Dear Neighbour,
We are at a vital turning point that will shape the future of our community.
It is truly an honour to live in Ward 13 Toronto Centre, and a privilege to represent our community at the provincial level. We are a deeply connected, vibrant, and diverse community; rich in history and full of potential.
At the same time, our community faces exceptional challenges. Toronto Centre experiences the highest rates of demovictions, putting vulnerable tenants at risk of losing their homes. Residents rightfully have significant concerns about safety and affordability in our communities.
Yesterday morning, Curran Stikuts and I met with tenant leaders representing thousands of tenants from across Ward 13 Toronto Centre, who say they have been repeatedly ignored by Chris Moise. From rampant bed bugs to other pest infestations, black mould, broken appliances, bad-faith renovictions and illegal above-guidelines increases, Chris Moise has ignored tenants and left bad landlords unchecked.
You can watch what tenants said below. The video is not long and their experiences, which are representative of what tenants have told me over the last four years, are damning.
That’s why we need a new councillor who respects and listens to residents. Someone who will actually fight for tenant rights and stand against reckless development. A leader not beholden to developers and corporate lobbyists. Almost half of Chris Moise's named donors in 2022 were connected to developers.
We need a strong councillor who will work with Olivia Chow and the new council to put residents first. The challenges that Toronto Centre faces call for a new councillor that brings people together and is committed to making our neighbourhoods more affordable, safe and connected. Our next councillor must be accessible, accountable, and ready to tackle the pressures facing Toronto Centre.
I proudly support Curran Stikuts for city councillor, whose campaign has earned the endorsement of the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, the largest and broadest coalition of unions in our city. Curran is thoughtful and attentive, platforming an ambitious agenda on how to improve safety, livability, and affordability in our neighbourhoods while expanding public services. VoteCurran.ca to learn more about his platform.
I hear from residents every day about the impact of provincial decisions, long wait times in the emergency room, overcrowded classrooms, removal of bike lanes, to changes to rental laws that make life harder for tenants.
In the face of these failures from the provincial government, we need a mayor and council that are dedicated to fighting for you. Our city deserves bold municipal leadership that listens to your concerns and works with you to find creative solutions.
That’s why I am proud to endorse Mayor Olivia Chow. For the past three years and under her leadership, we have seen significant improvements to transit, enhancements to public services and new municipal protections for tenants. I have personally known Olivia for nearly 40 years, and she is truly one of the hardest-working people I have ever met. Clearly, there's more to do and three years is not enough time to fix the challenges facing Toronto. There is more to do, so let’s keep choosing hope over fear and despair. Olivia is still the right person for the job and we need to send her back to City Hall to finish what she has started.
Election Day on Monday, October 26 is fast approaching. It is time to make a plan to vote. If you haven’t already voted at advanced polls, grab your partner, friends, and family and vote at your designated voting location any time between 10 AM and 8 PM.
Make sure you bring acceptable ID. To vote, you must show an election official one piece of acceptable identification (ID) with your name and qualifying Toronto address. Photo ID and your Voter Information Card (VIC) are not required. Find the full list of acceptable identification here.
Vote Olivia Chow, #9 on the ballot, and in Toronto Centre, for Curran Stikuts, #108 on the ballot.
Your vote matters more than ever for the future of Toronto and Ward 13.
I also encourage you to join me in supporting Deborah Williams for TDSB Trustee. Deborah has consistently championed the needs of students and families in Toronto Centre, advocating for resources and support our schools need to succeed. At a time when Ontario’s public education system faces ongoing funding pressures and political challenges, her dedication to students’ well being is especially important. Her work has also earned the backing of Campaign for Public Education, a longstanding advocacy coalition for strong public schools.
Until next time, I remain yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam