As I work to advocate for our communities, I will be sharing updates of my work through a continuation of my regular newsletter.
You can choose if you to receive local updates, provincial updates, or both!
April 12, 2024 Newsletter
|
Dear Friend, This week has been a rollercoaster. When I woke up on Wednesday morning, I didn’t think that my bill, the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act, was going to pass second reading, even though I knew it would mean so much to survivors if it did. But then the bill did pass, with the government's support, even though they publicly voiced their opposition months ago and again earlier this week. Let me tell you about how it all went down. Before Question Period, at 9:30 AM, I held an incredibly moving press conference alongside co-sponsors of the bill, including MPPs Lisa Gretzky, Jill Andrew, Peggy Satler as well as Fartumo Kusrow, whose daughter’s former partner was charged with her murder, and Erin Lee, who was deeply involved in the Renfrew Inquest. You can watch the entire presser here.
But by 10:30 AM, Government House Leader Paul Calandra was standing up in Question Period and saying that the PCs would support Bill 173! I was stunned and elated. Then stunned again. Immediately following the about-face affirmation, agreeing to declare Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic, Minister Calandra added to our surprise. He said that he would send the Bill to a travelling committee that would criss-cross Ontario to undertake new consultation and further study. This committee is something absolutely no one asked for, not the survivors, advocates, community service providers and certainly not the families of the Renfrew triple femicide who lost their daughters to intimate partner violence in 2015. We know that IPV is an epidemic. It was confirmed by the 2022 Coroner’s Report from the Renfrew Inquest. We don’t need to study it further, and we certainly don’t need another committee to delay the declaration. Since this majority Conservative government insists on the committee process, I will work with my caucus to bring together survivors and experts who will deliver the same strong and clear message they have been sharing with Ford’s Conservatives for years: gender-based violence is a crisis, it is an epidemic, and we need action and accountability now. All day, MPP Lisa Gretzky and I, along with advocates, survivors, and their families, were overwhelmed with requests from news outlets to discuss intimate partner violence and NDP Bill 173. I have spoken to NewsTalk 1010, CityTV, CP24, CBC Ottawa, and CBC Metro Morning about the issue. The powerful voices of survivors and advocates even drowned out the government’s new (and underwhelming) housing bill tabled that same day! This victory may have been imperfect, but it was a victory nonetheless.
Before the debate on Bill 173 started at 4 PM, nearly 200 survivors, advocates, and allies gathered at our reception to connect, share stories, and hear from sector leaders about the bill's importance.
Later that evening, we debated Bill 173, and it passed second reading with the gallery packed with survivors and advocates. We tried very hard to uncouple the bill from the lengthy committee process and have third reading waived so the bill could be declared a law then and there. However, the government did not cooperate. This is disappointing but not surprising. Overall, the day was exhilarating and full of hope. I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who signed our petition, lobbied government MPPs for their votes, and those who attended the debate to support the bill - your powerful stories and advocacy made this win possible! I particularly want to thank Cait Alexander, Fartumo Kusrow, Dan Jennings, and Michelle Gilpin for attending and sharing their personal stories of how they and their families have been affected by IPV. Your voices are vital. We will not let up until Bill 173 passes third reading and receives Royal Assent. Please keep organizing and reaching out to Conservative MPPs. You can find the contact information for all MPPs here. I encourage you to call and email them, sharing why declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic matters to you. This fight is far from over, and I am grateful to be fighting alongside all of you. Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam MPP, Toronto Centre
Join Toronto-Centre NDP and Team Kristyn Wong-Tam on April 30 & May 1 to talk to our neighbours about the most pressing issues in Toronto Centre. Date: Tuesday April 30, 2024 Time: 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Meeting Location: Intersection of Earl St. & Sherbourne St.
Eid Mubarak to all who are celebrating! The holy month of Ramadan has come to an end. Muslim communities have come together for Eid celebrations across Ontario to mark the occasion, and I was thrilled to join them. The Regent Park Islamic Resource Centre invited me to join them for their morning Eid Prayers on Thursday at Daniels Spectrum. We shared wonderful conversations and enjoyed delicious Palestinian dates.
Earlier in the week, Mayor Olivia Chow and I attended the Ramadan Bazaar to support local entrepreneurs and a beautiful community Iftar, where we all enjoyed delicious food and great company.
The Ontario NDP has crushed a third consecutive online fundraising record in the first quarter of 2024, bringing the total raised since Marit Stiles became leader to $5 million. The party's 2024 Q1 donations show the party’s highest online fundraising totals on record, with $724,428 raised from 8,852 individual donors. This surpasses election year totals and indicates robust and consistent growth in support. I am thrilled but not surprised that our vision for a better Ontario, for public health care that's there when you need it and for housing you can afford, is resonating. This record-breaking grassroots support is about more than just numbers; it's a testament to our growing momentum as we build towards 2026 and unseating Ford’s PCs. Want to be part of the movement?
We had a fantastic turnout for the Toronto Centre NDP Annual General Meeting this past weekend – the room was packed! These meetings remind me how strong the support for the NDP is in the riding and how many people are working tirelessly to advocate for labour rights, healthcare and education for all. I'm grateful and excited to work with the newly elected executive team, a group of powerhouse organizers from every corner of the riding. Toronto Centre is home, and by continuing to work in community, we will be stronger than ever.
Ford refuses to meet with the Federation of Ontario Law Associations, who reached out to discuss his plan to appoint "like-minded" judges. He refused this meeting despite the Federation being one of Ontario's most prominent associations of legal experts and workers. What is he afraid of hearing? Is he afraid to hear that he may be wrong? That he is making undemocratic and unjust decisions for the people of Ontario? Because that’s what I’ve heard when I have spoken with the Federation about the lack of judicial independence in our Ontario courts. The Ford government is unjustly eroding the divide between our legal and political systems. I will always fight for judicial independence. You can watch me ask Ford about this here.
The Ford Conservatives’ new housing bill is weak and represents another failure by the government to take the housing crisis seriously. This government has repeatedly shown that they lack the bold vision and leadership needed to do what they should have done years ago: build at least 1.5 million homes by 2031. The government continues to ignore top recommendations of its own Housing Affordability Task Force, including legalizing fourplexes and four-storey multiplexes in all neighbourhoods as of right. What’s also missing: real rent control and government investment in non-market housing, without which the housing affordability crisis will continue. In the past decade, guideline rent increases have only raised rent by 16.5%, but overall rental prices have risen by 54.5% because of loopholes in Ontario’s rent control legislation that are so large you could drive a truck through them. On top of that, a chunk of the bill is just reversals of the government’s bad policy decisions. I wish it were different, but this bill isn't going to make it easier for Ontarians to find an affordable home or protect them from illegal eviction. I will continue championing positive, actionable policies that would make huge strides in tackling the affordable housing crisis, including:
Congratulations to the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO) Local 5115 workers at Regent Park Community Health Centre on your new tentative collective agreement. You made the difficult decision to stand up for yourselves and say that you deserve better, and the community stood with you. My colleagues and I in the NDP – the party of workers – were happy to stand and support you during your two long weeks of picketing. Everyone in Ontario can learn from your bold, courageous organizing as we work to elect an NDP provincial government that supports and funds frontline healthcare workers.
This week, our friends at Ontario Place For All released a comprehensive audit demonstrating that the Therme mega-spa cannot succeed without hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies from the government. Ford’s refusal to subsidize deeply affordable housing the same way that he subsidizes a private corporation’s for-profit parking garage is outrageous. A financial audit revealed that Therme's mega spa at Ontario Place is economically unfeasible. The report also found it unclear whether Therme can even finance the project or meet its commitments over its 95-year lease. Ontario Place For All also won a minor legal victory in their case against Doug Ford this week. It’s time to scrap this bad idea. We must save Ontario Place. Join the movement and sign my petition!
On a lighter note, I am excited to invite you to join me on an extraordinary journey as we explore the peculiar proclivities of the Ford government at Queen's Park. Watch the video here!
AGO Galery workers are on week three of a historic strike. Show your solidarity with them as they fight for decent work and a fair future. Where: The AGO, 317 Dundas Street West When: Saturday, April 13, 1 PM
This survey aims to gather insights, suggestions, and priorities from Regent Park residents to inform the neighbourhood's sustainable growth and enhancement of the Social Development Plan. To ensure that your voice is heard and considered, they kindly ask you to take a few moments to fill out the Social Development Plan survey to participate in the consultation process. Your participation will help them better understand our diverse community's needs and aspirations. Please click here to access the survey: If you have questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] or Community Development Worker Olanike at [email protected]
On April 17, 2024, from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Metrolinx will host a virtual session for community members to learn more about the next phase of construction for the future Ontario Line station in Corktown. Join to hear more about the work underway, including construction methods and timelines for this work. For online registration, please follow this link.
Date: April 18, 2024 Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: 306 Gerrard Street East RSVP: RSVP link Calling all community leaders! At this focus group, YSM wants to hear from YOU about how the they can enhance the tools they offer for community development. Join YSM to:
Refreshments and childminding will be provided, so come hungry for great conversation and collaboration. An honorarium will be paid out to residents following the event. Please RSVP to secure your spot at this dynamic event.
Corporate landlords are killing affordable housing with above-guideline rent increases (AGIs), renovictions, demovictions and other predatory tactics to exploit more money out of tenants. The Ontario PC Government is complicit. Doug Ford could save at-risk buildings if he wanted to. ACORN is organizing mock funerals in 6 cities across the province on April 18th to demand immediate action to stop the murder of affordable housing by corporate greed and government inaction. Toronto action details: When: Thursday, April 18th, 1 PM Where: 437 Jarvis Street, where tenants are fighting an AGI
DATE: Thursday, April 18, 2024 TIME: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM LOCATION: Virtual/Online via Zoom Please join Trustee Williams for a Ward 10 Forum with Trustee Williams to discuss the ways we can support student literacy and numeracy. TDSB staff will make elementary school and secondary school presentations. They will also have updates from the Trustee and Superintendents. Everyone is welcome. How to Register: Please Sign Up Here to confirm your attendance. We look forward to seeing you there!
April is Earth Month, when we recognize the need to be environmentally conscious and take care of our one and only planet. I hope that you can attend one of the city’s many cleanups in Toronto Centre. Look below to find one in your neighbourhood! Yonge and Dundas SquareHosted by Downtown Yonge BIA Date and Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:30 AM Meeting Point: Yonge-Dundas Square What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, reusable water bottles, boots, and your enthusiasm! The DYBIA will provide supplies and refreshments after clean-up. Register at: [email protected] and state how many people will be in your party. Moss Park Hosted by the City of Toronto. Date and Time: Friday, April 19, 12 PM - 1 PM Meeting Point: Shuter and Pembrooke What to Bring: Comfortable clothes. Gloves, garbage bags, and refreshments will be provided. St. Lawrence Hosted by A Greener Future, Cigarette Butt Cleanup *Participants must be 19+ Date and Time: Saturday, April 20, 10 AM - 1 PM Meeting Point: Berczy Park & Toronto Sculpture Garden What to Bring: Equipment (gloves, upcycled container), weather appropriate clothes Register at: [email protected] or https://www.agreenerfuture.ca/ Corktown Date and Time: Saturday, April 20, 10 AM - 1 PM Meeting Point: Sackville playground What to Bring: Weather appropriate clothing. Bags and equipment are provided. For more information: [email protected] Bay St Hosted by the Mayor Date and Time: Saturday, April 20, 10 AM Meeting Point: 1055 Bay Street What to Bring: Sensible shoes and gloves. Bags and equipment provided Free St James Town Dog Wellness Clinic Pop-UpHosted by the Toronto Humane Society and the City of Toronto, St. Jamestown is hosting a FREE Dog Wellness Clinic Pop-Up Date and Time: Friday April 26, 10 AM - 1 PM Location: Wellesley Community Centre, 495 Sherbourne Street Appointments are required! Be sure to register in advance at The Corner. Register in person at 200 Wellesley Street East, by phone at 416-964-6657, or by email at [email protected]
Corktown is promoting the growth of native trees by giving them away in a special Earth Month event! Deadline to place an order is Saturday, April 20. Find more information here. Tree Pickup - May 11, 10 AM -1 PM Pickup Location: 513 King Street East
Date/Time: Weekly from Monday to Friday | 9 AM - 8 PM Location: Daniel Spectrum (585 Dundas Street East) Prepare your taste buds because The Regent Park Cafe is opening its doors at The Daniel Spectrum (585 Dundas St E, first floor) and they’re ready to party! It's a vibrant hub of local foods, flavors, passionate entrepreneurs and community connections. Join them to indulge in delicious bites and meaningful interactions. Stay in the loop with all the excitement – follow them on Instagram for exclusive updates: https://www.instagram.com/regentpark.cafe/
The Cabbagetown Festival is one of Toronto’s longest-running and most beloved street festivals, and this year it will be returning, bigger than ever! They are inviting over 75,000 locals and visitors across the GTA to enjoy a family-friendly, entertainment-packed weekend, including live music performances, fantastic food, Kid’s Zone, and over 200 unique vendors from Cabbagetown and beyond! The Cabbagetown Festival is celebrating its 45th year - after returning with a bang last year, the festival is primed to become one of the most-anticipated events in Toronto! Starting at $230 for the lowest vendor level for two days, they invite business owners to apply to join them as a vendor as we celebrate this milestone. Dates: September 7 and 8 Location: Parliament Street and Carlton Street, Cabbagetown, Toronto Apply and pay by May 31 to take advantage of this early-bird pricing! Prices go up June 1, as long as space remains available! CabbagetownTO.com @CabbagetownBIA
Toronto Public Health (TPH) encourages eligible residents to get vaccinated against mpox (formerly monkeypox) after confirming an increase in cases since the start of the year. To provide low-barrier, convenient, and equitable access to vaccination, TPH is hosting a series of clinics starting April 3. Walk-in and booked appointments are available. You can book appointments here. The vaccine is free of charge, and an OHIP card is not required. In addition to TPH-hosted clinics, residents can inquire about vaccine availability where they currently access sexual healthcare services. Eligible individuals who have not been vaccinated against mpox are encouraged to get their first dose of the vaccine as soon as possible, with a second dose given at least 28 days later. The vaccine becomes most effective after two weeks. Individuals planning to travel soon are encouraged to get vaccinated before leaving, as cases are being reported in various regions around the world. Vaccination can protect against the mpox virus and help reduce serious symptoms. Individuals who received a smallpox vaccination in the past are not protected against mpox. They should get vaccinated against mpox as soon as possible for the best protection. For more information including eligibility requirements, visit the City’s mpox webpage here. |
