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
|
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.
