October 17, 2025 Newsletter

This Monday, the Ontario Legislature will be back in session. After a five-month recess, MPPs across Ontario will return to Queen’s Park. We will finally have Question Period again, be able to introduce new bills, debate government policy, and have many more in-person opportunities to hold this corrupt government accountable. 

I’m eager to look Doug Ford in the eye and call for accountability. Ford needs to prioritize the health and economic well-being of Ontarians over the private interests of his donors and party insiders. We need the government to invest in public services so that they work for everyone. And, of course, to call on Ford to be laser-focused on jobs. 

Ontario lost 47,000 jobs in September, the most out of any province by a factor of six. More than 800,000 Ontarians are out of work. Unemployment is at 7.9% and rising, and is higher than in any province outside of the Maritimes. The hardest hit industries are retail, construction, and manufacturing, with retail being the hardest hit with 98,000 jobs lost just since June. But this isn’t a recent phenomenon. Ontario’s jobs numbers have been trending downward for two years, well before Trump’s tariffs were on the scene. The constant in this has been Doug Ford, his incompetence, and his constant prioritization of his insiders over everyday people.

With every news headline, we see more job loss, increased bankruptcies, higher cost of living and a looming recession. People are staring at housing and fuel prices they can’t afford, and are forced to choose between rent and groceries. That is unacceptable. 

This week, the Ontario NDP launched a new website detailing Doug Ford’s jobs disaster. I encourage you to take a look at it here. 

When we went to the polls this past February, Doug Ford fashioned himself as Captain Canada and asked Ontarians to trust him with the economy. Instead of creating new jobs and supporting businesses, Ford spent his time pulling out stunts and props at press conferences. Ontarians facing job loss and food banks are tired of his antics. Ford’s worst joke was gaslighting young people by telling them to “look harder” when every economist is warning that more unemployment is to be expected without a real jobs plan from the government.

I am proud to be part of a team of Ontario New Democrats who are heading back to the legislature, focused on uplifting workers and strengthening our economy. I will continue to fight for good union jobs to stay right here in Ontario, build back our economic sovereignty, and create resilient local supply chains with Buy Ontario First mandates. 

All Ontarians are looking for is a chance to get ahead. I am proud to be with you every step of the way. 

In addition to my focus on protecting our economy, jobs and businesses from US tariffs, I will continue the fight to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic, to fix the backlogs in our tribunals and courts, to ensure our communities are safe, to make housing more affordable, and to stand up for public education and public health care at every turn. You know me, I can’t be held down! 

I am very excited to be able to table new bills and motions in the Legislature once more. In this shrinking economy, Ontarians need ONDP's progressive policy solutions now more than ever. 

If you have a legislative suggestion that you think I should consider, please share it so that I can bring your voice into Queen’s Park. That is the most important part of this role, and it is an honour to work for you every day. 

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Press Conference
• Enchanté Together for Change Conference
• Little Canada's Little North Unveiling
• Stop the Ban on Speed Cameras
• NEXT WEEK: Child Care Townhall
• Another Skills Development Fund Update
• NDP Leadership Forum Livestream
• What’s Making Headlines
• Local Community Events

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) was launched in 2007 to address provincial labour shortages, as well as attract investment and encourage economic settlement. It’s part of a larger federal program, where each province determines for itself what skilled labour, experience and education are required for its own economy and workforce.

This morning, I was able to speak on behalf of “Vincent,” a constituent using a pseudonym worried about government backlash for speaking up. He has been facing barriers and delays in his OINP application. Since 2018, Vincent has been a construction worker and supervisor building homes for major developers in Ontario. He has a young family in Canada, and not only has his life been on hold now that he cannot work due to his work permit having expired, but he is terrified that they will have to leave their home. 

He continues to wait for a decision after one year, and he is just one of tens of thousands of skilled workers who have been failed by Labour Minister David Piccini and the Ford government. Employers need construction workers like my constituent, who are ready and qualified to build homes in a housing crisis.

I have previously written to Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development about these OINP delays in October 2024. Since then, I have written to Minister Piccini several more times. My office has still not yet received any real response from the Minister’s office. OINP staff tell applicants to check the portal frequently for an update, and the Ford government continues to take no responsibility for applicants who each paid $1500 to $2000 in processing fees. This is unacceptable.

Ontario must clear the backlog and connect with the federal government on how it can ensure valuable workers can continue to contribute to the economy. Sign my petition and call on the Ford government to remove barriers for skilled workers and fix the OINP system. Watch me speak on Vincent's story here. 

I had the pleasure of being a panellist at the Enchanté Network’s Together for Change Conference that took place yesterday in Ottawa. Our panel was titled “What's Next for the Left? Reclaiming Progress in an Age of Backlash”, and I got to share the stage at the TCC Collaboration Centre with Ottawa Councillor Ariel Troster. We delved into important trends concerning the worrisome times we are living in, and the next steps 2SLGBTQI+ leaders must take to build a future where our communities are safe in Canada.

In a time of mounting challenges to equity and inclusion—especially for Trans and Queer communities—this conference served as a rallying point. I met with 2SLGBTQI+ organizations, grassroots activists, and policymakers from across the country to strategize, connect, and reimagine a future grounded in justice, dignity, and systemic change.

Thank you to Brittan Hudson for moderating this panel, and to Executive Director Tyler Boyce and the Enchanté Network for the invitation to participate.

It is a joy every time I visit Little Canada, and this time around I was able to see the new “Little North” exhibit, a delightful interactive display featuring Nunavut, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories! It is the newest and most ambitious destination yet, showcasing the cultures of the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, which share and tell stories of Canada’s cities and landscapes through immersive and detailed miniatures. 

There is so much craft and artistry required to put this exhibit together, and I can only imagine the hard work it takes to run the show behind the scenes. Congratulations to Jean Louis Brenninkmeijer and the entire team for this incredible feat. When you get a chance, please visit the new exhibit at 10 Dundas Street East!

Premier Doug Ford is proposing legislation next month that would ban the use of municipal speed cameras, claiming that they are nothing but a “cash grab” — even though he, in fact, legalized speed cameras in 2019. The Ford government is backtracking on road safety at a time when Ontario is experiencing a disturbing rise in fatal car accidents since 2022, with speeding being one of the recurring causes. Studies show that automated speed enforcement has led to significant speed reduction in locations in which they are implemented.

Call on Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria, and your MPP to stop the ban on automated speed cameras by clicking here!

The Childcare Townhall is almost here! Ontario’s child care agreement with the Federal government expires on March 31, 2026 and so far the province has not signed on to renew the agreement. Without the agreement, affordable child care is at risk.

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. Dinner and child-minding will be provided, you must RSVP to get a spot for childcare. 

The Ford government’s handling of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) is revealing itself to be shadier with each passing week. Ontario NDP leader, Marit Stiles, has asked Integrity Commissioner Cathryn Motherwell to investigate further into a potential conflict of interest between Minister of Labour and Immigration David Piccini and his lobbyist friend, Michael Rudderham. As a reminder, Mr. Rudderham represents Keel Digital Solutions, which received two Skills Development Fund grants totaling over $7.5 million. 

Even the federal government will review the troubled program to make sure the money it sends to the province for job training is being well spent. Canadian Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu’s office will consult the report by Ontario’s auditor general that raised red flags about the $2.5 billion program and work with the province to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being distributed fairly. 

While 800,000 Ontarians are out of work, Ford is funneling public money meant for workers into the hands of well-connected insiders. A staggering $742 million went to low-scoring applicants, while 670 higher-ranked applications were denied. Over half of the approved applications were ranked low. 

The Auditor General has said that this grant approval process was ‘not fair, transparent or accountable.” This is not the first time we have heard the Auditor General use these words; this is the same rhetoric she used about the Greenbelt and Ontario Place.  

Despite this, Minister Piccini continues to defend his funding decisions. I, along with the Ontario NDP, support investing in training centres and workers. We will ensure that more of this money goes to building up our trades and training workers for permanent, good union jobs. This ask of the Integrity Commissioner is only the beginning in holding Ford and Minister Piccini accountable. 

Are you interested in joining union members, NDP supporters, and workers from across Canada at the virtual NDP Leadership Forum? This is your chance to see the candidates who want to lead the NDP and hear their vision for Canada.

This event will take place on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 6 PM to 7 PM. The Toronto Centre riding association is hosting a watch party at the Bishop and Belcher (175 Bloor Street East) starting at 5:30 PM. To RSVP for this, click here!

Or if you would rather stay and watch from the comfort of your own home, RSVP online here! 

Ontario college support staff reach tentative agreement to end strike

Government secrecy clouds $237 million in funding to groups that endorsed Doug Ford

Charges For Workers’ Rights Violations Drop 90% In Ontario

Suspect oustanding after 1 person stabbed in downtown Toronto

Ontario to introduce new digital court system Tuesday

Carney defends paying 2 CEO appointees upwards of $577,000 a year

Toronto renters should make about $44 hourly to comfortably afford a one-bedroom apartment: report

Celebrate the season at the Fall Festival at Queen’s Park! Join the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for a fun-filled day of free autumn activities for all ages on Saturday, October 18, from 11 AM to 5 PM. Enjoy fall-themed crafts, a pumpkin patch, an inflatable corn maze, and live entertainment throughout the day. Explore the park’s autumnal displays and snap the perfect fall photo at one of our themed photo spots. Whether you’re crafting, playing or just soaking in the colours of the season, there’s something for everyone!

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.

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!

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].

Halloween on Church 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.

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!

The Environmental Registry of Ontario is inviting public feedback on the proposal “New Requirements for Data Centres Seeking to Connect to the Electricity Grid in Ontario” — open until November 4, 2025.

This consultation seeks input on the types of data centres that would be subject to new requirements, including those with large electrical connections (over 50 megawatts) and facilities located in areas where the electricity grid may be constrained or have surplus capacity.

Learn more and provide feedback through the Environmental Registry of Ontario: ERO Notice 025-1001. You can also learn more from The Narwhal’s in-depth article here on data centres and whether or not they are a potential threat to the Great Lakes. 

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 runs from October 20 to December 12, 2025. Apply by filling out the form here.

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.

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. 4

Find out more by clicking here!

The Staying Isn’t Choosing campaign is now live! 

This campaign was developed by Timmins and Area Women in Crisis (TAWC) and Ellevive in Northern Ontario. At the centre of this initiative are five powerful videos that raise awareness, dispel harmful myths, and highlight the systemic barriers that make leaving unsafe relationships so difficult.

This campaign addresses the complexity of abuse — including coercive control, emotional, psychological, sexual, and physical abuse — and was designed to resonate widely across communities.

• Explore the campaign and videos: stayingisntchoosing.ca
• Follow the campaign on social media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

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

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!

Allan Gardens is hosting three family events. On Saturday October 25, pumpkin carving happens from 10 AM to 2 PM. On Wednesday October 29 and Thursday October 30, it’s an after-school events from 4 to 7 pm. Mini pumpkins and carving tools are supplied. Parental supervision is required. It’s free but a $5 donation will be appreciated. Find then at Allan Gardens Children’s Conservatory at 19 Horticultural Lane! Find more information here.

Kids are invited to go door-to-door to businesses along the Front Street promenade, between Bayview and Cherry, on Halloween from 6 PM to 7:30 PM. Businesses will have goodies to give away. There’ll be a dog-costume parade with prizes at 5:45 pm and a parade at 6 pm - assemble at the Water Guardian at 474 Front East! There’s lots of information here.

It's spooky season! Don't forget about the Pumpkin Walk coming up on November 1 from 6 PM to 8PM. Bring your pumpkin and a non-perishable food donation for Dixon Hall. Then, stick around at 8 PM to help toss the pumpkins into the bins!

Weekly free movie nights at Stout Irish Pub at 221 Carlton Street. The lineup features family movies so bring your kids. On this Sunday, October 19, it’s “Hocus Pocus” and on October 26, “Ghost Busters”.  There’s free popcorn!

Movies begin each Sunday at 5:30 PM. Please contact Erin to save your spot at (647) 344-7676 or by email at [email protected].