Dear friend,
Happy Hallowe'en and let's go Blue Jays!
This is one of my favourite times of the year and made even more special because of Game 6. If our beloved Toronto Blue Jays hold off the LA Dodgers tonight, Hallowe’en parties are going to get even more boisterous with the World Series Championship win!
Do be careful when driving and make sure to watch out for the little ghouls and goblins crossing the streets at night. Watching kids proudly parade in their costumes with heavy bags of hard-earned candy is heart-melting joy for this parent. I’m excited to be trick-or-treating with my son this evening.
There are many Hallowe'en parties happening across the province and the biggest one will be right here in Toronto Centre. I encourage everyone to come out to Hallowe'en on Church tonight in the Church-Wellesley Village to take in the incredible creativity on display, enjoy performances, and support our local businesses. I am wishing everyone a safe and happy Hallowe'en full of fun tricks and sweet treats!
Unfortunately this week, Doug Ford and his devilish government lost their souls and had us debating heartless legislation. From removing tenant protections to banning speed cameras to weakening our democracy, they created a real house of horrors.
But as you likely know, Ford quickly backpedaled away (for now) his plan to end month-to-month leases for residential tenants after MPPs received hundreds of thousands of emails and calls from frightened and angry tenants worried they could lose their homes. This is proof of the power that tenants have and the ways that your voice matters! If you all had not shared your rage, consultations on the removal of month-to-month leases would still be going forward. I am especially proud of the thousands of Toronto Centre tenants who reached out to my office. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. I'm still working hard to reply to each and every single one of you.
This week I asked the Attorney General directly why he would threaten the very foundation of affordable housing in Ontario. He dodged the question, which you can watch here. I also had the opportunity to provide my full comments on Bill 60 this week. This government bill aims to weaken tenant protections. You can watch my speech, which includes the stories of many tenants who wrote in, here.
Bill 60 is still damaging omnibus legislation that will erode tenant protections (in addition to many other areas), allowing the Landlord Tenant Board to evict tenants faster by reducing the amount of time they have to pay their arrears to seven days and find a lawyer to just 14. These timelines are unreasonable for most tenants as they advantage wealthy corporate landlords with in-house lawyers and Bay Street law firms on retainer. Bill 60 will result in the termination of tenancies that could have been saved. If you want to learn more about Bill 60, the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario has a great explainer.
None of the changes proposed in Bill 60 will make housing safer, more affordable, or better maintained. All this bill will do is speed up evictions for our most vulnerable tenants, which will only make homelessness worse in Toronto and across Ontario. Rest assured I will be fighting it every step of the way. And you can too, by sharing your story with my office, sharing your thoughts directly with the government by deputing at committee, joining your local tenants association or an advocacy group like the Toronto Centre Tenant Union, or signing up to canvass with me here. So many groups are ready to fight and they need your voice!
It is frustrating that Ford and his Housing Minister continue to table legislation that makes life harder for tenants while ignoring the recommendations of their own Housing Task Force and other housing experts. The Ontario NDP has been promoting our Homes Ontario plan to get the government back into the business of building affordable housing for years. We are also working with legal clinics and tenant organizations to get this government to listen and bring back in-person Landlord Tenant Board Hearings. I will continue to push for legislation that makes housing more affordable to end the housing and homelessness crisis.
This week Doug Ford decided to take yet another huge swing at democracy, stating that he would soon be tabling legislation (likely in next week’s Fall Economic Statement) to scrap fixed-term elections and nearly double political donation limits. This should scare everyone.
For the past nearly 20 years, Ontario has had fixed-term election dates, giving us predictability in when elections would be held. Since 2016, Ontario’s provincial general elections has been scheduled for the first Thursday in June, four years after the last general election. Governments were free to call an election earlier if they received agreement from MPPs, but they could not schedule it later. Now Ford wants the power to call an election whenever he likes and be able to sit in government for up to five years. A five-year term is technically allowed under the Canadian constitution, but is generally not used as convention (and fixed election dates) dictate a four year term. This is just another way that Ford is trying to increase chaos and confusion while ensuring he is in power for as long as possible.
Massively increasing maximum political donations, from $3,400 to $5,000 is another way that this government is trying to cement its power. The PCs know that they have the greatest access to wealthy donors and they want to fill their bank accounts ahead of the next election. Every time that donation limits go up by more than inflationary amounts, they benefit the parties that cater to the wealthiest. It is anti-democratic and wrong – especially since individuals can donate the maximum up to three times in a year with an election: to the political party itself, a local riding association before the campaign begins, and the local candidate’s campaign during the writ period. That is $15,000 in one year with these new limits. Who has that kind of money to throw around? Certainly not most residents in Toronto Centre. I am worried that these changes will only widen economic disparities in Ontario as the Ford government becomes even more beholden to their wealthy friends and donors.
Thank you for subscribing to our weekly newsletter. If you enjoy reading it and believe others will too, please don't keep us a secret and share it with your friends and family who enjoy being kept up to date with Ontario news.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Solicitor General Estimates Hearing
- Skilled Immigrants Left Behind
- Toronto Centre NDP AGM
- My Child Care Townhall
- 50 Years of the Ontario Ombudsman
- Homeless Connect Toronto
- Meeting with OPSEU/SEFPO Mental Health Workers
- Ontario Volunteer Service Awards
- This Week’s Meetings
- What’s Making Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Solicitor General Estimates Hearing |
Over this past week and next week, the Legislature is holding a series of committee meetings to review budgetary spending called “estimates.” Each Ministry has a separate meeting, attended by the Minister, Assistant Deputy Ministers, and select MPPs. At these meetings MPPs have an opportunity to question the Minister and his staff about estimated spending for the following fiscal year, referencing a document of estimated spending sent out beforehand.
This week I attended Estimates for the Minister of the Solicitor General, where I and my colleague Jennie Stevens questioned the Minister about overcrowding in provincial jails, the treatment of people in mental health crisis in custody, and the treatment of the whales and other animals at Marineland.
Next week I will be participating in Estimates for the Ministry of the Attorney General. I will bring you all of those updates next week.
|
Skilled Immigrants Left Behind |
Qualified workers invited by the Ontario Government to apply for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) are waiting three years for application decisions promised in six months. They are waiting so long that their work permits are expiring, resulting in them losing their jobs and their healthcare, even though their employers want them to keep working!
On Tuesday, nearly 100 OINP applicants and their families joined me at Queen’s Park, many of them skilled trades workers waiting to work on building Ontario’s much-needed housing. They filled the galleries while MPP Alexa Gilmour and I asked the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development why he was making these hardworking and people wait while employers went without their skills. You can watch the question (and the non-answer) here.
| Toronto Centre NDP AGM |
On Sunday I was thrilled to attend and participate in the Toronto Centre NDP’s Annual General Meeting. It was a huge success! We elected a new executive, received annual reports, and heard updates from our democratically elected School Board Trustee Dee WIlliams, 2025 Federal Candidate Samantha Green. I also had the chance to give an update about my work at Queen’s Park and out in the community.
We were also lucky to be joined by all five federal leadership candidates; Rob Ashton, Tanille Johnston, Avi Lewis, Heather MacPherson, and Tony McQuail. It was a treat to hear them all speak and share their vision for the party.
And of course it wouldn’t be the Toronto Centre NDP without a good social afterwards, so thank you to The Well for hosting us as we chatted the evening away!
|
My Child Care Townhall |
Thank you to all of our community members who came out to our Childcare Townhall on Wednesday night! A special thank you to our panelists Angela Zhu of Toronto Parents for Child Care, Erin Filby of Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario (AECEO), and Carolyn Ferns of Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care (OCBCC). They all shared important insight into Ontario’s childcare crisis and SAWRO ran a thought-provoking and interactive workshop about the realities and implications of our current childcare system on low income families.
With the provincial-federal childcare agreement expiring in less than 5 months, it’s crucial now more than ever to push our governments to do better, and ensure the system receives the funding needed to retain existing spaces and expand to meet the needs for working parents.
Demand that Ford sign the new $10-day child care agreement! Sign the petition here:
| 50 Years of the Ontario Ombudsman |
On Wednesday, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Ontario Ombudsman’s Office and the invaluable public service that they provide for Ontarians. The Ombudsman has revealed issues of fairness at the Landlord Tenant Board, torture at Maplehurst Correctional Complex, egregiously inappropriate housing for children in care, and much more. We are lucky to have our Ombudsman and need to ensure their ongoing independence.
I was honoured to have the opportunity to acknowledge this anniversary and thank our current Ombudsman, Paul Dubé, for his service in the Legislature. You can watch my speech here.
It is critical that the office of the Ombudsman remains impartial and properly funded, so that Ontarians can trust that the government of the day is being properly overseen and fairness is being upheld.
| Homeless Connect Toronto |
Homeless Connect Toronto’s 12th annual One-Stop-Shop was last weekend and I was so happy to stop by! I had the chance to tour the event, meet Torontonians impacted by homelessness, and see firsthand the amazing work being done by community partners providing housing, employment, and other essential supports. I am so grateful that this meaningful event happens in our community every year.
| Meeting with OPSEU/SEFPO Mental Health Workers |
Yesterday, I had an opportunity to meet with OPSEU/SEFPO’s division of Mental Health and Addictions workers, who are at the frontline of delivering compassionate mental healthcare and actively tackling Ontario’s ongoing mental health crisis.
The Ford government’s decisions to privatize healthcare services, increase staffing shortages, and ineffectively address safety and violence in these spaces have run our mental healthcare services into instability and unsafe conditions for workers and patients alike.
These workers know best what needs to be changed on the ground, and what systemic changes need to be addressed immediately. I am proud to continue to be their voice at Queens Park and advocate for the changes we need to improve mental healthcare services for all across Ontario.
| Ontario Volunteer Service Awards |
On Tuesday evening, my fellow MPPs and I had the privilege of honouring some incredible members of our community at the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards! I am so thankful to the Volunteer Recognition Unit at the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism for all of the hard work they put into organizing this event. Volunteers play significant roles in our community’s organizations and their selfless dedication must be recognized. With a combined total of 2,584 years of volunteering between this year’s award recipients, it’s safe to say these amazing superheroes must be celebrated!
| This Week's Meetings |
- United Food and Commercial Workers
- OPSEU Mental Health and Addictions Workers
- Academy of Learning Career College
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Ontario
| What's Making Headlines |
West Toronto supervised consumption site shutting down after Ford government pulls funding
Toronto’s waterfront music venue renamed RBC Amphitheatre, will close in 2027 for renos
How good is the Jays' rookie pitcher? Here's a look at Yesavage's record-breaking Game 5 stats
Ontario to consolidate conservation authorities, create new oversight agency
Ontario renters, cyclists, environmentalists concerned about Ford omnibus bill
Speed cameras across Ontario to be removed in 2 weeks, transportation minister says
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Halloween on Church |
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.
| Samhain in Corktown: Pumpkin Parade |
On November 1, from 6:30 PM to 8 PM at the Sackville Playground, the Corktown Neighbourhood Association is hosting another Pumpkin Parade!
This free event is for everyone! So come out, don your scary costumes and masks and let’s all celebrate Samhain!
| Remembrance Day at the St James’ Cemetery |
Join the Cabbagetown community as they come together to honour and remember those who have served and sacrificed for our country. The annual Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place at St James’ Cemetery, featuring a traditional service with music, hymns, readings, and the laying of wreaths.
Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Location: St. James’ Cemetery, 635 Parliament Street, Toronto ON
Doors: 9:45 AM
Ceremony: 10:00 AM - the ceremony will begin promptly.
This meaningful community gathering offers a moment of reflection and gratitude, uniting neighbours, veterans, and local representatives in remembrance.
Following the ceremony and wreath laying, historian Gilles Hout of the Cabbagetown Preservation Association will lead a guided walking tour of veteran graves within St. James’ Cemetery. Attendees will be invited to place poppies at individual headstones as a personal act of remembrance.
Complimentary coffee, tea, pastries, and cookies will be available for attendees, generously provided by Daniel et Daniel Catering & Events and McDonald’s.
| Youth Justice Community Forum |
Be part of youth-centred discussions exploring barriers and supports for Black, racialized, and neurodiverse youth in the justice system.
Join Youth Justice for the Youth Justice Transformation Lab and Inclusive Justice Collaborative's Youth Justice Community Forum on November 18, 2025 at 9 AM - 5 PM at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (16 Spadina Road)!
Be part of youth-centred discussions exploring barriers and supports for Black, racialized, and neurodiverse youth in the justice system. This year, the Youth Justice Community Forum will feature discussions on current youth justice issues including how the child welfare and education systems also impact justice-involvement, Bill 33, bail reform, justice centres, how justice professionals can best support young people, and more! Hear from and connect with young people, justice professionals, community agencies, educators, and other stakeholders from the child welfare, education and youth justice systems.
Stay tuned for speaker and more event details. Law Society of Ontario EDI professionalism hours are pending and may be available for justice professionals in attendance.
For any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
| Environmental Impacts of New AI Data Centres in Ontario |
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.
| Newcomer Women’s Program |
Pathway to Possibilities is hosting a Newcomer Women Program. This is designed to support newcomer women in setting meaningful goals and strengthening their employability skills, while also providing the opportunity to earn micro-certificates.
This program runs from October 20 to December 12, 2025. Apply by filling out the form here.
| Ontario Legislative Page Program |
The recruitment period for the Spring 2026 session of the Legislative Page Program is now open until November 15, 2025.
Each year, high-achieving, community-oriented Grade 7 and 8 students from across Ontario are chosen to serve as Legislative Pages. This unique opportunity in Toronto allows selected students to become involved in Ontario’s parliamentary process, meet key figures, and make lifelong friendships with like-minded peers.
More information can be found here.
If you have any questions, please contact the Page Program at [email protected] or by phone at (416) 325-7457.
|
Apply for $5,000 to support your community-led project! |
As a part of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS), they are providing the opportunity to apply for a grant that supports resident-led projects. These projects can encourage local activation and focus on the five domains of TSNS – economic opportunities, healthy lives, participation in civic making, physical surroundings, and social development - across all neighbourhoods.
The Local Leadership Grant prioritizes the leadership and participation of Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving groups within Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, Emerging Neighbourhoods, and other communities of focus. 4
Find out more by clicking here!
| Staying Isn’t Choosing Campaign |
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
| Senior Assistance Home Maintenance Program |
Calling all people with disabilities and seniors who need help with snow clearing, lawn cutting, leaf raking, and other yard tasks! Sunshine Centres for Seniors is here to help with their Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program.
Sunshine Centres is also looking for casual, part-time workers to join their Home Maintenance Program Team. If you are interested, send your resume to Kevin at [email protected].
For more information and to register, contact Kevin at [email protected] or (647) 687-7322
|
WomenACT Petition |
WomanACT has prepared a petition asking Amazon to remove the Term “Wife Beater” from Its Product Descriptions.
The concern is that Amazon is continuing to use the term “wife beater” to describe men’s undershirts on its website, despite a ruling by Canada’s Ad Standards Council that this descriptor violates the advertising Code by displaying indifference to violence against women. Amazon has defended its decision by arguing that the term is “common” and accepted in popular culture. But normalization does not excuse harm.
Sign their petition telling Amazon to remove the term “Wife Beater” from its product descriptions!
| Pumpkin Carving Drop-In |
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.
| Halloween on the Promenade |
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.
|
Cabbagetown Pumpkin Walk |
| Movies at Stout Irish Pub! |
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].
