Dear Emma,
On Tuesday, Doug Ford’s conservative government unveiled its disappointing Fall Economic Statement, also known as a Mini-Budget. This document sets the government’s priorities for the next few months and provides an update on government spending.
Ontarians deserve a government that uses their tax dollars responsibly to make life easier, but Ford continues to favour his insider friends.
To say that the mini-budget was full of callous cuts and cheap shots is an understatement. It failed to meet the moment or develop a real fiscal plan to support Ontarians in accessing the basics - housing, healthcare, education, and affordability. But Ford wants you to forget about the hollowing out of Ontario’s key public services when you get a $200 vote-buying cheque in the mail in time for his expected snap Spring election.
Yesterday, I shared my thoughts about the mini-budget in the Legislature and I didn’t hold back. You can watch my entire speech here.
I am not easily shocked by Ford’s continued inept handling of provincial priorities, but I needed to sit down when I saw that this government cut Ontario’s courts and justice budget by half a billion dollars, translating to a 9% slash. These cuts are happening while wait times in the courts and tribunals are unacceptably high, and serious criminal charges are being dropped due to unconstitutional delays in getting a case to trial.
This government is bragging about a billion in healthcare spending, which is not a new investment in our healthcare. The government will spend that money reimbursing nurses and other healthcare workers for the wages that the government stole from them through the unconstitutional Bill 124.
There was also nothing to specifically support people on social assistance who are living in legislated poverty. On Monday, I asked the government to double ODSP rates, currently at $1308 per month, to give people with physically limiting disabilities a fighting chance at a good life but was met with another non-answer.
The mini-budget does not include new money to build affordable, non-profit, co-op, or community housing. Even when we look at Ford’s record on market housing, housing starts are down again. This year, Ford is short 43,7000 homes and is moving further away from the government’s 10-year housing target. Experts are speaking out and predict that Ford will not meet his housing goals and, with that, the dire housing needs of Ontarians. This is shameful, especially as we see encampments in our communities grow, families squeezed into one-bedroom apartments, and young adults prevented from living independently because they can’t afford to move out from their parents’ basement.
The budget also doesn’t include any funding for supportive housing, one of the best strategies to end chronic homelessness, ease pressures on our emergency rooms, and support people to tackle their addictions. The University Health Network has opened a new 51-bed supportive housing facility for homeless folks who are their most frequent emergency room visitors. Shamefully, they are doing this without the provincial government's support because they did not come to the table with any long-term funding commitment. This project is a collaboration between the Federal government, the City of Toronto, UHN, and Fred Victor, with the Ontario government noticeably absent. I asked Ford why he did not support this critical project this week and got the usual non-answer.
If you are as fired up about this lacklustre mini-budget as I am, I would love you to come out and meet with me. Let’s canvass together to bring our communities the government they deserve - one that will prioritize real people over Ford insiders. Canvassing is a fun way to meet your neighbours, get your steps in, and help organize stronger communities. I canvass every Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and would love to have you join me. Sign up for a canvass shift by clicking the button below.
We must also run a fully funded campaign in Toronto Centre to defeat Ford. But we can’t do that without your generous support. Your donation will go a long way to securing a progressive victory in Toronto Centre, and it qualifies for a generous tax rebate.
I hope you enjoyed yesterday's Halloween and Diwali celebrations with your loved ones. If you have a pumpkin that you want to give a proper send-off, head out to one of the two fabulous pumpkin parades happening tonight, one in Cabbagetown and the other in Corktown. Light up the parks with your amazing pumpkin creations!
Our family got into character with a popular children’s show, Dino Busters. We spent a playful evening trick-or-treating with little friends in Cabbagetown. Thank you to Farrah, who created this fun video calling on mean ol’ Fordasaurus to leave children’s bike lanes alone in Toronto.
Thank you to everyone who ghouled up their homes with spooky decorations, passed out sweet treats, got dressed in costumes, and then stayed up late to galavant on Church Street with the Church-Wellesley Village BIA, who again threw the best and biggest Halloween street party in the country!
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Ford Votes Against Universal Mental Health Coverage
- Conservatives Kill Motion to Declare IPV an Epidemic
- Everyone is Eligible for Updated COVID and flu shots
- Homeless Connect Toronto
- New Allan Gardens Farmers Market
- Regent Park Funfest
- Toronto Centre Legislative Page Isabella
- NDP Plan to Tackle School Violence
- NDP Tables Motion to Eliminate Hospital Parking Fees
- This Week’s QP Meetings
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community News
| Ford Votes Against Universal Mental Health Coverage |
On Monday, I spoke in the Legislature about the critical need for comprehensive universal mental healthcare coverage in our communities. You can watch my speech here. I was speaking in favour of an Ontario NDP Opposition Day Motion that proposed delivering mental health care, including counselling and psychotherapy, at no cost to everyone across the province.
But Ford and his PCs voted against the motion, and it failed. Do the PCs not see the mental health crisis on our streets?
Unfortunately, the Liberal record on mental healthcare is not much better. The previous Liberal government had 15 years to implement universal mental healthcare, but instead, they let people languish. Under the Liberal government, waitlists for children to access mental health services have ballooned to 12,000 across the province, and wait times have gone up to 18 months.
The Liberals also failed to act on the 2010 recommendations of the all-party committee on mental health and addiction services, including the recommendation to create one umbrella organization to coordinate all mental health and addiction services. The evidence was there, but they lacked the political will.
I can only imagine what benefits we would be reaping today if Ontario had started building a robust, publicly funded mental healthcare system 20 years ago.
Our streets would be safer, our courts would run more smoothly, and our young people would thrive. We would be realizing the benefits of this system in every corner of our communities.
| Conservatives Kill Motion to Declare IPV an Epidemic |
First thing on Monday morning, my wonderful colleague, MPP Peggy Sattler, asked for Unanimous Consent in the Legislature to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic in Ontario. This would have accomplished what my bill, Bill 173, set out to do. This bill has been stuck in committee all summer, and I am working hard to pull it out and get the declaration done.
But Ford and his PCs squashed our efforts on Monday, voting against it and again turning their back on survivors and advocates across Ontario by refusing to join the 95 Ontario municipalities who have already made the declaration.
I am not giving up and will continue to update you on this work.
|
Everyone Now Eligible for Updated COVID Shots, Flu Shot |
As of October 28, 2024, all individuals aged six months and older in Toronto, Ontario, are eligible to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine. This includes the Moderna KP.2 vaccine for those six months and older and the Pfizer KP.2 vaccine for those 12 years and older. You can find where you can get the new shot by clicking here. It's recommended to receive the updated vaccine this fall/winter to protect yourself and your loved ones against circulating strains. Medical advice remains to get infected as few times as possible. A growing body of medical research shows that COVID-19 infection can lead to or worsen migraine, lung disease, autoimmune disease and chronic kidney disease. The updated COVID-19 shot will reduce your risk. Most pharmacies now offer you flu shots at the same time. Getting vaccinated is an easy way to protect yourself and your loved ones from illness.
| Homeless Connect Toronto |
Navigating homelessness is tough, but Homeless Connect Toronto makes a remarkable impact. Now in its 11th year, they bring community and city service providers together to create a one-stop destination for free services, including barbers, dentists, lawyers, and more. It was a treat to attend this annual event this past Saturday and witness again the positive difference it is making in people’s lives.
Thank you to the volunteers, donors, and founder Melody Li for continuing this vital lifeline for our most vulnerable community members.
|
Allan Gardens Farmers Market |
I was thrilled to visit the first-ever Allan Gardens Farmers’ Market this weekend! Friends of Allan Gardens worked hard to organize this event and bring healthy local food to our community. I have been supporting the group for years and want to thank co-founder Michael McClelland, the board, staff, and all the volunteers for this new endeavour to address food insecurity in our city.
The farmers market will run every Saturday from 10 AM - 2 PM until April 2025.
I can’t wait to see neighbours at future markets and continue to enjoy delicious local food!
| Regent Park Funfest |
Regent Park knows how to throw a Funfest! This past weekend's fall gathering brought our community together for pumpkin carving, cookie decorating, and transforming the Big Park into a pumpkin patch. It was a joy to celebrate the season with so many neighbours. I am very grateful to the Friends of Regent Park and all of the other event sponsors for executing such a perfect autumnal celebration.
| Toronto Centre Legislative Page Isabella |
This week, I got to know Isabella, an amazing St James Town resident and one of our current Legislative Pages. Her loving mom, Laura, watched from the public gallery when Isabella was Page Captain this week. Isabella did a superb job ensuring the chamber operations went smoothly with the other Pages. We enjoyed a lovely lunch together on Wednesday in the legislative dining room. Isabella is a top-notch grade 8 student and is making her way to high school next year. She’s definitely one to watch in the years ahead!
The Ontario Legislative Page Program is an excellent opportunity for students in grades 7 and 8 to learn more about their provincial government, develop their leadership skills, and meet other young people who share their interests. If you know a young person who would be a good fit for this program, please encourage them to apply here. Applications for the spring session are open now until November 15th!
| NDP Plan to Tackle School Violence |
School violence is a growing problem in many of our schools. Students are not receiving the support they need and are frustrated, lashing out at their teachers and education workers. This is unsafe for everyone involved and disrupts the vital learning happening in our classrooms.
In response to the government’s complete inaction on this issue, NDP Education Critic Chandra Pasma and NDP Labour Critic Jamie West tabled a motion calling the government to immediately implement an Emergency Plan to End School Violence. I was proud to support them at a recent press conference and commit to doing everything I can to hold Ford to account on his failure to address this chronic issue.
The motion calls on the Ford government to implement an Emergency Safe Schools Plan immediately. This plan, developed in consultation with workers in the sector, includes:
- Funding to hire additional qualified staff and train them
- A sector-specific regulation for education under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- A permanent, tri-partite Provincial Health and Safety Working Group
- A single, province-wide online reporting system for violent incidents
| NDP Tables Motion to Eliminate Hospital Parking Fees |
This week, my colleague, Ontario NDP MPP Jill Andrew, tabled a motion calling for the province to eliminate hospital parking fees for healthcare workers, patients, and their families. In the GTA, the average cost of a monthly hospital parking pass is about $400.
Nobody deserves to be stuck with thousands of dollars worth of bills for managing their health or visiting a sick loved one. As the MPP for Toronto Centre, which is home to numerous hospital facilities, I am extremely pleased to support this motion.
| This Week’s QP Meetings |
Now that the Legislature is back in session, I regularly meet with stakeholders and associations who come to Queen’s Park to share their priorities and proposed policy improvements with MPPs.
I want to be transparent about how I spend my time and which groups I meet with, so I added this segment to the newsletter. I will not be disclosing constituent meetings to protect the privacy of those individuals, but any time I meet with an organization, I will endeavour to share it here so that you know what I am up to!
Here are the groups I met with this week:
- Film Ontario
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Ontario
- Ontario Real Estate Association
- Ontario Book Publishers Organization
- Jamaican Opposition Leader Mr. Mark Golding and his delegation
| This Week's Headlines |
Are some rents in Canada part of a price-fixing scheme?
Ontario plans to remove Toronto bike lanes on Bloor, Yonge, University
Intimate partner violence continues to rise in Peel Region
Sweeping rent strike in York South-Weston comes to an end after both sides reach settlement
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Samhain in Corktown Pumpkin Parade |
Join fellow Corktowners this November 1, 6:30-8:30 PM as they celebrate Samhain in Corktown with a Pumpkin Parade at Sackville Playground. Put your costumes back on, and bring your carved pumpkins (or turnips) to give them one last chance to cast their warm glow over Corktown. And with the help of the City, they'll take care of the pumpkin clean-up afterward, so you don't have to.
Donations of non-perishable food items will also be collected for the Good Shepherd Ministry
Samhain (sow-win) is a Celtic spiritual tradition, which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year. It’s a time to celebrate the dead, the living and the community.
As Corktown’s early residents were largely Irish immigrants, these past residents would have likely brought with them their Samhain traditions, such as wearing costumes and ugly masks and carving root vegetables with candles placed inside to frighten away malevolent spirits. These traditions spread throughout North America and have remained a key part of our Halloween.
|
Street Haven: Walking Home Walkathon |
Street Haven's annual Walking Home Walkathon is coming up on November 3, 2024! Join me and the Street Health Team for this incredible cause!
This walkathon is more than just a 5K walk—it’s a powerful opportunity to make a direct impact in the lives of vulnerable women across Toronto. As winter approaches, the funds raised during this event are essential for supporting Street Haven’s mission to provide shelter, support, and critical services to women in need.
Event Details:
- Date: Sunday, November 3rd, 2024
- Time: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- Starting Point: 87 Pembroke St., Toronto (Street Haven Shelter)
- Halfway Party: Allan Gardens (for refreshments and community celebration)
- Finish Line: Riverdale Farm
- Total Distance: 5K
Register to walk here! Can’t make it to the walk? You can still support by donating to Street Haven and directly contributing to the programs that make a difference in women’s lives.
| STEAM & Story Time |
The Children's Book Bank on Sherbourne invites children aged 4-12 to STEAM & Story Time, a free program featuring engaging story sessions and hands-on STEAM activities.
Program Details:
- When: Every Wednesday, from September 25 to December 18, 2024
- Time: 4:00 – 4:45 p.m.
- Where: 561 Sherbourne St., Level P3, Toronto, ON M4X 0A1
Families are welcome, and no registration is required. Plus, each child receives a free book with every visit!
For more information, contact 416-925-1230 or visit childrensbookbank.com.
| The Doughnut Economics Collective Toronto |
The Doughnut Economics Collective Toronto (DECTO) is launching its kick-off event at the Centre for Social Innovation - Spadina, in partnership with Global Donut Days. This will take place on November 6 from 7 PM to 9 PM! The event will feature a cross-sector panel discussing the principles and applications of doughnut economics, entertainment from artists, and networking opportunities. Attendees will also enjoy free, freshly made doughnuts. Sign up here!
| Regent Park SDP Listening Sessions |
Throughout November, Regent Park will host a series of Listening Sessions to provide a safe and inclusive space for community members to share ideas on fostering a vibrant, connected neighbourhood. These discussions will explore ways to strengthen social cohesion and inclusion, with all voices welcomed to help shape the future of Regent Park.
Listening Session Dates & Locations:
- November 4, 2024: SDP – 150 River Street
- November 7, 2024: TCHC Tenants – Regent Park Community Centre, 402 Shuter Street
- November 8, 2024: Grassroots Organizations – 150 River Street
- November 22, 2024: Open to All – Regent Park Community Centre, 402 Shuter Street
- November 26, 2024: Youth – Dixon Hall, 51 Wyatt Ave
For more details and to participate, sign up here.
| Bloor Street East Neighbourhood Association AGM |
The Bloor Street East Neighbourhood Association (BENA) will hold its Annual General Meeting on November 5, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Attendees will hear from local representatives, including:
- Toronto Centre: Kristyn Wong-Tam, MPP, and Chris Moise, Councillor
- University–Rosedale: Jessica Bell, MPP, and Dr. Dianne Saxe, Councillor
The agenda will also feature updates from community partners and the BENA President, with discussions about ongoing neighbourhood projects and redevelopment efforts.
How to Participate:
- Pre-registration required: Register here
- AGM materials and further information can be found at the BENA website, here.
- For questions or comments, email: [email protected]
After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email with meeting details.
| Workshop: Navigating the Healthcare System |
Good To Be Good is hosting a free two-hour online workshop, Navigating the Tribulations of the Healthcare System, on Friday, November 22, 2024. This workshop focuses on helping women and gender-diverse individuals better understand the Canadian healthcare system and build self-advocacy skills when accessing healthcare services.
Participants will:
- Explore structural determinants of violence and healthcare, both past and present
- Learn how to navigate primary care, referrals, and mental health services
- Gain tools to communicate effectively with healthcare providers and understand their rights
- Connect with others facing similar challenges
- Receive inclusive, community-focused healthcare resources
- Get a free Lucky Iron Fish product
The session will be co-hosted with Joelle Forbes (MSW, RSW) from Hope Leads Mental Health Care. A Zoom link and additional details will be shared with participants a week before the event. Real-time closed captioning will be available, with additional accommodations offered as needed.
Sign-up Deadline: November 7, 2024 (limited to 30 participants)
Register here: Workshop Interest/Intake Form
For more information, contact Mecca at [email protected].
| Community Network Summit |
The City of Toronto is hosting their annual TSNS Community Networks Summit on Saturday, November 9, 2024!
The TSNS Community Networks Summit will offer space for networking, participation in interactive workshops, and connect with other members of TSNS Community Networks. Please register online here to attend.
| Cabbagetown Remembrance Day Ceremony |
The Cabbagetown BIA invites the community to its Annual Cabbagetown Remembrance Day Ceremony on Monday, November 11, 2024, starting at 10:15 a.m. This event reflects on the importance of peace and justice worldwide. A moment of silence will be observed at 11:00 a.m. at the east corner of Carlton Street and Parliament Street in Cabbagetown, Toronto.
For more details, click here.
|
Toronto Biennial of Art: Benefit Auction 2024 |
From October 29 - November 12, 2024 the Toronto Biennial of Art presents a unique benefit auction of 18 carefully curated work by leading artists featured in current and past editions of the Biennial. Art lovers and supporters are warmly invited to bid on works by Raven Chacon, Judy Chicago, Nicholas Galanin, Brian Jungen, Citra Sasmita, Dana Claxton, Rajni Perera, Caroline Monnet, Curtis Santiago, Hangama Amiri, Eric-Paul Riege, Luis Jacob, Jessie Oonark, Kite, and Morris Lum, and supporter Stephen Shore.
Support the Toronto Biennial of Art’s mission to make contemporary art accessible to everyone. All Biennial exhibitions, public programs, and learning experiences are offered free to the public.
A ten-week event every two years, the Biennial commissions artists to create new works for a city-wide exhibition in dialogue with Toronto’s diverse local contexts. Year-round public and learning programs bridge Biennials and invite intergenerational audiences to explore the ideas that inspire our events. Building upon past editions and offering new ways of seeing and listening, each Biennial connects people to spark meaningful dialogues and imagine new futures.
To learn more about the Toronto Biennial of Art, click here.
Bidding will be open exclusively on Artsy and will begin to close at 12:00pm EST on Tuesday, November 12th.
|
Ontario’s Legislative Page Program - Applications are Open! |
The Ontario Legislative Assembly is inviting students in Grades 7 and 8 to apply for its Legislative Page Program. This unique opportunity allows approximately 150 high-achieving students to gain hands-on experience in government operations, meet key parliamentary figures, and develop leadership skills. The program is designed for students who have demonstrated responsibility and leadership within their schools and communities.
The application periods are April 15 to June 15, and September 15 to November 15. Click here for more information and how to apply.
| MASH! ... Make Art Speak Heart! |
Every Tuesday from October 2 to November 6, The Corner at 240 Wellesley Street East will host Make Art Speak Heart from 6 PM to 7:30 PM.
This opportunity is free for children ages 8 to 16.
For more information please email [email protected] or call (416) 964-6657.
