
Dear Emma,
Strikes are never the first choice. They are the last resort. When workers are pushed to the brink, they have to fight back through their legal right to strike. We are experiencing this in Ontario right now, where 10,000 college support staff have been on strike for 15 days. They all want to return to the critical work of supporting students and educators at our public colleges, but they can’t without a fair contract that values their work. Instead of respecting workers and the students they support, Doug Ford is starving the Ontario public colleges of the funds they need to run programs that prepare the next generation of workers for their chosen careers.
Last weekend in Niagara Falls, during the ONDP convention, our caucus joined workers in solidarity at Niagara College, a leader in applied education for horticulture and agriculture. It was there where I learned the college administration brought scab workers to break the picket line. This only fortified the workers on strike to fight even harder for the living wages, safe workplace conditions, job security and fair contract they deserve.

Yesterday, I was proud to join OPSEU, the Ontario Federation of Labour, and CUPE Ontario at their rally in front of the College Employer Council (CEC) at 130 Queen’s Quay West. We called on the CEO Graham Lloyd to return to the bargaining table and start negotiating in good faith. The CEC is the government-mandated bargaining agent for the 24 publicly funded colleges, where they negotiate collective agreements with unionized college workers.
I encouraged workers to stand their ground and remind them that the NDP is always on the side of labour and working people. I know when workers fight back, they win!
Organized labour and unions have delivered wins that all workers now benefit from, including the 40-hour work week, weekends, and parental leave. Canada Post workers were the first to demand the maternity leave that is now standard across our country. Today, Canada Post workers are on full strike to push back on their employer and the Federal government trying to remove home delivery across the country and close rural post offices that are a lifeline for rural and northern communities. I am ready to stand with these workers as they fight for the public services we deserve.

It is tough to be a worker right now, whether you are walking a picket line or sending out resumes. 91,000 fewer Ontarians are collecting paycheques as compared to June 2023. Over 807,000 Ontarians are looking for jobs right now, with 91,000 fewer people employed now than in June 2023. There are not enough jobs to meet demand right now, yet Ford recently insulted job seekers by telling them to just look harder. He has failed to take responsibility for all of the job losses we have seen over his nearly eigh years as Premier.I hear from community members all the time that they have sent out 200 resumes but received no responses. If Ford was paying attention, he would know there is one job opening for every five job seekers. He has no job plan, and Marit Stiles has rightly called Ford a “jobs disaster!”
The Toronto new-construction condo market is in freefall, which is troubling not only for our housing numbers, but also for the future of construction jobs.
Only 118 new condos sold in Toronto last month, a 90% reduction compared to the 10-year average. The fact that this is happening in the middle of a housing crisis makes it glaringly clear that we are not building the right types of housing. Instead of tiny condos marketed towards investors, we need co-op housing, non-profit housing, community housing, rent-controlled housing, and condos with family-sized units that people can afford.
These numbers confirm what people already see around them: the private market alone will not build the homes we need. If housing only gets built when it sells for over a million dollars, then Ontarians lose twice. No homes they can afford and no jobs to build them.
To get Ontario out of this mess and preserve good construction jobs, we need Ford to step up and deliver affordable housing with targeted investments and legislation, strategic partnerships with community housing developers and innovative programs to house Ontarians and keep the construction trades working. Doug Ford’s one-trick private market approach has failed.
While the housing market is crumbling and our fellow workers are unsupported, Doug Ford is trying to distract us by talking about making speed cameras illegal, something that his own government legalized in 2019. These cameras are strategically deployed to protect vulnerable road users near schools and long-term homes and to prevent high-speed collisions, along multi-lane roads and at the bottom of hills. Being fined for breaking the law is not a “tax grab,” as Ford calls it. It is literally law enforcement.
So much more needs to be done to protect vulnerable road users, including lowering speeds through a variety of traffic calming measures, ensuring pedestrians and cyclists have safe places to be away from cars, and - yes - through enforcement. I am proud to stand behind NDP legislation like the Vulnerable Road Users Act, tabled by my colleague MPP Jessica Bell.
Tell Ford to stay in his lane and let municipalities manage local street use.

This past week, our Jewish friends and neighbours celebrated Rosh Hashanah. I wish everyone peace, community, and joy as we enter the Jewish year 5786. Shanah Tovah!
Yours in community service,

Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Ontario NDP Convention in Niagara Falls
- Coffee With Kristyn - Sign Up Now!
- RSVP for my Childcare Town Hall
- Hate Has No Place - Stand Up for Trans Kids
- Renfrew County Triple Femicide 10th Anniversary
- Cabbagetown Businesses Face Broken Windows
- LTB Must Return to In-Person Hearings
- We Need a Public Inquiry into Metrolinx
- Code Red: Healthcare Under Threat Rally
- Speaking to Munk School Students
- Dixon Hall’s Next Step Graduation Ceremony
- What's Making Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Ontario NDP Convention in Niagara Falls |

I had so much fun at the Ontario NDP convention in Niagara Falls this past weekend! It was a treat to connect with so many New Democrats, old friends and new ones from across the province.
The energy on the convention floor was electric. We debated important policy resolutions about everything from healthcare to homelessness to arts and culture, allowing the powerful voice of the party membership to be heard.
I am very proud of our leader, Marit Stiles, who took a tough leadership result with grace and is already hard at work making changes in our party: bringing on exciting new leadership, strengthening our connections to the labour movement and to our grassroots supporters. I am looking forward to helping create a more dynamic party that improves our ability to connect with everyday people and build support across the province.
I am also so proud of the newly elected provincial executive (including many members from Toronto Centre!) and can’t wait to see how they use their skills and dedication to strengthen our movement.
| Coffee With Kristyn - Sign Up Now! |
I’m very excited to host my second Coffee with Kristyn at Carousel Cafe & Bistro at Daniels Spectrum in Regent Park on Thursday, October 9, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM! This is an opportunity for you to come and sit down with me, your Toronto Centre MPP, and share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while supporting our local small businesses.
I look forward to sitting down with you over a cup of coffee!
Sign up for your coffee slot by clicking here.
| RSVP for my Childcare Town Hall |
Ever wonder what happened to the promise of $10 a day child care? Frustrated with the lack of affordable and safe child care close to home? Will child care ever be fixed in Ontario? You are not alone in these questions, which is why I am bringing together parents, caregivers, childcare workers, and advocates for a town hall discussion on the state of childcare in Toronto Centre and Ontario.
The Canada-Ontario early years and child care agreement is set to expire next spring. Without this agreement in place, access to affordable child care in the province and in Toronto Centre is at risk.
Join Carolyn Ferns of the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care, Erin Filby of the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario, Angela Zhu of Parents for Childcare, and myself to learn how we can fight for an agreement and support families and workers struggling under the cost and limitations of the child care system.
Light refreshments and childminding will be available.
RSVP: kristyn.ca/child_care
Date: October 29, 2025
Time: 6-8 PM
Location: Regent Park Community Centre
|
Hate Has No Place - Stand Up for Trans Kids |
A rally attacking Trans community members is taking place at Queen’s Park this Saturday. I will be attending the counter-protest to stand up for Trans kids and adults. I know that parents who love their kids are being misled by conservative extremists and misinformation. The government needs to do more to keep everyone safe.
I would love for you to join me in supporting our Trans siblings. Here is all the information you need to participate:
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM - 3 PM
Location: Queen’s Park - in front of the Legislature
| Renfrew County Triple Femicide 10th Anniversary |
This past Monday, September 21, marked 10 years since the triple femicide of Nathalie Warmerdam, Anastasia Kuzyk, and Carol Culleton in Renfrew County in 2015. The memories of Nathalie, Anastasia, and Carol demand action; not just acknowledgment.
The Ford government has had over a year and a half to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic, yet they have failed to do so. They have also failed to do anything constructive to help survivors or prevent additional cases of IPV from occurring, despite having in their possession a comprehensive list of reforms from the extremely thorough Renfrew County Coroner's Inquest into the triple femicide.
You can read my full statement about what action Ontarians deserve from the Ford government to protect our communities from IPV here.
|
Cabbagetown Businesses Face Broken Windows |
The latest issue of the Cabbagtown Neighbourhood Review noted that several businesses in Cabbagetown, including La Gloria, Akasha Art, and Rayah have had their windows broken recently, resulting in extra work and costs for business owners, but just as importantly, creating a sense of unease and fear. These crimes are unacceptable and must be stopped.
Randomly smashed windows in the province have become all too common, which is why I tabled a motion to address this issue during the last parliament. Supported by the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses, my motion would have the provincial government create tax credits for small businesses to help offset victim-related costs caused by criminal activity and rebates up to $3000 for acts of vandalism, including broken windows.
If you witness a crime like this, please call the Toronto Police or Crime Stoppers (416-222-8477) to anonymously report the crime.
The Cabbagetown BIA is convening a meeting to discuss these incidents with Councillor Moise and the Toronto Police.
|
LTB Must Return to In-Person Hearings |
Doug Ford couldn’t be more hypocritical if he tried - he is forcing all public service employees back to the office full time, yet doesn’t see the benefit of in-person hearings at the Landlord Tenant Board.
I have heard directly from experienced tenant lawyers that the online hearings process creates more barriers for tenants while also eliminating opportunities for informal agreements and settlements between landlords and tenant duty council (legal aid lawyers who represent tenants). So many tenants are missing out on better deals that they don’t even know are possible because opposing lawyers aren’t able to duck into a hallway for an informal conversation about the case. These informal conversations often resolve cases faster than adjudicators, freeing up staff for the next case. Instead of the ease of an in-person hearing, tenant duty council lawyers struggle to learn which Zoom rooms they need to be in, have to deal with clunky breakout rooms, and support tenants who cannot be understood due to poor internet connections and language barriers.
People in our province should have the right to in-person hearings. The Ford government must make this a reality once again.
| We Need a Public Inquiry into Metrolinx |
This week, new polling showed that over 70% of Ontarians support a full public inquiry into the province's soaring transit construction costs. I am one of them.
Ontarians are fed up with Metrolinx’s ballooning transit costs, endless delays, and a government that refuses to be transparent. Ontario’s transit construction costs are among the world’s highest and we haven’t even been rewarded with speedy timelines. Quite the opposite.
Ford has let costs spiral out of control while commuters are stuck waiting and taxpayers are left footing the bill. A full public inquiry is the only way to restore accountability and give people the answers they’re owed. Families, riders, and workers need affordable, reliable transit, not more secrecy and mismanagement.
I will continue to push for a full public inquiry, stronger oversight of Metrolinx, and a transit system that finally puts people first.
| Code Red: Healthcare Under Threat Rally |

Honk your car horn and ring your bike bell if you love public healthcare! On Wednesday evening, I joined the Ontario Health Coalition as we lined up on University Avenue a.k.a. Hospital Row to stand up for our public healthcare system. We must protect our treasured public healthcare - part of our Canadian identity that keeps our communities healthy and resilient.
This government and their investor friends know that there is a lot of money to be made off the backs of sick Ontarians. We are seeing an increasing number of seniors and vulnerable Ontarians having to pull out their credit cards instead of their OHIP cards to get the health care they need. It is unacceptable that Ford is making Ontarians choose between long wait lists and expensive health care bills.
I am proud to stand in solidarity with the Ontario Health Coalition and their efforts in pushing back against Ford’s privatization of our health care. Ford and his Conservatives need to do the right thing and start properly funding our public health care system so that every Ontarian can get care based on their needs, not their ability to pay.
|
Speaking to Munk School Students |

I was honoured to be invited to speak to the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy's Masters of Public Policy students, alongside MPP Adil Shamji. Together we shared what it is really like being an MPP, how Queen’s Park actually works, and how we decide what to table as Private Members Bills.
These students are the policymakers of tomorrow and came prepared with such insightful questions. The future is bright!
|
Dixon Hall’s Next Step Graduation Ceremony |

It was an honour to celebrate Dixon Hall’s Culinary Skill Training Program graduates!
The graduation ceremony was full of so much pride and hope. All of the graduates know that they have been prepared for success in the hospitality industry and can’t wait to get started. I am looking forward to enjoying a delicious meal at one of their workplaces soon!
| What's Making Headlines |
Ontario doctors to be paid more for complex patients, admin work
Rookie MPP Chris Scott arrested, ejected from Progressive Conservative caucus
Doug Ford will outlaw municipal speed cameras this fall: sources
Did summer’s heat kill? Why B.C. residents may find out, but Ontarians won’t
Her landlord tried to evict her for not paying rent. She'd already paid in full
Ford government says it will ban speed cameras across Ontario
https://globalnews.ca/news/11450243/canada-post-reforms-ottawa-mail/
TTC adding crisis workers to portion of Line 1, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says | CBC News
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Back to School Creations |

Kids 4-10 are welcome to register to create DIY pencil cases, bookmarks, and school-centric paintings.
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 2:30 - 4 PM
Location: The Corner, 240 Wellesley St. E
To register, call 416-964-6657, extension 240 or email [email protected]
| Clean Canary District Together |
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
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!
|
Toronto Repair Cafe |

Learn to fix your broken items for free! Bring one item per person, including, computers, small appliances, clothing, bikes, and more. Volunteers are very welcome!
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Time: 12-4 PM
Location: Central Neighbourhood House, 349 Ontario Street
| Joy in the Park: Wonders of the Fall |
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)
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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
| Church of the Holy Trinity: Stained Glass Gala |
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.
| Know Your Rights Legal Workshop |
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
| St Lawrence Waste Reduction REmarket |
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.
| Tackle the Toolbox |

Learn hands-on skills and confidence working with tools to ensure success with your next DIY project!
Date: Thursdays, October 9 and 16, 2025
Time: 5:30-7 PM
Location: The Corner, 240 Wellesley St E
To register, call 416-964-6657 extension 240 or email [email protected]. Limited spots available!
|
Financial Literacy Training for Youth in Regent Park |
Youth in Regent Park are invited to join a Financial Literacy Training this October! This interactive session is designed to help young people feel more confident about managing money, planning and exploring opportunities for their future. The session will cover budgeting, saving strategies, building good credit habits, and exploring ways to access funding.
Training Details:
- Date: Thursday, October 9th
- Time: 5-7PM
- Location: Regent Park Community Center
Registration Link: Youth Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship at the Regent Park Community Centre of Excellence.
|
Ride Safe, Work Safe |

Attention bike commuters and delivery riders! Learn all about how to stay safe, use apps wisely, first aid, and workers rights at this workshop at The Corner.
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Time: 6-7:30 PM
Location: The Corner, 240 Wellesley St E
To register, call 416-964-6657 extension 240 or email [email protected]. Limited spots available!
|
Downtown Yonge BIA Safe and Inclusive Neighbourhood Survey |
It’s time for the annual DYBIA Safe and Inclusive Neighbourhood Survey 2025!
Please find the link to the survey here and fill it out to share your thoughts!
All respondents who complete the survey by October 13, 2025 can enter for a chance to win a variety of prizes, valued at up to $300.
| The Future of Public Education - Panel with Elected Trustees |
Join elected Trustees from across Toronto for a panel discussion about the future of public education and the ways that Bill 33 could reshape our education system.
Date: October 14, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Native Canadian Centre of Toronto - 16 Spadina Road
|
Learn to Earn a PC at the Corner |

Seniors 55+ are invited to expand their computer skills and earn a computer of their very own.
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 3-4:30 PM
Location: The Corner, 240 Wellesley St E
To register, call 416-964-6657 extension 240 or email [email protected]
| Learn to Earn a Bike |
Learn about how to maintain your bike and do minor repairs!
Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 6-7:30 PM
Location: The Corner, 240 Wellesley St E
To register, call 416-964-6657 extension 240 or email [email protected]. Limited spots available!
| Junkyard Genius |
Kids 6-12 are invited to become recycling heroes at the Corner! Enjoy games, a craft, and movie time while learning about recycling and caring for the earth.
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Time: 5:30 - 7 PM
Location: The Corner, 240 Wellesley St E
To register, call 416-964-6657 or email [email protected]
| Homeless Connect Toronto - One Stop Shop |
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!
| City of Toronto Small Business Forum |
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
| TRCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Program |
Fall brings increased rainfall, and remnants of tropical storms can contribute to flooding. TRCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Program monitors these conditions and provides timely updates to help communities stay prepared.
Residents can now receive TRCA flood messages by email, text message, or both, providing a convenient way to stay informed during potential flood events. Visit trca.ca/get-flood-messages to sign-up.
| 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.
|
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 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
| Community Consultation for Queer East & Southeast Asian Older Adults |
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.
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Who it’s for:
- Self-identified East or Southeast Asian
- Self-identified LGBTQ+ or queer
- Age 50+
- Living in Toronto
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What to expect:
- 90-minute consultation (in-person or online, in English)
- Honorarium provided
- Light refreshments offered
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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.
|
Call for Board Members: Corktown Residents and Business Association |
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]
| Hello Neighbour App |
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.



















































































