Hello <<First Name>>,
This morning, I had the opportunity to rise in the legislature to ask the Premier about the government's disastrous approach to cannabis retail in Ontario. Residents and local business owners have raised concerns about the proliferation of cannabis locations across the community and for good reason. We've watched cannabis shops cluster in many communities, and some have opened close to local schools. It's been an issue of concern for some time. This past August, I hosted a virtual town hall on cannabis retail locations to shine a light on community concerns, and to discuss ways to improve the current state of regulations. There is a clear consensus throughout York South—Weston that things need to change, and more must be done to control and regulate the industries impacts on communities.
When policies were being developed, the government chose its own path and ignored all of the constructive proposals that my colleagues and I presented at the time. We had an opportunity to provide well-regulated cannabis distribution through the responsible hands of the LCBO. We could have given municipalities and local BIAs better tools to make decisions and control the impacts on our communities. Instead what we've seen is a wild west approach that has angered residents, altered the character of many neighbourhoods, and left everyone disappointed. The government has made several obvious missteps on this file, but their stubborn willingness to maintain the status quo cannot stand.
The issue of cannabis retail must be dealt with in a way that is responsible and responsive to community concerns. There is little desire to return to the days of prohibition, but everyone I speak to realizes that we can do a lot better as a province. In the response to my question (which you can watch below), the Ford government feels that proposals for greater control of cannabis retail are simply red tape. It is an approach that is completely dismissive of community concerns, and one that I will continue to oppose. I will be supporting measures such as Bill 235, which calls for the process for new cannabis retail licenses to be aligned with that used for liquor licenses, and gives municipalities and the local community, a greater say in the licensing process. We need solutions to cannabis retail and the government needs to stop burying their heads in the sand on this important issue.
Fall Economic Statement:
The government released its latest fiscal update and it was most notable for the long list of issues that it failed to address. There was nothing in the budget to end Ford’s low-wage lid on the salaries. Nothing to support local businesses to hire and expand. They're refusing to make life more affordable for everyday families struggling with the cost of housing, child care, gas and auto insurance and skyrocketing hyrdo bills. We need to urgently hire and retain tens of thousands of health care and long-term care workers, clear the massive backlog of surgeries and invest in our kids’ safety and recovery at school, both academically and emotionally, and this announcement fall short in so many ways.
Costs of PCR Tests:
Residents of York South—Weston have alerted my office of travel PCR test costs that far exceed the costs of many other countries around the world. With costs as high as $250, families travelling for funerals, weddings or other purposes should not be taken advantage of. Almost half of all lab tests performed in this province are done by private companies that are funded by the province. In the absence of competitive lab testing to ensure low prices, it is up to the government to set reasonable per-test prices. When COVID-19 tests are covered by OHIP, why then are mandatory PCR tests for travel not regarded as the same? I will continue to press this issue and insist that Ministry of Health take action immediately.
MPP Faisal Hassan Youth Council:
Applications for the 2nd annual MPP Faisal Hassan Youth Council for York South—Weston are now open! Faisal Hassan MPP Youth Council for York South—Weston provides an exciting opportunity for young people to highlight ways our community can be better, and identify ways we can support young people across this province. If you are a young person between the ages of 16 and 24 and are interested in making an impact in your community, fill in an application form HERE.
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 Faisal Hassan's Question on Cannabis Retail
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MPP Hassan's statement on affordable home ownership.
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News Release
Ford’s budget update has none of what Ontarians need now: NDP
Horwath says she’ll never stop fighting for investments in people
QUEEN’S PARK — Official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath condemned Doug Ford’s budget update for including none of what people need now, and promised she’ll never stop fighting for investments in people.
“It’s getting harder and harder for Ontarians to afford the life they’re working hard for as skyrocketing prices squeeze their budgets,” said Horwath. “The cost of child care, auto insurance, gas, and groceries are rising, and paycheques aren’t. And it was already getting tougher for everyday folks to get the health care they need, and to get their kids the education they deserve.
“Mr. Ford’s budget update has none of what Ontarians need now. There’s nothing to make life more affordable, and there’s no help for hospitals and a cut for our children’s schools.”
The Ford government’s budget update slashes $500 million from education. It doesn’t permanently raise personal support worker (PSW) wages, it doesn’t end the government’s low-wage policy, and it doesn’t do anything to help local businesses hire, raise wages and expand. There’s nothing to help with the cost of housing and child care, or lower the price of gas, auto insurance or hydro bills.
“In a province where Mr. Ford’s buddies get whatever they want, Ontarians are getting none of what they need and deserve,” said Horwath. “Mr. Ford is once again proving that he’s not here for everyday families.”
Horwath said New Democrats will never stop fighting for the investments Ontarians need today, including:
- An end to the low-wage policy
- Measures to rein in the high cost of living
- A plan to urgently hire and retain tens of thousands of health care and long-term care workers
- Funding to clear the massive backlog of surgeries to help people waiting in pain
- Support for kids’ safety and recovery at school, both academically and emotionally
“If the NDP were in government today, the 2021 budget would be overhauled to invest in people,” said Horwath. “Ontarians should be able to afford to build a good life in our province. An NDP government will give everyday folks hope again by protecting workers, not Ford’s buddies, by standing up for local business, not big box stores, and by investing in health care and our kids, not cutting deeper.”
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As early as Thursday November 4, 2021, crews will continue paving works on Eglinton Avenue West between Black Creek Drive and Bicknell Avenue. To facilitate this work safely, eastbound traffic on Eglinton Avenue West will shift to the south side of the road and westbound traffic on Eglinton Avenue West shift to the north side of the road. One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained on Eglinton Avenue West. This work is expected to take place on Monday - Friday between 7:00PM. - 5:00PM. for approximately three days.
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The West Toronto Ontario Health Team is hosting a virtual town hall to answer community questions regarding vaccines for the Flu and COVID-19. The town hall will take place on November 9th from 6:00PM to 7:00PM and will feature Doctors from Unity Health Toronto to answer your questions. Registration is required to participate. To sign up, visit http://bit.ly/WTOHTTownHall.
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This city of Toronto is planning upgrades at the Coronation Park Playground by York Civic Centre and staff are looking for community feedback on these improvements. To share your opinions and ideas, please fill out the online survey HERE. The survey closes on November 7th.
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For Youth Initiative's (FYI) virtual Annual General Meeting is November 10th, 2021. Last year marked FYI's 25th anniversary of supporting Black, racialized, and newcomer youth of York South-Weston. For news on their work and the re-opening of the Keele Street site, register HERE.
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The Mount Dennis Community Association will be hosting a free event called "Into the Ravine". Gather with neighbours at Raymore Park (east of the Raymore Park Steel Bridge) on November 13th from 1:00PM - 2:00PM with local historical Madeleine McDowell to discuss local history and stories from Hurricane Hazel. The event is supported by Park People, Shakespeare in Action and Scarlettwood Warriors for Change.
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Unsure about your career path? Want to hear from professionals in your field of interest? Say Somaali is hosting a 2-day career fair to learn about career pathways in a variety of fields. Hear from panellists involved in the Arts, STEM, Humanities, business, law and many other fields during this virtual event. This career fari is geared to high school students or students taking a gap year. To register for this exciting opportunity, click HERE.
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North York Community House is currently in the process of recruiting a new Executive Director. You can read a job description HERE. If you are interested and feel you might be a fit for this position, instructions on how to apply are included at the bottom of the job posting.
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The Syme 55+ Seniors Centre will be hosting a virtual silent auction on Friday, November 19th. Early bird bids start October 25th. For more information, or to obtain your bidding number, call 416-766-0388.
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The tunnel boring machines for the Renforth Dr. to Scarlett Rd. tunnel will arrive and begin digging next year. In anticipation of this milestone, Metrolinx are launching a naming contest to build awareness of the project. The winner of the contest will have the chance to participate in a photo-op before launching the TBMs into the ground. For more information, or to submit names for the TBM, click HERE. Submissions will close on November 18, 2021.
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The Black Youth Reskilling Program is an ongoing initiative to help a hundred unemployed or underemployed Black Ontarian Youth gain the skills needed to start their careers in technology as Web Developers by March 2022.
Each $13,000 scholarship covers the entire cost of the full-time Web Development Bootcamp hosted by Lighthouse Labs and access to Career Services support to:
1. Teach each participant the technical skills required of professional Web Developers
2. Help them get their foot in the door of the tech industry as a Junior Developer
For a more comprehensive overview of the application process, please visit: https://blackboyscode.ca/reskilling/
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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. The final ride will be on November 6. For more information, email Sofija at sofija.theodorou@gmail.com.
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