Community News Update - September 6, 2024
Community News Update - May 10, 2023
Dear Community,
All eyes are on Queen's Park as Ford will be forced to show his hand as Leader Marit Stiles' Private Members' Bill: Strengthening Members' Integrity Act is up for debate this evening.
Tabled last month, Stiles' Bill follows a series of events and reports of insider influence guiding Ford's legislation. From the widely-publicized stag-and-doe fiasco, to the privatization plans for Ontario Place, the Ford government has operated in ways that have - to put it lightly - raised eyebrows; especially when recent changes to land use planning aren't backed by any evidence and those benefiting are curiously close to his inside circle.
But the truth is, the effects of this legislation span far beyond the Ford government. It is a vital step in re-strengthening our province's democracy and ensuring elected officials are working for all Ontarians - not just those who can afford a seat at the table.
Learn more how this legislation will work and tune into the House to watch the debate tonight at 6PM.
With the spring sunshine well upon us, I am in awe of the abundance of gardens here in our community of St. Paul's! I'd love to share this joy with folks across the neighbourhood and celebrate your hard work stewarding a place of beauty and (sometimes) sustenance!
With that in mind, please reply to this email with a photo of your garden (from a container garden on your windowsill to a full vegetable pasture in your yard - all gardens are welcome) to have it featured in our community newsletter AND have the chance to win a small prize!
Want to give your kid a front row seat to all that goes down at Queen's Park? Well, now's your chance through the Legislative Page Program, with applications open now until June 15, 2023.
Each year, grade 7 & 8 students are selected to take part in the coveted program, acting as aides to MPPs in the chambers, while also getting to see and learn of Ontario's parliamentary process, meet members from both sides of the aisle, and make friends from all across Ontario, Having seen many students of St. Paul's take on the important role over the years, and hear the joy and lifelong memories they & their families made, I highly encourage your child's application.
Learn more of the program and how to apply here. If you have any questions, reach out via email at [email protected] or by phone at (416) 325-7457.
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.
On May 27, St. Michael & All Angels Church will be hosting their Community Buzz Day!
See below for an exciting concert put on by Wychwood Clarinet Choir!
In Solidarity,
Jill Andrew
Toronto-St. Paul's
