Dear Community, 

I've been in Windsor this week to meet with colleagues and gear up for the fall return of the legislature. As rumours of an early election continue to swirl, we are preparing for all possible election timelines. While Doug Ford has said publicly that he won't call a fall election, he can change his mind at any time. After all, he's known for walking back on his decisions...

I've spent the summer in our wonderful community hearing from you about the issues that affect you deeply here in St. Paul's. From our St. Paul's to Sault Ste. Marie and every in between, Ontarians want a government that works for them to address the urgent challenges of the day. From affordable housing, healthcare, education, the climate crisis, and more, we want to bring forward real solutions that put people first and make things a little easier for us and our families. 

We need change in Ontario and we won't stop fighting for better for every single person in this province. If Doug Ford thinks he can exploit this moment and call a snap election—and get ahead of an active RCMP investigation—I say bring it on! We will be ready. 

I've included more updates from our caucus retreat further in today's newsletter. Read on for more!

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: 

• Jagmeet Singh tears up Supply and Confidence Agreement
• City engineers said "NO immediate hazards" at Science Centre
• Ford claws back childcare funding 
• More updates from caucus retreat
• Convenience Week 2024
• Ashkenaz Festival
• More events and updates

Federal NDP Tears Up Confidence & Supply Agreement

Earlier this week, Jagmeet Singh officially ended the Federal NDP's Supply and Confidence Agreement with the Liberals. This agreement served Canadians well. It allowed the federal NDP to push through policies that have made life easier for millions of Canadians. It led to massive wins, including a national dental care program for millions without coverage, ten paid sick days for federally regulated workplaces, anti-scab legislation, and the beginnings of a national pharmacare program and school lunch program. We've heard firsthand how these programs have improved the lives of community members right here in St. Paul's.

This is an incredible achievement for a party not in government! However, it's time for change. With this announcement, the NDP is sending a clear message that we need to see strong progressive changes over the next year ahead. While this doesn't mean we're going to call a federal election right away, it does put the liberals in a position where they will need to hear our voices for this government's mandate to continue. 

Click here to read more. 

No Immediate Hazards at the Ontario Science Centre

Earlier this week, documents uncovered through FOI request revealed that city staffers sent to investigate the Ontario Science Centre found "no immediate hazards" on the premises. Community, this proves what we suspected all along — the urgent closure of the Ontario Science Centre back in June was totally unnecessary. 

As a result, workers have lost jobs, young learners have missed out on valuable summer programming, and our neighbours in Flemingdon and Thorncliffe Parks have been forced to go without this beloved site in the heart of their community. 

Doug Ford has deceived Ontarians yet again. It's time he listen to the calls of every day people, make the necessary repairs, and open the Science Centre back up so it can be enjoyed for generations to come. 

Read more here.

Ford Claws Back Childcare Funding

As many children returned to school and daycare this week, Doug Ford announced a heinous attack on our childcare system. Instead of adding funding to a system that so desperately needs it, Ford announced plans to take it away from public childcare facilities that are not signed on to the $10-a-day program. He also announced a $ 2-an-hour pay cut for workers at these facilities. 

Families across Ontario deserve access to affordable childcare spaces and workers deserve fair wages for fair work. The wait lists for childcare have exploded across the province as affordable spaces become harder and harder to find. Instead of playing games with childcare funding, which is already severely underfunded, he should be making deep investments into this sector to ensure stability for workers and families. 

This is not the back-to-school announcement Ontarians deserve. We need MORE support, not less for childcare workers and our kids. It's as simple as that. 

Click here to read more. 

Caucus Retreat

It was an honour to meet with Chief Mary Duckworth of the Caldwell First Nation and Larry Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit during our caucus retreat in Windsor. After many years of dispossession of their land, the Caldwell First Nation was able to finally return to their land this summer. 

In the words of Chief Mary Duckworth: "On Truth & Reconciliation: the Trust has been told, now we need action for reconciliation."

We also heard from Jackie Taylor and Rob Halpin of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) and met with leaders from across the Labour movement. Great to see our friends from Unifor pictured below! Jackie delivered a powerful speech and gave a strong reminder that equity must be at the heart of all our work and advocacy on behalf of Ontarians — none of us have 'made it' until all of us have made it, and what works for some may not work for all. As elected officials, we must recognize what equity means and reflect on ways to keep it front of mind in our planning and community engagement. When we keep equity at the forefront of everything we do, everyone wins. 

During our sessions this week, we had the opportunity, as MPPs, to share (and remind ourselves) what brought us to politics and our connections to labour. As many of you may know, it was education that brought me to politics. As a child and youth worker, as a teacher, and as a human rights and equity advisor, I was always invested in making things better for our kids and the caring adults who support them day in and day out.

I have endless respect and gratitude for all of our hard-working teachers, education workers (shout out CUPE 4400!), and school staff who show up every day in less-than-ideal working conditions. They deserve better from their government.

It was so special to hear from my colleagues and learn what motivates them.

Getting to witness MPP Lisa Gretzky's nomination was very special too - thank you, MPP Gretzky, for hosting us in your beautiful riding!

Lastly, it was also wonderful to hear from Laurie Antonin, the Campaign Lead at the Canadian Labour Congress. Laurie just returned from the Democratic National Convention, where she helped support volunteers and digital engagement for the Kamala Harris campaign. She shared lessons from her experience and advised us on how to better engage our communities. Laurie is an absolute powerhouse and I am so grateful to have learned from her wisdom! 

JILL IN COMMUNITY

Convenience Week 2024

Over the weekend, I was back in community to recognize more of the amazing local convenience stores here in St. Paul's as part of Convenience Week 2024. It was wonderful to meet with staff and owners alike and see firsthand why the folks in our St. Paul's community nominated them. 

Our convenience store workers are there for us when we need them, and they keep their shelves stocked with essentials and memorable childhood treats. So, if you are in the area, be sure to stop by and say hi to one of the many people who make our community so welcoming!

The Stop's Wychwood Barns

I had the opportunity to stop by what is a staple in our community: the Stop’s Farmers Market at Wychwood Barns. Seeing how our diverse community comes together to build these spaces is always a pleasure. Our unique blend of cultures, arts, and traditions is what makes our community in St. Paul’s so special. 

While walking through the market, I spoke with local vendors, constituents and volunteers, who shared with me the wonders of their summers and their concerns about education funding and early childcare affordability being the most prominent.  

One such memorable conversation I had was with the volunteers at the Learn4Life tent, who spoke about the importance of continued learning and the development of transferable skills. Be sure to visit Learn4Life.ca (TDSB) Toronto to find out more about adult learning, AND if you’re an instructor, they may be looking for YOU!

Ashkenaz Festival

I had an incredible night at the Ashkenaz Fest at the Harbour Front Centre last weekend! It was wonderful to see members of our St. Paul’s Jewish community and many others coming together to celebrate hundreds of artists from “across the globe and around the corner.” 

It was my FIRST time at the festival, which, in the organisers’ words, “strives for a programming balance between East European roots and non-Ashkenazic aspects of Jewish cultural identity...” And they succeeded in bringing this international diversity to the stage and beyond. I had a wonderful time listening to Josh Dolgin, also known as "Socalled," and visiting with some of the incredible business owners at the festival.

I hope many of you in our Toronto—St. Paul’s community were able to attend!

COMMUNITY BULLETIN 📌

Community March Against Gun Violence

Join us as we march against gun violence in honour of the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Homicide and in support of victims and families of gun violence. This includes Louis March (pictured below) the founder of the Zero Gun Violence Movement. 

See you there! 

When: Saturday, September 28th, 2024
Time: Gather at 2:00 PM 
Where: Nathan Phillips Square 
Destination: Queen's Park

Harm Reduction Town Hall

Join Unison Health and Community Services to discuss the importance of harm reduction services and supports, the role of outreach teams, overdose response and fatal-overdose prevention, and how we, as a community, can come together. 

When: Tuesday, September 17, 2024 
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 
Where: Oakwood Village Library, 341 Oakwood Avenue

TPL Scholarship Application

Grassy Narrows River Run Rally

River Run 2024: Walk with Grassy Narrows for Mercury Justice!

Date: September 18th, 2024

Time: 12pm

Location: Downtown Toronto, details TBD

Sign up: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

Walk with Grassy Narrows youth and community members to show that we are with them on their path to achieve mercury justice and freedom!

This is a family-friendly event. Rain or shine!

Check out FreeGrassy.net for more details as the event approaches.

Grassy Narrows people are powerful leaders in the movement for Indigenous sovereignty and environmental justice. They have shown that together we can fight for justice against all odds and make real gains. 

Grassy Narrows secured a historic no logging on their territory for the next 10 years and important promises to clean their river and build a Mercury Care Home. They have the longest-running blockade in Canadian history, which has helped foster Indigenous resistance across Turtle Island and saved 15 million trees from being cut. 

But so much is still needed to right the wrong of mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows.

In September 2024, community members and leaders will travel 1,700km from Grassy Narrows to Toronto to demand that Ontario and Canada:

1.    Compensate everyone in Grassy Narrows fairly for the mercury crisis

2.    Respect the Grassy Narrows Indigenous Protected Area (end mining and logging plans in Grassy Narrows territory)

3.    Support Grassy Narrows in restoring their community and way of life from the damage that mercury has done.

RSVP https://freegrassy.net/grassy-narrows-river-run-2024 to say that you will show up in solidarity and walk with them in their fight for justice.

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. 

Book Launch: Anne of the Library-on-the-Hill

Join our community in celebrating beloved author Catherine Little for an upcoming reading of her new book Anne of the Library-on-the-Hill at the Wychwood Library. The picture book is a celebration of Anne of Green Gables and the contributions of author Lucy Maud Montgomery.

Date: Thursday September 26th, 2024 
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Where: Wychwood Library, 1431 Bathurst Street Toronto ON, M5R 3J2 

Resilience and Queer Narratives at the THM

Join the Toronto Holocaust Museum and LGBTQ+ at the J for an opportunity to reflect on and engage with the Toronto Holocaust Museum.

Wednesday, Sep 18, 7-9 pm.

Explore stories of resilience and queer experiences during the Holocaust. The evening will include an opportunity to process your thoughts, encouraging a personal connection to the stories encountered. Using highlighted narratives and artifacts as a foundation for self-reflection, materials will be provided to facilitate your creative expression, whether through writing, drawing, or other artistic mediums.

Click here for tickets. 

Endo Expo Wellness Market

SAVE THE DATE! 

Appletree Markets & Events, the Happy Pelvis, and Endometriosis Events are bringing an Endo Expo Wellness Market to our Davisville Village community. September 17th from 3 to 7 pm, you can shop health and wellness products and support those affected by endometriosis and pelvic health issues. 

Date: Wednesday, September 17th 
Time: 3:00 to 7 pm
Location: June Rowlands Park 

Free Trees

Saturday, September 21st, the Oakwood Vaughan Community Organization will be distributing free tree saplings, in large pots between 10 AM to 7 PM. 

Location: Pick-up is done locally

Pre-registration is required. Please include your name, contact information, and what type of tree(s) you would like. These trees are for private properties only, that a person has permission to plant on, and are provided by a City of Toronto Forestry Grant. 

For more information, contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

Mount Pleasant Village BIA Movie Night in the Park

Bring the entire family and enjoy our FREE movies in the park! Mount Pleasant Village BIA presents a different film favourite each Tuesday night starting July 30th, 2023. All shows start at dusk. Bring a chair and a blanket. The BIA will also be collecting donations for the Daily Bread Food Bank each Tuesday night. 

July 30th will start at 8:45 PM. 

Location: Manor Community Green - 196 Manor Rd East

Forest Hill Village BIA Music in Suydam Park

Forest Hill Village BIA's much-loved acoustic concert series, Music in Suydam Park is back for another season!

Concerts take place every Saturday afternoon from 1-3 pm throughout July, August and September. Weather permitting.

Click here for their full concert schedule!

James Rottman Fine Art Exhibition

Check out the new exhibition at James Rottman Fine Art!

John Eric Laford: OJIBWE LEGENDS
Exhibition Dates: July 13 - September 14, 2024
Location: 830 St Clair Avenue West
Tues to Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm and/or by appointment.

Born on the West Bay of Manitoulin Island in Ontario, John Eric Laford was a celebrated Anishinaabe Canadian artist who passed away in 2021. Laford was inspired by the Ojibwe legends and stories of his elders on Manitoulin Island. Laford was the grandson of hereditary chief Dominic Migwans and Ann Commando.

In this exhibition visitors to the gallery will enjoy Laford's interpreted visions, stories and legends of his elders through the artist's dynamic and visually striking paintings. Laford used various materials including paper, birch bark, canvas, pine, cedar and pipestone as surfaces to depict his stories in paint. The artist's works are poignant studies of all creation, including the spirits, elders, animals, birds and plants.

Laford's paintings have been collected and exhibited by The Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, The Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver, British Columbia, The Canadian Museum of Civilization, Hull, Quebec, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, and several other public art museums worldwide.

Sprint Senior Care

I would like to share this appeal for volunteers from Sprint Senior Care. Volunteers are needed to:

• Deliver healthy and affordable meals to seniors
• Provide security checks
• Reduce Isolation

You will need to have a car and a valid driver's license to help, but gas reimbursements are available. To volunteer call 416-481-0669 ext. 8723 or e-mail [email protected]

Local Farmers' Market

Wychwood Barns Farmers' Market

• Every Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM at the Wychwood Barns

Davisville Farmers' Market

• Every Tuesday from 3 PM to 7 PM in June Rowlands Park

The Eglinton Way Farmers' Market

• Every Sunday from 8 AM to 1 PM at 125 Burnaby Blvd. 

Afro-Caribbean Farmers' Market

• From 11 AM to 3 PM on July 7th, 21st and 28th and August 11th and 25th, and September 8th, 22nd and 29th at Reggae Lane (1531 Eglinton Ave W - Green P Parking Lot)

The BFBG Awards

The Black Fashion & Beauty Gala is making its return September 29th, 2024. This year's theme is The Awakening of Black Fashion: A Journey of Resilience and Creativity. 

Click here to learn more about this year's event. 

Learn4Life

Learn4Life Registration Opens August 14th
 
Looking for something fun to do this fall? The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) offers a wide range of Adult General Interest and Seniors Daytime classes through the Learn4Life program. These classes provide an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, stay active, and connect with others in your community. Led by expert instructors, Learn4Life offers courses in Arts, Business, Computers, Cooking, Crafts, Dance, Finance, Fitness, Languages, Music, Sports, Sewing, and much more! Registration opens on August 14th.

Click here to learn more about. 

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 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