March 28, 2023 Newsletter

Dear Neighbour,

Last Thursday the Ford Conservatives launched their budget. A budget is the roadmap that governments use to guide their spending and priorities for the next year, so it is important to understand. As you read on, you’ll learn that Ford’s budget is underperforming and visionless.

Conservatives want Ontarians to think that this budget is the new normal – that today’s high cost of living and cuts to public services are as good as it gets. While corporations get new tax breaks, there's not much for struggling everyday Ontarians.

Ford continues to break his promises:

Nothing to make up for the Bill 23 municipal deficits
Municipalities staring at a $1 billion/year shortfall which will result in service cuts and higher taxes
COVID costs were downloaded to school boards resulting in massive deficits
Slower housing construction starts despite Bill 23 and paving over the Greenbelt
Didn’t spend what they promised last year in healthcare and education
More public healthcare dollars going to private profits
Nothing to reverse the backlog for autism services

Income isn’t keeping up with cost of living:

No minimum wage increase
No pay increases for healthcare, childcare, and education workers
The 5% ODSP increase puts people even further from a livable income following a year of skyrocketing rents and inflation

Prior to budget day, TDSB School Trustee Deborah Williams warned that urgent education funding increases are needed. So what's in the budget?

No funding for schools to cover COVID costs
Nothing about class sizes or hiring new staff and teachers
Nothing about the $16.8B repair backlog

Yesterday Ontario’s NDP challenged Ford’s inadequate education funding by forcing debate on our Opposition Day motion for the government to cover the expenses school boards incurred because of COVID-19 ⁠— a motion Ford’s PCs voted down.

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Ford says he is saving contingency funds for a rainy day, but it is already pouring in Ontario.

Projected spending in the coming year is only 1% higher than spending in the previous year, far below 2022’s composite annual inflation rate of 6.8%. This is a spending cut in real terms, since this year’s dollar buys less than last year outpacing the cost of living.

Ford’s overall funding for housing and municipal affairs is being cut by a whopping $124.4 million at a time when we need investments in deeply affordable, supportive, and missing middle housing. Our cities also need support to recover from COVID deficits and improve services, not make service cuts when people need public support the most.

Ontario’s healthcare needs are going up and this government’s plan isn’t keeping pace. With an ageing population and COVID still circulating, health care demand is growing almost twice as fast and this means longer wait times, more ER closures, and most certainly more staffing shortages.

Service cuts are coming as this budget fails to meet the financial challenges of the day.

Still there is hope. This government has changed course under massive public outcry. We can do it again. As your Member of Provincial Parliament, I will fight against funding cuts and do everything in my power to protect public services.

One of the most powerful tools that we have are your stories. If you and your family are being affected by these Ford’s service cuts please reply to this email sharing your lived experience. I may have the opportunity to share your story in the Legislature. Stories have the power to humanize issues and force Government members to consider a new perspective.

Toronto Centre NDP's Annual General Meeting

On Saturday the Toronto Centre NDP Riding Association hosted its Annual General Meeting and it was so much fun!

Group picture of Toronto Centre NDP AGM attendees, with Kristyn and Marit in the center

Marit Stiles joined us for the first time as our new Ontario NDP Leader and energized the room with her passion and spark. We made new friends and connected with old ones, enjoyed a delicious lunch, and elected a passionate executive with new and familiar faces alike. I can’t wait to see what these community leaders have in store for us this year.

Fighting to Stop Airborne Pandemics

Yesterday I introduced my private member’s bill to protect Ontario from current and future pandemics by ensuring that our infrastructure and laws protect all of us from airborne pandemics.

We are intensely proud of this bill. It gives Ontario a non-partisan and evidence-based roadmap to strengthen public health for generations to come. History is on our side. The next airborne pandemic will happen in our lifetimes. Future generations will look back at how we treat our shared air the way we look back at water management before public sanitation.

The bill is rooted in expertise and equity, ensuring that the lived experience of frontline workers, health care workers, and people surviving poverty is built into our planning for future pandemics. We have experienced a gruelling and devastating pandemic. And we have an opportunity to ensure no other generation is forced to go through the ongoing lockdowns, preventable deaths, and painful social conflict that we have all endured.

Read the bill here

Add your name! Sign the petition here

Calling out the LTB's Double Standard

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New data shows that tenant applications are forced to wait twice as long as applications by landlords at the Landlord and Tenant Board. I challenged Ford to stop this unfairness and fund real access to justice during question period yesterday. Do you think he answered my question?

Welcoming Sarah Jama to Queen's Park

Yesterday MPP Sarah Jama was sworn in and took her seat at Queen’s Park. Along with New Democrats across Ontario, I am thrilled to have her joining our caucus. You can watch her historic entrance here:

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Apply for Artscape's Summer Series Micro-Grant

Artscape at Daniels Spectrum in Regent Park is calling for applications to its Summer Series Program. They are awarding grants of up to $5,000 to applicants who have awesome ideas for animating the indoor space at Daniels Spectrum during the summer months. Have an idea? Apply here!

Cabbagetown Festival Call for Performers

The Cabbagetown Festival is back! I can’t wait to return and enjoy the festivities and the display of local talent is my favourite part. If you are a musician, dancer, magician, circus artist, or other performance artist apply today!

This Sunday: Protest Against Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Laws

Join me to raise your voice against this unjust and oppressive law this Sunday at 2pm at Yonge-Dundas Square. RSVP here.

As you have likely heard, buried in Ford's budget was a cruel cut to Ontario's health care coverage for people without health care insurance. As you also may have heard, last week Uganda passed a horrific homophobic law that criminalizes identifying as LGBTQ+. On Sunday I joined an emergency meeting of over 150 community members organizing to condemn this law ⁠— and I heard directly from Ugandan refugees who are afraid that Ford's cuts to health care will directly affect them. MPP France Gelinas and I teamed up in Question Period today to call on Ford to restore funding for this vital program. See our question here.

Yours in community,

Kristyn Wong-Tam

Toronto

Latest posts

May 23, 2025 Newsletter

Dear Emma,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speakers will highlight issues like:

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

Bring your family, friends, neighbours and noise makers!

RSVP for the Rally Here!

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

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

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

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

RSVP for the Asian Heritage Month Reception Here!

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

Yours in community service,

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

In This Newsletter

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

Share this Newsletter

Emergency Education Meeting Recap

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

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

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

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

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

Scrap Bill 5!

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

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

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

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

Muriel Collins Housing Co-op’s 30th Anniversary

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

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

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

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

Marry Me Mochi Grand Opening

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

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

You're Invited:
Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards Ceremony

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

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

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

Event Details:

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

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

1199 Kennedy Road, Scarborough

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

This Week's Headlines

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

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

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

Why is it cold in Toronto this week?

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

Toronto police 911 upgrade expected to improve response times

Upcoming Community Events

Doors Open Toronto - This Weekend!

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

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

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

Youth-Led Roundtable - Building Solidarity Across Communities

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

Event Details:

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

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

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

Contact:

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

Regent Park Community Birthday Celebration

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

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

Cake
Games
Music
Fun activities

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

New Beginnings - Overstock Inventory Sale

New Beginnings Support Program Hosts Final Overstock Inventory Sale

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

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

Items for sale include:

Clothes
Wedding dresses
Dove and Silk’n products
Toys

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

New Play: Long Live the Rainbow

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

🎭 Long Live the Rainbow

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

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

Eid al-Adha Bazaar

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

Event Details:

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

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

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

Toronto Newcomer Day

Toronto Newcomer Day 2025 Celebrates Diversity and Community Connection

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

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

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

Special Feature:

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

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

ReMarket - May Edition

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

📍 Event Details

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

🗓 Wednesday, May 28, 2025

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

🗓 Thursday, May 29, 2025

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

ICL’s People, Power, Change Workshop Series

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

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

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

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

Deadline to Register: May 30th, 2025.

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

Roaming Performers Program - Call for Local Performers

Call for Local Talent: Cabbagetown Roaming Performers Program Returns

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

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

Who They’re Looking For:

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

Program Details:

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

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

Apply now: Application for Roaming Performers — Cabbagetown BIA

Toronto Neighbourhood Group - Tai Chi with Chinese Seniors Group

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

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

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

Learn more at Get moving in support of seniors!

Legacy Labyrinths Designation Ceremony

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

🌿 Legacy Labyrinth Designation Ceremony

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

🍽 Legacy Project Workshop – Lunch & Learn

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

Canadian Immigrant Fair

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

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

Careers
Education
Settlement

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

Highlights include:

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

Admission is free and open to all.

May 16, 2025 Newsletter

Dear Emma,

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

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

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

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

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

Emergency Meeting - RSVP Here

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

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

We look forward to seeing you there!

Education Rally - RSVP Here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours in community service,

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

In This Newsletter

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

Share this Newsletter

PC Reliance on Private Nursing Costs $9.2 Billion

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

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

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

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

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

Ford Broke His Promises to Survivors

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

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

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

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

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

ONDP Demands No Clawbacks to Federal Disability Benefit

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

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

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

Allan Gardens Palm House Reopening

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

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

TNG Cabbagetown Open House

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

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

St Lawrence Market North Grand Opening

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

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

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

CWNA 15th Anniversary Celebration

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

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

This Week's Meetings

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

This Week's Headlines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Community Events

New Play: Long Live the Rainbow

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