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Dear Emma,

This has been a tough week. I am devastated by the horrific shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. Everyone in the Tumbler Ridge community, and particularly the loved ones of those injured and killed, are in my thoughts and have my deepest condolences. I am so thankful for all of the first responders who risked their lives to protect others at the scene. 

This tragedy should never have happened. Right now we grieve, but soon, we recommit and take further action to end gun violence before another mass shooting takes place. Tragically, in Toronto Centre, we are not strangers to gun violence. My heart is additionally heavy for everyone in our communities who has been directly affected by gun violence and may be finding this news particularly difficult. If you need support, I encourage you to reach out to the Distress Centre of Greater Toronto or the Gerstein Crisis Centre. 

Violence should have no place in our communities, and yet it exists all around. But when people come together to speak without shame and offer each other support, we move one step closer to a world without violence.  I am so thankful to everyone in the community who is organizing for a world without violence. This work is not new, but it deserves so much more support from our government. We all stand on the shoulders of the organizers and advocates who have come before us. 

During my virtual town hall on intimate partner violence this week, I was filled with gratitude for all of the community advocates who joined us for the panel. They all interface with violence every day in their professional lives. It is difficult work, but they do it with so much love and grit.

Thank you to the 430 people who registered for the town hall. A big thank you to my co-host, MPP Alexa Gilmour and our esteemed presenters Pamela Hart, Erin Lee, Andrea Vasquez-Jimenez, Pamela Cross, Marlee Liss, and Ololade Aje. These leading advocates were so generous with their time, knowledge, and care. For those who missed the town hall and want to catch up, here is the link to watch.

The conversation was at times heavy, but the event was dynamic, and every attendee made their voice heard through interactive polling, sharing ideas, and submitting questions to our Q&A. I was particularly moved by the number and quality of responses we received when we asked participants what action they would take in their communities to counter IPV. Ideas ranging from “bring in a speaker for my next union event” to “have a conversation with other men in my life” to “volunteer at a local shelter” and more. 

The success of this first virtual town hall on IPV demands an encore, and that is what I intend to bring you in the weeks ahead. So watch this space for more announcements as I invite new speakers and subject matter experts to join us in future town halls on this issue. 

If you attended, I would love to hear your feedback on the event and what you would like to see in the future. 

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Inspection into Police Corruption
  
• You’re Invited: Community Iftar
• Coffee with Kristyn - Corktown
• Huge Cuts to OSAP Grants Hurt Students 
• Stop Taxing Severance Pay
• FAO Report Projects $10.7B Healthcare Shortfall
• What’s Making Headlines
• Local Community Events

Over the last week, we have learned more and more about the corruption within the Toronto Police. Ontario’s Inspector General of Policing announced a province-wide inspection into corruption and integrity in policing. This is a heartening next step, and I am very encouraged by it. 

It is deeply disturbing that police officers have allegedly been able to, while employed with the force, engage in the trafficking of uniforms, misuse of police firearms, and conspiracy to kill a corrections manager. These are incredibly serious offences for anyone, let alone someone in a position of public trust. 

To regain and maintain trust in our province’s law enforcement institutions, we must ensure transparency and unobstructed public oversight. That oversight must be especially focused on Toronto, which should demand much of this inspection’s attention. No stone should be left unturned to ensure that Ontarians feel safe in their communities and to restore accountability and public trust. 

This corruption has caused a massive breach of trust, as other incidents of police-community interactions have in the past, and it requires a massive effort on the part of the police to repair. I look forward to their sincere and open efforts. 

You're invited to a Community Iftar Party!

Join me for an evening of spiritual reflection, delicious dinner, and warm company as we break fast together.

Date: Friday, February 20, 2026 

Location: 150 River Street - Main Floor Party Room

Community Market: 3 - 8 PM

Iftar: 5 PM onwards

RSVP is required to reserve your seat. All are welcome!

Thank you so much to the awesome constituents who joined me for Coffee with Kristyn at Roozamoon Cafe in Corktown on Wednesday! I had a wonderful time hearing your ideas about addressing food insecurity, expanding public health care and protecting heritage buildings. Your stories were inspiring, and these conversations helped me bring your on-the-ground concerns to Queen’s Park. 

Watch out for future Coffee with Kristyn events coming to a cozy neighbourhood cafe near you!

While announcing their changes to post-secondary funding this week, which did include increased funding, Ford’s Minister glossed over a huge change: OSAP grants, which currently can make up as much as 85% of the funding a student receives (with the other 15% being loans), will now be capped at just 25%. That means students are losing thousands of dollars in grant funding for their education and are forced to take on 75% or more of their education costs in loans. This is a massive change that will hit the lowest-income students the hardest. 

In addition to these grant changes, the government is allowing public post-secondary schools to raise tuition by up to 2% per year for the next three years, after years of a tuition freeze. This will put students in an even more difficult position as they figure out how to pay for school, rent, and food. 

Our public colleges and universities, as well as students, deserve more than to beg for scraps from the government. They deserve a robustly funded public system where students can learn without the stress of loans, and institutions can provide the best quality education without the government breathing down their neck to cut costs at every turn. 

Doug Ford has to get serious about protecting workers. It is tough out there, especially for tariff-affected workers getting laid off in this job market. So why are these laid-off workers being punished again when the government taxes their severance pay? It’s not nice to kick people when they are already down. Ford must tell the Prime Minister to stop taxing the severance pay of workers’ impacted by tariff job losses. 

Ford is a jobs disaster. That is not up for debate. Ontario lost 67,000 jobs in January, and the manufacturing sector alone has lost 51,000 jobs in the last year. Tens of thousands more workers are starting a new year filled with anxiety and uncertainty, while they wait for Ford to finally come up with a jobs plan.

While we are forced to wait for that plan, the least that Ford can do is demand that the Prime Minister stop taxing laid-off workers' severance pay. Thousands of workers were handed pink slips while Ford stuck to his wait-and-see approach. It’s time for him to show up for these workers and their families. 

These Ontario workers need a lifeline. The Premier has the opportunity to be serious for once and use his power to deliver needed relief instead of more empty promises.

This past Wednesday’s Financial Accountability Office report confirms what patients and family members accessing health care across Ontario already know: the Ford government’s health care plan is actively damaging Ontario’s health system and putting patients at risk.

The FAO projects a $10.7 billion health sector funding shortfall by 2027-28 under the government’s current spending plan. That is a massive and devastating gap, especially as our population grows, ages, and healthcare needs become more acute. This plan is reckless and dangerous for patients.

The FAO also projects the government’s plan would result in fewer funded hospital beds, fewer nurses, and fewer PSWs across Ontario by 2027-28, even as demand for care continues to rise. These choices create a perfect storm of runaway hallway medicine, staff pushed to the breaking point, and inadequate care as a result. The Ford government must step up and adequately fund day-to-day hospital operations. 

We know this conservative play: cut and starve the system until it is so broken that you can say “See? The system doesn’t work. We need to privatize it!” We know as Canadians that is not acceptable. We need a well-funded public health care system so that everyone can thrive.  Click here to sign my petition to fund healthcare and stop privatization. 

Insufficient rail screws behind derailment that caused days-long GO disruptions, Metrolinx CEO says

The fastest way to get into an Ontario LTC is by going to a hospital first. That's a problem, say advocates

What's open and closed in Toronto on Family Day

Toronto pays off-duty police $100 an hour to oversee construction sites. Some councillors want to know why

He planned to survive Toronto winter in a tent. Now he’s one of hundreds squeezing into warming centres to get out of the cold

Toronto unemployment rate is totally out of control compared to other cities 

Tenants heartbroken after 111-year-old Toronto building’s stained glass windows deemed fire hazard 

Looking for something fun and free to do this Family Day weekend? Come to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for hands-on activities, indoor and outdoor experiences, and live entertainment during this year’s Winter Festival!

Set in the heart of downtown Toronto at the historic Ontario Legislature, this two-day celebration is designed for families of all ages.  

Indoors, learn about Parliament during a Chamber tour, get creative with crafts and activities, transform into a cool character with face-painting, grab a twisty balloon, and keep entertained with live musical performances, storytelling, and magic shows. Outdoors, take part in a mini hockey arena and curling rink, admire the work of a professional ice carver in action, participate in an inflatable carnival game, and keep an eye out for a roaming Jack Frost who always loves a “warm” hello.  

Need a treat? Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase at the Quorum Café.

Event dates: Saturday, February 14 and Monday, February 16, 2026

Times: 10 AM to 4 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM) 

Location: Ontario's Legislative Building, Queen's Park. 

All visitors entering the Legislative Building must go through airport-style security screening. 

Free admission

Click here for a full schedule of events.

The Regent Park Community Centre will be hosting a Family Day event.

Date: Monday, February 16, 2026

Time: 11 AM - 2 PM

Location: Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter St.)

Enjoy Pancakes, music, colouring and more. All are welcome. FREE.

The Friends of Regent Park, in partnership with the Regent Park Community Centre, Councillor Chris Moise, and the Toronto Police Services, is hosting a Family Day Skating event!

Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026

Time: 1 PM to 4 PM

Location: Regent Park Ice Rink (480 Shuter St.)

Skates and helmets will be available for FREE on a first-come, first-served basis. It will be an afternoon filled with fun, music, games and activities.

Join Marit Stiles and community partners like the Neighbourhood Information Post for a fun-filled Lunar New Year Reception at Queen’s Park! You won't want to miss the lion dance. 

Date: Monday, February 23, 

Time: 6 - 8:30 PM - Lion dance at 7:30 PM

Location: Queen’s Park Main Legislative Building, Room 351

RSVP here to be added to the visitors list.

🌼 Friends of Allan Gardens just launched their petition to expand the Allan Gardens greenhouses! 🌼

With this expansion, they can scale up their existing cross-cultural and cross-generational work: the farmers' market, food-growing that supports food banks, horticultural education, venue space, and Indigenous-focused programming like language keeping and storytelling.

They are aiming for 10,000 signatures and need your help!

Click here to sign and share with your networks.

PASI is a large-scale outdoor community photo exhibition led by Jamii, taking place along Toronto’s Esplanade promenade from May to July 2026. The project brings together Torontonians of all ages to reflect how people from around the world live side by side in one city.

Meaning “a soccer pass” in Swahili, PASI will feature a continuous chain of portraits in which participants symbolically pass a ball from one image to the next. Installed between the Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market, the exhibition includes 48 large-scale outdoor portraits representing countries participating in the 2026 tournament.

Click here to sign up and have your portrait taken for this community art exhibit! 

The SLNA Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 15th REmarket event on February 11 and 12, 2026. This event has a direct, tangible impact on both the environment and the social welfare of our local communities, and you can widen that impact. New items being added to the growing recycling list at the upcoming REmarket include: hearing aids, elastic bands and non-synthetic corks. On February 11, stop by to participate in their FreeMarket, where anyone can drop off gently used items and take home items free of charge (not for commercial resale).

On February 12, bring your items in need of repair to the Repair Cafe. Items such as clothing, jewelry, small appliances, electronics, and bikes can be fixed free of charge by local volunteers.

Learn more about the event, as well as recycling and donation guidelines here: REmarket Guidelines

Dates and Times: 

February 11, donation 10 AM - 7 PM, FreeMarket 10 AM - 6 PM

February 12, donation 10 AM - 6 PM, Repair Cafe 11 AM - 3 PM

 Location: St Lawrence Market Tent, 125 The Esplanade

Youth 4 the Future (Y4F) is a youth-led SDG Accelerator and Civic Incubator empowering Canadians (ages 15–29) to translate global goals into tangible local action. The campaign provides interactive workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities to develop youth leadership and civic engagement skills. Participants will gain access to our exclusive Youth Incubator Program, digital resources, and a Certificate of Leadership for attending the full event.

Location: Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, 647 Queens Quay W, Toronto

Date: March 1, 2026 

Time: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

RSVP here.

The Ontario Official Opposition and NDP Leader, Marit Stiles, is honoured to invite you to an Iftar on Wednesday, March 4, at Queen’s Park.

As the sun sets, community members will come together to break fast and share in a serene evening in the spirit of Ramadan. The program will run from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, allowing time for our community to participate in Taraweeh at their local mosques.

Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Time: 5 – 7 PM

Location: Queen’s Park, Main Legislative Building (south entrance), 111 Wellesley Street West, Toronto

Please RSVP here to be added to the guest list. 

The Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA), with assistance from Endeavor Consulting, is developing a three-year strategic plan. 

Regent Park residents are invited to participate by completing a short survey and participating in a small focus group discussion.

Focus Groups:

Virtual focus groups are being convened for the following stakeholder groups:

• Market Tenants
• TCHC Tenants
• Community Partners
• RPNA Board Members

To participate in a focus group, reach out to Hanieh Shams Kolahi, Engagement Manager, Endeavour Consulting: [email protected]

Surveys:

• Market Tenants
• TCHC Tenants
• Community Partners
• RPNA Board Members

Do you know a phenomenal leader in your community who deserves recognition?

Kristyn Wong-Tam will present six people with the 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, healthcare, and beyond!

Submit your nominee here!

Applications are now open for the City of Toronto’ Outside Mural & Street Art Program!

Business associations and community groups with strong local participation can receive one-time funding of up to $7,500 for outdoor murals projects. Eligible costs include artist fees, materials, installation, and equipment rental. Applicants are responsible for ongoing maintenance.

As a FIFA host city, special consideration will be given to murals celebrating the tournament and the city’s theme, “World in a City.” Selected proposals must follow FIFA branding and IP rules.

Deadline: Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Details here.

The next Census of Population will take place in May 2026. Census data provides a detailed statistical picture of the country’s people and places every five years, vital for government, businesses, and communities to plan essential services, determine electoral district boundaries, allocate funds, understand changing demographics, and support informed decisions for a thriving Canada.

Statistics Canada is hiring approximately 32,000 people across Canada to help residents complete their census questionnaires. Applications are now being accepted for supervisory and non-supervisory positions across the country. Details here.

Dear Emma,

My Virtual Town Hall on the next steps that the Ford government must take to address intimate partner violence (IPV) in Ontario is less than a week away! If you haven’t RSVP’d, the time is now:

I am honoured that an incredible group of leading advocates from across Ontario are sharing their time and insights with us. They will provide brief presentations, and then the event will be turned over to you - the audience! You will have a chance to share your feedback and ideas and ask the panellists questions. We strive to build stronger communities through conversation and collaboration. You will leave with a deeper understanding of how we can all work together to end IPV, along with other clear next steps.

The leading advocates who will be joining us are: 

• Pamela Cross, Feminist Lawyer and author of “And Sometimes They Kill You”
• Erin Lee, Executive Director of Lanark County Interval House
• Marlee Liss, Founder of Survivors for Justice Reform and author of “Re-Humanize”
• Andrea Vásquez Jiménez, Community & Electoral Political Organizer Director of Policing-Free Schools
• Ololade Aje, Student Trustee, Durham Catholic District School Board
• Pamela Hart, Executive Director of Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto
• MPP Alexa Gilmour, Shadow Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity

Ontario doesn’t need another report. We need government action and accountability. I hope you will join us. 

Virtual Town Hall on IPV

Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Time: 7 PM

Location: Zoom

So many people in Ontario need our government to give a damn about them. From survivors of IPV to those living on our streets, the family struggling to put food on the table, the need is massive. That is why I want to share a good news story with you today. 

On Wednesday, I had the honour and privilege of visiting Journey Home Hospice at 90 Shuter Street. I was overwhelmed by the love and care oozing from every inch of this facility, and so proud that it is located in the heart of our riding.

Journey Home Hospice provides wraparound and trauma-informed end-of-life care for people who, before they called Journey Home their home, were unhoused or precariously housed. 

I want you to imagine for a moment: you are living on the streets or couchsurfing, you are more than likely a senior, and you have been told by a doctor that you have less than 6 months to live. That would feel pretty hopeless, wouldn’t it? But then, imagine again that you are told that you won’t be spending the end of your life in a hospital or out on the street. There is a place for you at Journey Home, a hospice that understands your unique needs and will treat you with warmth, love, and humanity. 

Ontarians at the end of their life deserve loving, personal, and high-quality hospice care. Care in a place that feels like home. And that is exactly what I saw at Journey Home. During my visit, I was welcomed by kind and personable healthcare workers and volunteers who spoke about their clients and their place of work with reverence. 

Not everything at Journey Home is rosy. Of course, people die there. Patients who are eligible for Journey Home have had difficult and traumatic lives. They often struggle with mental health and substance use. That is not shied away from. I was proudly shown the secure medication cart and fridge where doctor-prescribed narcotics and alcohol were stored. The clinical focus here for those who use substances is preventing withdrawal and managing symptoms. At the end of life, it is all about comfort and dignity. 

The things that stuck with me the most were the little things: the blanket warming machine that meant residents always had access to coziness, the volunteer pulling a freshly baked apple crisp out of the oven in the community kitchen, and the care menu that offered a hand massage or a conversation about legacy on a hard day. This place is about so much more than healthcare: it is about honouring the full person, the life they lived, and the life they are still living. 

I want to thank Matthew, Felicia, and all of the staff, volunteers and residents at Journey Home for welcoming me into their space and showing me that dignity and care at the end of life are for everyone. 

Journey Home is creating a model that must be properly funded and replicated across Ontario. They already have a satellite location in Windsor and are in contact with other hospices caring for this patient population. I am so proud of their work and looking forward to championing hospice care for all at Queen’s Park. To learn more about their services and volunteer opportunities, click here. 

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• You’re Invited: Community Iftar
• Coffee with Kristyn in Corktown
• Doly Begum’s Departure
• Toronto Police Arrests
• Grocery Prices Don’t Have To Be This High!
• Chronic Hospital Underfunding Risks Lives
• Ford’s TDSB Supervisor Scraps Class Size Caps
• Youth in Custody Deserve Dignity
• Black History Month in Toronto Centre
• What’s Making Headlines
• Local Community Events

You're invited to a Community Iftar Party!

Join me for an evening of spiritual reflection, delicious dinner, and warm company as we break fast together.

Date: Friday, February 20, 2026 

Location: 150 River Street - Main Floor Party Room

Community Market: 3 - 8 PM

Iftar: 5 PM onwards

RSVP is required to reserve your seat. All are welcome!

Come join me at the beloved Roozamoon Cafe, 398 Queen St East on Wednesday, February 11th, from 10 AM to 12 PM.

Click here to book your 15-minute meeting slot! 

Afterwards, we will have a 30-minute roundtable for anyone who wants to stay and continue speaking with a larger group. Stay tuned as we announce upcoming locations and dates.

As many of you will have seen, Doly Begum resigned as MPP for Scarborough Southwest on Tuesday. She will be running federally for the Liberals in Scarborough Southwest in a byelection that will be called soon. 

This news was very hard for me and many New Democrats to hear. Doly has been a personal friend and colleague for many years. I wish her well in the journey ahead. 

Scarborough Southwest has strong and deep connections to the ONDP. The MPP constituency staff are valued members of the ONDP caucus team and continue to serve local residents without any interruption. A provincial byelection will be called in the weeks ahead, and the ONDP looks forward to continuing to serve the great people of Scarborough Southwest. 

Like many of you, I have been carefully watching the developing story of the eight Toronto Police officers (seven current and one retired) who we learned last night were arrested on multiple serious charges. 

I want to begin by commending York Regional Police and the more than 400 officers across multiple services who dedicated months of painstaking work to this investigation. 

This investigation touches on the trust Ontarians place in law enforcement, and demands a thorough, unobstructed public oversight investigation concurrent with this criminal investigation. This is a deeply troubling situation. We must see real accountability, consequences, transparency, and systemic change from this process so that trust in our province’s law enforcement and justice system isn’t further eroded. This will be a long road, but one that must be walked. 

We all know the feeling: you do your regular shop at a big three grocery store and then bam! You get to the checkout and are hit with a bill that can’t possibly be right. Suddenly, you are paying double digits for a bag of apples and $3 for a grapefruit? 

Marit Stiles breaks down the issues in this informative and funny video she shared on socials, which you can watch here! 

Grocery prices have been rising faster than inflation at the big three grocery chains, meanwhile, small mom-and-pop grocers are finding ways to keep prices low and deliver high-quality products to their customers. 

Right now, there is no mechanism to hold big-box stores accountable. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In Manitoba, the NDP government just froze milk prices! An Ontario NDP government will bring in a consumer watchdog to guard against price gouging and other unfair practices, so that something like the bread price fixing scandal doesn’t happen again. 

Chronic hospital underfunding by the Ford government is driving hallway medicine and putting patients at serious risk across Ontario. This isn’t news to anyone, but to get results, we must keep pushing. We all know someone who has waited a full day to be seen in the ER or was put on a stretcher in the hallway when they were critically ill. These events are not random. They are what happens when a government knowingly underfunds hospitals year after year.

This government was warned. They were shown the data. They heard from workers and hospital leaders. And they chose not to act. Hallway medicine exists because the Ford government allows it.

And now, not only is Ford not taking action, but they are refusing to share data about hallway healthcare numbers. To rebuild our public healthcare system, we need transparency, accountability, and action. Instead, we are getting secrecy and inaction. 

This government’s inaction means that healthcare workers and patients are paying the price. Nurses and doctors are doing everything they can, but you cannot run hospitals at crisis capacity forever and expect people not to get hurt. The best time to fix this situation was 10 years ago, but the second-best time is today. 

Ford’s appointed TDSB supervisor has decided that hard class size caps are no longer needed in grades 4-8. I don’t know if any of them have ever been in a classroom, but that is categorically false. 

The Ministry of Education has a class size policy that states that class sizes within a given board must not, on average, exceed certain caps. For grades 4-8 that cap is 24.5 students. However, there is no hard cap on the number of students in any given classroom. 

The TDSB decided to set its own hard cap of 32 students per grade 4-8 class to ensure there are no ultra-large outlier classes. Ontario students and teachers deserve a safe learning and working environment.  

Education workers, parents, students, and experts tell us that smaller class sizes lead to more individualized support for students, fewer fights, and greater safety for everyone. 

Right now, our public education system needs adequate funding, class-size caps, capital repair plans, and more caring adults in the classroom to support kids' learning. 

Instead, since the Ford Conservatives came to power, they’ve cut $6.3 billion from education. Meanwhile, teachers are buying their own paper. Children are sitting on the floor because there are too many kids in their classroom. This is what Doug Ford and Paul Calandra think our kids deserve.

If you are as fired up about this as I am, I encourage you to attend our Shadow Education Minister MPP Chandra Pasma’s Emergency Education Town Hall on Feb 9 at 7 PM. 

RSVP here: Hands Off Our Schools Emergency Townhall: Stop the Takeovers, Fund Education

Doug Ford must immediately address disturbing reports of ongoing strip searches at the Roy McMurtry Youth Centre: the province’s largest youth detention facility.

Provincial regulations around strip searches were tightened in 2023, but multiple accounts of systemic strip searches have emerged, including an instance of a teen being searched four times in less than 48 hours.

Doug Ford’s crisis in our youth justice system is hurting youth in custody and violating their rights. What will it take for this government to listen to youth, workers, and Ontarians calling for change? What will it take for youth justice facilities to be properly resourced to ensure youth and workers are safe?

For years, New Democrats have sounded the alarm about Ontario’s youth justice system. Each time, the Premier has ignored our calls to address the chronic understaffing and unsafe conditions. Ford and Minister Parsa must ensure that the human rights of both youth and workers are strictly safeguarded. This can’t be ignored.

A child’s well-being should be the primary concern, no matter where they are. Ontario’s youth justice system must be a safe environment for youth and workers. Anything less is pure neglect.

February is here, and that means Black History Month is in full swing! I am so excited to profile black-owned businesses and events celebrating Black history all month long. 

First, I want to spotlight the work being done by Regent Park TV to highlight Black stories in February and all year long! RPTV has started off with the above interview with local community advocate, educator, and broadcaster Murphy Browne. Click here to watch.

BGC Toronto Kiwanis is hosting their Black History Month Community Celebration on Feb 21, 2026—a large-scale community-led event bringing together 250+ attendees, including youth, families, artists, entrepreneurs, community orgs, and civic leaders. 

I am so excited to attend this celebration and enjoy the creativity and artistry of Black youth in our communities. We will be wowed by youth-led performances, cultural showcases, community awards, and opportunities to connect across Regent Park, Cabbagetown, and St. Jamestown.  I hope to see you there! 

Are you a Black youth who wants to participate? Register to perform here. 

Toronto Kiwanis will also recognize the winners of its Black Excellence Awards at the event. Nominate an amazing Black young person here. 

Ontario NDP names Ali Chatur as Provincial Director

Toronto Centre Tenants Union holds training session amidst rising rent pressures 

Thousands of people want to double size of historic Toronto attraction

An ‘object lesson in how to do everything wrong:’ Why we aren’t celebrating the opening of the Crosstown LRT ... yet

From harm reduction to harm production: A frontline physician on the closure of safe consumption sites

Development Application in Regent Park South 

Why bestselling author Rowan Jetté Knox sold his home to open a queer café in Toronto's Village

Toronto Community Housing is accepting applications for the 2026 Regent Park Community Initiative Support program. The program provides financial assistance to initiatives led by community groups within Regent Park. You can request up to $2,000.

Application deadline: Monday, February 9, 2026

Application details: Community Initiative Support

The Friends of Regent Park, in partnership with the Regent Park Community Centre, Councillor Chris Moise, and the Toronto Police Services, is hosting a Family Day Skating event!

Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026

Time: 1 PM to 4 PM

Location: Regent Park Ice Rink (480 Shuter St.)

Skates and helmets will be available for FREE on a first-come, first-served basis. It will be an afternoon filled with fun, music, games and activities.

Join me and Neighbourhood Information Post for a fun-filled Lunar New Year Reception at Queen’s Park! You won't want to miss the lion dance!

Date: Monday, February 23

Time: 6 - 8:30 PM

Location: Queen’s Park Main Legislative Building, Rooms 228-230. 

RSVP here to be added to the visitors list.

🌼 Friends of Allan Gardens just launched their petition to expand the Allan Gardens greenhouses! 🌼

With this expansion, they can scale up their existing cross-cultural and cross-generational work: the farmers' market, food-growing that supports food banks, horticultural education, venue space, and Indigenous-focused programming like language keeping and storytelling.

They are aiming for 10,000 signatures and need your help!

Click here to sign and share with your networks.

PASI is a large-scale outdoor community photo exhibition led by Jamii, taking place along Toronto’s Esplanade promenade from May to July 2026. The project brings together Torontonians of all ages to reflect how people from around the world live side by side in one city.

Meaning “a soccer pass” in Swahili, PASI will feature a continuous chain of portraits in which participants symbolically pass a ball from one image to the next. Installed between the Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market, the exhibition includes 48 large-scale outdoor portraits representing countries participating in the 2026 tournament.

Click here to sign up and have your portrait taken for this community art exhibit! 

The SLNA Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 15th REmarket event on February 11 and 12, 2026. This event has a direct, tangible impact on both the environment and the social welfare of our local communities, and you can widen that impact. New items being added to the growing recycling list at the upcoming REmarket include: hearing aids, elastic bands and non-synthetic corks. On February 11, stop by to participate in their FreeMarket, where anyone can drop off gently used items and take home items free of charge (not for commercial resale).

On February 12, bring your items in need of repair to the Repair Cafe. Items such as clothing, jewelry, small appliances, electronics, and bikes can be fixed free of charge by local volunteers.

Learn more about the event, as well as recycling and donation guidelines here: REmarket Guidelines

Dates and Times: 

February 11, donation 10 AM - 7 PM, FreeMarket 10 AM - 6 PM

February 12, donation 10 AM - 6 PM, Repair Cafe 11 AM - 3 PM

 Location: St Lawrence Market Tent, 125 The Esplanade

Youth 4 the Future (Y4F) is a youth-led SDG Accelerator and Civic Incubator empowering Canadians (ages 15–29) to translate global goals into tangible local action. The campaign provides interactive workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities to develop youth leadership and civic engagement skills. Participants will gain access to our exclusive Youth Incubator Program, digital resources, and a Certificate of Leadership for attending the full event.

Location: Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, 647 Queens Quay W, Toronto

Date: March 1, 2026 

Time: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

RSVP here.

The Ontario Official Opposition and NDP Leader, Marit Stiles, is honoured to invite you to an Iftar on Wednesday, March 4, at Queen’s Park.

As the sun sets, community members will come together to break fast and share in a serene evening in the spirit of Ramadan. The program will run from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, allowing time for our community to participate in Taraweeh at their local mosques.

Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Time: 5 – 7 PM

Location: Queen’s Park, Main Legislative Building (south entrance), 111 Wellesley Street West, Toronto

Please RSVP here to be added to the guest list. 

The Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA), with assistance from Endeavor Consulting, is developing a three-year strategic plan. 

Regent Park residents are invited to participate by completing a short survey and participating in a small focus group discussion.

Focus Groups:

Virtual focus groups are being convened for the following stakeholder groups:

• Market Tenants
• TCHC Tenants
• Community Partners
• RPNA Board Members

To participate in a focus group, reach out to Hanieh Shams Kolahi, Engagement Manager, Endeavour Consulting: [email protected]

Surveys:

• Market Tenants
• TCHC Tenants
• Community Partners
• RPNA Board Members

Do you know a phenomenal leader in your community who deserves recognition?

Kristyn Wong-Tam will present six people with the 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, healthcare, and beyond!

Submit your nominee here!

Applications are now open for the City of Toronto’ Outside Mural & Street Art Program!

Business associations and community groups with strong local participation can receive one-time funding of up to $7,500 for outdoor murals projects. Eligible costs include artist fees, materials, installation, and equipment rental. Applicants are responsible for ongoing maintenance.

As a FIFA host city, special consideration will be given to murals celebrating the tournament and the city’s theme, “World in a City.” Selected proposals must follow FIFA branding and IP rules.

Deadline: Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Details here.

The next Census of Population will take place in May 2026. Census data provides a detailed statistical picture of the country’s people and places every five years, vital for government, businesses, and communities to plan essential services, determine electoral district boundaries, allocate funds, understand changing demographics, and support informed decisions for a thriving Canada.

Statistics Canada is hiring approximately 32,000 people across Canada to help residents complete their census questionnaires. Applications are now being accepted for supervisory and non-supervisory positions across the country. Details here.

Dear friend,

We have all seen the videos of ICE agents in the United States executing legal observers, apprehending toddlers, and sowing fear. Their conduct is racist, violent, and wholly unacceptable. Until yesterday, agents were positioned at the Canadian border between Maine and New Brunswick, intimidating residents. 

So why are ICE armored vehicles being manufactured in Ontario? And why is Ford praising the order as ‘fantastic’? Ontario and Canada should not have any part in the atrocities being committed in the United States. 

We need to honour our Canadian and Ontario values by cancelling the ICE contract.

Ontario needs to create stable opportunities for our manufacturing sector, instead of increasing our reliance on the United States. At a time when Donald Trump is targeting Canada’s sovereignty, we need to find opportunities for Ontario manufacturers to strengthen Canada, not arm the United States against civilians. 

Our world-class workforce and manufacturers should be working on made-in-Canada, built-in-Canada projects that strengthen our economy. Cancelling the contract is the right choice, the brave choice, and one I am proud to call for. 

In addition to violence south of the border, we must tackle the violence happening within our own communities and families. Regular readers know that I have been pushing the government to action on intimate partner violence for years. Rates are on the rise, and so far, all this government has done is release a report that seems to be largely AI-generated. Survivors and our wider communities deserve so much better.

Join me on February 11th for Talk Back: A Virtual Town Hall About Intimate Partner Violence in Ontario. 

I am so excited to hear from the slate of expert panelists who will be joining us for this townhall:

• Pamela Cross, Feminist Lawyer and author of “And Sometimes They Kill You”
• Erin Lee, Executive Director of Lanark County Interval House
• Marlee Liss, Founder of Survivors for Justice Reform and author of “Re-Humanize”
• Andrea Vásquez Jiménez, Community & Electoral Political Organizer Director of Policing-Free Schools
• Ololade Aje, Student Trustee, Durham Catholic District School Board
• Pamela Hart, Executive Director of Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto
• MPP Alexa Gilmour, Shadow Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity

I am also looking forward to hearing from you through interactive elements where you can share your priorities and ideas. 

We don’t need another report. We need action and accountability. I hope you will join us. 

Virtual Town Hall on IPV

Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Time: 7 PM

Location: Zoom

This week, many little ones, including my son, enjoyed playing in the snow as Toronto turned into a winter wonderland. It is gorgeous outside, but also dangerous. Please take your time while travelling and be mindful of frostbite risks as the temperatures are set to remain very cold through the weekend. 

The city has opened a new temporary warming centre at John Innes Community Centre, where anyone who needs it is invited to come in, rest, and warm up. The centre is open to walk-ins and is pet-friendly. If you see someone in need of a warm place, you can call 311 to have a street outreach worker connect with them and assist with transportation. Learn more about warming centres here. 

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• More of Ford’s Hand-Picked Grant Recipients Under Police Investigation
• Peel District School Board Under Supervision
• Ford Cuts Affordable Housing and Healthcare: Report
• Happy Tamil Heritage Month
• Happy Black History Month
• What’s Making Headlines
• Local Community Events

Is anyone else completely unsurprised that the Minister of Favours (Labour) scheme to give his friends millions of dollars while ignoring more qualified applicants, is turning out to be less than stellar? 

This week we learned that the Ontario Provincial Police are investigating yet another recipient of Skills Development Fund grants. It is shameful that this government overlooked the careful and unbiased work of our public servants, instead giving millions in public money to their under-qualified friends. Trust in government is built upon transparency and traceable decisionmaking. This government is doing neither and it is coming back to bite them. We must hold them accountable. It is past time to fire David Piccini, the Minister of Labour! Add your name if you agree - click here to sign my petition.

The takeover of the Peel District School Board shows that Education Minister Paul Calandra is more focused on power grabs than improving public education. This takeover, like the takeovers of the TDSB and TCDSB, comes with no new funding and reduces families’ abilities to advocate for students. Additionally, the York Catholic District School Board has been given two week’s notice of a possible takeover. 

If student success was truly this minister’s priority, then he would directly invest the necessary resources into our classrooms. Instead he is installing costly and insufficiently trained “supervisors” to cut programs without listening to community input. Students with special needs are unsupported, programs that nurture students’ unique talents are underfunded, and our schools are facing a massive repair backlog. In 2024, the Financial Accountability Office estimated that it would cost $21.7 billion to bring all school buildings to a state of good repair by 2034. According to the FAO’s new report released Wednesday, only $15.8 billion has been allocated for school repairs and renewal. This is not an issue of schools mismanaging their budgets. It is an issue of chronic government underfunding amid rising costs. 

We have seen time and time again that the school boards that have been put under ministerial supervision have not improved student outcomes. What they have done is silence students, families, and elected trustees’ voices while eroding our democracy. Sadly, this takeover will be more of the same. 

I urge students, parents, caregivers, and education workers to get involved in their local school councils and coordinate to push back against these takeovers directly to the Minister. You can sign my petition to end the takeover of our school boards here. 

Ontario’s public hospitals are on the verge of collapse as historic deficits, staff shortages, and overcrowded emergency rooms push the health care system past its breaking point. This week, the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) published the pre-budget submission, stating that increased patient volumes and complexities are creating “significant challenges.” 

Healthcare inflation is at 6% a year, due to a combination of general inflation pressures alongside a growing and aging population. The HOA president stated that “Many [hospitals] are projecting year-end deficits, have eroded their working capital, and in the absence of certainty about their revenues, cannot properly plan for the future,” 

This is not an issue that “efficiencies” can resolve. Emergency rooms are overcrowded, our aging population has more healthcare needs than ever, and healthcare workers are dealing with unmanageable workloads. 

Marit Stiles, myself, and the rest of the Ontario NDP are demanding immediate action from the Ford government to stop the erosion of public health care. The NDP created universal health care, and we'll be the ones to protect it.

Ford’s cuts have left Ontario's hospitals to make impossible funding choices, meaning that we'll lose even more of the burnt-out health care workers who are holding this system together as it buckles.

The Ford government is quick to throw money at pie-in-the-sky vanity projects like luxury spas and fantastical tunnels, but is failing to care for Ontarians in the most fundamental ways. 

These growing hospital deficits are the blueprint for a full health care collapse. This crisis is not accidental. It is the result of deliberate decisions made by Doug Ford and his Conservative government to starve our public health care system, so they can say: “it does not work, we need a solution”, and the solution they will propose will be for-profit health care. We all know that for-profit care is not the answer. The Ontario NDP will never stop fighting for a strong, public, accessible healthcare system for all. 

Every January here in Canada, we celebrate Tamil Heritage Month! Thank you to Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action, the Tamil Heritage Month Council, the Offices of Mayor Olivia Chow and City Councillor Neethan Shan for inviting me to the Tamil Heritage Month ceremony at City Hall! I was so happy to congratulate the 30 Under 30 Award recipients on their achievements and inspiring leadership!

Tamil Canadians across our country have helped build caring and vibrant communities that enrich our province and our country. Together, we learn about their beautiful history as one of the oldest cultures in the world, along with their vibrant traditions and art forms. 

I wish everyone who is celebrating a very happy Tamil Heritage Month. 

You can watch my video bringing greetings to the Tamil community here.

Sunday will mark the beginning of Black History Month! I am so excited to celebrate the amazing Black Canadians who have shaped our communities, struggled against discrimination, and made huge strides for Black and other racialized people. 

There are many exciting community events coming up to mark the month, including the Kiwanis Black History Month Community Event. You can learn more about this event below in the “Community Events” section. I hope to see many of you there!

The largest youth jail in Ontario is routinely strip searching children: 'A systemic violation' 

Ontario's mental health crisis demands accessible, proven community solutions

Want the federal government to hear your thoughts on AI? New consultation launched

Toronto's biggest Black History Month festival returns next month with exciting lineup 

Ottawa is subsidizing a tech firm that provides wiretapping tools to ICE

Developer cancels condo tower that was to replace iconic Toronto strip club

High-speed rail is coming to Canada! The Toronto–Québec City High-Speed Rail Network, known as Alto, is a federally led project set to bring world-class high-speed rail to Canada. Trains will travel at speeds of 300 km/h or more along nearly 1,000 km of electrified tracks, linking major cities and making travel faster and more convenient for millions of people across the corridor.

This transformative network is expected to cut travel times in half between key destinations, reshaping the way Canadians live, work, and move across the region.

Toronto Open Houses: (Bilingual and Sign Language Available)

St. Lawrence Market North, 92 Front St E

Wednesday, February 4

Daytime Session: 11 AM to 3 PM

Evening Session: 5 PM to 9 PM

Thursday, February 4

Daytime Session: 11 AM to 3 PM

Evening Session: 5 PM to 9 PM

Virtual Information Sessions are also available in French and English. 

Details here.

Online Consultation

Complete the survey here.

Toronto Community Housing is accepting applications for the 2026 Regent Park Community Initiative Support program. The program provides financial assistance to initiatives led by community groups within Regent Park. You can request up to $2,000.

Application deadline: Monday, February 9, 2026

Application details: Community Initiative Support

PASI is a large-scale outdoor community photo exhibition led by Jamii, taking place along Toronto’s Esplanade promenade from May to July 2026. The project brings together Torontonians of all ages to reflect how people from around the world live side by side in one city.

Meaning “a soccer pass” in Swahili, PASI will feature a continuous chain of portraits in which participants symbolically pass a ball from one image to the next. Installed between the Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market, the exhibition includes 48 large-scale outdoor portraits representing countries participating in the 2026 tournament.

Click here to sign up and have your portrait taken for this community art exhibit! 

The SLNA Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 15th REmarket event on February 11 and 12, 2026. This event has a direct, tangible impact on both the environment and the social welfare of our local communities, and you can widen that impact. New items being added to the growing recycling list at the upcoming REmarket include: hearing aids, elastic bands and non-synthetic corks. On February 11, stop by to participate in their FreeMarket, where anyone can drop off gently used items and take home items free of charge (not for commercial resale).

On February 12, bring your items in need of repair to the Repair Cafe. Items such as clothing, jewelry, small appliances, electronics, and bikes can be fixed free of charge by local volunteers.

Learn more about the event, as well as recycling and donation guidelines here: REmarket Guidelines

Dates and Times: 

February 11, donation 10 AM - 7 PM, FreeMarket 10 AM - 6 PM

February 12, donation 10 AM - 6 PM, Repair Cafe 11 AM - 3 PM

 Location: St Lawrence Market Tent, 125 The Esplanade

BGC Toronto Kiwanis is inviting youth creatives to register for their Black History Month Community Celebration on Feb 21, 2026—a large-scale community-led event bringing together 250+ attendees, including youth, families, artists, entrepreneurs, community orgs, and civic leaders. 

Expect youth-led performances, cultural showcases, community awards, and opportunities to connect across Regent Park, Cabbagetown, and St. James Town. 

🗓️ Deadline to register: Feb 13

📲 Learn more at bgctk.org/the-black-excellence-awards 

Register to perform here. 

Youth 4 the Future (Y4F) is a youth-led SDG Accelerator and Civic Incubator empowering Canadians (ages 15–29) to translate global goals into tangible local action. The campaign provides interactive workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities to develop youth leadership and civic engagement skills. Participants will gain access to our exclusive Youth Incubator Program, digital resources, and a Certificate of Leadership for attending the full event.

Location: Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, 647 Queens Quay W, Toronto

Date: March 1, 2026 

Time: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

RSVP here.

The Ontario Official Opposition and NDP Leader, Marit Stiles, is honoured to invite you to an Iftar on Wednesday, March 4, at Queen’s Park.

As the sun sets, community members will come together to break fast and share in a serene evening in the spirit of Ramadan. The program will run from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, allowing time for our community to participate in Taraweeh at their local mosques.

Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Time: 5 – 7 PM

Location: Queen’s Park, Main Legislative Building (south entrance), 111 Wellesley Street West, Toronto

Please RSVP here to be added to the guest list. 

The Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA), with assistance from Endeavor Consulting, is developing a three-year strategic plan. 

Regent Park residents are invited to participate by completing a short survey and participating in a small focus group discussion.

Focus Groups:

Virtual focus groups are being convened for the following stakeholder groups:

• Market Tenants
• TCHC Tenants
• Community Partners
• RPNA Board Members

To participate in a focus group, reach out to Hanieh Shams Kolahi, Engagement Manager, Endeavour Consulting: [email protected]

Surveys:

• Market Tenants
• TCHC Tenants
• Community Partners
• RPNA Board Members

Do you know a phenomenal leader in your community who deserves recognition?

Kristyn Wong-Tam will present six people with the 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, healthcare, and beyond!

Submit your nominee here!

Applications are now open for the City of Toronto’ Outside Mural & Street Art Program!

Business associations and community groups with strong local participation can receive one-time funding of up to $7,500 for outdoor murals projects. Eligible costs include artist fees, materials, installation, and equipment rental. Applicants are responsible for ongoing maintenance.

As a FIFA host city, special consideration will be given to murals celebrating the tournament and the city’s theme, “World in a City.” Selected proposals must follow FIFA branding and IP rules.

Deadline: Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Details here.

The next Census of Population will take place in May 2026. Census data provides a detailed statistical picture of the country’s people and places every five years, vital for government, businesses, and communities to plan essential services, determine electoral district boundaries, allocate funds, understand changing demographics, and support informed decisions for a thriving Canada.

Statistics Canada is hiring approximately 32,000 people across Canada to help residents complete their census questionnaires. Applications are now being accepted for supervisory and non-supervisory positions across the country. Details here.

Dear Emma,

Half of all criminal court cases categorized as “Crimes Against the Person” in Ontario are withdrawn before trial. You didn’t misread. That’s 1 in 2 criminal charges being dropped in Doug Ford’s Ontario. These include serious crimes like homicide and major assault.

This is not normal. In 2015, the number was one in three, including cases withdrawn due to a lack of evidence, a low likelihood of conviction, or other reasonable grounds. Those reasonable withdrawals are still taking place, but now they are joined by cases with high degrees of merit and likely convictions, simply because of court delays caused by case backlogs.  

Last Friday, I spoke with CTV News about how the underfunding crisis in Ontario courts is jeopardizing safety and access to justice. You can watch the whole segment here. 

I have been ringing this alarm bell for years, and the crisis in our justice system is only deepening. I have raised this issue repeatedly in the Ontario legislature during Question Period, at standing committees, and with the Attorney General himself. Numbers like the ones below for “crimes against the person,” including murder, should be a massive wake-up call to the Ford government. But they are not listening.

The pandemic court backlog was never cleared, and things have only gotten worse. Doug Ford has left our courts in shambles and allowed open-and-shut cases of murder, assault, and other egregious crimes to wallow without convictions. This is unacceptable. This is not justice, and we are not safer because of Ford’s failure to fix our courts.

Ontario's justice system requires intentional investments, more staff and judges and faster utilization of technology and modern overhauls to function effectively and regain the trust of everyday people. Crown attorneys, the government lawyers who represent the Crown in court, have also been speaking out about unmanageable workloads and their inability to give each case the time and attention it deserves. This is horrifying. Modern cases often include hours of video evidence and digital communications that take time to review and prepare for disclosure, yet our courts have not been resourced to handle this increased workload or to streamline processes. That must change. 

We also need the Ford government to invest in holistic, upstream crime prevention and diversion programs, as well as alternative justice options when victims and survivors request them. These investments will save money and time in the long run, lighten the burden on our strained justice system, and centre the well-being and healing of survivors.

But instead of investing in our social safety net and community-based programs, Doug Ford is eroding that funding, leaving our communities high and dry. This government is failing to invest adequately in education, healthcare, affordable housing, and community programs that we know reduce crime and make our neighbourhoods more prosperous and safe. This is shameful.

I will never stop pushing for the solutions we need to keep our communities safe and our justice system working. 

As I write this, Toronto is already seeing the beginnings of another winter storm set to last through the weekend. Please be safe if you need to travel – give yourself extra time, be kind to those around you, and limit trips where you can. Also, please look out for your neighbours and anyone who might need a little extra help. The city’s warming centres, including surge sites that open when temperatures drop to -15 or less, will be open and ready to receive people.

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Talk Back - IPV Town Hall - RSVP Today!
• Renewing My Vows at MCC
• ROMA 2026
• Homelessness in Ontario On The Rise
• Ford Replaces School Advocates With Bureaucracy
• Coffee with Kristyn - Corktown
• What’s Making Headlines
• Local Community Events

The alarming rates of violence in Ontario directed at women and girls are on the rise. Femicide, or the intentional killing of women and girls based on their gender, has become nearly normalized. Some local police departments say the majority of their service calls are about intimate partner violence. The data is clear, the next steps have been published in reports, but where is the government action?

Join esteemed speakers and me for an in-depth conversation about IPV prevention and what comes next for Ontario. The government has released its controversial report, but it provides no plans or timelines for implementation. Centring the voices of survivors, it is time for us to step up and make those plans together. 

This evening will feature dynamic presentations from seven experienced speakers, each bringing unique perspectives to the conversation. There will be an audience Q&A and interactive polling. Come out and make your voice heard! 

Date: February 11, 2026

Time: 7 PM- 8:30 PM

Location: Zoom - RSVP here to be sent link

Last week, I shared a story about marriage equality, and this week it’s worth expanding on. 

2026 is the 25th anniversary of what would become the world’s first legalized same-sex marriages officiated by Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes in a bulletproof vest at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto on January 14, 2001. With over a thousand angry protestors outside the church doors, under the constant threat of death and violence, and relentless media scrutiny, those marriages, although not legal at the time, were critical to a groundbreaking Supreme Court ruling that eventually led to same-sex marriage becoming law in Canada in 2005.

Doing the right thing requires courage. Fighting for the rights of minorities is not popular, but it is where the arc of the moral universe will take us, if we are listening with our hearts.

With our 6-year-old son serving as our ringbearer, Farrah and I renewed our vows this past Saturday in a beautiful and meaningful ceremony at MCC Toronto, alongside other couples, in recognition of this historic anniversary. This was a community celebration of love, a triumph over oppression, and the honouring of decades of activism that secured equal marriage in our country. 

Thank you to Senior Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, Senior Pastor Rev. Deana Dudley, Rev. Junia Joplin, and their entire MCC team, board, staff, and volunteers, who created a special event for all in attendance and for those watching from a distance. 

We are so lucky to have MCC here in Toronto, a queer-led, dynamic and inclusive church that has been at the forefront of the fight for equal marriage and many other campaigns for queer and trans rights. They work alongside other cherished queer clergy leaders, including former NDP MPP Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo, who officiated the first same-sex marriage registered in Ontario in 2001. The Ontario registrar's office issued the marriage certificate, failing to recognize that the names on the document belong to a lesbian couple. To them, I say thank you for your leadership and advocacy. 

My heartfelt gratitude also goes out to the countless others who have risen with and stood by our community. I am proud to have played a modest part in this long fight during my time with Asian Canadians for Equal Marriage. I am moved by the hard work and sacrifices of the many pioneering couples, activists, lawyers, philanthropists, organizations, and other community leaders who, for years, fought to ensure marriage equality is the law for all Canadians.

My parents walked me down the aisle in 2016, and now my dad has passed on. Still, his presence was strong at MCC this weekend. He would have reminded us that Canada is the greatest country in the world and that it has come a long way. But that there is more to do, and that we can never take anything for granted. 

With the rising rhetoric around the world and here at home, the call to reverse 2SLGBTQ rights and equality is getting louder. In some places, it’s all they ever hear. 

So yes, let’s celebrate our wins and remain steadfast in our resolve to defend them so that we can pass them along to the next generation and every generation after. 

Rural Ontario municipalities help build our province! I was happy to attend ROMA's annual conference on Monday and Tuesday to connect with rural leaders and understand their unique community needs. The Ontario NDP caucus was proud to meet with delegations from towns representing every corner of Ontario. They all have a partner in us, and we will always have their backs. 

We will invest in local infrastructure, housing, hospitals, schools, roads and fight for fair funding to ensure local employment and economic development benefits all!

Homelessness in Ontario is rising at shocking rates. As new data shows, more than 85,000 people in the province, including over 20,000 children and youth, are without a home. This is unacceptable and represents a massive and systemic government failure. 

But it is not all doom and gloom. We have solutions; they just need to be implemented and funded sustainably.

Last week, during the pre-budget consultation process in Ottawa, Kaite Burkholder Harris of the Alliance to End Homelessness presented a vision of a hopeful, caring Ontario that actually ends homelessness.

Local governments are already showing us it can be done: the Guelph area has reduced youth homelessness by 75%. London, Ontario, has effectively ended homelessness among veterans. Even in American cities, progress has been made, as Houston, Texas, reduced homelessness by two-thirds. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has reduced the number of families experiencing homelessness by more than 50%.

In Doug Ford’s Ontario, about 580 young adults age out of child welfare and foster care housing at the age of 18. One in four of these young adults ends up homeless within 10 days. It would cost approximately $15 million annually to keep these young people housed and give them a shot at succeeding in life. That’s a wise investment because it stops a pipeline to chronic homelessness and gives our young people a real shot at the kind of stable life they deserve. 

Budgets are all about values and priorities. I, for one, think that keeping people housed, healthy, and participating in their communities is one of the smartest things governments can do to reduce inefficiencies, grow our workforce and build up our economy.

Pre-budget consultations are ongoing, and there is still time to file a written submission on behalf of an organization or as an individual. 

Pre-budget written submissions are due on Thursday, January 29th at 6 PM.

To send a written submission:

1. Go to: Request to participate in committees | Legislative Assembly of Ontario
2. Click “Yes” and select “2026 Pre-Budget Consultations” from the drop-down menu.
3. Select “Submit material only” and “Written Submission Deadline: January 29, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (EST).
4. Fill out the required information and either attach or paste in the written submission.

I hope that you make your voices heard!

As the new Student and Family Support Office opened on Tuesday morning in the TDSB and TCDSB supervised school boards in Ontario, they confirmed what critics have been saying all along: these changes from Education Minister Paul Calandra simply replace the meaningful support from elected Trustees with layers of bureaucracy.

This announcement isn’t surprising. These so-called ‘support offices’ are just phone numbers and email addresses, with no named staff and no new capacity to truly support students and families. Parents are still being told they have to first go to the teacher, then the principal, then the superintendent, and only afterwards this “new Student and Family Support Office; where they’re asked to retell their story, get a case number, and be triaged to someone else. 

By the time families finally reach Ford-controlled school boards, they would have gone through five bureaucratic layers. Families need advocates, not a call centre that assigns them a number while they wait on hold.

As a parent myself, these so-called new “offices” add insult to injury. I am proud of our elected trustees for their continued advocacy and care for our school communities. I will always stand with them, the students and families we serve.

On February 11 from 10 AM to 2 PM, I am hosting my next "Coffee with Kristyn" event at Roozamoon Cafe, at 398 Queen Street East in Corktown. 

I am excited to hold this event before the holy month of Ramadan begins in late February, so that all community members can join me in sharing a cup of coffee and a delicious snack. To sign up to attend, please click here. 

Bitter cold will slam Canada with some lows plunging to -50 C

Hospitals warn ‘no easy choices’ if Ontario doesn’t substantially increase funding

Ford government sues second Skills Development Fund recipient, alleging 'unjust enrichment'

Amid backlash, TDSB supervisor justifies scrapping elementary class size cap

Ontario’s new privatized recycler’s move to stop picking up extra bags outside blue bins under review  

Toronto may cancel new community centres, libraries if development funding dries up

Toronto saw dramatic decline in new bike lanes during 2025 after provincial ban

The Ontario Official Opposition and NDP Leader, Marit Stiles, is honored to invite you to an Iftar on Wednesday, March 4, at Queen’s Park.

As the sun sets, community members will come together to break fast and share in a serene evening in the spirit of Ramadan. The program will run from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, allowing time for our community to participate in Taraweeh at their local mosques.

Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Time: 5 – 7 PM

Location: Queen’s Park, Main Legislative Building (south entrance), 111 Wellesley Street West, Toronto

Please RSVP here to be added to the guest list.

• Nomination Deadline: Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
• Who Can Nominate: Any Toronto resident
• Purpose: To recognize organizations making a meaningful difference in local communities
• Award Ceremony: Recipients will be honoured in May 2026

The SLNA Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 15th REmarket event on February 11 and 12, 2026. This event has a direct, tangible impact on both the environment and the social welfare of our local communities, and you can widen that impact. New items being added to the growing recycling list at the upcoming REmarket include: hearing aids, elastic bands and non-synthetic corks.

February 11: stop by to participate in their FreeMarket, where anyone can drop off gently used items and take home items free of charge (not for commercial resale).

February 12: bring your items in need of repair to the Repair Cafe. Items such as clothing, jewelry, small appliances, electronics, and bikes can be fixed free of charge by local volunteers. 

Click here to learn more about what is accepted for recycling and donation, as well as the schedule of events. 

Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) leaders are pleased to invite community members, youth, artists, organizations, and local leaders to participate in the upcoming Kiwanis Black History Month Community Event, on Saturday February 21, 2026 at the ADA SLAIGHT HALL. (Full Day Event)

This event will be a vibrant celebration of Youth, culture, leadership, and community resilience. It will center community voices, highlight youth creativity, and create space for learning, connection, and collective pride.

They are currently welcoming expressions of interest in the following areas:

Ways to Participate

• Youth performers and artists (music, spoken word, dance, visual arts)
• Community organizations and service providers interested in hosting resource tables
• Youth entrepreneurs and vendors
• Speakers, facilitators, and cultural contributors
• Volunteers to support event coordination and day-of activities

Why Participate

• Showcase your work, talent, or services to a broad community audience
• Connect with residents, youth, families, and partner organizations
• Contribute to a meaningful Black History Month celebration rooted in community leadership and empowerment
• Support youth engagement, cultural expression, and community connection

The Kiwanis Black History Month Event is being organized in collaboration with community partners and is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all.

Next Steps

If you or your organization are interested in participating, please contact the SDP coordinators  at your earliest time with a brief description of your interest and how you would like to be involved. Additional event details, logistics, and confirmations will be shared with confirmed participants. To express interest, please email [email protected]. 

PTP is thrilled to announce that a new cohort of Get Started in Canada will begin in the new year! This program supports newcomer women in setting meaningful goals, strengthening employability skills, and earning micro‑certificates to boost their career journey. 

Program overview:

Dates:  Jan 26 - Mar 20, 2026

Time:   9:30 AM to 2:45 PM

Days:   Mondays to Thursdays (hybrid and virtual options)

What participants will get:

• Micro-certificates such as WHMIS, Business Writing, Customer Service, and more
• Goal-setting support and enhanced job search skills
• Increased confidence and workplace communication skills

How to apply:

Fill out the inquiry form here:  Get Started in Canada - PTP

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, healthcare, and beyond!

Submit your nominee here!

Dear Emma,

Winter hit us with a walloping snowstorm this week! I hope that you have all been staying safe and limiting unnecessary travel, as the roads and highways are treacherous. I know my 6-year-old has been loving the snow days (no school!) and keeps asking me to take him sledding. Naturally, it’s followed by a mug of hot cocoa afterwards, which makes this his favourite winter activity!

For anyone struggling to stay warm during this time, the City has many warming centres open, including those in Toronto Centre. If you see someone in need, please help share the locations with them. You can find the complete list here.

This year marks my 10th wedding anniversary to my extraordinary wife, Farrah Khan. Coincidentally, 2026 is also the 25th anniversary of the world’s first same-sex marriages that were later legally recognized in Canada. These marriages, which were officiated in Toronto by the Metropolitan Community Church’s Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, on January 14, 2001, were not legal at the time. However, they served as a basis for a groundbreaking legal challenge that led to equal marriage becoming law in Canada in 2005. I am proud to have played a modest part in this long fight during my time volunteering with Asian Canadians for Equal Marriage. We supported the hard work of many pioneering couples, community advocates, lawyers, philanthropists and organizations who, for years, have sacrificed so much to ensure marriage equality was the law for all Canadians.

Tomorrow, Farrah and I will renew our wedding vows in a beautiful and important ceremony at MCC Toronto, alongside other couples, in recognition of this historic anniversary. This event will be a celebration of love, a triumph over oppression, and the honouring of decades of 2SLGBTQ+ activism that secured equal marriage in our country. 

We are so lucky to have MCC here in Toronto, a queer-led church that has been at the forefront of the equal marriage fight and many other campaigns for queer and trans rights. They work alongside other queer clergy leaders, including former NDP MPP, Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo, who officiated one of the first same-sex marriages registered in Ontario in 2001. The Ontario registrar's office issued the marriage certificate, failing to recognize that the names on the document belong to a lesbian couple. I say good on them and thank you for their advocacy!

It is an honour to celebrate this day with MCC Toronto. To learn more about this historic day or even to attend the event, click here to visit MCC’s website. Seating is limited.

I am so excited to share photos from this historic event with you next week!

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Carney and Ford Sell Out Ontario Auto Workers
• Coffee with Kristyn - Yonge and Wellesley
• Meeting with Ontario Registered Nurses
• Ontario Must Act To Ban Cat Declawing, Dog Debarking
• Federal NDP Leadership Debate in Toronto Centre
• What’s Making Headlines
• Local Community Events

Just today, we learned that Prime Minister Mark Carney has sold out Ontario’s auto workers and their entire sector to China. And where is Doug Ford on this? Nowhere. 

Carney slashed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, allowing 49,000 vehicles to be imported and sold within Canada each year with a tariff of just 6.1%. 

In the aftermath, we are seeing the Doug Ford playbook in action: do nothing, then complain to grab headlines. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe flew to China with the Prime Minister to advocate for his province’s canola farmers, resulting in a great deal. Meanwhile, Ford was sitting at home, leaving Ontario workers with no one to fight for them. If you’re not at the table, you’re not fit for Premier. 

Let's be clear: Mark Carney is selling out our auto sector. China gets 49,000 guaranteed vehicle sales. Ontario workers get “expected” investment in “three years”. Our workers deserve guarantees — you don’t protect an industry with vague maybes. 

“This is a self-inflicted wound to an already injured Canadian auto industry,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Providing a foothold to cheap Chinese EVs, backed by massive state subsidies, overproduction and designed to expand market share through exports, puts Canadian auto jobs at risk while rewarding labour violations and unfair trade practices.”

Sadly but not surprisingly, today we saw that neither Ford nor Carney cared enough to protect Ontario workers. The Premier has no jobs plan, and he clearly doesn’t have the Prime Minister's ear. While both Conservatives and Liberals leave Canadian workers out in the cold, New Democrats will keep fighting for good, Ontario jobs. I am so proud to be part of that fight. 

Yesterday, due to the snowstorm, Coffee with Kristyn, originally scheduled at the Good Earth Coffee House at Yonge and Wellesley, was pivoted to Zoom and phone calls. These conversations always light a fire under me, especially when constituents share their personal stories about how the government has helped them, failed them, or how things could be made better for them and their neighbours. I am buzzing with some new ideas and can’t wait to turn them into action. In the weeks and months ahead, you can watch this space as we turn constituent ideas into town halls, youth job fairs, and new campaigns to improve tenant rights and support small businesses.

On February 11 from 10 AM to 2 PM, I am hosting my next "Coffee with Kristyn" event at Roozamoon Cafe, at 398 Queen Street East in Corktown. 

I am excited to host this event before the holy month of Ramadan begins in late February, so that all community members can join me in sharing a cup of coffee and a delicious snack. To sign up to attend, please click here. 

I was so pleased to meet with members of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, alongside Marit Stiles, during the RNAO’s Queen’s Park On The Road advocacy day on Wednesday! 

RNAO members are doing incredible work every day in Ontario, and they see the huge gaps in our healthcare systems and social safety nets firsthand. It was so inspiring to talk to these great nurses about how healthcare austerity, the housing crisis, and climate change affect their patients every day, as well as the solutions they are proposing to keep us all happy and healthy. 

In a province with over 190,000 nurses working to provide excellent care, nurses deserve a government that will support and stand alongside them, not slash their wage increases or decrease funding and investments for the services they provide. I am so excited to keep working with the RNAO on so many of our shared priorities. 

The Ontario government is consulting on banning medically unnecessary procedures on animals, including declawing cats, ear clipping and debarking in dogs. You can share your feedback with the government using this link until February 5. 

These regulations are long overdue, and animals have been needlessly suffering because of it. I spoke to CBC News about the issue this week, reminding them that the NDP proposed a ban on declawing cats in a private members’ bill six years ago, but it was never passed into law. The government has had so many years to act,  but they have failed to do substantive work around animal cruelty. I hope you raise your voice on this important issue. 

The NDP Federal Leadership race is heating up! This past Saturday, we welcomed all five leadership candidates to Toronto Centre for a lively and informative debate at TMU. I am so proud of New Democratic Youth and the ONDP Toronto Area Council for their leadership on this event. 

The debate was at capacity, with over 500 people in attendance, and there were so many thoughtful audience questions. If you missed it, you can watch the full recording of the debate here. 

To vote in the leadership race, sign up to be a member of the NDP here by January 28, 2026.

Thousands of traffic charges dropped in Ontario annually

Nearly 85,000 people homeless in Ontario, up 8% in one year: report

Eastern Ontario parrot rescue launches pilot project to address growing crisis

Toronto police officer charged in theft of government IDs, bank cards

Ford government pausing its own affordable housing policy, calling it ‘red tape’

Toronto factors a new deal into budget, but Ford government says talks aren’t scheduled

Met Radio is now accepting applicants for our winter audio documentary incubator program! Over the course of twelve weeks, learn the art of interviewing, recording, hosting and editing from industry professionals, and share your very own 10 - 15 minute audio documentary on the Met Radio airwaves. No experience required!

Program overview:

Dates:  Feb 3rd - April 28th (no session April 7th)

Time:   6:30 - 8:30pm in person, Tuesday nights 

Cost: Free to participate, and all participants receive a $500 honorarium upon completion of the program. 

Apply here before Sunday, January 18th at midnight.

Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) leaders are pleased to invite community members, youth, artists, organizations, and local leaders to participate in the upcoming Kiwanis Black History Month Community Event, on Saturday February 21, 2026 at the ADA SLAIGHT HALL. (Full Day Event)

This event will be a vibrant celebration of Youth, culture, leadership, and community resilience. It will centre community voices, highlight youth creativity, and create space for learning, connection, and collective pride.

They are currently welcoming expressions of interest in the following areas:

Ways to Participate

• Youth performers and artists (music, spoken word, dance, visual arts)
• Community organizations and service providers interested in hosting resource tables
• Youth entrepreneurs and vendors
• Speakers, facilitators, and cultural contributors
• Volunteers to support event coordination and day-of activities

Why Participate

• Showcase your work, talent, or services to a broad community audience
• Connect with residents, youth, families, and partner organizations
• Contribute to a meaningful Black History Month celebration rooted in community leadership and empowerment
• Support youth engagement, cultural expression, and community connection

The Kiwanis Black History Month Event is being organized in collaboration with community partners and is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all.

Next Steps

If you or your organization are interested in participating, please contact the SDP coordinators  at your earliest time with a brief description of your interest and how you would like to be involved. Additional event details, logistics, and confirmations will be shared with confirmed participants. To express interest, please email [email protected]. 

PTP is thrilled to announce that a new cohort of Get Started in Canada will begin in the new year! This program supports newcomer women in setting meaningful goals, strengthening employability skills, and earning micro‑certificates to boost their career journey. 

Program overview:

Dates:  Jan 26 - Mar 20, 2026

Time:   9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Days:   Mondays  to  Thursdays (hybrid and virtual options)

What participants will get:

• Micro-certificates such as WHMIS, Business Writing, Customer Service, and more
• Goal-setting support and enhanced job search skills
• Increased confidence and workplace communication skills

How to apply:

Fill out the inquiry form here:  Get Started in Canada - PTP

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] 

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.

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, healthcare, and beyond!

Submit your nominee here!

Dear Emma,

Happy New Year! And Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating Orthodox Christmas this week. My extended Ukrainian family takes great joy and pride at this time of year, and I wish all observing a peaceful time with loved ones and delicious homemade food. 

To mark the new year, I made a list of “Ins” for 2026 and “Outs” I am leaving behind in 2025. This was a social post, and you can read my lists in full here.

Some of my “Ins” include: handwritten thank-you notes, declaring IPV an epidemic, everyone being cancer-free, learning to make dumplings, dumping Ford, and getting a dog. 

The “Outs” that I am leaving in 2025 are: mindless scrolling, billionaires, policing gender, AI-generated government IPV reports, overcommitting, cops in schools, clutter, and – of course – Doug Ford! 

Another thing that is IN for 2026? The NDP and the courts are holding the Ford government to account! On Monday, an Ontario court ordered Ford to turn over his personal phone records in response to numerous freedom of information requests. 

Ford has made no secret of using his personal phone and email to conduct government business. Due to these choices, there has been no accountability and no access to these records, and Ford wants to keep it that way. 

This issue goes back to the beginning of the Greenbelt scandal, when the Ontario NDP demanded that the Cabinet Secretary lock down the Premier’s records. We have continuously called for transparency from Doug Ford and his government, despite their constant refusal to provide it.

It is shameful that Ontarians had to take the Conservatives to court to get answers about this, but Ford plans to waste more time and taxpayer dollars with another appeal. Just like the scandalous Skills Development Fund, he pulls out all the stops to avoid being honest with the people of our province. 

Make no mistake, Ontarians deserve the truth, and we will get it.

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Ontario Sues Recipient of SDF, Ontarians Foot the Bill
• Holiday Meal in Regent Park
• Ford’s New Recycling Program Stumbles
• Regulatory Changes Coming for Deaths in Corrections - Have Your Say
• A New Year Message from Trustee Deborah Williams
• Meeting with the Ontario Salt Pollution Coalition
• Outdoor Skating Rinks in Toronto Centre
• What’s Making Headlines
• Local Community Events

Today, we learned that the Ford government has filed a $25 million lawsuit against Keel Digital Solutions, a recipient of Skills Development Funds personally chosen by scandal-ridden Labour Minister David Piccini.

The Minister of Labour bragged about hand-picking Keel Digital Solutions to receive public money over other, higher-scoring applications. Then, his government triggered a forensic audit of that same company, leading to an OPP investigation, before finally suing them for fraud.

Doling out millions of taxpayer dollars to such a shady company can only be explained by preferential treatment. Remember; Minister Piccini partied in Paris at Keel lobbyist Michael Rudderham’s wedding, and enjoyed rinkside hockey seats with their executive Peter Zackarow.

Rather than take accountability for this mess, Ford is once again going to court to cover his tracks, and it's Ontario taxpayers left footing the bill. He has ignored my calls to remove this Minister for too long already; it’s time for the Premier to do the right thing and fire him.

As the holiday season drew to a close, it was heartwarming to join the Regent Park community once again to share a meal this past Sunday. Thank you to Khurram Aftab and his team at Sam’s Food Stores for working so hard to prepare such delicious food! 

It was a joy to serve a meal to community members and to bring gifts for Santa to share with the kids. 

Many Torontonians did not get their recycling picked up as planned last week, as Circular Materials, the new private recycling group that has producers pay for the recycling of their products, took over from the City of Toronto. 

The first week of January is when most holiday-season recycling is collected. It is one of the highest-volume pickup weeks of the year. And it is when Circular Materials was required to begin collecting recycling. Circular Materials understandably struggled with this, as it was their first week and also one of the most complex of the entire year. The Province could have shifted this timeline to avoid these predictable issues and provide a better experience to residents, but they failed to do so. 

I spoke with CBC journalist Gabriela Silva Pointe about this issue for her article referenced above. I told her: 

“This government is breaking a system that largely worked, and nobody asked for this. Now they're creating a lot of chaos and confusion, and at the end of the day, it's actually Ontarians that are stuck with the problem.”

“Now Torontonians have got to find new places to store recyclable material in wet, cold and freezing conditions. And it's happening at the worst time of the year.”

The Ontario government is considering changes to how non-natural deaths that occur in correctional facilities (as well as deaths resulting from injuries sustained in corrections) are handled in Ontario and they are asking for your feedback. 

The current process is that each death receives a full jury inquest, something that can only happen after all criminal proceedings and other investigations surrounding the death are complete. This often means that the inquest is not complete until 5-7 years after the death occurred. 

The province is proposing that mandatory inquests be replaced with a mandatory coroner-led annual review of all non-natural deaths in corrections for a given year. Families of the deceased could still request a full inquest in addition to the review if they desire. 

With a government as dishonest as the Conservatives, it is hard to see how this change could result in life-saving practices being implemented sooner without robbing families of a full inquest should they request it. We also know that this government is systemically failing to act on inquest recommendations, including those related to the death of Soleiman Faqiri, so it is hard to be sure that a faster timeline would improve the situation. Much more needs to be done to hold this government to account and create safer environments within corrections. 

Have your voice heard! Share your comments here. 

I am thrilled to pass along the message below from Deborah Williams, the democratically elected TDSB trustee for Toronto Centre and University-Rosedale. Deborah is a tireless advocate for our communities, even as she has been stripped of her duties and privileges by the Ministry of Education's massive overreach. 

Here is Deborah Williams’ message: 

Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a joyful and hopeful start to 2026. Even in moments when governments fuel despair, we have the power to choose hope instead. Together, we can reject fear and division, lift one another up, and ensure that the most vulnerable among us are never left behind.

Ontario families deserve responsible leadership - not taxpayer-funded ads that scapegoat trustees while our schools face chronic underfunding, rising needs, and classrooms stretched to the limit. Tax dollars should support students, not government messaging that undermines confidence in public education or the people who keep schools running. Many of Ontario’s strongest education policies began with local trustees and were later adopted province‑wide (including full‑day kindergarten, child care in schools, safe schools reforms, mental health frameworks, concussion protocols, codes of conduct, ombudsman oversight, Indigenous education, and student trustees).

As we look ahead, our public education system continues to face real pressures. Since 2018, Ontario schools have been underfunded by $6.35 billion, leaving many boards in deficit, facing rising costs, growing student needs, and major special education shortfalls. Families, educators, and community members across the province are speaking up, and your voices matter.

This month, there are important opportunities for the public to be heard. I encourage all community members (including school councils, parents, caregivers, and residents) to share these consultations widely and take part.

Ontario 2026 Pre‑Budget Consultations: The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs will meet to conduct 2026 Pre-Budget Consultations. Written submissions due before January 29, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (EST). See more information > HERE

Ontario Survey - 2026 Budget Consultations: We want to hear from you! Tell us how Ontario’s next budget can help support your family, business or community. Closing date: January 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. See the link to the survey > HERE

Proposal for regulations under the Education Act, related to school boards and local police services. Comments for this regulatory proposal are due by February 2, 2026, at the following link > HERE

Research shows that schools are safest when we focus on student well‑being, not policing. That means investing in mental‑health supports, social workers, child and youth workers, and restorative practices as the foundation of safety. Police should only be involved in clearly defined situations, with strong human rights protections to prevent disproportionate impacts on marginalized students. Any provincial regulations must ensure transparency, accountability, and meaningful student voice - always keeping educational and well‑being goals at the centre of decision‑making.

Local democracy matters. These consultations are an opportunity for all of us to advocate for strong, well‑funded public schools. I am asking you to stay engaged. Share information with neighbours. Every action - big or small - helps build the momentum we need.

CALL TO ACTION:

Call and Email Premier Doug Ford at 416-325-1941, [email protected] & Education Minister Paul Calandra at 416-325-2600, [email protected] to DEMAND they:

• Fund Our Schools!
• Fund education to match inflation
• Fully fund special education and student supports
• Repeal Bill 33

Thank you for everything you do to support our schools and our neighbourhoods. When we act together, we build a more caring, inclusive, and hopeful future.

Best Regards,

Deborah Williams

Elected Trustee, TDSB Ward 10 University-Rosedale and Toronto Centre (*June 27, 2025 TDSB under supervision of the Ministry of Education)

During the TDSB supervision period, Deborah Williams can be reached at

[email protected]

SIGN-UP for Deborah Williams Updates & Advocacy

There are growing environmental and public health impacts from the overuse of road salt across Ontario. I was pleased to meet with the Ontario Salt Pollution Coalition and their partner organizations yesterday to be brought up to speed on how this winter practice affects our lakes, drinking water, and the environment. 

Protecting our waters is a year-round responsibility, and I look forward to working alongside the Coalition on this important issue in the weeks and months to come. Keep your eyes out for updates!

The City of Toronto operates many public skating rinks in Toronto Centre and beyond every winter! Skating is a great way to get outside, move your body, and have fun during the cold months, either with friends and family or by yourself. 

Toronto centre is home to rinks at Toronto Metropolitan University Square pond, College Park skating loop, the Moss Park Arena (indoors), and Regent Park Athletic Grounds. 

For a full list of locations and free skate times click here to visit the City’s website.

Another murder prosecution falls apart and frees accused, this time in bounty killings of 2 brothers

Mayor Chow says Toronto's 2026 budget will prioritize affordability

Province sues company for over $25M, alleges fraud linked to Skills Development Fund 

How this flu season is sending Ontario seniors into a ‘downward spiral’ 

Toronto’s high unemployment, affordability concerns to hinder real estate recovery, economists say 

Unemployment rate climbed to 6.8% in December, StatCan says - National 

Chrystia Freeland’s resignation as Liberal MP takes effect Friday 

Regent Park Social Development Plan (SDP) leaders are pleased to invite community members, youth, artists, organizations, and local leaders to participate in the upcoming Kiwanis Black History Month Community Event, on Saturday February 21, 2026 at the ADA SLAIGHT HALL. (Full Day Event)

This event will be a vibrant celebration of Youth, culture, leadership, and community resilience. It will centre community voices, highlight youth creativity, and create space for learning, connection, and collective pride.

They are currently welcoming expressions of interest in the following areas:

Ways to Participate

• Youth performers and artists (music, spoken word, dance, visual arts)
• Community organizations and service providers interested in hosting resource tables
• Youth entrepreneurs and vendors
• Speakers, facilitators, and cultural contributors
• Volunteers to support event coordination and day-of activities

Why Participate

• Showcase your work, talent, or services to a broad community audience
• Connect with residents, youth, families, and partner organizations
• Contribute to a meaningful Black History Month celebration rooted in community leadership and empowerment
• Support youth engagement, cultural expression, and community connection

The Kiwanis Black History Month Event is being organized in collaboration with community partners and is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all.

Next Steps

If you or your organization are interested in participating, please contact the SDP coordinators  at your earliest time with a brief description of your interest and how you would like to be involved. Additional event details, logistics, and confirmations will be shared with confirmed participants. To express interest, please email [email protected]. 

PTP is thrilled to announce that a new cohort of Get Started in Canada will begin in the new year! This program supports newcomer women in setting meaningful goals, strengthening employability skills, and earning micro‑certificates to boost their career journey. 

Program overview:

Dates:  Jan 26 - Mar 20, 2026

Time:   9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Days:   Mondays  to  Thursdays (hybrid and virtual options)

What participants will get:

• Micro-certificates such as WHMIS, Business Writing, Customer Service, and more
• Goal-setting support and enhanced job search skills
• Increased confidence and workplace communication skills

How to apply:

Fill out the inquiry form here:  Get Started in Canada - PTP

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] 

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.

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, healthcare, and beyond!

Submit your nominee here!

Dear Neighbour,

Yesterday, Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner saw the merit in Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stile’s formal complaint about the Skills Development Fund (SDF) and agreed to open an investigation. This is good news! Ford’s SDF scandal is on a path similar to Ford’s Greenbelt giveaway: escalating audits around a fall-guy Ford clings to. I hope the RCMP provides us with the update we deserve soon on that investigation.

The Greenbelt investigation, as you may recall, was also catalyzed by a damning Auditor General report (that the Ontario NDP helped launch by documenting the proof of corruption). The SDF had that moment earlier this month when the Auditor General called out Ford's process as ”not fair, transparent or accountable, and there was little rationale to explain why the high-ranked applicants were not chosen.” The subsequent 2023 Integrity Commissioner review triggered a political firestorm that forced Ford to reverse his Greenbelt giveaway, led to the dismissal of a Minister, and prompted an RCMP investigation. 

Marit’s letter called on the Integrity Commissioner to investigate Labour Minister David Piccini for reportedly breaching sections of the Member’s Integrity Act by running the Skills Development Fund like a piggy bank for Ford’s friends. The Integrity Commissioner is taking this seriously and will exercise its powers under section 33 of the Public Inquiries Act. This means that witnesses can be legally compelled to testify!

That said, the Skills Development Fund scandal is more complex than the Greenbelt scandal. Marit made an excellent video explanation about it here that can help anyone who feels out of the loop catch up on all its moving pieces.

Speaking of moving pieces, I share Ontario Place for All’s outrage with Ford’s proposal to have a combined outlet that will mix and discharge stormwater and raw sewage into Lake Ontario by Ontario Place during heavy rains. The existing discharge around Ontario Place, which is also combined, has multiple discharge points. It’s not ideal, but at least it distributes waste, diluting risk. And let’s not forget: any sewer work is an opportunity to invest in improvements that do not mix stormwater and sewage, but Ford is going for the easiest solution to help speed up the construction of his luxury spa at Ontario Place. 

So what is at stake then? The vague and unclear language in Ford’s proposal makes it possible that distributed waste outlets in the vicinity of Ontario Place could be consolidated into a single point by the West Channel’s breakwater.  And Ford’s secrecy is making communities worried. 

How can this lack of transparency be allowed? Ford’s Bill 5, which Ford rammed into law earlier this year, allows his government to limit public consultation, transparency, and feedback on infrastructure projects. 

Our recent federal candidate, Samantha Green, when interviewed about this, put it well: "Allowing raw sewage into this part of Lake Ontario will make people sick”.

As we close this week, this will be my final newsletter for 2025. My team and I will be back in the new year. My community office is now commencing our holiday break, and we will return on January 5, 2025. Until then, I wish you all a happy Chanukah, a very merry Christmas, the warmest of holidays, and a happy New Year! This year has been full of change, and I hope you can spend time with your loved ones and recharge before the new year.

And at year's end, I do want to remind everyone that now is a great time to make a year-end donation to the Toronto Centre NDP riding association. You will receive your tax receipt early in the new year, and you will receive a 75% tax rebate on any yearly donation total under $500. Donations made during the election do not count to that rebate total either! That means you can donate $400 to support our team, I will fight Ford, and you will receive $300 back when you file your taxes in early 2026!

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Justice For Soleiman Faqiri
• Can the Ford government handle basic paperwork?
• Pre-Budget consultations
• What’s Making Headlines
• Local Community Events

This past Monday, December 16, marked 9 years since the homicide of Soleiman (Soli) Faqiri in an Ontario Corrections facility in 2016. Monday also marked over 2 years since Ontario’s Coroner made recommendations to prevent future prison deaths after ruling Soli’s death a homicide. Soli was experiencing a mental health crisis and was being denied access to mental health care. He was killed after a confrontation with guards, where he was taken into a room that had no security cameras and sustained over 50 injuries while being restrained, face down. 

Since Soli’s death, Ford has refused to speak to the Faqiri family. On Monday, I joined Soli’s brother, Yusuf Faqiri, and Emily Coyle, executive director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies, to call on the government to work with families and workers to ensure that no one dies in custody in Ontario. 

Ford was asked about why he refuses to speak with the Faqiri family late on Monday at a press conference, and added insult to injury, saying that “Stay out of jails, stop breaking the law, and you won’t have anything to worry about.”  Soli was in jail because of a schizoaffective episode. Soli had no real choice about whether to follow or break the law. Schizoaffective disorders should be treated in mental health care settings. They are impossible to treat in Ontario’s broken correctional system, where people are regularly triple-bunked in facilities where workers and inmates are both unsafe. 

The tragedy faced by the Faqiri family speaks to so many Ontarians because, as the saying goes, ‘there but for the grace of God go I’. Everyone in Ontario has either experienced a mental health crisis or knows a family member or friend who has been in crisis. To think that a beloved friend, member of the family or oneself could be in such a vulnerable moment, only to be restrained and beaten to death face down when needing mental health care, is gut-wrenching. Our province should be — must be — better than that. 

I repeated previous calls for the government to pass my bill, the Justice for Soli Act, that would force the government to implement the Coroner’s first recommendation: to recognize that correctional facilities are not suitable for people facing mental health crises. This should be simple, just like apologizing to the Faqiri family should be simple. It boggles any reasonable person’s mind — until you realize that passing my bill, or apologizing to the Faqiri family, means admitting that this government does not know what they are doing, and all of their ideas to make things better move us in the wrong direction. 

Today, I joined workers and MPP Alexa Gilmour to call on the Ontario government to fix the Ontario International Nominee Program (OINP). 

The OINP was designed to help employers fill urgent labour shortages that our domestic workforce cannot fill today. Nominees are qualified in skilled trades that yes, Ontario should invest in training, but that take more time than the present moment is giving us during a trade war, housing crisis, and climate emergency. 

While Ford and Piccini focused on turning the Skills Development Fund into a piggy bank for their friends, they completely mismanaged this program in the same Ministry. Nominees arrived with an eager employer, the skills Ontario needs — only to learn that Ford failed to get the paperwork ready for them to work legally. 

Employers are frustrated, as are the potential investors Ontario absolutely needs to be courting right now to diversify our economy away from the United States. But no one is getting answers. 

I have seen the incredible work ethic of OINP applicants firsthand. They might be stuck in Kafkaesque limbo, but they have not sat on their hands. They have demonstrated outside of Queen’s Park every single day, demanding that Ford do the bare minimum and process their paperwork. The paperwork that the government knew they had to fill when asking them to fill workforce gaps in Ontario. 

I have gone out and spoken to OINP workers many times while the house was sitting. They have come back every day, holding posters with clearly frost-bitten hands, asking if their mistreatment is the real Ontario. After all, these workers were invited by our government to come here. These people have eager employers facing critical gaps in our workforce that Ontario literally cannot train overnight. It’s like Ford only wants to talk about standing up for Ontario when the cameras are rolling and not when his team has to do the job of actually governing.

So here we are: nominees are finding out that the Ford government is as serious as a beautiful foreign bride advertising herself on a torrenting website. 

While this failure hurts OINP workers most, it makes everyone in Ontario worse off. Ontario could have more homes under construction right now as I write this. That would mean more local demand for cement, building supplies, and Canadian steel. Ontario could have new telecom infrastructure that makes companies choose to invest millions of dollars and create thousands of new jobs in Ontario. But Ford is failing to do the most basic of jobs of a competent government: processing the very forms he gave people to complete. 

The antisemitic terrorist attack that killed eleven people in Australia on Bondi Beach is an evil act of hate. My heart goes out to Jewish communities whose Chanukah gatherings will have grief and fear when they deserve to gather and light menorahs in faith, community, and joy.

Jewish Ontarians need our government to confront antisemitism with action such as making investments into education to prevent hate at the source. Hate has no place in Ontario. This hate crime might be abroad, but we put Ontarians at risk if our government fails to heed the warning and act now.

Pre-Budget consultations are happening across the province and we want you to raise your voice.

The Ontario NDP’s Shadow Finance Minister, MPP Jessica Bell, has attended two consultations so far. She told me she heard loud and clear that Ontario’s health-care system, especially primary care, is under real strain, low wages are pushing workers out, and this government needs to invest where people actually live and work. She also heard loud and clear that supportive housing is the most humane and cost-effective way to solve the concurrent homelessness, mental health, and addiction issues we are seeing in our communities. 

You can sign up to speak in person or virtually, or submit written comments through the Legislature’s committee portal. When applying, select “2026 Pre-Budget Consultations.” You do not need to sign up for the community where you live. If the Toronto consultations are over-subscribed, you can sign up to appear virtually in another location. 

Upcoming Pre-Budget Consultations: 

• Brockville - January 13, 2026
• Ottawa - January 14, 2026
• Pembroke - January 15, 2026
• Kitchener - January 20, 2026
• London - January 21, 2026
• Niagara Falls - January 22, 2026
• Kapuskasing - January 27, 2026
• Thunder Bay - January 28, 2026
• Sudbury - January 29, 2026

Deadlines to request to speak or submit written comments:

• January 5, 2026 at 12PM (EST) - Brockville, Ottawa and Pembroke
• January 12, 2026 at 12PM (EST) - Kitchener, London and Niagara Falls
• January 19, 2026 at 12PM (EST) - Kapuskasing, Thunder Bay and Sudbury
• January 29, 2026 at 6PM (EST) - Final deadline for written submissions

Ontario Place construction could dump sewage in lake, creating a 'preventable public health crisis': doctor

A Toronto fund for air conditioners reached just 25 people over two years

Toronto city council approves increase in land transfer tax for luxury homebuyers

City council approves plan meant to speed up Toronto LRT lines

Canada's 2030 climate target far out of reach, according to federal data

Ontario pushing ahead with controversial plan to let sewage flow next to public beach

Family continues call for mental heath reform in Ontario prisons

Ontario's contract with a PI firm hired to interview neighbours of supervised consumption sites included pay rates of up to $300/hour

How a prolific Toronto chef and his partner are rewriting the story at a local restaurant

Ontario mandated air conditioning in nursing homes in 2020. Here’s how many lives it’s saved — and how many it could have 

Bring the whole family to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario this holiday season for an unforgettable celebration of free and festive fun! Over the course of two evenings, two Saturdays, and two special weekdays in December, Festive Lights serves up a wide variety of programming that will delight Ontarians of all ages.

Enjoy hands-on crafts, seasonal activities, and live music. Meet Santa and beloved characters. Stroll through the park, surrounded by the glow of the holiday lights, and snap photos under dazzling displays both inside and outside the Legislative Building. Explore Ontario’s history while surrounded by holiday cheer and browse the Legislative Gift Shop for unique Ontario-made treasures. Feeling hungry? Festive refreshments and treats will be available for purchase throughout the event.

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Festive Lights makes for a perfect evening with friends and colleagues, or a fun-filled day for the whole family. We look forward to welcoming you.

Event dates: December 20, 22, 23

Location: Ontario's Legislative Building, Queen's Park, Toronto (just north of the TTC Queen's Park subway station). 

All visitors entering the Legislative Building must go through airport-style security screening. 

Cost: Free admission. $10 per person for Pancakes with Santa.

Registration: Required for December 17, 22, and 23. Register today.

PTP is thrilled to announce that a new cohort of Get Started in Canada will begin in the new year! This program supports newcomer women in setting meaningful goals, strengthening employability skills, and earning micro‑certificates to boost their career journey. 

Program overview:

Dates:  Jan 26 - Mar 20, 2026

Time:   9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Days:   Mondays  to  Thursdays (hybrid and virtual options)

What participants will get:

• Micro-certificates such as WHMIS, Business Writing, Customer Service, and more
• Goal-setting support and enhanced job search skills
• Increased confidence and workplace communication skills

How to apply:

Fill up the inquiry form here:  Get Started in Canada - PTP

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

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

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] 

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]

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.

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,

Yesterday, the Legislature rose for the winter break after a short but highly eventful session. Frustratingly, the government has chosen not to return to Queen’s park until March 23rd, over a month later than scheduled. This means we lose four weeks of question periods, debates, and chances for public participation. And this is after they cut twelve sitting weeks from the schedule this past year.

 I am proud of the Official Opposition’s work this session to hold the government to account on the Social Development Fund, access to public healthcare, preserving and creating more good jobs, and tackling the cost of living. I am excited to continue this work through the break and return to the Legislature in March with more solutions and alternatives to the government’s cuts and privatization. 

On Wednesday, the government tabled their Intimate Partner Violence Committee Report. It appears to be riddled with AI-generated content and AI “hallucinated” incorrect citations. According to trusted AI-checking software, this document contains a level of AI-involvement that would not be accepted for credit by any university or college in the province. The Globe and Mail did their own review of the citations and verified that “some citations appeared to be incorrect, misattributed or not properly sourced.” You can watch me and MPP Alexa Gilmour speak to the media about this disturbing revelation here. 

This lack of care by the Ford government is shameful and incredibly disrespectful to survivors and frontline service workers who poured their hearts out to this committee. They deserved an honest report, written by actual human beings who honoured their stories. I am confident that the Ontario NDP’s dissenting report captures that care and provides the recommendations and next steps that survivors deserve. You can read the full report here, as well as the executive summary here and see for yourself. 

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to ask the government directly about their disrespectful use of AI in the report. They lied and dodged the question, gaslit survivors, and refused to take any accountability. They continually denied any issues with the report, even when my colleagues MPP Lisa Gretzky raised major factual issues, such as the incorrect date of the inquest into the tragic murder of nurse Lori Dupont, citing the Child Development Institute but linking to a fake source “example.org,” and falsifying newspaper articles that reference the failure of Ontario’s cellphone ban in schools six months before the ban came into effect. These aren’t simple errors; they are known as AI hallucinations, and they were signed off by a government that gave the stories of survivors and their families to US-based AI companies without their consent. You can watch the exchange here. 

I am very concerned that the government’s recommendations are AI-generated as well, which would mean an American company is creating policy recommendations for the Ontario government with no transparency or oversight. 

The government report is not all bad. In some places, it clearly captures the stories and solutions presented by survivors and experts. However, its shortcomings are too significant to ignore. Beyond the likely use of AI, it has 877 pages, lacks an executive summary or conclusion, and, literally, its “next steps” are to determine what those next steps are. We all should expect better from our government. Survivors deserve so much more: an implementation plan and, for the most urgent recommendations, immediate action. Lives are at stake. 

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Happy Holidays from your Toronto Centre Team
• The Toronto Centre NDP’s Best Holiday Party Yet!
• Bill 75 Must Go to Committee
• TDSB Director Fired as Conservatives Tighten Control of School Boards 
• Pre-Budget Consultations
• IPV Panel: Unifor Ontario Regional Council
• Cabbagetown’s Holiday in the Patch
• TCHC Youth Safety Forum
• Regent Park Community Benefits Package Unveiling
• St James Town Safety Summit
• Ethiopian Heritage Month Act Receives Royal Assent
• What’s Making Headlines
• Local Community Events

Yesterday, my entire team, including this fall’s interns, gathered at Queen’s Park for a holiday lunch and our annual Secret Santa gift exchange. We had a blast, especially since we do Secret Santa a little bit differently - we pick a gift that our giftee would have enjoyed as a child, exchange them, and then donate them all to a local toy drive. We hope our gifts this year bring joy to the hearts of children in Toronto Centre, just as they brought us joy! 

I wish everyone celebrating this holiday season a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, a Joyful Solstice, and a Happy Kwanzaa filled with good health, joy, and the deepest community and family connections. I hope you spend time with loved ones, rest, and enjoy delicious food. 

The holidays can be a tough time for many who feel lonely or for whom they bring up difficult memories. I hope that all who feel this way find community and get through this season as smoothly as possible. At the end of this email, I've included several community events where I know you would be warmly welcomed. 

I particularly want to highlight the Church of St. Peter and St. Simon’s Blue Christmas service and dinner, which welcomes anyone struggling with the holiday season to be in community and share a meal. 

The Toronto Centre NDP’s Holiday Party is always a huge bash, but this year we welcomed even more neighbours than usual! Our holiday party was so popular that we had to host two lunch sittings. Our riding association and hardworking volunteers welcomed nearly 400 guests and shared a delicious meal.

I had so much fun handing out prizes and singing carols together, all while spreading holiday cheer. You all helped us set a new bar for a successful holiday party. My heart is full of community love, and I will bring it into the new year.

We desperately need justice reform and investments in our courts. The government recently tabled a new justice bill, Bill 75, but it needs work. 

So far this year, Ford and his government have fast-tracked twelve bills, truncating debate and skipping the committee process. Committee is critical because it allows MPPs and the government to hear critical feedback from experts and make changes to improve the bill. 

A bill like this one, of this breadth and importance, must go to committee. It desperately needs to be strengthened As it stands, Bill 75, fails to deliver the investments or changes we need. Yesterday, I spoke to the bill and shared the Ontario NDP’s plans to create meaningful, lasting safety and a justice system that works. 

People deserve to feel safe in their communities. That is fundamental. Doug Ford has had eight years to clean up the backlogs in our courts, invest in community programming proven to reduce crime over the long term, and create a bail system that provides real safety. Instead, Ford has been yelling in parking lots about criminals on our streets without taking any real action. Meanwhile, survivors of crime and their families aren’t getting justice, Ontarians aren’t getting their day in court, innocent people are languishing in jail, and criminals are walking free. This is unacceptable.  

The backlog in our courts touches every part of our legal system. Fraud has more than doubled in Ontario, yet most cases are being dismissed due to backlogs and understaffing. Since the pandemic began, we have seen the majority of criminal cases end with charges withdrawn, stayed, dismissed, or discharged because the government has refused to resource our court system. 

Ontarians are hungry for justice. We need a court system that is appropriately staffed, bail supervision that is adequately funded and effective, adequate staffing in our jails, and no more cases dismissed due to delays. This is the justice system I am working to build as the Shadow Attorney General and I will provide all of this feedback and more when this bill goes to committee. We must work to improve this bill and make it stronger for all Ontarians.

Today, Ford’s government appointed TDSB supervisor (who, again, has no previous experience in education) fired the TDSB’s Director of Education. 

This is yet another example of an incredibly consequential decision being made by Conservative-appointed supervisors behind closed doors. Parents have not been consulted and had no opportunity to participate in this important decision.

My colleagues and I have been hearing from people in the board that the departure of the Director of Education comes after he spoke up about the impact of Ministry decisions on the financial state of the board. It sends a clear message to board staff: if you speak the truth, you will be fired.

Parents deserve to know how much this decision will cost them. How much money is now going to pay severance and the salary for a new Director of Education while the supervisor also collects his hefty $350,000 paycheque. Taxpayers deserve transparency. That's the opposite of what they're getting from this government and this supervisor.

As a parent of a child attending Church Street Public School, I am deeply invested in quality public education and transparency for students, parents, and education workers. 

Just because the Legislature is on winter break doesn’t mean that you can’t participate in our government! Pre-Budget consultations are happening across the province and we want you to raise your voice.

The Ontario NDP’s Shadow Finance Minister, MPP Jessica Bell, has attended two consultations so far. She told me she heard loud and clear that Ontario’s health-care system, especially primary care, is under real strain, low wages are pushing workers out, and this government needs to invest where people actually live and work. She also heard loud and clear that supportive housing is the most humane and cost-effective way to solve the concurrent homelessness, mental health, and addiction issues we are seeing in our communities. 

You can sign up to speak in person or virtually, or submit written comments through the Legislature’s committee portal. When applying, select “2026 Pre-Budget Consultations.” You do not need to sign up for the community where you live. If the Toronto consultations are over-subscribed, you can sign up to appear virtually in another location. 

Upcoming Pre-Budget Consultations: 

• Brockville - January 13, 2026
• Ottawa - January 14, 2026
• Pembroke - January 15, 2026
• Kitchener - January 20, 2026
• London - January 21, 2026
• Niagara Falls - January 22, 2026
• Kapuskasing - January 27, 2026
• Thunder Bay - January 28, 2026
• Sudbury - January 29, 2026

Deadlines to request to speak or submit written comments:

• November 24, 2025 at 12PM (EST) - Toronto, Peterborough
• January 5, 2026 at 12PM (EST) - Brockville, Ottawa and Pembroke
• January 12, 2026 at 12PM (EST) - Kitchener, London and Niagara Falls
• January 19, 2026 at 12PM (EST) - Kapuskasing, Thunder Bay and Sudbury
• January 29, 2026 at 6PM (EST) - Final deadline for written submissions

A new report from Canada’s Federal Housing Advocate warns that Ontario cities could slide back into expensive, enforcement-heavy encampment clearings as the federal government’s two-year encampment funding winds down.  

After visiting Toronto, Waterloo Region, London, and Hamilton, the Advocate is calling for long-term funding — including from the province — to sustain human-rights-based responses that keep people safer while they wait for housing.

The Advocate is also urging an end to forced evictions and the criminalization of homelessness. 

This matters here in Toronto. The city has relied on short-term federal dollars to staff outreach teams, and add shelter and hotel spaces. Without sustained funding, these supports will shrink and more people will be left outside with nowhere to go.

Queen’s Park has the power to solve these tough issues. We need to invest in building affordable housing and supportive housing, and expanding our mental health and addiction treatment programs.

Last Saturday, on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Sylvie Guenther and I joined Tracey Ramsey for UNIFOR’s Panel on Intimate Partner Violence. We had important conversations about what needs to be done to tackle the IPV epidemic, and I shared the actions my team and I are taking at Queen’s Park to push for the necessary legislative change. I was honoured to be invited to speak. 

Cabbagetown at Christmastime – is there anything more magical? Add in a visit from Santa and you know that I was feeling the holiday cheer. 

The Cabbagetown BIA hosted another incredible Holiday in the Patch event last weekend with games, performances, and of course photos with Santa. But if you missed it there is still time to enjoy festive fun in Cabbagetown. A walk down Parliament Street, enjoying the wintery window displays and popping into a few small businesses to pick up gifts is a great way to spend an evening.

Youth have always been at the forefront of advocacy in Regent Park. This past Wednesday, youth came together at the Toronto Community Housing Youth Forum to talk about pressing issues like violence prevention and the need for increased mental health supports, as well as ways the community can support each other to see everyone thrive. 

Thank you to Felicia and her fellow Toronto Community Housing organizers, the Regent Park Islamic Resource Centre, and all the speakers tonight for bringing the community together. I look forward to seeing this event next year!

On Tuesday, I joined the Regent Park community to celebrate the unveiling of the Community Benefits Package! This $26.8 million investment plan, co-created by Toronto Community Housing, Tridel, and CBOWG, supported by Yonge Street Mission and Toronto Community Benefits Network and voted in by the community, will invest in educational scholarships, uplifting generations to come in Regent Park. Congratulations to all the community members and organizations involved for your tireless advocacy!

Community safety includes everyone! Thank you to the St James Town Residents Council for hosting a delightful and engaging safety summit today. It is critical for communities to come together to heal and move forward after instances of violence. I am so glad that funding from the City of Toronto’s Violence Intervention & Support Unit made this event, complete with a delicious multicultural luncheon and community discussion, possible.

I was thrilled to gather with the Ethiopian community today to celebrate the passage of the Ethiopian Heritage Month Act and its receipt of Royal Assent this week! 

It was such a joy to gather at Rendez-Vous Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant to celebrate, share food, and plan for next September when we mark the month officially for the first time.

Doctors are alarmed by the flu season’s early arrival in Toronto — which is hitting children the hardest 

December 2025 Issue of The Bridge Community Newspaper

Ontario-appointed supervisor fires TDSB director of education amid board shakeups

Ontario legislature to take 14-week winter break, following 19-week summer break

Minister breaks silence on mandatory Greenbelt review — but there's no word on who will conduct it or when

Hanukkah begins this weekend. What to know and how it’s celebrated

Ford government is not responding to the affordability crisis: Stiles

Two companies listed under portfolio of Ontario Securities Commission-sanctioned CEO's firm got Skills Development Fund grants 

Two key Toronto climate policies appeared set to be shelved. Then, the public spoke up

The holigay season will soon be upon us, and the 519 is bringing you community, celebration, and plenty of queer joy!

Find the perfect holiday gift crafted by local 2SLGBTQ+ artists and creators, and enjoy performances from Marching Gayly Forward, BELT Choir, drag artists, and more.

You can look forward to a day full of celebrations on Saturday, December 13:

Time: 2 - 8 PM

Date: Saturday, December 13

Location: Barbara Hall Park. 

Free, all ages welcome!

Time: 2 - 8 PM

Date: Saturday, December 13

Location: 519 Church Street

19+ event. Donation: $30 + service fees 

Gather your merriest friends, don your gayest attire, and jingle late into the rest of the night! 100% of ticket proceeds support programs and services at The 519.

Look forward to:

• Glitterball music by Discoraphy and Delicious
• Dazzling performances by The Melanin Skatecrew and Ella Mayoreally

Get your tickets and stay updated about more holigay events at The519.org/support-the-519/holigays-at-the-519/

Bring the whole family to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario this holiday season for an unforgettable celebration of free and festive fun! Over the course of two evenings, two Saturdays, and two special weekdays in December, Festive Lights serves up a wide variety of programming that will delight Ontarians of all ages.

Enjoy hands-on crafts, seasonal activities, and live music. Meet Santa and beloved characters. Stroll through the park, surrounded by the glow of the holiday lights, and snap photos under dazzling displays both inside and outside the Legislative Building. Explore Ontario’s history while surrounded by holiday cheer and browse the Legislative Gift Shop for unique Ontario-made treasures. Feeling hungry? Festive refreshments and treats will be available for purchase throughout the event.

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Festive Lights makes for a perfect evening with friends and colleagues, or a fun-filled day for the whole family. We look forward to welcoming you.

Event dates: December 13, 17, 20, 22, 23

Location: Ontario's Legislative Building, Queen's Park, Toronto (just north of the TTC Queen's Park subway station). 

All visitors entering the Legislative Building must go through airport-style security screening. 

Cost: Free admission. $10 per person for Pancakes with Santa.

Registration: Required for December 17, 22, and 23. Register today.

PTP is thrilled to announce that a new cohort of Get Started in Canada will begin in the new year! This program supports newcomer women in setting meaningful goals, strengthening employability skills, and earning micro‑certificates to boost their career journey. 

Program overview:

Dates:  Jan 26 - Mar 20, 2026

Time:   9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Days:   Mondays  to  Thursdays (hybrid and virtual options)

What participants will get:

• Micro-certificates such as WHMIS, Business Writing, Customer Service, and more
• Goal-setting support and enhanced job search skills
• Increased confidence and workplace communication skills

How to apply:

Fill up the inquiry form here:  Get Started in Canada - PTP

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

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

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] 

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]

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.

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,

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

• 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

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! 

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

• 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

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 

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

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.

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

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

Apply here!

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

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

Join for a meaningful community conversation focused on youth safety, wellness, and leadership in Regent Park.

Event details:

• Date: Wednesday, December 10
  
  
• Food Served: 5:00 PM (Halal meal provided)
  
  
• Event Start: 5:30 PM
  
  
• Location: Regent Park Centre of Excellence, Regent Park Community Centre
  402 Shuter Street, Toronto
  
  
• Audience: Open to all youth residents of Regent Park
  
  

Speakers:

• 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.

Click here to register.

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 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] 

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]

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.

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

• 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

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. 

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. 

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.

RSVP Here!

 

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.

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.

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.

‘Do you know what they’ll do to me? I’m a judge’: Woman testifies senior Ontario judge raped her, broke her wrist

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

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

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.

Learn more here.

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

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 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]

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! 

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.

Dear friend,

On Tuesday, this past Remembrance Day, Canadians across the country paused at eleven o'clock to pay our respects to the thousands of veterans and servicepeople who have fought for our freedoms on behalf of Canada, surviving unimaginable horrors in the process. Their sacrifices, strength, and courage, remind us of our collective duty to defend the rights and freedoms of everyone who calls this country home.

As a young boy, my father learned about the bravery of young Canadian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Hong Kong against Imperial Japan. As an adventurous and curious young man, he joined the Royal Navy and traveled the commonwealth. This left a lasting impression on him and in 1975 he chose to immigrate to Canada in an act of gratitude to the country that came to the defence of his birthplace.

As the child of a navy serviceman, Remembrance Day is always particularly emotional – even more so this year as my father passed away this September. Remembering the lives and stories of servicemembers we have lost is such an important ritual. If people in your family have served, I hope you had a chance to remember them and reflect on their legacy. Lest we forget. 

This year, I was honoured to attend our local Remembrance Day ceremony, co-hosted by St. James Cemetery and the Cabbagetown BIA, and lay a wreath. After the ceremony, I stayed for the veterans graves tour through the ceremony, which made the day all the more personal as I reflected on the Toronto Centre residents who served our country. 

Remembrance Day is also an important time to reflect on the geopolitical situation we find ourselves in currently and the people who are suffering through wars today. During the ceremony, I took time to think of the people affected by war and violence in Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, Lebanon, Congo, and beyond. Working for a world beyond war feels like a lofty goal, but one we must reach towards. 

Last week, when the house was sitting, I had the opportunity to speak to Bill 60, the government’s new housing bill that seeks to strip tenant protections. The government claims this is a move that will speed up the beleaguered Landlord and Tenant Board, even as they refuse to listen to experts and return to more efficient and equitable in-person hearings. You can watch part of my speech on Bill 60 here where I talk about how renters are also the workers, students, and seniors that build our province. Everyone deserves a dignified home without the stress of worrying about it being taken out from under them. 

The government tabling Time Allocation Motions for both Bill 60 and Bill 33 (government education bill), as I discussed in last week’s newsletter. Due to these blatantly undemocratic motions, it is possible that both bills could pass and become law as early as late next week or early the following week. I am not giving up and still need your stories about precarious tenancies, delays at the LTB, and your fears about what Bill 60 passing could mean to you. If you have a story like this, please reply to this email!

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Transgender Day of Remembrance Flag Raising - You’re Invited
• Fire David Piccini: SDF Funding Awarded to Mismanaged Company
• My Statement on the Combat on Campus Tour
• E-Bike Battery Fire at 140 Carlton Street 
• Canada Loses Measles Elimination Status
• Ford’s 401 Fantasy Tunnel Study Wastes Millions
• Ford Fails Again to Deliver $10-A-Day Childcare
• Join My Youth Council
• TCNDP’s Holiday Party - You’re Invited!
• Coffee With Kristyn - January 15th
• Regent Park Tenants Rights Meeting
• CWNA’s Winter Open House
• L’Arche Toronto Visit
• What’s Making Headlines
• Local Community Events

On Thursday, November 20 we will mark Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) with the raising of the Transgender flag and a moment of silence at Queen’s Park. This year, Friends of Ruby is our co-sponsor and I am so happy to work with them again. 

TDoR is a solemn day when we remember the Trans and Gender Diverse people who we have lost to transphobic violence and hatred. It is also an important day to honour the people who are still here and working every day to make our communities more inclusive and loving. 

All are welcome to attend the flag raising, which will be at 12:15 PM at the courtesy flag pole on the Queen’s Park south lawn, right outside of the visitors’ entrance. 

Please RSVP here. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday. 

According to the Pan American Health Organization, Measles is no longer eliminated in Canada. Due to uncontrolled spread, especially in Ontario and Alberta, measles cases have skyrocketed. 5,162 have already been reported nationally in 2025. Since 1998, when Canada received measles elimination status, cases have been low, usually under 100, with one spike to 751 cases during an outbreak in 2011. 

Ontario must fight the spread of measles. The measles virus can be deadly, especially for young children and can also result in hospitalization. The measles vaccine is extremely safe and effective – it is what has allowed Canada to maintain its measles elimination status for nearly 30 years, saving the lives of countless children and eliminating the suffering associated with the virus. Parents of school aged children needing to be vaccinated can reach out to Toronto Public Health. Adults unsure about their vaccination status should ask their family doctor or other community healthcare provider. 

Ford has sat on his hands while measles continues to spread. Lagging investments in public health, the family doctor shortage, and vaccine misinformation have resulted in a perfect storm of conditions for this outbreak. It is a national issue, but public health and healthcare are provincial responsibilities and this government needs to step up and do our part to halt the preventable spread of measles. 

Sign my petition to stop measles: 

Doug Ford may have his eyes firmly set on his fantasy project of tunneling under Highway 401, but both the Premier and Metrolinx have been silent on what could be predictable, but major, viability concerns with the project.

Internal documents obtained by the Ontario NDP through a Freedom of Information request have revealed Metrolinx covered up major problems with Scarborough Subway Extension tunneling when it reached the 401; including sinking issues that resulted in three weeks of road lane closures, and an eight-month pause for repairs to the tunnel boring machine.

Tunneling crosswise under Highway 401 was risky and complex enough. Ford’s plan to build a three-storey tunnel underneath it amplifies these concerns exponentially. We’re talking about the risk of highway collapse — lives are at stake.

The Ford government confirmed last week that it had awarded the contract for a 401 tunnel feasibility study to WSP Canada Inc., paying them $9.1 million. The PCs have refused, however, to release already completed work on the project’s viability.

Once again, Ontarians had to find out about these concerns through the media, or the Official Opposition. Ford continues to let Metrolinx keep secrets from the public with zero accountability, whether it’s the Eglinton-Crosstown LRT (that turned 15 years old this week without an opening date), or this ridiculous 401 tunnel idea. 

We need transparency around these taxpayer-funded projects, especially where safety is concerned.

$10-a-day childcare should be here already. It should be allowing parents to return to work without financial stress, while providing our little ones with high-quality care and education. Instead, parents and caregivers are paying more than double the promised fees while continuing to worry that even that subsidy could expire. 

This week, the Ford government finally came to the table to agree to a one-year extension that freezes fees at an average of $19/day.

Unfortunately, this extension doesn’t move Ontario any closer to real affordability or access. ECEs are still underpaid and overworked, and families still can’t find spaces. The government’s failure to invest in the workforce and create new spaces is putting the entire system at risk.

As a parent whose child was in daycare, I know that families are tired of delays and broken promises. Doug Ford needs to stop stalling and deliver the affordable, not-for-profit child care system families were promised.

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 

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.

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. 

I was so proud to speak at the Regent Park Neighbourhood Association’s Tenant Rights Event this past weekend. The Ford government is pushing through Bill 60, their horrifying bill that erodes tenant rights, speeds up evictions, and potentially privatizes basic human rights like access to drinking water. When we are facing threats like this bill,  local events like this become even more important, allowing community members to become more involved and connect one another with the resources and support needed to fight back. I hope there are many more events to come! 

The holiday cheer warmed me up last Saturday, when I joined the Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association for their Winter Open House! Together we decorated the Mitten Tree with mittens, hats, and scarves, which will be given to community members in need, including students at Church Street Public School.

L’Arche Toronto just opened a new apartment living space in Regent Park! I was lucky to visit them last Friday, connect with residents, and receive the beautiful card above. 

L’Arche Toronto provides living support programs, as well as arts and community inclusion initiatives to people with intellectual disabilities with care and dignity. THey have just launched their innovative Trying It on For Size Program, which will allow many more people to gain autonomy and build confidence to create their own independent path and place of belonging!

Ontario considering order that would kill hundreds of new rental homes

Ontario's goal of 1.5 million more homes in 10 years now a 'soft' target: finance minister

Ontario launching new home care program in effort to relieve hospital overcrowding 

Ministry orders school boards to launch new 'student and family support' offices

Over 260 Quebec doctors apply for Ontario licences in weeks following Bill 2

Ontario's goal of 1.5 million more homes in 10 years now a 'soft' target: finance minister

Toronto community, seniors housing workers vote to strike, citing understaffing, workplace violence

Join the Regent Park Safety Network Online Meeting! This is an opportunity to share any concerns you have regarding safety in the community with Toronto Police, the City of Toronto and TCHC.

Date: Monday, November 17

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: On Zoom

A financial Literacy training will be held in Regent Park to support youth in strengthening their money management skills and planning for the future. The session will share information to support smart financial decisions in everyday life.

Topics include:

• A deep dive into credit systems and strategies to build and maintain a strong credit profile
• The fundamentals of Investing, including different types of investment options and how to asses’ risk
• Practical steps for launching and managing small business

Event Details:

Date: November 20, 2025

Time: 5PM-7PM

Location: Regent Park Community Center, first floor

If you are interested in attending, please email: [email protected] or r[email protected]

The recruitment period for the Spring 2026 session of the Legislative Page Program is now open until November 15, 2025. 

Each year, high-achieving, community-oriented Grade 7 and 8 students from across Ontario are chosen to serve as Legislative Pages. This unique opportunity in Toronto allows selected students to become involved in Ontario’s parliamentary process, meet key figures, and make lifelong friendships with like-minded peers.

More information can be found here. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Page Program at [email protected] or by phone at (416) 325-7457.

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

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

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.

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! 

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.