Dear Community,
Yesterday was Wear Purple Day in Ontario, a day to bring attention to children and youth at risk of abuse or neglect. Preventing child abuse takes a village. A village led by education workers.
Community News Update - April 19, 2024
Community News Update - October 28
This #WearPurpleDay, I am DEEPLY grateful for the work they do. Because it transcends work. It is mentorship and guidance. It is being the first point of contact aside from a parent for Ontario children and youth. It’s oftentimes being that parent. It is being a child's safe place.
There is no possible way to repay them for this but $39,000 a year doesn't come CLOSE. To turn the words we speak today into action year round means paying education workers what they are worth. Ending child abuse and neglect does not happen without them. See my statement on Wear Purple Day here https://www.facebook.com/JillAndrewTO/videos/1779653752403059/
On Wednesday I stood up to speak up on behalf of a disabled constituent in need of support. Minister Fullerton is right. Belonging and Inclusion ARE powerful words. But sadly, she and the Ford government keep them only that - words. Without any action to give them meaning and actually SUPPORT people with developmental disabilities.
Jonathan of our Toronto-St. Paul's community knows this better than anyone. The government's inaction towards him and ALL Ontarians with developmental disabilities has meant they are deprived of his HUMAN RIGHT to belonging, inclusion and community through supportive housing. This deprivation is a CHOICE.
Meanwhile, Minister Clark seems to think building MORE for-profit homes is what Jonathan needs. That that's all Ontario needs. But if he can't understand the difference between supportive, community housing that meets Jonathan's needs and housing developments where profits are put FIRST...well, he doesn't understand housing. https://www.facebook.com/JillAndrewTO/videos/801541774254794/
Next week, I’m also going to be hosting a fun community Halloween costume contest with a surprise for our winners. If you’d like to participate, send in your costume pictures to [email protected] – or you can tag my social media accounts in your posts of your costumes.
I’m at JILLSLASTWORD on Instagram and Twitter.
Shoppers and vendors alike should be aware of the upcoming Christmas Arts Market at St. Michael & All Angels church on 611 St. Clair Ave. W. It's a great place to buy one of kind arts and crafts and baked goods. If you are interested in becoming a vendor contact 416-653-3593 - [email protected].
Many of you will be carving a pumpkin for Halloween on Monday, if you're particularly proud of your design, there's a chance to show it off the next day.at the Upper Village Pumpkin Parade!
Bring your pumpkin to Ben Nobleman Park and they’ll light it up after sunset for a gorgeous pumpkin spectacle.
Come by early and enjoy kid-friendly fun and games, grab a bite in the Upper Village (Happy Hour deals 4-6pm!), and cast your vote in our Best in Show Pumpkin Awards. The event is at Ben Nobleman park from 4 to 8 pm on November 1 with associated music and entertainment nearby at the Thirsty Fox Pub and Cafe on the Hill from 4-6 pm.
The visitors gallery at Queen's Park is once again open. If you or a community group you work with would like to come listen to your MPP advocate for affordable housing, safer schools and fixing our health care then reach out to my office at [email protected] to set it up.
In Solidarity,
Jill Andrew
Toronto-St. Paul's
