Community News Update - October 16, 2023

Dear Community,

Today, your Ontario NDP put forth an opposition day motion, calling on this government to halt its harmful privatization plans of Ontario Place; a project that looks ONLY to line the pockets of Ford’s friends and donors by taking money out of yours. This follows the exact path of his Greenbelt Grab, and we’re determined to make sure it sees the same result. A complete reversal of their greed-driven decisions.

Unfortunately, today was not that day. Like clockwork, the PC government voted down our motion and in doing so, the best interests of Ontarians. But so we’ll keep fighting and with your support, keep winning too.

Add your name to make your voice count!

This morning, I stood in solidarity with the Ontario Autism Coalition, parents, children, youth, adults, and caring advocates to send a clear message: #60kIsNotOkay!

Five years after the PC government upended the Ontario Autism Program, there are still more than 50,000 kids waiting to access it. This waitlist has TRIPLED under the Ford government. This is an utter violation of human rights and basic dignity, and Ontarians deserve better. Full stop.

Thank you to the Ontarian Autism Coalition, parents, children, adults, and caring advocates for joining today to demand just that.

I invite you to echo our calls. Tell the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services to invest in EQUITABLE, NEEDS-BASED autism services for ALL children who need them by signing our petition.

The lawn of Queen’s Park was also bustling with amazing advocates over the weekend. On Saturday, I joined Endometriosis Events and their team of endowarriors, allies, and volunteers in support of their fight for comprehensive publicly funded endometriosis care here in Ontario!

Once again, I’d like to send a HUGE thank you to Tami and Leah, our very own St. Paul’s community members, for organizing this event. I will always stand with you on this.💛

You can watch highlights from the event HERE.

This morning, we welcomed the Hillcrest Community School choir to Queen’s Park. What a JOY it was!

These amazing young people graced the legislature with the national anthem, dressed in orange to also make clear that #EveryChildMatters.

I am SO proud to call these brilliant students & educators our St. Paul’s community members! THANK YOU!

Let’s take a moment to celebrate another amazing advocate from our community. This morning, I met with Barbara, a Tarion Reform advocate and a St. Paul’s community member, as well as new and potential homeowners from across Ontario. They’re here at Queen’s Park advocating that the biggest purchase in their life has REAL protections.

Thank you, Barbara, for your tireless advocacy. We will not let HCRA & Tarion fail them – OR YOU – any longer!

Icon Talent Partners is offering a fellowship opportunity for BIPOC community members! The deadline to apply is THIS Wednesday, October 18. More information can be found HERE.

I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of the woman who was killed in a collision on the corner of Davisville Avenue and Mount Pleasant this afternoon. This is a tragic loss for our community. Thank you to the first responders who came to her aid.

Over a span of four days in our city, there were seven preventable overdose deaths. Please let this be the sign you need to carry a Naloxone kit.

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