Dear Community,
Our health care system needs to work better for everyone, but there are some folks that have always struggled to get essential care.
On Thursday, I was I was proud to stand with my fellow MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam as a co-sponsor to their Gender Affirming Healthcare Act, which would ensure all trans, non-binary & gender-diverse Ontarians have access to the affirming, LIFE-SAVING healthcare they need & deserve.
We were joined by Kristie Kennedy, a Toronto—St. Paul's community member and parent of a trans child. She commented: "We tell children they can be anything. So let’s let them be themselves.”
Thank you to Kristie and my colleagues of the Ontario NDP's Queer Caucus, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, allies, parents & medical professionals for joining us to speak to the IMPORTANCE of this Bill.
More about this motion here.
The National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED) is announcing the launch of their National Youth Council. This council will connect youth across Canada, to provide the youth perspective for initiatives implemented by the NIED board and empower youth to be catalysts for change.
They are recruiting volunteers age 12-24 from across Canada. This council will be responsible for identifying advocacy needs/policy issues, consulting on projects, content creation, writing blogs, and presenting at schools. They are looking to recruit 2 representatives from Ontario and Quebec.
If you are interested then reach out to the NIED or fill out their application form.
The Silayan Community Centre is sponsoring a Christmas card making workshop and food drive on November 26th. Bring your own supplies or use those provided to learn how to make handwritten holiday cards. They will also be collecting donations for a food drive.
Inspirations Studios is hosting an Art Market at the AGO tomorrow from 12 to 5 PM. They are collaborating with groups offering accessible art programming in communities across Toronto.
Closer to home, several of Inspirations Studios artists will be participating in the Christmas Arts Market at St. Michael & All Angels (611 St. Clair Ave. W) on Saturday, December 3 from 10 AM to 3 PM. Come on down for one-of-a-kind gifts artwork and baked goods.
Once again this year, Toronto Cares Initiatives will be hosting a Clothing & More Drive to support their Toy Deliveries to children in need. They had over 700 children registered within 24 hours of the list opening, so they need your help more than ever!
Clothing & More Pick-up Registration: www.toronto-cares.ca/annual-clothing-drive
Toy Registration WAITLIST & Donations: www.toronto-cares.ca/christmas-2022
A reminder that the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto will be hosting a LGBTQ+ event, "Reimagining Traditions with Chef Liz Alpern" on Monday, November 21. See here to register!
CUPE will be continuing negotiations through the weekend to come to an agreement on a fair contract and try to avoid closing schools. CUPE education workers play key roles in supporting all children, assisting children with accessibility needs to participate in the classroom, and keeping our children safe and protected. Simply put, these workers make our schools work.
Because of the government’s low wage policy and refusal to invest in our education system there has long been a shortage of these critical workers. Not all children who need an education assistant get one and many of them have to share. There are shortages in custodial staff being filled by teachers and principals or by cleaning schools every other day. There are libraries shuttered due to lack of library workers.
The government has to come to the table with a deal that allows these workers to continue to do the important work they do every day to support our kids and keep our public education system running.
I would like to invite any concerned constituents to join me and NDP leader Peter Tabuns at a rally in support of CUPE workers tomorrow at Yonge-Dundas Square.
A friendly reminder and invitation that Queen's Park is open to visitors! If you or an organization you work with would like to come watch your MPP advocate for people and planet, please email us as [email protected] to set up a visit - I'd love to meet you!
In Solidarity,
Jill Andrew
Toronto-St. Paul's
