We have all seen the ads for the new Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent. Many of us have even watched the first few episodes. But what if I told you there is a new series in town? It is just as gripping and shocking but even more upsetting because it is unfolding in front of us in real time. Introducing: Law & Order Queen’s Park: Greenbelt FOI This video is hilarious and was a lot of fun to put together, but the subject matter is serious. Our Premier is under criminal investigation by the RCMP. Ministers and senior staff went to great lengths to conceal their work, using code words like G*, deleting correspondence, and using personal email addresses to conduct government business. The only reason that we know as much as we do about this corruption scandal is because of the hard work of the Ontario NDP and outside advocates filing Freedom of Information requests to uncover the truth. The NDP’s most recent FOI yielded 3,776 pages of documents from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, many bearing code words and acronyms clearly meant to conceal the actual topic of conversation. I will never stop pushing for the truth. There must be consequences for those who tried to trade away our precious Greenbelt and further enrich their wealthy friends. In sad local news, two people were killed and three others injured this week by Arnold and Dundas St. E. The violence seems to have erupted within one family, with a young man allegedly killing his father and brother and wounding his mother. This is devastating. My thoughts go out to all those feeling fresh loss and to those reliving the trauma of past events. Amid this tragedy, I am also in awe of neighbour Hani Afrah, who bravely ran into the house where the violence began after the injured mother called for help for her toddler, who remained in the house. Hani Afrah took brave steps to ensure that the child was safe. When events like this happen, it is natural to feel scared. I hope that we can all carry that fear and sadness in the community alongside the knowledge that so much work has been done to create peace in Regent Park and beyond. That work is ongoing and full of hope. If you are looking for ways to get involved, I would encourage you to reach out to Regent Park Mothers of Peace, Regent Park Shoot for Peace, and the Regent Park Social Development Plan Committees. So much incredible work is already happening in the community, and there’s always more to do. As your provincial representative and the Critic for the Attorney General I am leading the calls for real bail reform. Bail should be compassionate, while also ensuring that the 15-30 most dangerous people who are caught and released regularly finally encounter a bail system that holds them accountable. The bail system in Ontario should not let people who pose an active threat back to the streets where they hurt people. I helped write the committee report on the modernization of the bail system in Ontario, which you can read here. I know it is just a report, but it is the first step the government is taking before bringing forward new legislation with concrete changes to the bail system. I have been working alongside frontline workers, families, and justice experts to develop real proposals to fix Ontario's justice system. I will let you know when these plans are ready soon through this newsletter.
I know that many of you are as concerned about the ongoing war on Gaza as I am. I am incredibly proud of the strong and principled stance that the NDP has taken since the beginning of the conflict. On Monday, the NDP's motion to combat the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will be put to a vote. We need this motion to pass to push the Liberal government to action. I encourage everyone to reach out to Justin Trudeau and request that he and his MPs support the motion. I also want to wish a happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone celebrating. It is an honour to serve you,
Kristyn Wong-Tam MPP, Toronto Centre
The Toronto Centre Federal NDP is gearing up for the next federal election since it could be right around the corner. The first step is nominating a candidate to run under the NDP banner. Two prospective candidates have put their names forward for the upcoming nomination race. Voting to select a candidate will take place at the upcoming nomination meeting, the details of which will be shared soon. All Toronto Centre residents who signed up to be members of the NDP at least 45 days before the nomination meeting are eligible to vote. If you want to become a member, you can do so by clicking here. If you are not sure if you are a member or if your membership is still active, you can reach out to [email protected], and they will check for you. This year, we have two prospective candidates: Brian Chang and Samantha Green. Both of these incredible people have websites where you can learn about their priorities, and community involvement, and get a sense of them as people. I encourage you to check them out: Click HERE to visit Brian Chang’s website
Being an activist and caregiver is hard work and can be emotionally all-consuming. I know this firsthand. This is why I am eager to share 52 Weeks to a Sweeter Life, a new book released by award-winning author and psychotherapist Farzana Doctor. 52 Weeks to a Sweeter Life is a practical workbook that explores self-care from an inside-out and collective approach. This book is for anyone who works with people or causes and who has struggled with burnout, vicarious trauma and finding balance. Limited tickets are available for the Toronto launch of this important book on March 21. Farzana will be in conversation with Judy Rebick at Caversham Booksellers, and I guarantee you will learn something new about self and community care. To get your free event ticket, please register here.
Ontario is in a family doctor crisis. In 2022, 2.3 million Ontarians did not have a family doctor, a number that is projected to grow to 4.4 million by 2026 if nothing is done. Currently, family doctors in Ontario spend as many as 19 hours per week —40 percent of their time—following up with patients, filling out forms and performing other administrative work that could be done by administrative staff and other interdisciplinary health staff. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can free up doctors’ time by getting them access to an integrated primary care team to take this administrative work off of their plate. This change would be equivalent to adding 2,000 doctors to the system. The current family doctor shortage not only puts Ontarians' health at risk, but it’s also putting tremendous strain on our already-overburdened emergency rooms. This is a smart, simple solution to fix the massive patient backlog and get people the care they need today. We have been hearing horrific stories from Ontarians who are trying to find a family doctor, including this shocking story from an Ottawa patient who was charged $110 for routine cancer screening because the screening was done by a nurse practitioner instead of a doctor, something that was not well communicated by the clinic she went to. I, along with the Ontario NDP caucus, are calling upon this government to hire more administrative and interdisciplinary health staff so that doctors can spend more of their precious time providing much-needed care to their patients. NDP Leader Marit Stiles tabled this solution in the legislature last week and will force a vote on Monday. I will update you on the result in next week’s newsletter.
This week my staff and I held our annual Staff Retreat, where we set goals and created plans for the year to come. It was wonderful to reflect on the work we have done over the past year, celebrating our wins and reflecting on areas where we can improve. In 2024, we are excited to host community events that bring people together, champion your legislative priorities, and continue providing the constituency services that you depend upon.
This week, the Toronto Star published this excellent article, “Rent controls work: They don’t reduce housing supply, but they do limit profit”. The article argues that bringing back rent control for all units in Ontario, not just those occupied before 2018, would be better for the market as a whole and prevent rent gouging. This is something that affordable housing advocates have known for years. The Ontario NDP has been advocating for not only the return of full rent control since the policy was enacted but also for “real rent control,” sometimes called vacancy de-control, to become law in Ontario. Real rent control would mean that a unit’s monthly rent would have to follow the annual guideline rent increase even if a tenant moved out and the unit was re-rented by a new tenant. Currently, in Ontario, when a tenant moves out, the landlord can raise the rent as much as they want. While I encourage you to read the whole article, I want to share some of my favourite quotes: “In recent years, new studies have demonstrated that rent controls work. They stabilize rent increases without negative effects. Provincial governments could put an end to skyrocketing rents right now — if they were really interested in doing so.” “In 2020, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) analyzed the impact of rent controls on construction. The study compared Canadian cities with and without rent controls. Since the CMHC has a wealth of data, it used a time series going all the way back to 1971 — almost 50 years of data at the time. The key finding of the study was that “There was no significant evidence that rental starts were lower in rent control markets than in no rent control markets.” “Between 2022 and 2023, landlords in Ontario increased rents in vacant units by an average of 36%. Bringing back controls on vacant units would prevent abusive increases. It would also remove the financial incentive for evictions and other tactics used to displace tenants.”
Sherbourne Health Centre is hosting a Trans and Non-Binary Career Fair! When: March 21, 2024, 1 PM to 4 PM Where: Sherbourne Health Centre, 333 Sherbourne Street. This event aims to provide opportunities for Sherbourne Health's trans and non-binary service users and community members to connect with prospective employers committed to diversity and inclusion. These employers have attended a presentation on creating supportive work environments for trans and non-binary employees.
The Cabbagetown BIA is looking for a new Marketing & Events Coordinator! This team member works as part of a close-knit team to assist in the implementation of marketing strategies and coordinate promotional activities, including activations and events such as The Cabbagetown Festival. Assists with connecting people, businesses, and public spaces, collaborating with partners to acquire and retain a vibrant mix of retail, and attracting more people to the area. This is a part-time, contract position running from April 15 - December 20, 2024. Applicants will ideally be between the ages of 15-30 years old, as funding for this position comes from the Canada Summer Jobs Program See the full posting here.
A six-week virtual group program led by mental health counsellors, this group explores mindfulness as a practice for managing difficult emotions, as well as cultivating greater self-compassion and self-care. Learn more here. Who: Participants who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour Next Sessions: Tuesdays from 1:30 – 2:30 PM Program starts on March 26 Registration required. Call Gouri (647-299-1464) or Dyshni (437-324-9514)
Since 2011, Jamii has been fostering connections among Esplanadians, a diverse community of individuals spanning all ages who reside, work, study, and walk on The Esplanade. Through immersive artistic experiences, we breathe life into public spaces within The Esplanade neighbourhood and our home, The Jamii Hub, crafting whimsical environments that not only cultivate shared memories among our community members but also strengthen the social bonds woven throughout our neighbourhood's fabric. Jamii has exciting events focusing on art, movement, learning and community building happening every day of the week! Click here to learn more.
Arts at the Market celebrates the unique talents of local artisans who offer high-quality handmade goods for sale at the St. Lawrence Market. These artisans will fill the outdoor spaces of the Market with fresh, new, lively, and creative energy from April through October, animating and adding vivacity to the Complex. Are you an artist, craftsperson, or designer? Do you want to sell your high-quality handmade goods at one of the world’s top markets? If so, we’d love for you to be part of Arts at the Market! Apply by April 1 for early admission to the 2024 program. Applications and details available here.
You’re invited to view the future of the transformed St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts! The design team of Hariri Pontarini Architects and LMN Architects with Smoke Architecture and Tawaw Architecture Collective will present their inspired design concepts for STLC to become a multi-faceted performing arts destination. This bold reimagining includes two state-of-the-art performance halls along with creative spaces and studios, rehearsal rooms, and informal gathering areas. The team will demonstrate how the building extends an open embrace to the city to create an energized arts corridor and a new pulsing heart in downtown Toronto. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback. For those unable to attend in person, we invite you to join us via livestream at stlcnext.org. The livestream link will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting on March 26. Tuesday, March 26, 2024 6 pm – 8 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm) St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front St. E.
Announcing the Cabbagetown Cares Fundraiser! From March 1 to March 30, 2024, The Cabbagetown BIA is teaming up with Dixon Hall and Saint Luke's United Church to support our neighbours. As food insecurity continues to rise in Cabbagetown, St James Town, and Regent Park, it's more important than ever to lend a helping hand. That's where YOU come in! Simply shop at any of the 14 participating businesses throughout March, where a portion of proceeds from select items will be donated to the fundraiser. All donated proceeds will be split between the Dixon Hall and St Luke's Church meals programs. It's that easy! Click here for the full list of business offers.
The Cabbagetown Festival is one of Toronto’s longest-running and most beloved street festivals, and this year it will be returning, bigger than ever! They are inviting over 75,000 locals and visitors across the GTA to enjoy a family-friendly, entertainment-packed weekend, including live music performances, fantastic food, Kid’s Zone, and over 200 unique vendors from Cabbagetown and beyond! The Cabbagetown Festival is celebrating its 45th year - After returning with a bang last year, The Festival is primed to become one of the most-anticipated events in Toronto! Starting at $230 for the lowest vendor level for two days, they invite business owners to apply to join them as a vendor as we celebrate this milestone. Dates: September 7 and 8 Location: Parliament Street and Carlton Street, Cabbagetown, Toronto Apply and pay by May 31 to take advantage of this early-bird pricing! Prices go up June 1, as long as space remains available! CabbagetownTO.com @CabbagetownBIA
BLUEPRINT asks: “Who gets to be beautiful?” This exhibit runs March 2-31, 2024 at 420 Queen Street East BLUEPRINT is a collection of mixed media collages created by Zandra Jack, a Toronto-based digital artist who works under the pseudonym, UNKWNZJ. With a passion for altering geometric and curvilinear forms, UNKWNZJ’s work is a unique departure from more traditional modes of portraiture that lean on being as naturalistic to the human form as possible. Her subjects often don enlarged facial features and intensely darkened skin, aspects that she further amplifies with her use of bold color and intricate patterns. UNKWNZJ’s distinct creations exist as a disruption to the prevailing standards of beauty. BLUEPRINT challenges the status quo by paying homage to the unconventional; the features of black beauty that are undervalued yet paradoxically commodified in society. We would also like to extend a warm invite to audiences to take part in an in-person, interactive workshop that will be led by UNKWNZJ: Through hands-on activities and guided instruction, participants will create mixed media artworks by experimenting with various materials and collaging techniques to bring forth their own artistic visions. This event is free of charge, but space is limited. Please RSVP here.
FoSTRA (Federation of South Toronto Residents Associations) warmly invites you to the next in a series of free educational events on the theme of Housing for All, which will be held: Thursday, 21 March 2024, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM Franz Hartmann, Coordinator for the Alliance for a Liveable Ontario, presents “A Blueprint for Solving the Housing Crisis in Ontario.” Check out more details below and in the attachment. Click here to register to attend and ask a question of Franz Hartmann before the webinar.
After the Regent Park Cafe launch, they are now open and operational every Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM. If you are near Daniels Spectrum at 585 Dundas St. East, pop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
GOOD TO BE GOOD is pleased to announce a fifth cohort for the Change Make-Her program! This FREE interactive virtual program is for women and gender-diverse folks* interested in developing their entrepreneurship and leadership skills through mentorship-based training workshops, community building, peer support, resource-sharing, and other opportunities. The program is a unique development opportunity explicitly created to extend the capacity of new and early entrepreneurs through a low-barrier, inclusive, and compassionate approach. Entrepreneurship is challenging to navigate—layering being a woman or gender-diverse with intersecting identities adds another path to navigate. We believe that entrepreneurism can be a meaningful pathway to confidence, community, and independence for women and gender-diverse people facing multiple barriers. Applications are now OPEN for the Change Make-Her program! To register, email Arezoo Najibzadeh at [email protected] or sign up here. Please note that applications close Sunday, March 17.
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May 3, 2024 Newsletter
Dear Sasha, Spring has sprung! After a very rainy April, it fills me with joy to see flowers blooming, trees thriving, and people heading outside all over Toronto Centre to enjoy the beautiful sunshine. This weekend will be a busy one in the riding, and I can’t wait to see everyone out and about! On Saturday, the Toronto Centre NDP is hosting their Federal Nomination Meeting, where we will choose who will run for the NDP in the next federal election. We have two incredible candidates, Brian Chang and Samantha Green. Any riding would be lucky to have either of these high-quality candidates running for them, so we in Toronto Centre have an important choice to make! If you are a member in good standing of the NDP and live in Toronto Centre, you can vote in the nomination! You may confirm your membership status by emailing [email protected]. Please know that you must have signed up as a member 45 days before May 4, 2024 to be eligible to vote. Voting in the nominations process is a fantastic way to participate in your local democracy and it is one of the few times where your vote holds the most direct power. If you are not an NDP member in Toronto Centre, you are still welcome to attend as an observer. The nomination meeting will be held in the afternoon of Saturday, May 4th, in the gymnasium at Winchester Junior & Senior Public School, located at 15 Prospect Street (near Parliament & Ontario Street). Registration begins at 1 PM and closes at 2 PM sharp. Make sure you are registered before 2 PM to ensure that you receive your ballot and are able to vote. Please note, you will not be able to vote, if you are not in line to register by 1:59PM. Sunday will be another fun and busy day! The Toronto Marathon is happening in the morning and it travels along the perimeter of Toronto Centre along Yonge Street, Rosedale Valley Road, Bayview Avenue, and Front Street. I wish all of the runners a safe and fun race. On days when Toronto is hosting big sporting events including charity runs and marathons, the regular commute can be more complex. I encourage you to plan ahead, check TTC notices, give yourself extra time, and use these interactive maps to understand which roads will be closed. The annual Forsythia Festival will also be held on Sunday, and I can’t wait. I will be joining hundreds of families from the Cabbagetown community, wearing yellow, to welcome spring and celebrate the blooming of the forsythia. Come out and join me in the festivities with our soon-to-be elected new federal candidate. Be there to congratulate them in their first official function as the NDP flagbearer when the federal election is called. The Forsythia Festival Parade will start at the corner of Sumach and Winchester Street at 10:30 AM (please be at the corner by 10:15 AM wearing something yellow). After the parade, join us at Wellesley Park from 11 AM to 3 PM. This annual neighbourhood celebration will include fun activities, a bouncy castle, a magician, a beer garden and more. See you there!
May is Jewish Heritage Month! Across Toronto, the Jewish community has made invaluable contributions to the cultural tapestry of our city, from the bustling streets of Kensington Market to the historic synagogues dotting our neighbourhoods. Jewish heritage and history are woven into the very fabric of our province. Despite the strides we've taken, antisemitism remains an issue we must all work together to address. Let's come together to honour Jewish Heritage Month and redouble our efforts to safeguard the well-being of every member of our community by eliminating hatred in all its forms. Yom HaShoah or Holocaust Remembrance Day begins on Sunday, May 5 and ends at nightfall Monday, May 6. It is a day of commemoration for the six million Jewish people and five million others who perished in the Holocaust due Nazi persecution. The horrible consequences of the Holocaust are not just stories of the past but lessons for today and the future. To say, “Never again, never forget” is an act of love and resistance. Love for all human life and human rights — resistance against all tyranny and the destruction of others. Putting the lessons of the Holocaust into action means we rise against discrimination, violence and hate in all its forms, especially and including antisemitism.
The month of May is also Asian Heritage Month, a great opportunity to recognize the many contributions of the diverse Asian community in Ontario and Canada. Asians have faced multiple hardships in Canadian history from the racist policies turning away the Komagata Maru, Japanese internment camps or the Chinese Head Tax & Exclusion Act to the rise of Anti-Asian racism during SARS & COVID. These experiences cannot be forgotten nor the lessons learned. Asian Canadians are proud to call Canada home and we are determined to work together to build up a stronger and more just country for all. Let’s celebrate our heritage and honour the countless sacrifices of those who came before us. Happy Asian Heritage Month! 祝大家亞太裔加拿大人傳統月快樂! Yours in community service, Kristyn
Kristyn Wong-Tam MPP, Toronto Centre
Caregivers across Ontario do essential, often unpaid work to support their loved ones. It’s time we recognize the value of this incredibly important and intensive work. The Ontario NDP has long championed creating a benefit to compensate this invaluable but often unpaid labour. This Thursday, the house will vote on NDP MPP Wayne Gates' motion to create an Ontario Caregivers' Benefit.Any one of us could become a caregiver for a loved one. We need to make sure the tools are available when they’re needed. This benefit does not negate the importance of expanding our existing homecare and long-term care system, which is failing seniors and those with disabilities in Ontario — but would fix a significant hole in our safety net that most families confront during their lives.
The Toronto Centre NDP Riding Association is hosting a joyful Pride & Politics fundraiser at the iconic Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Enjoy iconic drag performances by Messy Margaret and Amora, light refreshments, and a chance to celebrate Pride while supporting the NDP! Join us Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander Street, Toronto.
Student movements have been society's moral compass for generations. Their tactics are often blunt and bring powerful establishments great discomfort. That's the point. Students know firsthand what it feels like to be overpowered. Everyone should listen to the pain and grief students feel watching the plausible genocide Gaza. The right to peacefully protest is integral to our democracy. Our university campuses have always been protected spaces for free speech and the free exchange of ideas. Campuses must also be safe spaces for students of all backgrounds. I know that many Jewish students are feeling particularly vulnerable on university campuses during a time of increased antisemitism. There is no place for antisemitism in our communities, our places of work or in our schools. I hope to see student and faculty leadership and university administrations strive to ensure that all students are safe. I visited the U of T encampment yesterday and it was extremely peaceful. Students were requesting garbage bags to ensure they could take care of the grounds and maintain a safe space for everyone. I encourage university administrations to engage with students and faculty to hear their concerns and keep campuses safe and peaceful.
For six straight years, education funding has failed to keep pace with inflation under this Conservative government's watch. This chronic underfunding, to the tune of $2.7 billion, has left our education system facing significant challenges: larger class sizes, teacher and education worker shortages, and a worsening crisis in mental health and violence. This week, we learned that even as our schools are in crisis, Ford is once again providing annual funding that falls below the rate of inflation and enrollment growth, while claiming that it was a historically high investment. Since 2018, education funding is down $1,357 per student when accounting for inflation; a total of $2.7 billion overall. Doug Ford and Stephen Lecce shouldn't balance their books at the expense of our kids. Students deserve the necessary support to succeed. The government’s announcement this week only increases per-student funding by 1.9% this year, well below Budget 2024’s predicted inflation rate of 2.6% for 2024. While additional supports for reading and math are welcome, they are meaningless if children don’t have teachers. Right now, specialized teachers are being pulled from their assignments to cover classrooms. We need to see an education plan that respects our hardworking teachers, education workers, and principals who allow our schools to function everyday. That means addressing staff shortages, the lack of mental health support, and the increasing challenge of violence.
Doug Ford’s patronage appointments only continued this week, with a former PC Party Vice-President receiving an Ontario Judgeship. Judicial appointments in Ontario should be based on merit, not political affiliation, yet Doug Ford continues to openly admit that he wants Ontario’s judges to be “like-minded” and that he is purposefully appointing conservative-leaning judges. The Ontario NDP and I will continue to advocate for a well-staffed, impartial judiciary that keeps Ontarians safe and moves cases through the court process efficiently.
The Ford PCs announced this week that they are opening a new regional office in Ottawa If this improves services for the people of Ottawa or makes coordination between the provincial and federal governments, then I welcome it. However, Ford has appointed a former PC candidate to head this new regional office, following his pattern of patronage appointments regardless of merit. I find it hard to believe that this failed Conservative candidate is the best person for the job when he famously skipped out on an opportunity to connect with voters during his campaign.
In honour of Doctor’s Day in Ontario on May 1st, let us recognize your Doctor! If your physician practices or lives in Toronto Centre, we will send them a token of our appreciation. Tag them in my post on social media, DM me, or email my office at [email protected] with you doctor’s contact information! If you are one of the many people in Toronto Centre looking for a doctor, you can reach out to Ontario’s Healthcare Connect. Their mandate is to connect Ontarians with primary healthcare providers.
Are you a youth pursuing construction related post-secondary studies? Apply for the BOLT Award and receive up to $5,000 towards tuition costs. Wide range of programs qualify, including urban planning, civil, mechanical, electrical engineering, architecture, sustainable energy and building technology, and so much more! Application deadline is May 10th, 2024. Applications and more details can be found here
I was thrilled to join Corktown neighbours at the Little Trinity Good Food Market launch at 425 King Street East last week. This program runs every Wednesday from 5 to 7 PM. They offer affordable groceries, which are hard to come by these days. Thank you to Little Trinity Church & FoodShareTO, for teaming up to tackle food insecurity.
On May 9th, Aditi Mehta will lead the last Ask Series event on the topic of "Youth, Race, and Faith in Toronto’s Regent Park". Aditi Mehta, Assistant Professor of Urban Studies at @uoft, will explore the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives, particularly those of Black and Muslim youth, in urban studies to better understand intersectional identities and built environment experiences. Don't miss this transformative discussion on inclusive urban studies. The event will take place from 6 to 8 pm at 540 Dundas Street E, childminding and refreshments. You can sign up and register here!
Join The 519 during Rainbow Week of Action – together with our communities, allies, and partner organizations serving LGBTQ+ refugees – to amplify our urgent plea for support for LGBTQ+ refugees. It will be held from 11 AM to 1:30 PM at Barbara Hall Park! I will be there to speak, and joined by Fae Johnstone, Executive Director and Co-Owner of Wisdom2Action (W2A), Lisa Duplessis, Director of Programs and Community Services, and Debbie Douglas, Executive Director of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI).
If you have questions about the event feel free to email [email protected] or visit ArmyofLovers.ca.
St James Town Residents Council is very proud to announce their final symposium program & lineup for their St James Town 2024 SUMMIT - Emerging Innovations & Ideas. Join on May 11 from 9 AM to 3 PM for a gathering of some of the most vibrant & dynamic emerging grassroots organizations of current & future game changers in St James Town & Toronto Centre! The event will be held at the Wellesley Community Centre, 495 Sherbourne Street. Please register via [email protected].
Exciting news: this year's Songs from The Journey is set to grace the stage of The Royal Conservatory of Music’s Koerner Hall on June 21st! As always, the association is committed to ensuring that Regent Park residents have the opportunity to attend. To facilitate this, we're offering complimentary tickets for community members, alongside round-trip transportation between Regent Park and Koerner Hall on Friday, June 21, 2024. The attached flyer provides information on the availability of free tickets for pickup at Daniels Spectrum starting Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
The 519's Health Justice Hub is hosting Workshop Wednesdays on Housing Rights and Tenant Organizing every Wednesday from 6 PM to 7:30 PM. Learn more and register here.
Are you in need of income support? Have questions about ODSP, OW, Old Age Security, CPP, EI, or other free/low-cost resources? St. Michael’s is running workshops on income support programs for agencies and service providers. If you would like to host a workshop, contact Naomi at her email [email protected] 416-864-6060 ex 76806.
Prepare your taste buds because The Regent Park Cafe is opening its doors at The Daniel Spectrum (585 Dundas St East, first floor) and they’re ready to party! It's a vibrant hub of local foods, flavors, passionate entrepreneurs and community connections. They are open weekly from Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM. Join them to indulge in delicious bites and meaningful interactions. And stay in the loop with all the excitement – follow them on Instagram for exclusive updates here.
The Cabbagetown Festival is one of Toronto’s longest-running and most beloved street festivals, and this year it will be returning, bigger than ever! They are inviting over 75,000 locals and visitors across the GTA to enjoy a family-friendly, entertainment-packed weekend, including live music performances, fantastic food, Kid’s Zone, and over 200 unique vendors from Cabbagetown and beyond! The festival is primed to become one of the most-anticipated events in Toronto! Starting at $230 for the lowest vendor level for two days, they invite business owners to apply to join them as a vendor as we celebrate this milestone. Dates: September 7 and 8 Location: Parliament Street and Carlton Street, Cabbagetown, Toronto Apply and pay by May 31 to take advantage of this early-bird pricing! Prices go up June 1, as long as space remains available!
Toronto Public Health (TPH) encourages eligible residents to get vaccinated against mpox (formerly monkeypox) after confirming an increase in cases since the start of the year. To provide low-barrier, convenient, and equitable access to vaccination, TPH is hosting a series of clinics starting April 3. Walk-in and booked appointments are available. You can book appointments here. The vaccine is free of charge, and an OHIP card is not required. In addition to TPH-hosted clinics, residents can inquire about vaccine availability where they currently access sexual healthcare services. Eligible individuals who have not been vaccinated against mpox are encouraged to get their first dose of the vaccine as soon as possible, with a second dose given at least 28 days later. The vaccine becomes most effective after two weeks. Individuals planning to travel soon are encouraged to get vaccinated before leaving, as cases are being reported in various regions around the world. Vaccination can protect against the mpox virus and help reduce serious symptoms. Individuals who received a smallpox vaccination in the past are not protected against mpox. They should get vaccinated against mpox as soon as possible for the best protection.For more information including eligibility requirements, visit the City’s mpox webpage here. |
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Toronto Centre NDP · 65 Shuter St, Box 81, Toronto, ON M5B 1B2, Canada |