March 6, 2026 Newsletter

Dear friend,

“Hands off our Education!” “Fund our futures!” “What do we want? Free tuition! When do we want it? Now!” “Save OSAP!”

At Queen’s Park on Wednesday afternoon the air was thick with these chants, yelled by over a thousand passionate students and their allies, protesting Ford’s cuts to OSAP. The crowd was huge, full of hilarious signs, and teeming with energy. 

Ford is trying to take away the last scrap of affordability available to students and young people by slashing OSAP grants from a maximum of 85% of OSAP funding to 25%, forcing students to start their careers in tens of thousands of dollars of debt. This is wrong. 

I stood alongside students on the lawn of Queen’s Park, as did many of my Ontario NDP colleagues. We will never stop fighting for students and the futures they deserve. Funding education is one of the best things that a government can do to ensure a prosperous, innovative, and engaged population. Instead, this government is cutting off opportunities before they are even offered.

For decades before Ford, Liberal and Conservative governments have underfunded the post-secondary sector, leaving Ontario students with crushing debt and the highest tuition fees in Canada. Don’t believe them when they tell you that they support students when all evidence shows that Liberals and Conservatives created this financial crisis.

If you are fired up about this issue and want to do more, my ONDP colleagues and I are hosting an in-person Save OSAP Town Hall on Thursday, March 12 at 7 PM. The downtown Toronto location is still to be announced. Click here to RSVP and stay in the loop. 

I have a message to students across Ontario: We are here for you, we are fighting alongside you, and we will not give up. We have fought this fight before and won. Ford is not strong in his convictions. When we all fight together we can win. Keep coming to Queen’s Park, keep making your voice heard, and the Ontario NDP will support you in every way that we can. You can watch my video of this promise here: 

Just as I am in solidarity with Ontario’s students, I continue to be in solidarity with the people of Iran and surrounding regions who are experiencing terrifying violence, political turmoil, and uncertainty as Trump and Netanyahu unleash their illegal war on Iran. 

My heart is with Iranian-Canadians and those with loved ones in the region who are forced to watch the horrors unfold in real time through the news and too-infrequent updates from family members, especially amid internet blackouts. 

We stand with the many calling for a deescalation of violence. It is heart-breaking to hear that civilian neighbourhoods across Lebanon and the Middle East are being instructed to evacuate. The targetted bombing of a girls' school is inexcusable and abhorrent. Violence is not the path to achieving lasting peace in the region.

My thoughts are with families across the region where civilians are losing their lives in the crossfire. The people of Iran and everyone in the region deserve to live with peace, stability, and self‑determination. 

March is both Bangladeshi and Irish Heritage Month in Ontario. I want to wish all of my Bangladeshi and Irish community members a joyful month full of cultural celebrations and community. I can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Speaking of celebrations, this weekend is set to be action packed with International Women’s Day events tomorrow and the weather taking a (temporary) warmer turn. Be safe in those mud puddles and I hope to see you at the rally! Look out for me at the IWD March with the Ontario NDP orange banner outside of OISE, 252 Bloor St W, at 11 AM on Saturday and come march with us! 

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Ontario NDP Iftar at Queen’s Park
• Coffee with Kristyn - St Lawrence Market
• Politics and Public Health: Endometriosis Townhall
• Join my Canvass in Scarborough Southwest!
• Ford Gives Up On Affordable Housing
• Adwa Day Celebration with Toronto’s Ethiopian Community
• Threads of Memory & Art: Spark Imagine Peace
• What’s Making Headlines
• Local Community Events

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Ontario NDP’s Iftar at Queen’s Park on Wednesday night! We had an amazing turnout, delicious food, and so many conversations about how the Ontario government can make life better for Muslim communities and families across the province. It was a privilege to break fast and connect with everyone who attended. 

I have been so fortunate this Ramadan season to have attended many Iftars, where I have experienced moving spiritual reflections and the most delicious food. Thank you to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in Brampton, the Ismaili Cultural Centre, and ISNA Canada for your hospitality this week as well. 

Join me and your neighbours in St. Lawrence, Old Toronto, and Corktown at Au Pain Doré Bakery for a cup of coffee and a chance to chat about the provincial and local issues that are on your mind. 

Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM - 15 minute timeslots

Location: Au Pain Doré Bakery - 81 Front St East

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

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 me, community educator Lesley Stoyan, and five amazing advocates 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.

Date: Monday, March 23, 2026

Time: 7 PM

Location: Virtual, on Zoom - RSVP for the link

Click here to RSVP

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: Scarborough, exact location to be determined. If you need transportation please reach out by replying to this email!

Ontario’s Financial Accountability Office (FAO) released a report this week on the province’s subsidized housing programs. The report projects that the number of households receiving rent-geared-to-income and financial assistance will continue to drop, at a time when housing has never been more unaffordable. Over 331,000 Ontario households are eligible for financial assistance to help pay their rent, but the overwhelming majority will receive none whatsoever.

I see this problem in action every day. Constituents regularly come to my office confused because they meet all of the requirements for assistance, yet can’t even apply for these programs because the funds are completely allocated. It is heartbreaking to have to tell them that they will receive no help from this government despite being in dire need. 

Doug Ford is continuously failing Ontarians in need and has abdicated all responsibility for keeping Ontarians housed. Ontarians are struggling to keep a roof over their heads while Ford builds housing at historic lows, and the federal Liberals haven’t come close to filling the gaps.

No level of government is investing enough in affordable housing but Doug Ford’s Conservatives are the stingiest by far. The need for affordable housing couldn’t be more dire, yet funding from the Ford government has flatlined. 

The Ford government is ideologically opposed to building housing. Meanwhile, the Ontario NDP’s Homes Ontario plan will get our province building with permanently affordable homes, built on public land, and built fast. I am so excited about this program and know it includes the solutions that Toronto Centre needs. 

Did you know that 2026 marks the 130th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa, Ethiopia's victory over European colonial powers? This historic event is a time to honour the pride, resilience, and strength of the Ethiopian people in the face of adversity. We are so lucky that the Ethiopian community in Ontario continues to embody those same qualities today.

I was honoured to be invited by the Ethiopian Association in the Greater Toronto Area and Surrounding Region alongside Marit Stiles to their Victory of Adwa celebration. This celebration is the first Adwa Victory Day  the proclamation of our NDP bill recognizing September as Ethiopian Heritage Month! I am proud to have been part of this monumental recognition for the community, and I look forward to continuing this partnership with the Ethiopian community in celebration and solidarity!

Growing up, and especially since my art gallery days, art has always been a language of its own to me, with its storytelling powers transcending borders and language barriers.

When the Alpha Education and WongAvery Asia Pacific Peace Museum invited me to their “Threads of Memory & Art: Spark Imagine Peace” exhibition launch, I was thrilled to attend. The art pieces centre on memory, peace, and reflection and play an important role in storytelling through art, especially at a time in the world when we need to listen, share, and extend care most.

The exhibition is open until Monday, March 9, from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Toronto Botanical Garden. Visiting would be a wonderful weekend activity!

How Toronto’s most iconic drag bar is keeping its doors open after nearly closing to condo project 

Algonquin College slashes 30 programs during virtual meeting 

Ontario seizes control of York Catholic school board, keeps Peel public under supervision, but choice of supervisors criticized

A central figure in the Project South bust has been ordered not to contact a man arrested in Ryan Wedding’s alleged drug ring

Why parents are ‘livid’ over this TDSB survey about how to spend money

Doug Ford government tasks think-tank experts with reviewing EQAO 

Province spent over $7.5M on Ring of Fire ads seen during Blue Jays playoff run

B.C is ditching seasonal time changes. Should Ontario do the same?

Ontario takes control of York Catholic school board, keeps Peel under supervision 

Enjoy a free evening of art on Saturday, March 7 from 7-9 PM, at 403 King St E (Little Trinity Church Annex).

This a great chance to see local art and connect with local artists and neighbours! Light refreshments will be provided.

On March 11, 2026, the Equity Commissions of Canada's New Democrats will host a live, online public forum, featuring all five candidates in the NDP Leadership Race at a critical moment in Canadian politics marked by rising polarization and threats to human rights.

Candidates Rob Ashton, Avi Lewis, Tanille Johnston, Heather McPherson, and Tony McQuail will discuss their visions for human rights, accessibility, disability justice, equity, and inclusive leadership. 

The forum will be moderated by Gaitrie Persaud (CBC’s Silly Paws, AMI’s Squeaky Wheel), ensuring a focused and respectful discussion centered on lived experiences.

Youtube: Watch and share the ASL VLOG about the forum

Instagram: Watch and share the ASL VLOG about the forum

Human rights are not abstract. Deaf and disabled people, trans and queer communities, racialized communities, migrants, and workers are often the first impacted when rights are weakened. This forum places those realities at the centre of the conversation and allows viewers to hear where candidates align and where they differ.

The event is open to the public and will include ASL interpretation.

Date: March 11, 2026

Time: 8 PM Eastern Time

Register Here

For more information, contact: [email protected]

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!