This past week has been horrifying, complicated, and scary for so many people in our communities.
I am mortified and heartbroken by the violence in Israel and Palestine. I am grieving alongside everyone who has been affected during this week of brutal violence. My own sister, an employee with Air Canada, was working in Tel Aviv during the initial hours when the war broke out. Panic and fear gripped me as over the phone she relayed the awful experience felt on the ground. She and her colleagues participated in their hotel's safety drills along with other guests as they awaited an aircraft to bring them home. Our family was relieved when my exhausted sister returned home on the last Air Canada flight out of Tel Aviv on Sunday night.
The terrorist attacks by Hamas on thousands of innocent Israeli civilians are unjustifiable. I am shocked by the brutality, missile attacks, kidnappings, and targeting of civilians including the elderly and children. These are war crimes and must be prosecuted. I call for the immediate safe return of all hostages and call on the government of Canada to do everything in its power to ensure the release of Canadians among the captives.
Israel’s military operation into Gaza commenced several days ago and continues now. Innocent civilians in Gaza are caught in a horrific cycle of violence; like the Israeli civilians killed over the past few days, Gazans are victims of Hamas’ brutality. Israel’s bombardment of civilian homes and infrastructure in Gaza, where over half the population are children, has killed hundreds of Palestinians with entire families wiped out. Israel’s total blockade of Gaza, stopping the flow of food, fuel, water, electricity, and medical supplies, as well as the lack of a humanitarian corridor out of Gaza, is causing massive suffering and casualties. Canada must urgently insist that Israel respect international law and protect the lives of innocent Palestinian civilians who bear no responsibility for Hamas’ terror.
Jewish Canadians and Palestinian Canadians are terrified, devastated, and worried for family and friends. I share that despair and worry what the days to come may bring.
In the past few days I have also seen people around the world, including some here in Canada, celebrate attacks on civilians. This is abhorrent and has profoundly hurt Jewish and Palestinian members of our community. Violence against civilians is never justified. Community spaces important to Toronto’s Jewish communities have been threatened. We have seen racist anti-Palestinian vandalism and messages equating all Palestinians to Hamas and encouraging genocide, including shocking calls by members of the Israeli Parliament for a new Nakba. This too is unacceptable. In these dark times, we must treat each other with compassion and empathy and recognize our common humanity.
A decades-long cycle of violence has already taken the lives of too many Palestinians and Israelis. This year has been brutal for all in the region; with an extreme right-wing Israeli government and the absence of real democratic Palestinian leadership, and with the dangerous influence of external states like Iran, there is no clear pathway to peace.
Canada and the international community must urgent push for a ceasefire, a humanitarian aid corridor to save innocent lives, and work towards a sustainable solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace, security, and mutual self-determination.
And that solution can only be political. There is no possible military solution to this decades-long conflict.
I am calling on our federal government to do everything in its power to ensure the protection of civilians and respect for international law. Canada must now support international justice efforts by the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court to investigate war crimes by all military actors in Israel-Palestine. All war crimes, by all parties to this conflict, must be prosecuted.
Our collective focus must now go to building the conditions of a just peace in the region. The international community, Canada included, must work towards a credible peace process that will finally bring peace and security to all in the region, while respecting the humanity and rights of all civilians, Israeli and Palestinian.
I stand with all people in Israel and Palestine who yearn for peace, freedom and security.
May we achieve this peace in our lifetimes.
Kristyn
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
My Small Business Press Conference with CFIB |
Today I joined with local business owners and advocates to call on the Federal government to fix the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program. You can watch the full press conference here.
During the height of the pandemic, CEBA was a lifeline for small businesses. It allowed small businesses to stay solvent, paying their rent and keeping their staff employed. On September 14, 2023, the federal government – after a long wait – announced an 18-day extension to the forgivable loan deadline from December 31 to January 18. If businesses do not repay their loan in full by this deadline, they are no longer eligible for the up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness offered by the Federal government for on-time repayment.
An 18-day extension is utterly useless. Small businesses across Ontario are still struggling. COVID-19 lockdowns hit them hard, even as communities rallied around them. This botched announcement has been an enormous letdown to the small business community. Julie Kwiecinski, CFIB’s Director of Provincial Affairs for Ontario shared that 87% of small businesses that took out a CEBA loan told CFIB they need this extension
The federal government has upended the helpful and timely CEBA program and I am asking them to fix it. Graham Hnatiw, owner of the Old Spaghetti Factory said it best: “The reality is that the government is telling businesses that can’t repay the loan in the next 100 days to take on another loan from a bank at a much higher interest rate and overall payment in order to secure the forgivable portion. This is not realistic or fair.”
I was glad to be joined by small business owners and advocates here today to flesh out the true cost of not extending these loans. Right now, CEBA is a life raft for small businesses. As a provincial representative, I cannot stand by and watch it become a deadweight that drags our main streets underwater and into further debt.
Watch and share my full press conference here!
Auditor General’s Investigation into Government Use of MZOs |
In response to an Ontario NDP request, the office of the Auditor General has confirmed that they are investigating the Ford Conservatives’ process for selecting and approving Ministerial Zoning Orders (MZOs). I welcome the eventual report that will help shine light on this process.
I believe that Ford’s routine use of MZOs has created a “two-tier” planning system where certain favoured insiders can bypass the normal rules and due diligence required of everyone else.
With Ford’s Greenbelt grab, we’ve seen a troubling pattern of corruption and preferential treatment for well-connected land speculators. People have questions about whether that pattern extends to other decisions – such as urban boundaries and this government’s frequent use of MZOs. I am committed to answering these questions and bringing ethics and transparency back to Queen’s Park.
RCMP investigation into the Conservative’s Greenbelt Corruption Scandal |
The RCMP has launched a criminal investigation into the Ford government’s $8.3 billion Greenbelt land swap. This is a huge victory for all Ontarians who pushed back against the removal of lands from the Greenbelt and won!
I am proud that Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles and our team have kept up the pressure on this issue. Our requests launched the Auditor General and Integrity Commissioner's investigations into this corruption scandal. And now the RCMP will be able to use their considerable scope to investigate even further.
It is shameful that Ontario’s Premier is under criminal investigation – that there is enough evidence that this investigation was launched. This Conservative government is spiraling out of control.
For over a year, sign after sign has pointed towards a cash-for-access culture of corruption and collusion at the heart of how this government makes decisions, putting the private interests of a select few of their insiders ahead of everyone else. I hope that this investigation will get us even more answers.
The Conservatives' Culture of Corruption and Handouts |
This week I spoke to the Investigative Journalism Foundation to share my insights into the patterns I have seen with this Conservative government’s patronage appointments. I have been pointing out for months that the majority of tribunal appointees have close ties to Ontario’s Conservative Party. I am glad that the pattern is beginning to be recognized widely.
While tribunals across the province continue to experience high backlogs of cases and increased wait times for people seeking justice, this report reveals that six out of nine appointed chairs of Ontario’s tribunals have either donated money to, served as a high-ranking staffer for, or run for political office under the banner of a Canadian conservative party.
Ford is continuing to prioritize cronyism and the bank accounts of his friends over helping everyday Ontarians. Stacking Ontario’s tribunals with Conservative insiders is eroding people’s trust in the fairness of our tribunals system. I will not stand by while that happens.
The Ford government has been corrupting the political process ever since they took office in 2018. This is not new, but it is deeply concerning. I am glad to continue to stand with Tribunals Watch and to join them in calling for an independent Adjudicative Tribunal Justice Council. Yesterday’s report only makes this call more urgent.
Ontario NDP’s Motion to Save Ontario Place |
Next week I will be proud to join my colleagues in the Ontario NDP in the Legislature to table a motion to save Ontario Place. I will update you on the outcome in my next newsletter and will be posting information about the motion on my social media accounts throughout the week.
I am looking forward to speaking to this motion. Ontario Place deserves to be saved. It’s true that it deserves some love, care, and investment to live up to its full potential, but the government is going about it all wrong. This government should listen to the people of Ontario by holding public consultations about the direction of Ontario Place. That is what we need. What we don’t need is a massive private, for-profit spa on public land, subsidized to the tune of $650 million public dollars.
We also don’t need a government that makes deals in back rooms, refuses to release business cases, or cares more about making their friends wealthy off of public assets than about creating a province where everyone thrives.
Join me and Ontario Place for All on Monday, October 16th from 2:30 PM- 4 PM for their rally on the South Lawn of Queen's Park
Sign the petition to keep Ontario Place Public here!
New COVID Booster Updates |
Information is becoming more clear about how to get a new COVID-19 booster dose in Toronto. My office has heard multiple anecdotal reports of community members who successfully walked in to the Metro Hall vaccination clinic and received a new updated booster shot without an appointment. I obviously recommend that everyone book an appointment, but feel this information is worth sharing.
Pharmacies are expected to begin receiving the new booster shot — this new shot closely matches the COVID-19 variants circulating in Ontario — over the next week.
Starting on Oct. 31, all Toronto residents will be eligible to receive their updated COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu shot at the same time at fixed-site vaccination clinics, pharmacies, or with primary health care providers. Members of the general public will be able to book an appointment through Toronto Public Health starting on Oct. 25 and only one appointment will be required to get both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot.
Toronto Public Health encourages all Torontonians to get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as it is their turn. Getting vaccinated is an easy and effective way to be protected. Both vaccines are free for people six months of age and older who live, work or attend school in Ontario.
Public health confirmed that while an OHIP card is not required at TPH clinics, it may be requested by other health care providers.
Rent-Geared-to-Income Housing Applications |
The provincial government’s Housing Services Act is requiring housing providers to review eligibility of applicants and to take action to cancel applications if there is no response from applicants to outreach attempts. In order to help applicants to streamline their application process, complete annual reviews, view housing options, and connect with the City of Toronto’s RGI team, the city has created an online portal called MyAccesstoHousingTO.
The City is working to connect with applicants to ensure they register and are active on the portal. There are approximately 30,000 applicants who aren’t yet registered on the online portal, leaving them at risk of having their applications cancelled. If you need assistance with registration, please go to Help for RGI Applicants.
With the motions adopted on September 28th by the Planning and Housing Committee meeting, Access to Housing will not cancel any unregistered RGI applications until City Council has considered the proposed deadline of January 31, 2024.
If you are having trouble registering for the portal, please reach out to my office and my staff will direct you to appropriate resources.
Thanksgiving Weekend in the Community |
I was thrilled to join both Muslim Welfare Canada at 40 Oak and Salvation Army at their Harbour Light location to serve Thanksgiving dinners. My favourite way to celebrate this holiday is by sharing a meal with the community. I am thrilled that I was able to do so twice!
Upcoming Community Events |
TDSB Trustee Williams' Ward Forum on School Community Safety |
School Community Safety: Supporting Student Achievement, Well-being & Mental Health
DATE: Thursday, October 19, 2023
TIME: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
LOCATION: Nelson Mandela Park Public School (440 Shuter St)
Please join us for a Ward 10 Forum with Trustee Williams to discuss School Community Safety. We will also have updates from the Trustee and Superintendent. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments and childminding are provided.
Please RSVP here for the Ward 10 Forum
Dear Future Me’s Resilience Program |
Deadline Extended!
Calling all youth in grades 7 and 8 in Regent Park, Moss Park, and St James Town!
Join the Dear Future Me 2023-2024 Resilience Program to meet new people, attend enriching workshops, fun trips, and more!
Eligibility for the program:
- In grade 7 or 8
- Reside in Regent Park/Moss Park/St. James Town
- TCHC resident
- Available one Saturday every month from October to March
Quill Writing Workshop |
Toronto's First Post Office will lead a quill-writing workshop on October 14th — write a letter as they did in the Town of York in the 1830s! The event is free with a Pay What You May donation option, and 100% of proceeds go to material costs for the program. Don't forget to bring an address!
RSVP here for a ticket, as spaces are limited. All ages are welcome.
Friends of Regent Park Community Clean-Up |
Join the Friends of Regent Park next Sunday, October 15th, from 10 am-12 pm for a Community Clean Up of the Big Park at 620 Dundas Street East!
No registration required; meet at the Bake Oven.
519 Self Defence Workshop |
The 519 is hosting a free self-defense workshop next Sunday, October 15th, from 1:00-4:00, facilitated by Chris James! Register here to join!
This is part of their monthly self-defense workshop series; more information can be found on their website here! If you sign up and are unable to attend, please email [email protected]
City of Toronto Short-Term Rental Bylaw In-Person Public Consultation
|
The City of Toronto is hosting virtual and in-person public consultation on the Short-Term Rental Bylaw - attend to share your opinions and learn more about the proposed changes to the bylaw.
Virtual consultation: Tuesday, October 17th, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Online Webex meeting
Click HERE to register for the virtual event
In-person consultation: Tuesday October 24th, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Metro Hall (55 John St, Toronto, ON M5V 3C6) in Room 308/309
Click HERE to register for the in-person event
The location for the in-person consultation is fully accessible. Please email [email protected] or 647-632-4073 at least 72 hours in advance to help ensure availability.
Access to Justice Week |
The Law Society of Ontario’s Action Group on Access to Justice is hosting their annual Access to Justice Week from October 23-27, with a mix of online and in-person sessions. Their calendar for the week is packed with events that will be interesting to community advocates and individuals in addition to legal professionals. I encourage you to register for sessions that interest you.
See their full calendar here
David Crombie Park Revitalization Meeting |
David Crombie Park is being revitalized and Phase 2 is currently underway. The City will be working on the park revitalization alongside cycle track improvements on The Esplanade for a seamless integration of the park and public realm.
Public Meeting: Thursday, October 26
125 The Esplanade (the Tent)
- Session 1: 3 PM - 4:30 PM
- Session 2: 6 PM - 7:30 PM
The same information will be shared at both sessions.
Friends of Regent Park October Funfest |
Join the Friends of Regent Park for their annual October Funfest!
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: The bake oven in the "Big Park"
This event includes a halal BBQ, pumpkin carving, music, dancing, candy, and apple crisp from the bake oven.
Small Business Forum to Support Local Businesses |
The City of Toronto is hosting a Small Business Forum on Monday, October 30 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. This free, full-day, in-person event supports Toronto small businesses by providing them with access to information, connections and resources to build and grow their enterprises. Register here.
When: Monday, October 30th, 8:30am-4pm
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, Level 800, Exhibit Halls F & G
The Forum will focus on the theme “Future-Proofing Businesses through Innovation & Sustainability” and will feature leading entrepreneurs as keynote speakers, panel discussions on trends facing small businesses, concurrent programming sessions and a trade show area. The Forum will also provide information about government resources and links to small business experts, product providers and other tools and services to assist small business.
Latest posts
November 1, 2024 Newsletter
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.
October 18 2024 Newsletter
Dear friend,
If it wasn’t clear before this week that we are on the eve of an early provincial election, these past few days sealed the deal.
While the Ontario NDP focuses on real solutions to the issues people struggle with every day, like finding an affordable and appropriate home, connecting with a family doctor, and putting food on the table, Ford and his PCs are trying to buy your votes.
It is insulting that Ford thinks that he can buy Ontarians' votes with a $200 cheque and policies that put vulnerable road users and the most marginalized in our communities at risk. He also hopes that waving money in front of everyone’s faces will distract us from the fact that his government is being accused of criminal activity, fraud, and breach of integrity in more areas than I can list here (keep reading for more on all of this).
But this is nothing new. The Ford family has a long history of “the $20 handshake,” passing our cash to would-be voters. But now, as the Premier, Doug Ford has slashed healthcare spending, let our schools crumble, and do nothing while our court backlogs explode. Then, just before an election, he springs up and promises to spend over $3 billion in public funding to cut everyone in Ontario a cheque. It is cheap and shameful politics.
But this upcoming Monday, the Legislature resumes. I am itching to get back there to take Doug Ford to task and highlight the positive and pragmatic solutions from the NDP. I would love to know your specific priorities and what you want to hear discussed in the Legislature. Please reply to this email to share your thoughts!
We all know that Ford’s deal with the private Austrian company Therme to build a mega-spa at Ontario Place smells fishy. That is why this week, Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP submitted a complaint to the Office of the Integrity Commissioner calling for an investigation into the Therme mega-spa deal at Ontario Place.
We decided to file this complaint after learning of evidence suggesting that Therme received preferential treatment from the Ford government when they awarded Therme the 95-year-long lease to build a luxury spa at Ontario Place. The complaint also requests that the Office of the Integrity Commissioner launch an investigation into the Minister of Infrastructure’s involvement in the deal.
Was the procurement process fair? Why is the government using taxpayer money to build Therme a parking lot after telling other bidders it would not consider proposals with publicly funded facilities? These are all questions I hope this investigation will answer. Billions of dollars, a cherished public asset, and public trust are at stake.
I know that Marit Stiles and our Ontario NDP team will not rest until we know the truth about what happened with the Therme deal. I will continue to keep you updated.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
In This Newsletter |
- Save Consumption & Treatment Services in Ontario
- Letter to Minister Piccini Regarding the OINP Backlog
- MWC Thanksgiving Meal Service
- Little West Coast Unveiling at Little Canada
- FORA’s Leadership Forum
- NDP Presses for Public Inquiry into Eglinton LRT
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community News
Save Consumption & Treatment Services in Ontario |
MPP Wong-Tam in the Queen's Park Media Studio with Sarah Greig, South Riverdale Community Health Centre; Lin Sallay, Street Health; Former Mayor of Toronto John Sewell; Reverend Angie Hocking; Dayn Kent, Moss Park OPS; Dr. Samantha Green; Matthew Kellway Director of Policy at RNAO, Tina Estwick, Supervisor at Kensington Market OPS; and Kelly White, Coordinator of Street Health OPS.
Yesterday morning, I joined healthcare workers and community advocates to speak about why Consumption and Treatment Services (sometimes called Safe Injection Sites) must remain where they are. It would be a huge mistake for our government to close them. You can watch the press conference here.
Eight Ontario residents die daily because of the overdose crisis. This humanitarian disaster, made worse by the homelessness crisis, is plaguing every municipality in Ontario. Consumption and Treatment Services are at the frontlines, offering stigma-free life-saving care and connecting people to the broader support and recovery services they need.
Ford’s decision to shut down 10 CTS sites is ideological, not backed by data or expert recommendations. Stigma will not make communities safer. Support will. People deserve the health care and housing they need to live safely, as well as a government that relies on evidence and empathy to make life-and-death policy decisions.
I was proud to join healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and community leaders to call on Ford to act now by:
- Keeping the ten Supervised Consumption & Treatment sites open that are slated for closure, expand their service hours, and expand evidence-based treatment beds, services, and medical detox facilities.
- Reopening and providing funding for sites closed by the Government (Barrie, Sudbury, Timmins, Windsor)
- Expediting the approval process for all outstanding Supervised Consumption & Treatment site applications
- Providing Ontarians guaranteed access to treatment and recovery services within 24 hours of their request, including detox and treatment beds.
Much more must be done to ensure everyone feels safe in our neighbourhoods. Closing these sites is not a piece of that puzzle. Losing these sites only pushes people into alleyways, bathrooms, and parks, where they are more likely to die and less likely to access treatment. That is the worst possible outcome and one that I will fight against until the bitter end.
Letter to Minister Piccini Regarding the OINP Backlog |
MPP Wong-Tam's letter to Minister Piccini
This week, I wrote a letter to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, David Piccini, to share with him that residents of Toronto Centre have been waiting well past the average processing times for PR status through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.
The people waiting are students, newcomers, and business owners contributing and building lives here in Toronto Centre. These exasperated wait times have left them in high-stress uncertainty, unable to plan for the future. Many of them have come to my office at the end of their rope, stressed about their immigration status, and asking for help. My staff and I have reached out to the Ministry countless times but received no meaningful assistance.
It is time for Minister Piccini to get to work and share his plans to address the backlog, ensure these residents can continue contributing to Ontario, and achieve their goal of building a good life here. You can read the entire letter here.
MWC Thanksgiving Meal Service |
MPP Wong-Tam with a fellow volunteer at the MWC Thanksgiving meal.
I was so grateful to join Muslim Welfare Canada volunteers and community leaders for their Thanksgiving service at 40 Oak this past Sunday. It has been an incredibly difficult year, and the community went out of their way to make this meal special for everyone who attended, including me.
Congratulations to MWC on their 10th Anniversary in Regent Park!
Little West Coast Unveiling at Little Canada |
MPP Wong-Tam enjoying the sights at the opening of Little West Coast.
It was my joy to attend the unveiling of Little West Coast, the newest addition to Little Canada yesterday! If you have not experienced the tiny wonders on display, this is a great time to explore iconic sites like Stanley Park, Gastown, and Chinatown in a unique way without leaving the city. See for yourself at 10 Dundas Street East!
FORA’s Leadership Forum |
MPP Wong-Tam with FORA staff, congratulating them on their receipt of an OTF grant.
I had a wonderful time at FORA: Network for Change’s Leadership Forum today, where they also celebrated their receipt of an Ontario Trillium grant. It is inspiring to see young women leaders at the beginning of their journeys and to support organizations that give them the tools and support they need to thrive as they bring their ideas to life.
NDP Presses for Public Inquiry into Eglinton LRT |
I am echoing my colleague, MPP Jill Andrew, who joined many groups this week in calling for a public inquiry into the Eglinton-Crosstown LRT delay after City Hall passed a motion for a provincial inquiry. The Ontario NDP first called for a public inquiry into the project in 2022 and is renewing the calls as the project is delayed yet another year.
The LRT was supposed to open in 2021. Three years later, we have no idea when riders will be welcomed aboard these trains.
We have waited long enough. Minister after minister, government after government, have refused to take responsibility for this project. Despite delays, ballooning costs, and lawsuits, Ford and his politicians refuse to hold Metrolinx accountable for this project. Instead, they have rewarded their CEO handsomely with a million-dollar salary for clearly failing to get this project on track. Someone needs to answer for this mess, beyond the two senior leaders who were let go this week. We need a public inquiry to get the answers that Ontarians have been asking for a decade.
This Week's Headlines |
Ford doubles down on 'remove and replace' when it comes to existing bike lanes
Ontario hospitals can't handle projected 72% increase in chronic illness: study
Hidden camera, internal memo reveal how unqualified truck drivers are getting onto Canada's roads
Pilot program changing the lives of Ontario families with autistic children
Coroner sets date for inquest into 6 deaths at Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre
Tobacco giants would pay out $32.5B to provinces, smokers in 'historic' proposed deal
Upcoming Community Events |
Boo Barn at Riverdale Farm |
Riverdale Farm is hosting their Halloween Boo Barn this weekend!
Dates: Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20
Time: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester St.)
There will be pumpkin carving (a suggested $5 donation per person), face painting, and Halloween fun for all!
Admission is FREE
Samhain in Corktown: Mask Workshop |
The Lost & Found Gallery and the Corktown RBA invites the community to a fun and creative mask-making workshop, led by Danielle Reygel. Participants will learn to craft unique and spooky paper-mâché masks, just in time for Samhain.
- Date: October 19
- Time: 1 PM – 4 PM
- Location: The Lost & Found Gallery, 420 Queen St E
- Age: Open to participants aged 12 and up, including adults
- Tickets: $15 (RSVP required; space is limited)
- RSVP: [email protected]
Make a mask and wear it to the Samhain in Corktown Pumpkin Parade on Nov. 1!
At the mask workshop will raffle off two tickets to Dublin By Lamplight at the Alumnae Theatre will be raffled off!
Click here to learn more about the traditions of Samhain.
CIVILIZED: A Thought-Provoking Comedy |
Dates: October 16-27, 2024
Venue: Buddies in Bad Times Chamber, 12 Alexander Street, Toronto
CIVILIZED is a one-act play that tackles Canada’s troubling history with Indian Residential Schools through a biting, comedic lens. Set in 1907, the play features William Blank, a character representing Canadian bureaucrats who justified the ongoing harm caused by these schools. Played by Métis actor John D. Huston, Blank uses charm, wit, and a touch of trickster energy to convince the audience that the ends justified the means.
Inspired by historical reports, including Dr. Peter Bryce’s damning findings about the deadly conditions in these schools, CIVILIZED combines poetry, song, and humour to challenge audiences to reflect on the cost of being "civilized."
Directed by Paul Hopkins and designed by 2Spirit multi-media artist Jay Havens, the play offers a unique mix of research, theatricality, and social commentary.
Tickets: Available starting September 18, 2024
Box Office: Up to 20% of proceeds will support Kawenni/Gaweni School. For more information, visit kgschool.ca.
Learn more and get tickets here.
Regent Park October Funfest |
The Friends of Regent Park invite everyone to join them for their annual October Funfest on Saturday, October 26, 2024. This exciting event will take place from 1 PM to 3 PM at The Big Park at 620 Dundas St East, near the Bake Oven.
Celebrate the fall season with pumpkin carving, cookie decorating, music and dancing, delicious apple crisp, and treat bags.
Fall Pet Portraits in Support of the Farley Foundation |
The Canary District Animal Hospital is hosting free pet portraits to celebrate fall while supporting the Farley Foundation. Participants will receive a complimentary digital photo, and those who make a donation will receive a printed portrait to cherish.
- Date: Sunday, October 27
- Time: 1 PM – 4 PM
- Location: Canary District Animal Hospital, 467 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5A 0J2
This event, supported by Dogs of Corktown, offers a wonderful way to capture special moments with pets while contributing to a meaningful cause. 🎃
Howloween in the Park |
Join the Dogs of Corktown for their annual Dog Costume Parade in Corktown Common!
When: After 5 PM, October 31
Where: Corktown Common Park
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.
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.
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.
Homeless Connect Toronto’s One-Stop Shop |
On October 27, Homeless Connect Toronto will be hosting it's 11th Annual One-Stop-Shop event! It will take place at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, located at 50 Carlton Street. For over a decade, Homeless Connect Toronto has been dedicated to organizing one-stop-shop events that connect individuals impacted by homelessness with essential support services.
This year’s event will offer a range of vital services to Torontonians affected by homelessness, including housing and employment support, financial assistance, hearing and eye assessments, haircuts, dental care, foot care, and many more. All services will be provided free of charge in collaboration with local community agencies and businesses. Live music and a warm meal is also provided at the event.
October 11, 2024 Newsletter
Dear friend,
Yesterday was a momentous day in Canadian history. NDP Pharmacare moved one step closer to becoming a reality in our country. Thanks to the tireless work of the Federal NDP, their pharmacare bill officially passed through the Senate last night. The initial rollout of this bill, with more to come, means that Canadians not covered by a Group Benefits Plan will soon have access to free birth control and diabetes medication through their provincial health plans.
Provinces just need to sign on to the plan to provide this benefit to their population. The details of that process should be made public soon. Rest assured that the Ontario NDP caucus and I will hold the Ford government accountable so qualified Ontarians receive this benefit promptly as their doctors prescribe. British Columbia has already signed a memorandum of understanding with the federal government to implement the program, and most other provinces can be signed on by the spring.
This bill also lays the foundation for a future national pharmacare plan that would include bulk buying of medications by the federal government on behalf of Canadians, allowing them to negotiate lower bulk prices. I am so proud of the Federal NDP’s work on this file and their commitment to making life more affordable for everyday people. I am so excited to bring you more updates about pharmacare as it progresses.
Crews removing trees at Ontario Place’s West Island. - Nick Lachance, Toronto Star
This week my heart broke, along with the hearts of nature lovers across Ontario, as we saw 865 trees broken, bulldozed, and killed at Ontario Place. The reckless clearcutting images are hard to look at.
Hundreds of mature trees, specifically planted to create a rich habitat for native animals and plant life to thrive, have been destroyed. The corrupt Ford government did not provide any public notice for this work. They claim that the trees will be replaced, including a 6-to-1 replacement ratio for mature trees. Still, we all know that an important parcel of waterfront land with treelings, all planted at the same time, is no replacement for a thriving urban forest, full of beautiful mature trees. As I shared on the day the destruction happened, there is a Chinese proverb I often think of: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.” Our predecessors had already made a wise decision, creating a beautiful public park in Ontario Place. The Ford government has destroyed that beautiful natural history, and we must live with their horrible choices.
But all is not lost. This week, Ontario Place Protectors filed a public interest court challenge to the work taking place at Ontario Place. You can read more about that here.
This week, Star Contributor Anna Fitzpatrick reminded us that we do not have to accept the enormous parking structure at Ontario Place as a foregone conclusion and that it is our duty to fight it. We need to move to a less car-centric culture, and Ontario Place is already well served by the TTC, GO train, and a new planned stop on the Ontario Line. This government could instead reroute that $20 million+ funding to create public infrastructure for everyone, not just spa visitors, to enjoy.
Vials of updated COVID-19 vaccines - Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press
Updated COVID-19 boosters are now available for high-risk and priority groups, including seniors, young children, and residents and staff of long-term care. The entire list can be found here. I encourage you to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible, as this vaccine offers the best protection against the current COVID-19 variants circulating in our communities. Find a pharmacy offering the vaccine here, or speak to your primary healthcare provider.
MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam clearing dishes at last year’s Muslim Welfare Centre Thanksgiving Dinner.
I want to wish everyone celebrating this weekend a Happy Thanksgiving and meaningful Yom Kippur. I hope those marking Thanksgiving spend the holidays giving thanks with your loved ones and enjoying delicious food. And I hope all of our Jewish community members who are observing Yom Kippur tonight and tomorrow find time for reflection and spiritual closeness.
If you or anyone you know is hungry for food or community this weekend, the Muslim Welfare Centre and the Salvation Army host community dinners in Toronto Centre on Sunday that are open to everyone. I am a regular server at both dinners, and they are a highlight of my fall weekends each year. I know they will welcome you with open arms if you drop by.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
In This Newsletter |
- Health Care Telephone Townhall
- Workers Rights in Committee
- Year One of the RCMP Investigating Doug Ford
- Health Care Trojan Horse
- October 7th Anniversary
- Ontario Failing Children and Youth in Care
- Happy 150th Birthday Winchester Public School
- Happy Taiwan Day
- Centre for Social Innovation’s 20th Anniversary
- Your Feedback - Abuse Prevention Training
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community News
Health Care Telephone Townhall |
This Wednesday, October 16, at 7 PM, I will join the Ontario Medical Association’s CEO, Kimberley Moran, for a massive telephone town hall on health care. It’s an opportunity to learn about the crisis in our medical system and how to fix it.
If you would like to join in, you can call 1-877-295-7685 or join the online audio stream here.
My fellow MPPs, Peter Tabuns (Toronto Danforth) and Jill Andrew (Toronto St Paul’s), will also participate in the telephone town hall. I hope to see you there!
Workers Rights in Committee |
MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam in Committee at Queen’s Park
On Monday, I participated in committee hearings on Government Bill 190, which tinkers at the edges of the Employment Standards Act without making substantive changes to support workers. Meanwhile, the Ontario NDP has been pushing worker-friendly policies for years, including 10 paid sick days, anti-scab legislation, equal pay, and properly classing app-based gig workers as employees.
At the committee, we heard from presenters, including the Workers’ Health and Safety Legal Clinic, OPSEU, and Waterloo Region Community Legal Services. They all flagged the exploitation rampant in Ontario workplaces, especially against truckers, hotel workers, farm workers, cleaners, and women and racialized workers in a variety of job classes. The issue of wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and workplace violence and harassment, among other flagrant violations of the Employment Standards Act.
One story they shared that blew up in the media afterward was that of Waterloo-region grocery chain Dutchie’s Fresh Market, which has been committing wage theft and non-payment of vendors for over ten years. The owner of Dutchie’s owes at least $469,000 in unpaid wages to employees that the Ministry of Finance has been unsuccessful in collecting. In March, four former Dutchie’s employees, all refugees from Ukraine, went public about the wage theft, but these wages are still outstanding.
I will continue to advocate for the broad reforms needed in Ontario to keep workers safe, respect their rights, and ensure they are paid in full and on time.
Year One of the RCMP Investigating Doug Ford |
Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of the RCMP's investigation into Doug Ford and his cronies who tried to sell off the Greenbelt. So far, the RCMP’s Sensitive and International Investigations team has interviewed eight inner-circle political aides, along with countless bureaucrats and staffers.
I am proud to be part of Ontario’s strong Opposition MPP Caucus. Our strong leadership and the tireless work of our research department helped uncover Ford’s corruption, alongside incredible investigative journalists and the power of everyday people who smelled something fishy.
There is still so much we don’t know about this mess. Reports that the RCMP is investigating potential bank accounts in Europe show that the extent of this corruption may be bigger than anyone thought.
An apology is not enough; Doug Ford needs to come clean about his role in this scheme to rob Ontarians of the Greenbelt to enrich a wealthy few. I will accept nothing less.
Health Care Trojan Horse |
MPP Wong-Tam and Coalition members outside of Queen’s Park with the Trojan Horse.
Soon to visit 60 more communities across Ontario, the Ontario Health Coalition’s giant Trojan horse came to Queen’s Park to remind us about the dirty, sneaky ways Ford is privatizing healthcare under our noses.
If you want to get involved in public healthcare advocacy, please connect with the Ontario Health Coalition and join them in their advocacy!
October 7th Anniversary |
This past Monday was the one-year anniversary of the October 7th attack. I know this anniversary was a difficult one for many people in our communities, including my own family, as my sister was in Tel Aviv at that time. I hope that everyone affected was surrounded by love and care on that day.
I am very proud of the principled and humanitarian-focused response of the federal NDP, especially our International Affairs critic Heather McPherson and leader Jagmeet Singh. I want to share the Federal NDP’s entire statement on the anniversary here as I believe it captures the moment:
“October 7th marks one year since the horrific Hamas terror attacks in Israel in which 1200 people were killed, including eight Canadians. Over 250 people, Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish, Muslim, foreign nationals, and dual citizens were taken hostage by Hamas. This was the single deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust. One year later, over one hundred hostages remain in Hamas captivity. This anniversary is a painful reminder of the suffering endured by countless families who have experienced the devastating impact of those attacks. New Democrats and all Canadians mourn with Canada’s Jewish community and we reiterate our call for the return of all hostages.
Over the past year, Jewish Canadians have faced an alarming and unacceptable rise in antisemitism. The Jewish community is currently observing the High Holidays, and we know that synagogues and community centres have unfortunately required enhanced security measures given the rise in antisemitism. Jewish families live with worry for their safety here in Canada, and fear for family and loved ones living in Israel who are caught in the crossfire of violence they did not choose.
There is no justification or rationale for the horrific terror attacks of October 7th, and the significance of this day - not just for the Jewish community, but for all those who uphold the sanctity of international law - cannot and should not be minimized. This day stands on its own as a devastating blow for so many.
For many Canadians, the response to October 7th from Netanyahu’s extremist government, was the beginning of a brutal assault on the people of Gaza, who did not and do not deserve collective punishment. Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab communities in Canada are feeling the weight of immense suffering from the ongoing genocide by Netanyahu’s extremist government that has killed tens of thousands of innocent people, including children. Just as there is no justification for the brutal terror attacks on October 7, there is likewise no justification for the high number of civilian casualties and indiscriminate attacks on the people of Gaza.
New Democrats also mourn with these Canadians who have experienced an alarming rise of anti-Palestinian hate and Islamophobia over the past year. And as we witness another war in Lebanon, their pain – and indeed, the pain of so many Canadians - has only increased.
New Democrats stand in solidarity with all Canadians who yearn for peace and justice for all people. As we mark this terrible anniversary and grieve the losses that have come before us and the losses that continue to mount, we reiterate the need to hold space for each other, to privilege dialogue and compassion over hate and violence.
We also remember that war is political, genocide is preventable, and Canada and the international community have a responsibility to act to end this horror.
There is no possible military solution to this decades-long conflict. We reiterate the actions Canada must take now: Work for a hostage deal and immediate ceasefire; sanction all those who violate international law, whether Hamas or Netanyahu’s extremist government; impose an arms embargo while the atrocities continue; recognize the State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel and work to end the decades-long illegal occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem; and support international court efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice.
To the many Canadians feeling pain and trauma on this tragic anniversary: New Democrats stand with you. We will continue to work for our common humanity, for justice, and for peace.”
Ontario Failing Children and Youth in Care |
I, like many of you, have been following the reports about Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario housing children in incredibly inappropriate places, including hotels, AirBnBs, and the floors of offices.
This week, the government launched a review of Children's Aid Societies instead of stepping up funding for a sector that has been cut and underfunded for decades. They are trying to distract from the mess they have created in Children’s Aid Societies across the province following reports of vulnerable children placed in unsafe situations.
We need investments, not distractions. Ford’s ‘review’ does nothing about decades of government underfunding, it does nothing about the crisis brewing in the system, it is simply an abdication of responsibility from a government that is choosing to look away from the crisis. They have been “reviewing” for five years, but what do they have to show for it? Is this the best we can do after having hundreds of children lose their lives in our broken system? What does this review do for children like Neveah and Katelynn?
Instead of another do-nothing “review,” we need sustainable solutions that meet the needs of vulnerable children and families across the province. Children’s Aid Societies need proactive front-loaded funding to continue to protect our most valuable investment – our children.
Children and youth in our care system cannot wait until a report comes out in 2025. They need help now, and they need the system to work for them now. We cannot keep failing these children. We cannot look away in Ontario another day.
Happy 150th Birthday Winchester Public School |
MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam with Councillor Moise, TDSB staff, Winchester PS Principal DeAndra Mitchell, Trustee Williams and Minister Ien
Happy 150th Anniversary to Winchester Public School! Last weekend, I was thrilled to join current and former students, staff, and families of Winchester to celebrate this incredible milestone with them.
Education is the cornerstone of our society, and I am so happy to have celebrated alongside so many educators who make learning possible every day. Here’s to many more years of inspiring the next generation!
Happy Taiwan Day |
MPP Wong-Tam with guests at the Taiwan Day celebration
Last Friday, I was delighted to join Director General Madame Chen and other esteemed guests at Taiwan's 113th-anniversary celebration. Our Canada-Taiwan friendship and trade partnerships remain strong and true, benefitting us all. Taiwan is a vibrant nation with an inclusive culture, rich history, and delicious culinary offerings. It was a gift to share such a remarkable evening with friends.
Centre for Social Innovation's 20th Anniversary |
MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam with MPP Glover and past and present CSI leadership
Last night, the Centre for Social Innovation celebrated its 20th anniversary! Celebrating with them and so many old friends was so much fun. I was one of the original founding tenants of the first CSI building at 215 Spadina Avenue, and watching it grow over the years has been a joy.
The Centre for Social Innovation is a first-of-its kind collaborative office space for organizations and businesses with a social mission to collaborate with others and receive mentoring to grow their operations. We are so lucky to have them here in Toronto, and I can’t wait to see them grow and evolve over the coming decades!
Your Feedback - Abuse Prevention Training |
Recently a constituent shared with me that she and several others attended or spoke with people who attended an Abuse Prevention training aimed at personal support workers/attendants and nurturing assistants for people living with disabilities. The training was hosted by the Abuse Prevention Provincial Advisory Committee of Ontario and the Centre for Independent Living Toronto and held from April 9-11, 2024. The constituent told me that she was very excited about this training because it is so incredibly necessary and trainings like this are uncommon.
However, there were some discussions of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) during the training that raised serious concerns with some community members.
If you attended or heard about this training or trainings like it and would like to offer your feedback, please reply to this email answering the following questions or sharing your feedback in a different format:
- Did you attend the training in question?
- What did you like about the training?
- What did you dislike about the training?
- Was there mention/discussion about MAiD in the training? What form did that take?
- What was missing from these provincial trainings, if anything?
All responses will be kept private, and no names will be shared publicly unless explicit consent is given.
This Week's Headlines |
Opinion: The Ontario Place spa is a costly extravagance we’ll be subsidizing forever | TVO Today
Doug Ford’s government releases details of Ontario Place lease with Therme spa
Ontario lowers mammogram self-referral age to 40 from 50, bookings can now be made
Free RSV shots now available for Ontario infants: ‘A very big deal for child health’
Upcoming Community Events |
Free Pumpkin Giveaway at Rosar-Morrison |
Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Rosar-Morrison, 467 Sherbourne St, Toronto, ON
Rosar-Morrison invites the community to a free pumpkin giveaway. Families are welcome to stop by and pick up a pumpkin, with a limit of one per family while supplies last.
Ward 10 Forum: Revitalizing Ward 10 Schools |
Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Central Toronto Academy, 570 Shaw St, Toronto, ON M6G 3L6
Trustee Deborah Williams invites parents, guardians, caregivers, school councils, teachers, and community members to the Ward 10 Forum. This forum will explore efforts to transform school grounds, creating more sustainable, engaging, and environmentally friendly outdoor spaces. An update on the 2024-2033 Long Term Program & Accommodation Strategy will also be shared, focusing on balancing school enrolment, improving access to programs, and ensuring equity for all students.
Childcare will be provided onsite.
For interpretation or accessibility needs, or to RSVP, contact: [email protected] or 416-395-8787.
Climate Resilience: Peer Support Group |
Good To Be Good is collaborating with the Green Resilience Project to host an in-person workshop focused on gathering community feedback related to climate change and social justice. This workshop is open to local women and gender-diverse individuals from BIPOC and marginalized communities, providing a platform to share your priorities and concerns about climate issues.
This workshop will take place on October 17, 2024 from 6:30 PM to 8 Pm at the Toronto Public Library, Bloor/Gladstone Branch in the Community Room. Space is limited to 20 participants, so make sure to register early ! Each participant will receive a $50 Visa gift card as a token of appreciation for their time and contributions.
CIVILIZED: A Thought-Provoking Comedy |
Dates: October 16-27, 2024
Venue: Buddies in Bad Times Chamber, 12 Alexander Street, Toronto
CIVILIZED is a one-act play that tackles Canada’s troubling history with Indian Residential Schools through a biting, comedic lens. Set in 1907, the play features William Blank, a character representing Canadian bureaucrats who justified the ongoing harm caused by these schools. Played by Métis actor John D. Huston, Blank uses charm, wit, and a touch of trickster energy to convince the audience that the ends justified the means.
Inspired by historical reports, including Dr. Peter Bryce’s damning findings about the deadly conditions in these schools, CIVILIZED combines poetry, song, and humor to challenge audiences to reflect on the cost of being "civilized."
Directed by Paul Hopkins and designed by 2Spirit multi-media artist Jay Havens, the play offers a unique mix of research, theatricality, and social commentary.
Tickets: Available starting September 18, 2024
Box Office: Up to 20% of proceeds will support Kawenni/Gaweni School. For more information, visit kgschool.ca.
Learn more and get tickets here.
Regent Park October Funfest |
The Friends of Regent Park invite everyone to join them for their annual October Funfest on Saturday, October 26, 2024. This exciting event will take place from 1 PM to 3 PM at The Big Park at 620 Dundas St East, near the Bake Oven.
Celebrate the fall season with pumpkin carving, cookie decorating, music and dancing and delicious apple crisp and treat bags.
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.
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.
Homeless Connect Toronto’s One-Stop Shop |
On October 27, Homeless Connect Toronto will be hosting it's 11th Annual One-Stop-Shop event! It will take place at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, located at 50 Carlton Street. For over a decade, Homeless Connect Toronto has been dedicated to organizing one-stop-shop events that connect individuals impacted by homelessness with essential support services.
This year’s event will offer a range of vital services to Torontonians affected by homelessness, including housing and employment support, financial assistance, hearing and eye assessments, haircuts, dental care, foot care, and many more. All services will be provided free of charge in collaboration with local community agencies and businesses. Live music and a warm meal is also provided at the event.