November 3, 2023 Newsletter
Just yesterday, the Ontario Government tabled their Fall Economic Statement. It was incredibly underwhelming and does nothing to meaningfully address the cost of living, housing, and healthcare crises that we find ourselves in. It maintains the status quo when what people in Ontario need are bold solutions to help us through these tough times.
Instead of making investments in our schools, hospitals, public housing, or social supports, Ford decided to add $2.5 billion to his contingency slush fund, bringing the fund up to $5.7 billion.
Ontarians expect and deserve more from their government, and this budget simply doesn’t meet the moment.
I, along with my colleagues in the Ontario NDP, will continue bringing positive solutions to the Legislature to show this government what is possible with political will and the wellbeing of Ontarians in mind.
In Solidarity,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
Calling for a Ceasefire in Palestine |
The horrors and violence persist in Palestine and Israel this week. I have spent this week watching the images pouring out of the region with grief, rage, and a heavy heart. This week, I spent many hours speaking with constituents who called my office to share their thoughts on the conflict and personal connections to the region. My thoughts are with everyone with family and friends in Israel and Palestine. I can only imagine what it is like to fear for the safety of your loved ones every day, let alone receive horrible news, and live with that pain from so far away.
I am very proud of my Federal NDP colleagues who have taken the boldest, most humanity-first stance on this conflict, calling for a ceasefire since October 11. The NDP remains the only major party in North America to do so. I continue to echo their calls, including their most recent ones, that the Federal government do the following:
- Call for an immediate ceasefire
- Demand unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza
- Ensure all Canadians can safely leave the region
- Support ICC and ICJ investigation into the situation in Israel and Palestine
- Halt arms sales to Israel and work with partners to end illegal arms transfers to Hamas
- Advocate for an end to the occupation of the Palestinian territories and work toward a two-state solution
- Continue to work with partners to counter-terrorism in the region
- Invest in building a just and sustainable peace for Palestinians and Israelis
Email the Prime Minister and all Conservative and Liberal MPs to demand that your voice be heard. In Toronto Centre, our local MP is the Hon. Marci Ien.
My Ontario NDP colleague, Deputy Leader MPP Doly Begum called for a ceasefire – I encourage you to watch her heartfelt message here also released an excellent letter to Justin Trudeau today that I wholly echo. Here is just one part of the powerful letter:
“As a country, we have a responsibility to acknowledge the current and violent campaign of collective punishment against innocent men, women, and children in the Gaza Strip. Doing so would allow us to address the decades of suffering under an illegal occupation in Palestine. Israelis and Palestinians have a right to live in peace and mutual self-determination, and as peace-loving Canadians who enjoy democracy and freedom, we have an obligation to be a voice of reason and work towards lasting peace in the region and an end to the ongoing and decades-long siege of Gaza.”
By this time, many of you will have seen the resignation letter published by the Director of the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. I am deeply concerned about what Mr. Mokhiber had to say and we should all strongly heed his words. I am encouraged to see so many of my constituents engaged on this issue and I hope that you continue to raise your voices for a ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian aid, immediate release of hostages, safe passage home for all Canadians, and more.
We are also seeing the ripple effects of this violence right here in Ontario, where Jewish, Arab, and Muslim communities have seen a rise in hatred. There is no excuse for harassment and targeting of Jewish-owned businesses and community members. Muslim residents, especially women, should never have to worry about harassment while walking in their neighbourhoods. Mosques and synagogues must be defended equally against threats of violence. Reports of hate speech and hate crimes must be stopped and not allowed to spread. As Ontarians, we must stand together against antisemitism, anti-Palestinian racism, and anti-Muslim hate. Thank you to everyone who is doing their part during this horrific time.
Update on MPP Jama |
I know many of you are feeling hurt and confused about the removal of MPP Sarah Jama from the Ontario NDP Caucus. She brought crucial perspectives to our caucus that deserve to be heard, and I would encourage a facilitated way forward that would be agreeable to all involved. A week is a long time in politics, and anything can change when good people sit down to work on solutions together. Teamwork is always based on the foundational principles of trust and mutual respect.
I want to clarify that MPP Jama was removed from caucus because she broke trust with the Leader, not because she called for a ceasefire, as the provincial caucus joined the Federal NDP in those calls. Despite repeated best efforts to work together, and with continued support from the Leader, her senior staff, and the house team, MPP Jama acted independently of them, which had a detrimental impact on our collective work as a caucus.
MPP Jama will continue to represent Hamilton Centre as an Independent MPP in the legislature, and she should be allowed to speak in the parliamentary chambers. It’s why our entire caucus voted against the Conservatives’ extreme motion of censure. We do not believe the government should use its majority to strip MPP Jama of her right to speak on behalf of her community. Not a single provincial Liberal voted to oppose MPP Jama’s censure. The Ontario NDP caucus is the only one who voted to protect MPP Jama’s right to speak. MPP Jama does not deserve what Doug Ford and his Conservative government did to her.
I will continue speaking honestly with constituents, party members, and friends about this issue to understand their concerns and share more about my understanding of the situation. That work is ongoing and I understand that the harm caused by this persists. Ford's Conservatives want to see our party divided and distracted from their corruption. They will be disappointed, as we will work hard daily and without rest to ensure New Democrats and our supporters know our caucus will strive to improve and build upon the strong foundation of our party's founders and contributing members.
7,000 Pages of FOI Documents - All Roads Lead back to Doug Ford |
This week, 7,000 pages of internal documents were obtained by an FOI filed by Environmental Defence and Ecojustice. These documents show an alarming level of political involvement in land use planning policies in Ontario. They also question the Premier and former Minister Clark’s testimonies to the Integrity Commissioner and Auditor General. These documents prove that a culture of corruption and collusion prevailed in the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to appease developer requests.
From the beginning, I and your Official Opposition NDP, have said that the rot goes all the way to the top. Unfortunately, these documents bear that out.
These documents show stunning evidence of political staff – not bureaucrats – directing Greenbelt land removals and land-use planning policies against the advice of planning experts and the desire of municipalities. This is an incredibly inappropriate level of political involvement in land use planning decisions.
The Premier’s hand-picked Chief-of-Staff, Ryan Amato, instructed senior Housing Ministry staff to “keep their mouths shut” as media began reporting on Greenbelt land removals. It is absolutely clear that there is no way Mr. Amato did what he did without the Premier’s knowledge or authorization. This scandal lies at the feet of the Premier.
This massive trove of documents raises many questions. The most important one is: Did Doug Ford or his former Housing minister lie to the Integrity Commissioner and the Auditor General under oath?
Auditor General’s Probe into Ford’s $650M+ Luxury Spa |
In more government scandal news, the Ontario Auditor General just announced that they are conducting a value-for-money audit on Ford’s $650M+ luxury spa plan for Ontario Place. The audit was requested by Ontario Place For All, Waterfront For All, and Architectural Conservancy Ontario. I am proud that the Ontario NDP wrote to the Auditor General in support of this request.
I agree with my colleague Chris Glover that the news of the audit means the site preparation underway should be paused. The Conservatives must immediately halt the destruction of more than 850 trees and critical habitats for species-at-risk. All bulldozing must be halted until the audit is complete.
Toronto Expanding Community Crisis Service Citywide |
I am thrilled that after a year of successful pilots, Toronto Community Crisis Services is expanding to cover the whole city by the end of 2024, becoming the fourth municipal service, along with Fire, Paramedic, and Police services.
This innovative program launched in early 2022, the TCCS is a non-police-led alternative model of crisis response for Toronto residents. The 24/7 service provides a response that is community-based, client-centered, and trauma-informed, to support non-mental health crisis calls and wellness checks.
Key first-year TCCS program data includes:
- Successfully diverted 78% of calls received from 911, with no police involvement.
- Crisis teams completed 2,936 post-crisis follow-ups with clients and connected approximately 40% (1,160) of service users with ongoing case management supports.
- 95% of clients were satisfied or very satisfied with the service they received when the TCCS responded.
- 90% of clients indicated that the service positively impacted their perception of community safety and wellbeing.
Thank you to aloof the community members who lobbied and organized for this critical community service to be created!
No Demovictions Toronto Press Conference |
Last week I joined No Demovictions Toronto to call on Doug Ford to stop the mass displacement of tens of thousands of working-class tenants across Toronto and Ontario.
The Conservatives, through Bill 23, have made it easy for speculators to demolish perfectly good apartments, evict thousands of people, and replace them with luxury condos. Demolitions are not solving the housing crisis; they’re making it worse.
Watch the press conference and hear directly from tenants here.
Ford Must Fix Provincial Bail |
Bail is broken in Ontario, and Ford won’t fix it. This week, I stood up in the Legislature to share how a more robust and well-funded provincial bail and justice system would improve community safety and access to justice in Ontario.
Ford loves to blame the Federal government for our poor bail system, instead of implementing provincial solutions that have been laid out for him
Stop billing ODSP and OW Recipients for Ambulances |
People on ODSP, OW & GAINS receive an expensive bill in the mail every time they use an ambulance. It is unjust for some of the poorest people in our province to be paying for this service.
Thank you to fellow Toronto Centre resident, Katias Yee for organizing and collecting signatures for the petition. It was important to share your story and advocate for vulnerable people punished by an indiscriminate system.
Declare IPV an Epidemic in Ontario |
Last week, 4 people including 3 children aged 6, 7, and 12, were fatally shot in an act of intimate partner and family violence.
I stood up in the Legislature twice this week to ask Doug Ford why he won’t listen to survivors & adopt the Renfrew Inquest recommendations by declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic TODAY. Already 63 municipalities have done so. Ford must follow their lead.
Permanent, Sustainable Funding for Pride |
Last week I asked the Ford government to increase permanent, sustainable funding for Pride festivals across Ontario. Prides bring joy, community, and significant economic gains to their host regions, and yet are forced to deal with unpredictable and inadequate funding year to year.
Permanent and sustainable funding is needed now more than ever as we see the rise of 2SLGBTQI+ hate across the province.
Upcoming Community Events |
Bloor East Neighbourhood Association AGM |
Calling all Bloor East residents. The Bloor East Neighbourhood Association is hosting it’s annual AGM virtually on November 8 at 7 PM. All are welcome and I look forward to speaking with you then.
Join BENA and hear from Toronto Center and University-Rosedale politicians, as well as updates from Post Media Place, Rogers. St. Andrews United Church, and the BENA President (e.g. neighbourhood projects, including redevelopment)
AGM details and documents are posted on the BENA website
Want to submit questions or comments? Please email them to [email protected].
Cabbagetown BIA’s Remembrance Day Ceremony |
The Annual Cabbagetown Remembrance Day Ceremony will be held by the Cabbagetown BIA next Saturday.
Date: November 11, 2023
Time: 10:15 AM (ceremony to begin promptly at 10:30 AM)
Location: East corner of Carlton St. and Parliament St. in Cabbagetown, Toronto
Program: Readings, Trumpet performances, and moment of silence, followed by light refreshments.
Following the ceremony, Gilles Huot of the Cabbagetown Preservation Association will invite those interested on a tour of military graves at the Toronto Necropolis, where people can respectfully dispose of their poppies on the graves of fallen soldiers.
I will be participating in another Remembrance Day event at old City Hall at the same time, where I will be laying the Ontario wreath at the cenotaph. However, you choose to honour the fallen soldiers and those in service please do take a moment on November 11 to give gratitude and reflections to their sacrifice. Lest we forget.
Legislative Assembly Youth Arts Program |
The Ontario Legislature’s Youth Arts Program celebrates the incredible artistic talents of young Ontarians aged 12-18.
Each year, youth from across the province are invited to display their works of art throughout the Legislative Building, showcasing their creativity and diverse artistic abilities. Artwork submitted consists of various media, including photography; sculptures; ceramics, and pottery; drawings in ink, pencil and charcoal; acrylic, oil and watercolour paintings.
Applications will be accepted from October 10 to November 8, 2023.
Met Radio Fund Drive |
From November 6 to 12th, Met Radio is holding their annual Fund Drive to raise funds to support new and creative live programming at the station. With your help, they will be able to provide workshops, training, and additional support to volunteers who create this programming as well as honorariums to artists who perform at the station. You can learn more and donate at funddrive.ca, and tune in to 1280 AM or at metradio.ca all week long to hear lots of special live radio programming!
Canadian Association for Girls in Science Volunteer Opportunity |
Do you enjoy working with and inspiring youth? Are you passionate about building equitable STEM futures? The Canadian Association for Girls in Science is recruiting volunteers to support its STEM programs.
CAGIS is an award-winning not-for-profit organization that supports interest in Science, Technology, Trades, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among girls and gender-diverse youth, ages 7-17. CAGIS Volunteers are parents, teachers, post-secondary students, STEM professionals, and other interested members of the community. They support our work by helping to plan, organize, and run our programs.
Find out more and sign up HERE
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March 21 2025 Newsletter
Dear Emma,
Yesterday, I was officially sworn in as the MPP for Toronto Centre. This was my fifth time taking an oath of public office, but this time, I found myself feeling more nervous and emotional than I had during previous ceremonies. When I reflected on it later, I realized that it was the presence of so many friends, colleagues, and community members looking on that brought up these emotions. I so dearly want to do right by them and everyone in our community, and seeing all of their faces as I took the oath really brought that commitment home. The Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Trevor Day, who administered the oath, also reminded me of how very special this honour is. Since confederation, fewer than 2,000 people have taken the oath to become an Ontario MPP. To be one of them feels incredibly profound.
Every day, I feel honoured to hold public office and serve the people of Toronto Centre and the communities that I love. Yesterday was a beautiful ceremonial celebration of that honour, which I will always cherish. I want to thank all of the people who stood with me as I took my oath and everyone in Toronto Centre for putting their trust in me. I do not take it lightly and will work hard every day to live up to our shared ideals.
Jumping from one election to another, the Ottawa rumour mill has been spinning for weeks and now it seems to have settled - reliable sources are telling us that the federal election will be called this coming Sunday, in just two days, and that election day will be on either April 28 or May 5. Those details are still to be determined, as a federal election campaign lasts between 36 and 50 days in Canada.
Luckily, here in Toronto Centre, we are ready to go. Local resident and family physician, Dr. Samantha Green, our fantastic candidate, has been knocking on doors for almost a year already and has an amazing campaign team behind her. Meanwhile, the Liberals do not yet have a candidate after Marci Ien announced two weeks ago that she would not run again.
Samatha’s campaign is so prepared that they are having an office opening on Sunday, the day of the writ drop, and you are invited!!!
Join me, Samantha, community leader Danyaal Raza, and progressives in Toronto Centre at 1 PM this Sunday at 655 Dundas Street East to officially open Samantha’s office and ensure that we send a true progressive voice to Ottawa.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Ford’s Cabinet Announcement
- Renewed Assault on Gaza
- Standing up for St Lawrence Co-op Daycare
- Ford: Canada as the 51st state is a “Compliment”
- Meeting with Peggy Nash’s Women in the House Students
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Ford’s Cabinet Announcement |
On Wednesday, Doug Ford announced his new cabinet. It is largely unchanged and fails to meet the moment Ontario is in. Now is a time for bright new thinkers to come up with creative solutions, not more of the same cut-and-privatize Ministers.
People are worried about the future of our province and our country. They are struggling to afford groceries; they can’t find a family doctor or an affordable place to live. Yet, this cabinet includes the same Minister of Transportation who couldn’t open a transit line, the same Minister of Health who downplayed the doctor shortage, and the same Minister of Infrastructure who spent weeks dodging basic questions. The cabinet includes 29 ministers and 8 associate ministers, making it one of the largest and most expensive in Ontario’s history.
While there was little change, one swap left me chilled to the bone: Paul Calandra will be the new Minister of Education. Political watchers will remember that Calandra was Ford’s Government house leader until last year and before that an MP under PM Stephen Harper. In both roles he was known as a political spin doctor, the kind of person who you wanted in your corner when you had to break some bad news and didn’t want to take any criticism. Calandra has the unique skill of being able to yell a bunch of nonsense at you in a way that is both intimidating and convincing until you take a moment to understand what he actually said, which is nothing. This appointment raises alarm about the kinds of cuts Ford conservatives will bring down on our public education system, which is already in tatters.
The Ontario NDP will soon announce our shadow cabinet, a team full of MPPs ready to rise to meet this challenging moment, by fighting rising costs, investing in building homes, hiring doctors, and building a tariff-proof economy. They can count on Ontario's Official Opposition NDP to keep up that fight at Queen’s Park and across the province to hold Doug Ford’s Conservatives to account every single day.
| Renewed Assault on Gaza |
Just like many of you, I have felt horror and grief as images of death and destruction have poured out of Gaza again this week. On Tuesday, Israel broke the ceasefire and resumed the relentless bombing of civilians, in addition to shutting of electricity, water, and aid trucks carrying food and medical supplies to the region.
The people of Gaza have been through far too much. They were just taking their first breaths, returning to their homes, and reuniting with loved ones. And now they have been plunged back into the horrors of genocide.
The ceasefire agreement must be honoured on all sides. But instead, the innocent civilians of Gaza, including thousands of children, are paying the price. Doctors are again being asked to make impossible decisions about which child to save and which to let die, simply because of a lack of resources. This is unconscionable and the Canadian government must stand up to Trump and Netanyahu. I am so proud of the NDP’s advocacy on this issue, but they need more voices to join them. I encourage you to write to PM Carney and local MPs to urge them to act and speak out for the people of Gaza who are experiencing relentless suffering right now.
| Standing up for St Lawrence Co-op Daycare |
Toronto Centre’s St. Lawrence Co-op Day Care is facing challenges meeting the governments strict standards for permanent outdoor play spaces. This week, I wrote to the Minister of Education to request that the Ministry take into account the unique urban context in which the daycare is situated, and the fact that they are currently meeting the outdoor play space requirements, just with a temporary space.
I am hopeful that the daycare will be able to continue to operate, providing excellent care for our little ones and solutions for working families. You can read the full letter here.
|
Ford: Canada as the 51st state is a “Compliment” |
On Tuesday, Doug Ford said that the American threat to make Canada their 51st state is a “compliment.” This made my blood boil. How could a threat of hostile takeover and a lack of respect for our sovereignty ever be taken as a compliment?
I am proud to stand up for Canada, our values, our public assets, and our people. We are not simply resources, but a strong nation that deserves respect. We have many problems, the largest among them our historic and present lack of respect for the sovereignty of Indigenous nations on this land we call Canada, but that will never be solved by infringement on our borders by our southern neighbour. I will do absolutely everything that I can to hold Ford accountable and make sure that he is not giving anything up to the Americans.
|
Meeting with Peggy Nash’s Women in the House Students |
Yesterday I had the pleasure of sitting down for a conversation with three students from Peggy Nash’s Women in the House course. They asked such thoughtful and engaging questions which lead to a lively conversation about representation, justice, and human rights in our houses of government. It was so inspiring to engage with the next generation of leaders, and I so appreciated their curiosity and passion for learning. I can’t wait to see what they do next!
| This Week's Headlines |
Removing bike lanes will likely worsen gridlock, lead to more collisions: government documents
Hudson's Bay hopes to save 6 stores, which could protect some of its 9,364 jobsNews
Toronto charity to open affordable housing for homeless women
Hundreds of nurses rally outside Ontario hospitals to demand safer staffing levels
TDSB to vote on controversial fundraising change some call a ‘tariff on parent donations’
Head of Canada’s high speed rail project wants it to run into downtown Toronto
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Black Mental Health Groups at Sherbourne Health |
Sherbourne Health is offering mental health support groups for Black, African, Caribbean, and Multiracial 2SLGBTQ+ youth. These programs provide a space to build community, explore mental health, and develop wellness strategies.
Program Details:
Resilient Roots
A five-session training for Black 2SLGBTQ+ youth with lived mental health or substance use experience. Participants will develop peer support skills and explore mental health, harm reduction, and self-care.
📅 Mondays, 6:00 – 8:00 PM | March 3 – 31
Rise & Thrive
A program designed to celebrate cultural foods, foster community, and explore mental well-being.
- Rise: 📅 Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM | March 4 – April 15
- Thrive: 📅 Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM | March 5 – April 16
Levelling Minds (Online Program)
A nine-week series offering stress management tools and mental health strategies.
📅 Thursdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM | March 6 – May 1
For more details and to register, click here.
| Register your Fruit Tree & Fight Food Insecurity |
|
Regent Park Eid Bazaar |
The Centre of Learning & Development, in partnership with Mothers of Peace, Arthubs, and the City of Toronto, invites the community to the Eid Bazaar at Daniels Spectrum. This Eid celebration will showcase local vendors offering henna, jewelry, clothing, food, and more while bringing the community together.
📅 Dates: March 6, 12, 19, 26
⏰ Time: 2:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St E)
For questions or vendor inquiries, contact Sureya at [email protected] or 647-493-2462 ext. 112.
| Connect Fundraiser for Gender-Affirming Care |
Connect Fund is hosting live music and performance to raise money to help pay for gender-affirming care not covered by provincial health care. Help them raise funds for folks who need help. All proceeds from ticket sales and merch will go directly to people who need care.
Across Canada, 2SLGBTQ+ people face higher levels of poverty. They face a lack of culturally-competent healthcare providers. They face long wait times to get care. They can face discrimination when they do receive it. With the Connect Fund, at least they won’t have to worry about how to pay for care on top of all of that.
📅 Thursday, March 28, 2024
🕕 6:00 PM – Late
📍 The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West
- Celebrate queer culture and community impact
- Enjoy drag performances, DJs, dancing, and more
- Funds raised will support Connect’s ongoing gender affirming care work
| Free Repair Cafe |
TNG Community Services and St. James Town Community Corner invite community members to a Free Repair Café on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM (registration closes at 3:00 PM). The event takes place at 349 Ontario Street, Toronto, and is wheelchair accessible.
Skilled volunteers will help repair broken household items, including:
- Computers
- Small appliances
- Home electronics
- General housewares
- Clothing and jewelry
- Bikes and toys
- Books and paper items
(One item per person)
Volunteers with repair skills are also welcome to participate.
For more information, contact:
- Touhida Choudhury: 416-925-4363 x2521 or [email protected]
- Alaa: 416-964-6657 x240 or [email protected]
|
Free Art Class with Benny Bing |
Neighbourhood Information Post invites young artists to a free art class with renowned Toronto-based artist Benny Bing! This is a great opportunity for youth to explore creativity and learn from a celebrated contemporary artist.
📅 Wednesday, April 23, 2025
🕟 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Benny Bing Studio, 35 Tubman Ave, Suite 103, Toronto, ON M5A 0T1
👩🎨 For youth ages 10 to 16
- Learn from Benny Bing, known for his bold use of colour and artwork exploring Black identity, gender, and humanity
- Hands-on creative experience in an inspiring studio environment
- Free to attend, registration required
📩 Register here
📞 For more information, contact 416-924-2543 ext. 224 or email [email protected].
| Community Development Training Series |
Yonge Street Mission is hosting a Community Development Training Series, offering practical tools, strategies, and insights to support community development efforts and strengthen impact. Sessions will be facilitated by YSM Community Development Specialists and cover key topics in engagement, evaluation, and facilitation.
📅 Dates & Topics:
- April 29 – Measurement & Evaluation
- June 24 – Meeting Facilitation
⏰ Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Format: Hybrid (In-person location TBC)
📌 Registration deadline: One week before each session.
For more details, contact [email protected] or click here to register on Eventbrite.
| Regent Park Film Festival Call for Submissions |
The Regent Park Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 2025 festival!
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2024
🎥 Open to: Canadian and international filmmakers
📍 Submissions accepted online
- Welcomes films from Black, Indigenous, and racialized creators, as well as those from marginalized communities
- All genres and formats considered, including features, shorts, documentaries, and animation
- Free to submit
The festival prioritizes stories that reflect social justice, community, and the realities of those living in underrepresented spaces.
The festival is also hiring! Click here for Job Opportunities, and Call for Board Members.
| Mental Health Support with Family Service Toronto |
Are you looking for free or affordable mental health support? Family Service Toronto offers just that! They are part of Family Service Toronto network, the only network in Ontario that provides free and low cost couples and family therapy in addition to individual counselling.
To learn more about their resources and get connected to support visit ontariocounsellingfinder.ca.
March 14 2025 Newsletter
Dear friend,
I am so excited to return with my first formal newsletter as your re-elected MPP for Toronto Centre! I am honoured that you have placed your trust in me once again, and I promise to do everything in my power, alongside all of you, to make our communities the safest, most prosperous, and most dynamic places possible.
I will be returning to Queen’s Park alongside a powerhouse Ontario NDP team, who will again be forming the province’s Official Opposition. I am looking forward to continuing to hold this government to account alongside my colleagues, new and returning, though I will miss my friend Jill Andrew, the former MPP for Toronto-St. Pauls, dearly. As always happens when an election is called, the order papers are wiped clean, and committees stop all work. This means that all bills that were partway through the legislative process have to start from the beginning again, including my Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic bill. It is unclear what will happen with the sub-committee study on intimate partner violence, which is in the report-writing stage. I understand that the report writing has stopped, but that the government could revive and complete it. Right now, I am optimistic about this.
The government has announced that it will not recall the legislature until April 14, despite the existential threats we are currently experiencing from the government south of the border. Tariffs are an economic weapon, and we need a team Ontario approach to tackling them. I am proud to be part of a party that will stand with workers every step of the way as we fight to protect our province, but to do that properly, we need to recall the Legislature immediately. I am ready to work with the government to tariff-proof Ontario and protect jobs from the chaotic and ever-changing policies south of the border. You deserve a government that is proactively protecting jobs and working alongside the federal government, as well as other provincial and territorial governments, to coordinate a strong and unified response.
We need a strong and united Team Ontario more than ever, as we are about to dive headfirst into a federal election any day now. Mark Carney won the federal Liberal leadership race and was sworn in as Prime Minister today. He will likely call the election in the coming days or weeks. Last week, our local MP, Marci Ien, announced she would not seek re-election. I am very thankful to Marci for her service to our communities and country, and wish her all the best as she moves into this new chapter.
I am looking forward to this federal election on a local level because we have such a remarkable NDP candidate in Dr. Samantha Green. Smart, effective, compassionate and hardworking are just some words I would use to describe my personal observations and working experience with Samantha. She has been showing up for our Toronto Centre communities at a local and national level for decades. As a family doctor in Regent Park at the St Michael’s Hospital Sumac Creek Health Centre, she directly cares for community members as they navigate health challenges. As a mother, she is raising the next generation of Ontarians, who will make our province a prosperous and beautiful place. As a member of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, she works with other physicians to conquer the existential threat of climate change through a health lens. And as a Jewish supporter of Palestinian human rights, she speaks out for peace in Israel and Palestine, for a future where all people can live peacefully and equitably in the region.
I am in awe of Samantha, and I know that she will be an excellent Member of Parliament because she is already putting in the work to represent our communities and fight for a more equitable and just world in our backyard and at the national level. I have the utmost faith in Dr. Samantha Green and am proud to stand with her as she runs to be our next Member of Parliament.
Samantha and her campaign team are canvassing nearly every day in anticipation of a snap federal election, and they need your help! Sign up to volunteer here and join a fantastic team of dedicated community members who know we need Samantha in Ottawa!
This March is a month rich with faith celebrations. I want to wish a joyful Purim to all of our Jewish community members. Purim is a time to celebrate resilience, hope, and standing up against adversity, which is incredibly topical right now. I hope everyone celebrating spends joyful time with loved ones. Chag Purim Sameach!
Holi is also being celebrated today by our Hindu neighbours. I wish everyone celebrating a fun-filled and colourful celebration of the coming spring!
I also want to send greetings to community members observing Ramadan and Lent right now. We can all learn so much from these times of fasting, restraint, and reflection. I hope that your fasts and their breakings bring you clarity, peace, spiritual strength, and connection with loved ones.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Workers Must Be Prioritized Amid Tariff Frenzy
- Supreme Court Strikes Down Ford’s Attempt to Silence Dissent
- Eglinton-Crosstown to Open September 2025?
- CWNA Launches GoFundMe to Take on Developers
- Dundas-Sherbourne Community Action Plan
- Celebrating International Women’s Day with Steelworkers
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Workers Must Be Prioritized Amid Tariff Frenzy |
Trump’s reckless and constantly shifting tariff threats, now focused on steel and aluminum, are risking jobs on both sides of the border.
To weather this storm, we need a strong, coordinated response to fight back hard. We also need to ensure that workers’ incomes are protected, no matter what happens, so they can withstand whatever Trump throws at us in the coming days and weeks.
Since Trump's original tariff threats, the Ontario NDP has been ready to work together with all parties and all levels of government to protect jobs, prevent plant shutdowns and help strengthen our domestic market. We need a team Ontario and Team Canada approach, which is why we need to recall the Ontario Legislature immediately to deal with this crisis. Ford called an early election to secure a 90 to 100 seat majority, which he falsely claimed was necessary to prove he had a mandate from Ontarians to deal with Trump. Now with a lesser majority than he had at the start of the election, Ford is refusing to recall the legislature. He is shutting out the opposition parties and the voices of people from communities all across this province, who deserve to have their perspectives shared and listened to by the government.
| Supreme Court Strikes Down Ford’s Attempt to Silence Dissent |
Last Friday, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down Doug Ford’s unconstitutional law to limit third-party campaign spending. Ford used the notwithstanding law to limit election participation from teachers, health care workers, families, and labour unions, using taxpayer dollars to continue fighting them in court.
Doug Ford has been handed yet another defeat in court after he wasted more taxpayer dollars fighting to silence critics and defend unconstitutional laws. Ford is all too quick to pull the trigger on the Notwithstanding clause, especially if it means targeting those impacted the most by his record of bad policies and cuts – like teachers, health care workers, families, and unions.
Ontarians deserve a healthy democracy where they can cast an informed ballot. Civil society is a core pillar of Ontario’s democracy that should be allowed to flourish and engage in our elections. It is too bad that this ruling comes on the tail of a provincial election, but I am thrilled that civil society voices will no longer be muzzled by the government in future elections. This defeat should be a wake-up call for Ford.
| Eglinton-Crosstown to Open September 2025? |
On Thursday evening, the Toronto Star reported that it had received credible information from two anonymous sources stating that the long-awaited Eglinton Crosstown will open in September 2025. Construction and testing are slated to be fully complete by June, at which time the crosstown will be handed off to the TTC, which will operate the line. The TTC will take from June to September to get everything up and running on their end.
This is not the first time that we have seen a projected opening date for the Eglinton Crosstown. All of those dates have passed us by, and the project is nearly five years late, 50% over its 10-year original timeline. I know 14-year-olds who have been waiting for the Crosstown for their entire lives!
I am hopeful that this new opening date is the final one. Torontonians deserve this line and have waited far too long for it on crowded subways, streetcars, and busses. Small business owners have waited for years while their storefronts were covered by construction hoarding. And local residents have endured traffic, noise, and disruptions for far too long. I hope that this is a lesson to Metrolinx and this government that Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) are not how large infrastructure projects should be built. They result in massive delays, cost overruns, corner-cutting, and legal battles that grind construction to a halt (as happened many times on this project). We all deserve better than P3s, we deserve public infrastructure built publicly!
I can’t wait to take my first ride on the Crosstown and hope to do so this September!
|
CWNA Launches GoFundMe to Take on Developers |
The Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association is always standing up for the community, but now they have taken on a new and ambitious project and need your help.
A new 28-storey tower is being proposed on the site currently occupied by the Pizza Pizza. The City of Toronto denied the developer application, but it is now being appealed at the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Community members are extremely concerned that, if approved, this development could set a precedent and open the door to more mega-developments along the historic Church-Wellesley Village strip. This could erode the neighbourhood's character and spell the end of the 2SLGBQIA+ business district, an economic and cultural hub and a safe space for many.
The City of Toronto has an existing plan for the Village strip, which emphasizes sensitive low-scale infill that respects the existing character, including the fine-grain retail and low-rise scale. This kind of development will support the neighbourhood and allow it to continue to exist. Developments like this are an existential threat to the neighbourhood.
The Ontario Land Tribunal has granted the CWNA party status, which is already a huge win. However, they must retain legal counsel and an expert witness to make an impact. They are working in support of the City and their initial refusal of the development, but the CWNA is uniquely positioned to express how this development will negatively impact the Village. Their participation is critical.
CWNA needs to raise $50,000 by June 30 to underwrite the professional fees for participating in the hearing. I encourage you to learn more about their campaign here and to share it with your networks.
|
Dundas-Sherbourne Community Action Plan |
Attention everyone who lives, works and is committed to the Dundas-Sherbourne neighbourhood! The City of Toronto is looking for your feedback on a new Community Action Plan for the area.
We all know that this intersection is a challenging area, with many critical services for those in crisis immediately abutting historic residential areas and criminal actors preying on vulnerable people. But it is also an extraordinary neighbourhood full of people who love and care for each other and don’t want to see people marginalized by the place they call home. I am hopeful that this new action plan will provide strong support for the neighbourhood and its challenges in a way that is sensitive to all residents. But the only way we can achieve that is if all voices are heard!
Click here to share your thoughts, and make sure to share the survey with others who frequent the area. I look forward to the outcome of this survey and the work that will follow to make the neighbourhood more accepting, safer, and more vibrant for all.
| Celebrating International Women’s Day with Steelworkers |
It was an honour to join the United Steelworkers at their Mary Spratt Breakfast last Saturday to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) alongside Dr. Samantha Green. IWD is a time for feminists to come together, reflect on all we have accomplished, and set new goals for the year ahead.
The Ontario NDP and I will continue the ongoing fight for women's and workers' rights, something we need now more than ever. Women united can never be defeated!
| This Week's Headlines |
Here are the U.S. products Canada is targeting in response to Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum
'Canada is a sovereign state': Trump's ambassador pick distances himself from annexation talk
Carney sworn in as prime minister with a reworked cabinet filled with new faces
She paid $8K for eye surgery. But there’s a free OHIP option
Eglinton Crosstown LRT finally has an opening date, according to sources
Donald Trump is coming for his job. Why 70,000 Ontarians could end up jobless if the tariffs persist
Top court finds Ontario spending limits on 3rd-party election ads unconstitutional
| Upcoming Community Events |
| George Street Revitalization Community Meeting |
The City of Toronto remains committed to revitalizing George Street to better serve vulnerable residents and the broader community. The project will replace the existing Seaton House men’s shelter with a smaller emergency shelter and an all-gender transitional shelter, while also introducing a state-of-the-art long-term care home, supportive housing, and a community hub with essential programs and services.
The George Street Revitalization (GSR) Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) brings together key community stakeholders to receive updates and provide input on the project’s programs. Previously paused due to the City’s COVID-19 response and recent changes in the project’s delivery model, the SRG will resume engagement in 2025.
As part of this process, the project team will be available at an upcoming in-person meeting led by City Planning:
📅 Date: February 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: John Innes Community Centre (150 Sherbourne St, Toronto, ON)
📢 Meeting Type: Open house format
A dedicated Stakeholder Reference Group meeting is planned for fall 2025. Those interested in attending can register here.
For more details on the George Street Revitalization and the SRG, visit toronto.ca/NewGeorge.
|
Regent Park Eid Bazaar |
The Centre of Learning & Development, in partnership with Mothers of Peace, Arthubs, and the City of Toronto, invites the community to the Eid Bazaar at Daniels Spectrum. This Eid celebration will showcase local vendors offering henna, jewelry, clothing, food, and more while bringing the community together.
📅 Dates: March 6, 12, 19, 26
⏰ Time: 2:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St E)
For questions or vendor inquiries, contact Sureya at [email protected] or 647-493-2462 ext. 112.
| Community Development Training Series |
Yonge Street Mission is hosting a Community Development Training Series, offering practical tools, strategies, and insights to support community development efforts and strengthen impact. Sessions will be facilitated by YSM Community Development Specialists and cover key topics in engagement, evaluation, and facilitation.
📅 Dates & Topics:
- February 25 – Community Engagement & Ownership
- April 29 – Measurement & Evaluation
- June 24 – Meeting Facilitation
⏰ Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Format: Hybrid (In-person location TBC)
📌 Registration deadline: One week before each session.
For more details, contact [email protected] or click here to register on Eventbrite.
| Mental Health Support with Family Service Toronto |
Are you looking for free or affordable mental health support? Family Service Toronto offers just that! They are part of Family Service Toronto network, the only network in Ontario that provides free and low cost couples and family therapy in addition to individual counselling.
To learn more about their resources and get connected to support visit ontariocounsellingfinder.ca.