
Driving without a license, stunt driving, racing, and careless driving are illegal, right? Of course they are. These reckless activities put everyone at risk and can even be fatal.
So then why are more than 30% of all of these cases, and even 42% for stunt driving and racing, dropped in Ford’s Ontario courtrooms?
This huge spike in dropped cases is not being seen in any other province or territory. New Statistics Canada data have revealed these shocking numbers and shone a light on a justice system that is over-capacity, deeply dysfunctional, and crying out for increased staffing and modernization.
On Monday morning, outside of the Ontario Courthouse on University Avenue, I stood alongside lawyer Dave Shellnutt and his client Anna Pratt, a victim of a hit-and-run. The three serious charges against the driver who hit Anna were withdrawn by the government prosecutor due to court delays. The driver has never experienced any legal consequences.
During the press conference, Anna said, “I knew that a conviction would not erase what happened to me. It would not heal my broken bones or allow me to return to work, but it would represent a sliver of justice, and even that was taken away.” My heart breaks for Anna.
Dave Shellnutt added, “the impacts of these withdrawn cases are twofold; it tells victims that what happened to them is not that bad and also tells dangerous drivers that we don’t really mind that they are behaving recklessly. The effect on deterrence is profound.”
In addition to the road safety issues, letting dangerous drivers off the hook is expensive! Police officers, court staff, prosecutors, justices of the peace and judges spend hours and hours preparing for and attending these cases. When a case is withdrawn, all of those hours of work, paid for by you, the taxpayer, are flushed away. And when a dangerous driver is not reprimanded for their behaviour, it is more likely that it will happen again, forcing us all to pay twice. This is deeply unjust, as well as unsafe.
Regular readers will know that I have been highlighting court and tribunal backlog issues for years, all of which have been getting worse under Doug Ford. None of this is new, but these numbers are shocking. Serious cases, from stunt driving to murder to sexual violence, are being tossed out because of massive court delays, and the accused are walking free, no matter how strong the evidence against them is. The backlog in our courts is creating massive public safety issues, and the government needs to step up to fix the mess that they have created.
The Statistics Canada report that these numbers came from was a treasure trove of data about the activity in the court system. You don’t have time to dig through the data, so I encourage you to pick up Tom Parkin’s Substack newsletter, which delves much deeper into the issues I have raised here. Tom carries out extraordinary data-driven investigations into government operations, spending and scandals. I am a happy subscriber to his newsletter as he unpacks complex data for busy people in thought-provoking and very informative ways.
Ironically, this data has been released days before we learned that cars registered to Ford’s own Ministers have been caught by speed cameras 23 times within the last three years. One Ford staff person has been caught at “stunt driving speeds” of over 150km/h twelve times. It is not difficult to draw a line between these tickets and Ford’s sudden tirade against speed enforcement cameras – the very cameras that his government brought forward in 2019. Now we can speculate that the pressure may have been coming from inside the House – from his own caucus and staff who drive these cars and must personally pay these fines.
Speed cameras, especially those in school zones, keep our roads safer for everyone. If you agree, click here to email Doug Ford and tell him to stop the ban on speed cameras!
There is so much work to do to ensure our roads are safe and our courts deliver justice for victims and accused. I am concerned that we do not have an ally in the government on this work, but I will not be deterred in my goal of creating a safer and more just Ontario for you and your family.
Yours in community service,

Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- New Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Return Agreement
- Street Haven Housing Opening!
- Coffee with Kristyn
- Islamic Finance Roundtable
- RSVP: Child Care Town Hall
- Skills Development Fund Update: Minister Piccini in Paris
- What’s Making Headlines
- Local Community Events
| New Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Return Agreement |
I know I was not the only one anxiously checking the news this week as peace talks unfolded between the Israeli government and Hamas. So far, the news has brought some relief. A ceasefire came into effect today, and the return of hostages taken by Hamas has been promised over the upcoming 72 hours. My heart goes out to the families waiting with unimaginable hope that they will be reunited with their loved ones once more. Hamas will also finally lose control over Gaza. I hope everyone with connections to Palestine and Israel, especially those with loved ones there, has been able to breathe a sigh of relief despite the uncertainty over what happens next..
Many Gazan Palestinians have started to return home. Many of them are returning to rubble and finding no trace of the neighbourhoods that they left behind. But with an end to the immediate bombing, gunfire, and genocidal violence that the Israeli military has inflicted on them for over two years, they can begin to plan for the future, rebuild, and heal. This deal should mean that humanitarian aid — food, medicine, and essential goods — can enter Gaza to end the starvation that the Israeli Occupation Forces manufactured. It is important to remember that just this week, Israel intercepted the Sumudn flotilla and kidnapped six Canadians — Mskwaasin Agnew, Devoney Ellis, Nimâ Machouf, Sadie Mees, Khurram Musti Khan, and Nikita Stapleton — who were attempting to deliver food and medical supplies to Gaza. They must be returned safely.
We have been here before. Promises have been made, hostages and prisoners exchanged, only for the deal to fall apart after the first stage. We need strong global leadership to ensure a lasting and positive peace in the region: one that recognizes the state of Palestine and the genocide perpetuated against the Palestinian people in Gaza. Palestinians must be provided with the resources they need to rebuild and support their population as they recover from unspeakable hunger, violence, and trauma. I, for one, will be working with the Federal NDP to push the Canadian government to support Palestinians and work towards true peace for all in the region.
The world cannot move on and pretend that Israel’s genocide never happened. The months and years ahead will show if Israel’s justice system is capable of holding Israel’s War Cabinet accountable for crimes against humanity and genocide. The International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice’s proceedings should be fully supported by Canada. Canada should still pursue an arms embargo to stop the flow of arms to Israel. Canada cannot be complicit and help a genocidal army reload its munitions. To amplify the message from organizations like Jewish Voices for Peace and If Not Now: never again must mean never again for anyone.
I will continue to watch this story closely as it unfolds in the coming weeks. My heart is with everyone who has loved ones in the region.
| Street Haven’s new Transitional Housing Beds! |
Congratulations to the leadership team at Street Haven on receiving funding from the Ministry of the Solicitor General for ten transitional housing beds. Post-correctional transition to stable, independent living for many is a strenuous journey, and can often feel impossible without adequate support. The services come in at a critical time for these individuals and will have a positive role in their journey to rehabilitation.
I will continue to call on the government for increased and sustainable funding for mental health and addiction recovery services. Without these investments and a strategy to eradicate homelessness, the rates of recidivism in Ontario will remain high. Agencies cannot do this work alone, and we need to see more partnership, funding and support from the government for this sector.
| Coffee with Kristyn Part Two |
Cheers to another lively and successful “Coffee with Kristyn” event! I extend a warm thank you to everyone who spent time in their day with me to share a cup of coffee and conversation. A big shoutout to Carousel Cafe & Bistro for the delicious treats and drinks. If you are interested, you can find them on the first floor of the Daniels Spectrum at 585 Dundas St East!
Stay tuned for more events in the near future!
|
Islamic Finance Roundtable |
Yesterday evening, I had the honour of hosting the Islamic Finance Reception at Queen’s Park. We had a great discussion on the limited access to halal financing options for Muslims in Ontario. Halal mortgages are designed in accordance with Islamic law, which prohibits the payment or collection of interest. Canadian lenders that do offer halal mortgages financing are few and unregulated. Borrowers and lenders need clear government regulations that will grow the market, bring predictability and strengthen consumer and business protection to the sector. We also discussed the difficulties around housing and financial discrimination for racialized Muslims and newcomers to Canada.
This lack of accessible halal financing is one of the most pressing barriers to homeownership for Muslims. This can lead to financial exclusion and inequity.
Right now, the federal government’s 2024 budget is committed to “expanding access” to halal mortgages, but there have not been any concrete measures taken to enact this. Ontario should be prioritizing financing models to ensure that Muslim Canadians can have the opportunity to purchase a home.
Our current models are not ideal because they often cost more to buy the home, with premiums up to 4%. This can be due to a smaller pool of lenders and increased risk perception. This roundtable with Muslim experts and leaders is just the beginning of our work on this important issue. Stay tuned!
| Join my Childcare Townhall! |
And 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.
This will be at the Regent Park Community Centre, and child-minding will be provided! RSVP here to attend.
|
Skills Development Fund Update: Minister Piccini in Paris |
The saga with Ford’s shady Skills Development Fund (SDF) program continues. Ontario Labour Minister David Piccini attended the Parisian wedding of a lobbyist, after his office awarded the lobbyist’s clients millions of dollars through the SDF training fund program.
It has been revealed that Minister Piccini awarded money to a company associated with one of his good friends, Michael Rudderham. Two clients that Rudderham was registered to lobby for received just over $8.5 million in total from the SDF.
The auditor general found that while civil servants evaluated SDF applications, the labour minister’s office “selected” which ones to fund — even if they were seen as low-ranking applications. The auditor general, Shelley Spence’s report on the Skills Development Fund shows that, in fact, less than half of recipients were given “high” scores on their proposals by the non-partisan civil servants tasked with evaluating them.
These recent troubling events are just the tip of the iceberg with Minister Piccini and the Ford government. This is just another example of a Ford government-connected group that has received public money.
|
Metrolinx Moss Park and Corktown Open House |
Join your neighbours for the upcoming October 22 Moss Park and Corktown Open House so they can stay informed about the Ontario Line construction. This important event will take place from 5:30 PM to 7 PM at the Regent Park Community Centre, Banquet Hall (402 Shuter Street). Please register in advance by visiting the Open House event page and clicking the “Register” button.
| This Week's Headlines |
Court Data Shows Enforcement of the Employment Standards Act has virtually stopped.
Vehicles registered to Ford cabinet ministers caught by speed cameras more than 20 times
Carney government warned that funding shortfall putting federal court services at risk
Critics blast millions in Skills Development Fund grants given to PC-friendly companies
| Upcoming Community Events |
| 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
|
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 East
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.
|
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. Register at Community Consultation Registration!
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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
Interested or have questions? Contact Alex Ma (he/him) at [email protected].
| 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.
| Pumpkin Parade |
On November 1, from 6:30 PM to 8 PM at the Sackville Playground, the Corktown Neighbourhood Association is hosting another Pumpkin Parade!
This free event is for everyone! So come out, don your scary costumes and masks and let’s all celebrate Samhain!
|
October Funfest |
The Friends of Regent Park are busy preparing for October Funfest! Join this festival on October 25 from 1 PM to 3 PM at the Bake Oven in Regent Park’s “The Big Park.”
The afternoon will be spent carving pumpkins, listening to music, dancing, and many other activities!
| Apply for $5,000 to support your community-led project! |
As a part of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS), they are providing the opportunity to apply for a grant that supports resident-led projects. These projects can encourage local activation and focus on the five domains of TSNS – economic opportunities, healthy lives, participation in civic making, physical surroundings, and social development - across all neighbourhoods.
The Local Leadership Grant prioritizes the leadership and participation of Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving groups within Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, Emerging Neighbourhoods, and other communities of focus. Find out more by clicking here!
| WomenACT Petition |
WomanACT has prepared a petition asking Amazon to remove the Term “Wife Beater” from Its Product Descriptions.
The concern is that Amazon is continuing to use the term “wife beater” to describe men’s undershirts on its website, despite a ruling by Canada’s Ad Standards Council that this descriptor violates the advertising Code by displaying indifference to violence against women. Amazon has defended its decision by arguing that the term is “common” and accepted in popular culture. But normalization does not excuse harm.
Sign their petition telling Amazon to remove the term “Wife Beater” from its product descriptions.
| Newcomer Women’s Program |
Pathway to Possibilities is hosting a Newcomer Women Program. This is designed to support newcomer women in setting meaningful goals and strengthening their employability skills, while also providing the opportunity to earn micro-certificates.
This program is from October 20 to December 12, 2025. Apply by filling out the form here.
| Boo Barn at Riverdale Park! |

Riverdale Farm is hosting a Halloween Boo Barn! This will take place on Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at 201 Winchester Street.
There will be so many fun activities like face painting and crafts, and pumpkin carving! For more information, please call 416-392-6794 or email [email protected].
| Ontario-wide Rally: SAY NO TO BILL 33 |
Join Policing-Free Schools' Province-Wide Rally at Queen's Park and say No to Bill 33. This rally is to send a clear message to Doug Ford and Paul Calandra that Ontarians do not want Bill 33!
This will be on the first day that the Ontario Legislative resumes on Monday, October 20, at 10 AM. The rally will take place at Queen's Park, South Lawn, 111 Wellesley Street West.

























































































