September 19, 2025 Newsletter

Dear neighbour,

Have you ever plowed a furrow with a tractor? Neither have I, but this week I had the opportunity to see the experts (and a few novices) in action at the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in Grassie, Ontario. 

The Plowing Match is a hotly anticipated annual celebration of rural and agricultural life. Each year, elected officials come together across party lines to hear from farmers about the strength of their communities, the challenges they face, and the support they need. 

The NDP, a party created by farmers and trade unionists will always have the backs of farmers and workers who feed our province and grow our economy. As an urban MPP from downtown Toronto, I was eager to learn about the joys and challenges of farming and rural life through events like these and from conversations with farmers who took the time to sit with me. I am so proud to be part of a caucus that has representation from every corner of Ontario. We work harmoniously together and take time to consider urban, rural, and suburban communities when crafting provincial legislation. Urban and rural communities can coexist in harmony and support each other. After all, farmers feed cities, and when farmers grow, Canada grows!

Today I made my way to Niagara Falls to attend the Ontario NDP Convention. Niagara Falls is a very special place for New Democrats as the ONDP was founded there 64 years ago in 1961. Convention is a time when New Democrats and allies gather together to debate policy, receive training, strengthen connections, and chart a path to electoral success. 

I am so excited to connect with fellow New Democrats this weekend. Relationship building is one of the most important parts of every single convention. If you see me, come say hi!

Ontarians are struggling under Ford’s mismanagement of the economy, high unemployment, unaffordable housing, crumbling schools and an alarming shortage of doctors and nurses. After eight years of wrongheaded Ford policies, the political stakes have never been higher. The ONDP will bring forward the real solutions that Ontario needs. Ford broke it and we will fix it. I can’t wait to bring you all of the updates about the exciting policy we adopt. 

Yours in community service, 

Kristyn Wong-Tam

MPP, Toronto Centre

• Toronto Centre Solidarity Picket with George Brown Workers
• UN Declares Israel is Committing Genocide in Gaza
• Healthcare Privatization Town Hall
• Ontario Unemployment Highest Since COVID Lockdowns
• Children with Disabilities At Risk Under New TDSB Supervisor
• Reopening of the Glen Road Pedestrian Bridge
• Tanzania Women’s Association 2nd Anniversary
• Diaper Need Awareness Week
• This Week’s Meetings
• What's Making Headlines
• Local Community Events

College support staff are on strike to protect our public colleges, save programs, and retain decent work! 

I have already been on the picket lines supporting George Brown staff and I want you to join me this time for a Toronto Centre Solidarity Picket. Bring your noise makers, your loud chanting voices, and stand up for striking workers!

Date: Thursday, September 25

Time: 12 PM - 1 PM

Location: George Brown St James Campus, 200 King St East

The United Nations Human Rights Council Commission of Inquiry has declared that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza strip.

The Commission stated that Israel was committing four of the five types of genocide: (i) killing members of the group; (ii) causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; (iii) deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; and (iv) imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group. Any one of those is horrific and grounds for the label of genocide. Four is unfathomable. Canada has done all five to Indigenous people. We have so much work to do at home, but we also have a humanitarian duty to the Palestinian people. 

The situation in Gaza is dire. We must push our elected officials to acknowledge this genocide (something the NDP has been doing for over a year), impose sanctions on Israel, and speak up on the international stage. I am so proud of dock workers and other union members in Italy and across Europe who have refused to transport arms and are taking to the streets in protest. Gazan Palestinians need our voices now more than ever. 

Healthcare privatization is not just a threat. It is here and creeping deeper into our health system every day, thanks to government Bill 60. 

On Wednesday night I was joined by more than 100 concerned Ontarians at my virtual townhall, with fellow MPPs Jessica Bell and Dr. Robin Lennox, as well as panelists Dr. Melanie Bechard of Canadian Doctors for Medicare and Michelle Robidoux of the Ontario Health Coalition. 

You can watch the entire town hall here, including the lively Q&A portion at the end. It was inspiring to see so many engaged people passionate about protecting public healthcare in our province. 

Privatized healthcare does not make care faster. It just moves staff and resources out of public hospitals and into for-profit clinics, costing the government more while also charging patients. We need this government to plan for the future and create programs that benefit us all today, without stealing from our future for a quick fix. 

It is critical that we take action together and show Ford that Ontarians treasure our public healthcare. Next Wednesday, the Ontario Health Coalition is hosting a roadside rally on hospital row in Toronto. This is a great way to get connected with the Coalition and make your voice heard! More details here. 

The newest Financial Accountability Office (FAO) report, published this past Wednesday, shows rising unemployment, deeper deficits, and new risks to Ontario’s economy. 

Unemployment is currently sitting at 7.8% and is projected to rise to nearly 8% next year. That is the highest level in a decade outside the pandemic. Thousands of Ontarians are out of work and families are left wondering how they will pay the bills. 

The FAO was clear that Ontario will be hit harder by U.S. tariffs than any other province. Sectors like auto, steel, forestry and manufacturing are especially vulnerable, yet this government lacks any kind of plan to shield jobs or support workers.

To bolster our economy and support Ontarians, we need a robust jobs plan that works hand-in-hand with real investments in housing, health care, and education. Those investments don’t just benefit the recipients of services, but also create good, local jobs that people can rely on. 

We must invest strategically to keep good jobs here at home, strengthen local procurement so Ontario businesses benefit first, and support the industries and communities that are being squeezed the hardest. 

Children and teachers in the TDSB are facing increasingly dangerous classroom conditions after a ministry-appointed supervisor, Rohit Gupta, decided to increase class sizes for several programs for students with disabilities.

The very first act taken by this former Metrolinx advisor has been to put children with disabilities and special needs at risk with larger class sizes. This only confirms concerns parents and teachers raised when they learned that this government would be replacing experienced school board leadership with non-expert supervisors. 

Cutting corners in our schools will only make classrooms less safe for teachers and students with disabilities that require attentive supervision. This safety is only truly achievable with lower student to teacher ratios. What we need is more funding for our schools so we can train and hire more teachers and education workers. We can’t afford cheap solutions that will result in more chaos in our classrooms.

The Glen Road Pedestrian Bridge, also known as the Morley Callaghan Footbridge has been officially re-opened!  This bridge plays a significant role in Toronto Centre's heritage and history, connecting the Bloor East and South Rosedale neighbourhoods for over 140 years. I am proud to have been part of this revitalization project since its initial consultation phase almost a decade ago, when I was the City Councillor. 

City of Toronto staff, the Bloor East Neighbourhood Association, and the South Rosedale Residents Association all worked so hard on this project for years. It was a treat to celebrate this joyous community milestone with them! 

The Tanzanian Women's Association celebrates the strength, culture, and resilience of Tanzanian women and families in Toronto! I was honoured to join community members for their second anniversary celebration this past weekend. 

It was such a wonderful event! We had conversations about settlement, inclusion, and civic engagement, while enjoying  traditional storytelling, music, and a shared cultural meal. 

So many newcomers can feel disconnected from community life, but events like there are wonderful ways for everyone to connect and serve one another.

Did you know that more than 1 in 5 Toronto families struggle with diaper access? Without diapers, parents can’t go to work, and children can’t attend daycare.

This Diaper Need Awareness Week, I was proud to join Baby Love at the launch of The Diaper Barrier, a powerful installation at Commerce Court that stopped commuters in their tracks, just as diaper need stops parents from fully participating in work, school, and community life.

I am grateful to the excellent BabyLove team for stepping up to fill this gap by removing roadblocks to diapers and wipes. Learn more here: babylovebeginnings.com 

• Parkdale Housing Justice Network
• St. Clare’s Housing
• University of Toronto Research Oversight and Compliance

Moderna’s latest COVID-19 vaccine is both approved and ‘made in Canada’

‘Shades of the Greenbelt’: questions raised about Ontario’s $2.5-billion private career training fund

Ford government announces new deal with doctors — with pay boost and incentives to take on more patients in family medicine

Toronto non-profit unveils mural painted by harm-reduction workers to honour lives lost

In an unprecedented warning, leading climate think-tank says Canada won't meet 2030 climate target

Internet, phone lines cut off across Gaza as Israeli ground operations expected to escalate

Canada just got a near-failing grade on Food Banks Canada's Report Card. Here's why

‘I just believe he will’: Ford thinks Hwy. 401 tunnel will be nation-building project

Unhoused residents of Dufferin Grove encampment protest eviction, say they feel unsafe in shelters

Toronto Public Library expanding social, crisis support services to more branches

Ontario has hit 26% of its 2025 housing target to date as slump continues

Nearly a third of people who have been homeless were evicted at some point, CMHC says 

Vintage TTC streetcars could soon return to Toronto streets

Join the Ontario Street Tenants Association for a community block party! 

There will be games, tenant rights information, and free food from local restaurants (Green Cafe and Manila Sentro). All are welcome!

Date: Saturday, September 20

Time: 1 PM - 6 PM 

Location: Dr. Gordon Chong Park (60 Howard Street)

The KITE Research Institute – University Health Network, in partnership with Canada’s National Ballet School and Mid-Career Productions, presents Reframing Dementia: Challenging Stigma Through Film & Art on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 2 PM to 5 PM at the Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis St., Toronto.

This special event, held on World Alzheimer’s Day, will feature:

• Screenings of two short films, Sugar Dumplin’ and Dancer Not Dementia, exploring memory, culture, and the lived experiences of people with dementia and their caregivers.
• A panel discussion and Q&A highlighting the social impact of the films.
• A catered reception at Canada’s National Ballet School (400 Jarvis St.) with an art exhibition created by individuals living with dementia.

Admission: $10 (+fees).

Registration: reframingdementia.eventbrite.ca

Breakaway Community Services and Through Ruff Times are holding two no-cost CHIP Truck Pet Clinic this upcoming Tuesday FREE for ANY Toronto residents' cats & dogs:
● rabies vaccines
● microchipping
● pet licensing

Clinic Details
When: Tuesday September 23
Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Where: 21 Strickland Avenue

Clinic Details
Riverside Dog Lover's Market
When: Sunday September 21
Time: 11:00am to 2:00pm
Where: Joel Weeks Park, 10 Thompson Street
This event will be first-come, first-served
(no appointment booking required).

The clinic event is open to any Toronto residents who need support for their animals. Please note that vaccines are available in limited quantities and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Requirements:
● Dogs must be on a leash
●Cats must be properly contained in a carrier
● If you have it, please bring a valid photo ID that includes your address
● If you have it, please bring a current City of Toronto pet licence for each pet receiving services

The National SPRE Accelerator is a free, 6-month program for non-profits and registered charities across Canada who want to build community-centered real estate projects. The program will take place virtually between October 2025 to May 2026. Applications are now open and close September 26!

Apply here!

Whoa where did the summer go? It's time again for the Canary District’s twice-yearly neighbourhood cleanup! 

Participants will meet outside Rock On Climbing (NW corner of Tannery and Front) at 10 AM. All volunteers will be provided with gloves, bags, and trash grabbers and will be assigned to a street. 

When: Sepember 28, 2025 at 10 AM – 12 PM

Where: (In front of) Rock on Climbing, 474 Front St E, Unit 4

Learn more and RSVP here!

Optional: If you can't make it on the day, reach out to [email protected]. They will set you up a special shift on another day!

An outdoor evening celebration with live music, circus arts, kids’ activities, and seasonal treats in David Crombie Park.

• Date & Time: Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 6–8 pm
• Location: David Crombie Park (Berkeley & The Esplanade)
• Performances:
  • The Enchanted Forest by Hercinia Arts Collective (aerial arts, stilt dancing, physical theatre)
  • Roda de Samba with Carlos Cardozo & ensemble
• Activities: Face painting, craft table, juggling workshop for kids
• Treats: Hot chocolate & apple cider
• Cost: Free, open to all ages

Learn more here!

Join us for a night of joyful connection, beautiful entertainment and generosity that will fuel the next chapter of Holy Trinity.

TICKETS for the Gala here.

Check out our SILENT AUCTION (open to anyone interested) here. 

Join the Regent Park Safety Network for their Know Your Legal Rights Workshop. Learn about how to interact with law enforcement during illegal street checks and detainment, warrantless searches, surveillance, and border crossing. 

Facilitated by Nat Pau, Director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Education Trust. 

Time: 5:30 PM - 8 PM

Date: 7 October, 2025

Location: 180 Sackville Street, Main Floor Meeting Room

Learn more and RSVP here.

The SLNA Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 14th REmarket event on Oct 8 & 9, 2025. This event has a direct, tangible impact on both the environment and the social welfare of our local communities (from our last REmarket in May, 18,000 lbs of donated items for reuse and 644 lbs for recycling were collected), and we are eager to continue to widen that impact. New items being added to the growing recycling list at the upcoming REmarket include: hearing aids, elastic bands and non-synthetic corks. Click here for more information. 

Homeless Connect is back with another One Stop Shop event! Unhoused and precariously housed individuals are invited to come to the Mattamy Athletic Centre to receive a variety of free services including health and personal care services (dental, hearing, vision, haircuts, foot care, etc), practical assistance (employment, legal, housing support), plus clothing, a hot meal, and more. 

Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025

Time: 10 AM - 3 PM

Location: Mattamy Athletic Centre, 50 Carlton Street

This event is walk-in only and no pre-registration is required. 

Homeless Connect is always looking for volunteers for this event. Sign up here to help!

Experience the City of Toronto’s free full-day signature in-person event at Meridian Hall to support small businesses in Toronto.

This year focuses on helping small businesses navigate and find opportunities in a rapidly changing globalized economy and international business landscape:

• Main stage sessions featuring spotlight speakers, fireside chats and expert panels,
• Speed mentorship with international business leaders and seasoned entrepreneurs ready to share insights and tackle your biggest questions, and
• Trade show of diverse small business services and goods providers.

Date: October 29, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Location: Meridian Hall, 1 Front Street East

Registration is required. 

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.

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

Community Consultation for Queer East & Southeast Asian Older Adults

A gathering to share stories, insights, and lived experiences about aging in the community. The goal is to help shape future care and support for queer Asian older adults in Toronto.

• Who it’s for:
  • Self-identified East or Southeast Asian
  • Self-identified LGBTQ+ or queer
  • Age 50+
  • Living in Toronto
• What to expect:
  • 90-minute consultation (in-person or online, in English)
  • Honorarium provided
  • Light refreshments offered
• Purpose:
  • Connect with others on similar journeys
  • Envision a future where queer Asian older adults thrive with dignity, love, and connection

click this link to register: Community Consultation Registration

Interested or have questions? Contact Alex Ma (he/him) at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you.

Join the Corktown Residents & Business Assoc., Inc. (CRBA) board and contribute to the vibrancy of your neighbourhood. Bring your ideas, skills, and enthusiasm for building community

There are many ways to get involved and make a difference, limited only by your imagination and time commitment. We welcome a diversity of interests and skills including, but in no way limited to, bookkeeping, WordPress, social media, email marketing, fundraising, and grant writing.

As a member of the CRBA board, you will help set and enact an agenda for public events and initiatives that build a more engaged, connected, safer, sustainable, and beautiful home for you and fellow residents.

For more info send your request to: [email protected] 

The Hello Neighbour app is a new tool designed to help residents stay connected with their community. It provides quick access to local programs, services, news, and events, all in one place.

Features include:

• Find what you need – Search for programs and services, check who they’re for, when they’re open, and even get directions.
• Neighbourhood news – Stay updated with the latest stories and newsletters from your area.
• Events and job opportunities – Discover local events and find community job postings.

The app is available for download on Google Play and the App Store.

This initiative is brought to the community by Yonge Street Mission (YSM), Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA), the Social Development Plan Communication Working Group, the City of Toronto, and Focus Media Arts.