Dear Community,
On Sunday evening CUPE, the union representing education support workers in Ontario's schools, reached a tentative agreement with the government on wages. As a result, schools will continue to operate normally while negotiations continue.
I am disappointed that the Ford government continues to drag out this process through their resistance to providing these educational workers with the compensation that they deserve for their irreplaceable role in our schools.
I hope that this process can end with a deal that is a step in the right direction, but we're going to have to do much MUCH more to get to an education system that's really meeting the needs of our children and fairly compensating our educators. I will continue to join the other members of the official Opposition in holding this government accountable and working for real fairness for workers and students.
Yesterday was the Trans Day of Remembrance. Remembering & honouring trans lives means ensuring trans futures. I stand with the trans community EVERY day to ensure they are protected, respected, accepted and affirmed while working to break down every barrier on their path to being their truest selves.
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.
I want to take a minute to call everyone's attention to the Massey Centre Scholarship Fund, formerly Humewood House Scholarship.
Four years ago, a small group of neighbours in the Humewood/St Clair West community started a fundraising campaign to support the young parenting women of Humewood House with their post-secondary expenses.
Over the past three years of the campaign, with the generous support of the community, ten young women have received scholarships to pursue post-secondary education at accredited colleges and universities. The fundraising campaign for 2022 has now officially started and will continue until December 31, 2022.
You could contribute and follow their progress at:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-massey-centre-for-women/p2p/HCS2022/
In 2021 Humewood House merged with the Massey Centre. If you'd like to know more about the Massey Centre and the Humewood Campus, please visit: www.massey.ca
A heart-felt thank you for supporting this local initiative!
A few mentions of local businesses. Ginger cookies and hot chocolate to die for and a special shout out to Rebeca and her fantastic team at Becked Goods at 684 St. Clair Ave. W, rear entrance.
I had a wonderful time at the Clay & Glass Show at Wychwood Barns this past weekend, you can find information about many of their artists on their website.
And who can enjoy an afternoon in Hillcrest VIllage without visiting Sticky for one of their legendary buns (which are honestly large enough for two servings—never change!
We're a couple of weeks away from 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 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
