Hello <<First Name>>,
The Throne Speech was delivered by Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell this morning at the legislature. The speech is meant to outline the Government's goals and the path it plans to take towards achieving these goals. Here in York South—Weston, many were looking for investments and supports to keep the community safe and ensure people can reach the other side of the pandemic intact. Parents have been looking for investments in safe schools and more supports for students. Our healthcare system has been under strain for years, and our community has demanded investments to keep people healthy and support our frontline heroes on the frontline. Small businesses have continued to struggle and still need support to keep their heads above water.
Sadly, these vital investments did not materialize in today's Speech. The government has chosen instead to tighten the purse strings and hold back on the vital investments York South—Weston needs. The $800 million cuts to education remain on the table, as does the plan to reduce public health units from 35 to 10. And despite calls for more help, there are no plans for an additional round of business support grants. These choices are short-sighted in an environment where businesses continue to close, children are being packed into large classrooms and the backlog for surgeries continues to grow. COVID-19 is still in our communities, and the recovery is still ahead of us. We need to be investing in the people of Ontario and not withholding the support that they need when they need it the most. Both Public Accounts of Ontario and the Financial Accountability Office have identified underspending of COVID-19 resources by this government, leaving us short of the resources we need.
We can insist on better. We can hire thousands of nurses and personal support workers. I've committed to the repeal of Bill 124 which suppresses the wages of nurses in Ontario and support a $5 per hour pay increase for PSWs. It's time to honour frontline heroes with action, rather than words. I've insisted on more support for schools including smaller class sizes and hiring more teachers and education workers. I continue to call on further investment in mental health resources for school boards to ensure students and families have the resources they need. We need to move away from favouring big box stores over mainstreet businesses that invigorate our neighbourhoods. Let more businesses have access to another round of grant support, and I can ensure they will invest in their business and our communities. Thank you to everyone who has expressed their priorities for this coming legislative session. I look forward to standing up for you at the legislature on my return next week.
LOFT Housing at Reactivation Site:
Community members near the Humber River Hospital Reactivation site at 200 Church Street were disappointed to learn about a lack of consultation with the community regarding a plan for supportive physical and mental health housing on the site. I learned of the project at a recent community meeting and shared my disappointment that community voices were silenced on the issue. Neighbours are happy to support people suffering from physical or mental health issues, but they expect the opportunity to have questions answered and concerns addressed. I will support the neighbourhoods request to open consultation on this project and ensure everyone's voice is heard.
Minimum Wage Increase:
Minimum wage workers in Ontario have seen the cost of living skyrocket past their wages, and every month they have to make tough decisions. One of the Premier's first acts was to cancel a long-overdue increase. I am committed to a $15 liveable wage for workers that we have championed as frontline heroes. No one who works full time should be struggling to make ends meet or living in poverty.
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 Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with Canada's Postal Workers.
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MPP Hassan presenting a scroll to Caloura Bar & Grill on Rogers.
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News Release
Horwath vows to keep fighting for supports left out by Throne Speech
QUEEN’S PARK — MPP Andrea Horwath vowed to keep fighting for the support health care, schools and small businesses need to get through the pandemic safely and come back strong, after they were left out of the Speech from the Throne.
“Today’s Speech from the Throne is disappointing for everyday families and working folks in Ontario,” said Horwath. “By announcing nothing new whatsoever to help patients, students, workers, or small business, Premier Ford made it clear again: he’s not here for you and he still doesn’t want to spend the money on you.”
The Speech from the Throne follows revelations that Ford withheld $5.6 billion meant to protect Ontarians from COVID-19 over the last year.
“I’ll never give up on fighting for the support our health care system, our children’s schools and small businesses need to get through the pandemic safely, and come back strong,” said Horwath. “If I were Premier today, we would be investing in health care and our kids instead of cutting deeper. We’d be standing up for local business – not big box stores. And we’d be protecting workers – not Ford’s buddies.”
Throughout the legislative session, Horwath will keep fighting for:
1. A plan to hire thousands of nurses and personal support workers and shorten painful waits for
backlogged surgeries
2. A safe schools plan with smaller class sizes, hiring teachers and education workers
3. Mandatory vaccines for health and education workers
4. A round of grants to help local businesses get back on their feet
5. Safety zones and proper enforcement of vaccine certificates
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As early as Monday October 4, 2021, crews will be preforming median restoration works at Black Creek Drive and Eglinton Avenue West. To facilitate this work safely, eastbound, and westbound traffic on Eglinton Avenue West will be reduced to one thru lane in each direction. This work is expected to take place Monday - Friday between 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. for approximately five (5) weeks.
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Humber River Pals will be hosting another cleanup of Weston Lions Park on Sunday, October 24th at 10AM. Participants are encouraged to wear a Halloween costume made of recycled materials. A prize will be awarded to the person with the best costume. For more information, email humber.river.pals@gmail.com or visit them on social media @humberriverpals
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As early as October 11, 2021, crews will be preforming storm and sanitary sewer installations along Hollis Street. To facilitate this work, Hollis Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic, including resident vehicles,
for approximately three (3) months. Access to parking lots from Hollis Street will also be closed. Property access will be maintained via sidewalks. Alternative parking arrangements will be provided to affected residents and arrangements will be coordinated by Crosslinx Transit Solutions. If you have not been contacted by a member of the Crosslinx team, please contact the West Crosstown Community Office at crosstown@metrolinx.com or (416)-782-8118 for information.
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The Get Job Ready (GJR) program is a paid employment program administered by the International Development and Relief Foundation. It is designed to coach youth ages 17-29, on how to navigate the job market and aim to support youth in obtaining their "dream jobs". Over a period of 4 workshops, youth participants will gain the following skills:
1) Resume & Cover Letters
2) Public Speaking and Networking
3) Digital Identity and LinkedIn
4) Financial Literacy
Sign up today at www.IDRF.ca/GetJobReady
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As early as Monday October 4, 2021, crews will be preforming road restoration work along Todd Baylis Boulevard. Todd Baylis Boulevard will be reduced to a single lane for both directions of traffic south of the Storage Mart entrance. A traffic control personnel will be present to direct traffic. The north sidewalk on Todd Baylis Boulevard, between Black Creek Drive and the Storage Mart, will also be restricted to pedestrians. This work is expected to take place between 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for approximately two (2) weeks.
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The YES Youth Collaboration and Job Central programs are launching a new Digital Literacy Program, with the first group starting on Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Online groups will consist of 3 weeks of paid digital literacy and pre-employment skills training, followed by a 13 week paid employment placement. Clients who complete this full intervention will also be eligible for a completion bonus. To request an intake appointment, email derek_yearwood@yes.on.ca or fill out the form HERE.
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Local Climate Action Champion Sofija Theodorou will be hosting knowledge-sharing bike tours every other week at Weston Lions Park starting this Saturday. The group will be meeting at 11AM and wrapping up at 3PM. Upcoming bike rides are October 9, October 23, and November 6. For more information, email Sofija at sofija.theodorou@gmail.com.
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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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