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Dear Emma,

Yesterday, the Ontario Legislature rose for its summer break, which will last until October 20, over four months. This government has a shameful pattern of rushing the passing of all of their bills on a compressed timeline and then taking long breaks to avoid scrutiny from the public. It is undemocratic and shameful.

On Wednesday, the government rammed through Bill 5, passing it despite Indigenous rights holders and their allies packing the chamber, raising their voices, calling for the government to scrap the bill. All week, Indigenous communities rallied outside of Queen’s Park, many of them having travelled eight hours or more to be there. They were there sharing their opposition to the bill, drumming so loudly that we could hear them in the chamber. It was powerful, but it did not move the Ford government, who passed Bill 5 despite massive opposition and concerns about the bill’s harmful impact to Indigenous sovereignty, the environment, labour laws and override of municipal and provincial laws at the discretion of this government. 

Right after Bill 5 passed, I recorded a video explaining what was going on, which you can watch and share here.

This government should never have passed Bill 5. Instead, they should have listened to Indigenous people who are asking for real consultation and a true partnership when legislation concerns their treaty territories. None of that happened, and Bill 5 became law when it received Royal Assent yesterday. 

But this is not the end. Indigenous leaders have told me that Bill 5's passing just means that their fight changes shape, and it will move from the lawn of Queen’s Park to other parts of their land. The Idle No More movement of 2012 is just one example of how they will shut things down and make their voices heard when all other means have failed. The ONDP will stand with them to resist Ford’s undemocratic seizure of power every step of the way. 

First Nations chiefs and the Ontario NDP are now calling for the government to rescind Bill 5 and for the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, Greg Rickford, to resign after his blatant failure to honour First Nations rights in the lead-up to Bill 5. He has disgraced the ministry and set back Indigenous relations in Ontario for years to come.

This week, we celebrated the start of the Pride season, which is always full of joy, tempered by reflection on the attacks that our Queer and Trans siblings are experiencing globally. 

I attended the progress Pride flag raisings at City Hall and Queen’s Park and spoke in the Legislature about the importance of Pride Month. Making this statement in the Legislative Chamber each year is a highlight for me, as I get to bring Queer and Trans joy, as well as our struggles directly to the government. This year has brought many struggles, with attacks on Trans people and inclusion coming thick and fast. Pride Toronto has lost many core corporate sponsors who are bending to Trump’s anti-DEI ideology like cowards, Alberta is pushing a disgusting anti-Trans agenda, and American lawmakers are currently considering over 900 anti-Trans bills across their country. This Pride season, we must unite in deep solidarity, caring for each other and standing up for our collective human rights. I know I can count on all of you. 

You can watch my full speech here:

I will be participating in all of the Toronto Pride marches with the Ontario NDP and would love for you to march with me! You can sign up to march in the Trans March, Dyke March, and Pride Parade with the Ontario NDP here. 

The Ontario NDP is also tabling at the Pride community fair all weekend long. Join us by signing up to volunteer here! 

Finally, Eid Mubarak to the Muslim community and all who are celebrating Eid Al-Adha today. May this blessed time bring you and your family peace, good health, and happiness. 

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Government Refuses to Declare IPV an Epidemic
• Justice for Soli (Stop Criminalizing Mental Health Act)
• Declare September Ethiopian Heritage Month
• Homes Ontario: The ONDP’s Plan to Get Building
• Ford’s Plan to Take Over Our School Boards
• Protect Ontario Consumers - Stop the Illegal Sale of Palestinian Land
• Tragic Death from Measles in Ontario
• This Week's Meetings
• This Week’s Headlines
• Local Community Events

Yesterday, on the last day before the Legislature rose for the summer break, I moved a Unanimous Consent motion that would have declared intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic in Ontario. Passing this motion would have declared IPV an epidemic without further delay or debate. You may remember that I have moved this motion three times in the past year, but the government said no each time. Yesterday was no different. Global News has the story here. 

The Ford government’s defeat of this motion is a failure to recognize the urgency of the epidemic, which disproportionately affects Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people who face multiple, compounding barriers when seeking help.

This government has heard loud and clear from survivors and their families, law enforcement and 100 municipalities that they must immediately declare intimate partner violence an epidemic. This latest refusal again ignores those calls and puts survivors at risk. The house has risen for the summer, and the Ford government has chosen to deny survivors the immediate resources they need to escape or recover from violence.

The government did, however, move to revive the Standing Committee on Justice Policy’s Study on Intimate Partner Violence, a study they killed when they called an early election in January of this year. 

When the Ford government created this study, they promised that it would be resourced to travel to Northern, Indigenous, and rural communities, to hear directly from Indigenous women about the disproportionate violence that they experience. But last year, they broke that promise. Funding was never delivered, and consultations instead occurred online over video calls.

The Ford government knows that Northern and Indigenous communities struggle to access high-speed internet. Yet, they did nothing to ensure that survivors had a secure, private place to share their stories. Because of these callous choices, so many survivors' stories went unheard.

Yesterday afternoon, I re-tabled the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act, and I will be meeting with organizations over the summer to discuss next steps and strategies. 

On Wednesday, I reintroduced a bill that I worked on with the family of Soleiman (Soli) Faqiri, a man who was killed while in custody at an Ontario jail during an acute mental health crisis. He was a beloved brother, son and community member. He also had schizoaffective disorder.

Mr. Faqiri needed care, care that his family and other guards advocated strongly for, but that he never received. His family tried to visit him four times over the eleven days that he was incarcerated before his death. They knew that he was scared and needed support. But they were forbidden from seeing him. 

A coroner's inquest into Mr. Faqiri’s death ruled that it was a homicide. It also yielded 57 recommendations for systemic change directed at the Provincial government. The first recommendation was that the government, within 60 days, “develop and issue a public position statement within 60 days of the verdict, recognizing that correctional facilities are not an appropriate environment for persons in custody experiencing significant mental health issues.”

It has now been more than 18 months, and the Ford Conservatives have said nothing. The Premier owes Maryam Faqiri and her family an apology for the killing of their beloved son and relative while in government custody.

I will continue to fight for the justice that Soleiman Faqiri and his family deserve. A person experiencing a mental health crisis needs access to health care, not incarceration.

I was thrilled to join my good friend and ONDP Deputy Leader, MPP Doly Begum, in introducing a bill to mark September as Ethiopian Heritage Month in Ontario. You can watch our press conferences and hear from Ethiopian community leaders here. 

The Ethiopian community has contributed so much to Ontario and Toronto. I want to thank them for their contributions to the many organizations based in Toronto Centre, such as the African Centre for Refugees, Wanasah, Regent Park Mothers of Peace, and so many others, which would not be as vibrant and effective without the leadership and hard work of Ethiopian Canadians. 

Declaring September as Ethiopian Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate Ethiopian customs, traditions, and proud history, showcase their heritage to fellow Ontarians, and preserve it for future generations.

September holds special meaning for Ethiopian Canadians, featuring important celebrations such as Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year), Irreechaa (Thanksgiving), and Maskel (Finding of the True Cross). The Bill seeks to formally recognize these traditions and promote greater awareness and appreciation across Ontario.

The Ontario NDP has introduced a motion calling on the Ontario government to establish Homes Ontario, a new dedicated public agency with a mandate to tariff-proof Ontario’s housing market and deliver homes that are publicly built, permanently affordable homes, and made in Ontario.

Housing is essential infrastructure. Ontario cannot grow, thrive, or compete if people can’t afford to live here. Homes Ontario is about getting the government back in the business of building housing—at scale, for the public good, and for the long haul.

The motion urges the government to give Homes Ontario the tools it needs to:

• Finance and deliver hundreds of thousands of permanently affordable homes
• Leverage public land to fast-track development and ensure it serves the public interest
• Partner with non-profit, co-op, and supportive housing providers
• Create good union jobs and strengthen Ontario’s skilled trades and building capacity

I am proud to support this motion. It is critical that Ontario reinvests in building supportive, co-op, rent-geared-to-income, and affordable homes to combat the housing crisis and lift up our communities. 

Late last week, Education Minister Paul Calandra tabled a shocking new education bill, Bill 33. 

The bill gives the Minister unfettered power to take over school boards, silence trustees, and ignore students and parents. It establishes that school boards must follow the Minister’s every whim or risk having the ministry take over management of the board. 

The bill doesn’t once mention fixing our crumbling schools, putting more caring adults in classrooms, or making sure our kids have what they need to succeed. Instead, this government is focused on locking parents out, silencing them from speaking up about their kids’ education.

This bill does nothing to improve learning conditions, reduce class sizes, or support kids with special needs. It does nothing to fill the $6.35 billion funding gap created by this government. As a public school parent myself, I am proud to stand with the Ontario NDP in supporting students, families, and educators in fighting this legislation and protecting the integrity of our public education system from political control.

Did you know that illegally occupied Palestinian land is regularly sold at closed-door real estate events in Ontario? These events have no transparency, scant records, and hide information about the sellers and land title. Selling this land is illegal under international law. These sales violate the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Rome Statute. They also undermine work to establish a just and secure peace with freedom for all. If Ontario land were sold under the same conditions, it would be title fraud. Ford government knows this is happening and is doing nothing. This must end. I was proud to share this petition in the Legislature and await the Minister's response

Relatedly, I want to highlight the work of the Madleen Flotilla. This flotilla is a peaceful attempt to break the Israeli government’s genocidal siege of Gaza. It aims to peacefully facilitate the flow of essential supplies into the Gaza Strip and draw international attention to Israel’s total blockage of food, water, and medicine from entering the Gaza Strip. You can learn more about their effort here. 

Measles is a serious viral infection that can cause lasting harm and cost lives. We received sad news yesterday when Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer made public that a baby has died following a measles infection. The Chief Medical Officer shared that "the child contracted the virus before birth from the mother, who had not been immunized against measles, mumps and rubella. Measles was a significant contributing factor in the premature death of this child, but the child also had other serious medical complications unrelated to the virus."

My heart goes out to the grieving family. No family should face what they are going through. 

Ontario has over 2000 measles cases — more than the entire United States. We need to increase vaccine uptake to keep everyone safe. Many young people missed required vaccine appointments during COVID-19 remote learning. If a young person in your life still needs their MMR shot, they have two options. First, they can get this shot at a family doctor's office. Second, if they don't have a family doctor — they can use Toronto Public Health's booking system here.

I have also launched a petition about this, so you can take action. Sign if you agree that we need more funding to increase vaccine uptake and fix loopholes in our system. 

• Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada
• Consortium of Restorative Justice Advocates
• Centre for Independent Living Toronto

Ford government is still underfunding education despite budget increase, school boards say

Ontario hospital files $100-million lawsuit claiming shoddy construction, like uneven floors, putting patient safety at risk

Parts of GTA under special air quality statement Friday amid wildfire smoke

Four of Doug Ford’s HART Hubs are open in Toronto. What are they?

Full closure of King-Church intersection beginning a month ahead of schedule on June 2

‘Our festival will go on,’ says executive director, as Google, Home Depot drop Pride Toronto sponsorship

City staff recommend allowing sixplexes across all Toronto neighbourhoods

Toronto’s new Indigenous Health Centre hailed as ‘a place of healing, hope and reconciliation’

Opposition parties slam Ford government for legislature’s long summer break

Doug Ford pushes through rapid development law despite objections of First Nations

TRANScendTO: Registration is Open!

In partnership with LGBT Youthline and the Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance, the City of Toronto is hosting a one-day gathering and service provider fair for Two-Spirit, Trans and non-binary (2STNB) youth. Admission is free and food is provided.

 This transformative day of learning, community-building, and celebration for trans and gender-diverse youth will include:

• Workshops and peer-led spaces
• A service provider fair
• A Kiki Ball to close out the day

 Date: Friday, June 6

 Time: 12 to 8:30 PM

 Location: TMU Student Centre, 55 Gould St

 Registration and more information

The City is updating its 2016 Long-term Waste Management Strategy to guide waste reduction, reuse, and diversion over the next 30-50 years, with an implementation plan for 2026–2036.

The process is currently in Phase 2, evaluating options based on public feedback, best practices, and City staff input.

This includes exploring residual waste disposal options like energy-from-waste (incineration) and understanding related environmental, economic, and social values.

Phase 3 will develop a ten-year implementation plan, culminating in a final strategy presented to City Council and the public.

Get involved:

• Take the online survey by June 29
• Join the public event on June 10, 6–8 p.m. at City Hall (100 Queen St. W), live streamed
• Learn more and participate at toronto.ca/wastestrategy.

The St James Town Service Providers Network is looking for community input in planning the 2025 SJT Festival, taking place in August.

This is an opportunity to share your voice and leadership in this amazing yearly celebration! 

Sign up for a festival planning subcommittee that meets your interests, where you can share your skills or learn new ones! To join a SJT Festival Planning Subcommittee, fill out this online form, and you will receive an email with next steps. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact the SJT Festival Planning Team, [email protected].

Sign up here. 

Call for Local Talent: Cabbagetown Roaming Performers Program Returns

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

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

Who They’re Looking For:

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

Program Details:

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

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

Apply now: Application for Roaming Performers — Cabbagetown BIA

Fred Victor’s Employment and Training Services is launching THRIVE! A low-barrier, drop-in employment support program specifically for trans and non-binary people.

 When & Where:

• Fridays, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Fred Victor ETS Office
• 145 Front St. E., Lower Level Unit #2

What’s Offered:

• Resume & cover letter support
• Skills-building workshops
• Referrals to employment specialists & job retention workers
• Computer + internet access
• Quiet space to work on employment goals

Contact the Fred Victor team here: [email protected]

Date: Saturday, June 14 (Rain dates: June 15 and June 21)
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Location: The Big Park, 600 Dundas St. East

Hosted by: Toronto Community Housing, Daniels, Tridel, and local partners

Enjoy a fun day celebrating community safety and togetherness, featuring:

• A free halal BBQ
• A local bazaar
• Live music

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025

Time: 11 AM - 2 PM

Location: 51 Parliament Street

Join 51 Division for a family-friendly event including: 

• Police Exhibits
• TPS vintage cars
• Station tours
• Entertainment
• Food, refreshments and more!

Contact [email protected] with questions.

Date: Sunday, June 15, 2025
Time: 3 PM
Start Location: Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street

Cost: $8/person

Participants will hear stories of Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ community — from the activism sparked by the Bathhouse Raids and the AIDS crisis to the spaces of belonging found at City Park Apartments, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, and St. Charles Tavern. The tour also explores ongoing efforts to strengthen the Church-Wellesley Village.

Click here to register and learn more.

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

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

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

Learn more at Get moving in support of seniors!

Market Street Pride promises a day of music, delicious food, engaging workshops, and live demonstrations. Local queer vendors will be featured, along with a carabiner decorating session with Beyond the Bow.

Performances will light up the Great Lakes Brewery Stage, including a show by the iconic Tynomi Banks. Freedom School Toronto and the Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance will offer youth workshops and demos.

Date: June 22, 2025

Time: 10 AM - 5 PM
Location: St. Lawrence Market

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

🌿 Legacy Labyrinth Designation Ceremony

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

🍽 Legacy Project Workshop – Lunch & Learn

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

Date: June 26 and July 03

Time: 6 PM – 8 PM

Location: 180 Sackville Street (main floor meeting room)

 *Attend at least 2 sessions to qualify for raffle draw.

 **Free child minding, call for more info.

Click here to register

Find Your Voice Through Empowerment Of Storytelling Workshop uses the art of storytelling as a therapeutic approach to mental health, it will allow community members to discover their lifepath, or something that brings confidence, and to be able to link it to their identity. For more info on the details of each session, please find the syllabus here. 

 The Find Your Voice workshop will consist of 2 sessions (2hrs per session). The workshop will be facilitated by Sarah Abusarar (RSW, ExAT). Sarah is a professional Storyteller, registered social worker, and expressive arts therapist with a focus in the areas of survivors of violence and gender based violence at home.

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

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

• Careers
• Education
• Settlement

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

Highlights include:

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

Admission is free and open to all.

Dear Emma,

On Wednesday night, I was at the Legislature until 12:30 AM fighting the government’s unconstitutional Bill 5. This Bill attacks Indigenous sovereignty, environmental regulations, workers' rights, municipal bylaws and more in favour of reckless development. My Ontario NDP colleagues and I used every committee tool in the book to delay Ford’s attempt to rush through this legislation, and our filibustering was successful! 

By forcing debate to continue late into the night, we ensured that committee hearing for Bill 5 would continue on Monday, giving advocates and journalists critical time to spread the word and build resistance around this horrible legislation. Yesterday afternoon, the Ford government changed the rules to prohibit the Opposition from any further filibustering of Bill 5. Now we must move on to new tools. Sign the petition to stop bill 5 here and click below to email Doug Ford and your MPP about Bill 5. Please share these links with your friends! Ford’s team has caved before under public backlash — we need to stop him again!

We know that Bill 5 isn’t about our economy. It isn’t about the North. It isn’t about anything other than an unchecked, unfettered power grab by Ford. Local democracy is just collateral damage. 

I spoke in the Legislature about the dire consequences of Bill 5 and the government’s undemocratic action. You can watch it here. 

It is shameful and wrong that Ford tried to jam Bill 5 through without proper consultation with First Nations. Indigenous leaders have told this government loud and clear that they need to scrap Bill 5, go back to the drawing board, and write a new bill that deeply honours Indigenous peoples. Delaying this bill has bought us time to get organized and overwhelm this government with opposition, just like we did with the Greenbelt. 

Yesterday, I was absolutely thrilled to host the Toronto Centre Leadership Awards, honouring seven exceptional individuals and organizations who work to make our communities better every day. They work together to improve the environment, report community news, ensure faith communities have gathering spaces, encourage thoughtful development in culturally significant neighbourhoods, fight for affordable childcare, do outstanding advocacy for the Queer and Trans community, and start social enterprises to empower newcomer women. Pretty impressive, right?

Our three recipients of the King Charles Coronation Medal are: 

• Connie Langile, President of the Church-Wellesley Neighbourhood Association.Connie brings the Village together by championing community safety, heritage preservation, and social connection. 
• Sureya Ibrahim, founder of Regent Park Mothers of Peace and affectionately known as the “Mayor of Regent Park.” Surreya harnesses the power of social enterprises and community organizing to lift up women and children in more ways than I have space to name here. 
• Erin Filby, Early Childhood Educator and community organizer with the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario (AECEO). Erin works every day in service of more accessible, affordable, and high-quality childcare for everyone. 

Our four recipients of the inaugural Toronto Centre Leadership Awards are: 

• Curran Stikuts, Director of Advocacy & Strategic Communications at The 519. Curran’s skill in hearing the smallest voices helps him to heal community wounds, support 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, and advocate for affordable and accessible housing.
• Emad Hussein, founding member of the Regent Park Islamic Resource Centre. Emad is a pillar of strength and leadership within the Muslim community in Regent Park. He is always working to unite the community and welcomes everyone to his table. 
• The Bridge Community News, an independent local newspaper covering the Downtown East. When local papers were disappearing and we were losing neighbourhood-level news, the Bridge appeared, offering hyper-local coverage and critical perspectives.
• St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association’s Waste Reduction Group, which works to divert waste from landfill and build community through their regular RE:market events. RE:market offers recycling of typically non-recyclable items, repair cafes, a free store, and chances for neighbours to meet each other. 

We had a wonderful celebration, gathering with the recipient's friends and families to toast their accomplishments. It was also a great opportunity to make connections – some recipients had ot met each other.  I can only imagine what great local work could come from their shared talents! 

I am so proud of these local leaders and can’t wait to support them as they continue their community work!

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Bombshell Report on Maplehurst Correctional Complex
• Free Ice Cream - Eid ul-Adha Celebration
• Changes to Ontario Civil Court Rules
• Rally for Public Education
• Asian Heritage Month Celebration
• YWCA Women of Distinction Awards
• Ontario NDP Plan to Support Caregivers
• You're Invited: Rosemary Brown Awards 
• This Week's Meetings
• This Week’s Headlines
• Local Community Events

The Solicitor General, Michael Kerzner, knows just how bad the conditions inside Maplehurst Correctional Complex are, but he refuses to act. 

Just yesterday, the Toronto Star published a damning investigation, sharing details from two internal investigations by the Ministry of the Solicitor General into the horrific two-day collective punishment carried out at Maplehurst Correctional Complex in 2023. We all recall the chilling video of this violent incident; two hundred inmates were stripped, handcuffed, and made to crouch in hallways in their underwear. In this report, staff across the organization, including and especially former superintendent Winston Wong, were implicated in the violence prisoners experienced. 

One report describes an “absence of competent managerial oversight from the beginning to the end of this incident.” These reports are full of horrific details, including an incident where an inmate says he was tied up like a Christmas turkey by correctional officers while his cellmates were forced to sing carols. I cannot even imagine how degrading that would have been. 

Yesterday, during Question Period, I asked the Solicitor General when he would break his silence, end the cover-up, and act on the reports written by his own ministry, which indicate structural changes are needed at Maplehurst. He dodged the question as usual - you can watch our exchange here. I will continue to shine light on this abuse of power and hold the government accountable for addressing the systemic problems in our provincial prisons.

Join me on June 6 from 3 PM to 6 PM for free ice cream as we celebrate Eid ul-Adha in Regent Park! I am excited to join in on the Regent Park Cultural Bazaar and would love to see you as part of our Eid celebration. All are welcome!

Date: Friday, June 6, 2025

Time: 3 PM - 6 PM

Location: Regent Park Boulevard

This week, I sent a letter to the Attorney General, echoing calls from the legal community across Ontario for the government to reconsider proposed changes to civil courts. The modernization of Ontario’s civil rules is welcome, but the timelines are rushed, given how significant the changes are. Legal experts are asking for a little more time to consider the legal implications of these changes and share their considered feedback. The Middlesex Lawyers’ Association has an excellent summary of widely shared concerns that you can read here.

In my letter, I requested that the Attorney General heed these calls and alter the finalization timelines to be more realistic, allowing more time for meaningful collaboration with the very stakeholders who are expected to operationalize them.

Rushing this consultation process could limit access to justice and prevent parties from reaching fair settlements sooner. This could result in more costly avoidable trials, making court backlogs worse. This is something that the Ontario courts simply cannot afford or support. As Shadow Attorney General, I intend to continue to advocate for thoughtful changes to Ontario’s justice system that will benefit Ontarians.

Last Saturday was a blast! I was joined by hundreds of students, parents, caregivers, education workers, and labour allies in front of Queen’s Park to raise our voice for public education. We called on the government to properly fund our public schools so that we can save our pools, support music and outdoor education, and ensure special education supports. This is not fluff! These are essential parts of learning that our government should adequately fund. 

Thank you to everyone who came out, chanted with us, enjoyed ice cream, got their face painted, and sent a message to this government - education is not for sale!

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Ontario NDP’s Asian Heritage Month Reception at Queen’s Park on Wednesday evening. I was very proud to co-host this event and connect with so many Asian-Canadian leaders! 

Every May, we celebrate the contributions, diversity, and cultural brilliance of Asian communities across Ontario. This month is a time to celebrate culture, yes, but also to recommit to the ongoing fight against anti-Asian racism and to reflect on the historic oppression of our communities. There is so much work to be done, but with the enthusiasm everyone brought to the room on Wednesday, I know we can get it done!

On Tuesday, I left the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards feeling hopeful. It’s so important to celebrate and shine a spotlight on the brilliant women driving real, lasting change across Toronto. Congratulations to all of the award winners! 

I want to give a special shout-out to my unstoppable wife, Farrah Khan, who was honoured with an award for her work in advancing gender equity and justice across Canada. I am so proud of her!

This week, I supported my colleague MPP Wayne Gates as he reintroduced his motion to establish the Ontario Caregiver Support Benefit. So many of us are or will be caregivers in our lives, just as many of us have or will require care. It is a role I know well. 

MPP Gates’ bill would establish a direct monthly support payment for unpaid caregivers across Ontario. At his press conference, MPP Gates stated, “This isn’t just compassionate policy—it’s smart economics,” and I agree! This bill has the potential to reduce the need for nearly 8% of all long-term care beds, saving up to $300 million annually. The NDP is proud to bring this proposal forward, and I am proud to support it!

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

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

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

Event Details:

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

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

1199 Kennedy Road, Scarborough

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

• Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA)
• Beef Farmers of Ontario
• Tarion Home Warranty
• Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness
• Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council

‘True North Strong & Queer’: Artist recreates banner from Canada’s first gay march

Ontario to give education minister power to more easily take over school boards

Doug Ford's controversial Bill 5: Here's what you need to know

Ontario NDP, Liberals successfully stall Bill 5 after filibustering until midnight Thursday

First Nations chief warns of ‘fierce resistance’ to mining bill

Sir John A. Macdonald statue at Queen's Park to be uncovered after 5 years

Ontario jail guards broke rules, misled investigators

Doug Ford lifts 16-year pay freeze for MPPs

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

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

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

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

Deadline to Register: May 30th, 2025.

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

Call for Local Talent: Cabbagetown Roaming Performers Program Returns

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

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

Who They’re Looking For:

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

Program Details:

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

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

Apply now: Application for Roaming Performers — Cabbagetown BIA

Date: Saturday, June 14 (Rain dates: June 15 and June 21)
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Location: The Big Park, 600 Dundas St. East

Hosted by: Toronto Community Housing, Daniels, Tridel, and local partners

Enjoy a fun day celebrating community safety and togetherness, featuring:

• A free halal BBQ
• A local bazaar
• Live music

Date: Sunday, June 15, 2025
Time: 3 PM
Start Location: Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street

Cost: $8/person

Participants will hear stories of Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ community — from the activism sparked by the Bathhouse Raids and the AIDS crisis to the spaces of belonging found at City Park Apartments, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, and St. Charles Tavern. The tour also explores ongoing efforts to strengthen the Church-Wellesley Village.

Click here to register and learn more.

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

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

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

Learn more at Get moving in support of seniors!

Market Street Pride promises a day of music, delicious food, engaging workshops, and live demonstrations. Local queer vendors will be featured, along with a carabiner decorating session with Beyond the Bow.

Performances will light up the Great Lakes Brewery Stage, including a show by the iconic Tynomi Banks. Freedom School Toronto and the Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance will offer youth workshops and demos.

Date: June 22, 2025

Time: 10 AM - 5 PM
Location: St. Lawrence Market

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

🌿 Legacy Labyrinth Designation Ceremony

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

🍽 Legacy Project Workshop – Lunch & Learn

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

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

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

• Careers
• Education
• Settlement

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

Highlights include:

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

Admission is free and open to all.

Dear Emma,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speakers will highlight issues like:

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

Bring your family, friends, neighbours and noise makers!

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

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

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

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

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

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Event Details:

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

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

1199 Kennedy Road, Scarborough

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

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

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

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

Why is it cold in Toronto this week?

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

Toronto police 911 upgrade expected to improve response times

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

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

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

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

Event Details:

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

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

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

Contact:

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

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

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

• Cake
• Games
• Music
• Fun activities

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

New Beginnings Support Program Hosts Final Overstock Inventory Sale

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

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

Items for sale include:

• Clothes
• Wedding dresses
• Dove and Silk’n products
• Toys

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

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

🎭 Long Live the Rainbow

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

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

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

Event Details:

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

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

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

Toronto Newcomer Day 2025 Celebrates Diversity and Community Connection

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

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

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

Special Feature:

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

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

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

📍 Event Details

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

🗓 Wednesday, May 28, 2025

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

🗓 Thursday, May 29, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

Deadline to Register: May 30th, 2025.

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

Call for Local Talent: Cabbagetown Roaming Performers Program Returns

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

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

Who They’re Looking For:

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

Program Details:

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

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

Apply now: Application for Roaming Performers — Cabbagetown BIA

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

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

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

Learn more at Get moving in support of seniors!

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

🌿 Legacy Labyrinth Designation Ceremony

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

🍽 Legacy Project Workshop – Lunch & Learn

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

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

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

• Careers
• Education
• Settlement

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

Highlights include:

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

Admission is free and open to all.

Dear Emma,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We look forward to seeing you there!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎭 Long Live the Rainbow

📅 May 16 – May 25, 2025
📍 Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley Street, Toronto
🎟 Tickets: Click here
💖 $5 from each ticket supports Rainbow Railroad, helping LGBTQ+ people find safety from persecution.

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

📍 Event Details

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

🗓 Wednesday, May 28, 2025

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

🗓 Thursday, May 29, 2025

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

The 519’s Health Justice Program invites community members to an important discussion on Community Violence and Healing, part of the Talking Justice series.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
• Time: 6 – 8 PM
• Location: In person at The 519 (519 Church Street) or virtually
• Tickets: Free (Presto tickets and snacks provided)
  

Bianca Braganza, MSc, JD/BCL, Pro Bono Lawyer with The 519’s Combatting 2SLGBTQ+ BIPOC Hate and Racism Program, will lead a conversation exploring:

• Community and structural violence
• Social determinants of health in relation to crime and justice
• Alternative approaches to safety and justice
  

The 519 is a fully accessible space with all-gender washrooms. Additional accessibility supports are available upon request during registration.

The Winchester Park Residents Association is hosting its Annual General Meeting! 

Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Hugh Garner Co-op (550 Ontario Street, 8th Floor Meeting Room).

This annual gathering brings neighbours together to reflect on local developments and shape the future of the community. The evening will include:

• Guest speakers
• Presentations from local representatives
• Board elections
• Updates on housing and development in the area
• A Q&A session for community members

Residents interested in serving on the board are encouraged to submit a nomination in advance. To apply, send your name, address, length of residency, and a brief note on your interest to [email protected]. Community members from all housing backgrounds— renters, owners, co-op members, or otherwise—are welcome to apply.

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

Event Details:

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

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

Register here: https://youthledroundtable-arah.eventbrite.ca/

Contact:

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

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

Event Details:

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

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

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

The Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA) is hiring for five new positions as part of their Empowering Tenants: Expanding Legal Knowledge and Justice for Housing Rights project.

Current opportunities are:

• Community Animators (4 positions)

Apply today & view all current openings: www.regentparkna.ca/jobs

The Regent Park Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 2025 festival!

Regent Park Film Festival (RPFF) is an award-winning, community-based, non-profit organization, and Toronto’s longest-running, FREE film festival.

RPFF’s mission is two-fold: to amplify and center marginalized communities and their stories, providing a platform for the work of emerging and established artists, while opening up access to the film and television industry; and to ensure art is free and accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status.
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2024
🎥 Open to: Canadian and international filmmakers
📍 Submissions accepted online

• Welcomes films from Black, Indigenous, and racialized creators, as well as those from marginalized communities
• All genres and formats considered, including features, shorts, documentaries, and animation
• Free to submit

The festival prioritizes stories that reflect social justice, community, and the realities of those living in underrepresented spaces.

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

🌿 Legacy Labyrinth Designation Ceremony

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

🍽 Legacy Project Workshop – Lunch & Learn

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

The Toronto District School Board invites families to explore the International Languages – Elementary & African Heritage Summer Program, designed to celebrate cultural heritage and support multilingual learning.

Program Dates:

  July 2 – July 25, 2025

  Location: Charles E. Webster School, 1900 Keele Street

International Languages Program

• Time: 9:00 – 11:30 AM, Monday to Friday
• Languages Offered: Amharic and Tigrinya
• Grades: Senior Kindergarten (as of Sept. 2025) to Grade 8 (TDSB and non-TDSB)
• Cost: $20 materials fee
• Note: More languages may be offered if 25+ students register per language.
• Break: Supervised break from 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM for students continuing into the PM program.

African Heritage Program

• Time: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, Monday to Friday
• Focus: Explores the legacies, cultures, and histories of African descent through inquiry and experiential learning
• Grades: Senior Kindergarten (as of Sept. 2025) to Grade 8 (TDSB and non-TDSB)
• Cost: $20 materials fee

Registration Details

• Deadline: June 22, 2025
• Register Online: ereg.tdsb.on.ca/public/ilelogin.aspx
• Requirements: Ontario Education Number (OEN) and OHIP card

Contact: Grace Ocloo at 416-788-2180 or [email protected]

Dear Emma,

The Ford government is up to their old tricks, rapidly tabling legislation at the start of a new term then refusing to give advance notice to their debate days, making it impossible for the public to keep up. They have tabled seven large bills during their first month back and will table two more next week. Some of these government bills are supportable, such as Bill 9, which would increase the accountability from municipal politicians. In contrast, others are actually dangerous, like Bill 5, which would rip up longstanding environmental protections and ignore Indigenous communities around the Ring of Fire. 

This week, as your Shadow Attorney General, I spoke to Government Bill 10, a multi-pronged justice bill. The most significant prong is Schedule 5, which would make it easier for the government to handpick their favoured judges and erode the independence of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee. This committee's independence was already in question because Doug Ford’s former deputy chief of staff, Matthew Bondy, is the appointed chair (while simultaneously being a full-time registered government lobbyist in Ontario). 

Bill 10 proposed other changes that sound productive, but under closer review it will not make a difference to clearing the court backlogs, funding legal aid or improving public safety in Ontario, including: 

• Making it easier for courts to collect surety money, colloquially known as “bail bonds,” when the terms of bail had been breached. 
  • This change is all for show. During the Standing Committee on Justice Policy’s study on bail, the head of the Ontario Provincial Police Association stated that he had “in 27 years…never seen a surety held accountable for whatever they’ve put up.”
  • Instead, the government could invest in underfunded yet proven to be effective programs including that of bail supervision and compliance.
• Allowing people other than guardians to apply for a restraining order on behalf of a child. 
  • This sounds good, but restraining orders in Ontario are routinely not enforced. 
  • Recently, a survivor was turned away by police multiple times when trying to report breaches. 
• Prohibiting the possession of electronic devices that may be used to steal cars.
  • This presents problems as these devices are legal, widely available, and may have legitimate uses. I am concerned about police profiling people in these cases.
  • The government is still refusing to take steps that might actually crack down on car thefts, such as creating a VIN verification system.

One of the most egregious parts of Bill 10 is the fact that the bill preamble, in which the author outlines the aims of the bill, mentions intimate partner violence, but the actual text of the bill – the part that is enacted into law – fails to use the phrase even once. That is so offensive to survivors and families. This government has had many opportunities to create legislation that truly honours survivors – most of the work has already been done for them! The Renfrew Inquest recommendations are full of actionable changes that this government could easily incorporate into legislation. They could also pass my IPV epidemic bill any time they like. But they refuse to do so. You can watch me speak about the lack of support for survivors in Bill 10 here.

This bill frustrates many legal experts because it does not include any support for community-based bail programs, like the ones run by the John Howard and Elizabeth Fry Societies. These programs consistently deliver results, supporting people to stick to their bail terms, keeping them out of jail and reducing crime in our communities. I will continue pushing for evidence-based legislation on this front.

Instead of properly investing in public education, the Ford government continued their attacks on the Toronto District School Board this week, insinuating that they are not putting all available funding into our classrooms.

In truth Ford has been defunding public education since 2018 to the point that actual per-student funding in Ontario is now the lowest in recent history. 

Unlike the Ford government, the TDSB by law must balance their budget. They are now facing a $58 million structural deficit and without any financial assistance, they will soon shut down music programs and close half of their swimming pools. We can not let this happen. 

Click here to sign my petition calling on Ford to stop the cuts and save our schools.

This week, I stood in the legislature, calling on the government to adequately fund our public education system and put our kids first. You can watch my full statement here.

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Bill 5: Ford Stripping Environmental, Indigenous Protections 
• Greenbelt Scandal: Ford Government Ordered to Release More Records
• Black People United for Change Petition
• Daily Bread Food Bank
• Nominations Open for the Toronto Centre Leadership Awards
• This Week's Meetings
• This Week’s Headlines
• Local Community Events

I have been hearing from many constituents each day raising concerns about the Government's Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act. Swiftly, upon its tabling, the Ontario NDP struck a Ring of Fire Taskforce and thoroughly reviewed this bill. The reviews are in, and they are not great.

Bill 5 is being advertised as a “One Project, One Process” approval model. Such a model would streamline mining project approvals into one process, with a dedicated team to help make things more efficient. 

If all this bill did was streamline these processes, I would happily support it. The Ontario NDP believes in the importance of responsible mining. Unfortunately, this 229-page bill goes much further, making changes that could cause a lot of harm to our province. 

The bill extensively amends the Endangered Species Act, putting our animals and environment at risk. It includes exemptions from public notice and consultations around Ontario Place. It also specifically exempts the Dresden landfill project from the Environmental Assessment Act. The Dresden landfill is a project headed by a company affiliated with prominent donors to Doug Ford and the PC Party. Sound familiar?

Bill 5 allows for the creation of Special Economic Zones within which the government can amend or ignore any and all local by-laws and provincial legislation, if doing so would enable large, profitable infrastructure projects to go ahead. This would allow the government and their preferred applicants to use “cheat codes” to do whatever they want, no matter the rules. The wording of the legislation is so vague that the types of laws that the government can ignore include labour, health and safety, and environmental laws. 

We know that Ontario's rich mineral deposits have the potential to fuel prosperity for decades to come, but we also know we can’t trust Doug Ford to open up mining in a way that is fair, safe, and respectful. This bill shows that he wants to allow his buddies to cheat and bypass their way to extracting wealth from the land. 

As we work to develop the Ring of Fire and unlock mining in Ontario, I strongly believe that we must work in partnership with First Nations. Mining and infrastructure projects must obtain free, prior, and informed consent of First Nations so that the benefits from mining and infrastructure projects flow to the people to whom the land belongs. Unrestrained development also risks destroying sacred and archaeologically significant sites of First Nations history. Development cannot be at the expense of the environment, culture, or people’s rights.

In the face of Trump’s tariffs, we must strengthen Ontario and grow our economy. But we have to do it right, with a path forward that works for workers, communities, First Nations, the environment, industry, and for the long haul. I am very concerned that Bill 5 is not the right path, and I will support my colleagues as they move amendments to improve the bill at committee.

This week, Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner confirmed what many had suspected: a staffer in Premier Doug Ford’s Office held at least one secret meeting with developers linked to the Greenbelt scandal — and tried to cover it up.

The IPC’s confirmation followed the incredible work of Ontario NDP research staff on this file, which revealed that one of the "off-the-books" meetings matched an email about Greenbelt land removals that was sent to a political staffer’s personal email account to bypass public record laws.

Now that they have uncovered this secret meeting, the IPC has ordered Ford’s government to contact a former Premier’s Office staffer and demand a sworn affidavit about 34 “private” meetings. I am anxiously awaiting this affidavit. We need to get to the bottom of this. I hope to have further updates soon. 

On Tuesday, I proudly presented a petition to the Legislature on behalf of Black People United for Change. The petition calls on the government to urgently table and pass a bill to combat anti-Black racism in Ontario and address the systemic injustices that they face. 

The Black community in Ontario experiences countless injustices every day due to a lack of accountability from this government. I am proud to raise my voice and call upon the Premier and this government to do everything within their purview and more to put an end to anti-Black racism. Ontario must invest in the Black community, end discrimination, and improve access to justice for all. 

Yesterday, I visited the Daily Bread Food Bank to discuss strategies for addressing poverty and food insecurity in Toronto. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of food banks has increased by 273%.  1 in 10 Torontonians currently use food banks just to get by. The data is deeply disheartening and points to a deep affordability crisis. 51% of new clients have someone in their household who is employed and 57% of those surveyed listed cost of living as the primary barrier to food security.

I had the opportunity to witness the incredible work of staff and volunteers as we toured the facility and learned of the various critical services that Daily Bread provides to Toronto residents. I want to thank Daily Bread for their important work and for sharing their recommendations for government action with me.  I am calling on the government to act now to address the food insecurity crisis that continues to grow in Toronto and across the province.

I am so excited to host my inaugural Toronto Centre Leadership Awards ceremony this spring! If you know a powerful leader in your community who you think deserves recognition, nominate them by emailing me at [email protected]. Please include the nominee's name, the neighbourhood they call home, a phone number or email address we can reach them at, and of course a description of why they are so wonderful and deserving of this award. I can't wait to see all of the names flowing into my inbox! 

• Friends of Ruby
• Black People United for Change
• TDSB Action Planning Meeting
• The Elevate Project
• Daily Bread Food Bank
• Ontario Student Voices

Doug Ford government appeals temporary bike lane injunction

Ford’s education minister says TDSB shouldn’t close pools

Ontario greenlights construction of Canada's first small modular reactor | CBC News

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

GTA student data obtained in a cyberattack was not destroyed

Mother's Day 2025: Flower markets, high tea, and other Toronto events

Emergency Preparedness Week is May 4 - 10, and The 519 is hosting some great initiatives to help our communities get ready for heat, smoke, and other emergencies. Come by to learn, connect, and pick up some helpful resources!

Sat, May 10 | 11:30 AM–1 PM

Staying Safe in Heat and Smoke Season – Info Session

Learn how to prepare for heat and smoke season and get your very own emergency kit. Spots are limited and going fast — kits are in high demand!

Register now (drop-in as space allows): Scan the QR on the flyer or visit Emergency Preparedness Week - Heat & Smoke Season Registration Form

The Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association invites the community to their 15th Annual General Meeting — an evening to connect, renew memberships, and celebrate local leadership.

🗓️ Thursday, May 15, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 The 519 Ballroom, 519 Church Street

Evening Schedule:

• 6:30 PM: Registration and Membership Renewal
  
  
• 7:00 PM: Business Meeting (Board of Directors elections; members in good standing are eligible to vote and run)
  
  
• 8:30 PM: 15th Anniversary Celebration and Cake Cutting

Questions? Contact [email protected].

The 519’s Health Justice Program invites community members to an important discussion on Community Violence and Healing, part of the Talking Justice series.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
• Time: 6 – 8 PM
• Location: In person at The 519 (519 Church Street) or virtually
• Tickets: Free (Presto tickets and snacks provided)
  

Bianca Braganza, MSc, JD/BCL, Pro Bono Lawyer with The 519’s Combatting 2SLGBTQ+ BIPOC Hate and Racism Program, will lead a conversation exploring:

• Community and structural violence
• Social determinants of health in relation to crime and justice
• Alternative approaches to safety and justice
  

The 519 is a fully accessible space with all-gender washrooms. Additional accessibility supports are available upon request during registration.

The Winchester Park Residents Association is hosting its Annual General Meeting! 

Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Hugh Garner Co-op (550 Ontario Street, 8th Floor Meeting Room).

This annual gathering brings neighbours together to reflect on local developments and shape the future of the community. The evening will include:

• Guest speakers
• Presentations from local representatives
• Board elections
• Updates on housing and development in the area
• A Q&A session for community members

Residents interested in serving on the board are encouraged to submit a nomination in advance. To apply, send your name, address, length of residency, and a brief note on your interest to [email protected]. Community members from all housing backgrounds— renters, owners, co-op members, or otherwise—are welcome to apply.

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

Event Details:

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

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

Register here: https://youthledroundtable-arah.eventbrite.ca/

Contact:

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

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

Event Details:

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

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

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

The Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA) is hiring for five new positions as part of their Empowering Tenants: Expanding Legal Knowledge and Justice for Housing Rights project.

Current opportunities include: 

• Project Coordinator (1 position)
• Community Animators (4 positions)

Apply today & view all current openings: www.regentparkna.ca/jobs

The Regent Park Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 2025 festival!

Regent Park Film Festival (RPFF) is an award-winning, community-based, non-profit organization, and Toronto’s longest-running, FREE film festival.

RPFF’s mission is two-fold: to amplify and center marginalized communities and their stories, providing a platform for the work of emerging and established artists, while opening up access to the film and television industry; and to ensure art is free and accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status.
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2024
🎥 Open to: Canadian and international filmmakers
📍 Submissions accepted online

• Welcomes films from Black, Indigenous, and racialized creators, as well as those from marginalized communities
• All genres and formats considered, including features, shorts, documentaries, and animation
• Free to submit

The festival prioritizes stories that reflect social justice, community, and the realities of those living in underrepresented spaces.

The Toronto District School Board invites families to explore the International Languages – Elementary & African Heritage Summer Program, designed to celebrate cultural heritage and support multilingual learning.

Program Dates:

  July 2 – July 25, 2025

  Location: Charles E. Webster School, 1900 Keele Street

International Languages Program

• Time: 9:00 – 11:30 AM, Monday to Friday
• Languages Offered: Amharic and Tigrinya
• Grades: Senior Kindergarten (as of Sept. 2025) to Grade 8 (TDSB and non-TDSB)
• Cost: $20 materials fee
• Note: More languages may be offered if 25+ students register per language.
• Break: Supervised break from 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM for students continuing into the PM program.

African Heritage Program

• Time: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, Monday to Friday
• Focus: Explores the legacies, cultures, and histories of African descent through inquiry and experiential learning
• Grades: Senior Kindergarten (as of Sept. 2025) to Grade 8 (TDSB and non-TDSB)
• Cost: $20 materials fee

Registration Details

• Deadline: June 22, 2025
• Register Online: ereg.tdsb.on.ca/public/ilelogin.aspx
• Requirements: Ontario Education Number (OEN) and OHIP card

Contact: Grace Ocloo at 416-788-2180 or [email protected]

Dear Emma,

What a week! On Monday (and into Tuesday due to some tight races), Canada elected a new government, and we in Toronto Centre elected a new MP. I want to congratulate Prime Minister Carney on his election. Canada needs strong leadership right now, and the work ahead will be difficult, but the NDP will be there to hold the balance of power, put forth solutions, and ensure the voices of the forgotten are heard. I also want to congratulate our new Member of Parliament, Evan Solomon. Representing the wonderful people of Toronto Centre is a great privilege and blessing. I look forward to collaborating with MP-Elect Solomon on the important work ahead.

I am very proud of the legacy of NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who led our federal party and forced the Trudeau government to create groundbreaking national programs such as dental care, pharmacare, $10-a-day childcare, and school nutrition for children. This represents the most significant expansion of Canada’s social safety net since the creation of Tommy Douglas’ medicare program (another NDP win). Jagmeet’s legacy is one of care and commitment to the people who need us the most, even at great personal cost. And I know that legacy will continue through the current federal NDP caucus and the incoming leader, whoever they may be. 

The small but mighty federal NDP caucus holds the balance of power, as they did before the election, and I am excited to see how they hold the Liberals to account and push for progressive action at every turn. 

I have saved the best for last: Dr. Samantha Green, our local NDP candidate. Samantha and her team ran a powerful campaign, speaking to over 14,000 community members and really understanding what the people of Toronto Centre need. The result was not what we had hoped, but I know Samantha will stand up for the people of Toronto Centre for years to come.

This week, Doug Ford blatantly and shamelessly attacked the independence of judges in Ontario, going on a Trump-style rant about how judges are “too ideological” and should not be able to challenge legislation passed by his government, even if it contravened legal precedent in Ontario. He went on to say that we should be more like the United States and elect our judges. These types of elections would challenge judicial independence, a foundational cornerstone of our democracy. The backlash from the legal community has been fierce as they call on Ford to stop undermining Ontario’s justice system.

You can watch the whole rant here. It is chilling.

Yesterday during Question Period, I asked the Premier why he would make these threats that undermine our judicial system instead of acting on the actual recommendations to fix the courts made by legal experts. The Attorney General, who answered on his behalf, dodged the question. When I followed up, asking if he could name even one legal organization in Canada that agrees with the Premier's politicization of judicial appointments, he was again unable to answer. The truth of the matter is that this government does not respect the rule of law. Their inability to follow basic rules and laws has landed them in an RCMP investigation over their Greenbelt scandal. 

That same afternoon, the government tabled a bill that would, if passed, radically alter and speed up the judicial appointments process, among myriad other changes to our justice system. I will conduct a full analysis of the bill in the coming days and will bring you more updates shortly. 

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Nominations Open for the Toronto Centre Leadership Awards!
• ONDP Plan to support Buy Ontario, Combat Grocery Store Price Gouging
• Save Our TDSB Pools from Ford’s Cuts!
• NIP Seniors' Birthday Celebration
• Khalsa Day Parade
• OPSEU Rally - Our Time is Now
• SLNA &RPNA Neighbourhood Cleanup
• This Week’s Headlines
• Local Community Events

I am so excited to host my inaugural Toronto Centre Leadership Awards ceremony this spring! If you know a powerful leader in your community who you think deserves recognition, nominate them by emailing me at [email protected]. Please include the nominee's name, the neighbourhood they call home, a phone number or email address we can reach them at, and of course a description of why they are so wonderful and deserving of this award. I can't wait to see all of the names flowing into my inbox! 

On Monday, I proudly stood in the legislature to share the Ontario NDP’s plan to empower Ontarians at the grocery store by labelling Ontario and Canadian products and implementing price transparency. 

The motion would require large grocery stores and other big-box retailers to label products made in Ontario and Canada, as well as those imported from the United States, so that consumers can make informed choices.

Donald Trump’s reckless and baseless tariffs have united Canadians like no other moment. We are all choosing to vote with our dollars and proudly buy Canadian and Ontario whenever possible. I see people in the grocery store aisles every week reading the small print on product labels for their place or country of origin — it's tedious and time consuming.

As Ontario MPPs, we have a wonderful opportunity to support this citizen-led movement by standardizing and simplifying labelling. This would make it clear and easy for everyone to support our local producers and avoid tariffed goods. 

The motion would also require big-box retailers to label products when their price increases by more than 2% over the course of one week, injecting transparency into the pricing process. Two percent may not sound like a lot, however, as these increases compound weekly, they add up quickly. These labels could also have a chilling effect on rising grocery prices, as corporations try to avoid posting them.

Unfortunately, the Ford government voted the motion down, but this doesn’t mean it is over. I am proud to be part of a caucus fighting to protect consumers shopping smartly, with their budget and our province in mind. 

This week, I have to share a sad update to last week’s news of the Toronto District School Board’s budget shortfall. The Ministry of Education is doubling down on its threat to take over management of the board if the TDSB are not able to meet its budget. Therefore, the TDSB is having to take a long, hard look at some of its expenses, including its pools. 

One of the proposals, which would save the board over $12M per year, is to close all TDSB-owned pools that the board does not lease out to other groups. This would be a huge blow, not only to students who would no longer have easy access to lifesaving swimming lessons, but also to community members who rely on public access to those pools for exercise, social connection, and safety training. 

Today, I sent an open letter to Education Minister Paul Calandra, sharing how important proper funding of public education is, and how critical these school pools are to our children’s health and well-being. You can read the letter here and sign my petition to save our pools here. If you want to get further involved in this campaign to save public education and our pools, reach out to your local school’s Parent Council! 

Save Our Pools! Sign the petition here: 

Neighbourhood Information Post does an incredible job of bringing Chinese seniors together to strengthen their community bonds. On Friday, I was overjoyed to be the special guest at their monthly meeting and to celebrate the birthdays of three of their members! 

If you are or know of seniors in Toronto Centre who need a little more community, connect with NIP here.

Sikhs from across Toronto and paraded through the streets last Sunday to mark Khalsa Day. Thank you to the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council (OSGC) for hosting! It was moving to see so many people in Nathan Philips Square to mark Khalsa Day and celebrate Sikh values like peace and community.

On Saturday, I was proud to stand in solidarity with Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO) members at their rally! Our public service workers are the backbone of Ontario—from healthcare to education to frontline support, they keep our province running. 

We must respect our workers, protect good public jobs from privatization, and grow solidarity. I am so proud of OPSEU for doing all that work and more!

Last Saturday, I was proud to work alongside Chris Glover, Ausma Malik, and many dedicated volunteers to give the St. Lawrence and Regent Park neighbourhoods a good spring cleaning! We picked up garbage, recyclables, cigarette butts, and more, all while meeting neighbours and strengthening community. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in a community cleanup in their local area last weekend. You helped keep our communities clean, vibrant, and connected!

• Canadian Parents for French (Ontario)
• Housing Roundtable with:
  • Home Opportunities
  • Discovery House
  • CMHA TVAMHS, Supportive Housing & Program development
  • Muskoka Community Land Trust
  • City of Toronto
  • BGI group
  • Constructors Guild
  • SkyRise Prefab
• Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA)

Ontario budget coming on May 15

Ford rants about 'bleeding-heart judges' who are 'overruling the government'

TDSB committee ponders big cuts to curtail $58M budget deficit

Ontario gets moving on Highway 401 tunnel feasibility study

Where to see Toronto’s cherry blossoms outside of High Park

Doug Ford’s attorney general says no to election of judges

Ford’s education minister demands changes from school boards

Ontario to crack down on councillors who harass staff

Ontario measles: 223 new infections

Exciting opportunities are being offered through the CRAFT Pre-Apprenticeship Program, a paid 16-week carpentry training initiative open exclusively to residents of Toronto Community Housing (TCH).

Virtual Information Session:

•   Date: May 6, 2025
•   Time: 12:00 PM
•   Location: Online (registration required)

This session will provide details about the paid training program, including eligibility requirements and application steps. Participants must be prepared to submit the following documents:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• SIN Card
• Canadian High School Diploma or Ontario Grade 10 Transcript

This program is a partnership between Daniels, the College of Carpenters and Allied Trades, Carpenters Local 27, Toronto Community Housing, and Building Up.

Register for the session here. 

 For questions, contact Fatima Saya at [email protected]

Trustee Deborah Williams invites community members to a thoughtful and informative panel discussion on the supports available for TDSB students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Event Details:

🗓️Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

📍Location: Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, 711 Bloor Street East, Toronto (near Castle Frank Station)

RSVP here!

This forum will explore how families can navigate supports such as the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) and Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Panelists will share insights on advocacy, school resources, and system navigation. Updates from the Trustee and Superintendents will also be shared.

Childminding and light refreshments will be available.

Accessibility supports, interpretation, and additional accommodations can be arranged upon request during registration.

The Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association invites the community to their 15th Annual General Meeting — an evening to connect, renew memberships, and celebrate local leadership.

🗓️ Thursday, May 15, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 The 519 Ballroom, 519 Church Street

Evening Schedule:

• 6:30 PM: Registration and Membership Renewal
  
  
• 7:00 PM: Business Meeting (Board of Directors elections; members in good standing are eligible to vote and run)
  
  
• 8:30 PM: 15th Anniversary Celebration and Cake Cutting

Questions? Contact [email protected].

The 519’s Health Justice Program invites community members to an important discussion on Community Violence and Healing, part of the Talking Justice series.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
• Time: 6 – 8 PM
• Location: In person at The 519 (519 Church Street) or virtually
• Tickets: Free (Presto tickets and snacks provided)
  

Bianca Braganza, MSc, JD/BCL, Pro Bono Lawyer with The 519’s Combatting 2SLGBTQ+ BIPOC Hate and Racism Program, will lead a conversation exploring:

• Community and structural violence
• Social determinants of health in relation to crime and justice
• Alternative approaches to safety and justice
  

The 519 is a fully accessible space with all-gender washrooms. Additional accessibility supports are available upon request during registration.

The Winchester Park Residents Association is hosting its Annual General Meeting! 

Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Hugh Garner Co-op (550 Ontario Street, 8th Floor Meeting Room).

This annual gathering brings neighbours together to reflect on local developments and shape the future of the community. The evening will include:

• Guest speakers
• Presentations from local representatives
• Board elections
• Updates on housing and development in the area
• A Q&A session for community members

Residents interested in serving on the board are encouraged to submit a nomination in advance. To apply, send your name, address, length of residency, and a brief note on your interest to [email protected]. Community members from all housing backgrounds— renters, owners, co-op members, or otherwise—are welcome to apply.

The Regent Park Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 2025 festival!

Regent Park Film Festival (RPFF) is an award-winning, community-based, non-profit organization, and Toronto’s longest-running, FREE film festival.

RPFF’s mission is two-fold: to amplify and center marginalized communities and their stories, providing a platform for the work of emerging and established artists, while opening up access to the film and television industry; and to ensure art is free and accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status.
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2024
🎥 Open to: Canadian and international filmmakers
📍 Submissions accepted online

• Welcomes films from Black, Indigenous, and racialized creators, as well as those from marginalized communities
• All genres and formats considered, including features, shorts, documentaries, and animation
• Free to submit

The festival prioritizes stories that reflect social justice, community, and the realities of those living in underrepresented spaces.

The Toronto District School Board invites families to explore the International Languages – Elementary & African Heritage Summer Program, designed to celebrate cultural heritage and support multilingual learning.

Program Dates:

  July 2 – July 25, 2025

  Location: Charles E. Webster School, 1900 Keele Street

International Languages Program

• Time: 9:00 – 11:30 AM, Monday to Friday
• Languages Offered: Amharic and Tigrinya
• Grades: Senior Kindergarten (as of Sept. 2025) to Grade 8 (TDSB and non-TDSB)
• Cost: $20 materials fee
• Note: More languages may be offered if 25+ students register per language.
• Break: Supervised break from 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM for students continuing into the PM program.

African Heritage Program

• Time: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, Monday to Friday
• Focus: Explores the legacies, cultures, and histories of African descent through inquiry and experiential learning
• Grades: Senior Kindergarten (as of Sept. 2025) to Grade 8 (TDSB and non-TDSB)
• Cost: $20 materials fee

Registration Details

• Deadline: June 22, 2025
• Register Online: ereg.tdsb.on.ca/public/ilelogin.aspx
• Requirements: Ontario Education Number (OEN) and OHIP card

Contact: Grace Ocloo at 416-788-2180 or [email protected]

Dear friend,

The Federal election is just three days away! I am proud of the campaign that Dr. Samantha Green and her team have run in Toronto Centre. Samantha has connected with many community members, spreading the NDP’s hopeful message of greater affordability, a stronger safety net and a more prosperous Canada.

Many political pundits have observed that Mark Carney as Prime Minister represents a significant policy shift to the right for the Liberals. A conservative friend of mine has even described him as “the Conservative leader I always dreamed of,” which is apt. 

The Liberals have given Toronto Centre voters a “disgraced” candidate in Evan Solomon, according to the news headlines. In 2015, Evan Solomon ”was fired by CBC News in the wake of alleged secret art deals.”

The Guardian, a British daily newspaper reported Solomon was “accused of taking in commissions of over $300,000 in art sales arranged through journalistic contacts.”

Two days ago, Allison Smith, Editor of TorontoToday and former publisher of Queen’s Park Today report, “Liberal candidate, Evan Solomon, says he's been “sleeping on a buddy’s couch’ while campaigning in Toronto Centre. The former broadcast journalist, who spent 15 years in Ottawa and NYC, sloughed off criticism from his NDP opponent about his ties to Toronto.”

Toronto Centre needs an MP with a strong moral compass. Someone with the courage to speak up in the face of injustice, here and abroad. Someone with a proven track record on climate action. Someone who has earned our trust and deeply loves our communities. The stakes are high and Toronto Centre can not be taken for granted. I can’t think of anyone more trustworthy than Dr. Green, who has been a beloved family doctor and neighbour in our community for years.

We need a strong NDP caucus in Ottawa to combat the Liberals' rightward shift. Only New Democrats have been successful in forcing the Liberals to invest in the programs that Canadians depend on, such as dental care, pharmacare, $10-a-day childcare, real affordable housing, and much more. The small but mighty NDP caucus was able to do it last time, and the same push is required now more than ever, as we face economic uncertainty.

I hope you vote for Dr. Samantha Green on Monday. Make your plan to vote at howyouvote.ca and pledge your support for Samantha here! 

If you want to get more involved, the campaign is looking for volunteers on Saturday and election day. Sign up here! Any amount of time you can give is so valuable! 

Yours in hope, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Ford Threatens Toronto School Boards
• Bike Lane Victory (For Now)
• Ford’s Greenbelt Lobbyist Banned
• OPSEU Convention
• This Week’s Headlines
• Local Community Events

This week, my concern about Paul Calandra becoming the Minister of Education was proven right. The Ministry of Education has taken control of one Ontario school board and is investigating three others, including the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), due to their “inability” to balance their budgets. What the government failed to share were the reasons for the budget shortfalls, specifically chronic underfunding from the Ford government.

Minister Calandra cited two egregious instances of board overspending as the reason for these takeovers, neither of which was expensed by the Toronto boards. While these two expenses were far from examples of prudent spending, they only totalled $230,000, which is far from the difference between these boards balancing their budgets or not. There are deeper, structural issues at play that the government refuses to acknowledge. 

The Ford government says again and again that education funding has never been higher, which is true. What they fail to mention is that the cost to deliver education is also at an all-time high and that school boards, especially those in larger urban areas, are struggling to keep up. 

Ford and Calandra also blame these unbalanced budgets on bloated administration budgets, even though all school boards have their administration costs capped at 2.5% of their funding, which is considered very lean by even conservative business standards. Meanwhile, almost every school board in Ontario spends more than the government funds them for on special education for students with disabilities and still fails to meet students’ needs. We need more special education funding now! 

Last week, I shared updates from the TDSB’s budget town hall, where they outlined their budget shortfalls and the fact that they would need to make significant cuts to balance their budget. 

Here are the main funding issues identified by TDSB: 

• Increases to employer-paid CPP and EI contributions
• Teacher and support staff salaries that are higher than the ministry standard to which they are funded
• Inability to close schools, no increased funding for half-full schools that cost the same to operate as a full school, minus teacher costs
• High inflation, in terms of both labour and supply costs
• Greater than average populations of students with special needs (they are only funded for the provincial average)
• Greater than average populations of students who are refugees, newcomers, and need ESL support (they are only funded for the provincial average)

TDSB staff have said that they may be forced to cut programs that community members rely on, including the program that supplies a Chromebook to every student in grade 5 and above, as well as the Learn4Life adult general interest programs. However, even if they cut both programs entirely, that would not result in a balanced budget. 

I look forward to returning to the legislature next week to hold the government accountable for its misleading rhetoric and scapegoating of school boards. Our kids deserve better!

Incredible news! This week, Cycle Toronto and two individual cyclists were granted an injunction that temporarily halts the removal of bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue. 

The battle is far from over, and the government can still appeal, but I am hopeful. In the final decision, the judge in this case referenced the lack of credible evidence that the bike lanes cause congestion, which is the government's main argument for their removal. 

I am so proud of these brave activists working so hard to ensure that Toronto continues to be a place where cyclists and other vulnerable road users are respected, protected, and safe. I hope to have more updates soon!

Last week, Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner issued a 2-year lobbying ban on John Mutton a.k.a. Mr. X, and named Matt Johnston, both prominent characters in Premier Ford’s Greenbelt carve-up.

It is horrifying that these rule-breakers are the kind of people that this government is in business with – a lobbyist who has broken the law not once, not twice, but repeatedly for almost a decade. This is ridiculous, and we know that we will only learn more when the RCMP investigation into the Greenbelt carve-up is made public. 

Next, the Integrity commissioner should reveal just which public officials were in positions of conflict of interest, receiving Toronto Raptors tickets and other bribes from Mr. X and his friends. 

People in Ontario are facing a lot of uncertainty right now. They are worried about their jobs, how they are going to afford groceries this month, and whether they will continue to have a stable place to live. In an environment like this, we all deserve a government that we can trust to put our best interests first. The Premier needs to clean up the culture of cash-for-access and preferential treatment that continues to plague his government so we can get to work strengthening Ontario. We can’t afford any more distractions. 

On Thursday, I was proud to attend the opening ceremony of the OPSEU/SEFPO Convention 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. I enjoyed the opportunity to show my support for the nearly 180,000 members of the Ontario Public Service that OPSEU/SEFPO represents. I was joined by my fellow caucus members, MPPs Chris Glover and Jamie West, and together we reflected alongside the Indigenous Elders leading the procession into the Convention and listened to the opening remarks. I thank OPSEU/SEFPO for the invitation to attend this year’s convention and for the ongoing solidarity between workers and the ONDP caucus.

Council approves new plan to ease Toronto congestion, create 'traffic czar'

Mistrial declared in sex assault case against 5 ex-world junior hockey players in London, Ont.

‘It felt like we were family’: Stories from the hallways of SickKids as Toronto hospital marks 150 years

How to see peak cherry blossom bloom in Toronto

Hudson’s Bay expected to begin liquidation at final six stores

Clean Toronto Together is happening this weekend! Tomorrow, community associations across Toronto Centre are coming together to clean up our local parks and green spaces! 

Here are just a few of the community cleanups happening tomorrow: 

St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Cleanup Day

📅  Saturday, April 26, 2025

⏰ 10 AM – 1 PM

📍 Southwest corner of The Esplanade and Frederick Street

🧤 Garbage bags and gloves will be provided

🗑️ Please bring your own plastic containers for cigarette butt collection

Friends of Berczy Park Cleanup Day

 📅 Saturday, April 26, 2025

 ⏰ 10 AM – 1 PM

📍 Berczy Park

Bay-Cloverhill Neighbourhood Cleanup Day

📅 Saturday, April 26, 2025

 ⏰ 10 AM 

 📍 1055 Bay Street

 🥪  Lunch afterwards at Firkin on Bloor

Corktown Community Cleanup at Sackville Playground

 📅 Saturday, April 26, 2025

 ⏰ 11 AM – 1 PM

  📍 Sackville Playground

🗓️ Friday, April 25th, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Panel Discussion: Financialization of Housing and Low-Income Communities

Featuring:

• John Clarke (230 Fightback)
  
  
• Walied Khogali Ali (Regent Park Residents Association)
  
  
• Chiara Padovani (York South Weston Tenant Union)
  
  
• Lorrain Lam (Shelter Housing Justice Network)
  

🗓️ Saturday, April 26th, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Full-Day Assembly

• 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM: Working Together
  Speakers from Climate Justice Toronto, Migrant Workers Alliance, No Demovictions, Toronto Underhoused and Homeless Union/Shelter Housing Justice Network, Friends of Chinatown, and Parkdale Housing Justice.
  
  
• 12:15 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch (provided onsite)
  
  
• 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Workshops on Organizing and Tactics
  
  
• 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Mobilizing Communities
  Panel speakers: Gaetan Heroux (230 Fightback) and Bruno Dobrusin (York South Weston Tenant Union)
  
  
• 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Final Comments and Closing Reflections

📍 Location: Toronto PWA Foundation, 4th Floor, 163 Queen St E, Toronto

🆓 This is a free event. Registration is optional and not required to attend.
🍽️ Lunch will be served on Saturday.

For more information, reach out to [email protected].

 A family friendly and entertaining outdoor event which will link defending our right to choose our own future – a future that eliminates carbon emissions - a better future that provides the necessities of life, (clean air, clean water, good health, affordable housing and a job that pays a living wage) and a future with justice for Indigenous People. Come on out and enjoy speakers, music, street theatre, and a kids table!

Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025

Time: 1 PM to 4 PM

Location: Allan Gardens – Jarvis at Carlton (North-West section) 160 Gerrard Street East, Toronto.

  Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025

  Time: 1 PM – 4 PM

  Location: Regent Park Greenhouse & Picnic Area (600 Dundas St. E.)

Hosted by Green Thumbs, this free, family-friendly event celebrates the arrival of spring and the kickoff of Green Thumbs’ 26th season.

Event highlights include:

• Live music by David Celia & Co, blending retro pop, folk, rock, and improv
• Face painting, children’s activities, and silent auction pickup
• Plant sale to support children’s gardening programs
• Tasty food and community connection

Double Take Thrift Store invites you to their pop-up market celebrating local talent, sustainable style, and conscious shopping.

Event Details:

• Saturday, April 26 & Sunday, April 27, 2025
• 11 AM – 5:30 PM
• Double Take Thrift Store
• 310 Gerrard Street East, Toronto
• Free customer parking available

Highlights Include:

• A curated selection from 12 local vendors offering handmade goods, vintage finds, and unique treasures
• An exclusive opportunity to browse the Online Luxury Collection in person
• New releases from the Upcycling Studio

Every purchase helps support the Yonge Street Mission’s community programs!

The Cabbagetown BIA is looking for a motivated and community-minded Projects Assistant to support summer initiatives that uplift local businesses and animate the neighbourhood.

Position Overview:

• Title: Projects Assistant
• Location: Hybrid work based out of 237 Carlton St., Toronto
• Wage: $21/hour
• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Duration: May 5 to August 22, 2025
• Application Deadline: Sunday, April 27, 2025

View the whole job description and apply here. 

The City of Toronto's Local Leadership Grant is now open! 

As a part of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS), the Local Leadership Grant of $5,000 supports resident-led projects that support local activation and focus on the five domains of TSNS – economic opportunities, healthy lives, participation in civic-decision 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. 

Applicants must be a resident-led group consisting of at least 3 members who live in Toronto but do not live in the same household

Group projects must offer community-based activities related to at least one of the five domains of TSNS (i.e., economic opportunities, healthy lives, participation in decision-making, social development and physical surroundings) of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy

• Grant Closes: Monday April 28, 2025 at 12 PM

Click Here to submit your online application

Click here to learn about the online information sessions and grant office hours to support you with your application. 

If you have any questions, please email [email protected] 

Applications due: Friday, May 2, 2025 (online)

In-person deadline: Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 4 PM

Regent Park tenants can apply for up to $3,000 toward tuition fees, along with a $500 bursary to help cover books and additional education costs.

Who is eligible:

• Current or relocated tenants of Regent Park due to revitalization
• Ages 17 and older
• In good standing on rent payments
• Enrolled or accepted into a post-secondary program or training course at a recognized institution (college, university, trade school, career academy), part-time or full-time
• Able to show financial need
• Demonstrated community involvement and/or leadership

How to apply:

Online:

 Complete the application by Friday, May 2, 2025 at 11:59 PM

  Click here for the online application

In-person:

 Pick up a paper application at 530 Dundas St. E.

 Available Mondays and Thursdays, 10 AM – 4 PM

 Submit completed applications by Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 4 PM

For a paper copy, translation, or other support with your application, contact Vanessa Gyali at 437-717-3378 or [email protected]

Trustee Deborah Williams invites community members to a thoughtful and informative panel discussion on the supports available for TDSB students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Event Details:

🗓️Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

📍Location: Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, 711 Bloor Street East, Toronto (near Castle Frank Station)

RSVP here!

This forum will explore how families can navigate supports such as the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) and Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Panelists will share insights on advocacy, school resources, and system navigation. Updates from the Trustee and Superintendents will also be shared.

Childminding and light refreshments will be available.

Accessibility supports, interpretation, and additional accommodations can be arranged upon request during registration.

The Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association invites the community to their 15th Annual General Meeting — an evening to connect, renew memberships, and celebrate local leadership.

🗓️ Thursday, May 15th, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 The 519 Ballroom, 519 Church Street

Evening Schedule:

• 6:30 PM: Registration and Membership Renewal
  
  
• 7:00 PM: Business Meeting (Board of Directors elections; members in good standing are eligible to vote and run)
  
  
• 8:30 PM: 15th Anniversary Celebration and Cake Cutting

Questions? Contact [email protected].

The 519’s Health Justice Program invites community members to an important discussion on Community Violence and Healing, part of the Talking Justice series.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
• Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
• Location: In person at The 519 (519 Church Street) or virtually
• Tickets: Free (Presto tickets and snacks provided)
  

Bianca Braganza, MSc, JD/BCL, Pro Bono Lawyer with The 519’s Combatting 2SLGBTQ+ BIPOC Hate and Racism Program, will lead a conversation exploring:

• Community and structural violence
• Social determinants of health in relation to crime and justice
• Alternative approaches to safety and justice
  

The 519 is a fully accessible space with all-gender washrooms. Additional accessibility supports are available upon request during registration.

RSVP preferred at The519.org/hjprog

The Winchester Park Residents Association is hosting its Annual General Meeting! 

Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Hugh Garner Co-op (550 Ontario Street, 8th Floor Meeting Room).

This annual gathering brings neighbours together to reflect on local developments and shape the future of the community. The evening will include:

• Guest speakers
• Presentations from local representatives
• Board elections
• Updates on housing and development in the area
• A Q&A session for community members

Residents interested in serving on the board are encouraged to submit a nomination in advance. To apply, send your name, address, length of residency, and a brief note on your interest to [email protected]. Community members from all housing backgrounds— renters, owners, co-op members, or otherwise—are welcome to apply.

The Regent Park Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 2025 festival!

Regent Park Film Festival (RPFF) is an award-winning, community-based, non-profit organization, and Toronto’s longest-running, FREE film festival.

RPFF’s mission is two-fold: to amplify and center marginalized communities and their stories, providing a platform for the work of emerging and established artists, while opening up access to the film and television industry; and to ensure art is free and accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status.

📅 Deadline: May 31, 2024
🎥 Open to: Canadian and international filmmakers
📍 Submissions accepted online

• Welcomes films from Black, Indigenous, and racialized creators, as well as those from marginalized communities
• All genres and formats considered, including features, shorts, documentaries, and animation
• Free to submit

The festival prioritizes stories that reflect social justice, community, and the realities of those living in underrepresented spaces.

Dear friend,

The Ontario Legislature resumes this upcoming Monday after five long months and a general election. I’m eager to return to Queen’s Park alongside the ONDP caucus to fight for the issues that matter to you!

This week, I was reappointed by Official Opposition Leader Marit Stiles as the Shadow Attorney General, with responsibility for 2SLGBTQIA+ issues. These are the same roles I held in the last session of the legislature, and I am grateful for the Leader’s confidence in me to take up these important portfolios again. This means I will continue to hold the Ministry of the Attorney General accountable for decisions, call out when things are broken, such as our court and tribunal systems, and propose solutions on how to improve the legal system to better serve Ontarians. I also have the privilege and responsibility of amplifying concerns affecting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. I will do this by listening to and partnering with our community groups to bring their voices to Queen’s Park, something that is more important than ever as Queer and Trans communities are scapegoated by conservative politicians and far-right groups. 

I will take on my shadow ministerial appointments with the energy and focus that you deserve and expect from your Member of Provincial Parliament. I am excited to build on my existing knowledge, stand up for justice, and ensure that Ontarians from every corner of our province, from survivors of violence to tenants, will get their day in court and the Landlord Tenant Board. 

This Legislative session will be unlike any other, as the ever-evolving tariff situation south of the border keeps us on our toes. Ontarians need an even-handed, transparent, and accountable government now more than ever. 

The Ontario NDP caucus is ready to take a Team Ontario approach to protecting jobs and insulating the province from the worst effects of Donald Trump’s tariffs while holding this government accountable and pushing for the strong public services we need. 

Yesterday, Ontario’s Financial Accountability Office released a report showing decades of decline in services for key social programs – including healthcare, long-term care, post-secondary education, and social assistance. 

Under consecutive Conservative and Liberal governments, long-term care beds per capita have plummeted by 45 percent, from 99 to 62 beds per 1,000 seniors. The growth in our aging population should come as no surprise to any government as the sector has been forecasting for years the need for public investment to expand long-term care beds to meet the “silver tsunami.” Any intelligent and responsive government would have proactively built these homes in anticipation of these needs. 

Similarly, there has been a steady decline in the number of hospital beds per 100,000 people – from 478 in 1990-91 to 222 in 2023-24. The previous Liberal government purposefully downsized hospitals in the 1990s, cutting the number of hospital beds by half. The Ford government has significantly made this worse by creating less than one bed per 100,000 Ontarians during their terms, further growing our hallway medicine crisis. 

We are all also seeing the results of the chronic underfunding of our post-secondary education system in real time. Colleges and universities have been forced to rely on lucrative international student fees to make up budget shortfalls, only to see these student visas capped by the federal Liberal government, causing post-secondary institutions to make head-turning program cuts. On a real per-student basis, postsecondary education spending in Ontario has decreased from $14,183 per student annually in 1990-91 to $12,994 in 2023-24, adjusted for inflation. Raiding reserves, taking on new debt, selling assets, and even terminating courses and staff will not sustain the post-secondary education sector. Without smart government intervention, they are heading towards financial collapse.

In the face of record-high housing costs and a rise in homelessness, inflation-adjusted social assistance rates are even lower today than they were 20 years ago. Nobody wants to see their neighbours made homeless, yet Liberal and Conservative governments have insisted on maintaining sub-poverty social assistance rates for the most vulnerable among us. Now, heading into what appears to be a drawn-out trade war, we should be lifting people up, not sending them deeper into poverty when they are sick and unable to work or unable to find work.

We need to make sure Ontarians can weather the storm of financial uncertainty. We must protect Ontarian families for whatever changes there are to come. That means we need a government that invests in the services that matter most – reliable health care, affordable homes, and great schools. I will never back down in the face of adversity. I will continue pushing this government to make the critical investments to grow our economy and support our communities amid international uncertainty.

I am excited to return to the Legislature, where I will push for new and stronger legislation that takes care of people and strengthens Toronto and the province we call home.

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Marit Stiles’ Meeting with US Consulate General
• Greenbelt Scandal: More Lies out of Ford’s Office
• Toronto Centre Supporters Appreciation Party
• Co-hosting the Small Business Workgroup
• $200 Cheques - are you still waiting?
• Metrolinx Construction - Noise and Disruption
• Day of Pink 2025
• This Week’s Headlines
• Local Community Events

Last week, ONDP Leader Marit Stiles met with U.S. Consul General Baxter Hunt. Marit told me that they had a focused and productive discussion, where she reminded him that Ontario is the United States’ third-largest trading partner and that our prosperity is tied together.

From auto and steel to agriculture and lumber, Ontario is part of one of the most integrated trade relationships in the world—supporting millions of jobs and hundreds of billions in cross-border investment.  We all know that tariffs will stall that progress. They won’t just hurt us—they will hurt American families too. At the checkout line, on the factory floor, and across the supply chains that keep our economies running.  

Marit shared with the U.S. Consul General what MPPs have been hearing across Ontario: Canadians are united, and we will defend what we have built together. We all want to lower the temperature, but we cannot ignore the economic uncertainty caused by one man’s threats, which seem to change every single day. 

Until those threats are off the table, we will not back down. We will look after each other and build a stronger economy and a more resilient, tariff-proof Ontario. This is the work that I am focused on every day. 

Doug Ford may have a new mandate, but he has not been able to run away from the skeletons in his closet. Last week, we learned – through the diligent work of Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner – that one of Ford’s former political aides-turned-lobbyists failed to meet ethical lobbying standards. Mr. Fidani-Diker failed to register as a lobbyist, knowingly created a conflict of interest for two public officials by offering them hockey tickets in what ought to be known as a bribe, and in the course of his work for another client, failed to disclose details of the change he was lobbying for. 

Despite these egregious contraventions of lobbying rules, Mr. Fidani-Diker has only received a slap on the wrist and is free to continue his work as a professional lobbyist.

Ontario’s Office of the Integrity Commissioner is full of extremely skilled and principled people who uncover acts of wrongdoing and rulebreaking within public offices every day. However, they have very little power to actually hand down consequences, especially to elected officials. One would hope that the pubic shame would be enough for people to change their ways, but as we have seen with Ford and his buddies, many simply don’t care. We need to give the Integrity Commissioner more tools to deliver real consequences. Public officials should be held to a high standard, and it is maddening to see this government fail to uphold even basic standards of decency. I promise to continue to share this truth with you through my newsletter and to hold myself to the highest ethical standards. It is what you all deserve in an elected official.

On Sunday, I was thrilled to host a post-election Supporters Appreciation Party to thank all of the volunteers, donors, staff, and friends who put in the hard work to ensure my re-election as the MPP for Toronto Centre. 

We had a great turnout, and it was wonderful to enjoy delicious food, great music, and conversation with so many supporters. Celebrating wins is so important, especially now, when being a progressive feels difficult. Thank you so much to everyone who attended and to those who were not able to join us – we missed you! 

Yesterday, I was so happy to reconnect with amazing small business owners and supporters through our Small Business Workgroup, cohosted by MPP Chris Glover and myself. We were joined by the Bloor-Yorkville BIA, Better Way Alliance, Bloorcourt BIA, Cabbagetown BIA, and so many business owners! 

All of the attendees provided thoughtful input. What they shared about the challenges they are facing, especially around tariffs, was invaluable. I am committed to addressing these issues and making sure our small businesses not only survive but thrive in Ontario.

Most Ontarians received their $200 bribe cheque from the Ontario government earlier this year. However, NDP MPPs have been hearing from a small number of people across the province that their cheques have yet to arrive despite being eligible. 

If you meet the eligibility requirements but have not received your cheque, please contact me (or your local MPP if you live in another riding), and we will do our best to rectify the situation. NDP MPPs plan to reach out to the Minister of Finance collectively with our constituents’ stories to ensure that the government acts and sends people the money they promised. 

If you live near or work near one of the new under-construction Ontario Line subway stations or the Union Station Rail Corridor, you know that crews are working long hours. While I am pleased that efforts are being made to complete construction quickly, my office has also received many reasonable complaints about dust, noise, and vibration during sleeping hours. Metrolinx is exempt from all City of Toronto noise bylaws, but that doesn’t mean they should not be good neighbours. Please continue to reach out to my office with these concerns, and I will pass them on to Metrolinx. 

Overnight construction is currently happening around Lower Jarvis and Lower Sherbourne. This work is essential, as it will create the capacity for frequent, all-day, two-way GO transit service to more destinations along the GO rail system. However, this work is causing additional local disturbances. 

I encourage residents to attend local Metrolinx community update meetings, share concerns, and learn more about why this overnight work is sometimes necessary. We all want to be riding the Ontario line and all-day GO as soon as possible, but we also need quality sleep in the meantime!

On Wednesday, we celebrated the Day of Pink, a powerful day when people stand up against 2SLGBTQIA+ focused bullying. 

I had the honour of celebrating at the Day of Pink Gala with my friends MOlivia Chow, Fred Hahn, Jill Andrew, and Cheri Di Novo. The evening reminded us of the power of love, acceptance and the incredible progress we’ve made in Ontario. It’s not just a celebration of our vibrant 2SLGBTQIA+ communities but also a crucial fundraiser supporting programs that are making a difference in schools and communities across the country. 

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TTC says damaged signal cable near Union Station fixed

Inquest into jail death called as data shows record number of people dying in Ontario jails

TNG Community Services and St. James Town Community Corner invite community members to a Free Repair Café on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM (registration closes at 3:00 PM). The event takes place at 349 Ontario Street, Toronto, and is wheelchair accessible.

Skilled volunteers will help repair broken household items, including:

• Computers
• Small appliances
• Home electronics
• General housewares
• Clothing and jewelry
• Bikes and toys
• Books and paper items
  (One item per person)

Volunteers with repair skills are also welcome to participate.

For more information, contact:

• Touhida Choudhury: 416-925-4363 x2521 or [email protected]
• Alaa: 416-964-6657 x240 or [email protected]

TransCare+ invites community members to the Trans Care Fair 2025, a full afternoon dedicated to trans wellbeing, empowerment, and connection.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
• Time: 12 – 5 PM
• Location: The 519 Community Centre (519 Church Street, Toronto)
• RSVP here

Allies are welcome in solidarity. Admission is free, and the space is fully accessible.

Shop Cabbagetown 2 Win – Support Local and Win Prizes
The Cabbagetown BIA invites community members to take part in Shop Cabbagetown 2 Win, a neighbourhood-wide local shop campaign running April 14 to May 25, 2025.

• What it is: Shop at participating Cabbagetown businesses and enter to win weekly prizes.
  
  
• How to enter: Spend $25 or more at any participating business, then upload the receipt to the campaign website.
  
  
• Prizes: Weekly gift cards from local shops and restaurants.
  
  
• Final draw: All entries are eligible for a grand prize gift card bundle.
  

This initiative celebrates and supports small businesses while offering a fun way to connect with the Cabbagetown community.

More details and a list of participating businesses are available at shopcabbagetown2win.com.

School boards receive most of their funding from the provincial government. Every spring, the Ministry announces Core Education Funding, which determines the amount of funding school boards will receive for the coming year. Before provincial funding is announced, the TDSB wants to hear from students, staff, and families during the 2025-26 budget process.

TDSB’s Budget Town Hall Community Consultations provide community members with the opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback about the budget.

Visit the TDSB Budget webpage for details on how to attend in person or online, or learn how to delegate to a committee. To ensure enough space is available at the town halls, please register through this form if you plan to attend in person.

Downtown Budget Town Hall
Tuesday, April 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
In-person at Harbord Collegiate Institute (286 Harbord Street, Toronto)
(* hosted by Trustee Deborah Williams)

Student Budget Town Hall
Thursday, April 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Hybrid (in-person and/or virtual) at 5050 Yonge Street, North York
Click here to join online (for virtual option on evening of event)

Neighbourhood Information Post invites young artists to a free art class with renowned Toronto-based artist Benny Bing! This is a great opportunity for youth to explore creativity and learn from a celebrated contemporary artist.

📅 Wednesday, April 23, 2025
🕟 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Benny Bing Studio, 35 Tubman Ave, Suite 103, Toronto, ON M5A 0T1
👩‍🎨 For youth ages 10 to 16

• Learn from Benny Bing, known for his bold use of colour and artwork exploring Black identity, gender, and humanity
• Hands-on creative experience in an inspiring studio environment
• Free to attend, registration required

📩 Register here
📞 For more information, contact 416-924-2543 ext. 224 or email [email protected].

People's Assembly on Housing Justice — a time to connect, learn, and build collective action for housing rights.

🗓️ Friday, April 25th, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Panel Discussion: Financialization of Housing and Low-Income Communities
Featuring:

• John Clarke (230 Fightback)
  
  
• Walied Khogali Ali (Regent Park Residents Association)
  
  
• Chiara Padovani (York South Weston Tenant Union)
  
  
• Lorrain Lam (Shelter Housing Justice Network)
  

🗓️ Saturday, April 26th, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Full-Day Assembly

• 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM: Working Together
  Speakers from Climate Justice Toronto, Migrant Workers Alliance, No Demovictions, Toronto Underhoused and Homeless Union/Shelter Housing Justice Network, Friends of Chinatown, and Parkdale Housing Justice.
  
  
• 12:15 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch (provided onsite)
  
  
• 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Workshops on Organizing and Tactics
  
  
• 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Mobilizing Communities
  Panel speakers: Gaetan Heroux (230 Fightback) and Bruno Dobrusin (York South Weston Tenant Union)
  
  
• 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Final Comments and Closing Reflections

📍 Location: Toronto PWA Foundation, 4th Floor, 163 Queen St E, Toronto

🆓 This is a free event. Registration is optional and not required to attend.
🍽️ Lunch will be served on Saturday.

For more information, reach out to [email protected].

 A family friendly and entertaining outdoor event which will link defending our right to choose our own future – a future that eliminates carbon emissions - a better future that provides the necessities of life, (clean air, clean water, good health, affordable housing and a job that pays a living wage) and a future with justice for Indigenous People. Come on out and enjoy speakers, music, street theatre, and a kids table!

Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025

Time: 1 P.M. to 4 P.M.

Location: Allan Gardens – Jarvis at Carlton (North-West section) 160 Gerrard Street East, Toronto.

The City of Toronto's Local Leadership Grant is now open! 

As a part of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS), the Local Leadership Grant of $5,000 supports resident-led projects that support local activation and focus on the five domains of TSNS – economic opportunities, healthy lives, participation in civic-decision 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. 

Applicants must be a resident-led group consisting of at least 3 members who live in Toronto but do not live in the same household

Group projects must offer community-based activities related to at least one of the five domains of TSNS (i.e., economic opportunities, healthy lives, participation in decision-making, social development and physical surroundings) of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy

• Grant Opens: Monday March 17, 2025 at 12 PM
• Grant Closes: Monday April 28, 2025 at 12 PM

Click Here to submit your online application

Click here to learn about the online information sessions and grant office hours to support you with your application. 

If you have any questions, please email [email protected] 

Yonge Street Mission is hosting a Community Development Training Series, offering practical tools, strategies, and insights to support community development efforts and strengthen impact. Sessions will be facilitated by YSM Community Development Specialists and cover key topics in engagement, evaluation, and facilitation.

📅 Dates & Topics:

• April 29 – Measurement & Evaluation
• June 24 – Meeting Facilitation

⏰ Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Format: Hybrid (In-person location TBC)

📌 Registration deadline: One week before each session.

For more details, contact [email protected] or click here to register on Eventbrite.

The Government of Canada invites nominations for Canada’s Volunteer Awards, recognizing individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made a meaningful difference through volunteerism.

Nominations are now open until May 8th for those who have shown exceptional commitment to improving the lives of others in their communities.

Award Categories:

• National Award: Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement Award
  
  
• Regional Awards:
  
  
  • Community Leader
  • Emerging Leader
  • Business Leader
  • Social Innovator

Nominees can include individuals, not-for-profit organizations, social enterprises, and socially responsible businesses. Multiple nominations are welcome.

Award recipients will be honoured at a national ceremony and will have the opportunity to direct a $10,000 (national) or $5,000 (regional) grant to a not-for-profit organization of their choice.

Learn more or submit a nomination at Canada.ca/volunteer-awards 

Questions can be directed to [email protected] or by calling 1-877-825-0434.

The Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association invites the community to their 15th Annual General Meeting — an evening to connect, renew memberships, and celebrate local leadership.

🗓️ Thursday, May 15th, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 The 519 Ballroom, 519 Church Street

Evening Schedule:

• 6:30 PM: Registration and Membership Renewal
  
  
• 7:00 PM: Business Meeting (Board of Directors elections; members in good standing are eligible to vote and run)
  
  
• 8:30 PM: 15th Anniversary Celebration and Cake Cutting

Questions? Contact [email protected].

The 519’s Health Justice Program invites community members to an important discussion on Community Violence and Healing, part of the Talking Justice series.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
• Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
• Location: In person at The 519 (519 Church Street) or virtually
• Tickets: Free (Presto tickets and snacks provided)
  

Bianca Braganza, MSc, JD/BCL, Pro Bono Lawyer with The 519’s Combatting 2SLGBTQ+ BIPOC Hate and Racism Program, will lead a conversation exploring:

• Community and structural violence
• Social determinants of health in relation to crime and justice
• Alternative approaches to safety and justice
  

The 519 is a fully accessible space with all-gender washrooms. Additional accessibility supports are available upon request during registration.

RSVP preferred at The519.org/hjprog

The Regent Park Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 2025 festival!

Regent Park Film Festival (RPFF) is an award-winning, community-based, non-profit organization, and Toronto’s longest-running, FREE film festival.

RPFF’s mission is two-fold: to amplify and center marginalized communities and their stories, providing a platform for the work of emerging and established artists, while opening up access to the film and television industry; and to ensure art is free and accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status.

📅 Deadline: May 31, 2024
🎥 Open to: Canadian and international filmmakers
📍 Submissions accepted online

• Welcomes films from Black, Indigenous, and racialized creators, as well as those from marginalized communities
• All genres and formats considered, including features, shorts, documentaries, and animation
• Free to submit

The festival prioritizes stories that reflect social justice, community, and the realities of those living in underrepresented spaces.

The festival is also hiring! Click here for Job Opportunities, and Call for Board Members.

Not Far From The Tree is inviting community members to register their fruit trees for the 2025 harvesting season. A team of volunteers will pick the fruit and divide it three ways:

• ⅓ is kept by the tree owner
• ⅓ is shared among the volunteer pickers
• ⅓ is donated to a community agency supporting food programs

Impact of Participation:

• Helps provide fresh fruit to local food programs feeding thousands each month
• Creates opportunities for community connection and sharing
• Reduces food waste while turning fruit trees into a source of nourishment

Membership & Registration:

To support Toronto’s urban harvest, tree registrants are asked to become members with a $40 seasonal contribution, which helps cover harvest costs and expand the program. Yard cleanup of fallen fruit is also included. Memberships expire annually on January 1st.

For more details and to register, visit: www.notfarfromthetree.org.

Dear friend,

The Ford government does not care about the most vulnerable people in Ontario or those who support them. We always knew this, but current issues throw that lack of care into even sharper focus. This government is defunding special education programs in our schools, pushing students and staff to the breaking point. They are closing Consumption and Treatment Sites (CTS) despite the medical evidence that proves they work, and they are letting the nursing crisis fester at the expense of patients and workers. This kind of austerity makes our province weaker, and the government is less able to respond to emergencies. Under Ford, Ontario is racing to the bottom when it comes to education and health care in the country.

Last week, the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) held a press conference to highlight the crisis in special education. They called on the Ford government to provide adequate resources and staffing to students who need extra support to thrive at school. Instead of receiving that support, most education workers feel that their in-classroom, in-school, and board-level support have decreased even as student special needs have skyrocketed. 

ETFO members cited lack of early intervention, limited resources, increases in school violence due to unmet student needs, lack of special education support for English language learners, and the persistent inequalities faced by children with disabilities as some of the most significant issues facing special education today. This amounts to an infringement on the human rights of these children. Elementary school is a critical time when young brains can pick up skills and make developmental leaps more quickly than in high school or beyond. Our youngest learners need support during these years to reach their full potential.

March is Developmental Disabilities Month, and it is critical to highlight the support that people with developmental disabilities need to be fully included in their communities. I spoke about this in the Legislature last year, and it nearly brought me to tears. Children with disabilities already cope with so much; they and their families should not also have to beg for basic care and resources. 

This week, the government seemingly made an about-face on Consumption and Treatment Sites (also referred to as overdose prevention sites). For months, Minister of Health Sylvia Jones has claimed that sites within 200 meters of a school or childcare centre, which are being forced to close due to government legislation (tabled without public consultation or committee review), would not be allowed to reopen in any new location. However, this week, government lawyers at the Ontario Superior Court contradicted the Health Minister. They stated that CTS sites would be free to reopen if they moved to a location in line with the new boundary rules. 

This court case is ongoing, and I will be monitoring the issue closely as it profoundly affects Ontario’s healthcare system. Research has shown that if these sites go away, people who use drugs do not go away. They will continue to use drugs in their neighbourhoods. We can expect to see more unsupervised drug use and more overdoses. That is not the kind of community that anyone wants to live in. The current sites are not perfect - underfunded and understaffed - but they are lifesaving and give access to additional health care and housing support to those who are deeply vulnerable. Instead of closure, they deserve government support to improve safety and quality of life for the neighbourhoods they are a part of. 

Depending on the crescent moon sighting, on Sunday or Monday, Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid and mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. In celebration, I handed out Palestinian Medjool dates to community members this week as they prepared to break their day-long fast. These delicious Jericho-grown dates come from the West Bank in Palestine and are some of the largest and sweetest I have ever eaten. 

I am looking forward to celebrating with the community and distributing even more Palestinian dates over the weekend. Ramadan Mubarak!

A winter storm is coming to Ontario this weekend, bringing an expected heavy accumulation of rain and snow. I encourage you to stay informed as weather updates come in, practice caution when navigating roads and sidewalks, stay home if the weather is unsafe, and check up on your vulnerable neighbours. Power outages are also possible, so be prepared. Together, we will get through this!

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Ontario Nurses: Safe Staffing Saves Lives
• 75 Ontario CEOs Call on Ford to Support Homegrown Tech
• Street Haven’s 60th Anniversary
• My Interview with Regent Park TV
• Monday is Trans Day of Visibility
• This Week’s Headlines
• Local Community Events

On Wednesday, the Ontario NDP Caucus met with the Ontario Nurses Association and learned even more about how Ontario nurses are holding our healthcare system together with sheer will. Patient-to-nurse ratios are out of control, nurses are leaving the profession in droves due to burnout and disrespect, and private nursing agencies are snapping up nurses only to redeploy them to our public hospitals at exorbitant rates.  Meanwhile, thousands of internationally and interprovincially trained nurses are here in Ontario, waiting to be approved to work in Ontario and alleviate so much suffering. 

High patient-to-nurse ratios drastically increase the risk of errors, accidents, patient death, and nurse burnout. In Ontario, we sometimes experience ratios as high as 10 patients to one nurse. France Gelinas, Ontario NDP critic for Healthcare, recently tabled a private members bill that would have mandated 4:1 patient-to-nurse ratios, a ratio used in both BC and Australia. The Ford government failed to meet the moment and voted it down. 

This week, the Council of Canadian Innovators published an open letter signed by 75 CEOs based in Ontario. The letter laid out a list of policies that these CEOs believe would function to “reclaim control over [Ontario’s] economic destiny.”

The letter openly criticizes Ford’s focus on foreign direct investment, or the process of bringing international companies to Ontario to set up large production facilities, over the nurturing of businesses already rooted here in Ontario. The signatories argue that much more needs to be done to capitalize on the natural resources, domestic talent, and data that we have right here in Ontario to grow Ontario businesses into economic powerhouses. I couldn’t agree more. Many Ontario small and medium size business owners have the drive to grow, but need support to go up against giant multinationals. The Ontario government can and should prioritize domestic companies in their procurement practices and create an environment of investment in Ontario. 

These arguments echo what I have been hearing from local business leaders and regular folks out in the community. People want to buy Canadian. They want to support their local stores, suppliers, and producers, but they need the government to get behind them and provide the regulatory environment and funding support to make that push happen. 

I am currently working alongside MPP Chris Glover to host a business roundtable, as I have done in the past. I am looking forward to bringing these business perspectives back to Queen’s Park when the session begins in two weeks’ time. I am always proud to be a voice for local businesses in the chamber!

For 60 years, Street Haven at the Crossroads has been a port in the storm for women across Toronto as a place of shelter and care. It was an honour to participate in their 60th Anniversary Gala, which recognized the founder, Peggy Ann Walpole, a nurse and Governor General award winner and the outstanding contributions of staff, clients, and sponsors to the betterment of our community and women across Toronto.

At Queen's Park, I am committed to pushing the Ford government for more investments in affordable housing, mental health support, and addiction-centred programs. Street Haven has proven itself to be an exceptional housing and shelter provider—let's support them as they write the next exciting chapter of their story.

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Regent Park TV’s Gabriel Meissner to discuss critical issues affecting local communities, especially those in Regent Park, St. James Town, and Moss Park. We spoke about the trade war we find ourselves in with the US, rent control, government investment in affordable housing, and public healthcare. You can watch the whole interview here.

This upcoming Monday is Trans Day of Visibility, a day when trans people and their allies come together to celebrate the joy of belonging to the trans community, lift up local trans artists, and enjoy each other's company. 

The Toronto Trans Alliance is hosting a celebration at Glad Day this Sunday, complete with performances, film screenings, karaoke, and a midnight reading of the City of Toronto's proclamation of the Trans Day of Visibility. 

The 519 is also hosting a public information session about Trans Day of Visibility and how we can all be better allies to Trans folks in our communities. Sign up here.

Amid Canada's largest measles outbreak in more than a decade, experts say this COVID-era tool could help | CBC News

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The Ontario legislature has never elected a female Speaker. That ‘remarkable moment’ may finally be arriving

Ontario students with special needs wait years to get help — and funding for them has worsened under Doug Ford, unions say

The 519 is offering a free Finance & Tax Literacy Workshop to support self-employed community members in building financial confidence and managing tax obligations with ease.

Event Details:

• Location: The 519 Community Centre (519 Church Street, Toronto)
• Date: Saturday, March 29
  
• Time: 2-4 PM
• RSVP here

This session is designed for sole proprietors, including:

• Artists and performers
  
• Tradespeople and contractors
  
• Anyone running a small business, freelance service, or passion project
  
  

Note: This workshop focuses on sole proprietorships and does not cover incorporated businesses.

Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) is a time to honour the resilience, brilliance, and rights of trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people. In this public session, we’ll explore the roots and significance of days like TDOV and the vital role each of us can play in defending human rights for trans communities —especially amidst rising hostility and misinformation.

What you'll gain:

• Historical context and human rights framing for days of trans significance
• Tools to recognize and interrupt transphobia and cissexism
• Concrete actions to practice meaningful, trans-affirming allyship

Date: Monday, March 31, 2025

Time: 3pm

Location: Online

Click here to register.

Get ready for an afternoon of activities, storytelling and music. Borrow a Grandparent brings older and younger generations together for an afternoon of games and fun.

Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter St.), Banquet Room

April is BeADonor Month, an annual campaign led by Trillium Gift of Life Network to raise awareness about the life-saving impact of organ and tissue donation. This month encourages:

• Registering as a donor
  
• Having important conversations with loved ones about donation wishes
  
• Sharing information to inspire others to register
  
  

Key Facts:

• In 2023, 341 deceased donors in Ontario enabled 1,035 organ transplants.
  
• 1,975 tissue donors enhanced the lives of thousands.
  
• One donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of up to 75 others through tissue donation.
  
• Nearly 1,400 people in Ontario are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.
  
  

Since 2003, almost 25,000 Ontarians have received a second chance at life through transplants — but the need remains urgent.

More information and donor registration are available at BeADonor.ca.

TransCare+ invites community members to the Trans Care Fair 2025, a full afternoon dedicated to trans wellbeing, empowerment, and connection.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
  
• Time: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  
• Location: The 519 Community Centre (519 Church Street, Toronto)
  
• RSVP here

Allies are welcome in solidarity. Admission is free, and the space is fully accessible.

Shop Cabbagetown 2 Win – Support Local and Win Prizes
The Cabbagetown BIA invites community members to take part in Shop Cabbagetown 2 Win, a neighbourhood-wide shop local campaign running April 14-May 25, 2025.

• What it is: Shop at participating Cabbagetown businesses and enter to win weekly prizes.
  
• How to enter: Spend $25 or more at any participating business, then upload the receipt to the campaign website.
  
• Prizes: Weekly gift cards from local shops and restaurants.
  
• Final draw: All entries are eligible for a grand prize gift card bundle.
  

This initiative celebrates and supports small businesses while offering a fun way to connect with the Cabbagetown community.

More details and a list of participating businesses are available at shopcabbagetown2win.com.

The City of Toronto's Local Leadership Grant is now open! 

As a part of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS), the Local Leadership Grant of $5,000 that supports resident-led projects that support local activation and focus on the five domains of TSNS – economic opportunities, healthy lives, participation in civic-decision 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. 

Applicants must be a resident-led group consisting of at least 3 members who live in Toronto but do not live in the same household.

Group projects must offer community-based activities related to at least one of the five domains of TSNS (i.e., economic opportunities, healthy lives, participation in decision-making, social development and physical surroundings) of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy.

• Grant Opens: Monday March 17, 2025 at 12 PM
• Grant Closes: Monday April 28, 2025 at 12 PM

Click Here to submit your online application.

Click here to learn about the online information sessions and grant office hours to support you with your application. 

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

The Regent Park Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 2025 festival!
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2024
🎥 Open to: Canadian and international filmmakers
📍 Submissions accepted online

• Welcomes films from Black, Indigenous, and racialized creators, as well as those from marginalized communities
• All genres and formats considered, including features, shorts, documentaries, and animation
• Free to submit

The festival prioritizes stories that reflect social justice, community, and the realities of those living in underrepresented spaces.

The festival is also hiring! Click here for Job Opportunities, and Call for Board Members. 

Sherbourne Health is offering mental health support groups for Black, African, Caribbean, and Multiracial 2SLGBTQ+ youth. These programs provide a space to build community, explore mental health, and develop wellness strategies.

Program Details:

Resilient Roots

A five-session training for Black 2SLGBTQ+ youth with lived mental health or substance use experience. Participants will develop peer support skills and explore mental health, harm reduction, and self-care.

•  Mondays, 6:00 – 8:00 PM | March 3 – 31

Rise & Thrive

A program designed to celebrate cultural foods, foster community, and explore mental well-being.

• Rise:  Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM | March 4 – April 15
• Thrive:  Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM | March 5 – April 16

Levelling Minds (Online Program)

A nine-week series offering stress management tools and mental health strategies.

•  Thursdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM | March 6 – May 1

For more details and to register, click here.

TNG Community Services and St. James Town Community Corner invite community members to a Free Repair Café on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM (registration closes at 3:00 PM). The event takes place at 349 Ontario Street, Toronto, and is wheelchair accessible.

Skilled volunteers will help repair broken household items, including:

• Computers
• Small appliances
• Home electronics
• General housewares
• Clothing and jewelry
• Bikes and toys
• Books and paper items
  (One item per person)

Volunteers with repair skills are also welcome to participate.

For more information, contact:

• Touhida Choudhury: 416-925-4363 x2521 or [email protected]

Alaa: 416-964-6657 x240 or [email protected]

Neighbourhood Information Post invites young artists to a free art class with renowned Toronto-based artist Benny Bing! This is a great opportunity for youth to explore creativity and learn from a celebrated contemporary artist.

📅 Wednesday, April 23, 2025
🕟 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Benny Bing Studio, 35 Tubman Ave, Suite 103, Toronto, ON M5A 0T1
👩‍🎨 For youth ages 10 to 16

• Learn from Benny Bing, known for his bold use of colour and artwork exploring Black identity, gender, and humanity
• Hands-on creative experience in an inspiring studio environment
• Free to attend, registration required

📩 Register here
📞 For more information, contact 416-924-2543 ext. 224 or email [email protected].

Yonge Street Mission is hosting a Community Development Training Series, offering practical tools, strategies, and insights to support community development efforts and strengthen impact. Sessions will be facilitated by YSM Community Development Specialists and cover key topics in engagement, evaluation, and facilitation.

📅 Dates & Topics:

• April 29 – Measurement & Evaluation
• June 24 – Meeting Facilitation

⏰ Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Format: Hybrid (In-person location TBC)

📌 Registration deadline: One week before each session.

For more details, contact [email protected] or click here to register on Eventbrite.

Not Far From The Tree is inviting community members to register their fruit trees for the 2025 harvesting season. A team of volunteers will pick the fruit and divide it three ways:

• ⅓ is kept by the tree owner
• ⅓ is shared among the volunteer pickers
• ⅓ is donated to a community agency supporting food programs

Impact of Participation:

• Helps provide fresh fruit to local food programs feeding thousands each month
• Creates opportunities for community connection and sharing
• Reduces food waste while turning fruit trees into a source of nourishment

Membership & Registration:

To support Toronto’s urban harvest, tree registrants are asked to become members with a $40 seasonal contribution, which helps cover harvest costs and expand the program. Yard cleanup of fallen fruit is also included. Memberships expire annually on January 1st.

For more details and to register, visit: www.notfarfromthetree.org.

The Government of Canada invites nominations for Canada’s Volunteer Awards, recognizing individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made a meaningful difference through volunteerism.

Nominations are now open until May 8th for those who have shown exceptional commitment to improving the lives of others in their communities.

Award Categories:

• National Award: Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement Award
  
• Regional Awards:
  
  • Community Leader
  • Emerging Leader
  • Business Leader
  • Social Innovator

Nominees can include individuals, not-for-profit organizations, social enterprises, and socially responsible businesses. Multiple nominations are welcome.

Award recipients will be honoured at a national ceremony and will have the opportunity to direct a $10,000 (national) or $5,000 (regional) grant to a not-for-profit organization of their choice.

Learn more or submit a nomination at Canada.ca/volunteer-awards 

Questions can be directed to [email protected] or by calling 1-877-825-0434.

The 519’s Health Justice Program invites community members to an important discussion on Community Violence and Healing, part of the Talking Justice series.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
  
• Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  
• Location: In person at The 519 (519 Church Street) or virtually
  
• Tickets: Free (Presto tickets and snacks provided)
  
  

Bianca Braganza, MSc, JD/BCL, Pro Bono Lawyer with The 519’s Combatting 2SLGBTQ+ BIPOC Hate and Racism Program, will lead a conversation exploring:

• Community and structural violence
  
• Social determinants of health in relation to crime and justice
  
• Alternative approaches to safety and justice
  
  

The 519 is a fully accessible space with all-gender washrooms. Additional accessibility supports are available upon request during registration.

RSVP preferred at The519.org/hjprog 

Dear Emma,

Yesterday, I was officially sworn in as the MPP for Toronto Centre. This was my fifth time taking an oath of public office, but this time, I found myself feeling more nervous and emotional than I had during previous ceremonies. When I reflected on it later, I realized that it was the presence of so many friends, colleagues, and community members looking on that brought up these emotions. I so dearly want to do right by them and everyone in our community, and seeing all of their faces as I took the oath really brought that commitment home. The Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Trevor Day, who administered the oath, also reminded me of how very special this honour is. Since confederation, fewer than 2,000 people have taken the oath to become an Ontario MPP. To be one of them feels incredibly profound. 

Every day, I feel honoured to hold public office and serve the people of Toronto Centre and the communities that I love. Yesterday was a beautiful ceremonial celebration of that honour, which I will always cherish. I want to thank all of the people who stood with me as I took my oath and everyone in Toronto Centre for putting their trust in me. I do not take it lightly and will work hard every day to live up to our shared ideals. 

Jumping from one election to another, the Ottawa rumour mill has been spinning for weeks and now it seems to have settled - reliable sources are telling us that the federal election will be called this coming Sunday, in just two days, and that election day will be on either April 28 or May 5. Those details are still to be determined, as a federal election campaign lasts between 36 and 50 days in Canada. 

Luckily, here in Toronto Centre, we are ready to go. Local resident and family physician, Dr. Samantha Green, our fantastic candidate, has been knocking on doors for almost a year already and has an amazing campaign team behind her. Meanwhile, the Liberals do not yet have a candidate after Marci Ien announced two weeks ago that she would not run again. 

Samatha’s campaign is so prepared that they are having an office opening on Sunday, the day of the writ drop, and you are invited!!!

Join me, Samantha, community leader Danyaal Raza, and progressives in Toronto Centre at 1 PM this Sunday at 655 Dundas Street East to officially open Samantha’s office and ensure that we send a true progressive voice to Ottawa.

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Ford’s Cabinet Announcement
• Renewed Assault on Gaza
• Standing up for St Lawrence Co-op Daycare
• Ford: Canada as the 51st state is a “Compliment”
• Meeting with Peggy Nash’s Women in the House Students
• This Week’s Headlines
• Local Community Events

On Wednesday, Doug Ford announced his new cabinet. It is largely unchanged and fails to meet the moment Ontario is in. Now is a time for bright new thinkers to come up with creative solutions, not more of the same cut-and-privatize Ministers.

People are worried about the future of our province and our country. They are struggling to afford groceries; they can’t find a family doctor or an affordable place to live. Yet, this cabinet includes the same Minister of Transportation who couldn’t open a transit line, the same Minister of Health who downplayed the doctor shortage, and the same Minister of Infrastructure who spent weeks dodging basic questions. The cabinet includes 29 ministers and 8 associate ministers, making it one of the largest and most expensive in Ontario’s history. 

While there was little change, one swap left me chilled to the bone: Paul Calandra will be the new Minister of Education. Political watchers will remember that Calandra was Ford’s Government house leader until last year and before that an MP under PM Stephen Harper. In both roles he was known as a political spin doctor, the kind of person who you wanted in your corner when you had to break some bad news and didn’t want to take any criticism. Calandra has the unique skill of being able to yell a bunch of nonsense at you in a way that is both intimidating and convincing until you take a moment to understand what he actually said, which is nothing. This appointment raises alarm about the kinds of cuts Ford conservatives will bring down on our public education system, which is already in tatters. 

The Ontario NDP will soon announce our shadow cabinet, a team full of MPPs ready to rise to meet this challenging moment, by fighting rising costs, investing in building homes, hiring doctors, and building a tariff-proof economy. They can count on Ontario's Official Opposition NDP to keep up that fight at Queen’s Park and across the province to hold Doug Ford’s Conservatives to account every single day.

Just like many of you, I have felt horror and grief as images of death and destruction have poured out of Gaza again this week. On Tuesday, Israel broke the ceasefire and resumed the relentless bombing of civilians, in addition to shutting of electricity, water, and aid trucks carrying food and medical supplies to the region. 

The people of Gaza have been through far too much. They were just taking their first breaths, returning to their homes, and reuniting with loved ones. And now they have been plunged back into the horrors of genocide. 

The ceasefire agreement must be honoured on all sides. But instead, the innocent civilians of Gaza, including thousands of children, are paying the price. Doctors are again being asked to make impossible decisions about which child to save and which to let die, simply because of a lack of resources. This is unconscionable and the Canadian government must stand up to Trump and Netanyahu. I am so proud of the NDP’s advocacy on this issue, but they need more voices to join them. I encourage you to write to PM Carney and local MPs to urge them to act and speak out for the people of Gaza who are experiencing relentless suffering right now. 

Toronto Centre’s St. Lawrence Co-op Day Care is facing challenges meeting the governments strict standards for permanent outdoor play spaces. This week, I wrote to the Minister of Education to request that the Ministry take into account the unique urban context in which the daycare is situated, and the fact that they are currently meeting the outdoor play space requirements, just with a temporary space. 

I am hopeful that the daycare will be able to continue to operate, providing excellent care for our little ones and solutions for working families. You can read the full letter here.

On Tuesday, Doug Ford said that the American threat to make Canada their 51st state is a “compliment.” This made my blood boil. How could a threat of hostile takeover and a lack of respect for our sovereignty ever be taken as a compliment? 

I am proud to stand up for Canada, our values, our public assets, and our people. We are not simply resources, but a strong nation that deserves respect. We have many problems, the largest among them our historic and present lack of respect for the sovereignty of Indigenous nations on this land we call Canada, but that will never be solved by infringement on our borders by our southern neighbour. I will do absolutely everything that I can to hold Ford accountable and make sure that he is not giving anything up to the Americans.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of sitting down for a conversation with three students from Peggy Nash’s Women in the House course. They asked such thoughtful and engaging questions which lead to a lively conversation about representation, justice, and human rights in our houses of government. It was so inspiring to engage with the next generation of leaders, and I so appreciated their curiosity and passion for learning. I can’t wait to see what they do next!

Removing bike lanes will likely worsen gridlock, lead to more collisions: government documents

Hudson's Bay hopes to save 6 stores, which could protect some of its 9,364 jobsNews

Toronto charity to open affordable housing for homeless women

Hundreds of nurses rally outside Ontario hospitals to demand safer staffing levels

TDSB to vote on controversial fundraising change some call a ‘tariff on parent donations’

Mayor Olivia Chow asking city to accept $50-million pledge from Weston foundation to revamp Queen’s Park North

Head of Canada’s high speed rail project wants it to run into downtown Toronto

Sherbourne Health is offering mental health support groups for Black, African, Caribbean, and Multiracial 2SLGBTQ+ youth. These programs provide a space to build community, explore mental health, and develop wellness strategies.

Program Details:

Resilient Roots

A five-session training for Black 2SLGBTQ+ youth with lived mental health or substance use experience. Participants will develop peer support skills and explore mental health, harm reduction, and self-care.
📅 Mondays, 6:00 – 8:00 PM | March 3 – 31

Rise & Thrive

A program designed to celebrate cultural foods, foster community, and explore mental well-being.

• Rise: 📅 Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM | March 4 – April 15
• Thrive: 📅 Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM | March 5 – April 16

Levelling Minds (Online Program)

A nine-week series offering stress management tools and mental health strategies.
📅 Thursdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM | March 6 – May 1

For more details and to register, click here. 

The Centre of Learning & Development, in partnership with Mothers of Peace, Arthubs, and the City of Toronto, invites the community to the Eid Bazaar at Daniels Spectrum. This Eid celebration will showcase local vendors offering henna, jewelry, clothing, food, and more while bringing the community together.

📅 Dates: March 6, 12, 19, 26
⏰ Time: 2:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St E)

For questions or vendor inquiries, contact Sureya at [email protected] or 647-493-2462 ext. 112.

Connect Fund is hosting live music and performance to raise money to help pay for gender-affirming care not covered by provincial health care. Help them raise funds for folks who need help. All proceeds from ticket sales and merch will go directly to people who need care. 

Across Canada, 2SLGBTQ+ people face higher levels of poverty. They face a lack of culturally-competent healthcare providers. They face long wait times to get care. They can face discrimination when they do receive it. With the Connect Fund, at least they won’t have to worry about how to pay for care on top of all of that. 

 📅 Thursday, March 28, 2024
🕕 6:00 PM – Late
📍 The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West

Click here for tickets

• Celebrate queer culture and community impact
• Enjoy drag performances, DJs, dancing, and more
• Funds raised will support Connect’s ongoing gender affirming care work

TNG Community Services and St. James Town Community Corner invite community members to a Free Repair Café on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM (registration closes at 3:00 PM). The event takes place at 349 Ontario Street, Toronto, and is wheelchair accessible.

Skilled volunteers will help repair broken household items, including:

• Computers
• Small appliances
• Home electronics
• General housewares
• Clothing and jewelry
• Bikes and toys
• Books and paper items
  (One item per person)

Volunteers with repair skills are also welcome to participate.

For more information, contact:

• Touhida Choudhury: 416-925-4363 x2521 or [email protected]
• Alaa: 416-964-6657 x240 or [email protected]

Neighbourhood Information Post invites young artists to a free art class with renowned Toronto-based artist Benny Bing! This is a great opportunity for youth to explore creativity and learn from a celebrated contemporary artist.

📅 Wednesday, April 23, 2025
🕟 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Benny Bing Studio, 35 Tubman Ave, Suite 103, Toronto, ON M5A 0T1
👩‍🎨 For youth ages 10 to 16

• Learn from Benny Bing, known for his bold use of colour and artwork exploring Black identity, gender, and humanity
• Hands-on creative experience in an inspiring studio environment
• Free to attend, registration required

📩 Register here
📞 For more information, contact 416-924-2543 ext. 224 or email [email protected].

Yonge Street Mission is hosting a Community Development Training Series, offering practical tools, strategies, and insights to support community development efforts and strengthen impact. Sessions will be facilitated by YSM Community Development Specialists and cover key topics in engagement, evaluation, and facilitation.

📅 Dates & Topics:

• April 29 – Measurement & Evaluation
• June 24 – Meeting Facilitation

⏰ Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Format: Hybrid (In-person location TBC)

📌 Registration deadline: One week before each session.

For more details, contact [email protected] or click here to register on Eventbrite.

The Regent Park Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 2025 festival!
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2024
🎥 Open to: Canadian and international filmmakers
📍 Submissions accepted online

• Welcomes films from Black, Indigenous, and racialized creators, as well as those from marginalized communities
• All genres and formats considered, including features, shorts, documentaries, and animation
• Free to submit

The festival prioritizes stories that reflect social justice, community, and the realities of those living in underrepresented spaces.

The festival is also hiring! Click here for Job Opportunities, and Call for Board Members. 

Are you looking for free or affordable mental health support? Family Service Toronto offers just that! They are part of Family Service Toronto network, the only network in Ontario that provides free and low cost couples and family therapy in addition to individual counselling. 

To learn more about their resources and get connected to support visit ontariocounsellingfinder.ca. 

Dear friend,

I am so excited to return with my first formal newsletter as your re-elected MPP for Toronto Centre! I am honoured that you have placed your trust in me once again, and I promise to do everything in my power, alongside all of you, to make our communities the safest, most prosperous, and most dynamic places possible.

I will be returning to Queen’s Park alongside a powerhouse Ontario NDP team, who will again be forming the province’s Official Opposition. I am looking forward to continuing to hold this government to account alongside my colleagues, new and returning, though I will miss my friend Jill Andrew, the former MPP for Toronto-St. Pauls, dearly. As always happens when an election is called, the order papers are wiped clean, and committees stop all work. This means that all bills that were partway through the legislative process have to start from the beginning again, including my Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic bill. It is unclear what will happen with the sub-committee study on intimate partner violence, which is in the report-writing stage. I understand that the report writing has stopped, but that the government could revive and complete it. Right now, I am optimistic about this. 

The government has announced that it will not recall the legislature until April 14, despite the existential threats we are currently experiencing from the government south of the border. Tariffs are an economic weapon, and we need a team Ontario approach to tackling them. I am proud to be part of a party that will stand with workers every step of the way as we fight to protect our province, but to do that properly, we need to recall the Legislature immediately. I am ready to work with the government to tariff-proof Ontario and protect jobs from the chaotic and ever-changing policies south of the border. You deserve a government that is proactively protecting jobs and working alongside the federal government, as well as other provincial and territorial governments, to coordinate a strong and unified response. 

We need a strong and united Team Ontario more than ever, as we are about to dive headfirst into a federal election any day now. Mark Carney won the federal Liberal leadership race and was sworn in as Prime Minister today. He will likely call the election in the coming days or weeks. Last week, our local MP, Marci Ien, announced she would not seek re-election. I am very thankful to Marci for her service to our communities and country, and wish her all the best as she moves into this new chapter. 

I am looking forward to this federal election on a local level because we have such a remarkable NDP candidate in Dr. Samantha Green. Smart, effective, compassionate and hardworking are just some words I would use to describe my personal observations and working experience with Samantha. She has been showing up for our Toronto Centre communities at a local and national level for decades. As a family doctor in Regent Park at the St Michael’s Hospital Sumac Creek Health Centre, she directly cares for community members as they navigate health challenges. As a mother, she is raising the next generation of Ontarians, who will make our province a prosperous and beautiful place. As a member of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, she works with other physicians to conquer the existential threat of climate change through a health lens. And as a Jewish supporter of Palestinian human rights, she speaks out for peace in Israel and Palestine, for a future where all people can live peacefully and equitably in the region. 

I am in awe of Samantha, and I know that she will be an excellent Member of Parliament because she is already putting in the work to represent our communities and fight for a more equitable and just world in our backyard and at the national level. I have the utmost faith in Dr. Samantha Green and am proud to stand with her as she runs to be our next Member of Parliament.

Samantha and her campaign team are canvassing nearly every day in anticipation of a snap federal election, and they need your help! Sign up to volunteer here and join a fantastic team of dedicated community members who know we need Samantha in Ottawa! 

This March is a month rich with faith celebrations. I want to wish a joyful Purim to all of our Jewish community members. Purim is a time to celebrate resilience, hope, and standing up against adversity, which is incredibly topical right now. I hope everyone celebrating spends joyful time with loved ones. Chag Purim Sameach!

Holi is also being celebrated today by our Hindu neighbours. I wish everyone celebrating a fun-filled and colourful celebration of the coming spring! 

I also want to send greetings to community members observing Ramadan and Lent right now. We can all learn so much from these times of fasting, restraint, and reflection. I hope that your fasts and their breakings bring you clarity, peace, spiritual strength, and connection with loved ones. 

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Workers Must Be Prioritized Amid Tariff Frenzy
• Supreme Court Strikes Down Ford’s Attempt to Silence Dissent
• Eglinton-Crosstown to Open September 2025?
• CWNA Launches GoFundMe to Take on Developers
• Dundas-Sherbourne Community Action Plan
• Celebrating International Women’s Day with Steelworkers
• This Week’s Headlines
• Local Community Events

Trump’s reckless and constantly shifting tariff threats, now focused on steel and aluminum, are risking jobs on both sides of the border. 

To weather this storm, we need a strong, coordinated response to fight back hard. We also need to ensure that workers’ incomes are protected, no matter what happens, so they can withstand whatever Trump throws at us in the coming days and weeks. 

Since Trump's original tariff threats, the Ontario NDP has been ready to work together with all parties and all levels of government to protect jobs, prevent plant shutdowns and help strengthen our domestic market. We need a team Ontario and Team Canada approach, which is why we need to recall the Ontario Legislature immediately to deal with this crisis. Ford called an early election to secure a 90 to 100 seat majority, which he falsely claimed was necessary to prove he had a mandate from Ontarians to deal with Trump. Now with a lesser majority than he had at the start of the election, Ford is refusing to recall the legislature. He is shutting out the opposition parties and the voices of people from communities all across this province, who deserve to have their perspectives shared and listened to by the government. 

Last Friday, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down Doug Ford’s unconstitutional law to limit third-party campaign spending. Ford used the notwithstanding law to limit election participation from teachers, health care workers, families, and labour unions, using taxpayer dollars to continue fighting them in court.

Doug Ford has been handed yet another defeat in court after he wasted more taxpayer dollars fighting to silence critics and defend unconstitutional laws. Ford is all too quick to pull the trigger on the Notwithstanding clause, especially if it means targeting those impacted the most by his record of bad policies and cuts – like teachers, health care workers, families, and unions.

Ontarians deserve a healthy democracy where they can cast an informed ballot. Civil society is a core pillar of Ontario’s democracy that should be allowed to flourish and engage in our elections. It is too bad that this ruling comes on the tail of a provincial election, but I am thrilled that civil society voices will no longer be muzzled by the government in future elections. This defeat should be a wake-up call for Ford.

On Thursday evening, the Toronto Star reported that it had received credible information from two anonymous sources stating that the long-awaited Eglinton Crosstown will open in September 2025. Construction and testing are slated to be fully complete by June, at which time the crosstown will be handed off to the TTC, which will operate the line. The TTC will take from June to September to get everything up and running on their end. 

This is not the first time that we have seen a projected opening date for the Eglinton Crosstown. All of those dates have passed us by, and the project is nearly five years late, 50% over its 10-year original timeline. I know 14-year-olds who have been waiting for the Crosstown for their entire lives! 

I am hopeful that this new opening date is the final one. Torontonians deserve this line and have waited far too long for it on crowded subways, streetcars, and busses. Small business owners have waited for years while their storefronts were covered by construction hoarding. And local residents have endured traffic, noise, and disruptions for far too long. I hope that this is a lesson to Metrolinx and this government that Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) are not how large infrastructure projects should be built. They result in massive delays, cost overruns, corner-cutting, and legal battles that grind construction to a halt (as happened many times on this project). We all deserve better than P3s, we deserve public infrastructure built publicly! 

I can’t wait to take my first ride on the Crosstown and hope to do so this September!

The Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association is always standing up for the community, but now they have taken on a new and ambitious project and need your help. 

A new 28-storey tower is being proposed on the site currently occupied by the Pizza Pizza. The City of Toronto denied the developer application, but it is now being appealed at the Ontario Land Tribunal. 

Community members are extremely concerned that, if approved, this development could set a precedent and open the door to more mega-developments along the historic Church-Wellesley Village strip. This could erode the neighbourhood's character and spell the end of the 2SLGBQIA+ business district, an economic and cultural hub and a safe space for many. 

The City of Toronto has an existing plan for the Village strip, which emphasizes sensitive low-scale infill that respects the existing character, including the fine-grain retail and low-rise scale. This kind of development will support the neighbourhood and allow it to continue to exist. Developments like this are an existential threat to the neighbourhood. 

The Ontario Land Tribunal has granted the CWNA party status, which is already a huge win. However, they must retain legal counsel and an expert witness to make an impact. They are working in support of the City and their initial refusal of the development, but the CWNA is uniquely positioned to express how this development will negatively impact the Village. Their participation is critical. 

CWNA needs to raise $50,000 by June 30 to underwrite the professional fees for participating in the hearing. I encourage you to learn more about their campaign here and to share it with your networks. 

Attention everyone who lives, works and is committed to the Dundas-Sherbourne neighbourhood! The City of Toronto is looking for your feedback on a new Community Action Plan for the area. 

We all know that this intersection is a challenging area, with many critical services for those in crisis immediately abutting historic residential areas and criminal actors preying on vulnerable people. But it is also an extraordinary neighbourhood full of people who love and care for each other and don’t want to see people marginalized by the place they call home. I am hopeful that this new action plan will provide strong support for the neighbourhood and its challenges in a way that is sensitive to all residents. But the only way we can achieve that is if all voices are heard! 

Click here to share your thoughts, and make sure to share the survey with others who frequent the area. I look forward to the outcome of this survey and the work that will follow to make the neighbourhood more accepting, safer, and more vibrant for all.

It was an honour to join the United Steelworkers at their Mary Spratt Breakfast last Saturday to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) alongside Dr. Samantha Green. IWD is a time for feminists to come together, reflect on all we have accomplished, and set new goals for the year ahead.

The Ontario NDP and I will continue the ongoing fight for women's and workers' rights, something we need now more than ever. Women united can never be defeated!

Here are the U.S. products Canada is targeting in response to Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum

'Canada is a sovereign state': Trump's ambassador pick distances himself from annexation talk

Carney sworn in as prime minister with a reworked cabinet filled with new faces

She paid $8K for eye surgery. But there’s a free OHIP option

Eglinton Crosstown LRT finally has an opening date, according to sources

Donald Trump is coming for his job. Why 70,000 Ontarians could end up jobless if the tariffs persist

Top court finds Ontario spending limits on 3rd-party election ads unconstitutional

The City of Toronto remains committed to revitalizing George Street to better serve vulnerable residents and the broader community. The project will replace the existing Seaton House men’s shelter with a smaller emergency shelter and an all-gender transitional shelter, while also introducing a state-of-the-art long-term care home, supportive housing, and a community hub with essential programs and services.

The George Street Revitalization (GSR) Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) brings together key community stakeholders to receive updates and provide input on the project’s programs. Previously paused due to the City’s COVID-19 response and recent changes in the project’s delivery model, the SRG will resume engagement in 2025.

As part of this process, the project team will be available at an upcoming in-person meeting led by City Planning:

📅 Date: February 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: John Innes Community Centre (150 Sherbourne St, Toronto, ON)
📢 Meeting Type: Open house format

A dedicated Stakeholder Reference Group meeting is planned for fall 2025. Those interested in attending can register here.

For more details on the George Street Revitalization and the SRG, visit toronto.ca/NewGeorge.

The Centre of Learning & Development, in partnership with Mothers of Peace, Arthubs, and the City of Toronto, invites the community to the Eid Bazaar at Daniels Spectrum. This Eid celebration will showcase local vendors offering henna, jewelry, clothing, food, and more while bringing the community together.

📅 Dates: March 6, 12, 19, 26
⏰ Time: 2:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St E)

For questions or vendor inquiries, contact Sureya at [email protected] or 647-493-2462 ext. 112.

Yonge Street Mission is hosting a Community Development Training Series, offering practical tools, strategies, and insights to support community development efforts and strengthen impact. Sessions will be facilitated by YSM Community Development Specialists and cover key topics in engagement, evaluation, and facilitation.

📅 Dates & Topics:

• February 25 – Community Engagement & Ownership
• April 29 – Measurement & Evaluation
• June 24 – Meeting Facilitation

⏰ Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Format: Hybrid (In-person location TBC)

📌 Registration deadline: One week before each session.

For more details, contact [email protected] or click here to register on Eventbrite.

Are you looking for free or affordable mental health support? Family Service Toronto offers just that! They are part of Family Service Toronto network, the only network in Ontario that provides free and low cost couples and family therapy in addition to individual counselling. 

To learn more about their resources and get connected to support visit ontariocounsellingfinder.ca.