Dear Neighbour,
Happy Thanksgiving weekend! I wish everyone a peaceful weekend full of delicious food, time with loved ones, and a moment to reflect on what we have to be thankful for. If you are feeling lonely or hungry this weekend, there are several community events that would be enriched by your attendance! Please look for them at the end of this email.
This was another busy week in the Legislature. The Ford government continues to be mired in scandals – this time for possible illegal lobbying and expanding urban boundaries without consultation.
On Wednesday, I asked the government about potential illegal lobbying and conflict of interest under investigation by the Integrity Commissioner. The issue is with Mr. Amin Massoudi, who was hired as a speechwriter and communications consultant for the Premier under the name of the company he owns, Atlas Strategic Advisors. It was recently revealed that Atlas Strategic Advisors was registered to lobby the government on behalf of numerous companies while the company was under contract to the PC Caucus. When I raised this to Minister Paul Calandra, he stumbled over his words and tried to redirect me on a technicality. It is clear to me that he knows that the government is in the wrong. You can watch the full question here.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
Greenbelt Grab 2.0 |
Doug Ford and his government have not only been busy trying to sell off the Greenbelt for the benefit of their developer buddies; they have been doing the same types of favours for other “3rd parties” as they work to expand the urban boundaries of many cities across the province, without proper consultation with the cities themselves or Indigenous communities, often against the express advice of planners within those municipalities.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles is calling this "Act II of the Greenbelt corruption crisis.”
She says that it is “yet further evidence that this government will stop at nothing to rig the system so long as it helps their close land speculator friends.”
This internal government briefing note highlights “possible contentious issues” concerning the Conservatives’ April 2023 ministerial amendments to municipal official plans in Waterloo, Wellington County, Guelph, Barrie, Belleville, and Peterborough.
The document shows the government knowingly overrode recommendations from regional planning staff by adding lands to municipalities’ urban boundaries proposed via “third-party requests,” neglected to consult with impacted First Nations, and forced urban boundary expansions that were at odds with the province’s own planning policies and housing targets.
Ford and his government knew what they were doing was wrong. So they tried to hide it. They knew these plans would result in the loss and disruption of watersheds, farmlands, and critical habitats. They knew these decisions were not only not evidence-based but recommended against by experts. Yet they went ahead anyway, seemingly to please these unnamed “3rd parties”. I have a few good guesses about who they might be. I bet you do, too.
Tenants Fight Demovictions and Rent Hikes |
Nearly 500 tenants across five buildings in the York - South Weston area of Toronto are on rent strike to protest expensive above-guideline rent increases being imposed on them by their corporate landlords.
Yesterday, I rose in the Legislature to ask the government when they will restore real rent control in Ontario and stop allowing huge corporations to price-gouge their tenants during a housing crisis.
Watch my question here and sign the petition to bring back real rent control here.
I also attended No Demovictions TO’s protest on Tuesday. I am proud to stand alongside these tenants as they fight for their affordable homes and the community they love. Many of the apartment buildings slated for demolition do not need to be knocked down. They are aging and may need some repairs, but they should not be demolished just to make room for luxury apartments not covered by rent control. It is shameful that Doug Ford’s policies have made the displacement of these tenants easier and more profitable.
Are you being demovicted? Get in touch with No Demovictions TO today!
An Orange Wave in Manitoba |
A massive congratulations to Manitoba Premier-elect Wab Kinew, the entire NDP team, and the great people of Manitoba for making history this week. Manitoba elected the first Indigenous Premier in Canadian history! This is a very important day for Canada and Indigenous representation. I’m very excited to see the great things their majority government will accomplish!
These election results are an incredible rebuke by voters of the social conservative dog-whistles their previous PC government made in desperate and shameful attempts to be re-elected.
Stay Tuned - New COVID-19 Boosters are Coming Soon! |
Public Health Canada is in the process of approving updated COVID-19 boosters and vaccines. Here’s what you need to know:
- Almost all COVID sub-variants circulating in Ontario have mutations that have made our original and bivalent boosters less effective at preventing hospitalization and symptomatic infection.
- New boosters will soon be widely available in Ontario. These boosters are different. They are entirely targeted towards newer strains of COVID-19. They will offer significantly better protection.
- Public health recommends for everyone who is eligible to get the new booster when it arrives. It will protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. These new boosters offer the best available protection.
- COVID-19 numbers have been increasing across Ontario over the last month.
- People at high-risk are being prioritized by local public health units to get new boosters first. Availability varies across Ontario, but you can call the provincial vaccine portal at 1-833-943-3900 for information about XBB booster availability in your area.
- I will share more information soon when I have clearer information about how you and your loved ones can get the new COVID-19 shot in Toronto.
- Toronto Public Health is providing free rapid tests. Learn more from Toronto Public Health here.
- If you or a loved one tests positive for COVID-19, you may be eligible for Paxlovid. Paxlovid can reduce the risk of severe infection for people at risk. You can learn more from Toronto Public Health here.
- Opening doors and windows, using MERV-13 HEPA filters, and wearing a high-quality mask (meaning an N-95, KN-95, etc) continues to reduce COVID-19 transmission.
Honouring Truth and Reconciliation Day |
It was an honour to join Pride Toronto & The 519 in recognizing Truth & Reconciliation Day this past Saturday with their community feast. As Canadians, it is vital we recognize the genocidal history Indigenous peoples survive and our crucial role in advancing Indigenous rights and self-determination. The Ontario government must do more to honour the treaties and negotiate with sovereign Indigenous nations in good faith.
St. James Town Harvest Festival |
Thank you to the St. James Town Residents' Association for welcoming me to their corn roast! It was wonderful to come together for some great food and great conversations. Look at those ears!
Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival |
I was thrilled to join the vibrant Mid-Autumn Festival celebration sponsored by the Chinese Workers Network and the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance. Thank you for having me — and for the mooncakes!
Upcoming Community Events |
Muslim Welfare Centre Thanksgiving Meal |
Join me this Sunday, October 8th, 2023, at 10:30 am at CRC 40 Oak St to celebrate Thanksgiving weekend with the Muslim Welfare Centre! A hot, takeaway meal will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
Enjoy a delicious meal, the beautiful sunshine, and time in the community!
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]
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.
BIPOC Youth Fellowship Opportunity |
ICON Talent Partners is now accepting applications from interested candidates for their 2023-2024 Fellowship class.
Their Fellowship is a comprehensive 6-month program whereby they expose top BIPOC talent to competitive careers in sectors such as banking/finance, management consulting, venture capital, private equity, technology/innovation, startups, sports/entertainment, and much much more!
This completely FREE program strives to expose BIPOC high school students, university students, graduate/professional students and young professionals to the multitude of opportunities and careers that exist and in which they can excel.