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.