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!
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!
Dear Neighbour,
Byelection in Scarborough – Guildwood |
Election day in Scarbourough – Guildwood is TOMORROW. We have a real shot at denying Ford another Toronto riding — but we need your help to send Thadsha to Queen’s Park.
The Thadsha Navaneethan campaign stands as a testament to the power of unity and progressive values. Now, more than ever, we have an incredible opportunity to bring meaningful change and elect a progressive, a New Democrat, in Scarborough Guildwood – and someone who genuinely understands and represents the needs and aspirations of the community. By doing so, we can bolster the Official Opposition in Ontario and stand up against the Ford Government.
As we look at the political landscape in Ontario, we recognize that the Liberals find themselves in third place, lacking both party status and a leader. I heard for myself at the doors yesterday that Scarborough communities are uniting behind the NDP as the only option that can win more for them and send a clear message of change to Doug Ford.
But here's the crucial part: we are so close, and we need your help to make a real difference. A strong Get Out The Vote (GOTV) effort is what will propel us to victory, and I am calling on our NDP family to step up and support us in this final stretch. Even if you can spare just an hour of your time, it can make all the difference in ensuring we reach as many voters as possible.
So I urge you to join me tomorrow for election day and be part of this historic movement. Click the link below to sign up — you can help in person or by remotely make calls using your computer.
Doug Ford muzzles Metrolinx |
In another incident of Doug Ford keeping Ontarians in the dark to save face, it was revealed this week that the Premier’s Office has been vetting all Metrolinx communications. CEO Phil Verster wrote to the Premier’s Chief of Staff in December, suggesting that Metrolinx was required to have the government’s approval before publicly discussing the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. Others close to this story suggest there was a “total lockdown” on communications unless the material was approved by the Premier’s or Minister of Transportation’s offices.
This is an eerie echo of the fiasco in Moss Park, where 61 mature trees were cut down on a weekend without any public consultation or notice. The Toronto Star later revealed that political staff directed Metrolinx not to notify the local MPP of the work—while city officials were warned. Ford cannot be trusted when it comes to telling the truth about transit building.
Toronto’s Shelter and Refugee Crisis |
Cities across Ontario including Toronto continue to reel from a critical lack of shelter beds and supportive housing with robust wraparound because governments have refused to come to the table with urgent funding for this housing and homelessness crisis. We experience the fallout of these issues directly in our neighbourhoods, including Church and Wellesley Village with the announcement of Dudley’s Hardware potentially closing next year.
Just this week, Mayor Chow wrote to Federal Finance Minister Christia Freeland asking for emergency funds and was turned away and told that instead, the City should dip into reserve funds to cover costs. This is unacceptable. We urgently need ALL governments to work together to address the housing, mental health and addictions crises. Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. We can’t afford to have the federal and provincial governments fight over who should do less for Toronto.
The provincial government has been sitting on over $22 billion of allocated funding, some of it from the federal government. The upper governments must stop their finger pointing and work with cities to address the mental health, addictions and housing crises. Otherwise, sustainable solutions will not advance until that happens.
This is all happening as the Federal government continues to find the funds to subsidies fossil fuel companies with tax breaks despite the climate crisis.
Save the Ontario Science Centre |
Toronto City Council passed a motion moved by Councillor Josh Matlow this week to protect the Ontario Science Centre from demolition and relocation. While it is widely accepted that the centre requires upgrades, many Torontonians oppose Doug Ford’s plan to demolish the building and move the centre to a much smaller site at Ontario Place. The motion asks city staff to understand what obligations, if any, the province has to continue operating a public-facing attraction on the Science Centre site and to explore the possibility of the city taking over the site. This model would look something like the Toronto Zoo. It is heartening to see all of the love for the Science Centre!
Who voted for the motion to protect the Science Centre.
MPP Chris Glover is also gauging public support or opposition to the Conservative government's proposal for the Therme spa at Ontario Place. Please take a moment to complete this quick 5-question survey.
A “Secret Trail” Held at an Ontario Court? |
As the Official Opposition Critic for the Attorney General, I keep an eye on what is happening in our courts. But I have never seen something this odd: a ruling from the Ontario Court of Appeal in which all details, including the name of the court where the trial was held, have been redacted. The ruling text does not list the offender's name, crime, date, judge, sentence, or reasoning. Legal experts have expressed grave alarm about this “secret triaI” and believe that the public and media have a right to greater context on why such an unconventional approach was taken. I will be keeping a close eye on this and will provide updates if anything concerning arises.
Is your Landlord selling? Here is what tenants need to know: |
Tenants in Toronto routinely battle renovictions, AGIs, and bad faith requests to leave by landlords. Even when landlords act in good faith, the law is complex and it can be hard to know where you stand as a tenant. Luckily, there are great legal resources out there!
This week City TV published this informative article about what tenants need to know if their landlord is selling their home — check it out here and refer to Steps To Justice for more lawyer-vetted legal information.
Black July Commemoration |
This past Sunday, I joined Marit Stiles and Thadsha Navaneethan at the 40th-anniversary commemoration of Black July at Albert Campbell Square. Many community members shared stories from the anti-Tamil pogroms and genocide that took place in 1983. This event was a symbol of the resilience exemplified by the Tamil community.
Bloor East Neighbourhood Association Summer Social |
Last week I had the pleasure of joining BENA for their annual summer social at Bishop and Belcher. It was wonderful to connect with so many community leaders and neighbours for a chat about the issues (small businesses, community safety, and local development were the hot topics!). If you are not connected to your local Neighbourhood Association I can’t recommend it more. It is a great way to meet your neighbours and make change in your community. If you would like to be connected and live in Toronto Centre email my office and we can link you up!
Upcoming Events |
Moss Park Festival |
Join me this Saturday at the Moss Park Festival from 1 to 4 PM at Moss Park! Bring your friends, family, and neighbours to enjoy food, ice cream, live music, a bouncy castle, family portraits, and much more. Look out for our big orange tent and make sure you drop to pick up a prize.
Regent Park Pancakes in the Park |
Also, this upcoming Saturday, the Friends of Regent Park are hosting Pancakes in the Park from 10 AM to 12 PM by the Bake Oven in the Big Park (600 Dundas Street East).
Everyone is welcome to spread their picnic blanket, eat, listen to music, and exercise. There will be a steelpan player, a face painter, and Dancing with Parkinson’s will lead the crowd in low-impact seated exercises. Pancakes, halal chicken sausages, and vegan sausages will be served.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
Dear Neighbour,
Ford’s Inaction is Hurting Local Businesses |
This week a long-established and widely beloved hardware store — Dudley’s Hardware, Paint and Decor— announced they could close. The owner needs to see action from all orders of government on the overlapping crises of chronic homelessness, untreated mental health and addictions, and a failed justice system. I visited Dudley’s owner Steve Dawson to discuss what next steps he needs to rebuild trust with all levels of government and prevent his business from closing. I also joined a meeting convened by Councillor Chris Moise today with public safety, small business, and community stakeholders about enhancing local public safety. Thank you to the Church - Wellesley Neighbourhood Association, the Church - Wellesley Village BIA, 51 Division, community members, Progress Place, the 519, Toronto City Staff, Councillor Moise, and the team at Dudley's for joining to discuss what changes can be made over the short and long term for everyone who lives, works, and plays in the Village.
Ongoing decades of underfunding and downloading by the federal and provincial governments created the housing and homelessness crisis. The province is worsening public safety by not budgeting for new supportive and deeply affordable housing. I wrote to several of Ford’s Ministers, calling on them to make concrete changes and visit local stakeholders to hear firsthand what our communities need from our government. You can read my letter here.
I also spoke about this to City News Toronto yesterday outlining a strong emphasis on the mental health crisis and a need for bail reform, which you can find here.
Standards Committee Being Formed To Make Gender Affirming Health Care in Ontario More Consistent |
Yesterday, a constituent informed my office that Health Quality Ontario is forming a committee to make more consistent standards for gender affirming health care.
To be clear, this committee will not do the work of the committee proposed by the Gender Affirming Healthcare Act. This committee will specifically focus on establishing standards of care for healthcare professionals who treat Trans people. Consistent standards mean fewer differences between providers. Rainbow Health Ontario already has a best practices document. Still, formalized standards are a step toward progress.
The advisory committee proposed in the Gender Affirming Healthcare Act goes well beyond this to understand how access to care can be expanded, improved, sped up, and made more accessible. Nonetheless, Trans and nonbinary folks should make up most of the Health Quality Ontario committee. If you have lived experience, you can apply to be on the committee here by July 24, 2023.
Ford’s MPPs Should Return King’s Counsel Titles |
The Toronto Star reported this week that the head of Ontario’s legal regulator did not accept the government’s offer of a King’s Counsel designation because using the title may violate professional conduct rules for lawyers.
This government has caused absolute chaos in the courts, affecting Ontarians’ access to justice. It currently takes more than four or five years for a civil action to proceed from commencement to trial. We’ve even seen serious convictions tossed out due to delays.
Justice delayed is justice denied.
But instead of prioritizing fixes to the justice system, Ford's Conservatives reward themselves and their donors with fancy new titles.
I called for Conservative MPPs bestowed with the King’s Counsel title to return it voluntarily.
It is appalling for Ford’s Ministers to put a patronage scheme before real issues like bail reform or fixing Ontario’s tribunal system crisis.
Inflation for Whom? |
This week, Stats Canada released Canada’s June inflation numbers, which have fallen to 2.8%. Hidden in that number is the deeply worrying statistic that food inflation is continuing at 9% — an acutely painful rate for everyone living on a fixed income. I want to echo NDP leader Jagmeet Singh’s calls for a windfall tax on grocery chains. Massive corporations are making record profits while millions of Canadians struggle to eat. We must also remember that Ford needs to raise ODSP and OW rates so that some of our lowest-income community members can afford to eat.
I want to share some key statistics to help you decide what drives the problem.
1: Competition in grocery suppliers has decreased significantly in recent decades.
2: Massive grocery chains are raking in more profits than ever.
Mayor Chow Wins More Funding from the Federal Government |
Earlier this week, the Federal government committed to provide $97 million of the $157 million owed to Toronto to support settling refugee claimants. 62% of the funding Toronto deserves is a positive start. This shows how electing a progressive organizer as our Mayor is already winning new funding for essential services. In more good news, Mayor Olivia Chow’s first motion to open up more shelter spaces for refugee claimants passed Council on Wednesday with unanimous support.
Housing Inflation Underscores Need for Rent Control and Vacancy Rent Control |
This week, new data from the Canadian Real Estate Board showed that rent price inflation is skyrocketing. At the same time, a study from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives showed that policies favouring profit over housing security are driving the housing crisis. I cannot stress enough how important vacancy rent control is — and I want to thank my predecessor Suze Morrison for her successful advocacy, ensuring vacancy rent control is enshrined in NDP policy. Vacancy rent control means rent control applied between tenancies — or, more simply, a new tenant will pay the same rent as the last tenant. Vacancy rent control can end the incentive for demovictions and renovictions. It is not a silver bullet — tackling the housing crisis requires a constellation of policy responses, many of which you can read about here. But vacancy rent control is one of the lowest cost/ highest impact housing policy tools available.
Nominations are open for the 2023 Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Awards! |
The Ontario Heritage Trust is honouring the achievements of those who have shown leadership, commitment and the best and most creative approaches to heritage conservation this year. If you are interested in nominating an exceptional individual, the deadline is October 15, 2023.
Learn more about each of the four categories of awards here:
Regent Park Islamic Resource Centre |
This week I met with Toronto Community Housing and staff from Councillor Moise’s Office to advance an exclusive use agreement for the Regent Park Islamic Resource Centre (RPIRC) at 246 Sackville Street. I recognize the importance of dedicated space and culturally-appropriate programs for the Muslim community in Toronto Centre. The RPIRC has hosted numerous Eid celebrations and many after-school programs for the local students. As their former councillor and current MPP, this wonderful organization and community hub is a source of pride for me in Toronto Centre. I look forward to seeing them expand their services for a growing community in the years to come.
Food Donations to 129 Peter Street |
Today, with the help from the Regent Park community members, I was also able to help provide 50 hot meals to refugees and asylum seekers at 129 Peter Street. While it was a small part from my end, real solutions for this can only come through immediate actions from the federal and provincial governments.
I talked more about the situation at 129 Peter Street in my previous newsletter, which you can read here.
My Meeting with Grey-Bruce-Owen Sound Pride |
Today I met with the coordinators of Grey-Bruce-Owen Sound Pride. They shared how their festival is being targeted by this new wave of violent anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate and the lack of support that they feel from our Provincial government. They have a petition calling for their municipal government to do more that you can sign to show your solidarity with them! This government lacks coordination and real programs to support communities being targeted by hate-motivated violence and harassment. I have heard this feedback from Pride organizations across Ontario, but particularly from smaller towns and rural areas. Queer and Trans people in Ontario should feel safe and be supported by their governments no matter where they live. I will continue to press this government to invest in the safety of our communities.
Upcoming Events |
Queer East Social at Café Zuzu |
Queer East Social is coming to Toronto Centre’s Café Zuzu this Wednesday, July 29 from 6PM to 10 PM. This wonderful event is an opportunity for any 2SLGBTQ+ members and allies to celebrate and be together.
Enjoy an evening of mingling with Queer & Trans organizations and support Queer owned and/or operated businesses by RSVPing for the event here!
Free Outdoor Screening of Amelie from the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show |
The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is bringing Toronto Centre a screening of Amélie directed by Jean=Pierre Jeunet. There will be a short film Arlo Alone, directed by Nicole Dorsey, screened just before the main event.
The screening will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at the Corktown Commons — enter at Bayview ave and Mill Street (155 Bayview Ave). The admission is Free/PWYC (no ticket required to attend) The event will begin at sun down, with eats and treats before at 7 PM. Guests are asked to bring their own blankets and chairs. The movie will have captions.
Free/PWYC Bike Safety Checkup From Charlie’s Freewheels |
Until August 19th, Charlie's Freewheels will be bringing their Bike Safety Check Station to the Summer Saturdays at the Moss Park Market from 11 AM to 2 PM. Their teams of mechanics will perform safety checks and minor adjustments, and provide air and oil to your bike. The service is free for youth under 25, or Pay-What-You-Can for adults over 25.
Meet Historical Reenactors in Old Town Toronto |
On Saturdays, June through August, find historic reenactors and artisans in Old Town Toronto. This friendly group tours the area 12 noon to 3pm Saturdays, and are happy to chat with you about historic facts, their period specific attire, or snap a selfie.
Their route/timing may alter week-to-week, however, their casual itinerary is:
12pm – 1pm: St. James Park for a stroll then off to Berczy Park for a picnic.
1pm – 2pm: Market Street where they demonstrate different things such as quill writing, knitting, whittling, polishing buckles.
2pm – 3pm: Back through St. James Park, where they just might invite you to partake in a game of croquet.
Thank you to Friends of St James Park for sharing this event with us!
Yours in community service,
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MPP, Toronto Centre
Dear Emma, I hope you are getting the chance to spend time with friends and family this summer. This newsletter will cover recent political developments that I think will interest you, and highlight free local events where you can join your neighbours across Toronto Centre.
I recently visited 129 Peter St. to hear from refugees and asylum seekers suffering from the City’s lack of support from higher levels of government. All governments have a responsibility here — especially the Federal government who owes Toronto $157 million. The situation on Peter St. explodes the myth that Canada treats refugees well. Community members on the ground are updating this Google Doc of what people need outside 129 Peter St.
This week Marit Stiles wrote a letter calling on Ford to act. The Province can — and must — step up by:
Doug Ford criticized the Auditor General for summoning Silvio De Gasperis to provide testimony under oath as part of her investigations into the Greenbelt recently. To be clear, the Auditor’s General scope is ensuring financial responsibility, well-managed programs and transparency in public reporting from the government. Ensuring Ontario’s conservation programs like the Greenbelt are well-managed falls within her job description. De Gasperis’ attempt to escape submitting testimony under oath is concerning because his family is known for their many connections to the Premier — including their long record of being maximum donors to Doug Ford and the PC Party. Doug Ford might say he has nothing to hide, but you and I know better. The meaner Ford gets under the public spotlight, the more obvious it becomes that there is something else afoot. That’s why it’s so important that the Auditor-General be empowered to do her job without political interference.
Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) are contracts signed when new developments in a neighbourhood commit to include local jobs and training. They’re not just a big deal, for many people locked out of the trades — they are the deal. The Ontario Line’s construction is going to be extremely disruptive to so many of us in Toronto Centre. But Community Benefits Agreements could be a silver lining if Infrastructure Ontario ensures that a fair share of the billions being poured into this project go into empowering marginalized community members in the Downtown East. I advocated for CBAs as a Councillor and am continuing to fight for them at Queen’s Park. But Ford is trying to weasel Infrastructure Ontario out of specific commitments and enforceable targets as part of the Ontario Line. This is simply unacceptable. You can follow the Toronto Community Benefits Network to stay in the loop about local advocacy for real CBAs in the Ontario Line.
The Ontario Superior Court recently dismissed a closely watched class action. The case revolved around whether the government can choose to reappoint adjudicators to Ontario Tribunals solely based on political motives. To the dismay of many observers, including myself, the Court dismissed the case — effectively finding that the government can use re-appointments to settle political scores. Worse, the dismissal implies that acting based on political motives will not impact adjudicator independence or impartiality of our Tribunal — which is absurd. I want to thank Tribunal Watch Ontario for providing this excellent analysis, and echo their calls for an Adjudicative Tribunal Justice Council to help restore faith in Ontario’s Tribunals.
Source: Toronto StarProperty taxes are determined by a provincial corporation known as the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. A recent report by the Toronto Star found that MPAC has been systemically undervaluing the worth of mansions in their property tax assessments, while over-valuing the worth of small homes that are likely to be owned by working or middle class families. Ontario’s Finance Minister is responsible for ensuring that MPAC is working in a way that is fair and meets everyone’s needs. Taxing modest homes to give tax breaks to the rich fails to clear that bar.
Last week was the hottest week in over 100,000 years. But Ford wants to double down on new natural gas plants. Climate change is not a future problem — our dense urban communities are uniquely vulnerable to record breaking heatwaves, abysmal air quality from climate change-induced forest fires, and we have all seen firsthand that tempers rise with the mercury making random acts of street violence more likely. I strongly urge everyone to continue monitoring local air quality, and using respirators (high-quality masks) when the air becomes unsafe. I also must admit, that I did not foresee how timely my private member’s bill to make indoor air quality safer would be when I tabled the Protecting Ontario’s People and Economy from Airborne Pandemics Act in March.
Source: YSW Tenant Union This Saturday tenants in York South – Weston rallied for fair rents. You can learn more about what tenants at 33 King St are fighting for here from their landlord Dream Unlmited (who, I would point out, former Mayoral candidate Ana Bailao worked for before running). As always, a tenants’ best defense is a strong tenant association — and I encourage every tenant to reach out to my office for support organizing your neighbours.
Toronto Centre has a dynamic and active Filipino community. I was honoured to join Filipinos in Regent Park Community Group Saturday for their celebration of the many contributions Filipino-Canadians have made to the success of Ontario and Canada. This fun annual gathering is one to look out for every Summer!
You can visit the Moss Park photo story exhibit on the second floor of the Parliament St. Library for the next month. I was thrilled to join community members — especially the young burgeoning photographers from Moss Park who got the chance to see their work professionally printed thanks to an Ontario Trillium Grant and Neighbourhood Information Post. Speaking of which, have you saved the date for the Moss Park Festival from 1 – 4 PM on July 29?
The Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto is celebrating their 50th Birthday this year! They have been a leader in Toronto faith communities for equity and 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion for decades before laws and many elected leaders caught up. Their work building an affirming Christian home for those cast out by their family and community is so important to many of our neighbours. I joined their 50th anniversary service to congratulate MCC and their many engaged Toronto Centre community members who helped them get to this milestone. Bless you MCC Toronto!
From Wednesday until Friday, voters living in Scarborough – Guildwood can cast their ballot in the advance polls! You can sign up and help elect Thadsha here.
This Thursday at Sunday, you can join the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show for a free screening of the Matrix at the Corktown Common. Eats and treats will be available at 7:00 PM, and the movie will start at sundown. I hope your week goes well and thank you for all that you do.
Yours in community service, Kristyn Kristyn Wong-Tam MPP, Toronto Centre |
Dear Neighbour,
Today a bold new progressive chapter begins in the history of our city. Olivia Chow was sworn in as Mayor. Her story resonates in Toronto Centre because she called our streets in St. James Town her first Canadian home after her family arrived. Our new Mayor grew up on Rose Ave.
Olivia’s story of growing up in St. James Town, supporting her family’s transition to a new country, and her first-hand knowledge of what it means to be a tenant, to ride the TTC regularly, and to overcome systemic barriers matters. And that lived experience — experiences shared by so many of us in Toronto Centre — means that her policies will reflect what people actually need.
Needless to say, I was overjoyed to join her swearing in as Toronto’s new Mayor today. The long, cold, conservative winter in the Mayor’s office is over.
In this newsletter, I want to cover recent political updates and share exciting local events taking place in our community.
St. James Town Residents’ Council Town Hall |
Yesterday I had the pleasure of joining the St James Town Residents’ Council to their Summer Town Hall. We spoke about the pressing issues that are deeply affecting residents in St. James Town such as housing & affordability. It's an honour to represent this dynamic neighbourhood at Queen’s Park.
Street Haven Calling for Solutions |
Street Haven is a multi-service agency that provides support to women experiencing or at risk of homelessness. They have locations in several communities including Toronto Centre and it was an honour to meet with their Executive Director, Siu Mee Cheng, and their clients Theresia and Florence. We learned how the Federal and Provincial governments can do more to address the refugee and homelessness crisis in our city. Among the many services, the Ontario NDP is calling for an immediate investment in homeless programs such as the Canada Ontario Housing Benefit and the re-instatement of the Physician and Hospital Services for Uninsured Persons program. The humanitarian crisis is worsening as shelters and refugee homes are full and new arrivals are being turned away daily.
Ford Can’t Buy the Headlines He Wants About Ontario Place |
Torontonians are still asking questions that Ford is ignoring about Ontario Place. This was illustrated in a comically bad interview by Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma earlier this week that you can see here. Ford has launched an aggressive ad campaign to try and build excitement using the tax-payer money he pretends to want to protect — but journalists and Torontonians are not being fooled. Furthermore an Ontario-based company named Thermea also initiated a law suit this week about if Therme’s name will cause legally problematic confusion. Our new Mayor has pledged to fight Ford’s suspiciously unprofitable spa plan with every tool — and we will be supporting all efforts to keep Ontario Place public.
Another Thorn in Ford’s Side — Courtesy of Ontario’s Greenbelt |
A story broke this week that a federal environmental report commissioned in March listed 29 federally protected species that live in the parts of the Greenbelt that Ford wants to bulldoze. This is not a nail in the coffin for his plans, but could pose additional challenges to his wetland giveaway plans.
Ford Throws Downey Under a Bus After King’s Counsel Backlash |
After Ford restored a useless patronage title known as the King’s Counsel last week, he threw his Attorney-General under the bus saying that he never saw or approved who received the controversial designation. Be that as it may, Ontario’s Tribunals remain in crisis with no end in sight and I would argue that the real scandal facing both men is their failure to deliver Ontarians any semblance of access to justice.
Ontario's Ombudsman gave Ford a roadmap to fix the Landlord and Tenant Board (which has lessons applicable to many other Tribunals). Instead of getting to work, Ford's government is prioritizing divvying out useless patronage titles.
On Threads While Twitter Burns |
Twitter was never known for being an oasis of self-care and assumed best-intent. But its new owner showed the world why every billionaire is a policy failure with historically painful clarity. It is important for me to be where my constituents are, so, like many of you, I begrudgingly downloaded another social media app and am on threads! You can follow me here: https://www.threads.net/@kristynwongtam
Rally Against Health Care Privatization Outside St. Michael’s Hospital this Thursday |
On July 13, Toronto hospital workers, including frontline nurses, medical laboratory technologists, health care aides, cleaners, clerical staff and many more, will be holding city-wide rallies to protest against the privatization of hospital services.
What: Rally Against Health Care Privatization Outside St. Michael’s Hospital
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM on July 13, 2023
Address: 30 Bond St., Toronto (sidewalk at the corner of Queen St. and Victoria St.)
Upcoming Local Events: Sounds Like a Park — Thursdays in Allan Gardens |
The Friends of Allan Gardens and Toronto Metropolitan University’s Office of Social Innovation are thrilled to present Sounds Like A Park, a free concert series that will take place from 5:30-8 PM every Thursday in July.
The opening event will feature Toronto’s new Poet Laureate, Lillian Allen, and her Revolutionary Tea Party, Indigenous Collaborative Dancer Cotee Harper and Indigenous Collaborative Singer Theo McGregor.
They will be followed by Samba Squad on July 13, Counterpoint and Friends on July 20, and Thyron Lee Whyte & Band on July 27.
Free Outdoor Screening of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon this Thursday |
The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is bringing Toronto Centre a screening of CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON directed by Ang Lee. There will be a short film Requiem for Romance, directed by Jonathan Ng. It takes place on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at the Corktown Common — enter at Bayview ave and Mill Street (155 Bayview Ave). The admission is Free/PWYC (no ticket required to attend) The event will begin at sun down, with eats and treats before at 7 PM. Guests are asked to bring their own blankets and chairs. The movie will have captions.
Regent Park Community Health Centre’s 50th Anniversary BBQ |
The Regent Park CHC is having a free barbeque celebrating their 50 years of serving Toronto Centre communities this Thursday from noon to 4 PM. Join them for a live DJ, games raffles, zumba, dancing, and food!
When: Thursday July 13 from 12 PM - 4 PM
Address: Regent Park “Big Park” at 620 Dundas St East
Rally for Fair Rent |
This event might not be in Toronto Centre (it is at 33 King Street near Weston Road and Lawrence Avenue), the housing crisis is affecting Toronto Centre, and solidarity is a wonderful strategy to advance tenant rights.
Moss Park Photo Exhibit |
Join me celebrating the launch of the Moss Park Photostory Exhibit at Neighbourhood Information Post. It will take place from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at 269 Gerrard Street East on the second floor.
The Theatre Centre Community Meal |
The Theatre Centre is hosting Community Meal for Summer 2023. It takes place on Thursday July 27 and it starts at 12:30 PM at The Theatre Centre Café/Bar. RSVP here if you are interested!
Thank you for all that you to do. It is an honour to represent and organize for our communities.
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
Dear Neighbour,
This week has been jam-packed and I am excited to share it with you. Keep reading to hear about issues with the Landlord and Tenant Board, an awesome local business owner helping Sudanese refugees, upcoming community events, and so much more!
Ombudsman’s Damning Report on the Landlord & Tenant Board
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The long-awaited Ombudsman’s report on the crisis at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) was released yesterday. Housing Critic, MPP Jessica Bell and I, as the Critic for the Attorney General, held a press conference in response.
The backlog at the LTB has grown from 20,000 in 2020 to 38,000 today and the Ford Government has no plan to address the problem. Simply put, the failure to quickly schedule LTB hearings to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants has made life impossibly stressful for many Ontarians.
The ONDP has been tirelessly advocating for years to depoliticize the appointment process and increase the number of adjudicators so that Ontarians can receive a fair and timely hearing. This report paints a clear and damning picture of the crisis. The Ford government must acknowledge their failing; then provide a detailed and costed plan with committed timelines to address the crisis. Otherwise, residents will never be freed from the misery of Ford’s broken tribunal system.
Click here to watch our press conference.
A Visit to Esra’s in Moss Park & the Garden District
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During my recent visit to Moss Park and the Garden District, I was delighted to be welcomed by a large number of supporters of Esra's. The owner, Muna Elbadri, is a remarkable individual whose resiliency and strength are truly inspiring. Not only has she managed to create a beloved community hub, but she has also extended her support to Sudanese citizens who are struggling in their home country.
This Star story highlights the journey of this small Toronto shop that averted disaster and became a source of hope and support for many. Muna's story is a reminder of the power of community and how one individual can make a difference in the lives of so many.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet Muna and the wonderful supporters of Esra's cafe and speal about their advocacy efforts to support Sudanese refugees. Their dedication to the community is truly remarkable, and I look forward to seeing their impact continue to grow!
Recently, Canada opened its humanitarian doors to Syrian and Ukranian refugees. Our nation has a proud history of standing up for human rights and providing sanctuary to those fleeing persecution and violence. I’m proud to lend my voice and join the call from Sudanese Canadians asking the Federal government to once again rise to the occasion of supporting refugees. We’ve done it successfully before and it’s time for us to do it again. To learn about the Sudan conflict, please consider this article.
Constituency Week
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This constituency week, I went door-to-door canvassing to speak with the residents of Regent Park and St James Town about their most pressing issues. We discussed topics like the need for affordable housing and how the unfavoured privatization of healthcare will impact residents. We had Toronto Centre swag to give away along with information on how my constituency office can be of assistance.
If you are interested in joining the next canvass, click here to sign up! We will be visiting every neighborhood in the riding, so watch out for us — better yet, join us!
Forsythia Festival
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Cabbagetown’s Forsythia Festival is returning this coming Sunday, May 7. The parade will begin at 10 AM at the intersection of Sumach and Winchester Street, while the festival will take place at Wellesley Park from 11 AM. to 3 PM, featuring a variety of fun activities, including a bouncy castle, mechanical bull, magician, beer garden and BBQ. Many thanks and congratulations to the Cabbagetown Residents Association for hosting this wonderful festival once again.
If you are planning to attend the Forsythia Festival, don't forget to wear yellow to join us in celebrating spring!
Grand Opening of Dr. Lillian McGregor Park
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Many enthusiastic residents from the Bay Cloverhill Community and I are joining Councillor Moise and City staff to unveil the new Dr. Lillian McGregor Park this coming Tuesday, May 9 from 3 to 4 PM at 25 Wellesley Street West.
It is difficult to to imagine that it was over 11 years ago when the BCCA and I first asked Premier McGuinty and Infrastructure Ontario to sell the land to the City of Toronto to allow us to build a new park. They said "no" many times, but the community, City Planning and Park staff and I insisted. Now look at what has been accomplished together — a new 1.6 acre park and dog off-lease area.
Toronto Centre residents desperately need and deserve more green spaces. Accessible public parks are important for our communities' collective health and wellbeing. I had always hoped that with enough community effort we could turn this abandoned lot into an urban park for generations to come.
The new park is named after Dr. Lillian McGregor, who belonged to the Whitefish River First Nation. She was a devoted nurse and a revered community leader, acknowledged for her tireless efforts to promote Indigenous culture and education. Her remarkable achievements were recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious City of Toronto Civic Award, the National Aboriginal Achievement Lifetime Award, and the Order of Ontario — and now she is honoured through this remarkable Toronto park.
If you are interested in knowing more about how this project came to be, check out the Bay Cloverhill Community Association’s article here. This is a big community win and BCCA was there from the very beginning.
Youth Week Toronto 2023
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I am excited to support Youth Week Toronto, an annual event that showcases the talents and abilities of young people from diverse communities across Toronto. Youth Week runs between May 1-7 and the event celebrates youth engagement in civic activities, recreation, arts, and sports.
Toronto's youth play a crucial role in shaping our city's social, cultural, and economic landscape. Youth Week provides a platform for young people to participate in free events that promote personal development, visual and performing arts, and community engagement. There will be multiple events across the city throughout the week. If you are interested in attending and supporting our youth, click the link to get more info!
Queen Street Closure
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Queen Street is now closed between Bay Street and Victoria Street, which started on May 3, 2023. Metrolinx initiated the closure due to the construction of two new subway stations for the Ontario Line Subway project.
This closure is expected to last for five years and is quite disruptive for pedestrians and businesses on Queen Street. As we have seen with Eglinton LRT, we cannot afford to bet on Metrolinx to deliver on time. Metrolinx has been instructed by the Ford government to wilfully hold back information from the public in the past, which resulted in public mistrust from our residents and businesses in Toronto. I will continue working with neighbouring MPP Chris Glover and our local BIAs to make sure Metrolinx information is delivered in a more timely and detailed fashion.
Please give yourself more time to commute and plan accordingly. You can find updates for TTC riders here.
Downtown businesses will continue to remain open and ready to serve. Please visit and support, as many businesses will be impacted due to the street closures. Let’s shop local together!
TTC’s Five-Year Plan
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TTC is seeking feedback from riders to help create plans for improving their services. The plans include the 2024 Annual Service Plan, which will focus on how the TTC can best provide service in areas affected by construction, the 5-Year Service Plan for strategic direction from 2024 to 2028. The TTC is seeking input on potential service improvements and how to allocate funding. Customers are invited to take a survey to provide feedback; final plans will be completed by early 2024. This is an opportunity for our community to voice our needs and concerns to the TTC.
Click here to fill out the survey and take action!
Improving Community Recreation Programs & Services
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The City is working with Regent Park residents and users of recreational facilities to improve the programs and services offered in the area.
Join the information session on May 9, between 7 PM and 8:30 PM and share your opinions on what changes you want to see in Regent Park services!
The Protest at Fort York Library
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I was disturbed by the recent protest at the Fort York Public Library targeting a Drag Queen Story Hour event planned for families in Toronto. The protest was an act of desperation and hate, and it demonstrates a clear lack of understanding and respect for the 2SLGBTQ+ community and drag artists.
Drag Queen Story Hour is an event that has been embraced by communities across Canada. These events are a beacon of community for Queer families, an opportunity for children to experience the fun of gender-expansive expression. It is unacceptable for a small group of individuals to try to silence this important initiative and instill fear in the hearts of families who simply want to enjoy a fun and educational activity.
I once again urge the Ford government to pass my Bill, the Keeping 2SLGBTQ+ Communities Safe Act. As the fear mongering against the 2SLGBTQ+ community rises, the Ontario government must take steps to ensure the safety of drag artists.
I condemn the violence and hate against drag artists in Ontario and across Canada.
Sign my petition to support the Keeping 2SLGBTQ+ Communities Safe Act!
Get Involved: Virtual Town Hall Meeting
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Don't miss out on the opportunity to have your voice heard! Sign up now for the joint Virtual Town Hall Meeting with MPP Tom Rakocevic and MPP Jessica Bell. Taking place on Monday, May 8 at 7PM, this meeting will focus on improving condominium laws in Ontario.
Condominiums are an important part of the housing market in Ontario, and it is crucial that our laws and regulations are fair and effective. By participating in this town hall meeting, you will have the opportunity to share your concerns and ideas on how to improve the laws that govern condominiums.
Register now and join the conversation on how we can work together to make positive change.
In community work,
Kristyn
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre