Hello <<First Name>>,
In recent weeks, community members have expressed concerns about the rapid proliferation of cannabis retail locations throughout York South—Weston. The Federal government made the decision to legalize cannabis in 2018 and the province was given authority to regulate distribution. In 2018, Bill 36 was implemented in Ontario, providing the basis for the province of Ontario to be the sole distributor of cannabis through the OCS (Ontario Cannabis Store). The OCS is a crown agency that is solely owned by the province of Ontario. At the end of 2019, the Government of Ontario announced that it would be making amendments to the bill, which would encourage an open market for cannabis retail with authorization falling under the AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario). This caused a significant increase in cannabis retail stores.
As a result of these legislative choices, we are witnessing the environment that so many of you have raised concerns about. Here in our community, we've seen requests to establish cannabis retail locations across from local high schools. We've also seen unlicensed retail locations open and operate outside of the regulatory framework. When I speak to community members, they appreciate that reverting to prohibition is not the solution, but they can clearly see that the system is not working for them or the community. They want further regulation and more restrictions around the quantity and location of cannabis retail shops.
I will be hosting a Virtual Town Hall on this topic this evening at 6:00PM. We will be streaming live on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, and I will be joined by community members to discuss a path forward and answer questions. Please join us. I'm excited to hear your thoughts and ideas on the matter as I prepare for my return to the legislature this September. The current approach to cannabis retail must be repaired, and any changes should be informed by the wishes of the community. I appreciate everyone who has shared their thoughts on this issue, and look forward to the discussion this evening.
Safe Return to Schools:
Schools will be re-opening in days, and parents that I've spoken to remain concerned about the possibility of a fourth wave and further school closures. I've been disappointed by the government's slow approach to planning for the school year. Parents and teachers want capped class sizes, more mental health, educational assistants and counselling supports for students; a minimum and enforced standard for ventilation; and paid sick days and family care days for everyone. Also, if and when Health Canada approves vaccines for children, we can get every eligible child their first dose within just a few days. The government must prepare a plan to reach out to every family proactively in advance, and be ready to deploy a vaccine clinic to every single school, immediately.
Optometrist Deadline:
As a result of a dispute with the Ontario Government, the Optometrist Association of Ontario will withdraw services on September 1st unless an agreement is reached. The Minister of Health has recently presented a new offer but to date has not been willing to negotiate directly on the matter. I've urged the government to show Optometrists the respect they deserve and compensate them fairly after years of underinvestment. These OHIP covered services are too important to the community. I remain hopeful that the government and Optometrists will be able to reach an agreement, but the Ministry of Health must respect these healthcare professionals and their patients.
New Time for Coffee and Tea Conversations:
I've really enjoyed our virtual Saturday afternoon chats and will be continuing them on a new day and time starting in September. Moving forward, please join me every Friday from 7:00PM to 8:00PM where I take community questions and update you on the recent events in York South—Weston and at the legislature.
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 meeting with new TCHC CEO Jag Sharma regarding concerns in the Falstaff community.
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News Release
Premier must raise PSW wages permanently
QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Andrea Horwath issued the following statement on the third round of temporary wage increases for some personal support workers (PSWs):
“By refusing to invest the money in a permanent increase in PSW wages Premier Ford continues to undermine the province’s long term care system and is disrespecting these valued and important workers.
Personal support workers are still on the frontlines of the pandemic putting their own health at risk to care for our parents and grandparents, all while battling their own burnout.
Instead of showing these workers that they are valued and permanently paying them a fair wage, The Premier is again choosing to do the bare minimum. Premier Ford is choosing to extend a pay top-up scheme that is both time-limited and not enough to raise notoriously low PSW wages.
We should make sure that personal support workers in all sectors are recognized for the critical work they do. I’ve committed to raising personal support worker wages by $5 per hour and turning precarious part-time and temporary PSW gigs into full-time careers.
Enough is enough – Premier Ford must stop dangling temporary raises in front of these workers and permanently raise PSW wages now.”
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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 presenting 3Tempests; an original adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" at Little Avenue Memorial Park the week of September 7th-12th. The play weaves in real stories of Hurricane Hazel with those of local seniors who have experienced increased isolation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Shakespeare in Action in association with the City of Toronto Arts & Culture SPARK Project is proud to animate Weston’s Little Avenue Memorial Park for a third consecutive year, in a free show that explores isolation, resilience, and the power of human connection. For tickets and more information, visit https://3tempests2021.eventbrite.ca.
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As early as Monday, August 30, 2021, crews will begin waterproofing the Black Creek Bridge along Eglinton Avenue West. To facilitate this work safely, traffic on Eglinton Avenue West will be reduced to one lane in each direction, east of Black Creek Drive. This work is expected to take place between 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM on weekdays for approximately ten 10 days. Noise from construction activities and delays while travelling through the area can be expected.
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The Newcomer Youth Green Economy Project is a free program that aims to help newcomer youth (18-29 years of age) enter the Canadian environmental job market. The Fall 2021 registration page is now open to applications from eligible residents. Please visit their webpage at trca.ca/nygep to learn more about the program or to apply.
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The Syme Challenge is fundraising walk in support of Syme 55+ Centre. It's taking place on September 17th starting at 10:00AM. You can support this fundraiser by getting active and joining community members at the pond in James Garden at 9:45am. You can also donate directly, or sponsor a member. To register for the event, to donate, or for more information, reach out to julie@syme55.com.
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Want to walk and explore the basics of good photography, visual composition in storytelling and how to maximise the technology of your smartphones? This free, 4-week class will be hosted by Aroop Rayu, an educator and filmmaker, and is a collaboration between Shakespeare in Action and Art & Creative Skills Collective. To register, visit HERE.
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North York Women's Centre is launching STEPS to Work. The program offers support to women to increase their employability and connect them to training, education and job support programs. Start the intake process HERE or contact Heather at heather@nywc.org or 416-781-0479 with any questions.
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Youth Employment Services (YES) is preparing its new "Job Central" group starting August 30th! Individuals participate in 3 weeks of paid, online Employment Skills Training, followed by a 10-week paid work placement. People on Employment Insurance are eligible to participate and staff are available from August 16th – 27th for potential intakes. For more information, contact Lisa Schoonderbeek at lisa_schoonderbeek@yes.on.ca, or by calling 416-656-8900 ext. 100.
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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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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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