant despite the growing crises in our schools. 

This budget failed to include new funding to tackle the structural deficits facing school boards across our province, especially in Toronto. Without new funding, these deficits will result in Ford forcing the closure of 50% of all TDSB pools, slashing music and outdoor education programs, and leaving students with learning and developmental exceptionalities without vital support.

The budget was a punch in the gut to partners and students fighting for new funding for special education, despite the clear need for more support. Working and middle-class families are struggling with the high cost of groceries, this is expected to worsen as the tariff war drags on.  Yes, Ford could not find it in his heart to invest in student nutrition programs, proven to enable better learning. It’s hard to stay focused when your tummy is growling!

This is why we must band together to Save Our Schools - Invest in Kids and Protect Our Pools!

On Tuesday, May 20, at 8 PM, I am co-hosting a virtual Public Education Emergency Meeting. Please join MPP Jessica Bell, TDSB Trustee Dee Williams and me to learn more about the Ford’s proposed service cuts and program closures. Have your say and let’s take action together to save our vital school resources. 

Following the Emergency Meeting, on Saturday, May 24, let’s take our message directly to Doug Ford and his government at Queen’s Park with a Rally for Education Funding. The stakes are too high, and we must not let the Conservatives get away with defunding our schools and closing our pools. 

For the little ones and their parents, we know weekends are precious, so we will have craft paper and markers for sign-making opportunities and free ice cream for everyone. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Besides the disappointment in education funding, the budget was rife with other policy failures. It missed the opportunity to tariff-proof Ontario or invest in the nation-building projects we need, like new affordable homes, schools, and hospitals. 

Doug Ford and his government had a choice with this budget: to build a tariff-proof future so Ontario can take on the economic uncertainties from Donald Trump’s reckless tariffs or to table a business-as-usual budget. Unfortunately, he picked the latter. 

This budget delivers little hope or reassurance for families already stretched thin, overworked health care and education workers, and auto workers worried about their livelihoods. I am disappointed. 

Over the past few months, the people of Ontario have been asking themselves: Why wasn’t Ontario in a stronger position to take on these tariffs? Today’s budget offers a clue.  

This budget cuts $1.2 billion from post-secondary education, takes us even further off track from the goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2030, and delivers no relief to communities stuck with closed and overcrowded emergency rooms.

I am proud to stand with the Ontario NDP and our plan to strengthen Ontario. If we had tabled a budget today, it would have included plans to: 

1. Accelerate public infrastructure projects — hospitals, schools, and affordable housing so Ontario can address social challenges and create jobs. 
2. Invest in training and apprenticeships to build a resilient workforce. 
3. Grow Ontario’s economy, strengthen local supply chains, and bolster efforts to find new markets for Ontario goods and services. 
4. Protect jobs and implement tough measures to stop jobs and manufacturing from leaving the province. 
5. Bring real income supports for workers and emergency funding for tariff-exposed industries.

I look forward to the rest of this legislative session as the ONDP pushes for these priorities and improves life for everyday people in Ontario, instead of sticking wet band-aids on gaping funding holes like this government is doing. Ontarians deserve reassurance, relief, and results. That is exactly what I intend to deliver. 

If you want to have your say about the budget or any other legislation moving through the Legislature, you can sign up to depute at a committee, either in person or through a written submission, here. 

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• PC Reliance on Private Nursing Costs $9.2 Billion
• Ford Broke His Promises to Survivors
• ONDP Demands No Clawbacks to Federal Disability Benefit
• Allan Gardens Palm House Reopening
• TNG Cabbagetown Open House
• St Lawrence Market North Grand Opening
• CWNA 15th Anniversary Celebration
• This Week's Meetings
• This Week’s Headlines
• Local Community Events

Over the past 10 years, the Ontario government has spent over $9.2 billion on private for-profit nursing agencies to fill hospital staffing gaps, according to a report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, published this week. 

Agency nurses are up to three times as expensive per shift as public hospital staff nurses, and they cannot provide the continuity of care that staff nurses can because they work at hospitals so sporadically. This is a lose-lose situation for hospitals, staff, patients, and taxpayers. 

But instead of investing in, retaining, and recruiting nurses to our public system, Ford is privatizing our healthcare system by emptying public coffers into the private bank accounts of nursing agency shareholders. 

This week, I asked Ford when his government would stop using band-aid solutions to fix our province's systemic and far-reaching problems. As usual, I received a non-answer. 

Instead of addressing the root causes of Ontario’s healthcare staffing crisis, like underfunding, low wages, or lack of full-time work, the government has chosen to reintroduce bills like The More Convenient Care Act. This bill would make changes that could weaken local public health oversight, line the pockets of private healthcare profiteers, and put Ontarians’ personal health information at risk. 

Last week, when I spoke to the government’s new justice bill, I had the opportunity to hold the government accountable for their abandonment of all Ontarians touched by intimate partner violence. You can watch part of my speech here. 

We can never forget the three women who were murdered in Renfrew County in September 2015 at the hands of their former partner. I carry the three of them and their stories with me every time I stand up in the Legislature.

Many families, friends and advocates from Renfrew travelled to Queen's Park on behalf of the victims last year to support my introduction of Bill 173, a bill that would declare intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic in Ontario. Instead of passing the bill quickly, the Ford government referred it to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy to “study” the issue, even though there were already numerous studies, including the Renfrew Inquest recommendations from 2022 that have not yet been implemented by the province.

Nevertheless, the government promised to let the committee travel to Renfrew County and other rural and Indigenous communities to meet with families and survivors to support their efforts to end IPV problems. Then, without notice, Ford took away our resources to visit these vital communities. Bill 173 was never called up for debate again, and it died on the order paper when Ford called his snap winter election this past February.

Just like the stories of its victims, Ford’s duplicity when it comes to IPV is painful to witness. His trail of broken promises is heartless. Survivors and advocates in Ontario refused to be ignored and shoved to the side. This fight is not over, and we will win.

The new Federal Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is scheduled to roll out this summer, with eligible recipients expecting their first installment in July 2025. This benefit is a cornerstone initiative of Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan - a whole-of-government approach to improve the lives of disabled people in Canada. The CDB aims to reduce poverty among working-age disabled folks, a worthy goal that we should have accomplished long ago.

However, the funds from the CDB are at risk of not flowing to the people who need them most. Alberta has cruelly decided to claw back the Federal CDB for individuals receiving provincial disability support. This is appalling, especially since allowing individuals to receive both does not increase their costs, and may even reduce costs as people who are lifted out of poverty generally require fewer emergency supports.

 I am proud that the ONDP is firm that the CDB must be a top-up for provincial benefits, not a replacement. I have co-signed a letter, along with all of my ONDP colleagues, calling on the Ontario government to join Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Nunavut, Quebec, and British Columbia and announce immediately that we will not claw back social assistance for disabled people. You can read the letter here.

On Wednesday morning, I attended the long-anticipated re-opening of Allan Gardens’ historic Palm House. This space was a refuge for me as a teenager, and seeing it restored and transformed was powerful. 

It was a joy to officially open this space to the public, alongside Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Chris Moise. I encourage everyone to pop by and enjoy this refreshed green space!

I was so pleased to visit TNG Community Services at their open house in Cabbagetown this week. Their talented team generously provided a tour of the facility and shared details about the wide range of community services they offer. I learned that TNG provides home care for 1 in 20 Torontonians who need it! 

During the tour, we discussed how children ages 7-12 who need pre- and after-school care are left out of conversations surrounding affordable childcare. We also talked about the financial challenges TNG faces in delivering its critical services. I am so thankful to the incredible staff and volunteers for their hard work and to the many community members who welcomed us!

Last weekend, I spent a fantastic Saturday morning at the St. Lawrence Market North Market Grand Opening! 

I am in awe of the entire St. Lawrence Market team. They have done beautiful work on this revitalization project. After years of planning and anticipation, seeing the hustle and bustle of local vendors serving the thousands of visitors was a wonderful sight! 

I encourage you to check out the newly expanded market from Tuesday to Sunday every week!

Congratulations to the Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association, who celebrated their 15th anniversary last night! The CWNA is an integral part of Canada’s largest and most diverse 2SLGBTQI neighbourhood working tirelessly to make sure we foster a vibrant, Queer, safe, and welcoming space for everyone who calls the Church Wellesley Village home. 

I am so thankful for all of the leaders, volunteers, and community members who work so hard to promote and empower this remarkable neighbourhood. Here's to the next 15 fabulous years ahead!

• Hassle Free Clinic
• Canadian Race Relations Foundation
• Pride at Work
• Ontario Association of Landscape Architects
• Toronto Community Housing

Victoria Day weekend 2025: What's open and closed in Toronto

Toronto police warn of phone scam where fraudsters claim to be Shanghai police

Toronto mayor calls for financial support fighting rising costs, in letter to Carney

Health minister, premier defend Ontario's response to worsening measles outbreak

On the run for 21 years, U.S. fugitive 'psychic' arrested in Toronto

Loblaw says number of tariff-affected products will triple in coming weeks

Toronto shares long-awaited details of proposed ‘bubble zone’ bylaw aimed at limiting protests near places of worship

Toronto’s splash and spray pads to reopen over Victoria Day long weekend

As part of Pride Toronto's 2025 Affiliate Events, Long Live the Rainbow brings a vibrant celebration of love, resilience, and queer joy to the stage.

🎭 Long Live the Rainbow

📅 May 16 – May 25, 2025
📍 Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley Street, Toronto
🎟 Tickets: Click here
💖 $5 from each ticket supports Rainbow Railroad, helping LGBTQ+ people find safety from persecution.

The SLNA’s Waste Reduction Group is hosting their 13th REmarket! This two-day community initiative supports waste reduction by collecting unwanted items, encouraging reuse, and offering repair services.

📍 Event Details

Location: St. Lawrence Market Tent (125 The Esplanade)

🗓 Wednesday, May 28, 2025

• Donation collection, recycling services, and household hazardous waste drop-off:
  ⏰ 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  
  
• FreeMarket:
  ⏰ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  Guests can bring and take items freely (non-commercial use only). Bring your own bag.
  
  

🗓 Thursday, May 29, 2025

• Donation collection, recycling services, and household hazardous waste drop-off:
  ⏰ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  
  
• Repair Café Toronto & CultureLink Bike Hub:
  ⏰ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  Clothing, jewellery, electronics, small appliances, and more will be repaired on site. CultureLink Bike Hub will offer bike repairs and safety checks.

The 519’s Health Justice Program invites community members to an important discussion on Community Violence and Healing, part of the Talking Justice series.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
• Time: 6 – 8 PM
• Location: In person at The 519 (519 Church Street) or virtually
• Tickets: Free (Presto tickets and snacks provided)
  

Bianca Braganza, MSc, JD/BCL, Pro Bono Lawyer with The 519’s Combatting 2SLGBTQ+ BIPOC Hate and Racism Program, will lead a conversation exploring:

• Community and structural violence
• Social determinants of health in relation to crime and justice
• Alternative approaches to safety and justice
  

The 519 is a fully accessible space with all-gender washrooms. Additional accessibility supports are available upon request during registration.

The Winchester Park Residents Association is hosting its Annual General Meeting! 

Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Hugh Garner Co-op (550 Ontario Street, 8th Floor Meeting Room).

This annual gathering brings neighbours together to reflect on local developments and shape the future of the community. The evening will include:

• Guest speakers
• Presentations from local representatives
• Board elections
• Updates on housing and development in the area
• A Q&A session for community members

Residents interested in serving on the board are encouraged to submit a nomination in advance. To apply, send your name, address, length of residency, and a brief note on your interest to [email protected]. Community members from all housing backgrounds— renters, owners, co-op members, or otherwise—are welcome to apply.

The Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter and the Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action invite community members to a youth-led roundtable dedicated to fighting racism and fostering solidarity.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, May 24
  
  
• Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
  
  
• Location: Scarborough Civic Centre + Zoom
  
  
• Language: English with interpretation available in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Tamil
  
  
• Support: Snacks and TTC tokens available as needed; volunteer hours recognized
  
  

This hybrid event features youth leaders from Chinese and Tamil communities sharing powerful stories, strategies, and resources. Participants will hear how youth created culturally relevant workshops, developed educational tools, and gained confidence in sharing their lived experiences. The roundtable also offers space to connect with mentors, engage with peers, and contribute ideas to grassroots anti-racism efforts.

Register here: https://youthledroundtable-arah.eventbrite.ca/

Contact:

• Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter – [email protected]
• Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action – [email protected]

The Centre of Learning & Development, Mothers of Peace Regent Park, and ArtHubs Toronto invite everyone to a festive Eid al-Adha Bazaar celebrating community, culture, and local talent.

Event Details:

• Date: Monday, May 27
  
  
• Time: 2 – 8 PM
  
  
• Location: Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East

Enjoy a vibrant market filled with henna, jewellery, clothing, delicious food, and more — all from local vendors!

Contact for Questions or Vendor Inquiries:
Sureya at [email protected] or 647-493-2462 ext. 112

The Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA) is hiring for five new positions as part of their Empowering Tenants: Expanding Legal Knowledge and Justice for Housing Rights project.

Current opportunities are:

• Community Animators (4 positions)

Apply today & view all current openings: www.regentparkna.ca/jobs

The Regent Park Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 2025 festival!

Regent Park Film Festival (RPFF) is an award-winning, community-based, non-profit organization, and Toronto’s longest-running, FREE film festival.

RPFF’s mission is two-fold: to amplify and center marginalized communities and their stories, providing a platform for the work of emerging and established artists, while opening up access to the film and television industry; and to ensure art is free and accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status.
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2024
🎥 Open to: Canadian and international filmmakers
📍 Submissions accepted online

• Welcomes films from Black, Indigenous, and racialized creators, as well as those from marginalized communities
• All genres and formats considered, including features, shorts, documentaries, and animation
• Free to submit

The festival prioritizes stories that reflect social justice, community, and the realities of those living in underrepresented spaces.

Toronto’s public labyrinth at Trinity Square Park is becoming the 10th Legacy Labyrinth in the world. To celebrate this distinction, two great community events are coming up!

🌿 Legacy Labyrinth Designation Ceremony

Saturday, June 21 at 12:00 PM
📍 Trinity Square Park
The ceremony will be followed by a Summer Solstice Walk, inviting reflection in support of global and local community care.

🍽 Legacy Project Workshop – Lunch & Learn

Sunday, June 22 from 12:30 to 2:00 PM
📍 Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E.
This interactive session will explore how walking a labyrinth can raise awareness for social issues, including the needs of Toronto’s unhoused residents.

The Toronto District School Board invites families to explore the International Languages – Elementary & African Heritage Summer Program, designed to celebrate cultural heritage and support multilingual learning.

Program Dates:

  July 2 – July 25, 2025

  Location: Charles E. Webster School, 1900 Keele Street

International Languages Program

• Time: 9:00 – 11:30 AM, Monday to Friday
• Languages Offered: Amharic and Tigrinya
• Grades: Senior Kindergarten (as of Sept. 2025) to Grade 8 (TDSB and non-TDSB)
• Cost: $20 materials fee
• Note: More languages may be offered if 25+ students register per language.
• Break: Supervised break from 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM for students continuing into the PM program.

African Heritage Program

• Time: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, Monday to Friday
• Focus: Explores the legacies, cultures, and histories of African descent through inquiry and experiential learning
• Grades: Senior Kindergarten (as of Sept. 2025) to Grade 8 (TDSB and non-TDSB)
• Cost: $20 materials fee

Registration Details

• Deadline: June 22, 2025
• Register Online: ereg.tdsb.on.ca/public/ilelogin.aspx
• Requirements: Ontario Education Number (OEN) and OHIP card

Contact: Grace Ocloo at 416-788-2180 or [email protected]

Dear Emma,

The Ford government is up to their old tricks, rapidly tabling legislation at the start of a new term then refusing to give advance notice to their debate days, making it impossible for the public to keep up. They have tabled seven large bills during their first month back and will table two more next week. Some of these government bills are supportable, such as Bill 9, which would increase the accountability from municipal politicians. In contrast, others are actually dangerous, like Bill 5, which would rip up longstanding environmental protections and ignore Indigenous communities around the Ring of Fire. 

This week, as your Shadow Attorney General, I spoke to Government Bill 10, a multi-pronged justice bill. The most significant prong is Schedule 5, which would make it easier for the government to handpick their favoured judges and erode the independence of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee. This committee's independence was already in question because Doug Ford’s former deputy chief of staff, Matthew Bondy, is the appointed chair (while simultaneously being a full-time registered government lobbyist in Ontario). 

Bill 10 proposed other changes that sound productive, but under closer review it will not make a difference to clearing the court backlogs, funding legal aid or improving public safety in Ontario, including: 

• Making it easier for courts to collect surety money, colloquially known as “bail bonds,” when the terms of bail had been breached. 
  • This change is all for show. During the Standing Committee on Justice Policy’s study on bail, the head of the Ontario Provincial Police Association stated that he had “in 27 years…never seen a surety held accountable for whatever they’ve put up.”
  • Instead, the government could invest in underfunded yet proven to be effective programs including that of bail supervision and compliance.
• Allowing people other than guardians to apply for a restraining order on behalf of a child. 
  • This sounds good, but restraining orders in Ontario are routinely not enforced. 
  • Recently, a survivor was turned away by police multiple times when trying to report breaches. 
• Prohibiting the possession of electronic devices that may be used to steal cars.
  • This presents problems as these devices are legal, widely available, and may have legitimate uses. I am concerned about police profiling people in these cases.
  • The government is still refusing to take steps that might actually crack down on car thefts, such as creating a VIN verification system.

One of the most egregious parts of Bill 10 is the fact that the bill preamble, in which the author outlines the aims of the bill, mentions intimate partner violence, but the actual text of the bill – the part that is enacted into law – fails to use the phrase even once. That is so offensive to survivors and families. This government has had many opportunities to create legislation that truly honours survivors – most of the work has already been done for them! The Renfrew Inquest recommendations are full of actionable changes that this government could easily incorporate into legislation. They could also pass my IPV epidemic bill any time they like. But they refuse to do so. You can watch me speak about the lack of support for survivors in Bill 10 here.

This bill frustrates many legal experts because it does not include any support for community-based bail programs, like the ones run by the John Howard and Elizabeth Fry Societies. These programs consistently deliver results, supporting people to stick to their bail terms, keeping them out of jail and reducing crime in our communities. I will continue pushing for evidence-based legislation on this front.

Instead of properly investing in public education, the Ford government continued their attacks on the Toronto District School Board this week, insinuating that they are not putting all available funding into our classrooms.

In truth Ford has been defunding public education since 2018 to the point that actual per-student funding in Ontario is now the lowest in recent history. 

Unlike the Ford government, the TDSB by law must balance their budget. They are now facing a $58 million structural deficit and without any financial assistance, they will soon shut down music programs and close half of their swimming pools. We can not let this happen. 

Click here to sign my petition calling on Ford to stop the cuts and save our schools.

This week, I stood in the legislature, calling on the government to adequately fund our public education system and put our kids first. You can watch my full statement here.

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Bill 5: Ford Stripping Environmental, Indigenous Protections 
• Greenbelt Scandal: Ford Government Ordered to Release More Records
• Black People United for Change Petition
• Daily Bread Food Bank
• Nominations Open for the Toronto Centre Leadership Awards
• This Week's Meetings
• This Week’s Headlines
• Local Community Events

I have been hearing from many constituents each day raising concerns about the Government's Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act. Swiftly, upon its tabling, the Ontario NDP struck a Ring of Fire Taskforce and thoroughly reviewed this bill. The reviews are in, and they are not great.

Bill 5 is being advertised as a “One Project, One Process” approval model. Such a model would streamline mining project approvals into one process, with a dedicated team to help make things more efficient. 

If all this bill did was streamline these processes, I would happily support it. The Ontario NDP believes in the importance of responsible mining. Unfortunately, this 229-page bill goes much further, making changes that could cause a lot of harm to our province. 

The bill extensively amends the Endangered Species Act, putting our animals and environment at risk. It includes exemptions from public notice and consultations around Ontario Place. It also specifically exempts the Dresden landfill project from the Environmental Assessment Act. The Dresden landfill is a project headed by a company affiliated with prominent donors to Doug Ford and the PC Party. Sound familiar?

Bill 5 allows for the creation of Special Economic Zones within which the government can amend or ignore any and all local by-laws and provincial legislation, if doing so would enable large, profitable infrastructure projects to go ahead. This would allow the government and their preferred applicants to use “cheat codes” to do whatever they want, no matter the rules. The wording of the legislation is so vague that the types of laws that the government can ignore include labour, health and safety, and environmental laws. 

We know that Ontario's rich mineral deposits have the potential to fuel prosperity for decades to come, but we also know we can’t trust Doug Ford to open up mining in a way that is fair, safe, and respectful. This bill shows that he wants to allow his buddies to cheat and bypass their way to extracting wealth from the land. 

As we work to develop the Ring of Fire and unlock mining in Ontario, I strongly believe that we must work in partnership with First Nations. Mining and infrastructure projects must obtain free, prior, and informed consent of First Nations so that the benefits from mining and infrastructure projects flow to the people to whom the land belongs. Unrestrained development also risks destroying sacred and archaeologically significant sites of First Nations history. Development cannot be at the expense of the environment, culture, or people’s rights.

In the face of Trump’s tariffs, we must strengthen Ontario and grow our economy. But we have to do it right, with a path forward that works for workers, communities, First Nations, the environment, industry, and for the long haul. I am very concerned that Bill 5 is not the right path, and I will support my colleagues as they move amendments to improve the bill at committee.

This week, Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner confirmed what many had suspected: a staffer in Premier Doug Ford’s Office held at least one secret meeting with developers linked to the Greenbelt scandal — and tried to cover it up.

The IPC’s confirmation followed the incredible work of Ontario NDP research staff on this file, which revealed that one of the "off-the-books" meetings matched an email about Greenbelt land removals that was sent to a political staffer’s personal email account to bypass public record laws.

Now that they have uncovered this secret meeting, the IPC has ordered Ford’s government to contact a former Premier’s Office staffer and demand a sworn affidavit about 34 “private” meetings. I am anxiously awaiting this affidavit. We need to get to the bottom of this. I hope to have further updates soon. 

On Tuesday, I proudly presented a petition to the Legislature on behalf of Black People United for Change. The petition calls on the government to urgently table and pass a bill to combat anti-Black racism in Ontario and address the systemic injustices that they face. 

The Black community in Ontario experiences countless injustices every day due to a lack of accountability from this government. I am proud to raise my voice and call upon the Premier and this government to do everything within their purview and more to put an end to anti-Black racism. Ontario must invest in the Black community, end discrimination, and improve access to justice for all. 

Yesterday, I visited the Daily Bread Food Bank to discuss strategies for addressing poverty and food insecurity in Toronto. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of food banks has increased by 273%.  1 in 10 Torontonians currently use food banks just to get by. The data is deeply disheartening and points to a deep affordability crisis. 51% of new clients have someone in their household who is employed and 57% of those surveyed listed cost of living as the primary barrier to food security.

I had the opportunity to witness the incredible work of staff and volunteers as we toured the facility and learned of the various critical services that Daily Bread provides to Toronto residents. I want to thank Daily Bread for their important work and for sharing their recommendations for government action with me.  I am calling on the government to act now to address the food insecurity crisis that continues to grow in Toronto and across the province.

I am so excited to host my inaugural Toronto Centre Leadership Awards ceremony this spring! If you know a powerful leader in your community who you think deserves recognition, nominate them by emailing me at [email protected]. Please include the nominee's name, the neighbourhood they call home, a phone number or email address we can reach them at, and of course a description of why they are so wonderful and deserving of this award. I can't wait to see all of the names flowing into my inbox! 

• Friends of Ruby
• Black People United for Change
• TDSB Action Planning Meeting
• The Elevate Project
• Daily Bread Food Bank
• Ontario Student Voices

Doug Ford government appeals temporary bike lane injunction

Ford’s education minister says TDSB shouldn’t close pools

Ontario greenlights construction of Canada's first small modular reactor | CBC News

Health minister, premier defend Ontario's response to worsening measles outbreak | CBC News

GTA student data obtained in a cyberattack was not destroyed

Mother's Day 2025: Flower markets, high tea, and other Toronto events

Emergency Preparedness Week is May 4 - 10, and The 519 is hosting some great initiatives to help our communities get ready for heat, smoke, and other emergencies. Come by to learn, connect, and pick up some helpful resources!

Sat, May 10 | 11:30 AM–1 PM

Staying Safe in Heat and Smoke Season – Info Session

Learn how to prepare for heat and smoke season and get your very own emergency kit. Spots are limited and going fast — kits are in high demand!

Register now (drop-in as space allows): Scan the QR on the flyer or visit Emergency Preparedness Week - Heat & Smoke Season Registration Form

The Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association invites the community to their 15th Annual General Meeting — an evening to connect, renew memberships, and celebrate local leadership.

🗓️ Thursday, May 15, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 The 519 Ballroom, 519 Church Street

Evening Schedule:

• 6:30 PM: Registration and Membership Renewal
  
  
• 7:00 PM: Business Meeting (Board of Directors elections; members in good standing are eligible to vote and run)
  
  
• 8:30 PM: 15th Anniversary Celebration and Cake Cutting

Questions? Contact [email protected].

The 519’s Health Justice Program invites community members to an important discussion on Community Violence and Healing, part of the Talking Justice series.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
• Time: 6 – 8 PM
• Location: In person at The 519 (519 Church Street) or virtually
• Tickets: Free (Presto tickets and snacks provided)
  

Bianca Braganza, MSc, JD/BCL, Pro Bono Lawyer with The 519’s Combatting 2SLGBTQ+ BIPOC Hate and Racism Program, will lead a conversation exploring:

• Community and structural violence
• Social determinants of health in relation to crime and justice
• Alternative approaches to safety and justice
  

The 519 is a fully accessible space with all-gender washrooms. Additional accessibility supports are available upon request during registration.

The Winchester Park Residents Association is hosting its Annual General Meeting! 

Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Hugh Garner Co-op (550 Ontario Street, 8th Floor Meeting Room).

This annual gathering brings neighbours together to reflect on local developments and shape the future of the community. The evening will include:

• Guest speakers
• Presentations from local representatives
• Board elections
• Updates on housing and development in the area
• A Q&A session for community members

Residents interested in serving on the board are encouraged to submit a nomination in advance. To apply, send your name, address, length of residency, and a brief note on your interest to [email protected]. Community members from all housing backgrounds— renters, owners, co-op members, or otherwise—are welcome to apply.

The Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter and the Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action invite community members to a youth-led roundtable dedicated to fighting racism and fostering solidarity.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, May 24
  
  
• Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
  
  
• Location: Scarborough Civic Centre + Zoom
  
  
• Language: English with interpretation available in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Tamil
  
  
• Support: Snacks and TTC tokens available as needed; volunteer hours recognized
  
  

This hybrid event features youth leaders from Chinese and Tamil communities sharing powerful stories, strategies, and resources. Participants will hear how youth created culturally relevant workshops, developed educational tools, and gained confidence in sharing their lived experiences. The roundtable also offers space to connect with mentors, engage with peers, and contribute ideas to grassroots anti-racism efforts.

Register here: https://youthledroundtable-arah.eventbrite.ca/

Contact:

• Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter – [email protected]
• Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action – [email protected]

The Centre of Learning & Development, Mothers of Peace Regent Park, and ArtHubs Toronto invite everyone to a festive Eid al-Adha Bazaar celebrating community, culture, and local talent.

Event Details:

• Date: Monday, May 27
  
  
• Time: 2 – 8 PM
  
  
• Location: Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East

Enjoy a vibrant market filled with henna, jewellery, clothing, delicious food, and more — all from local vendors!

Contact for Questions or Vendor Inquiries:
Sureya at [email protected] or 647-493-2462 ext. 112

The Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA) is hiring for five new positions as part of their Empowering Tenants: Expanding Legal Knowledge and Justice for Housing Rights project.

Current opportunities include: 

• Project Coordinator (1 position)
• Community Animators (4 positions)

Apply today & view all current openings: www.regentparkna.ca/jobs

The Regent Park Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 2025 festival!

Regent Park Film Festival (RPFF) is an award-winning, community-based, non-profit organization, and Toronto’s longest-running, FREE film festival.

RPFF’s mission is two-fold: to amplify and center marginalized communities and their stories, providing a platform for the work of emerging and established artists, while opening up access to the film and television industry; and to ensure art is free and accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status.
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2024
🎥 Open to: Canadian and international filmmakers
📍 Submissions accepted online

• Welcomes films from Black, Indigenous, and racialized creators, as well as those from marginalized communities
• All genres and formats considered, including features, shorts, documentaries, and animation
• Free to submit

The festival prioritizes stories that reflect social justice, community, and the realities of those living in underrepresented spaces.

The Toronto District School Board invites families to explore the International Languages – Elementary & African Heritage Summer Program, designed to celebrate cultural heritage and support multilingual learning.

Program Dates:

  July 2 – July 25, 2025

  Location: Charles E. Webster School, 1900 Keele Street

International Languages Program

• Time: 9:00 – 11:30 AM, Monday to Friday
• Languages Offered: Amharic and Tigrinya
• Grades: Senior Kindergarten (as of Sept. 2025) to Grade 8 (TDSB and non-TDSB)
• Cost: $20 materials fee
• Note: More languages may be offered if 25+ students register per language.
• Break: Supervised break from 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM for students continuing into the PM program.

African Heritage Program

• Time: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, Monday to Friday
• Focus: Explores the legacies, cultures, and histories of African descent through inquiry and experiential learning
• Grades: Senior Kindergarten (as of Sept. 2025) to Grade 8 (TDSB and non-TDSB)
• Cost: $20 materials fee

Registration Details

• Deadline: June 22, 2025
• Register Online: ereg.tdsb.on.ca/public/ilelogin.aspx
• Requirements: Ontario Education Number (OEN) and OHIP card

Contact: Grace Ocloo at 416-788-2180 or [email protected]