|
We have all seen the ads for the new Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent. Many of us have even watched the first few episodes. But what if I told you there is a new series in town? It is just as gripping and shocking but even more upsetting because it is unfolding in front of us in real time. Introducing: Law & Order Queen’s Park: Greenbelt FOI
This video is hilarious and was a lot of fun to put together, but the subject matter is serious. Our Premier is under criminal investigation by the RCMP. Ministers and senior staff went to great lengths to conceal their work, using code words like G*, deleting correspondence, and using personal email addresses to conduct government business. The only reason that we know as much as we do about this corruption scandal is because of the hard work of the Ontario NDP and outside advocates filing Freedom of Information requests to uncover the truth. The NDP’s most recent FOI yielded 3,776 pages of documents from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, many bearing code words and acronyms clearly meant to conceal the actual topic of conversation. I will never stop pushing for the truth. There must be consequences for those who tried to trade away our precious Greenbelt and further enrich their wealthy friends.
In sad local news, two people were killed and three others injured this week by Arnold and Dundas St. E. The violence seems to have erupted within one family, with a young man allegedly killing his father and brother and wounding his mother. This is devastating. My thoughts go out to all those feeling fresh loss and to those reliving the trauma of past events. Amid this tragedy, I am also in awe of neighbour Hani Afrah, who bravely ran into the house where the violence began after the injured mother called for help for her toddler, who remained in the house. Hani Afrah took brave steps to ensure that the child was safe. When events like this happen, it is natural to feel scared. I hope that we can all carry that fear and sadness in the community alongside the knowledge that so much work has been done to create peace in Regent Park and beyond. That work is ongoing and full of hope. If you are looking for ways to get involved, I would encourage you to reach out to Regent Park Mothers of Peace, Regent Park Shoot for Peace, and the Regent Park Social Development Plan Committees. So much incredible work is already happening in the community, and there’s always more to do. As your provincial representative and the Critic for the Attorney General I am leading the calls for real bail reform. Bail should be compassionate, while also ensuring that the 15-30 most dangerous people who are caught and released regularly finally encounter a bail system that holds them accountable. The bail system in Ontario should not let people who pose an active threat back to the streets where they hurt people. I helped write the committee report on the modernization of the bail system in Ontario, which you can read here. I know it is just a report, but it is the first step the government is taking before bringing forward new legislation with concrete changes to the bail system. I have been working alongside frontline workers, families, and justice experts to develop real proposals to fix Ontario's justice system. I will let you know when these plans are ready soon through this newsletter.
I know that many of you are as concerned about the ongoing war on Gaza as I am. I am incredibly proud of the strong and principled stance that the NDP has taken since the beginning of the conflict. On Monday, the NDP's motion to combat the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will be put to a vote. We need this motion to pass to push the Liberal government to action. I encourage everyone to reach out to Justin Trudeau and request that he and his MPs support the motion. I also want to wish a happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone celebrating. It is an honour to serve you,
Kristyn Wong-Tam MPP, Toronto Centre
The Toronto Centre Federal NDP is gearing up for the next federal election since it could be right around the corner. The first step is nominating a candidate to run under the NDP banner. Two prospective candidates have put their names forward for the upcoming nomination race. Voting to select a candidate will take place at the upcoming nomination meeting, the details of which will be shared soon. All Toronto Centre residents who signed up to be members of the NDP at least 45 days before the nomination meeting are eligible to vote. If you want to become a member, you can do so by clicking here. If you are not sure if you are a member or if your membership is still active, you can reach out to [email protected], and they will check for you. This year, we have two prospective candidates: Brian Chang and Samantha Green. Both of these incredible people have websites where you can learn about their priorities, and community involvement, and get a sense of them as people. I encourage you to check them out: Click HERE to visit Brian Chang’s website
Being an activist and caregiver is hard work and can be emotionally all-consuming. I know this firsthand. This is why I am eager to share 52 Weeks to a Sweeter Life, a new book released by award-winning author and psychotherapist Farzana Doctor. 52 Weeks to a Sweeter Life is a practical workbook that explores self-care from an inside-out and collective approach. This book is for anyone who works with people or causes and who has struggled with burnout, vicarious trauma and finding balance. Limited tickets are available for the Toronto launch of this important book on March 21. Farzana will be in conversation with Judy Rebick at Caversham Booksellers, and I guarantee you will learn something new about self and community care. To get your free event ticket, please register here.
Ontario is in a family doctor crisis. In 2022, 2.3 million Ontarians did not have a family doctor, a number that is projected to grow to 4.4 million by 2026 if nothing is done. Currently, family doctors in Ontario spend as many as 19 hours per week —40 percent of their time—following up with patients, filling out forms and performing other administrative work that could be done by administrative staff and other interdisciplinary health staff. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can free up doctors’ time by getting them access to an integrated primary care team to take this administrative work off of their plate. This change would be equivalent to adding 2,000 doctors to the system. The current family doctor shortage not only puts Ontarians' health at risk, but it’s also putting tremendous strain on our already-overburdened emergency rooms. This is a smart, simple solution to fix the massive patient backlog and get people the care they need today. We have been hearing horrific stories from Ontarians who are trying to find a family doctor, including this shocking story from an Ottawa patient who was charged $110 for routine cancer screening because the screening was done by a nurse practitioner instead of a doctor, something that was not well communicated by the clinic she went to. I, along with the Ontario NDP caucus, are calling upon this government to hire more administrative and interdisciplinary health staff so that doctors can spend more of their precious time providing much-needed care to their patients. NDP Leader Marit Stiles tabled this solution in the legislature last week and will force a vote on Monday. I will update you on the result in next week’s newsletter.
This week my staff and I held our annual Staff Retreat, where we set goals and created plans for the year to come. It was wonderful to reflect on the work we have done over the past year, celebrating our wins and reflecting on areas where we can improve. In 2024, we are excited to host community events that bring people together, champion your legislative priorities, and continue providing the constituency services that you depend upon.
This week, the Toronto Star published this excellent article, “Rent controls work: They don’t reduce housing supply, but they do limit profit”. The article argues that bringing back rent control for all units in Ontario, not just those occupied before 2018, would be better for the market as a whole and prevent rent gouging. This is something that affordable housing advocates have known for years. The Ontario NDP has been advocating for not only the return of full rent control since the policy was enacted but also for “real rent control,” sometimes called vacancy de-control, to become law in Ontario. Real rent control would mean that a unit’s monthly rent would have to follow the annual guideline rent increase even if a tenant moved out and the unit was re-rented by a new tenant. Currently, in Ontario, when a tenant moves out, the landlord can raise the rent as much as they want. While I encourage you to read the whole article, I want to share some of my favourite quotes: “In recent years, new studies have demonstrated that rent controls work. They stabilize rent increases without negative effects. Provincial governments could put an end to skyrocketing rents right now — if they were really interested in doing so.” “In 2020, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) analyzed the impact of rent controls on construction. The study compared Canadian cities with and without rent controls. Since the CMHC has a wealth of data, it used a time series going all the way back to 1971 — almost 50 years of data at the time. The key finding of the study was that “There was no significant evidence that rental starts were lower in rent control markets than in no rent control markets.” “Between 2022 and 2023, landlords in Ontario increased rents in vacant units by an average of 36%. Bringing back controls on vacant units would prevent abusive increases. It would also remove the financial incentive for evictions and other tactics used to displace tenants.”
Sherbourne Health Centre is hosting a Trans and Non-Binary Career Fair! When: March 21, 2024, 1 PM to 4 PM Where: Sherbourne Health Centre, 333 Sherbourne Street. This event aims to provide opportunities for Sherbourne Health's trans and non-binary service users and community members to connect with prospective employers committed to diversity and inclusion. These employers have attended a presentation on creating supportive work environments for trans and non-binary employees.
The Cabbagetown BIA is looking for a new Marketing & Events Coordinator! This team member works as part of a close-knit team to assist in the implementation of marketing strategies and coordinate promotional activities, including activations and events such as The Cabbagetown Festival. Assists with connecting people, businesses, and public spaces, collaborating with partners to acquire and retain a vibrant mix of retail, and attracting more people to the area. This is a part-time, contract position running from April 15 - December 20, 2024. Applicants will ideally be between the ages of 15-30 years old, as funding for this position comes from the Canada Summer Jobs Program See the full posting here.
A six-week virtual group program led by mental health counsellors, this group explores mindfulness as a practice for managing difficult emotions, as well as cultivating greater self-compassion and self-care. Learn more here. Who: Participants who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour Next Sessions: Tuesdays from 1:30 – 2:30 PM Program starts on March 26 Registration required. Call Gouri (647-299-1464) or Dyshni (437-324-9514)
Since 2011, Jamii has been fostering connections among Esplanadians, a diverse community of individuals spanning all ages who reside, work, study, and walk on The Esplanade. Through immersive artistic experiences, we breathe life into public spaces within The Esplanade neighbourhood and our home, The Jamii Hub, crafting whimsical environments that not only cultivate shared memories among our community members but also strengthen the social bonds woven throughout our neighbourhood's fabric. Jamii has exciting events focusing on art, movement, learning and community building happening every day of the week! Click here to learn more.
Are you an artist, craftsperson, or designer? Do you want to sell your high-quality handmade goods at one of the world’s top markets? If so, we’d love for you to be part of Arts at the Market! Apply by April 1 for early admission to the 2024 program. Applications and details available here.
You’re invited to view the future of the transformed St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts! The design team of Hariri Pontarini Architects and LMN Architects with Smoke Architecture and Tawaw Architecture Collective will present their inspired design concepts for STLC to become a multi-faceted performing arts destination. This bold reimagining includes two state-of-the-art performance halls along with creative spaces and studios, rehearsal rooms, and informal gathering areas. The team will demonstrate how the building extends an open embrace to the city to create an energized arts corridor and a new pulsing heart in downtown Toronto. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback. For those unable to attend in person, we invite you to join us via livestream at stlcnext.org. The livestream link will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting on March 26. Tuesday, March 26, 2024 6 pm – 8 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm) St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front St. E.
Announcing the Cabbagetown Cares Fundraiser! From March 1 to March 30, 2024, The Cabbagetown BIA is teaming up with Dixon Hall and Saint Luke's United Church to support our neighbours. As food insecurity continues to rise in Cabbagetown, St James Town, and Regent Park, it's more important than ever to lend a helping hand. That's where YOU come in! Simply shop at any of the 14 participating businesses throughout March, where a portion of proceeds from select items will be donated to the fundraiser. All donated proceeds will be split between the Dixon Hall and St Luke's Church meals programs. It's that easy! Click here for the full list of business offers.
The Cabbagetown Festival is one of Toronto’s longest-running and most beloved street festivals, and this year it will be returning, bigger than ever! They are inviting over 75,000 locals and visitors across the GTA to enjoy a family-friendly, entertainment-packed weekend, including live music performances, fantastic food, Kid’s Zone, and over 200 unique vendors from Cabbagetown and beyond! The Cabbagetown Festival is celebrating its 45th year - After returning with a bang last year, The Festival is primed to become one of the most-anticipated events in Toronto! Starting at $230 for the lowest vendor level for two days, they invite business owners to apply to join them as a vendor as we celebrate this milestone. Dates: September 7 and 8 Location: Parliament Street and Carlton Street, Cabbagetown, Toronto Apply and pay by May 31 to take advantage of this early-bird pricing! Prices go up June 1, as long as space remains available! CabbagetownTO.com @CabbagetownBIA
BLUEPRINT asks: “Who gets to be beautiful?” This exhibit runs March 2-31, 2024 at 420 Queen Street East BLUEPRINT is a collection of mixed media collages created by Zandra Jack, a Toronto-based digital artist who works under the pseudonym, UNKWNZJ. With a passion for altering geometric and curvilinear forms, UNKWNZJ’s work is a unique departure from more traditional modes of portraiture that lean on being as naturalistic to the human form as possible. Her subjects often don enlarged facial features and intensely darkened skin, aspects that she further amplifies with her use of bold color and intricate patterns. UNKWNZJ’s distinct creations exist as a disruption to the prevailing standards of beauty. BLUEPRINT challenges the status quo by paying homage to the unconventional; the features of black beauty that are undervalued yet paradoxically commodified in society. We would also like to extend a warm invite to audiences to take part in an in-person, interactive workshop that will be led by UNKWNZJ: Through hands-on activities and guided instruction, participants will create mixed media artworks by experimenting with various materials and collaging techniques to bring forth their own artistic visions. This event is free of charge, but space is limited. Please RSVP here.
FoSTRA (Federation of South Toronto Residents Associations) warmly invites you to the next in a series of free educational events on the theme of Housing for All, which will be held: Thursday, 21 March 2024, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM Franz Hartmann, Coordinator for the Alliance for a Liveable Ontario, presents “A Blueprint for Solving the Housing Crisis in Ontario.” Check out more details below and in the attachment. Click here to register to attend and ask a question of Franz Hartmann before the webinar.
After the Regent Park Cafe launch, they are now open and operational every Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM. If you are near Daniels Spectrum at 585 Dundas St. East, pop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
GOOD TO BE GOOD is pleased to announce a fifth cohort for the Change Make-Her program! This FREE interactive virtual program is for women and gender-diverse folks* interested in developing their entrepreneurship and leadership skills through mentorship-based training workshops, community building, peer support, resource-sharing, and other opportunities. The program is a unique development opportunity explicitly created to extend the capacity of new and early entrepreneurs through a low-barrier, inclusive, and compassionate approach. Entrepreneurship is challenging to navigate—layering being a woman or gender-diverse with intersecting identities adds another path to navigate. We believe that entrepreneurism can be a meaningful pathway to confidence, community, and independence for women and gender-diverse people facing multiple barriers. Applications are now OPEN for the Change Make-Her program! To register, email Arezoo Najibzadeh at [email protected] or sign up here. Please note that applications close Sunday, March 17.
|
March 15 Newsletter
Latest posts
September 6, 2024 Newsletter
Dear friend,
This week, Jagmeet Singh officially tore up the Federal NDP’s Supply and Confidence Agreement with the Liberals. New Democrats worked hard and pushed Liberals to make life better for Canadians through this agreement.
This doesn’t mean we are about to have a federal election — it means New Democrats are sending a clear signal about the progressive changes we need to see from the government over the year ahead. But lately, Liberals have shown themselves to be weak and self-serving again. Liberals caved to corporate interests when they forced binding arbitration on rail workers. Their union called on railway companies to address the labour shortage, which forced rail workers to work longer days under unsafe conditions and further away from home.
Liberals won’t be able to stand up to the Conservatives, who just want to make cuts to our public systems and enrich corporate insiders.
The Supply and Confidence agreement served Canadians well, bringing us real wins for people, like the national dental care program for millions of Canadians without coverage, ten paid sick days for federally regulated workplaces, long-awaited anti-scab legislation, and the beginnings of the national pharmacare program and national school lunch program.
The NDP has set the national agenda despite not being in government, which is an incredible achievement — my federal colleagues should be proud. But now it is time for something new. Without the agreement, Jagmeet will leverage this announcement to push the Liberals harder to do more to support Canadian families.
A federal election is coming, and Canadians will have a choice between Pierre Poilievre’s cuts and the hope and relief that Jagmeet and the NDP offer. This is a powerful moment but also an exciting one.
It is certainly exciting for Samantha Green, the Federal NDP candidate for Toronto Centre. If you don’t know Samantha already, she is a family doctor and climate activist raising her family in Moss Park. She is a force.
I look forward to everyone meeting Samantha and experiencing her care and passion for everything in life. She will make an incredible MP and bring community voices to Ottawa.
In addition to this national news, there is local excitement: this weekend is festival weekend in Toronto Centre!
I will be at the Cabbagetown Festival, the St James Town Festival, and Rastafest in Regent Park on Saturday and the Cabbagetown Festival again on Sunday! Look out for our orange tent, where my team and I will give away fun swag, including our popular tote bags. Drop by and tell us about the issues you want your provincial government to take action on. If you want to join us – even better! You can sign up to volunteer at our booths here! Please note that Parliament Street north of Gerrard and sections of Carlton St will be accessible only by pedestrians for the festival. Please plan your visit accordingly. Hope to see you there!
Have a safe and wonderful weekend,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Fighting for Public Healthcare? Very Demure
- Labour Day Parade
- Volunteer with Us: Cabbagetown and St James Town Festivals
- My Nomination Meeting!
- Our London Family Act - Have Your Say
- You’re Invited: Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration
- International Overdose Awareness Day
- Ontario NDP Caucus Retreat
- Toronto Dragon Festival
- Conservatives’ Failure on Healthcare
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community News
|
Fighting for Public Healthcare? Very Demure |
I couldn’t resist jumping on the “Demure” social trend to brag about how the Ontario NDP is working to protect public healthcare—and especially our frontline nurses—from cuts and privatization. I hope you find this silly video “very mindful.”
|
Labour Day Parade |
Workers are unstoppable when they are united! I was thrilled to march in another amazing Labour Day Parade with Marit Stiles and workers this past Monday.
With the cost of living crisis and cuts to the public services people count on, we need the labour movement more than ever.
Over the past year, workers across Ontario have taken to the picket line to fight and win better wages and safer working conditions. Labour Day is a day to celebrate these accomplishments, but our work is not over.
People across the province are struggling with the rising cost of living and the skyrocketing cost of housing. Women and racialized workers are still more likely to be working precarious jobs for less pay and fewer benefits. Our healthcare system is being broken down and privatized by the Ford government.
The lessons of the past century can guide us to a brighter future in the face of these challenges. On Labour Day and every day, New Democrats are proud to stand with Ontario’s workers in solidarity, determination, and hope.
| Volunteer with Us: Cabbagetown and St James Town Festivals, Rastafest Regent Park! |
The St James Town and Cabbagetown Festivals, as well as Rastafest Regent Park, are happening TOMORROW! All three will take place on Saturday, September 7, and the Cabbagetown Festival spans the whole weekend, continuing until Sunday, September 8. My team will be setting up community tables in Cabbagetown and St James Town, and we need your help to collect petition signatures on critical issues and hand out fun swag!
Volunteering at these festivals is a great time to connect with the community, spread the word about important provincial issues, and enjoy a beautiful weekend with friends.
Volunteer with us!
We have shifts at 11 AM, 2 PM, 4 PM and 4:30 PM on September 7 and 8.
When can you join us?
| My Nomination Meeting! |
Speculation about Ford calling an early election is getting louder. He will do anything to get ahead of the RCMP criminal investigation into his Greenbelt corruption. And we will do everything to be ready for a snap election.
You are invited! My nomination meeting to be your next Toronto Centre Ontario NDP candidate will be on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 6:30 PM. Special guests and live music will be at The Aviary at 484 Front Street East in the beautiful Canary District. Join us for a memorable night.
| You’re Invited: Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration |
I am thrilled to partner with Neighbourhood Information Post to celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival with you.
Join us on Friday, September 13, from 3-6 PM in the Community Room at 150 River Street. The celebration is FREE, and all are welcome!
Attendees will enjoy colourful lantern-making, moon cakes, hot drinks and food, and door prizes.
I hope to see you there! Please RSVP here.
|
Our London Family Act - Have Your Say |
The Our London Family Act was first introduced in 2021 by London MPPs after the horrific murder of the Afzaal family. This new law, if passed, would make changes to stop Islamophobia in Ontario. We are asking for your input before it is re-introduced to ensure it continues to propose the solutions that will keep Muslim communities safe. I hope you can join and share feedback.
Where: Banquet Hall, 402 Shuter St, Toronto.
When: Thursday, September 19, 6:30 PM – 8 PM
Refreshments will be provided.
|
International Overdose Awareness Day |
Last Saturday, I was honoured to speak at the flag-raising ceremony for Overdose Awareness Day at Toronto City Hall. The Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention Toronto and Flags of Hope hosted us, two organizations that do excellent overdose awareness work all year round.
Every Overdose Awareness Day is full of grief for the people we have lost. Still, this one had an extra layer of heaviness as communities work overtime to preserve life-saving services that Ford has abruptly cancelled. I will stand with the community and fight for the evidence-based mental health care and addiction services, including harm reduction health services, that our communities deserve.
Addictions can impact absolutely anyone. When it comes to making lives better and easier, we need to lead with support, not stigma.
|
Ontario NDP Caucus Retreat |
This week, I attended the Ontario NDP Caucus Retreat in Windsor, where Marit Stiles and our caucus laid out our goals for the upcoming legislative session (by prioritizing housing, healthcare, and reducing the cost of living). We have been preparing for all possible election timelines since Ford could call a snap election between this fall and June 2026. Doug Ford has publicly said there will be no election this fall, but he could always change his mind and reserve course as we have seen him do many times before. So we need to continue to be ready for all possibilities.
| Toronto Dragon Festival |
Last weekend, I was thrilled to attend the Toronto Dragon Festival, which celebrates the rich heritage of Chinese performing arts. This successful festival saw participation from 50 performing arts groups and 80 vendors taking over Nathan Philips Square. It was a sight to behold.
The Canadian Association for Chinese Performing Arts did an incredible job hosting and sharing traditional Chinese art with Torontonians of all backgrounds. This event allowed artists to share their talents and connect with new audiences across Toronto.
| Conservatives’ Failure on Healthcare |
This week, the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU) released a report revealing a five-fold shortfall between the hospital capacity required by 2032 and the Ford government’s ten-year plan.
The government has said over and over again that it plans to add 3,000 staffed hospital beds in Ontario by 2032, a number that sounds impressive until you look at the data and see that we will actually need 15,000 additional beds by that time.
It is not news that this government has been deliberately underfunding our healthcare system, leaving Ontarians without the care they need and deserve. Healthcare should be based on needs, not means. For years, governments have ignored the growing crisis, pretending it doesn’t exist while hospitals close, nurses are driven out of the profession, and hallway healthcare worsens.
Healthcare is Ontario’s backbone, our pride and joy, but under conservative leadership, our healthcare professionals are leaving for other provinces, and our system is unrecognizable. It's time for real action and substantial investments so Ontarians can finally receive the care they deserve.
| This Week's Headlines |
Ontario dropped wastewater testing early, with no plan for feds to step in: documents
Toronto inspectors scrambled to respond to Ontario Science Centre shutdown: documents | CTV News
Would commercial rent control protect small businesses in Canada? | CBC News
American rental price fixing tech still in use in Canada after U.S. lawsuits
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Rastafest Regent Park |
Rastafest invites the community to a vibrant celebration at Regent Park, hosted at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas Street East) on Saturday, September 7th, 2024 -- TOMORROW!
This free event will feature live performances by Jay Douglas, Nana McLean, Otis Gayle, Shanty Sweets, and Gavin Williamson.
-
Time:
- Children & Youth Activities, Food, and Craft Vendors: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Live Concert: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Music by: DJ Chocolate & Black Heart iNiversal
Please note, the event has been moved indoors. It promises an exciting lineup of activities for all ages.
| Allan Gardens September Community Markets |
The Friends of Allan Gardens are excited to present the new Community Market Series this September!
Each Saturday, from 11 AM to 3 PM, the Allan Gardens Children's Conservatory and the new Teaching Garden will host themed markets featuring unique finds and fun activities for the whole family.
Location: Allan Gardens Children's Conservatory & Teaching Garden, 117 Carlton Street.
|
BENA Annual Social |
Join your BENA Operations Committee at the Bishop and Belcher on September 10 at 6:30 PM for their third Annual Social!
Please RSVP to [email protected] by Friday September 6.
See the poster attached for further details or visit their website here.
| Take Back the Night 2024 |
The Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape (TRCC/MWAR) invites the community to the 40th annual Take Back the Night on Thursday, September 12. This event honours survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, and state violence, including police brutality and other forms of institutional oppression.
Event Details:
- Rally: 6 PM
- March: 7 PM
- Location: Christie Pits Park, 750 Bloor Street West
- Theme: 40 Years of Reclaiming the Streets
This year’s march continues the movement’s dedication to decolonisation and resistance against settler colonialism and heteropatriarchy. Let’s come together to celebrate survivorship, resiliency, empowerment, healing, and activism.
The event is wheelchair accessible and includes ASL interpretation. It is open to everyone and is a queer and trans-positive space.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Marshall or Accessibility Team (Training dates: September 5 and 10)
For more information, visit the TRCC/MWAR website.
| Foundation for Environmental Stewardship Student Grants |
The Foundation for Environmental Stewardship (FES) is offering grants through its "Funding for Net-Zero" program to support student-led projects to reduce emissions in schools across Canada. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 are available for students in grades 6-12 who are ready to take action for a sustainable future. This initiative provides students with hands-on experiences and education related to achieving net-zero emissions.
The application deadline is September 12, and FES encourages educators and youth across the country to apply.
| Toronto’s Renoviction Bylaw: Have Your Say |
The City of Toronto is inviting residents to provide input on implementing a new renovictions bylaw modelled after successful initiatives in other cities across Canada.
In June, Toronto City Council directed City staff to create a bylaw in response to the growing trend of renovictions in Toronto, where a landlord illegitimately evicts a tenant by alleging that vacant possession of the rental unit is required to make renovations or repairs, leading to situations where landlords increase rents significantly or refuse to allow tenants to return to their homes. This results in the displacement of tenants, the permanent loss of affordable rental housing, and contributes to rising homelessness in Toronto.
To inform the development of the bylaw, the City is engaging with tenants, landlords, and residents impacted by renovictions. Staff will report back to the Planning and Housing Committee with a proposed renovictions bylaw in October.
Online survey
Residents are encouraged to share their insights and experiences by completing the online survey on the City's website by Monday, September 30.
Drop-in sessions
The City is also hosting in-person and virtual consultation meetings:
City-wide Online Session
Date: Monday, September 9
Time: 7 to 8.30 PM
Zoom Online Meeting: Click the link or join by phone at 647-374-4685
Meeting ID: 369 644 7895
Passcode: 740975
Downtown Toronto
Date: Friday, September 13
Time: 1:30 to 3.30 PM
Location: 55 John Street – Rotunda (main floor)
More information on the Renovictions Policy Implementation report is available on the City’s website.
| Refugees and Newcomers Career Navigation Seminar |
The Toronto Newcomer Council invites refugees, asylum seekers, and newcomers to the "Empowerment Through Employment: Refugees and Newcomers Career Navigation Seminar 2024" on September 13-14 at 163 Queen Street East. This event will connect participants with employers, training institutions, and service agencies, offering valuable insights into the Canadian job market.
Event Highlights:
- Panel Discussions & Q&A Sessions: Explore challenges and opportunities in the Canadian labour market.
- Workshops: Hands-on training in resume writing, cover letter preparation, and interview techniques.
- Networking Opportunities: Build connections with employers and fellow job seekers.
- Exhibition Booths: Engage with organizations showcasing employment resources.
- Expert Talks: Gain career navigation advice from professionals.
Attendees can meet potential employers, enhance job readiness skills, and access tailored employment programs. Register here to secure a spot.
| River Run 2024 |
Walk with Grassy Narrows youth and community members to show that you are with them on their path to achieve mercury justice and freedom!
Date: September 18, 2024
Time: 12 PM
Location: Downtown Toronto, details TBD
Sign up: Click here to register
This is a family-friendly event. Rain or shine!
| Youth Civic and Political Forum at Toronto City Hall |
The Young Politicians invites all youth to the Youth Civic and Political Forum on September 21 at Toronto City Hall. This event is an opportunity for young minds to come together, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore solutions to issues facing Toronto. Join like-minded peers and renowned leaders to explore, initiate, and debate on civic and political matters. For more details, click here.
| Tawich in the City |
Wildlands League and Mushkegowuk Council are delighted to present Tawich in the City, where Indigenous music meets science meets art and much more.
Tawich* has been a hidden gem until now. This one night only event will connect your heart, soul, and mind to Canada's great inland sea and its incredible people!
You will see astonishing wildlife footage by the award-winning Water Brothers and hear from the Omushkego leaders like Mushkegowuk Council’s Deputy Grand Chief Natasha Martin, Peawanuck’s Sam Hunter, and Juno Award winner Lawrence Martin, who is galvanizing the protection of his peoples’ sacred lands and waters.
September 25, 2024 | 7:00 PM
- Tikcets: $55.00+
- Venue: Koerner Hall
- Genre: Art & Conversation, Indigenous Music
- Presenter: Wildlands League & Mushkegowuk Council
| Seniors for Climate Action |
Seniors for Climate invites the community to join their nationwide movement for urgent climate action. Fossil fuel emissions continue to fuel devastating fires, floods, and extreme weather. On October 1, seniors across Canada will stand in solidarity with youth, urging the federal government to take immediate steps towards renewable energy expansion and the end of fossil fuel burning.
Toronto Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, October 1
- Time: 1:30 PM
- Location: Rally at University Avenue and Armoury
March to the Church of the Holy Trinity, 10 Trinity Square
Notable speakers include David Phillips, David Suzuki, and Lillian Allen. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own water bottles, and masks are welcome.
This event is part of a larger initiative by the Seniors for Climate project, featuring over 50 events across Canada.
| St Lawrence ReMarket |
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association (SLNA) Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 11th REmarket on October 9 and 10. This two-day event focuses on collecting unwanted items, with recycling services, donation collection, and hazardous waste drop-off available.
Event Details:
-
Wednesday, October 9:
- FreeMarket from 10 AM to 7 PM. Donate or take items for free (not for commercial resale). Bring your own bag.
-
Thursday, October 10:
- Repair Café Toronto will fix clothing, jewellery, computers, electronics, and more from 11 AM to 3 PM.
- CultureLink Bike Hub will offer small bike repairs and safety checks from 10 AM to 6 PM.
The event will be held at the St. Lawrence Market Tent, 125 The Esplanade. For full details and guidelines, click here.
| Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Awards |
Do you know of an exemplary project, group or person who has shown leadership, commitment and the best practice in heritage conservation this past year? Help the Ontario Heritage Trust recognize and celebrate them by submitting a nomination for the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards.
Nomination deadline: October 11, 2024
| Indigenous Legacy Gathering |
This year, the Indigenous Legacy Gathering will take place over four days at Nathan Philips Square, starting on September 27 and culminating in the unveiling of the Spirit Garden on Orange Shirt Day, September 30.
Stay tuned for details on vendor applications, which will be released soon. Check the event website for updates and more information.
August 30, 2024 Newsletter
Dear friend,
I can’t believe the end of summer is here, and back to school is just around the corner! My son is starting kindergarten this year, and I couldn’t be more proud of him as he begins this new adventure. Like all parents, I am filled with a mix of excitement, joy, and worry about the year ahead.
I am excited for our students to go back to school, where they can learn and discover their talents, supported by an incredible community of passionate educators, dedicated parents, and curious classmates. I know there is so much joy and discovery waiting for them. I also wish that students and parents in our public schools didn’t need to worry about broken furnaces, leaky windows, and general disrepair in our school buildings. It doesn’t have to be this way though - we need to invest in our schools to bring them into a good state of repair, something that I and the Ontario NDP have been advocating for for years.
I can’t wait for students to make friends, master skills, and enjoy fun and freedom on the playground. I also wish that all students, especially those with extra support needs, were able to go to school every day knowing that enough caring ECE and other professionals were there to meet their needs and ensure that they could participate fully in their classroom. Students with special needs belong in our public schools - we need to show that we believe that by providing the funding school boards need to hire education workers to provide that care and facilitate access for these students.
I also know that lots of little ones are starting daycare for the first time this week or going to before- or after-school care. This is an exciting step and a wonderful opportunity for learning, fun, and forming relationships with more caring adults. I also know how expensive childcare can be. Ontario has signed on to the federal Early Learning Childcare Agreement, but gaps to access still exist. The province should have started an aggressive campaign to train more ECEs and set up more childcare centres years ago. I am hopeful that affordable, accessible childcare is within reach for all of us, and I will not stop pushing until this becomes a reality.
Our post-secondary institutions also resume classes this week. I am so excited for those students to dive into their coursework and deepen their passion for their areas of study, whether they are straight out of high school, returning to school to retrain, or something in the middle. Post-secondary is a time for self-discovery, exploration, deep scholarship, making lifelong friends, and taking risks. But we all know it is also a time of bills and loans. Students should be able to focus on their studies, but many are forced to work long hours on top of their courseload, often while caring for family members, just to make ends meet. Students deserve more support, as do our colleges and universities, but instead, they are getting less from this government. All students should be free to pursue their strengths and passions, regardless of their economic background – their growth makes for a stronger society and a more exciting city! I am proud to support students and advocate for their funding needs at the Legislature.
I also want to wish all of you a Happy Labour Day and a beautiful long weekend. The Ontario NDP is marching in Toronto’s Labour Day Parade, and it would be fantastic if you could join us! You can sign up to march here. Happy Labour Day and happy back to school!
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Volunteer with Us: Cabbagetown and St James Town Festivals, Rastafest Regent Park
- My Nomination Meeting!
- Our London Family Act - Have Your Say
- Intimate Partner Violence Consultations Phase 1 Concludes
- You’re Invited: Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration
- Letter to Metrolinx: Noise Levels at the Don Yard
- Ontario Place: Ford’s Opaque Procurement Process
- Your Feedback - Public Order, Protest, and Police
- Toronto’s Renoviction Bylaw: Have Your Say
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community News
| Volunteer with Us: Cabbagetown and St James Town Festivals, Rastafest Regent Park! |
The St James Town and Cabbagetown Festivals, as well as Rastafest Regent Park, are coming up next weekend! All three are held on Saturday, September 7, and the Cabbagetown Festival spans the whole weekend, continuing until Sunday, September 8. My team will be setting up community tables in Cabbagetown and St James Town, and we need your help to give away our beautiful tote bags and collect petition signatures on critical issues!
Volunteering at these festivals is a great time to connect with the community, spread the word about important provincial issues, and enjoy a beautiful weekend with friends.
Volunteer with us!
We have shifts at 11 AM, 2 PM, 4 PM and 4:30 PM on Saturday the 7 and Sunday the 8. When can you join us?
| My Nomination Meeting! |
You are invited! Speculation about Ford calling a snap election is swirling. We will be ready.
My nomination meeting to be your next Toronto Centre Ontario NDP candidate will be on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 6:30 PM.
|
Our London Family Act - Have Your Say |
The Our London Family Act was first introduced in 2021 by London MPPs after the horrific murder of the Afzaal family. This new law, if passed, would make changes to stop Islamophobia in Ontario. We are asking for your input before it is re-introduced to ensure it continues to propose the solutions that will keep Muslim communities safe. I hope you can join and share feedback.
Where: Banquet Hall, 402 Shuter St, Toronto.
When: Thursday, September 19, 6:30 PM – 8 PM
Refreshments will be provided.
| Intimate Partner Violence Consultations Phase 1 Concludes |
Yesterday was the final day of Phase 1 of the Intimate Partner Violence Study. Over the summer, MPP Jess Dixon and I co-chaired ten days of committee hearings, receiving presentations from and asking questions of well over 100 experts, academics, non-profit leaders, legal professionals, and frontline workers. Each day, I was in awe of these professionals’ commitment to their communities, combatting violence, and assisting survivors even when the work felt never-ending.
Changes that were called for over and over throughout Phase 1 included:
- More education and prevention programs, especially in schools for youth,
- Trainings for first responders about early indicators of abuse and covert abuse tactics like coercive control,
- Support for municipalities to build capacity and a provincial coordination centre,
- Staffing up our courts so that cases don’t get thrown out,
- Increased support for Indigenous and fly-in communities,
- Support for restorative justice programs that replace courts at the request of survivors
- Support for legal aid, including funding and staffing
- Addressing the gendered nature of poverty and homelessness,
- And, of course, work to end sexism, patriarchy, rape culture and victim blaming.
I am so incredibly thankful to all of the presenters, the clerks, my fellow MPPs, and my co-chair MPP Jess Dixon for all of their hard work, which made Phase 1 of the IPV Consultations a success. I look forward to the upcoming phases and to bringing you all the updates along the way.
| You’re Invited: Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration |
I am thrilled to partner with Neighbourhood Information Post to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival!
Join us on Friday, September 13, from 3-6 PM in the Community Room at 150 River Street to celebrate!
The event is is free, and all are welcome. Attendees will enjoy colourful lantern making, moon cakes, hot drinks and food, and door prizes.
I hope to see you there!
|
Letter to Metrolinx: Noise Levels at the Don Yard |
Click here to read my letter to CEO of Metrolinx, Phil Verster, asking for immediate action to address the noise from construction at the Don Yards subway construction site. These instances of excessive construction noise have repeatedly woken exhausted and mentally stressed residents in nearby buildings, one of whom reported that all their neighbours are, “feeling panicked and anxious, as our ability to sleep has been taken away.”
|
Ontario Place: Ford’s Opaque Procurement Process |
This week, Marit Stiles, Ontario NDP leader, raised concerns about the questionable procurement processes behind Ford’s Ontario Place redevelopment project. The Ontario NDP obtained documents that show a process rife with unusual rules, including insinuating that the government had absolute power over the final decision and could even choose a partner that had not entered a bid or did not meet the requirements set out in the redevelopment documents. That is absurd.
The people of Ontario should be able to count on their government to not make decisions in the dark about a beloved public gem like the Ontario Place. That is the bare minimum.
We dug up the details of an unusual and opaque procurement process, but questions about transparency when it comes to Ontario Place are not new. This deal smelled fishy right from the start. The public has always known that and you deserve answers.
This is a pattern of behaviour from a government that likes operating in the dark and hiding things from the public. Ontario Place, the Science Centre, the Greenbelt – this government loves setting up processes and rules that benefit their insiders.
It’s time for a government that puts transparency first.
| Toronto’s Renoviction Bylaw: Have Your Say |
The City of Toronto is inviting residents to provide input on the implementation of a new renovictions bylaw modelled after successful initiatives in other cities across Canada.
In June, Toronto City Council directed City staff to create a bylaw in response to the growing trend of renovictions in Toronto, where a landlord illegitimately evicts a tenant by alleging that vacant possession of the rental unit is required to make renovations or repairs, leading to situations where landlords increase rents significantly or refuse to allow tenants to return to their homes. This results in the displacement of tenants, the permanent loss of affordable rental housing, and contributes to rising homelessness in Toronto.
To inform the development of the bylaw, the City is engaging with tenants, landlords, and residents impacted by renovictions. Staff will report back to the Planning and Housing Committee with a proposed renovictions bylaw in October.
Online survey
Residents are encouraged to share their insights and experiences by completing the online survey by Monday, September 30 on the City’s website.
Drop-in sessions
The City is also hosting in-person and virtual consultation meetings:
City-wide Online Session
Date: Monday, September 9
Time: 7 to 8.30 p.m.
Zoom Online Meeting: Click the link or join by phone at 647-374-4685
Meeting ID: 369 644 7895
Passcode: 740975
Downtown Toronto
Date: Friday, September 13
Time: 1:30 to 3.30 p.m.
Location: 55 John Street – Rotunda (main floor)
More information on the Renovictions Policy Implementation report is available on the City’s website.'
| Your Feedback - Public Order, Protest, and Police |
Have your say as the Toronto Police Service Board creates new guidelines for how police behave at public events and protests.
While public order has been something we think about in Toronto Centre when homophobic preachers spew hate on Church St. or when anti-vax extremists intimidate health care workers at clinics, we do not want legitimate demonstrations to be curtailed in any way. I do not want this consultation to justify any more events like the violent kettling of peaceful protesters and local pedestrians in late March of this year. We must ensure that genuine freedom of expression protected, and I hope you share your feedback on this.
Here is what the TPSB has to say about the feedback they are soliciting:
Members of the public are encouraged to express to the Board their views on important elements they would like to see in the Board’s new Public Order Policy, and suggest priorities the Board should establish for the Service and the Chief in this area.
The consultation is open to all members of the public, organizations, and community groups.
Submissions can be made in writing, or by audio or video recording and will be accepted through this form, or by mail.
The submission deadline is today, August 30.
| This Week's Headlines |
- Toronto neighbourhoods with drug consumption sites saw many types of crime drop: data
- I almost died of an overdose. Then I got sober, got married and had three kids. Ask my family if closing supervised consumption sites is a good idea
- ‘A billion-dollar bungle.’ Toronto courthouse slammed for failing to be the accessible space it was promised to be
- Many deaths predicted from Ontario's plan to shut supervised consumption sites: experts, data
- Wealthier Ontarians more likely to receive publicly funded cataract surgeries in private clinics: Study
- Ontario transportation minister brushes aside report Hwy. 413 won’t help ease GTA gridlock
- How Ontario allows industry to evade air pollution rules
- There’s a gaping hole in Canada’s COVID tracking
- Randall Denley: Why Doug Ford is likely to call an early election
- Hamilton church leader says supervised injection site 'reduced violence' rather than caused it
- Toronto shelters with internal supervised injection sites for their residents also affected by provincial ban
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Allan Gardens September Community Markets |
The Friends of Allan Gardens are excited to present the new Community Market Series this September!
Each Saturday, from 11 AM. to 3 PM, the Allan Gardens Children's Conservatory and the new Teaching Garden will host themed markets featuring unique finds and fun activities for the whole family.
Location: Allan Gardens Children's Conservatory & Teaching Garden, 117 Carlton St
|
BENA Annual Social |
Join your BENA Operations Committee at the Bishop and Belcher on September 10 at 6:30 PM for their third Annual Social!
Please RSVP to [email protected] by Friday September 6.
See the poster attached for further details or visit their website here.
| Refugees and Newcomers Career Navigation Seminar |
The Toronto Newcomer Council invites refugees, asylum seekers, and newcomers to the "Empowerment Through Employment: Refugees and Newcomers Career Navigation Seminar 2024" on September 13-14, at 163 Queen St, Toronto. This event will connect participants with employers, training institutions, and service agencies, offering valuable insights into the Canadian job market.
Event Highlights:
- Panel Discussions & Q&A Sessions: Explore challenges and opportunities in the Canadian labour market.
- Workshops: Hands-on training in resume writing, cover letter preparation, and interview techniques.
- Networking Opportunities: Build connections with employers and fellow job seekers.
- Exhibition Booths: Engage with organizations showcasing employment resources.
- Expert Talks: Gain career navigation advice from professionals.
Attendees will have the chance to meet potential employers, enhance job readiness skills, and access tailored employment programs. Register here to secure a spot.
| Youth Civic and Political Forum at Toronto City Hall |
The Young Politicians invites all youth to the Youth Civic and Political Forum on September 21, 2024 at Toronto City Hall. This event is an opportunity for young minds to come together, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore solutions to issues facing Toronto. Join like-minded peers and renowned leaders to explore, initiate, and debate on civic and political matters. For more details, click here.
| Tawich in the City |
Wildlands League and Mushkegowuk Council are delighted to present Tawich in the City, where Indigenous music meets science meets art and much more.
Tawich* has been a hidden gem until now. This one night only event will connect your heart, soul, and mind to Canada's great inland sea and its incredible people!
You will see astonishing wildlife footage by the award-winning Water Brothers and hear from the Omushkego leaders like Mushkegowuk Council’s Deputy Grand Chief Natasha Martin, Peawanuck’s Sam Hunter, and Juno Award winner Lawrence Martin, who is galvanizing the protection of his peoples’ sacred lands and waters.
September 25, 2024 | 7:00 PM
- Tikcets: $55.00+
- Venue: Koerner Hall
- Genre: Art & Conversation, Indigenous Music
- Presenter: Wildlands League & Mushkegowuk Council
| River Run 2024 |
Walk with Grassy Narrows youth and community members to show that you are with them on their path to achieve mercury justice and freedom!
Date: September 18, 2024
Time: 12 PM
Location: Downtown Toronto, details TBD
Sign up: Click here to register
This is a family-friendly event. Rain or shine!
| Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Awards |
Do you know of an exemplary project, group or person who has shown leadership, commitment and the best practice in heritage conservation this past year? Help the Ontario Heritage Trust recognize and celebrate them by submitting a nomination for the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards.
Nomination deadline: October 11, 2024
August 23, 2024 Newsletter
Dear Neighbour,
This week brought heavy news for people in Toronto Centre and across Ontario when the Ford government announced that they were closing 10 of 17 provincially approved consumption and treatment sites (CTS). Let’s unpack this backwards announcement.
Substance abuse is a health issue and supervised consumption is a proven, evidence-based intervention that can prevent overdose amid a deadly crisis that has already claimed thousands of lives across Ontario. The Ford government’s own expert review of sites did not recommend closing any sites. Just like when Ford ignored his own expert housing panel — the housing crisis deepened. Now he is covering up his own CTS safety report and doing the opposite of what his health professionals recommended.
As said before, ‘without supervised consumption sites, our whole city becomes an unsupervised consumption site’. Health professionals anticipate that things are about to get significantly worse and more visible when the CTS are closed.
Ontario’s framework for addressing the overdose crisis was never perfect — it was an underfunded patchwork of emergency responses. CTS is a health and referral service that should be funded to operate 24/7 and right-sized so people are not kicked out at closing time and left on the streets without other options — Ford did not even attempt this. The cap on sites that Ford himself created in 2019 forced people to access harm reduction at a limited number of facilities with restricted hours. This led to unhoused individuals using drugs in public spaces when they had nowhere to go. This is something we will see even more of when sites are closed suddenly.
By failing to invest in mental health services and supportive housing, sites that were making referrals were knee-capped by the social safety net that Ford kept broken. People had no other options when they couldn’t access housing and mental health services or addiction recovery treatment beds.
Ford could have chosen policies that would have actually improved safety around supervised consumption sites like:
- Funding CTS to operate 24-hours-a-day so that users are not kicked out at random hours.
- Guaranteeing 24-hour access to shelter and emergency addiction treatment beds.
- Funding safety and well-being plans for service areas.
- Integrating micro-sites into health care centres to facilitate safer access, counseling, easy referrals, and prevent the overcrowding of extremely traumatized people into fewer options.
- Investing in sufficient supportive and deeply affordable housing to transition patients out of chronic homelessness, where it is unbelievably challenging to escape addiction.
Ford chose stigma over support. While I welcome any new investment in health care, the 375 beds he is committing to creating by diverting funding will not end the overdose and poisoned drug supply crisis. This is all made worse with Ford’s privatization agenda and I predict that he will continue to take public money to enrich private, for profit companies. Nor do I believe that 375 recovery beds would be adequate for Toronto Centre alone — much less the entire province of Ontario.
My heart is especially heavy for everyone working in health care and harm reduction who will face the frontline consequences of Ford’s decision. Hospital emergency room staff, first responders and harm reduction workers are tired and burnt-out. They have buried too many patients, community members, and friends. In particular, harm reduction workers have carried on despite the odds, grief, and pain — it is impossible to face a seemingly unending torrent of death and be hit hard by callous attacks from the Premier. I will continue to stand with you, lift up your stories, and fight to make Ontario a province where healing and recovery from addiction is not just possible — but common and widespread.
You can sign my petition calling on Ford to adequately invest in this health care crisis here. When the house resumes, I will deliver the petition and the names of everyone who signed it to Ford's desk in the Legislature.
On another note, this week I have been made aware of disruptive noise coming from the Metrolinx Don Yards construction site in our riding. The noises range from augers banging to concrete pouring throughout the night and into the morning. I have been in contact with many of the residents in the area about the severity of the noise and how it has been impacting the health and well being of community members.
Our office has been in communication with Metrolinx every day since we have received complaints from residents. I have asked for daily updates about the status of the noise mitigation measures, and we continue to ask them for adjustments to their construction schedule so that there is no disruption to residents while they sleep. While Metrolinx has been responsive, I continue to push them for answers and modifications on behalf of residents.
It is imperative that if you have concerns about how the construction is impacting your life, please bring them to my office’s attention by emailing [email protected], as well as to Metrolinx directly at [email protected].
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Save the date! Nomination meeting announced!
- Have your say in the St. James Town Act
- AMO 2024
- Ontario Attacks Growth Plan for the Golden Horseshoe
- Ford boasts about ‘modern’ courthouse that isn’t even accessible
- Critic Portfolio Surveys
- 77 Howard St. Update
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community News
| Save the Date — Nomination Meeting Announced! |
Speculation about Ford calling a snap election is swirling. And we will be ready to meet his challenge.
My nomination meeting to be your next Toronto Centre Ontario NDP candidate will be on Thursday September 26, 2024. We can't let Ford's corruption and regressive policies go unchallenged. I have proven myself to be a strong defender of our democracy and province. From reversing Ford’s Greenbelt giveaway and Bill 124 to standing up for Toronto residents and small businesses. From fighting for justice, public health care, education, Ontario Place and the Ontario Science Centre, I have done what I always do - represent Toronto Centre with all my heart, dignity and strength.
We need to show that Ontario’s New Democrats have the passion, experience, and community support to win. There will be many special guests, live music and great food. By uniting progressives across the riding and province, we will and must defeat Ford Conservatives in the next election.
You are invited to join me at my nomination meeting:
Date: September 26, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: The Aviary, 484 Front St E (near Bayview Ave)
|
Have your say on the St. James Town Act! |
Six years after the fire at 650 Parliament Street, bad landlords are still getting away with negligence that threatens tenants’ lives. Tenants at 77 Howard are out thousands of dollars because the same landlord continued to fail to keep their property in a state of good repair.
The St. James Town Act proposes an elegant solution to a systemic and ongoing problem. It emerged from deep conversation with tenant leaders across St. James Town and Ontario. But we are now six years into Ford’s anti-tenant government, and we need to ensure that it will continue to meet the moment. I welcome all feedback on this proposed bill through my survey!
| 77 Howard St. Update |
Residents at 77 Howard are still struggling with the aftermath of the heavy rain on July 16 that led to damaged apartments, shared spaces, and facilities like their onsite laundry room. This week, a tenant from the building shared a video with me documenting the severity of the destruction to their apartment and disruption of their lives.
While our office awaits the incident report from the City that will give us a better sense of the structural damage and what maintenance work could have be done to prevent undue hardship, these residents continue to pick up the pieces to rebuild their lives. The property owner, WPSQ maintains this was a “natural” disaster and refuses to offer rent abatement of other financial support to help residents recoup their losses. Check out the damage cause by this so-called natural disaster below:
| AMO 2024 |
This week a major annual conference called the Association of Municipalities in Ontario (AMO) took place. This gathering is like a family retreat for the multiple levels orders of government in Ontario to discuss shared challenges and how to best solve them. Marit Stiles and Ontario New Democrats joined putting our best foot forward by announcing a new deal for cities and Northern Ontario communities
Marit Stiles announced a detailed and comprehensive plan aimed at reversing decades of underfunding and neglect across our province and especially in Northern Ontario.
Key aspects of the Ontario NDP’s plan include:
- UPLOADING back provincial financial responsibility for affordable housing, shelters, and homelessness prevention programs, while maintaining locally focused delivery by municipal service managers.
- RESTORING 50% provincial funding for municipal transit net operational costs.
- Building affordable homes through Homes Ontario — the Ontario NDP’s plan to provide significant new provincial investments in public, non-profit and co-op housing.
- Fair cost-sharing between municipal and provincial governments to stabilize municipal finances.
Too many Ontarians feel that their elected representatives give them excuses for why vital city services are under-funded — ENOUGH.
An Ontario NDP government will restore provincial funding where we need it so you can get services — and not excuses.
| Ontario attacks the growth plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe |
This week, Ford’s Minister for Creating Excuses that Perpetuate the Housing Crisis Paul Calandra announced that Ontario will repeal the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. This will harm Ontario’s environment and our ability to tackle the housing crisis.
Instead of focusing on building affordable, sustainable housing in existing neighbourhoods, this government is paving the way for more sprawling developments over limited farmland and delicate wildlife habitats. The Growth Plan helped coordinate how cities grow in the Golden Horseshoe to minimize damage to our surrounding farmland and wildlife. Scrapping the growth plan won’t help fight the housing crisis because the McMansions Ford wants to build are not the tool we need to fight the affordability crisis. Ontario New Democrats will oppose Ford’s short-sighted changes and fight for smart housing investments that actually build deeply affordable and supportive housing with real rent control.
| Critic Portfolio Surveys |
I have created four surveys spanning the three ministerial portfolios I am responsible for including one to cover community safety as that is a priority issue for the City of Toronto and Toronto Centre. If you have general feedback that doesn’t fall into these buckets you can still provide that information through the ONDP’s general consultation survey here.
Please share my surveys with anyone in your networks who would be interested!
|
Volunteer at the St. James Town and Cabbagetown Festivals |
We will be back at the Cabbagetown and St. James Town Festivals tabling on the weekend of September 7, 2024. We would love all the volunteer help we can get engaging our neighbours. Sign up below.
Saturday September 7, 2024
Sunday September 8, 2024
| Ford boasts about ‘modern’ courthouse that isn’t even accessible |
It’s disappointing to be having this conversation in 2024 — all major new buildings should be accessible. But disability advocates are saying they are tripping over how long the list of problems is with Ontario’s new billion-dollar courthouse on Armoury St.
How did we get here? I’ve toured this courthouse with workers and have some insights. First, the government sidelined workers from the development of the new courthouse. Second, the government refused to listen to the unions representing court workers as they advocated about accessibility AND safety problems in the new building. Third, Ford’s Minister of the Attorney General stuffed cotton into his ears so that he could not hear the chorus of community voices giving him free advice on how to fix what is wrong with the courthouse. Disability advocates have posted videos showing how wayfinding routes installed to help people who walk with a stick navigate were hard to follow, occasionally randomly stopped, and that brail signs are sometimes incomplete or wrong.
I will continue supporting community voices demanding the government do their job and ensure our new courthouse meets basic accessibility standards for disabled Ontarians.
| This Week's Headlines |
- Ford government's deadly closure of safe consumption sites spells disaster for Ontario’s overdose epidemic
- Ontario municipal leaders call for new law to address harassment
- Finding a job is tough when you have a disability, and Ontario's revamped employment system isn't helping
- Ontario to ask province to name intimate partner violence an epidemic
- Toronto wants more family-sized condos. Here's why what's being built just doesn't work
- Killing growth plan for Greater Golden Horseshoe is a disaster for Ontario's environment
- Jarring survey results reveal worsening mental health among Ontario youth
- Ontario and GTA traffic expected to slow to 20 km/h due to construction
- Ontario health minister went against review recommendations on consumption sites
- People will die: Toronto Board of Health Chair denounces plans to close supervised consumption sites
- Electoral College Projected Averages this week
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Moss Park CTS Open House |
Have you ever wondered what it is like inside an Overdose Prevention Site but never had the chance to learn? South Riverdale Community Health invites you to their Moss Park Overdose Prevention Site Open House on August 26th from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at 134 Sherbourne St. Join South Riverdale Community Health’s team for an informative and engaging afternoon featuring Naloxone training, a safe needle disposal demonstration, and a site tour. Learn more about how their services can support our community. Before you go, please RSVP at [email protected].
| International Overdose Awareness Day |
Community members are invited to join the International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) Flag-Raising Ceremony for 2024. It will take place on August 31st at 11:00 A.M. at Toronto City Hall.
The event is supported by organizations like Black CAP, CACVO/ACCHO, Families for Addiction Recovery, and others committed to this cause.
The event aims to raise awareness about overdose deaths and highlight that they are preventable. It also seeks to support the fight against the stigma associated with substance use and overdose.
Attendees are encouraged to add the name of their loved ones to the IOAD Commemorative Canvas.
|
Rastafest is coming to Regent Park! |
This year Rastafest is coming to Regent Park on Saturday, September 7 from 1 PM to 5 PM! Please come by to enjoy live music, vendors, and celebrate Rastafarian culture in its entirety.
Me and my team will be hosting a table, so please stop by to say hello and pick up a tote bag!
|
Louis March Celebration of Life |
Louis March’s family are hosting a community celebration to honour and share loving memories of Louis. It's going to be an afternoon of music, spoken word, dance, inspiration and reflection on Elder Louis’ legacy of tireles advocacy against gun violence and youth empowerment. The event will take place this coming Sunday August 25, 2024 at 1 PM in the St. Lawrence centre for the Arts, 27 Front Street East.
| Canvass with Samantha Green |
Samantha Green, our federal NDP candidate in Toronto, is out knocking on doors every week. You can join her by signing up for her upcoming shifts.
Sunday in the Park |
Drop by Sunday in the Park festival from 1 PM to 5 PM, happening this Sunday, August 25 at 600 Dundas Street East. There will be free BBQ with halal and vegetarian options, as well as family friendly activities, local vendors and live entertainment.
Walk with the NDP in Labour Day |
Join New Democrats this Labour Day! Sign up below.
|
Dixon Hall Farmers' Market |
Dixon Hall is launching their Farmers’ Market flyer market. This unique market works on the “Pay What You Can” model.
Dates: Every other Thursday (Aug 29, Sept 12, Sept 26)
Time: 3 PM until sold out!
Location: 190 Carlton Street
Farmers Market Quick Facts:
- PWYC Model: Choose your price, from $5 to $20, ensuring everyone can access fresh food.
- Community Engagement: Enjoy fresh produce, lively activities, and music, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
- Dixon Hall needs volunteers to help them organize the market; help out today!
| Taste of Regent Park |
Date: Every Wednesday, from July 3 – September 4, 2024
Location: The Big Park | Bake Oven
Time: 5 - 8 PM
Learn more here.
| ArtHeart — Summer Drop-In for Child, Youth, and Family |
Dates: Mondays-Thursdays, July 8 – August 29
Times: 3:30 - 5:30 PM
Location: Daniels Spectrum 2nd floor (studio 210)
Join ArtHeart this summer for drop-in summer arts programming! Children, youth and family arts will run Mondays-Thursdays (note that some Thursdays will be Family Field Trips days and may start earlier - please enquire)!
A one-time application is required. Click here or email us at [email protected] for the application.
This summer, participants will explore painting, sculpture, paper crafts, and more! Nourishing snacks and refreshments are provided.
| ArtHeart — Seniors and Adults |
Seniors Program (55+)
Date: Every Monday
Time: 10 AM - 12:45 PM
Location: Daniels Spectrum 2nd floor (studio 210)
Adults Program (16+)
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Location: Daniels Spectrum 2nd floor (studio 210)
Join ArtHeart for our year-round open art studio for adults and seniors! Participants are welcome to attend both sessions.
Enjoy an open, welcoming environment to meet like-minded creative people! Warm meals are provided during programming.
| In My Own Little Corner |
From Aki Studios comes In my Own Little Corner! In this award winning “outstanding new play”, Carly Neis explores the mess, beauty, grief, joy and care of an unexpected friendship stitched together by the love of music and a shared longing to be acknowledged as artists, creators, and “normal” humans.
If you are interested in checking out some local theatre in an accessible, immersive experience, you can buy tickets for performances from August 23 to September 1, 2024 here.
| Art à la Carte - Celebrating Ontario Artists |
Art à la Carte provides Ontario artists with the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents with visitors to the In Camera Dining Room at the Legislative Building. Selected artwork will be featured in an exhibit for one year. It is not a requirement that artwork is for sale; however, if it is, interested buyers will be connected with the artist.
Applications will be accepted from July 10 to August 25, 2024. Check out the link for eligibility, the application form here!
| Low-Income Energy Assistance Program |
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program offers grants to Toronto residents who are behind on their hydro payments and receive support from Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). This initiative is a collaboration between the City of Toronto, Neighbourhood Information Post (NIP), and partner agencies.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Residency: Must live in Toronto
- Income: Must meet low-income guidelines
- Utility Bills: Must have a recent “past due” Toronto Hydro bill or a disconnection notice from the utility provider
- Additional Requirements: Must meet other program criteria
Please note that meeting these criteria does not guarantee grant approval, and additional documentation may be required.
Learn more here.
| Free Daily Swimming at Wellesley Community Centre |
Did you know that Wellesley Community Centre has a new indoor pool? And it’s FREE to use EVERY DAY!
- Wellesley pool offers FREE drop-in access to all ages:
- Open leisure swim
- Aaquafit classes
- ️Lane swimming
- ️Women's only leisure swim
- ️2SLGBTQ+ friendly inclusive leisure swim
Check out the schedules here
| 2 Spirit Healing Drumming |
Join The Circle of Cedar Singers for 2 Spirit Healing Drumming sessions:
- Dates: Tuesdays from July 23 to October 29
- Time: 6 - 7:30 PM
- Location: Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church St.
All are welcome to watch or join in (bring your own drum). For more details, email [email protected].
| St. James Town Festival |
Join the St. James Town Community Corner for the St. James Town Festival 2024, celebrating with the theme "Greener and Safer: Reviving and Rebuilding Relationships."
Enjoy fun activities, performances, community awards, cultural foods, and a variety of vendors at this year’s St James Town Festival!
- Date: Saturday, September 7
- Time: 1 - 7 PM
- Location: Ontario Street, north of Wellesley Street East
For more information or questions, email [email protected].