Hello <<First Name>>,
This morning, I was at Queen's Park to vote for and support a very important piece of legislation. The Rent Stabilization Act would make it illegal for landlords to raise the rent on new tenants beyond the legal limit. If passed, the legislation would stop rents from skyrocketing and end the current incentive for landlords to evict good tenants just so they can jack up the rent. I hear from constituents on a regular basis about large, corporate landlords treating tenants unfairly or withholding repairs in the hopes that people will be forced from their units. It has been a problem here in York South—Weston for a long time and is affecting communities right across the province. It is yet another symptom of the housing crisis that must be addressed, and measures like The Rent Stabilization Act would help counter this unjust practice.
The bill was defeated on second reading and will not become law despite our best efforts. Unfortunately, the government does not see the value in supporting these tenants or efforts to control the drastic rent increases as we struggle with the housing crisis. There is no time to delay, and action needs to be taken immediately to ensure people have safe and decent homes they can afford. Conservative and Liberal governments of the past have allowed conditions to spiral out of control and now we've reached the point where urgent action is required. Housing affordability is the most important issue facing this community, and Doug Ford has failed to take action. I will not stop fighting for fair treatment of tenants and will continue to demand tangible support and real action from this government.
I spoke with residents this weekend about the issue of housing affordability as part of our Day of Action. Our community knows firsthand how this issue is impacting families and resulting in abuse and evictions. People were pleased to learn that we have a plan to support tenants and put homeownership within reach for a generation that feels like the dream is slipping away. Our Homes You Can Afford Plan [PDF] is well thought out and lays out a clear path to improving the lives of Ontarians. I urged the residents that I spoke with to read the plan and provide their feedback. I encourage you to do the same. Housing is a human right and it demands a government that will recognize it as such. No more excuses. No more delays. It's time to take bold steps to get this crisis under control, and I appreciate your support in making that happen.
Pelmo Park Public School 70th Anniversary:
I wish to congratulate Pelmo Park Public School and the surrounding community on reaching the milestone of their 70th anniversary last week. The school hosted celebratory events that I was honoured to take part in. I want to thank Principal Jemaine Wallace and Vice Principal Giuseppina Nanfara-Grande for being such gracious hosts. I also want to thank the parents, teachers, staff and students, both past and present, who have done so much to contribute to its legacy. Congratulations!
Weston Park Baptist Church:
The holiday spirit of giving is back in our community. I want to acknowledge yet another successful food drive organized by the Weston Park Baptist Church in support of Weston Area Emergency Services (WAES). With the steadily increasing need for food bank support due to the pandemic, their efforts are greatly appreciated. I had an opportunity to join volunteers for food sorting on Sunday and was filled with appreciation for their efforts. It was great to catch up with friends and do our part to combat food insecurity here in our community. Thank you to Weston Park Baptist Church and the York South—Weston community for the generous contributions.
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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We were saddened to learn this week of the passing of Harry Vandekemp, owner of Golden Crisp Fish & Chips. This family-owned business has been in operation since 1935, and Harry was a universally loved member of our community. Harry passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Thursday Nov. 25th, 2021 and is survived by his, beloved wife, Judy and their 5 children: Becca (Scott), Amy (Collins), Katie (Caleb), Matthew (Esther), Gloria and his 4 loving grandchildren: Kingsley, Riley, Harvey and Victory. Community members wishing to pay their respects can find details of the services at Ward Funeral Homes HERE.
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MPP Hassan celebrating Pelmo Park Public School's 70th Anniversary.
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MPP Hassan helping with food sorting at Weston Park Baptist Church.
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MPP Hassan speaking with residents about the "Homes You Can Afford Plan" on the housing day of action.
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News Release
Ford again withholds billions meant for health, education, pandemic fighting
QUEEN’S PARK – Official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath responded to the Financial Accountability Officer’s revelation that the Ford government spent $4.3 billion less than planned in the first half of the 2021-22 fiscal year, which includes underspending in public health by $600 million and education by nearly $700 million:
“Again we’re seeing Doug Ford withholding money at the expense of Ontario families trying to weather and recover from the pandemic. Every time the FAO provides an update, we learn that Ford is sitting on billions of dollars that should have been used to provide the things Ontarians needed, when they needed it the most.
Ford chose not to provide paid sick days, or give our kids smaller and safer classrooms with better air quality. He chose not to speed up surgeries for the thousands of people waiting in pain, or to hire more workers in each long-term care home. He chose not to help workers or small businesses trying to bounce back. He had the money budgeted, but didn’t want to spend it on everyday people.
It’s especially disheartening to learn that, at a time when we needed to make sure as many people got vaccinated and quickly as possible, Ford underspent in public health by $600 million. He also underspent in education by nearly $700 million as families across Ontario were demanding a safe return to school. People deserve so much better — and could have better if Ford weren’t withholding money.”
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The Freemasons attending local masonic lodges in the Toronto Humber Valley (THV) District of Toronto are organizing their 4th Annual Community Toy Drive for 2021. Toys purchased are donated to local organizations and their efforts served over 500 children last year. Endorsed by the Weston Village BIA, you can donate by E-Transfer to THVtoydrive@gmail.com
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Weston Winterfest continues with an art exhibition at the Hallway Galleries at Artscape Weston Common. The exhibition is open until December 6 and features local artists Asli Alin, Monika Bartosinski, Kanchan Quinlan, Safiya Randera, Aleksander Sielecki with the support of Artscape and the Weston Village BIA.
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The Mount Dennis TTC Division's Annual Coat Drive is back and they are aiming to provide at least 250 new coats to the community. Cash and new coat donations are being collected at Supercoffee (1148 Weston Road), Toronto Police 12 Division (200 Trethewey Drive), and the Learning Enrichment Foundation (116 Industry Street). For more information, email mark.reed@ttc.ca
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The For Youth Initiative is looking for black youth between 13-17 to participate in their Black Youth Leadership Program. Participants can earn a $50 e-gift card for taking part in the 3-day online leadership program. Limited spots are available. To register, click HERE.
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LOFT Community Services and Humber River Hospital are hosting a virtual community meeting to gather feedback and answer questions regarding "The Journey Home" supportive housing program. The event is taking place on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 from 6:30PM to 7:30PM. To RSVP for this event, visit HERE.
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Toronto Miracle is a city-wide, volunteer-run food drive taking place on Saturday, December 4th. Residents across the city are encouraged to participate in a food drive from home. Simply leave out a donation, and volunteer drivers will pick up and deliver to local food banks. Local business Wolf Electric will be accepting donations in the week leading up to the Toronto Miracle at 425 Alliance. Residents can register for a pickup by signing up HERE.
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Shakespeare In Action is presenting "The Snow Queen" at Artscape Weston Common December 11th and 12th. Act NOW! participants (ages 7-11) have been hard at work for 8 weeks to hone their creativity and strengthen their skills preparing this wonderful story to share with the community. All safety protocols issued by the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto will be in place. You can Pre-register for this event HERE.
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