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TechTalks: A.I. Hedge Funds
In my latest Tech Talk, I sat down with Peter George, owner and founder of the first A.I. hedge fund in Canada. Watch the interview here.
Constituency Office Continues to Serve You
My staff continues to assist constituents with provincial matters. Please reach out to the office at 416-603-9664 or email cglover-co@ndp.on.ca.
Ontario Budget 2022 Released
The Ontario government finally delivered its 2022 Ontario Budget on the last day in the legislature. The plan promises $198.6 billion in spending, with $158.8 billion dedicated for highways, transit and hospitals over the next 10 years. The deficit is expected to rise to $19.9 billion this fiscal year with a plan to balance the books by 2027-28.
The proposed budget also reveals the deep cuts made by this government in 2021-22 — during a global pandemic when people and small businesses needed help the most.
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$1.3 billion cut from education
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$685 million cut from post-secondary students
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$632 million cut from social services
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$335 million from mental healthcare services
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$71 million cut from our justice system
This budget shows that the government would spend $2.7 billion less than inflation over the next three years. That would mean the loss of tens of thousands of teachers, education workers, nurses, PSWs and other critical employees.
Ontario Extends Mask Mandate for High-Risk Settings
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore announced that mask mandates in select higher-risk indoor settings will be extended until at least June 11. The mandates were set to expire on April 27.
Settings where masking will continue to be mandatory include retirement homes, doctors’ offices, shelters and congregate care settings that provide care and services to medically and socially vulnerable individuals. Read the complete list here.
Unvaccinated Travellers Under 12 No Longer Require Test
Starting April 25, unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children under the age of 12 are no longer required to provide a valid pre-entry test result, if they are accompanying a fully vaccinated adult. Children who are less than 5 years old are not required to test, regardless of their vaccination status. Full details available here.
Novavax Vaccine Now Offered
Residents 18 years and older with an allergy or contraindication to an mRNA vaccine are now able to access the Novavax vaccine. The Novavax vaccine was approved by Health Canada in February 2022 and requires two doses administered 8 weeks apart to ensure the greatest protection against COVID-19. Booking information available here.
Student Vaccines Offered at City Immunization Clinics
Toronto Public Health has estimated that 73,000 Toronto students in grades 7 to 12 are behind by at least one dose in their Hepatitis B, Human Papilloma Virus and meningococcal vaccines due to the pandemic. Appointments for these vaccines can now be booked at City-run clinics. Letters have been mailed to the families of children who are behind on their shots. Booking information available here.
Metro Toronto Convention Centre Clinic Closed
The COVID-19 clinic operating at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre closed on Thursday, April 28. A new location will open on Tuesday, May 3 at Metro Hall (214 Wellington St West). More details available here.
Electric Vehicle Survey
Electric vehicles (EVs) are part of the solution to climate and other city goals. The demand for EVs is growing as residents look for alternatives to the rising cost of fossil fuels, but access to charging is an issue. The Atmospheric Fund is trying to understand the barriers to EVs in Toronto, and is looking for your input. Responses will help inform where and how quickly more EV chargers are needed in our community. Complete the 2-minute anonymous survey here.
Rethink Sustainability Initiatives Speaker Series
Weekly, one-hour webinars designed for action learning, this series features diverse speakers recognized for their innovative, inclusive and systems thinking in advancing food security and climate resiliency in Canada to get their views on the future of food in a time of great change. More information and registration here.
Community Environment Days
Help reduce the amount of reusable or recyclable waste going to landfill and allow for safe disposal of household hazardous waste. Learn more at Toronto.ca/Environment_Days
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David Crombie Park (131 The Esplanade) May 28, 10 am - 2 pm
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Wellington Work Yard (677 Wellington St. W.) June 28, 4-8 pm
Ontario Federation of Labour Rally
On Sunday, May 1, 2-5 pm the Ontario Federation of Labour will be holding a rally in celebration of May Day and a day of action for a workers-first agenda. The OFL is expecting 10,000 participants that will assemble on the south lawn at Queen’s Park. More information available here.
Vaccine Clinics
See all vaccine clinics here.
Construction & Road Closures
See all announcements here.
Fun Things to Do
Hot Docs Festival: North America’s largest documentary film festival and this year we are showcasing 226 outspoken and outstanding films. Until May 8.
Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival: Largest photography event in the world, featuring over 140 exhibitions and outdoor installations by Canadian and International artists. May 1-31.
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