Hello <<First Name>>,
The principle of universal healthcare has been a source of pride for Canadians for decades. Caring for our fellow neighbours in need of medical care has become part of our national identity. Unfortunately, for many years the system has suffered from under-investment and the cracks were starting to show. Prior to the pandemic, anyone who interacted with our healthcare system would encounter hallway medicine and long wait times. We need to return to a properly funded healthcare system in this province. This will involve working with Federal partners, but it also requires leadership from the province, not the drastic cuts to healthcare that were proposed earlier by this government.
We need to expand service to include mental health supports, including cultural and language-appropriate care. We need to expand care to include basic dental care. We also need to recognize the vital importance of routine eye care and the importance of vision to one's overall health. Various medical conditions can indirectly affect an individual's eyesight, and to exclude people without private insurance from the care they deserve is a serious gap that we need to fill. I have repeatedly raised this problem with my colleagues at Queen's Park because it is of great concern to so many residents here in York South—Weston. Health requires vision care. It's just common sense.
The current battle between the government and optometrists serves as an indication of the government approach on this issue. On average, OHIP covers only 55% of the cost of an OHIP-insured eye exam, with optometrists covering the rest. As optometrists call on the government for a formal negotiation framework, the government is passing the buck and offering one-time mediation. I have called on the government to immediately commit to legally binding, formal negotiations to ensure any future OHIP-insured optometry services are, at a minimum, funded at the cost of delivery. As we look forward to a post-COVID recovery, we cannot afford to go in reverse. We need to continue to engage with important stakeholders, listen to community members, and invest in a system that cares for people from head to toe.
Former Premier Bill Davis:
My thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of former Premier Bill Davis who passed yesterday at the age of 92. Premier Davis served for 14 years and among other achievements, founded the community college system, and established rent controls in Ontario. He was greatly respected by individuals across the political spectrum and will be sorely missed.
New Report on Climate Change by IPCC:
In what is being called a "code red for humanity" the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released a report indicating that we are approaching runaway global warming and that there is already enough carbon in the atmosphere to guarantee climate disruption for decades. It is an in-depth and comprehensive report and stresses the urgency required to stave off more catastrophic effects on our planet. Read more about the report HERE.
Community Arts:
I am so pleased to the activity and vibrancy of our art community return to life this summer. UrbanArts is coming off the heels of their successful CultureShock Community Arts Festival and Shakespeare in Action is preparing for their production of 3Tempests at Little Avenue Memorial Park. Artists have been hit hard during this pandemic and I am encouraged to see the vibrancy and excitement of our arts community in action. Keep an eye out for future event in our community news section below.
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 honouring and celebrating centenarian Aletha Sealy on her milestone birthday!
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MPP Hassan is presented with a copy of "ABC Where are We? The West Indies!". The recently published children's book by author Ayana Francis.
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News Release
York South—Weston MPP urges TCHC to enhance security at Falstaff Towers
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York South—Weston — Faisal Hassan, MPP for York South–Weston, has written to Jag Sharma, the new President and CEO of Toronto Community Housing (TCHC), asking that the TCHC address the overdue issue of enhanced security measures at the apartment complex at 20, 30 and 40 Falstaff Avenue, where another shooting occurred this past weekend, resulting in the injury of 12-year-old boy.
"Everyone deserves to live in peace and safety. My thoughts are with the boy and his family as he recovers, and with residents in the Jane Falstaff community, who have had to endure ongoing violence and fears for their safety," said Hassan. "It's critical that Toronto Community Housing take immediate action to install gated entrances at 20 and 40 Falstaff — a request residents in the community made almost a year ago, and that received approval — and to repair the gaps in the fencing surrounding the apartment complex, to better prevent public access.
"The province must also act, and step in to give communities in North York the long-overdue support they need to cope with and help prevent gun violence, including addressing root causes like poverty and lack of social services."
The government slashed the Learning Opportunities Grant and cut millions from the Support for Students Fund, as well as programs that give at-risk youth after-school jobs. They've also cancelled more than $330 million in mental health funding.
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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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Shakespeare in Action is hosting a FREE group improvisation class for the next 4 weeks for adults 18+ at the studio at the Artscape Weston Common and facilitated by Phatt Al of Second City! COVID-19 restrictions will be in full effect, with mandatory masking, access to sanitation and physical distancing. To register for this free program, click HERE.
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Toronto Black Farmers Collective will be gathering on August 14th to celebrate the successful Youth Farming Program. For more information on the Toronto Black Farmers Collective and their programs, visit them at https://www.torontoblackfarmers.ca/
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Shakespeare in Action is looking to assemble a team of Volunteers for our upcoming production of 3Tempests at Little Avenue Memorial Park. The production will run Tuesday through Sunday from September 7th-12th 2021. Email a little about yourself to foh@shakespeareinaction.org, including why you’d like to volunteer and indicate "Volunteer!" as the subject.
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The westbound lane of Eglinton Avenue W. between Black Creek Drive and Weston Rd will be closed on weekday evenings to install the fire hydrants and facilitate wet utility connections work. Closures will be in place between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am, for approximately three (3) weeks.
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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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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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