Hello <<First Name>>,
Wednesday arrived with disappointing news for seniors and parents of young children that rely on the service of Optometrists in Ontario. Ontario Optometrists have withdrawn OHIP insured eye services after a breakdown in negotiations with the Provincial Government around fair compensation for their services. For months, Optometrists have been urging the government to come to the negotiation table to rectify the unfair compensation they currently receive. Optometrists have not seen an increase in fees to cover OHIP insured services for over 30 years, and it has begun to impact the financial viability of Optometrist practices right across the province.
I recognize how important these services are to so many in our community. The valuable work of Optometrists help seniors maintain a healthy quality of life, and ensure preventative care for our children. The contributions of Optometrists to our healthcare system cannot be overstated, which makes their treatment at the hand of the government all the more disappointing. The Premier loves to shower praise on our frontline heroes, but his actions fail to match his rhetoric. Nurses have been denied fair wage increases under Bill 124, and PSW's continue to wait for the permanent pay increase they deserve. This government should show Optometrists the respect they deserve and do more to care for the people who care for Ontarians.
I've spoken with several Optometrists over the course of the last several weeks, and I know the decision to withdraw services is not taken lightly. They love their work and appreciate the opportunity to provide care that directly impacts so many in our community. Unfortunately, decades of government neglect and underfunding have forced them to take this action to avoid the risk of closing the doors to their practice permanently. The government must do the right thing, and provide fair and sustainable support to Optometrists so they can continue to serve our community at a high level for years to come. Eyecare is a vital part of our overall health, and I hope the government will resolve this issue promptly, and work with us to find ways to strengthen and expand eyecare services here in Ontario.
Vaccine Certificate:
As of September 22, the Ontario government will require individuals to be fully vaccinated and provide their proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access certain public settings and facilities. This approach focuses on businesses such as:
- Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout)
- Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres
- Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport
- Sporting events, Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
- Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas
Individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will be permitted entry with a doctor’s note until recognized medical exemptions can be integrated as part of a digital vaccine certificate. Children who are 11 years of age and younger and unable to be vaccinated will also be exempted from these requirements. For more information on the government's announcement, click HERE.
Safe Schools:
I hear from many parents expressing concerns about the government's under-investment in a safe return to schools. Yesterday, we learned that hospitals are preparing pediatric COVID-19 clinics in an effort to deal with rising infections that are expected to surge further as students return to school. Parents, educators and public health stakeholders are worried about the coming school year and the risk of future lockdowns. Tonight, I will be hosting a virtual town hall on a safe return to schools where I will be joined by local community members to express their thoughts on the issue. Please be sure to join us tonight at 6:30PM on Facebook, YouTube or Twitter to ask your questions and share your thoughts.
Renewal of Expired Ontario Documents:
The province has announced that it is ending the extension for expired Ontario documents, including OHIP cards, Driver's Licenses, license plate stickers, accessible parking permits, and Ontario Photo ID cards. Anyone with one or more of these expired documents will be required to renew by February 28, 2022. For information about how to renew each document, and how to book an appointment for eligible services, click HERE.
Labour Day Weekend:
Labour Day 2021 will be taking place this weekend! Although we won't be able to enjoy the parade that we are used to, this doesn't mean we can't celebrate the strength and solidarity of workers and labour unions right across the province. One way to participate is to join the Toronto and York Region Labour council Labour Day 2021 cavalcade on Monday at 10AM. The theme is "Rise Up for a Just Recovery" The Labour Council will lead a cavalcade of cars and bikes through the streets of Toronto, from Nathan Phillips Square to Queen's Park. To register for the event, click HERE.
Rosh Hashanah:
Shana Tova to members of the Jewish community in York South—Weston! As you prepare for the coming celebration, I hope the coming year brings you peace, prosperity and the sweetness of happiness. Blessings to you and your family!
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 joined activists from Toronto ACORN for a rally in support of affordable housing.
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MPP Hassan visiting a local convenience store in support of Ontario's first "Convenience Store Week" honouring these local frontline heroes.
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News Release
Give municipal leaders more say in pot shops' location: York South—Weston MPP
YORK SOUTH—WESTON — MPP Faisal Hassan said the government should pass a bill calling for municipalities to have a stronger say in the location and distribution of private cannabis stores within their communities.
Hassan held a town hall on the issue last Thursday to hear from community members, as a proliferation of cannabis stores in his riding have raised concerns from residents and local business owners, including residents opposed to an application for a pot shop deemed too close to a school.
"We pushed for legalization of cannabis, and we continue to support legal, well-regulated retail cannabis sales," Hassan said. "But residents and small business owners are rightfully concerned that the explosion of cannabis stores could impact the diversity and character of local neighbourhoods, and come at the expense of other local small and medium-sized businesses—many of which are struggling to stay afloat is the pandemic goes on, and in the face of insufficient financial support from the government.
Municipal leaders in York South—Weston and across Ontario deserve a stronger say in the distribution of pot shop licenses locally, to avoid a situation where some neighborhoods have no pot shops and others have a strip of them."
A bill tabled in the fall of 2020 by Davenport MPP Marit Stiles calls for the strengthening of municipalities' role in distributing pot shops locally.
"The Ford government must take action to pass this bill quickly, and ensure communities benefit from legalization while maintaining diverse main streets," Hassan said.
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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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Do you know an exemplary project or a person who has shown leadership, commitment and the best creative approaches to heritage conservation this year? Help the Ontario Heritage Trust recognize and celebrate them by making a nomination for the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards. Deadline for submission is September 30th for four categories of recognition. Youth Achievement, Community Leadership, Lifetime Achievement and Excellence in Conservation.
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Mental health and wellness organization "Meet Me at the Crossroads" will be hosting a back to school pop up on September 6th providing backpacks with school supplies (limited quantity). Join them from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at Weston Commons this Monday.
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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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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 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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