Hello <<First Name>>,
The new school year is just around the corner, and as parents clamour for answers about school re-opening in September, the Ministry of Education continues to remain silent. Parents educators and staff have done their part with vaccinations and have been vocal about what they want to support a safe learning environment. The Ontario Science Table recently released a report calling on the return of in-person learning. They identified just how imperative it is to get children back into the classroom, for both their development and mental wellbeing. Kids need to be in the classroom, and barring a catastrophic scenario, that is exactly what the Ontario Science Table is proposing. What we need now is a government that is prepared to do the work and make the necessary investments to make this a reality.
This past month was a missed opportunity for the government. We could have been upgrading infrastructure and providing excellent ventilation in schools that are lacking. We could have been investing in resources to shrink classroom sizes and bussing groups to limit contacts. Testing kits could have been sourced and purchased to allow for better in-school diagnostics to prevent spread. The government could also do a better job of informing working families of available sick days meant to ensure parents can keep themselves and their communities safe. All of these are part of the puzzle to opening schools in September and keeping them open.
In the past, this government has chosen to place an emphasis on keeping costs low. As we struggle to hold down this virus, schools must be a priority, and we must do everything possible to keep them safe. Now is not the time for penny-pinching. We can open school's safely, and with similar investments, we can include post-secondary institutions in re-opening plans that respect public health. These institutions also need our support to maintain safe environments, and like our public schools, require major investment in mental health support for students who are struggling. It is not too late to make these investments, but urgency is required, and I will continue to press this government to live up to its responsibilities.
$10 Billion Unspent During Pandemic:
A new report from the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) shows the Ford government withheld $10.3 billion from Ontarians during the pandemic, including sitting on over $1 billion earmarked for long-term care and public health. This is incredibly disappointing news and further evidence of the government's approach to spending during the pandemic. These funds could have supported small businesses, or gone towards a safe school re-opening, among other important investments.
Disability Support and Ontario Works:
Individuals on ODSP and Ontario Works continue to struggle as parts of the economy come back to life. Support payments have remained stagnant as housing costs and the costs of everyday essentials continue to rise, leaving this community in a vulnerable position. I will continue to make efforts to address the housing crisis and increase supports so that individuals on ODSP and OW can live with dignity.
Senior Supports:
I was pleased to learn of planned increases to OAS recipients, including a one-time $500 payment and increase monthly payments. However, many seniors in our community need additional support including access to important public programs like vision care. Seniors have struggled mightily during the pandemic, and we need to do more to support them and their health. I will continue to pressure the government to do more to support elders here in Ontario.
As always, my office is here to help. Please call at 416-243-7984, or email us at fhassan-co@ndp.on.ca.
Take care, wear your mask, and wash your hands.
Best Regards,
Faisal Hassan
Member of Provincial Parliament
York South—Weston
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MPP Hassan join locked out steelworkers from USW locked out by their employer.
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News Release
‘Struggle not over for small businesses:’ York South—Weston MPP
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YORK SOUTH—WESTON — MPP Faisal Hassan said many small businesses in his community are still struggling to stay afloat and is urging the government to provide a third, and greatly improved, round of local business grants.
“Small businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, and their struggle to pay the bills and keep staff employed is not over,” MPP Hassan said.
“I’ve heard from businesses that have been turned away, deemed ineligible for the province’s small business support grant for reasons that seem arbitrary, and others saying the support just hasn’t been enough.”
Hassan is calling for a third, and expanded, round of support grants, to help businesses reopen and stay open as the province enters Step 3.
Quotes
Mohammad Waliabbas – owner of Aya's Dry Cleaning & Alterations Inc.:
“Before Covid I was working 15 hours a day to keep my business going and to be successful.
When Covid hit it affected all of us but small businesses like mine were affected the most, and my dry-cleaning business that relied on hotel and banquet business was severely hurt.
I was hoping to get support from the Ontario government because I saw other businesses helped, but dry cleaners were not on the list for government support and I feel let down by that. As we re-open with Step 3, I am hoping for any kind of government support that will help my business, as well as other small businesses, get back on their feet and once again help contribute to the Ontario economy.”
Laurie Raymond – owner of Creative Children’s Dance Centre:
“In pre-COVID-19 times I would have 350 to 400 students. Throughout COVID-19, my business dropped to fewer than 100 students, and I have had to take on many extra expenses. Many students have indicated they will not be returning, and are choosing to stop extracurricular activities altogether since COVID has taken away their motivation and passion.
This is devastating for the dance and arts communities. Moving forward and recovering from the pandemic is going to take rebuilding clientele and restructuring our business plan. I would like to see the government provide a third round of business supports to help rebuild.”
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Unison Health & Community Services is offering support and resources for individuals dealing with a positive COVID-19 test result. For help with food, isolation space or other supports, call 416-787-1661 ext. 3300 between Monday and Friday from 9am to 5pm.
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Not sure how to book your vaccine appointment? 55 years of age or older living in Toronto? York West Active Living Centre can help to book your appointment. Call 416-245-4395 x226. Spanish speakers can dial extensions 222, and Italian speakers can call extension 233 for service in their native language.
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Youth Hub Services have re-opened at Mount Dennis Library for stage 3. Running 3:30PM to 7:00PM Monday to Friday, teenagers can access laptops, free printing and connections to community resources as well as a relaxed environment to unwind. Also, teens can take part in an online crafting project by picking up a "take and make" package starting today. For more info, visit HERE.
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Shakespeare in Action in partnership with Theaturtle are proud to offer the Weston Community a weekend of free, outdoor music and theatre performances at Little Avenue Memorial Park from July 29-August 1st. It will feature performances from the Weston Silver Band, Rebanks Family Fellowship youth performers and the play Alphonse by Wajdi Mouawad. Free tickets and more information can be found HERE.
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Shakespeare in Action is running a new program with the Toronto Public Library called Young Black Writer's Circle. Starting August 4th and aimed at black teens (13-17), this free, 5-week online program will empower them to use their creative voice and express themselves through their writing. For more information, or to register for the program, visit their website at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/young-black-writers-circle-tickets-162093428809
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If you or someone you know is a job seeker, you have an opportunity to gain access to LinkedIn Learning for free through a partnership with First Work Ontario's Youth Employment Network. For more information, or to sign up, visit https://linkedin.firstwork.org.
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SummerUp is an invitation to Black youth across Ontario to come together to learn, collaborate, discover, aspire, and set a foundation for personal success. SummerUp gives you opportunities to improve your academic performance in an enjoyable way. Act quickly to select programs that appeal to you by visiting https://llileaders.com/summerup/
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GreenForceTO is a pilot project creating jobs in landscaping while building employment skills in green career paths. This paid training opportunity is available to community members through RAINscapeTO and Building Up in partnership with the City of Toronto. For more information, visit www.toronto.ca/greenforceTO, or contact rene@torontogreen.ca.
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Crews will be performing curb and sidewalk restoration on Eglinton Ave W at the intersections of Weston Rd and Black Creek Drive until August 21. To facilitate this work, crews will occupy one lane on Eglinton Ave on the northwest corner of the Black Creek Dr intersection. Crews will also occupy two lanes on Eglinton Avenue as well as two lanes on Weston Road on the northeast corner of the Weston Rd intersection. Work will begin as early as 7:00am and last until approximately 5:00pm, Monday – Friday.
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