Hello <<First Name>>,
The work of Optometrists is incredibly important to our healthcare system. In Ontario, they perform over six million eye exams annually and OHIP patients make up about 70 per cent of the patients they serve in their practice. They serve an important role in providing preventative care and countless seniors in our community rely on their support to live independently. I know how important they are, and how much they are valued by our community. That's why I've been disappointed by the actions of the government and their unfair treatment of these important health care professionals. Whether it's optometrists, underpaid PSWs or nurses barred from bargaining for fair wages under Bill 124, it's time this government show healthcare professionals working on the frontlines the respect they deserve.
The Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) highlights that Ontario optometrists are the lowest paid in the country. The Ontario government covered an average of $39.15 per eye test in 1989. Thirty-two years at $44.65, they're only covering about $5 more. This underfunding has persisted under many previous governments and is now causing foundational problems with the system. Some practitioners are choosing to take their expertise to provinces where they would be more fairly compensated, resulting in fewer available practices. Those practices that remain face financial crunches and struggle to be able to afford liveable wages for experienced staff. Optometrists have experienced 32 years of neglect and they're simply seeking fair compensation for their important contributions to the health of Ontarians.
I want ensure Seniors and community members that benefit from the work of Optometrists through OHIP that I will continue to urge this government to meet Optometrists at the bargaining table, and come to an agreement that will honour the contributions of this important profession. We need a sustainable system that makes patients the focus, and delivers the high level of care that Ontarians deserve. The government can begin that process by meeting with Optometrists and respecting them as the important stakeholders that they are, rather than treating them as adversaries. Many seniors in York South—Weston rely on this care and they are counting on the government to act accordingly.
Falstaff Community Safety Meeting:
Yesterday I joined members of the Falstaff community for a meeting hosted by Toronto Community Housing. Residents spoke up about the urgent need for investments in safety and security on-site, and the worry and fear they experience when out in the community. I will be meeting with incoming CEO in the coming days to discuss the communities concerns and ways we can work together to keep the Falstaff neighbourhood safe.
New FreshCo Location:
I was honoured to take part in the grand opening of the new FreshCo location at Jane and Denison this morning. Parts of our community are lacking in affordable access to fresh healthy food and this new location will be a welcome addition to the community. Stop by to experience some of the options available to serve our diverse community.
Vaccinations:
Vaccines are a critical part of making sure this school year is safe, and in-person, without outbreaks and infection scares. The government has yet to mandate vaccines for schools. I have supported a Safe September plan for school reopening that includes 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. When partnered with vaccination, this plan will ensure a safe environment for schools, and prevent closures in the future.
Special Birthday Greetings:
I'd like to offer a special birthday greeting to community member Brandon Machado who turns 30 years old today. Brandon is a resident of the Rustic neighbourhood and a tireless community advocate who is always working to support local causes and priorities. Happy Birthday Brandon!
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 residents from Falstaff at a recent community safety event
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MPP Hassan meeting with the Thistletown Lions Club
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MPP Hassan attending the Grand Opening of the new FreshCo at Jane & Denison.
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News Release
Hassan calls for action on gun violence following violent weekend
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YORK SOUTH-WESTON — Following another violent weekend, York South-Weston MPP Faisal Hassan is again calling on the government to take concrete action to address gun violence.
Hassan’s call comes after a shooting in the Black Creek and Trethewey area that, according to media reports, claimed a life and injured multiple people.
“Families are worried about the safety of their loved ones in their own neighbourhood, and their anxiety and fear grows with every new report of a shooting, death and injury close to home,” said Hassan. “The Doug Ford government should be taking concrete steps to address their concerns, not refusing to address the root causes of gun violence and ripping opportunities away from young people with cuts to vital programs.
I’m again urging the Premier to address gun violence by empowering large municipalities to ban handgun and ammo sales, and by tackling poverty and lack of access to opportunity with investments — not cuts — in education, youth programming, mental health and addictions supports, and housing.”
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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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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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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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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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