Dear community,
Earlier this week, I attended the Solidarity Rally for TVO workers. While there, an observer turned to me and asked, "if they want to make more money, why don't they go back to school like I did?" Sadly, this logic is not uncommon, so I want to take the chance to make a few things clear.
As #HotLabourSummer looks like it will turn into a #HotterLabourFall, it's important to note that workers rising up are among the most educated people across the province, country, and world. There are Metro workers with Master's Degrees, service workers holding PhDs, and even those who are working in their field of study like journalists who still aren't making enough to have ends meet.
Pursuing education or doing things "by the book" no longer means financial security in the same way it did for past generations. Folks can do everything "right" and even still, renting a one bedroom apartment or putting fruits and vegetables on their table is out of reach.
Secondly, post-secondary education is a privilege in this province, and not one equally afforded.Secondly, post-sec education is a PRIVILEGE not afforded equally. It costs money. Lots of it, and even more if you're not a Canadian citizen. It costs time. The cost of education isn't only tuition, books, or housing. It's lost wages that students aren't earning while in the classroom or studying. It is also dependent on social conditions. Those who've been made marginalized through their youth are less likely to pursue post-secondary. Not because they can't but because our system of oppression tells them their future is not worth investing in.
Stable housing, nutritious food, and a dignified life cannot come down to privilege. These are HUMAN RIGHTS and those aren't subject to credentials.
What we're seeing on our streets or in the labour movement isn't about lack of education of workers. It's about a lack of humanity from those at the top.
Rastafest kicked off yesterday in Little Jamaica and continues all weekend long. If you haven't already, the festival is a must for the whole family as one of the hottest weekends St. Paul's sees all year and Canada's largest celebration of Rastafari Heritage and Culture.
To see the full Rastafest line-up, click here.
Also taking place this Sunday, Midtown Tiny Tots is hosting their Caribbean Carnival 2023. From 9AM-12PM, join them at their centre (745 Mount Pleasant Road - 2nd floor) to celebrate Carribean Heritage with stunning displays, dancing, and local food!
Book your family's ticket here.
Also taking place this Sunday, Midtown Tiny Tots is hosting their Caribbean Carnival 2023. From 9AM-12PM, join them at their centre (745 Mount Pleasant Road - 2nd floor) to celebrate Carribean Heritage with stunning displays, dancing, and local food!
Book your family's ticket here.
Popping up next weekend, Yonge + St. Clair is back with LIVE @ YONGE + ST. CLAIR! From Thursday, August 24th to Sunday, August 27th, they'll be hosting 4 back-to-back outdoor movie nights at 1505 Yonge Street; a skip and a jump away from St. Clair subway station. Prior to the showing, from 4:30 to 8pm each day, they'll also have a line-up of exciting programming, from photo booths, music, and more, for the whole family to enjoy.
Reservations are required for movie attendance. Learn more and snag your spot here.
If you have donations to spare, please consider bringing them down to Marian Engel Park on Saturday between 11AM - 1PM! If you need some extra groceries, come on down no questions asked (we have tote bags)!
Each year across Ontario, thousands of lives are lost to overdoses. We need every level of government to prioritize implementing harm reduction strategies to combat these senseless deaths, and you can help.
As many of you know, Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, and these kits are FREE with training at participating pharmacies across the city. Together, we can prevent unnecessary deaths and work toward a more compassionate society that is safe safe for everyone.
Find a pharmacy with Naloxone kits near you, and make sure you can recognize the signs of an overdose.
In solidarity,
Jill Andrew, MPP for Toronto-St. Paul's
