Community News Update - October 11, 2024
Dear Community,
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in St. Paul's and beyond! I hope you are able to take a well-deserved break this weekend to celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones. I hope that you have a lot to be thankful for, and also consider how you can help those who are still struggling.
Please also take a moment to remember whose land we are on, today and every day.
'Tzom Kal' to everyone in our community who will be observing the Jewish festival of Yom Kippur tonight. I wish everyone an easy and meaningful fast on this day of atonement, and renewed hope!
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:
- Reminder: Have Your Writing Read at Queen's Park
- Social Policy Committee on Bill 121
- 1 Year Anniversary of RCMP Probe Into Ford's Greenbelt Scandal
- Tourism, Culture and Heritage Estimates
- Upcoming events and more!
REMINDER: Have your writing read at Queen's Park
I'll be back at Queen's Park in just over a week! This is a reminder that I'm inviting members of our community to submit your 90 second poetry or prose! If you're one of the fabulous folks selected, I will read your words into the legislature - giving you credit, of course. It's a great way for every MPP in Ontario to hear firsthand just how talented we are as a community and hear the issues that matter to us. And hey, just maybe some politicians who have a hard time hearing the truth may take a second listen if it's artistically presented!
Now there's a catch - your prose needs to be about one of the following topics (in no specific order):
- Housing
- Climate Justice
- Education
- Transportation
- Affordability
- Homelessness
- Workers
Or another issue that matters deeply to you that's relevant to provincial politics.
Please keep in mind it's only 90 seconds. Me and my office team will be in touch if your piece is selected to be read in the legislature. You will be invited to the legislature where you can see me present it. If you can't make it, not to fear, my office will send you a video clip of your piece going down in history!
Please send submissions to:
[email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject line: POLITICAL PROSE/POETRY @ QUEEN'S PARK!
Social Policy Committee
The Ford government continues to get healthcare WRONG. Guaranteeing that Ontarians have access to quality and accessible care is a responsibility the current government cannot continue to avoid or selfishly attempt to privatize as they disregard workers in the public health sector. We need better care for ALL, not quicker care for the few who can afford it!
Earlier this week, I attended the Social Policy Committee on Bill 121, Improving Dementia Care in Ontario Act, alongside the Alzheimer's Society Ontario (ASO). They submitted a report to the Standing Committee on Social Policy regarding Bill 121. In this report, ASO stated that more than 315,000 people in Ontario are living with dementia, a figure that they expect to triple in the next thirty years! This increase will put further strain on the approximately 175,000 caregivers who provide nearly FIVE MILLION HOURS of UNPAID care each WEEK to support people living with dementia.
Action is needed now. While the government's Bill 121 is a nod in the right direction, more work must be done. For the province to meet its goals and provide person-centred dementia care, this government must ensure nurses and PSWs are better paid and can retain their jobs within the public sector. In other words, for healthcare to work, healthcare workers NEED livable wages, full stop.
Their bill does next to nothing to raise the standards of care in this province. If the current government truly cared about delivering better public health, they would address the realities and struggles of our healthcare system—the same system they have hobbled by chronic underfunding and undercutting over the last SIX years! And we mustn't ever forget Bill 124!
Good care and better care for those living with dementia require better pay for those working in our hospitals, long-term care facilities, and in-home care. Our system cannot flourish or provide much-needed services if staff are underpaid and development remains underfunded.
Click here for highlights from committee.
1 Year Anniversary of RCMP Probe Into Ford's Greenbelt Scandal
October 10th marked the anniversary of the RCMP's probe into the Ford Government's $8.28 billion dollar Greenbelt scandal. Following up on the defunct land swap, which would have seen 7,400 acres of environmentally sensitive land bulldozed and dug up, the RCMP reportedly interviewed eight of Doug Ford's current and former top aides. As investigations continue, investigators are asking the question we all want answers to, "Where did the direction come from to remove those lands from the Greenbelt?"
Ford's involvement in the debacle, and his government's unending attempts to prioritise the interests of a handful of developers, are suggested by the fallout from the Greenbelt saga—including the stepping down of former Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark.
On average, RCMP investigations into political corruption take 1.6 years to be completed, and we hope that, as this saga wraps up, Ontarians will have the answers they deserve. The Ford government's complacency, lack of transparency, and willingness to completely ignore just processes and public inquiries cannot continue unabated.
Tourism, Culture and Gaming Estimates
The government needs to step up and fund our beloved street festivals. In 2024, the Greektown staple, Taste of the Danforth, which started in 1994, was cancelled due to funding shortages and a need for sponsorship.
Unfortunately, Taste of the Danforth is not the only festival feeling the squeeze of the Ford government's cold austerity. The longstanding Toronto Caribbean Carnival has also submitted an urgent request for additional funding, citing an increase in costs year-over-year.
I, and my colleague MPP Chris Glover, wrote a letter to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Stan Cho, this week. In it, we expressed our concern that the government was not doing enough to raise support for a renowned festival that brings in over 2.3 million visitors and generates a contribution of $480 million to Ontario's GDP.
Restaurants, bars, hotels, lodgings, retail shopping, and various sectors are directly and positively impacted by the festival's production. Ensuring this continues, guaranteeing that Caribbean culture can be celebrated, and maintaining Ontario as a summertime tourist destination requires funding from the province. The economic benefits of a healthy cultural sector are clear.
The Minister gave a non-answer. He recognized the importance of Carnival and other festivals, but refused to acknowledge the role the province can play.
Click here to read our letter to the Minister.
Days of Significance
International Day of the Girl
Today is International Day of the Girl! We must recognize and celebrate the monumental achievements of girls here in Ontario and beyond. It is our collective responsibility to speak out against unequal opportunities, violence, and discrimination that we, as women and girls, so often face. Today, I am celebrating the women and girls around the world who are boldly speaking out.
Yesterday, on the eve of International Day of the Girl, I had the pleasure of visiting students at the Linden School to speak to students about the importance of Truth and Reconciliation, STEAM, and representation in provincial politics! It was also incredible to learn from and be utterly inspired by these young girls who are breaking every gender box stereotype and doing it unapologetically! Your STEAM-inspired presentations on healthcare, education, gender-based violence, food access and nutrition, and our economy were spot on! Furthermore, your commitment to Truth & Reconciliation through your emphasis on preserving language, culture and raising awareness about the harms of residential schools was powerful.
Now more than ever, we need the provincial government to STEP UP and fund STEAM, and ensure our girls and caring adults who support them have everything they need across Ontario to feel EMPOWERED to become the leaders of tomorrow! I can't wait to see some of these young leaders building our province, governing it, taking care of those who are sick, analyzing our economy, taking care of our fur babies and so so much more!
With the right supports, the SKY WON'T be their limit!
Special thanks to principal Zahra Valani and all the wonderful teachers and staff for planning such a dynamic visit!
World Mental Health Day
Yesterday, was World Mental Health Day!
Mental health care IS health care and we must move toward including it as part of Medicare. Last year, I proposed making psychotherapy tax-free, which is an important first step towards treating mental health seriously and covering it as part of OHIP. We must also recognize that addiction is a mental health issue and stop criminalizing people who are suffering by shutting down safe consumption sites. Harm reduction and properly funded supports SAVE LIVES.
Body Confidence Awareness Week
This week is Body Confidence Week (BCAW), a time for our communities to address appearance-based discrimination as a form of gender-based violence. BCAW was created to provide an opportunity for students, educators, school staff, community stakeholders, and local organizations to gain awareness of the importance of respecting body diversity.
I hope Toronto-St. Paul's will continue to encourage conversation around body confidence and how we can best highlight the importance of positive body image, healthy relationships, and safe community environments.
JILL IN COMMUNITY
1834 Fellowship 5th Anniversary
Last Saturday I was honored to speak at Operation Black Vote Canada's 5th anniversary of their 1834 fellowship. Named in honor of the year slavery was abolished in the British Empire, the 1834 Fellowship seeks out 20 high-potential Black youth who wish to enter or increase their capacity for civic leadership roles. Now with over 100 alumni across the country, the 1834 fellowship continues brings forth Canada’s brightest minds in public policy.
Huge congratulations to cohort 5’s graduating fellows, I’m beyond excited to see all the amazing things you’ll achieve!
Special thanks to Velma Morgan and the entire 1834 foundation team for continuing to push for representation in Canadian politics and public policy!
Nuit Blanche Night Market at Wychwood Barns
Last Saturday I had a wonderful time at the BAM! Nuit Blanche Night Market at Wychwood Barns right here in Toronto-St-Paul's! The market featured over 30 local artists and I was amazed by the incredible work on display. It is so important to support local talent in our communities. Bravo all!
Humewood Community School Fall Fair
I was delighted to spend my Sunday morning at Humewood Community School Council Fall Fair! It was so great to visit with families and take in the festivities and treats. Thank you to all the parent volunteers, teachers and staff for organizing last weekend's event and creating such a fun afternoon for our community's kiddos. Your HEARTwork is seen and appreciated!
Councillor Josh Matlow's Community Fair
Last Saturday I joined community members at Oriole Park for Councillor Josh Matlow's community fair to learn more about important city services and enjoy the summer weather while it lasts! It's always great to catch up with our very social community!
For Youth Initiative - FYI
I had a wonderful time last Friday with community friends and families at For Youth Initiative - FYI, in our Oakwood Vaughan community!
Last week FYI opened their doors wide to parents from our community, seniors, and youth interested in learning how FYI regularly improves lives! It was also great to see the Community Crisis Response Program, Oakwood Vaughan Community Organization, and other community resources on display and there in support! FYI offers support to high school-aged youth in the areas of education, settlement, youth justice, employment (teens and young adults up to 29 years old), and programs and field trips! Currently, FYI is seeking youth 16-29 interested in joining their youth employment committee.
Check them out for more details, and while you’re at it, if you’re a youth who wants to talk democracy, civic engagement, and ways to navigate systemic barriers, FYI is for you too! It’s always a pleasure visiting FYI, and I can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store for the fall and winter months!
Black Action Defense Committee
Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Black Action Defense Committee (BADC) to discuss the programs and initiatives they aim to provide to our Toronto—St. Paul’s community and beyond. I grew up hearing about this organisation and its work, and it is inspiring to have them in our community!
The BADC office encapsulates the history of advocating for an end to anti-black racism and systemic racism more broadly. Just look at the pictures on the wall, the certificates awarded to the late Dudley Laws, and the names of the BADC founders on their original file rack—you may notice Sen. Paulette Senior’s name amongst them.
Many of the issues that led to the founding of BADC under the leadership of Dudley Laws still exist today, impacting the lives of BIPOC folks across the province. Future generations should be free from yesterday's hatred, and educators and healthcare workers should be supported and trained to make this a reality. The issues faced by members of our black community, be it in accessing healthcare or education, need to be addressed with a proper anti-racism strategy that recognises the intersections of racialised identities.
The government needs to take decisive action to tear down systemic racism!
Talking Matters at Meighen Manor
I was honoured to join friends at Meighen Manor to watch the play Talking Matters written by Marina Engelking and Merrill Swain and brought to life on stage by Act2studioworks Moving Scenes, an organization that brings our communities person-centred plays that promote understanding of the day-to-day lives of persons struggling with dementia, and other cognitive impairments, and their caregivers.
Hundreds of thousands of Ontarians are impacted by Dementia and Alzheimer's, and these numbers continue to grow. These are our loved ones in every one of our communities. We must ensure that our Long-Term Care Homes, hospitals, home care services are properly funded and that, as a province, we recognize the value of, and invest in, interdisciplinary health teams. We can never forget caregivers and the invaluable role that they play in supporting those with dementia and other cognitive impairments.
Thank you for having me!
COMMUNITY BULLETIN 📌
Join a Gospel Choir
There's a new community gospel choir starting up in our neighbourhood! The choir is meeting at St Clair Avenue Baptist Church on Thursday nights from 7 to 9 PM.
For more information, email [email protected].
A Matter of Justice: Climate Change in Black Communities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area
Please join Dr. Ingrid Waldron (Professor and HOPE Chair in Peace and Health, Global Peace and Social Justice Program, Faculty of Humanities, McMaster University) and her team for the screening of the new documentary A Matter of Justice: Climate Change in Black Communities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
This documentary is based on a project she is conducting to build capacity around climate change in Black communities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The project builds on the expertise and lived experiences of Black peoples to increase their awareness about the impacts of climate change on Black communities and to develop their preparedness for climate change impacts and devastation in their communities. The documentary provides a revealing look at the social, economic, political, and geographical factors that create disproportionate exposure and vulnerability of Black communities to climate devastation.
Dr. Waldron will deliver a presentation on her project findings after the screening of the documentary.
Free catered meal
Free entry
Toronto Screening
Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Time: 6-9 pm
Location: Cecil Community Centre
58 Cecil Street, Toronto
Register for Toronto Screening:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/17SyNznPe9sVmsWsZCjL4RetTI_yzzf6nS3h6kNZeYSk/viewform?edit_requested=true
Inkspire: Oakwood Drop-in Services
Join the For Youth Initiative (FYI) at 504 Oakwood Avenue for the launch of Inkspire.
Who Can Apply? This is a creative writing, journaling and visual arts club for students ages 14-18.
Learn more about FYI's programs here.
Songs for Hope - An Evening of Music and Giving, in support of Seeds of Hope
Check out Song of Hope, an evening of music and giving on October 26th at the Drake Underground at 6:30 PM in support of the Seeds of Hope Foundation.
The evening will feature:
- Sisters & Brothers - a much-loved musical trio that has over a decade of experience performing together in front of audiences across the city.
- Every Second Tuesday - Toronto's premiere Dive Bar Band, bringing classic rock of the 60s and 70s back to our collective consciousness (after all, if you can't remember the 60s, you weren't really there!)
Click here for tickets!
Seeds of Hope is a registered Toronto charity that has been making tremendous impact for over 16 years. Its initiatives have helped many to overcome homelessness and livelihood challenges.
Book Launch: Getting us to Grandma's
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.
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 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