Community News Update - October 5, 2022

Dear Community,

Tzom Kal to all those here in Toronto-St. Paul's and beyond who are celebrating Yom Kippur today, as the most significant holiday of the Jewish religion. May the fast be be easy and meaningful on this holy day of atonement.

I hope each of you is filled with the spirit this holiday brings alongside your friends, family and most loved ones as your recommitment to living with compassion and kindness through the year continues to inspire all of us to, as well.

G'mar Chatima tova – May you be sealed in the book of good life.

Read our statement with best wishes on Yom Kippur.

Today also marks World Teachers Day!

I am deeply grateful for the work of educators in Toronto-St. Paul’s and across the province for all they do for their students to build a bright future for the next generation of Ontarians. Their work is paramount to who we are and who we want to be as a province.

But really, no words of gratitude will be enough. What they need is fair wages, safe and smaller classrooms where they can give each of their students the attention they deserve, and respect for the vital work they do. This is what myself and my colleagues with the Ontario NDP stand up for each day, in the legislature and in our communities, as the Ford government leaves them at the wayside.

This was made clear this week when education workers with CUPE voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike as their request for a livable wage that simply keeps up with rates of inflation has been denied by the Premier and Minister Lecce.

While they say publicly that they're doing all they can to avoid disruptions to the school year, behind closed doors this stops short of paying education workers what they deserve and frankly, need to keep a roof over their head and food on their tables. This is not too much to ask for anyone in this province and especially not those who are so fundamental in educating, caring for, and building up Ontario's future.

Today and everyday, I stand in solidarity with Ontario educators with deep thanks for what they do. But it's long time to turn words into action that reflects this value. 

Read our statement here.

Calling all housing and consumer advocates! Tarion is seeking your input; specifically to proposed changes to the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act.

As of September 29th, the regulatory body is open for public consultation to improve their Customer Service Standard, increase the warranty compensation limit, and create a Temporary Relocation Warranty when it comes to buying a home.

Does our province ever need to see this.

Tarion, and the legislation behind it, is meant to protect people when purchasing a home but has done anything but as it puts developers miles ahead of home buyers under Ford's leadership that gives them the greenlight to do so. I know we’ve seen this impact in our own community of Toronto-St. Paul's with delays or project cancellations by developers stealing (yes, stealing) life savings from folks, along with the dream of owning a home in their lifetime.

These improvements are the bare minimum of what home buyers deserve so I encourage you to share your support for a reformed Tarion that works for who it’s supposed to.

To provide your feedback, please email Ontario’s regulatory Registry at s[email protected] before the deadline of November 14th, 2022. To learn more about the consultation process, click here.

In Solidarity, 

Jill Andrew
Toronto-St. Paul's