Dear Community, 

I can't believe August is coming to an end! I hope everyone has a beautiful Labour Day weekend. Join us at Nathan Phillips Square to celebrate the many gains unions have made for workers across our province and beyond. The program starts at 8 AM. The annual parade departs Nathan Phillips Square at 11 AM. 

As we celebrate this weekend, my thoughts are with the students, teachers, education workers, and staff returning to the classroom next week. This is an exciting time, where students can grow and explore their talents and passions. It is also a reminder that we must continue to fight to ensure every student, teacher, and education worker has access to the resources they need to succeed. This includes adequate staffing, including support staff, to ensure every child gets the attention and care they deserve. It includes better pay and safe and supportive working conditions for the caring adults who show up every single day for our kids. 

Many will be returning to schools with leaky windows and roofs, crumbling ceilings, and broken furnaces. We've seen it firsthand. I will continue to call for better investment in our education system to ensure that every school is in a good state of repair. This should be the minimum. 

In today's newsletter:

Recognizing that it's impossible to capture a full week of news in a single newsletter, please see the highlights below: 

• My letter to Premier Ford regarding CTS closures
• Emancipation Month Flag Raising
• A special message from Ms. Dorothy Dandridge to Premier Ford
• IPV Committee Hearings
• Meetings with Ontario arts organizations
• Convenience Store Week
• My Back-to-School Supplies Drive
• And upcoming community events!

My Letter to the Premier on CTS

Tomorrow is International Overdose Awareness Day. Ontario is in the midst of an overdose epidemic and a toxic drug supply crisis. In our province, one person dies every 2.5 hours from a fatal drug overdose. This is a public health emergency. We know that harm reduction saves lives. Yet, just last week, this government made an announcement that will only lead to more preventable deaths. 

For many of us, this crisis is deeply personal. We've lost friends, family members, neighbours, and colleagues. These losses include women and gender-diverse community members who have been turned away from at capacity shelters. Many are escaping gender-based violence, including Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), and are more likely to fall into homelessness and addiction. 

The path to recovery is not a one-size-fits-all straight path. It is often non-linear, intermittent and demands steep investment in consumption and treatment services (CTS), real affordable housing (including supportive and transition housing), and public healthcare. It requires a gendered lens and one that notes the disproportionate impact this has on women and gender-diverse folks, BIPOC folks, persons with disabilities, and other groups made marginalized. We should be meeting the moment and expanding resources and supports, not taking them away. 

This morning, I wrote Premier Ford to voice the concerns of community service providers in our St. Paul's community about his plan to close 10 of the province's 17 supervised consumption sites. I copied the letter to Minister of Health, MPP Sylvia Jones, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, MPP Michael A Tibollo, and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, MPP Paul Calandra. 

As I wrote in my community update last Friday, I had a chance to meet with representatives from Street Haven, The Neighbourhood Group Community Services, Unison Health & Community Services, the John Howard Society of Toronto, and local constituent Rafi Aaron who is a spokesperson for the Interfaith Coalition and a the coordinator of the Out of the Cold Program at St Luke's United Church. These folks work on the frontlines and are terrified about what Ford's plan will mean for the community members they serve. This decision WILL cost lives. 

Click here to read the full letter. 

Emancipation Month Flag Raising

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of joining an empowering flag-raising to mark the end of Emancipation Month. I felt so much joy as we watched the red, black and green stripes of liberation fly high above the Ontario Legislature.

Thank you, Dewitt Lee III and Emancipation Month Canada, for your work, advocacy, and determination in realizing a day of reflection, memorial, celebration, and hope for the future here in Ontario, Canada, and globally. Your ongoing commitment ensures that Black voices are HEARD and that our contributions to history are RECOGNIZED.

It is that dedication, that fire and commitment to building on our heritage that has brought us to the places we are in today. Beautiful and endlessly talented, the future we as black folk have to look forward to is beyond exciting!

I am also proud to receive the Nelson Mandela Prisoner to President Medal of Recognition from Mr. Lee, and I am proud to continue serving all of you who understand what that means.

A Special Message from Dorothy Dandridge

My dear Ms. Dorothy Dandrige has a message for Premier Ford:

Try showing up for the people of Ontario the way I've shown up for this impromptu photo shoot: very mindful, very demure. 

Premier Ford is packing up the Ontario Science Centre but his government has NO answers when asked where the exhibits are going!? Please call the Premier's Office at 416-325-1941 and give him your piece of mind. Thank you to the folks at Save Ontario's Science Centre for your ongoing advocacy!

IPV Committee Hearings

Wednesday and Thursday we completed Days 9 and 10 of committee deputations for the Intimate Partner Violence study. The experts were clear: IPV requires an urgent government response that is trauma-informed, adequately funded, and coordinated. Themes and proposals included the need for education and prevention programs, especially for youth and young adults, more funding for community service organizations to build capacity and infrastructure, and justice system reforms, including changes to Legal Aid, victim services and the implementation of Restorative Justice options for survivors. Last year, Ontario courts tossed 1326 IPV/GBV cases. Indigenous survivors and their families, especially those in fly-in communities, are disproportionately and repeatedly failed by the mainstream justice system. Change is urgently needed. 

Phase Two of the IPV consultations will begin in September with Ministries, each responsible for a piece of the IPV puzzle. I am deeply grateful to the organizations and experts who have presented to committee this summer. Your contributions are valued. 

Meeting with Arts Organizations

This week, I met with Vicky from the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards to learn about challenges facing the local fashion industry, and ways to bolster the fashion and textile industry here in Ontario so we can maintain local talent and offer opportunities for our new graduates. Currently in Ontario, fashion designers are excluded from the definition of "artist" and are excluded from Ontario Arts Council (OAC) grant funding. Proper investment in the OAC and inclusion of this industry would unlock needed funding for young Ontario-based designers to get off the ground. 

Tuesday evening, I had the pleasure of meeting with Sedina from The Black Pledge, along with her team, and community members to discuss the challenges facing Black artists in our city and province. We discussed ways that the provincial government can better support Black talent and support the future of Black artistry in our province. 

I'd like to thank everyone who joined our call for sharing their experiences and ideas for how we can move the needle to better support BIPOC artists. From dedicated funding for Black artists, including more accessible, less restrictive grant processes to investment deeply affordable housing and REAL rent control, the province must do more to recognize the value of arts workers on the well-being of our province. 

Wednesday, I met with Bob Kirke from the Canadian Apparel Federation to discuss how the province can better support the Canadian apparel industry. Bob brings decades of experience working in this industry and I am deeply grateful for his insight. I will continue to call for better support for designers, artists and cultural workers in this industry. 

JILL IN COMMUNITY

Convenience Week 2024

August 26th to September 1st is Convenience Week in Ontario! Thank you to all our St. Paul's community members who nominated their favourite small business convenience stores to receive a special recognition. These stores always have our backs in a pinch!

This evening, I've been dropping off celebratory scrolls to some of your favourites. Shout out to Fresh Buy Market, New Manor Convenience, Super Express Convenience Convenience and Jusil Convenience! I'll be making more stops tomorrow morning to some of your favourites. Stay tuned!

School Supply Drives

My 2024 Annual School Supplies Drives are in the books! Thank you to everyone across St. Paul's who dropped off supplies and helped provide our young learners with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom this year. 

I had a wonderful time chatting with community members over the two days and once again having the opportunity to witness our St. Paul's spirit on full display. Thank you to our friends at Ice Queen for helping us beat the heat with their delicious ice cream and Ramy Arida Photography for taking incredible photos on our second day - more posts to come!

For all our local families heading back to school next week, please sign up for our local School Trustee Shelley Laskin's newsletter for important information and updates from the TDSB. Click here to sign up! 

Know-Your-Neighbour in 'The Woods'

I had the incredible pleasure of joining Gila and neighbours who live in the 'The Woods' community (ie. Pinewood, Maplewood, Wychwood and Humewood, etc) for an incredible morning of getting to KNY (Know-Your-Neighbour)! It was a beautiful way to spend a Sunday morning!

Thank you, everybody, for sharing your stories with me and for showing our entire community how to come together to help our neighbours age in place at home for as long as they can. 

Our healthcare system NEEDS investment; it needs an ideological shift (people first, not profit!), and the government needs to realize the value our elders continue to contribute to society long after their 'paid work' ends. Caring for one another is the only way forward. 

Thank you, Gila, for inviting me into your home and making me feel like part of your community! Here's to many more wonderful get-togethers in The Woods! 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD 📌

Black CAP International Overdose Awareness Day Flag-Raising

The Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP) will be hosting a flag-raising ceremony in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) at City Hall tomorrow (August 31st) at 11 AM. 

This year's theme, "Together we can" highlights the power of ourcommunity when we stand together. 

WHERE: City Hall Courtesy Flag Pole - 100 Queen St West
WHEN: 11 AM - please arrive early. The ceremony begins promptly at 11.  

Toronto Public Library Scholarship Application

River Run 2024: Walk with Grassy Narrows for Mercury Justice!

Date: September 18th, 2024

Time: 12pm

Location: Downtown Toronto, details TBD

Sign up: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

Walk with Grassy Narrows youth and community members to show that we are with them on their path to achieve mercury justice and freedom!

This is a family-friendly event. Rain or shine!

Check out FreeGrassy.net for more details as the event approaches.

Grassy Narrows people are powerful leaders in the movement for Indigenous sovereignty and environmental justice. They have shown that together we can fight for justice against all odds and make real gains. 

Grassy Narrows secured a historic no logging on their territory for the next 10 years and important promises to clean their river and build a Mercury Care Home. They have the longest-running blockade in Canadian history, which has helped foster Indigenous resistance across Turtle Island and saved 15 million trees from being cut. 

But so much is still needed to right the wrong of mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows.

In September 2024, community members and leaders will travel 1,700km from Grassy Narrows to Toronto to demand that Ontario and Canada:

1.    Compensate everyone in Grassy Narrows fairly for the mercury crisis

2.    Respect the Grassy Narrows Indigenous Protected Area (end mining and logging plans in Grassy Narrows territory)

3.    Support Grassy Narrows in restoring their community and way of life from the damage that mercury has done.

RSVP https://freegrassy.net/grassy-narrows-river-run-2024 to say that you will show up in solidarity and walk with them in their fight for justice.

Resistance & Queer Narratives at THM

Join the Toronto Holocaust Museum and LGBTQ+ at the J for an opportunity to reflect on and engage with the Toronto Holocaust Museum.

Wednesday, Sep 18, 7-9 pm.

Explore stories of resistance and queer experiences during the Holocaust. The evening will include an opportunity to process your thoughts, encouraging a personal connection to the stories encountered. Using highlighted narratives and artifacts as a foundation for self-reflection, materials will be provided to facilitate your creative expression, whether through writing, drawing, or other artistic mediums.

Click here for tickets. 

Book Launch

Come celebrate beloved author, Nadia L. Hohn's new book — and the 10th of her career! 

Her new book Getting us to Grandma's, illustrated by TeMika Grooms and published by Groundworm Books, is one for the 80s babies and will take readers on a fantastic voyage from Toronto to the Bronx. Don't miss out on this exciting launch and celebration of Nadia's career. 

Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
Where: Oakwood Village Library and Arts Centre, 341 Oakwood Avenue, just north of St. Clair Avenue

Click here to RSVP. 

Endo Expo Wellness Market

SAVE THE DATE! 

Appletree Markets & Events, the Happy Pelvis, and Endometriosis Events are bringing an Endo Expo Wellness Market to our Davisville Village community. September 17th from 3 to 7 pm, you can shop health and wellness products and support those affected by endometriosis and pelvic health issues. 

Date: Wednesday, September 17th 
Time: 3:00 to 7 pm
Location: June Rowlands Park 

Call for Artists

The Yonge + St Clair BIA is looking for local artists to help beautify the Midtown community. See their callout below:

CALL FOR ARTISTS🎨😊

Two inspirational art opportunities:

1. Help turn two mundane electrical boxes into a nature themed mural🌳… and/or
2. Turn a plain brick wall into an iconic mural embodying the local culture🎭

🗣️Apply now: Link here
📆Deadline: Sept 2, 2024

These require two separate proposals from individual artists OR a team of artists.

Free Trees

Saturday, September 21st, the Oakwood Vaughan Community Organization will be distributing free tree saplings, in large pots between 10 AM to 7 PM. 

Location: Pick-up is done locally

Pre-registration is required. Please include your name, contact information, and what type of tree(s) you would like. These trees are for private properties only, that a person has permission to plant on, and are provided by a City of Toronto Forestry Grant. 

For more information, contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

Mount Pleasant Village BIA Movies in the Park

Bring the entire family and enjoy our FREE movies in the park! Mount Pleasant Village BIA presents a different film favourite each Tuesday night starting July 30th, 2023. All shows start at dusk. Bring a chair and a blanket. The BIA will also be collecting donations for the Daily Bread Food Bank each Tuesday night. 

July 30th will start at 8:45 PM. 

Location: Manor Community Green - 196 Manor Rd East

Forest Hill Village BIA Music in Suydam Park

Forest Hill Village BIA's much-loved acoustic concert series, Music in Suydam Park is back for another season!

Concerts take place every Saturday afternoon from 1-3 pm throughout July, August and September. Weather permitting.

Click here for their full concert schedule!

James Rottman Fine Art

Check out the new exhibition at James Rottman Fine Art!

John Eric Laford: OJIBWE LEGENDS
Exhibition Dates: July 13 - September 14, 2024
Location: 830 St Clair Avenue West
Tues to Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm and/or by appointment.

Born on the West Bay of Manitoulin Island in Ontario, John Eric Laford was a celebrated Anishinaabe Canadian artist who passed away in 2021. Laford was inspired by the Ojibwe legends and stories of his elders on Manitoulin Island. Laford was the grandson of hereditary chief Dominic Migwans and Ann Commando.

In this exhibition visitors to the gallery will enjoy Laford's interpreted visions, stories and legends of his elders through the artist's dynamic and visually striking paintings. Laford used various materials including paper, birch bark, canvas, pine, cedar and pipestone as surfaces to depict his stories in paint. The artist's works are poignant studies of all creation, including the spirits, elders, animals, birds and plants.

Laford's paintings have been collected and exhibited by The Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, The Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver, British Columbia, The Canadian Museum of Civilization, Hull, Quebec, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, and several other public art museums worldwide.

SPRINT SENIOR CARE

I would like to share this appeal for volunteers from Sprint Senior Care. Volunteers are needed to:

• Deliver healthy and affordable meals to seniors
• Provide security checks
• Reduce Isolation

You will need to have a car and a valid driver's license to help, but gas reimbursements are available. To volunteer call 416-481-0669 ext. 8723 or e-mail [email protected]

LOCAL FARMERS' MARKETS

Wychwood Barns Farmers' Market

• Every Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM at the Wychwood Barns

Davisville Farmers' Market

• Every Tuesday from 3 PM to 7 PM in June Rowlands Park

The Eglinton Way Farmers' Market

• Every Sunday from 8 AM to 1 PM at 125 Burnaby Blvd. 

Afro-Caribbean Farmers' Market

• From 11 AM to 3 PM on July 7th, 21st and 28th and August 11th and 25th, and September 8th, 22nd and 29th at Reggae Lane (1531 Eglinton Ave W - Green P Parking Lot)

THE BFBG AWARDS

The Black Fashion & Beauty Gala is making its return September 29th, 2024. This year's theme is The Awakening of Black Fashion: A Journey of Resilience and Creativity. 

Click here to learn more about this year's event. 

LEARN4LIFE REGISTRATION

Learn4Life Registration Opens August 14th
 
Looking for something fun to do this fall? The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) offers a wide range of Adult General Interest and Seniors Daytime classes through the Learn4Life program. These classes provide an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, stay active, and connect with others in your community. Led by expert instructors, Learn4Life offers courses in Arts, Business, Computers, Cooking, Crafts, Dance, Finance, Fitness, Languages, Music, Sports, Sewing, and much more! Registration opens on August 14th.

Click here to learn more about. 

LEARN TO PREVENT AN OVERDOSE

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,

Dr. Jill Andrew, PhD

MPP, Toronto-St. Paul's