Community News Update - October 30, 2023

Dear Community,

Today, the Conservatives had the audacity to vote NO to MPP Sol Mamakwa's motion that would have recognized Indigeneity and colonialism as determinants of health across government ministries.

While Indigenous communities across the province are faced with public health and social crises, this government is showing once again just how out-of-touch they truly are. By rejecting this motion, they're sending a clear message that they don't care about making the NEEDED systemic improvements to Indigenous health care. This health crisis stems from systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, and the continuation of colonial violence embedded in our healthcare systems. It deserves an overarching and intersectional response. Despite this government's claim of "recognizing" that health outcomes for Indigenous people are lower than other Ontarians, they've shown today their unwillingness to take action.

You can read the full press release here.

Ford’s conservatives issued as many Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) to benefit just the guests at a single Ford wedding as the previous government did in 15 years! One wedding + 18 MZOs = Ford Math.

Enough of the endless corruption! The premier has a TROUBLING record of putting his friends ahead of you, Ontarians. From the Greenbelt grab to the forced urban boundary expansion to MZOs – ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Click here to read the full press release!

Our Toronto-St. Paul's community has the BEST local restaurants and stores! Outstanding lasagna (and Caesars!) at Hungry Jack's Grill with a buddy, and I picked up Dr. Barbie from Playful Minds Toys for a couple of fabulous girls in my life (okay, I admit I got for one for myself too).

Do you enjoy working with and inspiring youth? Are you passionate about building equitable STEM futures? The Canadian Association for Girls in Science (CAGIS) is recruiting volunteers for their Toronto Chapter to support their STEM programs!

CAGIS is an award-winning not-for-profit organization that supports interest in Science, Technology, Trades, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among girls and gender-diverse youth ages 7-17. CAGIS volunteers are parents, teachers, post-secondary students, STEM professionals, and other interested members of the community. They support their work by helping to plan, organize, and run their programs.

Interested? Click here to sign up!

Exhibit your art at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario!
The Youth Arts Program celebrates the incredible artistic talents of young Ontarians aged 12-18. Each year, youth from across the province are invited to display their works of art throughout the Legislative Building, showcasing their creativity and diverse artistic abilities.

Online applications are accepted from October 10th to November 8th, 2023 – apply now!

As we approach the colder months, this is a good reminder to get up-to-date on your COVID-19 boosters. The XBB 1.5 updated boosters are NOW available. I got mine last week and encourage you to join me!

Consult this page for information about where you can get vaccinated.

Join local author Catherine Little at Wychwood Barns Farmers Market Saturday, November 4th at 11 AM.

She’ll be reading her book, ENDGAME: The Secret Force 136. All proceeds from her book sales will benefit the Stop Community Food Centre.

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 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