March 8, 2024 Newsletter
Happy International Women’s Day! I hope everyone takes time to acknowledge the incredible women in their lives and how the feminist movement has made our society better for everyone.
I am also extending Ramadan Mubarak to everyone observing the holy month, which will begin on Monday or Tuesday of next week, depending on the sighting of the new moon. I hope this month is rich with reflection, time spent with loved ones, and service to others. I know this Ramadan will be a difficult one as we watch horrors unfold in Gaza. I am holding all those in the region who are marking this holy month close to my heart.
This week, your Official Opposition NDP caucus obtained documents through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request showing the use of code words across thousands of pages of government records referring to the Greenbelt grab. NDP Leader Marit Stiles held the government to account with excellent questions during Question Period this week. You can watch one of her questions here.
Terms like “G*,” “Special Project,” and “SP” were found in several records, including correspondence between the ministry and the Premier’s office. In some emails, a reference to the Greenbelt had been replaced with “G.*
What these FOI-ed documents look like is intent to conceal—creative use of code words to evade public scrutiny for what this government clearly knew was wrong. For months, the Ford Conservatives claimed that there was nothing wrong with their Greenbelt grab. Clearly, they knew they had something to hide; otherwise, why would they go to such lengths to hide it?
The Narwhal’s reporter, Emma McIntosh, did an excellent in-depth report on this cover-up, which you can read here.
In other news, the vote on my Private Members Bill, the Gender Affirming Health Care Act, was held on Monday. Ford and his PCs voted it down. Based on their comments during last week's debate, I am disappointed but not surprised by this outcome.
During Question Period, immediately before the vote, I asked the Minister of Health whether she believes gender affirming care is life-saving. I also asked how Conservatives would vote on my bill. Instead of answering my questions, she belittled my bill, which was written in consultation with the Trans community. She defended Ford’s broken healthcare system by insisting Trans and gender diverse Ontarians already have adequate access to healthcare. Study after study after study confirms that they do not. You can watch my exchange with Health Minister Sylvia Jones here.
I will never stop fighting for transparent, ethical government that serves our communities.
In solidarity,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
In this newsletter |
- Declaring Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic
- Higher Energy Costs, Climate Chaos
- 407 Tolls
- 150 Days of War on Gaza
- Local Community News
Declaring Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic |
Yesterday, I tabled the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act. This important bill is co-sponsored by MPPs Lisa Gretzky, Jill Andrew, and Peggy Sattler. It will be called up for second reading debate on April 9 by my colleague MPP Lisa Gretzky. 
If passed, this bill would declare intimate partner violence an epidemic in Ontario, compelling the Government of Ontario to take real action and support survivors, families and communities impacted by intimate partner violence.
Declaring this epidemic is the first of 86 recommendations made by the Renfrew County Inquest in 2022, which investigated the tragic and senseless murders of Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk, and Nathalie Warmerdam at the hands of their intimate partner. Today 94 municipalities across the province have declared intimate partner violence an epidemic. It is time for Ontario to join them.
Higher Energy Costs, Climate Chaos |
Ford’s Conservatives are trying to overturn the Ontario Energy Board’s decision and saddle current Enbridge customers with $300/year in extra fees to save developers the connection fees on new home builds that require new gas pipes to be laid.
This is not only preposterous but goes against advice from a public regulator that would save the average consumer money and be better for the environment. The OEB spent months coming to a conclusion in the public interest, and this government announced its intention to overturn the 147-page ruling in a matter of 15 hours.
The government’s argument is that distributing this cost among all Enbridge customers will lower the cost of new homes, but that relies on two assumptions that I am not convinced of:
- That a developer would automatically pass on these savings to new home buyers instead of selling the house for the largest profit they can manage.
- That all of these new homes even need gas hookups in the first place! With heat pumps, electric water heaters, and induction stoves, most new homes can be fossil fuel free quite affordably, especially when you factor in the cost of gas fittings.
In 2020, the OEB approved a $10 million pipeline proposal in North Bay, where existing ratepayers shouldered the cost, which averaged $65,000 per new home built. Despite the subsidy, a 2020 OEB report showed that these homeowners would still likely pay higher energy costs compared to if high-efficiency electric heat pumps were installed.
On Wednesday, along with MPP Sandy Shaw and the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, I sponsored a press conference to lay out the case for the OEB’s decision, arguing that it is not only the best choice for the environment but also for consumers' monthly bills. You can watch the full press conference here.
Remove 407 Tolls for Truckers |
On Monday, the Ontario NDP moved an Opposition Day Motion to remove highway 407 tolls for truckers. Ford Conservatives it down.
This move would not only make transportation of goods cheaper and more efficient, but would take heavy trucks off of other GTA highways and reduce congestion for commuters. This is also a change that could be implemented quickly and have a real impact on people’s lives, unlike the government’s proposed highway 413, which is an environmental disaster, would take 10 years and $6 billion to build, and according to new traffic studies, is not necessary. Every day it becomes more clear that this highway is a favour to Ford’s developer buddies, but this government keeps pushing it as the ultimate solution.
Truck drivers spend long, grueling hours on the road. It’s tiring and stressful to be behind the wheel for so many hours, let alone stuck in traffic. Meanwhile, Highway 407 remains underused because of some of the highest tolls in North America.
This motion was about saving Ontarians time and money, so they spend less time stuck in traffic and get home faster. This solution is a win-win, and it simply makes sense. It is unfortunate that the Conservatives didn’t see it that way.
150 Days of War on Gaza |
On Tuesday, I rose in the house to mark the 150th day of the war on Gaza. I asked Ontarians to reach out to their MP and urge them to support the NDP motion calling for an end to the war on Gaza and the release of all hostages. This motion is scheduled to be debated in the House of Commons on March 18. You can reach out to the Toronto Centre MP, Minister Marci Ien here, or find your MP here.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles and my caucus members also wrote a letter to the Prime Minister asking him and all MPs to support the motion and work swiftly to bring peace, security, and aid to the region. You can read the letter here:
Local Community News |
St Lawrence Centre for the Arts Transformation |
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.
Cabbagetown Cares Fundraiser
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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.
Cabbagetown Festival 2024 Vendor Registration |
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
Exhibit Opening: Blueprint |
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:
When: Saturday March 16, 12-4 PM
Where: 420 Queen Street East
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 Housing For All Webinar |
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.
Regent Park Cafe is Officially Open! |
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!
Change Make-Her Program |
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.
Each session provides participants with the fundamentals of growing a micro or small business in the mainstream economy on their terms while connecting them with other entrepreneurs and industry professionals in the community and accessible tools. We support participants by offering them several resources, wraparound supports (technology, internet, stress devices), and peer support. Successful participants will receive a micro-grant (up to $300) for their business needs. The seven-week program focuses on subjects related to entrepreneurship and leadership, such as essential business finance, business planning, community building, and marketing. All workshops are led by trained facilitators and Rochelle Ford-Wilson in a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive environment. Our guest mentors and speakers include Maggie Aurocco from bluboho, Nadege from IG Wealth Management, Chantaie from Ramsay & Co, Zehra Allibhai, and Opal Rowe from Stush Patties.
Participants must be available every Saturday morning (Eastern time) between April 6, 2024- May 25, 2024. Participants welcomed to join the cohort are asked to fill out a pre-survey before the program begins to gauge interests, needs, and goals. Participants will have the opportunity to meet for an orientation call prior to the first workshop.
Applications are now OPEN for the Change Make-Her program! The poster is attached to this email—please share and spread the word. To register, email Arezoo Najibzadeh at [email protected] or sign up by using this link: https://forms.gle/LuPLtsiWVDL5618u6. Please note that applications close Sunday, March 17.
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Dear friend,
This week, Ford continued to push through his disastrous legislative agenda, trampling your rights and looking out for his friends. But what is new? We have only one more week in the Legislature before the winter break begins, and I plan to use every minute to hold this corrupt government to account.
Speaking of accountability, the Ford Government received a massive dose of it this week in the form of the Auditor General’s Annual Report. This time, the AG’s reporting focused on government advertising spending, healthcare, recycling, and environmental rights. None of these reports were rosy for the government, and they must act to fix them now. You can watch me rant about the report here.
If you have watched TV, gone to the movies, or ridden the subway recently, you have certainly seen a government-sponsored ad. You know the ones: they say Ontario is amazing, that we have so many jobs, and that nobody is struggling to find a home, a family doctor, or food to eat!
These ads are shockingly out of touch, and I find them offensive to watch. Even more offensive is the fact that the Auditor General found that we, as Ontario taxpayers, paid over $111 million for these ads ahead of this year’s election. These ads would not have passed under the previous version of the Government Advertising Act because they had the primary goal of fostering a positive impression of the governing party. Frustratingly, the last Liberal government amended the Government Advertising Act to bolster their own public image, and now the current Conservative government is abusing the system in the very same way. This unjust practice must end. Ontarians don’t need propaganda. We need a government that works.
We especially need a government that delivers on healthcare. And yet, the Auditor General outlined how Ford and his government are failing to provide the care that people need, especially primary care doctors. The government has no plan. The AG noted that there is no reliable forecast of where family doctors are needed and no system to track whether new training seats turn into practicing physicians. To actually fix this, Ontario needs to fully fund team-based care, build a provincewide recruitment and retention strategy, modernize the outdated HealthCare Connect program, and set performance measures that reflect what patients need.
Families need a government that recognizes the critical role of primary care in every Ontario community. On top of these gaps in family doctor access, Ontarians are struggling with increased privatization of our system and a few bad actor doctors over-charging OHIP for services with little oversight.
To be healthy, people need a stable climate and an environment free of harmful substances. This is why Ontario has an Environmental Bill of Rights. But Doug Ford doesn’t care. The Auditor General reported that the Ford government continues to ignore legally required consultations, sometimes even passing laws before the processes are finished. This is all on top of the fact that the Conservatives have done away with climate targets altogether and are nowhere near on track to meet their 2030 emissions-reduction commitment. Ford has given up on tackling the climate crisis and is treating the rights and voices of Ontarians with contempt. We all deserve so much better.
I am committed to holding this government to account on these issues and more. We must speak up and let Ford know that he cannot get away with this blatant corruption. I promise to always bring your voices with me to Queen’s Park. If you are feeling fired up, please reply to this email and share your thoughts.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Ethiopian Heritage Month Proclaimed!
- Stop E-Bike Fires
- Inaugural Youth Council Meeting
- Standing Against Gender-Based Violence
- National Housing Day Rally in Toronto Centre
- World AIDS Day
- Lebanese Flag Raising at Queen’s Park
- Attending the TABIA Awards Night
- Professional Engineers License Certifications
- This Week’s Meetings
- What’s Making Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Ethiopian Heritage Month Proclaimed! |
Amid all of this doom and gloom, yesterday was a bright spot in my week – September is officially Ethiopian Heritage Month in Ontario! The Ethiopian Heritage Month Act, a significant bill that I co-sponsored with MPP Doly Begum, passed in the Legislature yesterday. In a surprise move, the government agreed to pass a slate of bills to proclaim various weeks and months of significance, including Ethiopian Heritage Month. I am so glad that so many communities will be able to celebrate with official recognition from the province this year.
It was so joyful to pass this bill and celebrate with Ethiopian community leaders who joined us in the chamber. I can’t wait for next September when we will celebrate this newly minted heritage month with the Ethiopian community, complete with music, food, community, and of course, coffee - first discovered in Ethiopia!
| Stop E-Bike Fires |
Yesterday, I asked the Solicitor General when he will pass my motion to update fire safety rules and keep our communities safe from runaway lithium-ion battery fires. Lithium-ion battery fires are up 1200% from 202 levels because of unsafe e-bike batteries. These fires have already destroyed homes and left people injured in Toronto Centre.
Instead of giving you the answers you deserve, the Solicitor General dodged my question and reverted to everyday fire-safety language, which is not always applicable to lithium-ion fires.
My motion calls on the Government of Ontario to work with Ontario's fire services to update fire codes to address the novel risks posed by lithium-ion fires and keep the people of Ontario safe. Click here to sign my petition for safe batteries.
| Inaugural Youth Council Meeting |
We had a great kickoff meeting with our first-ever Toronto Centre Youth Council! Youth voices are critical to understanding their needs in the province, and this council will play an essential role in shaping long-term community partnerships and contributing to upcoming legislation and projects. Thank you to all who joined—I look forward to working together and having your back at Queen’s Park!
|
Standing Against Gender-Based Violence |
On November 27, I was proud to stand in solidarity with MPP Alexa Gilmour and her motion to end gender-based violence and ensure women’s economic security and safety. Forty-four percent of Canadian women will experience some form of intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime. This crisis has only worsened with the chronic underfunding of social services, which creates immense barriers for those trying to leave abusive relationships, with nowhere safe to go.
Cruelly, the Ford government voted this motion down. But I know that the Ontario NDP will never stop striving for women’s social, economic, and physical wellbeing. This is far from over.
| National Housing Day Rally in Toronto Centre |
On November 22, we marked National Housing Day, which coincided with the weekend before the Ford government brought their anti-tenant Bill 60 for its final vote. My kiddo and I joined the York South–Weston Tenant Union, Toronto ACORN, No Demovictions Toronto, and the Encampment Justice Network for their National Housing Day Rally.
Bill 60, which has now passed, will set a terrible precedent for tenants in Ontario. Here in Toronto Centre, that means over 70% of our population will be directly affected by this legislation. None of the changes proposed in Bill 60 will make housing safer, more affordable, or better maintained. Instead, the bill will only speed up evictions for our most vulnerable tenants, worsening homelessness in Toronto and across Ontario.
Ford needs to know that Ontario is not for sale—especially to his corporate landlord buddies. Residents were encouraged to visit stopbill60.ca to make their voices heard.
|
World AIDS Day |
Every year on December 1, we mark World AIDS Day. This year, I reflected on how Ontario's history shows us that we can face horrifying odds and transform our government’s response. We must do so again.
This World AIDS Day was also different because of the earlier announcement by the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) that after 42 years of community service, they will permanently close their doors on March 31 next year. This announcement must be a wake-up call to all levels of government that AIDS organizations are facing a financial crisis that has been decades in the making.
You can read my entire statement on behalf of the Ontario NDP by clicking here.
| Lebanese Flag Raising at Queen’s Park |
The Lebanese community has contributed significantly to the social fabric of Ontario and Canada for almost 150 years, and we proudly celebrate the strength and resilience of its people, along with their beautiful and vibrant culture and traditions. I was so happy to join members of my caucus and the Lebanese community to raise the flag at Queen’s Park and mark November as Lebanese Heritage Month in Ontario.
| Attending the TABIA Awards Night |
It was a joy to join the Cabbagetown BIA as a guest at the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas Awards Night on Tuesday! BIAs like Cabbagetown, Downtown Yonge, Old Towne, Bloor-Yorkville, Financial District, and Church-Wellesley Village are at the heart of our communities and do much of the work behind the scenes alongside our cities to ensure local small businesses in our neighbourhoods thrive! When doing your holiday shopping this year, make sure to support local businesses!
| Professional Engineers License Certifications |
On Wednesday, I was honoured to attend the Professional Engineers Ontario East Toronto Chapter engineers licensing ceremony, where they received their License Certifications.
Engineers are an integral part of (both figuratively and literally!) building our province. The work of engineers keeps our province running, and helps shape an accessible, innovative and transformative Ontario for all. Thank you to Sarah Ayub, Miyadah Babulla and all the board members for inviting me to take part in the licensing ceremony!
| This Week’s Meetings |
- Film Ontario
- Eastern Ontario Mayors Caucus
- Ontario Real Estate Association
- Ontario Public Transit Association
- Toronto Drop-In Network
- African Centre for Refugees in Ontario-Canada
- Canadian Civil Liberties Association
| This Week's Headlines |
Toronto Public Library announces location of new District Library
Success rate for injured applicants at Licence Appeal Tribunal continues to plummet
How Toronto could build more than 20 km of new bike lanes — despite provincial restrictions
Blue bin complaints? Starting next month, they're not our problem, say Toronto officials
EAQA scores reveal insufficient progress, Ontario education minister says as he announces new plan
Group of Toronto buildings to be torn down for huge condo tower
Ontario education minister to make decision on school trustee elimination in early 2026
TTC considering flip-book style advertising on subway tunnel walls
Eglinton Crosstown expected to open ‘in the coming weeks,’ province says
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Seniors Holiday Pancake Breakfast |
Join Friends of Regent Park and TSHC for a seniors holiday pancake breakfast!
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Location: 252 Sackville St, 7th Floor
| Allan Gardens Holiday Market |
Join Friends of Allan Gardens for a festive Holiday Market on December 7th from 10 AM to 7 PM!
Discover local vendors, seasonal treats, and holiday treasures — and don’t miss the City of Toronto’s stunning Poinsettia Flower Show inside the Conservatory. Come together with friends, family, and neighbours to celebrate community, creativity, and the beauty of the season, all in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Keep an eye out for our vendor list in the coming weeks!
Date/Time: Sunday, December 7, 10AM-7PM
Location: Children’s Conservatory at Allan Gardens on the west side of the park by Jarvis and Carlton.
Address: 19 Horticultural Ave, M5A 2P2
Come ready. Come early. The most desirable products go fast!
Come on foot, or take transit. 
There is NO parking on site. There is street parking along Carlton St. and Gerrard St., as well as a Green P parking lot at 405 Sherbourne St.
Bring your own bags and packaging to reduce waste, including a way to keep your plants warm while you travel home!
Cash, debit, and credit are accepted. Each vendor will have their own point of sale.
| Holiday Tree Lighting at Riverdale Farm |
Join Riverdale Farm as they light their tree. There will be carolers, crafts, cookies and hot chocolate.
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester St.)
Tree Lighting: 7:00 PM
| The Changing Cultures of Regent Park and Downtown East - Info Session |
Join Focus Media Arts and the University of Toronto for an info session about a collaborative course to learn about the Downtown East Identity. Gain skills to make your own documentary!
Information Session:
Date: Wednesday, December 8, 2025
Time: 6 PM
Location: Daniels Spectrum, 3rd Floor
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TDSB’s Black Student Summer Leadership Program |
The Black Student Summer Leadership Program is a paid summer internship for Black TDSB high school students. Participants gain hands-on job experience, mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities to build confidence, skills, and community connections.
Please note: This program is open only to students attending Toronto District School Board schools.
Important Dates
- Application Period: December 8, 2025 – January 9, 2026
- Interviews: February 2026
Offer of Employment: March 2026
|
TDSB Learn4Life - Registration Open! |
The TDSB Learn4Life Adult General Interest and Seniors Day programs, Winter 2025 term is now open for registration. The TDSB also has over 50 languages and African Heritage classes for elementary school aged children!
Browse Courses & Register: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/adult-learners/learn4life
| Regent Park Youth Safety Forum |
Join for a meaningful community conversation focused on youth safety, wellness, and leadership in Regent Park.
Event details:
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Date: Wednesday, December 10
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Food Served: 5:00 PM (Halal meal provided)
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Event Start: 5:30 PM
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Location: Regent Park Centre of Excellence, Regent Park Community Centre
402 Shuter Street, Toronto
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Audience: Open to all youth residents of Regent Park
Speakers:
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Omar Abdelgawad — Resident of Regent Park, law school graduate, currently articling for Kim Schofield’s office.
- Deluxson Yogarajah — Gestalt student-therapist in training with 8+ years of experience as a youth worker specializing in youth violence prevention and mental health.
| St James Town Safety Summit and Social |
Join the St James Town Residents Council for their Safety Summit and Social and enjoy a multicultural food fair, community resources, and a chance to connect with service providers and neighbours.
Date: Friday, December 12, 2025
Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
Location: Wellesley Community Centre, Multipurpose Room F, 2nd Floor
| United Way’s Leading Social Justice Collective |
United Way Greater Toronto and the University of Toronto’s School of Cities are launching this year’s Leading Social Justice Collective (LSJC) - a unique, cross-sector leadership program for changemakers across the GTA. As our communities face growing inequities and complex challenges, we need leaders from all sectors – community, public, and private - to come together to reimagine and rebuild our systems.
LSJC equips participants with the mindset, tools, and networks to drive long-term, systems-level change rooted in equity and social justice.
Applications are now open until December 12, 2025: [Apply here]
| Here Hold My Grief: 2SLGBTQIA+ Family Building Stories |
Birthmark is hosting an Ontario Arts Council–supported initiative: Here, Hold My Grief, an arts-based workshop series designed for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced grief during family building.
Workshops will take place in Toronto between January–April 2026 and offer a supportive, creative space for reflection, healing, and community connection.
For more information: [email protected]
| Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards - Nominations Open |
Nominations for the 2026 Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards are now open until January 15. If you know a changemaker in your community who deserves recognition, please consider submitting a nomination using this form.
Who Can Be Nominated:
There are four categories: Individual, Group, Women, and Youth (under 25). Any Ontario resident, or Ontario-based organization, group, or initiative may be nominated. This includes educators, writers, community workers, social and political activists, social action groups, trade unions, youth organizations, multicultural organizations, schools, coalitions, professional associations, media, and service clubs.
The award ceremony will be held in March 2026.
| Toronto Centre Leadership Awards |
Do you know a phenomenal leader in your community who deserves recognition?
Kristyn Wong-Tam will be awarding six people with a prestigious Toronto Centre Leadership Award in June 2026.
This honour recognizes individuals who have made a profound and lasting contribution to the Toronto Centre community in any field. This can include the arts, politics, community building, or healthcare.
Submit your nominee's information here, and we will go through them to make an informed decision on who to award.
Dear friend,
I’m dropping you a quick note to let you know your big weekly newsletter will be back next Friday.
I have been working around the clock for the past week to prepare a dissenting report for the Standing Committee on Justice Policy’s Study on Intimate Partner Violence. It’s been years since my university days, when I last had to pull an all-nighter. With many cups of coffee coursing through my veins, I submitted the report in the nick of time. I gave the dissenting report everything I had and then some, so I just can’t deliver the high-quality newsletter you expect this week.
As you read in my last newsletter, the Committee’s report writing process devolved into something that neither I nor my NDP colleagues could stand behind. So we walked out. But we didn’t want the voices of the notable survivors and IPV advocates who presented to the Committee to go unheard. So a dissenting report was written and submitted on behalf of the Official Opposition in just six days. I believe with all my heart that we did everything possible to honour survivors' testimony in our report.
I am calling the dissenting report a “part 1” because I intend to welcome community and stakeholder feedback in part 2. No report on this complex and multi-dimensional topic can be perfect or truly capture every perspective.
I am looking forward to sharing the report with all of you when it is released publicly, alongside the government report, which will be sometime on or before December 10. Until then, I am sadly unable to share any further details, as the report writing process is considered “in camera” and therefore confidential.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
P.S. I hope to see you next Sunday at the Toronto Centre NDP’s holiday party! Learn more and RSVP here!
Date: December 7, 2025
Time: 1 - 4 PM
Location: Regent Park Community Centre, 402 Shuter Street
A catered lunch will be served. Door prizes and special guests!
RSVP here - Join the waitlist!
All are welcome, including Santa’s little helpers. Please register here to reserve your seats.
Dear friend,
This week was one of walkouts and protests. The Ford government is not interested in listening to voices outside their own circles or taking accountability for their errors. This kind of arrogance and removal makes for the worst kind of government.
On Wednesday, Marit Stiles, leader of the Ontario NDP, was ejected from Question Period. She was asked to leave after she refused to withdraw her comments that called Doug Ford and his government corrupt due to them giving away millions of public dollars to unqualified businesses run by their friends through the Skills Development Fund. Accusing a government of corruption is considered “unparliamentary language.” It is therefore not allowed in the Legislative Chamber, as is accusing another MPP of lying. Acting in a corrupt manner or telling a verifiable lie in the chamber, however? Totally okay.
Yesterday, I was forced to walk out of a committee hearing because I could not, in good conscience, participate any longer. Specifically, I walked out of a report-writing session where the Standing Committee on Justice Policy’s Intimate Partner Violence Sub-committee was being asked to provide edits and feedback on the report that was solely authored by a conservative government MPP.
Reports like this are typically written by non-partisan legislative staff, and it is highly irregular for them to be written by a single government MPP. Despite this rocky start, I approached the process in good faith. After the second day of report writing, I could not continue.
Following serious reflection, and guided by our respect and gratitude for survivors, advocates, experts and service providers, my NDP colleagues and I decided to withdraw from the committee process. We hold ourselves to a high standard and want to ensure that any report we sign off on has a high degree of integrity, accountability, and respect for survivors. Those goals now require that we withdraw from the government's report-writing process.
I wish I could tell you more. But right now I simply can’t. Report writing takes place “in-camera,” which means that MPPs are not allowed to discuss what is happening during the writing process. By the rules of the legislature, everything discussed in-camera is strictly confidential. This is a normal part of report writing, but it does make communications about this matter difficult.
Survivors deserve to have their voices heard. That has been my priority throughout this committee. Ontario's Official Opposition NDP believes that we must now produce our own dissenting report to ensure that survivors' voices and calls for change are heard. I wish this were not the case, but now I will dedicate my efforts to ensuring that this new dissenting report honours what we heard at committee. I will keep you updated.
It is now all but assured that MPPs will vote on Bill 60, the government’s housing bill, this coming Monday. Since the government has a majority, it will almost assuredly pass and become law. This is heartbreaking for renters and everyone who is struggling to secure decent and affordable housing in Ontario.
Yesterday, I stood in the Legislature, while housing, shelter, and healthcare access advocates from the Women’s Coalition looked on from the gallery. I asked the Premier when he would stop pandering to his landlord friends and instead support women fleeing violence and homelessness with real investments into supportive housing. I received a non-answer. You can watch our exchange here. But I will never stop fighting for these essential public services.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Transgender Day of Remembrance
- Housing Day of Action
- Join My Youth Council
- Ford Rams Through Bill 33
- TCNDP’s Holiday Party - You’re Invited!
- Coffee With Kristyn - January 15th
- Medscheck Concerns Grow
- Take Urban Wildfires Seriously
- Toronto Pride Partner Symposium
- What’s Making Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Transgender Day of Remembrance |
Yesterday we marked the 26th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR). This is a day of solemn reflection on the scourge of transphobia and transphobic violence in our world, a time to remember and honour the Trans people we have lost, and an opportunity to recommit to creating a world without transphobia. As the first MPP to identify as non-binary and use they/them pronouns in the Legislature, this day is very special to me. But this year it was made even more meaningful, because I am no longer alone. My fellow NDP MPP from Ottawa Centre, Catherine McKenney, is also non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. It is so profoundly wonderful to have a friend in them.
At Queen’s Park, we held a moment of silence in the chamber to mark TDoR, followed by statements from all parties. You can watch my statement here. I was very impressed by the heartfelt and sincerely respectful statements given by all parties in the chamber. Now we just need to spur those same parties to action on the Gender Affirming Healthcare Act and other policies that lift up Trans folks.
In the afternoon, we raised the Transgender flag at Queen’s Park, flying it at half mast to remember all those who we miss. Friends of Ruby, an incredible local organization that supports Queer and Trans youth, organized the flag raising, and their representatives spoke beautifully, inviting us all to say the names of the remarkable Trans people who are no longer with us. I am continually in awe of the life saving work that Friends of Ruby does and can’t wait to attend the grand opening of their new space in a few months.
| Housing Day of Action |
I was honoured to welcome the Women’s Coalition to Queen’s Park yesterday, for their annual housing day of action. The Women’s Coalition brings together housing, shelter, mental health, addictions, and other service providers across Ontario to advocate for women.
During their press conference, I was particularly struck by what one of the speakers, Lucy, a client at Street Haven, said: “Housing women is a nation-building project.” She is so right. If any infrastructure builds a nation, it is housing. After all, as one of the other presenters said, “If we can prevent a mother from becoming homeless, we keep two generations housed.”
Working with the Women’s Coalition has been such a joy. I hope that all of the government members they met with yesterday felt that way too and will work to meet their demands of investment in supportive housing, mental health and addictions programs, and increased emergency shelter programs, all tailored to women.
|
Join my Youth Council! |
Are you between the age of 17-25 with a passion for politics, policy, and community building? Apply to the Toronto Centre Youth Council to have your voice heard on provincial issues.
Join Our First Session - pizza provided!
Date: November 26, 2025
Time: 4:45-6PM
Location: 120 Carlton St, Unit 401
Apply now: kristyn.ca/youth-council
| Ford Rams Through Bill 33 |
Bill 33 also passed this past week, even as education advocates and union activists descended on Queen’s Park in protest. The fact that this government refuses to listen to education and community safety experts, instead plowing ahead with their destructive plans, is a clear sign that they don’t care about doing what is right and prefer to double down rather than fix their mistakes.
Student trustees from public and catholic boards were clear that they did not want government appointees who ignore them. Parents told us they did not want decisions made behind closed doors or by Conservative insiders, paid hundreds of thousands of dollars, to override them. Education workers told us this bill was not the solution to crowded classrooms and unsafe schools. The government ignored all of them.
Similarly, post-secondary student organizations like CFS-Ontario, OUSA, CSA and OSV warned that this bill would mean the loss of vital campus programs students urgently need, including food banks, mental health peer supports and accessibility services. They told the government that our postsecondary sector is in crisis. Hundreds of programs have been cut, campuses are closing, almost ten thousand jobs have been lost at Ontario colleges, and eighty thousand students will be shut out of university seats because of government underfunding. The Premier chose not to listen.
Bill 33 is a blight on Ontario’s education system and must be repealed. You can watch POlicing Free Schools and other stakeholders speak about this destructive bill at their press conference here.
| Toronto Centre NDP Holiday Party - You’re Invited! |
Get ready for a fabulous Toronto Centre NDP Holiday Park with lunch, prize giveaways, entertainment, festive cheer, and, of course, surprise VIP guests!
Date: December 7, 2025
Time: 1 PM - 4 PM
Location: Regent Park Community Centre, 402 Shuter Street
All are welcome, including Santa’s little helpers. Please register here to reserve your seats.
| Coffee With Kristyn - January 15th |
I’m very excited to host my third Coffee with Kristyn at Good Earth Coffee House on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM! This is an opportunity for you to come and sit down with me, your Toronto Centre MPP, and share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while supporting our local small businesses.
I look forward to sitting down with you over a cup of coffee! I will also be hosting a roundtable chat with all attendees for the last 30 minutes so that we can all come together to share ideas.
Sign up for your coffee slot by clicking here.
| Medscheck Concerns Grow |
New data shows that Shoppers Drug Mart billed more than $81 million to the Ontario government for MedsChecks in two years. This is a clear and shameful corporate moneygrab.
The MedsCheck program was created to help people manage their medications safely, prevent harmful interactions, and ensure they receive the care they need. It is a service meant to protect patients… not to fuel corporate profit targets.
I am deeply troubled and disappointed by the reports we continue to hear from pharmacists across Ontario about being pressured by corporate offices to perform unnecessary reviews. When one chain bills more in two years than it did in the previous six combined, and when over a hundred investigations have been opened into corporate pressure, it’s clear that the program is being used to make profit, not to help Ontarians.
I want to thank the many pharmacists who have shown immense dedication to their patients and the spirit of the MedsCheck program by speaking up about the pressures they have been experiencing.
“Ontarians deserve a health-care system they can trust. The Ministry must act now to strengthen and modernize the MedsCheck program with clear eligibility criteria, proper documentation, and safeguards that protect both patients and the pharmacists who care for them.
| Take Urban Wildfires Seriously |
Whether Ford wants to admit it or not, climate change is real, and urban wildfires like those in Los Angeles and Fort McMurray are unfortunately a very real possibility across Ontario. I am proud to join my fellow Ontario NDP caucus members in calling on the Ford government to establish an Urban Wildfires Advisory Committee.
Toronto-Danforth MPP Peter Tabuns is introducing the Protecting Ontario from Urban Wildfires Act, 2025; a bill that would require the Conservatives to establish an Urban Wildfires Advisory Committee tasked with guiding risk assessment, prevention, response, and recovery. The Ford government currently has no such measures in place, despite the uptick in devastating fires spreading to urban areas.
Wildfires are not only life-threatening but also financially destructive. Ontario firefighters have the commitment and smarts to take on this challenge, but they need the requisite equipment and training. We must be prepared to protect the safety of all Ontarians.
The urgency of the matter is compounded by the Ford government’s inaction on climate change. Ontario’s Auditor General reported in October that the Conservatives would fall well short of their 2030 emissions reduction target.
Our first job is to stop carbon pollution to stabilize things. The next job is preventing these fires, and where we can’t, making sure we have the resources to fight them. I am proud to be part of a caucus doing this vital work.
|
Toronto Pride Partner Symposium |
This morning, I had the opportunity to be a panellist on “The Politics of Pride: Navigating Queer Representation” for Pride Toronto’s Partner Symposium event! We discussed how queer representation and Pride are understood and represented through a political, policy, and equity-based lens. A warm thank you to Kojo Modeste for facilitating the flow of our discussion, and all participants and sponsors who came together for these important conversations.
| What's Making Headlines |
City Raccoons Are Evolving to Look More Like Pets
More people will struggle to be housed in Ontario if Bill 60 is passed, open letter warns
Two Toronto tenants were almost evicted for being one cent short of rent
The Landlord and Tenant Board Annual Report: Progress but still a long way to go
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Little Trinity Christmas Market |
Little Trinity Church invites community members to join in the holiday spirit at the second annual Little Trinity Christmas Market, held in collaboration with the Good Food Market.
Enjoy an evening filled with festive cheer, local treats, and holiday shopping:
- Live Music: Come enjoy seasonal performances by Dr. Ben!
- Free Goodies: Take a load off and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider, and yummy treats!
- Unique Gifts: Do your holiday shopping and pick up some unique hand-made gifts for your loved ones!
- Groceries: Stop by our regular produce market, offering high quality fruits and veggies at wholesale prices!
All proceeds will go to Good Shepherd Ministries, a local organization that serves over 1000 meals a day to those in need.
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Time: 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Location: Little Trinity Church
| Mandle Philharmonic Orchestra: Ode to Joy |
Dates: November 27 and December 04, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Experience a night of unforgettable music this holiday season! Beethoven’s towering Symphony No. 9 with its triumphant “Ode to Joy,” Orff’s exhilarating Carmina Burana, and a heart-warming selection of Christmas carols come together in one spectacular concert. A perfect celebration of joy, drama, and festive spirit - do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime evening.
|
Holiday Tree Lighting at Riverdale Farm |
Join Riverdale Farm as they light their tree. There will be carolers, crafts, cookies and hot chocolate.
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester St.)
Tree Lighting: 7:00 PM
| Regent Park Youth Safety & Well-Being Forum |
The Regent Park Youth Safety & Well-Being Forum is a community-driven initiative that fosters a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for young people in Regent Park to engage in open conversations about safety, security, and mental health.
This forum encourages self-reflection, community connection, and helps youth access real-world support systems to promote overall well-being.
Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Regent Park Community Centre, 402 Shuter Street
Open to all youth residents of Regent Park.
| United Way’s Leading Social Justice Collective |
United Way Greater Toronto and the University of Toronto’s School of Cities are launching this year’s Leading Social Justice Collective (LSJC) - a unique, cross-sector leadership program for changemakers across the GTA. As our communities face growing inequities and complex challenges, we need leaders from all sectors – community, public, and private - to come together to reimagine and rebuild our systems.
LSJC equips participants with the mindset, tools, and networks to drive long-term, systems-level change rooted in equity and social justice.
Applications are now open until December 12, 2025: [Apply here]
| Apply for $5,000 to support your community-led project! |
As a part of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS), they are providing the opportunity to apply for a grant that supports resident-led projects. These projects can encourage local activation and focus on the five domains of TSNS – economic opportunities, healthy lives, participation in civic making, physical surroundings, and social development - across all neighbourhoods.
The Local Leadership Grant prioritizes the leadership and participation of Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving groups within Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, Emerging Neighbourhoods, and other communities of focus.
Find out more by clicking here!
| Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards - Nominations Open |
Nominations for the 2026 Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards are now open until January 15. If you know a changemaker in your community who deserves recognition, please consider submitting a nomination using this form.
Who Can Be Nominated:
There are four categories: Individual, Group, Women, and Youth (under 25). Any Ontario resident, or Ontario-based organization, group, or initiative may be nominated. This includes educators, writers, community workers, social and political activists, social action groups, trade unions, youth organizations, multicultural organizations, schools, coalitions, professional associations, media, and service clubs.
The award ceremony will be held in March 2026.