Ontario’s Auditor General released not one, not two, but FOUR damning reports on Tuesday. They paint a picture of a government that is more interested in handing out favours (and piles of cash) to their donors and conservative-friendly lobbyists than working in the best interests of Ontarians. The reports revealed that the Ford government is literally giving billions to their buddies through their Skills Development Fund while rubber-stamping developers with concerning track records and completely ignoring the need for affordable childcare and action on climate change.
Let's start with the Skills Development Fund. This is a $2.5 billion pot of money dolled out to private training centres, businesses and other organizations to provide training to workers. The problem? Fifty-four percent of the groups that received funding were described as poor, lower-quality applications. Meanwhile, many applications ranked as high-quality did not receive any funding at all. All applications were ranked by non-partisan public servants, but final funding decisions were made by the Minister of Labour David Piccini and his staff, seemingly ignoring and overriding the impartial evaluation rankings provided to them.
This begs the question: what actual criteria did the Minister of Labour use to award the funds? We can’t know, but it appears that having insider connections to the Ford government and hiring their favourite lobbyists really helped. Scale Hospitality, a restaurant group that owns and operates many high-end restaurants in Toronto with connections to Amin Massoudi, Ford’s previous Principal Secretary received $17 million despite their application being submitted “late” and scoring “low” by public servants. Ford’s friend Zlatko Starkovski received $9.8 million to train recruits to work in nightclubs. And Dentacloud, a business that helps dentists sell their practices to private equity firms and with connections to former Minister of Labour Monte McNaughton, received $2 million.
These giveaways stink as badly as the Greenbelt scandal. The Auditor General succinctly called out the government’s funding decisions as, “not fair, transparent or accountable.” It’s clear that Doug Ford and his ministers are operating in the shadows behind closed doors. They nefariously dole out taxpayers’ money as their personal slush fund. The whole situation is corrupt and I intend to hold the Ford government accountable for his misappropriation of public tax dollars. Mark my words – this is just the beginning.
I was so worked up about this scandal that I had to share my thoughts in a video rant. You can watch it here.
While Ford and his Ministers are busy giving millions of dollars to their friends, parents across Ontario are worrying about finding affordable child care as a nearly $2 billion funding shortfall looms. In the second report, the Auditor General confirmed what we all knew: Ontario is not on track to meet its commitments under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Program (CWELCC) and is putting federal funding at risk.
The Ford government previously committed to deliver child care at an average fee of $10 per day by March 31, 2026. However, the Auditor General found that many of the program’s key commitments remain unfulfilled and the Ministry of Education is off-track to meet the $10 goal. The Ministry has fallen behind its annual targets for creating spaces, has no up-to-date estimate of how many workers are needed, and does not collect wait list data to properly understand demand across the province. Since 2019, just 3,000 new child care spaces have been created, despite 70,000 families currently requiring a space.
Ontario’s child care agreement with the Federal government expires on March 31, 2026 and so far the province has not signed on to renew the agreement. Ontario families need a renewed agreement, to train thousands of new ECEs, and open new spaces now. Child care is critical and we must fight together to ensure the system receives the funding needed to retain existing spaces and expand to meet the needs for working parents.
If you are as fired up about the need for affordable and accessible child care as I am, I hope that you will join me and my special guests at our Child Care Town Hall on Wednesday, October 29 at 6 PM.
Ontarians buying newly built homes should be able to trust that their home is properly built by an accredited home builder that they can rely on. The provincial Homes Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) is supposed to protect new home buyers from bad developers, but this week the Auditor General revealed that the agency has been acting like a licensing mill, blindly handing out licenses whether or not a developer is reliable, and failing to properly inform prospective buyers. The Auditor General found that developers were approved even when they were under active investigation and facing millions in fines. This is wrong. Ontario consumers deserve to be protected as they make the largest purchase of their life.
The Auditor General’s final report issued this week told the bleakest story of all, though not a surprising one: it is all but assured that Ontario will fail to meet its 2030 greenhouse gas emission reductions targets. This is a massive failure by the Ford government, now eight years in power. They failed to protect Ontarians from the worst effects of climate change. The problems of extreme climate change are already here. We see them in the increased wildfires, droughts, and heat waves. We feel them in our family budgets in the form of higher insurance premiums and more expensive groceries. Reducing emissions and limiting the effects of climate change is a team effort. It takes every community, every province, and every nation working together for a common goal. A powerful and diverse economy like Ontario doesn’t get to opt out. For all of our sakes and for our future prosperity, we need to hold this government accountable and get as close to those 2030 targets as possible, while pushing for ambitious targets for 2050 and beyond.
We learned a lot this week. I want to thank the Auditor General, Shelley Spence, and her entire team for the work they do holding the provincial government and its ministries accountable. It is tough but essential work. If you want to read any of their reports in full, you can find them here.
I am looking forward to taking these reports into the Legislature and holding the government’s feet to the fire!
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Ontario’s Auditor General released four damning reports on Ford’s Skills Development Fund
- Upcoming Child Care Townhall
- Truth and Reconciliation Day
- Postal Workers on Strike
- Expanded Green Space at Metropolitan United Church
- Counter Protest against Transphobia
- Donate to Friends of Ruby’s New Youth Centre
- Church-Wellesley Village Wins at the Ontario Land Tribunal
- What’s Making Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Truth and Reconciliation Day |
On September 30, I participated in events across Toronto Centre to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. On this day, we honour survivors of residential schools, those who did not return. We recognize the horrific history of colonialism and genocide towards the Indigenous peoples here in Canada, as well as the intergenerational trauma and ongoing ways our Indigenous communities continue to face discrimination in this country.
In the morning, I attended the Indigenous Legacy Gathering hosted by the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, in the Spirit Garden in Nathan Phillips Square. This beautiful garden answers one of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which asks that the capital city of each province and Territory install a “publicly accessible, highly visible, Residential Schools Monument [...] to honour Survivors and all the children who were lost to their families and communities.”
That afternoon, I had the incredible opportunity to hear author David A. Robertson lead a critical discussion on the role of stories in healing, understanding and reconciliation. Thank you to the Children’s Book Bank and Native Earth Performing Arts for facilitating this event for our community and providing aloof the students who attended with a book of their own to learn from and share. Every story matters!
As Canadians, it is our duty to take the time to learn and unlearn the history of residential schools and reflect on what reconciliation looks like in our daily lives. I encourage all of you to learn from resources such as the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR).
| Postal Workers on Strike |
Did you know that Ottawa wants to cancel Canada Post's door-to-door mail delivery? Let's talk about it.
Canada Post workers break their backs getting door-to-door mail service to Canadians and businesses, regardless of the weather or road conditions. I cannot imagine UPS or FedEx delivering my new health card or credit card in the mail for $1.44. I will bet anything that if Canada Post stops the door-to-door service, we will see more vandalism at community mail boxes and identity fraud go up.
Consumers will end up paying more for letter and parcel delivery if Canada Post eliminates door-to-door service. Canada Post keeps costs low because their mandate is to deliver mail to Canadians, not to return massive profits to US shareholders and global investors.
I stand with CUPW members as they strike across the country for their labour rights and the protection of Canadian public services. The message is clear: rural and northern communities and all Canadians deserve essential postal services, and postal workers deserve job security while navigating change, not job cuts. The Ontario NDP is always on the side of labour and working people. I know when workers fight back, we win!
| Expanded Green Space at Metropolitan United Church |
Congratulations to the Metropolitan United Church on receiving the Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant! Your congregation has been nothing short of a warm and kind community, and with over 200 years of history in our city, I am sure that the new revitalization projects will continue to further your church's role as a welcoming and accessible space!
Head over to MUC to check out their expanded green space at 56 Queen St East.
|
Counter Protest against Transphobia |
Unfortunately, last weekend, another rally attacking Trans community members took place at Queen's Park.
However, I was proud to join and speak at the counter-protest and stand up for Trans kids and adults. I know that parents who love their kids are being misled by conservative extremists and misinformation. The government needs to do more to keep everyone safe. Myself and the Ontario NDP have been calling for increased measures to ensure the safety of 2SLGBTQIA+ community members. Click here to find out more about what I have been working on.
| Donate to Friends of Ruby’s New Youth Centre |
Congratulations to the Friends of Ruby on the opening of their new and expanded Youth Centre. I have had the privilege of seeing Friend’s of Ruby grow throughout the years, always offering a welcoming and safe space for youth through their support programs, transitional housing, and mental health services. I am know that this expansion will provide countless more youth with the care and guidance they need to navigate life’s challenges and achieve the bright futures they are all capable of. Consider donating to ensure the success of their new and improved Youth Centre here.
If you are a 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in need of counseling, community, housing, and health support, check out Friends of Ruby’s new space at 70 Richmond Street East!
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Church-Wellesley Village Wins at the Ontario Land Tribunal |
The Church-Wellesley Village won big this week at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT)! The OLT has dismissed an appeal by Kingsett, a developer proposing to build a 28-storey high-rise tower at 68 to 78A Wellesley Street East, better known as the Pizza Pizza building.
The OLT upheld the recognition that Church Street between Charles and Wood as a special character area. It also upheld policies related to shadows on Barbara Hall Park, and the angular plan policy that reinforces the midrise character of this section of Church Street.
This won’t be the last fight we have at the OLT against developers who seek overly-aggressive redevelopment in the Village. In 2026, the OLT will decide on a proposed redevelopment for a 48-storey tower on the Crews and Tangos site at 506-516 Church Street.
Thank you to City staff, the Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association and President Connie Langille for their incredible work to preserve the character of our beloved Church and Wellesley Village!
|
Toronto Centre Family in Need of Urgent Support |
Please donate and share this post widely. Let’s show them that they are not alone.
There has been a heartbreaking situation in the riding, where a family has been left without any belongings due to a fire in their apartment. This family is new to Canada and, while they have been housed again safely, they are struggling to pay for things like furniture, clothing and shoes — without these simple things, their children have not been able to go to school.
Any assistance would mean the world to them during this incredibly difficult time. Here is their GoFundMe if you are interested in donating to help the family.
| What's Making Headlines |
Tenants win big in dispute over Toronto building's derelict swimming pool
Former OPSEU branch president charged with misappropriating more than $100,000 in funds
Canada issues warning for citizens with gender-neutral passports travelling to U.S.
Man seriously injured in Cabbagetown-area shooting Tuesday night
Wage hikes aren’t the biggest threat to Toronto’s smallest businesses, group says. Here’s what is
New provincial cuts will compound Toronto’s shelter system crisis, warns Chow
Crown has reported 28 cases of ‘deliberately untruthful’ police officers in a decade: documents
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Joy in the Park: Wonders of the Fall |
An outdoor evening celebration with live music, circus arts, kids’ activities, and seasonal treats in David Crombie Park.
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 6–8 pm
- Location: David Crombie Park (Berkeley & The Esplanade)
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Performances:
- The Enchanted Forest by Hercinia Arts Collective (aerial arts, stilt dancing, physical theatre)
- Roda de Samba with Carlos Cardozo & ensemble
- Activities: Face painting, craft table, juggling workshop for kids
- Treats: Hot chocolate & apple cider
- Cost: Free, open to all ages
| Church of the Holy Trinity: Stained Glass Gala |
Join us for a night of joyful connection, beautiful entertainment and generosity that will fuel the next chapter of Holy Trinity.
Tickets for the Gala here.
And check out our SILENT AUCTION (open to anyone interested) here.
| Know Your Rights Legal Workshop |
Join the Regent Park Safety Network for their Know Your Legal Rights Workshop. Learn about how to interact with law enforcement during illegal street checks and detainment, warrantless searches, surveillance, and border crossing.
Facilitated by Nat Pau, Director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Education Trust.
Time: 5:30 PM - 8 PM
Date: 7 October, 2025
Location: 180 Sackville Street, Main Floor Meeting Room
| St Lawrence Waste Reduction REmarket |
The SLNA Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 14th REmarket event on Oct 8 & 9, 2025. This event has a direct, tangible impact on both the environment and the social welfare of our local communities (from our last REmarket in May, 18,000 lbs of donated items for reuse and 644 lbs for recycling were collected), and we are eager to continue to widen that impact. New items being added to the growing recycling list at the upcoming REmarket include: hearing aids, elastic bands and non-synthetic corks. Click here for more information.
| Tackle the Toolbox |
Learn hands-on skills and confidence working with tools to ensure success with your next DIY project!
Date: Thursdays, October 9 and 16, 2025
Time: 5:30-7 PM
Location: The Corner, 240 Wellesley St E
To register, call 416-964-6657 extension 240 or email [email protected]. Limited spots available!
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Financial Literacy Training for Youth in Regent Park |
Youth in Regent Park are invited to join a Financial Literacy Training this October! This interactive session is designed to help young people feel more confident about managing money, planning and exploring opportunities for their future. The session will cover budgeting, saving strategies, building good credit habits, and exploring ways to access funding.
Training Details:
- Date: Thursday, October 9th
- Time: 5-7PM
- Location: Regent Park Community Center
Registration Link: Youth Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship at the Regent Park Community Centre of Excellence.
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Ride Safe, Work Safe |
Attention bike commuters and delivery riders! Learn all about how to stay safe, use apps wisely, first aid, and workers rights at this workshop at The Corner.
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Time: 6-7:30 PM
Location: The Corner, 240 Wellesley St E
To register, call 416-964-6657 extension 240 or email [email protected]. Limited spots available!
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Downtown Yonge BIA Safe and Inclusive Neighbourhood Survey |
It’s time for the annual DYBIA Safe and Inclusive Neighbourhood Survey 2025!
Please find the link to the survey here and fill it out to share your thoughts!
All respondents who complete the survey by October 13, 2025 can enter for a chance to win a variety of prizes, valued at up to $300.
| The Future of Public Education - Panel with Elected Trustees |
Join elected Trustees from across Toronto for a panel discussion about the future of public education and the ways that Bill 33 could reshape our education system.
Date: October 14, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Native Canadian Centre of Toronto - 16 Spadina Road
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Learn to Earn a PC at the Corner |
Seniors 55+ are invited to expand their computer skills and earn a computer of their very own.
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 3-4:30 PM
Location: The Corner, 240 Wellesley St E
To register, call 416-964-6657 extension 240 or email [email protected]
| Learn to Earn a Bike |
Learn about how to maintain your bike and do minor repairs!
Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 6-7:30 PM
Location: The Corner, 240 Wellesley St E
To register, call 416-964-6657 extension 240 or email [email protected]. Limited spots available!
| Junkyard Genius |
Kids 6-12 are invited to become recycling heroes at the Corner! Enjoy games, a craft, and movie time while learning about recycling and caring for the earth.
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Time: 5:30 - 7 PM
Location: The Corner, 240 Wellesley St E
To register, call 416-964-6657 or email [email protected]
| Homeless Connect Toronto - One Stop Shop |
Homeless Connect is back with another One Stop Shop event! Unhoused and precariously housed individuals are invited to come to the Mattamy Athletic Centre to receive a variety of free services including health and personal care services (dental, hearing, vision, haircuts, foot care, etc), practical assistance (employment, legal, housing support), plus clothing, a hot meal, and more.
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Time: 10 AM - 3 PM
Location: Mattamy Athletic Centre, 50 Carlton Street
This event is walk-in only and no pre-registration is required.
Homeless Connect is always looking for volunteers for this event. Sign up here to help!
| City of Toronto Small Business Forum |
Experience the City of Toronto’s free full-day signature in-person event at Meridian Hall to support small businesses in Toronto.
This year focuses on helping small businesses navigate and find opportunities in a rapidly changing globalized economy and international business landscape:
- Main stage sessions featuring spotlight speakers, fireside chats and expert panels,
- Speed mentorship with international business leaders and seasoned entrepreneurs ready to share insights and tackle your biggest questions, and
- Trade show of diverse small business services and goods providers.
Date: October 29, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: Meridian Hall, 1 Front Street East
| TRCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Program |
Fall brings increased rainfall, and remnants of tropical storms can contribute to flooding. TRCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Program monitors these conditions and provides timely updates to help communities stay prepared.
Residents can now receive TRCA flood messages by email, text message, or both, providing a convenient way to stay informed during potential flood events. Visit their website to sign-up!
| Ontario Legislative Page Program |
The recruitment period for the Spring 2026 session of the Legislative Page Program is now open until November 15, 2025.
Each year, high-achieving, community-oriented Grade 7 and 8 students from across Ontario are chosen to serve as Legislative Pages. This unique opportunity in Toronto allows selected students to become involved in Ontario’s parliamentary process, meet key figures, and make lifelong friendships with like-minded peers.
More information can be found here.
If you have any questions, please contact the Page Program at [email protected] or by phone at (416) 325-7457.
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Staying Isn’t Choosing Campaign |
The Staying Isn’t Choosing campaign is now live!
This campaign was developed by Timmins and Area Women in Crisis (TAWC) and Ellevive in Northern Ontario. At the centre of this initiative are five powerful videos that raise awareness, dispel harmful myths, and highlight the systemic barriers that make leaving unsafe relationships so difficult.
This campaign addresses the complexity of abuse — including coercive control, emotional, psychological, sexual, and physical abuse — and was designed to resonate widely across communities.
- Explore the the campaign and videos: stayingisntchoosing.ca
- Follow the campaign on social media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
|
Senior Assistance Home Maintenance Program |
Calling all people with disabilities and seniors who need help with snow clearing, lawn cutting, leaf raking, and other yard tasks! Sunshine Centres for Seniors is here to help with their Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program.
Sunshine Centres is also looking for casual, part-time workers to join their Home Maintenance Program Team. If you are interested send your resume to Kevin at [email protected].
For more information and to register, contact Kevin at [email protected] or (647) 687-7322
| Community Consultation for Queer East & Southeast Asian Older Adults |
Community Consultation for Queer East & Southeast Asian Older Adults
A gathering to share stories, insights, and lived experiences about aging in the community. The goal is to help shape future care and support for queer Asian older adults in Toronto.
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Who it’s for:
- Self-identified East or Southeast Asian
- Self-identified LGBTQ+ or queer
- Age 50+
- Living in Toronto
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What to expect:
- 90-minute consultation (in-person or online, in English)
- Honorarium provided
- Light refreshments offered
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Purpose:
- Connect with others on similar journeys
- Envision a future where queer Asian older adults thrive with dignity, love, and connection
click this link to register: Community Consultation Registration
Interested or have questions? Contact Alex Ma (he/him) at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you.
|
Call for Board Members: Corktown Residents and Business Association |
Join the Corktown Residents & Business Assoc., Inc. (CRBA) board and contribute to the vibrancy of your neighbourhood. Bring your ideas, skills, and enthusiasm for building community
There are many ways to get involved and make a difference, limited only by your imagination and time commitment. We welcome a diversity of interests and skills including, but in no way limited to, bookkeeping, WordPress, social media, email marketing, fundraising, and grant writing.
As a member of the CRBA board, you will help set and enact an agenda for public events and initiatives that build a more engaged, connected, safer, sustainable, and beautiful home for you and fellow residents.
For more info send your request to: [email protected]
| Hello Neighbour App |
The Hello Neighbour app is a new tool designed to help residents stay connected with their community. It provides quick access to local programs, services, news, and events, all in one place.
Features include:
- Find what you need – Search for programs and services, check who they’re for, when they’re open, and even get directions.
- Neighbourhood news – Stay updated with the latest stories and newsletters from your area.
- Events and job opportunities – Discover local events and find community job postings.
The app is available for download on Google Play and the App Store.
This initiative is brought to the community by Yonge Street Mission (YSM), Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA), the Social Development Plan Communication Working Group, the City of Toronto, and Focus Media Arts.
| Halloween on Church |
Halloween on Church Street in The Village is back on October 31st from 6:30 PM to midnight! Prepare for a night of wicked fun, eerie surprises and unforgettable festivities.
Because of the massive success of Halloween on Church, the Church and Wellesley BIA has expanded to Saturday, November 1st, from 7 PM to midnight as well. Make sure you bring your spirit and your monster mash moves to Canada's biggest Halloween bash. Find out more here.
