March 23, 2023 Newsletter

Dear Emma,

Yesterday, I was officially sworn in as the MPP for Toronto Centre. This was my fifth time taking an oath of public office, but this time, I found myself feeling more nervous and emotional than I had during previous ceremonies. When I reflected on it later, I realized that it was the presence of so many friends, colleagues, and community members looking on that brought up these emotions. I so dearly want to do right by them and everyone in our community, and seeing all of their faces as I took the oath really brought that commitment home. The Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Trevor Day, who administered the oath, also reminded me of how very special this honour is. Since confederation, fewer than 2,000 people have taken the oath to become an Ontario MPP. To be one of them feels incredibly profound. 

Every day, I feel honoured to hold public office and serve the people of Toronto Centre and the communities that I love. Yesterday was a beautiful ceremonial celebration of that honour, which I will always cherish. I want to thank all of the people who stood with me as I took my oath and everyone in Toronto Centre for putting their trust in me. I do not take it lightly and will work hard every day to live up to our shared ideals. 

Jumping from one election to another, the Ottawa rumour mill has been spinning for weeks and now it seems to have settled - reliable sources are telling us that the federal election will be called this coming Sunday, in just two days, and that election day will be on either April 28 or May 5. Those details are still to be determined, as a federal election campaign lasts between 36 and 50 days in Canada. 

Luckily, here in Toronto Centre, we are ready to go. Local resident and family physician, Dr. Samantha Green, our fantastic candidate, has been knocking on doors for almost a year already and has an amazing campaign team behind her. Meanwhile, the Liberals do not yet have a candidate after Marci Ien announced two weeks ago that she would not run again. 

Samatha’s campaign is so prepared that they are having an office opening on Sunday, the day of the writ drop, and you are invited!!!

Join me, Samantha, community leader Danyaal Raza, and progressives in Toronto Centre at 1 PM this Sunday at 655 Dundas Street East to officially open Samantha’s office and ensure that we send a true progressive voice to Ottawa.

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Ford’s Cabinet Announcement
• Renewed Assault on Gaza
• Standing up for St Lawrence Co-op Daycare
• Ford: Canada as the 51st state is a “Compliment”
• Meeting with Peggy Nash’s Women in the House Students
• This Week’s Headlines
• Local Community Events

On Wednesday, Doug Ford announced his new cabinet. It is largely unchanged and fails to meet the moment Ontario is in. Now is a time for bright new thinkers to come up with creative solutions, not more of the same cut-and-privatize Ministers.

People are worried about the future of our province and our country. They are struggling to afford groceries; they can’t find a family doctor or an affordable place to live. Yet, this cabinet includes the same Minister of Transportation who couldn’t open a transit line, the same Minister of Health who downplayed the doctor shortage, and the same Minister of Infrastructure who spent weeks dodging basic questions. The cabinet includes 29 ministers and 8 associate ministers, making it one of the largest and most expensive in Ontario’s history. 

While there was little change, one swap left me chilled to the bone: Paul Calandra will be the new Minister of Education. Political watchers will remember that Calandra was Ford’s Government house leader until last year and before that an MP under PM Stephen Harper. In both roles he was known as a political spin doctor, the kind of person who you wanted in your corner when you had to break some bad news and didn’t want to take any criticism. Calandra has the unique skill of being able to yell a bunch of nonsense at you in a way that is both intimidating and convincing until you take a moment to understand what he actually said, which is nothing. This appointment raises alarm about the kinds of cuts Ford conservatives will bring down on our public education system, which is already in tatters. 

The Ontario NDP will soon announce our shadow cabinet, a team full of MPPs ready to rise to meet this challenging moment, by fighting rising costs, investing in building homes, hiring doctors, and building a tariff-proof economy. They can count on Ontario's Official Opposition NDP to keep up that fight at Queen’s Park and across the province to hold Doug Ford’s Conservatives to account every single day.

Just like many of you, I have felt horror and grief as images of death and destruction have poured out of Gaza again this week. On Tuesday, Israel broke the ceasefire and resumed the relentless bombing of civilians, in addition to shutting of electricity, water, and aid trucks carrying food and medical supplies to the region. 

The people of Gaza have been through far too much. They were just taking their first breaths, returning to their homes, and reuniting with loved ones. And now they have been plunged back into the horrors of genocide. 

The ceasefire agreement must be honoured on all sides. But instead, the innocent civilians of Gaza, including thousands of children, are paying the price. Doctors are again being asked to make impossible decisions about which child to save and which to let die, simply because of a lack of resources. This is unconscionable and the Canadian government must stand up to Trump and Netanyahu. I am so proud of the NDP’s advocacy on this issue, but they need more voices to join them. I encourage you to write to PM Carney and local MPs to urge them to act and speak out for the people of Gaza who are experiencing relentless suffering right now. 

Toronto Centre’s St. Lawrence Co-op Day Care is facing challenges meeting the governments strict standards for permanent outdoor play spaces. This week, I wrote to the Minister of Education to request that the Ministry take into account the unique urban context in which the daycare is situated, and the fact that they are currently meeting the outdoor play space requirements, just with a temporary space. 

I am hopeful that the daycare will be able to continue to operate, providing excellent care for our little ones and solutions for working families. You can read the full letter here.

On Tuesday, Doug Ford said that the American threat to make Canada their 51st state is a “compliment.” This made my blood boil. How could a threat of hostile takeover and a lack of respect for our sovereignty ever be taken as a compliment? 

I am proud to stand up for Canada, our values, our public assets, and our people. We are not simply resources, but a strong nation that deserves respect. We have many problems, the largest among them our historic and present lack of respect for the sovereignty of Indigenous nations on this land we call Canada, but that will never be solved by infringement on our borders by our southern neighbour. I will do absolutely everything that I can to hold Ford accountable and make sure that he is not giving anything up to the Americans.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of sitting down for a conversation with three students from Peggy Nash’s Women in the House course. They asked such thoughtful and engaging questions which lead to a lively conversation about representation, justice, and human rights in our houses of government. It was so inspiring to engage with the next generation of leaders, and I so appreciated their curiosity and passion for learning. I can’t wait to see what they do next!

Removing bike lanes will likely worsen gridlock, lead to more collisions: government documents

Hudson's Bay hopes to save 6 stores, which could protect some of its 9,364 jobsNews

Toronto charity to open affordable housing for homeless women

Hundreds of nurses rally outside Ontario hospitals to demand safer staffing levels

TDSB to vote on controversial fundraising change some call a ‘tariff on parent donations’

Mayor Olivia Chow asking city to accept $50-million pledge from Weston foundation to revamp Queen’s Park North

Head of Canada’s high speed rail project wants it to run into downtown Toronto

Sherbourne Health is offering mental health support groups for Black, African, Caribbean, and Multiracial 2SLGBTQ+ youth. These programs provide a space to build community, explore mental health, and develop wellness strategies.

Program Details:

Resilient Roots

A five-session training for Black 2SLGBTQ+ youth with lived mental health or substance use experience. Participants will develop peer support skills and explore mental health, harm reduction, and self-care.
📅 Mondays, 6:00 – 8:00 PM | March 3 – 31

Rise & Thrive

A program designed to celebrate cultural foods, foster community, and explore mental well-being.

• Rise: 📅 Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM | March 4 – April 15
• Thrive: 📅 Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM | March 5 – April 16

Levelling Minds (Online Program)

A nine-week series offering stress management tools and mental health strategies.
📅 Thursdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM | March 6 – May 1

For more details and to register, click here. 

The Centre of Learning & Development, in partnership with Mothers of Peace, Arthubs, and the City of Toronto, invites the community to the Eid Bazaar at Daniels Spectrum. This Eid celebration will showcase local vendors offering henna, jewelry, clothing, food, and more while bringing the community together.

📅 Dates: March 6, 12, 19, 26
⏰ Time: 2:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St E)

For questions or vendor inquiries, contact Sureya at [email protected] or 647-493-2462 ext. 112.

Connect Fund is hosting live music and performance to raise money to help pay for gender-affirming care not covered by provincial health care. Help them raise funds for folks who need help. All proceeds from ticket sales and merch will go directly to people who need care. 

Across Canada, 2SLGBTQ+ people face higher levels of poverty. They face a lack of culturally-competent healthcare providers. They face long wait times to get care. They can face discrimination when they do receive it. With the Connect Fund, at least they won’t have to worry about how to pay for care on top of all of that. 

 📅 Thursday, March 28, 2024
🕕 6:00 PM – Late
📍 The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West

Click here for tickets

• Celebrate queer culture and community impact
• Enjoy drag performances, DJs, dancing, and more
• Funds raised will support Connect’s ongoing gender affirming care work

TNG Community Services and St. James Town Community Corner invite community members to a Free Repair Café on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM (registration closes at 3:00 PM). The event takes place at 349 Ontario Street, Toronto, and is wheelchair accessible.

Skilled volunteers will help repair broken household items, including:

• Computers
• Small appliances
• Home electronics
• General housewares
• Clothing and jewelry
• Bikes and toys
• Books and paper items
  (One item per person)

Volunteers with repair skills are also welcome to participate.

For more information, contact:

• Touhida Choudhury: 416-925-4363 x2521 or [email protected]
• Alaa: 416-964-6657 x240 or [email protected]

Neighbourhood Information Post invites young artists to a free art class with renowned Toronto-based artist Benny Bing! This is a great opportunity for youth to explore creativity and learn from a celebrated contemporary artist.

📅 Wednesday, April 23, 2025
🕟 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Benny Bing Studio, 35 Tubman Ave, Suite 103, Toronto, ON M5A 0T1
👩‍🎨 For youth ages 10 to 16

• Learn from Benny Bing, known for his bold use of colour and artwork exploring Black identity, gender, and humanity
• Hands-on creative experience in an inspiring studio environment
• Free to attend, registration required

📩 Register here
📞 For more information, contact 416-924-2543 ext. 224 or email [email protected].

Yonge Street Mission is hosting a Community Development Training Series, offering practical tools, strategies, and insights to support community development efforts and strengthen impact. Sessions will be facilitated by YSM Community Development Specialists and cover key topics in engagement, evaluation, and facilitation.

📅 Dates & Topics:

• April 29 – Measurement & Evaluation
• June 24 – Meeting Facilitation

⏰ Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Format: Hybrid (In-person location TBC)

📌 Registration deadline: One week before each session.

For more details, contact [email protected] or click here to register on Eventbrite.

The Regent Park Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 2025 festival!
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2024
🎥 Open to: Canadian and international filmmakers
📍 Submissions accepted online

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

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

The festival is also hiring! Click here for Job Opportunities, and Call for Board Members. 

Are you looking for free or affordable mental health support? Family Service Toronto offers just that! They are part of Family Service Toronto network, the only network in Ontario that provides free and low cost couples and family therapy in addition to individual counselling. 

To learn more about their resources and get connected to support visit ontariocounsellingfinder.ca. 

Dear friend,

I am so excited to return with my first formal newsletter as your re-elected MPP for Toronto Centre! I am honoured that you have placed your trust in me once again, and I promise to do everything in my power, alongside all of you, to make our communities the safest, most prosperous, and most dynamic places possible.

I will be returning to Queen’s Park alongside a powerhouse Ontario NDP team, who will again be forming the province’s Official Opposition. I am looking forward to continuing to hold this government to account alongside my colleagues, new and returning, though I will miss my friend Jill Andrew, the former MPP for Toronto-St. Pauls, dearly. As always happens when an election is called, the order papers are wiped clean, and committees stop all work. This means that all bills that were partway through the legislative process have to start from the beginning again, including my Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic bill. It is unclear what will happen with the sub-committee study on intimate partner violence, which is in the report-writing stage. I understand that the report writing has stopped, but that the government could revive and complete it. Right now, I am optimistic about this. 

The government has announced that it will not recall the legislature until April 14, despite the existential threats we are currently experiencing from the government south of the border. Tariffs are an economic weapon, and we need a team Ontario approach to tackling them. I am proud to be part of a party that will stand with workers every step of the way as we fight to protect our province, but to do that properly, we need to recall the Legislature immediately. I am ready to work with the government to tariff-proof Ontario and protect jobs from the chaotic and ever-changing policies south of the border. You deserve a government that is proactively protecting jobs and working alongside the federal government, as well as other provincial and territorial governments, to coordinate a strong and unified response. 

We need a strong and united Team Ontario more than ever, as we are about to dive headfirst into a federal election any day now. Mark Carney won the federal Liberal leadership race and was sworn in as Prime Minister today. He will likely call the election in the coming days or weeks. Last week, our local MP, Marci Ien, announced she would not seek re-election. I am very thankful to Marci for her service to our communities and country, and wish her all the best as she moves into this new chapter. 

I am looking forward to this federal election on a local level because we have such a remarkable NDP candidate in Dr. Samantha Green. Smart, effective, compassionate and hardworking are just some words I would use to describe my personal observations and working experience with Samantha. She has been showing up for our Toronto Centre communities at a local and national level for decades. As a family doctor in Regent Park at the St Michael’s Hospital Sumac Creek Health Centre, she directly cares for community members as they navigate health challenges. As a mother, she is raising the next generation of Ontarians, who will make our province a prosperous and beautiful place. As a member of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, she works with other physicians to conquer the existential threat of climate change through a health lens. And as a Jewish supporter of Palestinian human rights, she speaks out for peace in Israel and Palestine, for a future where all people can live peacefully and equitably in the region. 

I am in awe of Samantha, and I know that she will be an excellent Member of Parliament because she is already putting in the work to represent our communities and fight for a more equitable and just world in our backyard and at the national level. I have the utmost faith in Dr. Samantha Green and am proud to stand with her as she runs to be our next Member of Parliament.

Samantha and her campaign team are canvassing nearly every day in anticipation of a snap federal election, and they need your help! Sign up to volunteer here and join a fantastic team of dedicated community members who know we need Samantha in Ottawa! 

This March is a month rich with faith celebrations. I want to wish a joyful Purim to all of our Jewish community members. Purim is a time to celebrate resilience, hope, and standing up against adversity, which is incredibly topical right now. I hope everyone celebrating spends joyful time with loved ones. Chag Purim Sameach!

Holi is also being celebrated today by our Hindu neighbours. I wish everyone celebrating a fun-filled and colourful celebration of the coming spring! 

I also want to send greetings to community members observing Ramadan and Lent right now. We can all learn so much from these times of fasting, restraint, and reflection. I hope that your fasts and their breakings bring you clarity, peace, spiritual strength, and connection with loved ones. 

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Workers Must Be Prioritized Amid Tariff Frenzy
• Supreme Court Strikes Down Ford’s Attempt to Silence Dissent
• Eglinton-Crosstown to Open September 2025?
• CWNA Launches GoFundMe to Take on Developers
• Dundas-Sherbourne Community Action Plan
• Celebrating International Women’s Day with Steelworkers
• This Week’s Headlines
• Local Community Events

Trump’s reckless and constantly shifting tariff threats, now focused on steel and aluminum, are risking jobs on both sides of the border. 

To weather this storm, we need a strong, coordinated response to fight back hard. We also need to ensure that workers’ incomes are protected, no matter what happens, so they can withstand whatever Trump throws at us in the coming days and weeks. 

Since Trump's original tariff threats, the Ontario NDP has been ready to work together with all parties and all levels of government to protect jobs, prevent plant shutdowns and help strengthen our domestic market. We need a team Ontario and Team Canada approach, which is why we need to recall the Ontario Legislature immediately to deal with this crisis. Ford called an early election to secure a 90 to 100 seat majority, which he falsely claimed was necessary to prove he had a mandate from Ontarians to deal with Trump. Now with a lesser majority than he had at the start of the election, Ford is refusing to recall the legislature. He is shutting out the opposition parties and the voices of people from communities all across this province, who deserve to have their perspectives shared and listened to by the government. 

Last Friday, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down Doug Ford’s unconstitutional law to limit third-party campaign spending. Ford used the notwithstanding law to limit election participation from teachers, health care workers, families, and labour unions, using taxpayer dollars to continue fighting them in court.

Doug Ford has been handed yet another defeat in court after he wasted more taxpayer dollars fighting to silence critics and defend unconstitutional laws. Ford is all too quick to pull the trigger on the Notwithstanding clause, especially if it means targeting those impacted the most by his record of bad policies and cuts – like teachers, health care workers, families, and unions.

Ontarians deserve a healthy democracy where they can cast an informed ballot. Civil society is a core pillar of Ontario’s democracy that should be allowed to flourish and engage in our elections. It is too bad that this ruling comes on the tail of a provincial election, but I am thrilled that civil society voices will no longer be muzzled by the government in future elections. This defeat should be a wake-up call for Ford.

On Thursday evening, the Toronto Star reported that it had received credible information from two anonymous sources stating that the long-awaited Eglinton Crosstown will open in September 2025. Construction and testing are slated to be fully complete by June, at which time the crosstown will be handed off to the TTC, which will operate the line. The TTC will take from June to September to get everything up and running on their end. 

This is not the first time that we have seen a projected opening date for the Eglinton Crosstown. All of those dates have passed us by, and the project is nearly five years late, 50% over its 10-year original timeline. I know 14-year-olds who have been waiting for the Crosstown for their entire lives! 

I am hopeful that this new opening date is the final one. Torontonians deserve this line and have waited far too long for it on crowded subways, streetcars, and busses. Small business owners have waited for years while their storefronts were covered by construction hoarding. And local residents have endured traffic, noise, and disruptions for far too long. I hope that this is a lesson to Metrolinx and this government that Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) are not how large infrastructure projects should be built. They result in massive delays, cost overruns, corner-cutting, and legal battles that grind construction to a halt (as happened many times on this project). We all deserve better than P3s, we deserve public infrastructure built publicly! 

I can’t wait to take my first ride on the Crosstown and hope to do so this September!

The Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association is always standing up for the community, but now they have taken on a new and ambitious project and need your help. 

A new 28-storey tower is being proposed on the site currently occupied by the Pizza Pizza. The City of Toronto denied the developer application, but it is now being appealed at the Ontario Land Tribunal. 

Community members are extremely concerned that, if approved, this development could set a precedent and open the door to more mega-developments along the historic Church-Wellesley Village strip. This could erode the neighbourhood's character and spell the end of the 2SLGBQIA+ business district, an economic and cultural hub and a safe space for many. 

The City of Toronto has an existing plan for the Village strip, which emphasizes sensitive low-scale infill that respects the existing character, including the fine-grain retail and low-rise scale. This kind of development will support the neighbourhood and allow it to continue to exist. Developments like this are an existential threat to the neighbourhood. 

The Ontario Land Tribunal has granted the CWNA party status, which is already a huge win. However, they must retain legal counsel and an expert witness to make an impact. They are working in support of the City and their initial refusal of the development, but the CWNA is uniquely positioned to express how this development will negatively impact the Village. Their participation is critical. 

CWNA needs to raise $50,000 by June 30 to underwrite the professional fees for participating in the hearing. I encourage you to learn more about their campaign here and to share it with your networks. 

Attention everyone who lives, works and is committed to the Dundas-Sherbourne neighbourhood! The City of Toronto is looking for your feedback on a new Community Action Plan for the area. 

We all know that this intersection is a challenging area, with many critical services for those in crisis immediately abutting historic residential areas and criminal actors preying on vulnerable people. But it is also an extraordinary neighbourhood full of people who love and care for each other and don’t want to see people marginalized by the place they call home. I am hopeful that this new action plan will provide strong support for the neighbourhood and its challenges in a way that is sensitive to all residents. But the only way we can achieve that is if all voices are heard! 

Click here to share your thoughts, and make sure to share the survey with others who frequent the area. I look forward to the outcome of this survey and the work that will follow to make the neighbourhood more accepting, safer, and more vibrant for all.

It was an honour to join the United Steelworkers at their Mary Spratt Breakfast last Saturday to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) alongside Dr. Samantha Green. IWD is a time for feminists to come together, reflect on all we have accomplished, and set new goals for the year ahead.

The Ontario NDP and I will continue the ongoing fight for women's and workers' rights, something we need now more than ever. Women united can never be defeated!

Here are the U.S. products Canada is targeting in response to Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum

'Canada is a sovereign state': Trump's ambassador pick distances himself from annexation talk

Carney sworn in as prime minister with a reworked cabinet filled with new faces

She paid $8K for eye surgery. But there’s a free OHIP option

Eglinton Crosstown LRT finally has an opening date, according to sources

Donald Trump is coming for his job. Why 70,000 Ontarians could end up jobless if the tariffs persist

Top court finds Ontario spending limits on 3rd-party election ads unconstitutional

The City of Toronto remains committed to revitalizing George Street to better serve vulnerable residents and the broader community. The project will replace the existing Seaton House men’s shelter with a smaller emergency shelter and an all-gender transitional shelter, while also introducing a state-of-the-art long-term care home, supportive housing, and a community hub with essential programs and services.

The George Street Revitalization (GSR) Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) brings together key community stakeholders to receive updates and provide input on the project’s programs. Previously paused due to the City’s COVID-19 response and recent changes in the project’s delivery model, the SRG will resume engagement in 2025.

As part of this process, the project team will be available at an upcoming in-person meeting led by City Planning:

📅 Date: February 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: John Innes Community Centre (150 Sherbourne St, Toronto, ON)
📢 Meeting Type: Open house format

A dedicated Stakeholder Reference Group meeting is planned for fall 2025. Those interested in attending can register here.

For more details on the George Street Revitalization and the SRG, visit toronto.ca/NewGeorge.

The Centre of Learning & Development, in partnership with Mothers of Peace, Arthubs, and the City of Toronto, invites the community to the Eid Bazaar at Daniels Spectrum. This Eid celebration will showcase local vendors offering henna, jewelry, clothing, food, and more while bringing the community together.

📅 Dates: March 6, 12, 19, 26
⏰ Time: 2:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St E)

For questions or vendor inquiries, contact Sureya at [email protected] or 647-493-2462 ext. 112.

Yonge Street Mission is hosting a Community Development Training Series, offering practical tools, strategies, and insights to support community development efforts and strengthen impact. Sessions will be facilitated by YSM Community Development Specialists and cover key topics in engagement, evaluation, and facilitation.

📅 Dates & Topics:

• February 25 – Community Engagement & Ownership
• April 29 – Measurement & Evaluation
• June 24 – Meeting Facilitation

⏰ Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Format: Hybrid (In-person location TBC)

📌 Registration deadline: One week before each session.

For more details, contact [email protected] or click here to register on Eventbrite.

Are you looking for free or affordable mental health support? Family Service Toronto offers just that! They are part of Family Service Toronto network, the only network in Ontario that provides free and low cost couples and family therapy in addition to individual counselling. 

To learn more about their resources and get connected to support visit ontariocounsellingfinder.ca.