Dear Neighbour,
Warm weather has arrived in Toronto Centre! I hope that everyone is enjoying the temperatures, spending time in our beautiful parks, and getting excited about all of the fabulous summer festivals that are coming our way these next few months. However, heat can also be dangerous. Hot apartments, working in the heat, and prolonged outdoor heat exposure can all cause heat-related illnesses. My NDP colleague MPP Peter Tabuns just launched a campaign to combat climate-driven heat stress in workplaces, in collaboration with the Ontario Federation of Labour.
The City of Toronto will open cooling centers during heat waves but also has cool spaces open all summer in the form of community centers, libraries, and more. A map of all the cool spaces in the city can be found here. So much must be done to keep people safe in the heat. I continue to push for the city and province to mandate a maximum safe indoor temperature for tenants, the same way that we have minimum temperatures in the winter.
I have also been working with the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment and have met with Ontario’s Chief Coroner about heat-related deaths. This work is still in its early stages, but I hope to have an update for you soon.
On Saturday, the NDP is hosting coffee with Marit Stiles and flyering in our neighbourhood. Ontario needs properly implemented $10/day childcare, not a government that keeps dragging its feet. Ensuring safe, affordable, and high-quality childcare would make an incredible difference for Ontario families everywhere. A group of volunteers and I will be joining the Ontario NDP Leader, Marit Stiles, to talk to neighbours about childcare and listen to their priorities so that we can bring them back to Queen’s Park.
Time is running out to get your tickets to our iconic Pride and Politics fundraiser! Don’t miss out on an evening of fabulous performances, refreshments, and catching up with progressives from across the city. The ticket price is eligible for a generous tax rebate!
Yours in community service,
Kristyn
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
In This Newsletter |
- Take your MPP to School Day
- Visit to Met Radio at TMU
- ICC Seeking Warrants
- Backlogs at the Human Rights Tribunal
- Therme’s Immersive Queen’s Park Experience
- New Street Food Night Market in Toronto Centre
- Inside Out Begins this Week!
- Local Community News
Take your MPP to School Day |
On Tuesday, I visited Jarvis Collegiate Institute for Take Your MPP to School Day with TDSB Trustee Deborah Williams.
We joined two grade 10 and 11 law and civics classes and had the opportunity to speak about our path to public office and how students can get involved in their local communities.
Visiting Jarvis Collegiate was eye-opening. Despite underfunding, teachers and education workers at Jarvis support students to achieve their full potential every day. Education is an investment that pays for itself, the Minister of Education should know this. Students deserve our best and I am proud to continue fighting for increased investments in education so that per-student funding grows at least at the rate of inflation.
Visit to Met Radio at TMU |
Congratulations to MET Radio on receiving the Resilient Communities Fund grant to expand your Radio Everywhere program and outreach efforts. Community radio is more important than ever for skill-building and creative expression.
Local news matters and I encourage everyone to check out their work and listen live!
ICC Seeking Warrants |
This Monday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) made history when their Chief Prosecutor announced that he is seeking to obtain arrest warrants for political leaders from the governments of both Hamas and Israel.
The three Hamas leaders are Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri, and Ismail Haniyeh. Warrants are being sought for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed on the territory of Israel and the State of Palestine as part of an illegal attack on civilians, taking hostages, and the widespread use of rape as a weapon of war.
ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan repeated the ICC’s calls for the immediate release of Israeli hostages when announcing that his office is seeking these warrants.
The ICC is a different body than the International Court of Justice (ICJ): the ICC oversees the prosecution of individuals for international crimes; the ICJ oversees the prosecution of states for international crimes. The ICC is a court of last resort. It only prosecutes cases when a state’s judicial system fails to prosecute crimes committed outside of their borders. The ICJ did also make news today by ordering Israel to halt military operations in Rafah.
The two Israeli leaders for whom warrants are being sought are Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The charges against Israeli leaders are the result of Israel’s use of starvation as a method of warfare and intentional attacks against civilians. Mr. Khan said, “Israel, like all States, has a right to take action to defend its population. That right, however, does not absolve Israel or any State of its obligation to comply with international humanitarian law. Notwithstanding any military goals they may have, the means Israel chose to achieve them in Gaza – namely, intentionally causing death, starvation, great suffering, and serious injury to body or health of the civilian population – are criminal.”
Chief ICC prosecutor Karim Khan added that, “Since last year, in Ramallah, in Cairo, in Israel and in Rafah, I have consistently emphasized that international humanitarian law demands that Israel take urgent action to immediately allow access to humanitarian aid in Gaza at scale. I specifically underlined that starvation as a method of war and the denial of humanitarian relief constitute Rome Statute offences. I could not have been clearer. As I also repeatedly underlined in my public statements, those who do not comply with the law should not complain later when my Office takes action. That day has come.”
Canada is a signatory to the Rome Statute, and I believe that Canada should defend work to realize an international rules-based order. Mr. Khan put this well when saying, “Today we once again underline that international law and the laws of armed conflict apply to all. No foot soldier, no commander, no civilian leader – no one – can act with impunity. Nothing can justify wilfully depriving human beings, including so many women and children, the basic necessities required for life. Nothing can justify the taking of hostages or the targeting of civilians.”
Put most simply, if Canada believes in an international rules-based order, Canada must accept that the rules apply to all people and all countries. Even our allies. Even ourselves.
Mr. Khan’s announcement is historic. This is the first time that the ICC has sought to obtain a warrant against leaders who are political allies of Western countries. It is unacceptable that Mr. Khan was threatened by Western governments when announcing that he was seeking these charges and told that the ICC was only “built for Africa and thugs like Putin”.
A warrant is not a conviction. If the charged leaders of Hamas and Israel are innocent, they should have nothing to fear from the kind of impassioned judicial process that the ICC administers.
Mr. Khan’s announcement that he is seeking these warrants is worth watching or reading in full.
Backlogs at the Human Rights Tribunal |
Ontario’s Human Rights Tribunal (HRTO) is badly failing Ontarians. The backlog is currently three years long and growing, despite fewer cases being received this year than in 2015. On top of that, the tribunal is delivering a shockingly low number of actual resolutions to the cases it does get through. A baffling 96% of final decisions in 2023-24 were “jurisdictional or procedural” dismissals of applications. This means that the application was closed before the applicant was able to make an oral argument or attempt mediation. 80% of the HRTO's dismissed applications are due to applicants abandoning their cases. Applicants give up because they have no legal representation or have been waiting for updates on their cases for three or more years. In many cases, even if they won the case, so much time had passed that there was no reasonable solution that could be implemented.
For some time, it has been clear to me that this government wants to destroy Ontario’s tribunals, making them so slow and ineffective that people know that filing an application is futile. This will give the government reasonable grounds to cut funding to the tribunals, privatize them, or further decimate their ability to deliver justice outside of the courts. The backlog at the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal means that it is failing to uphold its mandate and that human rights in Ontario are under severe threat. Discrimination cannot happen unchecked in Ontario, yet it currently is. That is a disgrace.
If you are interested in this issue I encourage you to read the entire press release from Tribunals Watch Ontario. They are an incredible source of information and tireless advocates for impartial, effective tribunals that serve Ontarians well.
Parody Alert! Therme’s Immersive Queen’s Park Experience |
You've heard of Therme's artificial nature spa at Ontario Place. Now get ready for their artificial Queen's Park experience, where you can imagine what it's like to have a functional provincial government.
Watch the video here!
New Street Food Night Market in Toronto Centre |
Visitors can enjoy tamales, poutine, Jordanian food, all-day breakfast, churros, and more. What a fun summer addition to our community!
Inside Out Begins Tonight! |
Tonight is the first night of Inside Out, Toronto’s 2SLGBTQIA+ film festival. If you have never attended, I encourage you to do so! Inside Out brings some of the best queer and trans films of the upcoming year to our city and you have a chance to see them before their wide release. I would especially recommend the shorts program “Local Heroes”, where short films from Toronto filmmakers are spotlit. Ontario has so much talent, behind and in front of the camera. I can’t wait to catch a few films this year.
You can find the full schedule and more information about the festival here. The festival is hosted at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, but virtual streaming options are also available for many films!
Local Community News |
Flora's Walk: A Day of Community and Remembrance |
When: May 25, 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Allan Gardens, Toronto
Flora's journey to motherhood was filled with both joy and challenges, shining a light on the importance of mental health support during the perinatal period. Despite her unwavering determination and the love of her family, Flora tragically lost her battle with perinatal mental health just weeks after our Doula services ended. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the need for perinatal mental health awareness and the impact of Doula support during this critical phase.
Learn more and register here.
Regent Park Summer Safety Jam! |
Daniels, TCHC, Tridel & Community Safety Partners are busy preparing for Summer Safety Jam 2024! I will be attending alongside my staff and hosting a booth, please stop by as we join the community to promote safety in Regent Park.
Date: Saturday June 1
Time: 12 - 6 PM
Location: Big Park (Regent Park, 600 Dundas St. E.)
Come and enjoy:
- Halal & Veg BBQ
- Bouncy castle
- DJ & live band
- Giveaways & raffle
- Community & Revitalization updates
- Bazaar
- Kids activities
- Cotton candy & snacks
The Village Quarterly Community Meeting |
Join the Conversation with the Toronto Police’s Quarterly Meeting in the Village. It is an opportunity to meet your neighbourhood community officers, receive updates on critical incidents and ask questions.
When: Tuesday June 4, 7 - 8 PM
Where: 518 Church Street, 2nd Floor (O’Grady’s)
Walking with the NDP in Pride |
Join the NDP as we celebrate this Pride Season in Toronto from Friday, June 28th to Sunday June 30th. There are many opportunities to get involved, from volunteering at our table to walking with us in the Parade, we would love for you to join us! For more information, check out the following links:
Don Yard Community Open House |
Metrolinx will be hosting an in-person community open house specifically for the work happening in the Don Yard as part of the Ontario Line project. This event offers an opportunity for the wider community to learn about the upcoming construction in the Don Yard, including the building of a new bridge that will carry the Ontario Line tracks over the DVP and Don River, as well as the cut-and-cover tunnel and portal. Additionally, you'll have the chance to meet the project constructor for the Don Yard.
Date: Wednesday, June 5
Time: 6 - 8 PM
Location: Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane
Toronto International Storytelling Festival |
Storytelling Toronto's 45th annual Toronto International Storytelling Festival, Many Voices Tell A Story, will run from June 9-17, 2024, at many venues across Toronto, including Regent Park.
Storytelling Toronto is partnering with the Friends of Regent Park to host an event at the Regent Park Community Centre on Sunday, June 16, from 10:30 AM - 5 PM. Find out more here.
National Day Against Gun Violence |
This year marks the second annual National Day Against Gun Violence in Canada, which takes place on the first Friday of every June. Gun violence has devastating impacts on our neighbourhoods and no family is ever the same if a loved one is killed by a firearm. Central to ending gun violence and getting firearms off our streets is stopping gun violence well before it starts, this happens with prevention, community investments to address the root causes of violence.
Join us in Regent Park at Daniels Spectrum at 585 Dundas Street East on Friday June 7 for a day of reflection, conversation and education on how we can work together to end gun violence and heal for good. There will be a rally and march starting at 1 PM followed by workshops, performances and a film screening.
To reserve your spot, please visit the link here.
Spring Housing Clinics in Toronto Centre |
If you're on the Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Housing Centralized Waiting List (CWL) or need help applying for RGI housing, we have great news for you!
Councillor Chris Moise’s office is collaborating with Access to Housing and Housing Help Centres to host MyAccesstoHousingTO Sign-Up Clinics for Ward 13 residents from May 9 to May 31. They are also collaborating with Social Development, Finance & Administration (SDFA) staff on two dates to provide additional services.
During these clinics, staff from Access to Housing and Housing Help Centres will be present to assist you with the following:
- Sign up on the new MyAccesstoHousingTO system to maintain your application and receive important updates;
- Assist you with application updates and explain the choice-based housing offer process and how to express interest and
- Help you with your housing application.
To best help you, please bring the following if you need help with registering your current application in the MyAccesstoHousingTO online portal:
- Proof of status in Canada for all household members;
- 2022 or most recent 2023 Notice of Assessment for all household members over the age of 16 and are working full or part-time; and
- Your housing file number.
Additional staff from Social Development & Finance Administration’s Human Services Integration will be on site on Saturday, May 11 at the Wellesley Community Centre and Thursday, May 30 at the Regent Park Community Centre to assist with the following subsidies:
- Welcome Policy recreation fee subsidy;
- Fair Pass Transit Discount Program;
- Child Care Fee Subsidy; and
- Medical benefits (incontinence supplies, hearing aids, mobility aids and more).
To learn more about the dates for these housing clinics, click here.
NIP's Service Application Support Event |
Neighbourhood Information Post’s Service Application Support Event will take place on May 30 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Parliament Street Public Library.
They will provide help with resume preparation, applications to the Toronto Rent Bank/Energy Assistance and assist with the completion of Permanent Residence Cards.
Registration is required. Click HERE to register or call 416-924-2542.
Student Grants for Sustainable Futures |
Foundation for Environmental Stewardship, is a youth-led, youth-serving Canadian non-profit that aims to empower youth to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all. They have officially opened up our grant application for Cycle 2 of funding! Funding for Net-Zero offers $2,500 - $15,000 grants to student-led projects across Canada, that reduce emissions at their schools (grades 6-12).
At its core, this project aims to connect students with educational and hands-on experiences for a net-zero ‘now’. The programs focus on enhancing youth climate education and action—so students can be the leaders and changemakers of a great transformation starting in their own schools.
Applications are open NOW until September 12! They’re encouraging anyone who wants to receive updates about our funding and free resources to sign up for our sign up for their mailing list.
Dixonlicious |
Don't miss this chance to be part of an unforgettable evening of delicious food and drinks in support of Dixon Hall's food programs!
When: June 6, 6 -9 PM
Where: Daniel Spectrum, 588 Dundas Street East
Get your tickets here and join the fight against food insecurity.
Toronto Centre Tenants Union Demoviction Survey |
Are you a tenant in Toronto Centre who is concerned about your home being demovicted? Want to learn more about demoviction and get involved in the tenants union?
Click here to take their survey and get connected with the Toronto Centre Tenants Union!
Regent Park’s Newest Street Needs a Name! |
Calling all community members in Regent Park! Have a knack for naming streets? TCHC needs your help naming a new street that will be built as part of Phase 4 of the revitalization, connecting Oak Street and Gerrard Street East.
Here’s your chance to leave a lasting mark on your neighbourhood! Review the City’s naming guidelines and submit your suggestion with a brief explanation to [email protected] by May 24, 2024.
Then join us at our annual Summer Safety Jam for an informal “dotmocracy” vote!
The 519 Workshop Wednesdays - Housing |
The 519's Health Justice Hub is hosting Workshop Wednesdays on Housing Rights and Tenant Organizing every Wednesday from 6 PM to 7:30 PM. Learn more and register here.
Regent Park Pride Community Block Party |
Join Regent Park community members for their Pride Community Block Party on June 14th from 3 PM - 9 PM on Regent Park Boulevard!
There will be live music and entertainment, local vendors, crafts and kids activities, ice cream, and a cookie bar!
My First Pride Parade Contingent 2024 |
My First Pride is coming back for its 3rd year!
Is this your first time celebrating Pride? Want to make it memorable? Looking to meet new friends? Join Pride Toronto in celebrating with My First Pride, and be a part of one of the world’s largest Pride parades.
Pride Toronto’s My First Pride Contingent is a place for anyone celebrating Pride for their first time, and who want to participate in Pride Toronto’s Pride Parade. Whether you’re a newcomer to Canada, or a new member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, find fun, excitement and friends within this welcoming group.
Register HERE!
Songs from The Journey |
Exciting news: this year's Songs from The Journey is set to grace the stage of The Royal Conservatory of Music’s Koerner Hall on June 21st! As always, the association is committed to ensuring that Regent Park residents have the opportunity to attend. To facilitate this, we're offering complimentary tickets for community members, alongside round-trip transportation between Regent Park and Koerner Hall on Friday, June 21, 2024.
The attached flyer provides information on the availability of free tickets for pickup at Daniels Spectrum starting Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Good Food Market Corktown |
I was thrilled to join Corktown neighbours at the Little Trinity Good Food Market launch at 425 King Street East last week. This program runs every Wednesday from 5 to 7 PM. They offer affordable groceries, which are hard to come by these days. Thank you to Little Trinity Church & FoodShareTO, for teaming up to tackle food insecurity.
