Hello <<First Name>>,
Another independent agency of the Ontario Legislature is raising questions about the government's approach to spending during the pandemic. The Financial Accountability Officer, Peter Weltman, is an officer of the Assembly, selected with the approval of a panel composed of one member from each party, and provides independent analysis of Ontario's finances and trends in the provincial economy. Their latest Budget Outlook Update revealed the Ford government is short-changing key areas like health care and education while squirreling away billions for a not-yet-announced reason. The choice to shortchange health care, education and social services has meant longer wait times, too few staff in our schools, and a tougher path through the punishing COVID waves. As Ontarians were demanding more investments, this government choose to sit on resources that could help schools and hospitals.
The reasons for this approach remain unclear. The government has not been transparent about their choices to abondon nurses and teachers, but there is growing speculation that the motivation is political. One theory is that the government is planning on unveiling massive corporate tax breaks, rewarding their wealthy donors with a huge windfall. Others are suggesting that the government is preparing to announce a lower than expected deficit to aid their re-election efforts this summer. Whatever their reason is for holding back on these badly needed resources, it amounts to an abdication of their responsibility to protect Ontarians during the pandemic. We could have been using the unallocated funds to initiate a hiring blitz to employ more nurses, teachers, and personal support workers. Instead, devastating lockdowns were longer and more painful than they had to be.
Between 2021 and 2024, the FAO calculated a whopping $9.03 billion funding shortfall in health care, another $717 million short in children’s and social services, and a $905 million shortfall in education and post-secondary. As individuals and families struggle, the government has chosen to treat pandemic funding like a shell game, to the detriment of everyone except their wealthies benefactors. When the legislature returns later this month, the government will have a lot to answer for. I will be sure to demand that they invest in the priorities important to our community. Health care, education, affordable housing, long-term care and supports for seniors, aid for small businesses, climate change, reconciliation, and respect for workers, just to name a few. There are many issues facing this province and the government must put forward the resources, and a vision to deal with these concerns now.
Rapid Testing Kits:
The government recently announced that rapid testing kits will be made available to residents from Shoppers Drug Mart locations and local grocery stores, but we are seeing cases of abuse such as Walmart, that is requiring a minimum $35 online purchase for access to these "free" rapid tests. This is not good enough. The government must allow access to these important pandemic fighting tools through more avenues such as senior facilities, community centres, and libraries. They also need to provide an option for residents to order kits through the mail. Once again, the government is choosing to place the interests of corporations in front of the need of the community, and this approach must come to an end.
Eglinton Small Businesses:
I was happy to join my friend and colleague, MPP Jill Andrew, of the riding of Toronto—St. Paul's, as we met with the Black Business and Professional Association. They are doing great work to support struggling small businesses dealing with the impact of Eglinton Crosstown constructions. I have asked the government repeatedly to step up and support small businesses along the corridor that have been hanging on by a thread. These businesses were ignored prior to the pandemic, and the COVID-19 has only amplified the impact on their businesses. Our Mainstreet businesses deserve more than ballooning debt or shuttered shops. We can do more, and I will continue to advocate funding and compensation for those impacted by construction.
Black History Month:
Tonight, I will be hosting a virtual celebration of Black History Month, where I will be joined by local leaders to participate in a conversation centring on our community of York South—Weston. I will be joined by Juno Award Winner and Planet Africa Entertainment Award Winner Adam Solomon, Frontlines Executive Director Stachen Frederick, children's author Ayana Francis, Canadian Union of Postal Workers Toronto Local Secretary & Treasurer and Secretary of the Toronto & York Region Labour Council, Abdi Hagi-Yusuf, as well as members of the Black Farmers Collective. I hope you can join us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube from 6:30PM to 7:30PM as we recognize Black History Month and celebrate the leaders in our community.
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 the Black Business and Professional Association.
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News Release
York Memorial rebuild announcement tribute to community advocates: NDP MPP
YORK SOUTH—WESTON — The NDP MPP for York South—Weston Faisal Hassan released the following statement in response to a government announcement committing to help reconstruct York Memorial Collegiate:
"A huge thanks to the York South Weston community for its years of advocacy pushing for government to invest in rebuilding the historic York Memorial Collegiate Institute. It is your efforts, as well as those of the Toronto District School Board, that has resulted in the announced rebuild of this beautiful structure, built in 1929 as a tribute to fallen soldiers.
York Memorial has served our community for generations, and the impacts of its loss in 2019 has been felt by my community — in particular the hundreds of students who have been displaced because of the fire that destroyed it.
The Ford government must commit urgent funding to ensure the rebuild begins immediately — this announcement should have come three years ago, not four months before a provincial election. It is imperative that the government follow through on this commitment."
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Community Innovative Alliances are hiring for two positions. Read about the role of Assistant Project Coordinator HERE and Survey Designer Market Researcher HERE. For more information or to submit you resume email info@cialliances.com
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Last Summer, Nia Centre for the Arts launched the creative writing program Black Pen, a series of weekly learning, creation, and sharing sessions facilitated by Whitney French. 6 selected writers had the opportunity to deeply and authentically explore their literary voices and create their own written piece. On February 10th at 6pm, they will celebrate and launch their new chapbook ‘Griot: Six Writers Sojourn into the Dark’. Following the launch, you will have the opportunity to hear from the artists as they share their experiences and learnings, followed by a live reading of their work. To Register for this event, click HERE.
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Do you enjoy Spoken Word? Do you have a story about COVID-19 to share with your community? Are you between the ages of 15-25? If so, this is the program for you. Speaking Up is back. Participating youth will be paid $300 for their attendance and for delivering their spoken word pieces. To register for this program, click HERE.
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Do you want to have a child-free date night this Valentine's Day? Look no further, as Shakespeare in Action hosts an evening of movies, snacks, pizza and games at Artscape Weston Common for kids ages 6-12. Register HERE.
Valentine's Day (Feb 14th 2022)
Time : 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Cost : $60 for 1 child or $110 for 2 children ($40 for each additional child after that)
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UrbanArts is offering free expressive approach for participants to share their thoughts/feelings towards the latest corona virus related events through different visual arts styles. Each week a new artist will be featured to help participants create original artwork. Vax Art starts Friday Feb. 11 and runs every Monday and Friday, 4 - 5pm via Zoom until March 14. Click HERE to have a zoom link sent to you.
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The Neighbourhood Climate Action Champion for York South—Weston is preparing for another season of work. If you are in the Brookhaven-Amesbury community and want to contribute to the fight against climate change, Wendy wants to hear from you. Work is in the planning stages. For more information reach out to Wendy G at wendy.g@sympatico.ca
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Youth Employment Services latest Job Central group starts on February 14, 2022. For anyone interested in participating, staff are available from January 30th – February 11th. Individuals participate in 3 weeks of paid, online Employment Skills Training, followed by a 10-week paid work placement. To qualify participants must be:
- Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive)
- Out of school
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or people with Convention Refugee status
- Able to commit to a 13 week full-time program
- With a laptop/tablet and internet access
For more information or to register, email yasmina_aldohan@yes.on.ca or 416-656-8900 ext. 100.
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Applications for the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto has opened it's diversity scholarship for 2022. To be eligible for a Diversity Scholarship, applicants must:
- live in a CHFT member co-op
- plan to attend a recognized, publicly funded, Canadian, post-secondary education institution – community college, university or approved apprenticeship-training program – on a full-time basis in the 2022/2023 academic year
- have used their knowledge and understanding of diversity to make a positive contribution to their school and/or local community
- have demonstrated a financial need.
Applications close on February 16th. To apply, click HERE.
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Join Syme 55+ for their 4-day Virtual Senior Active Living Fair running February 14th to 18th. Day one begins at 12:00PM and Days two to four begin at 1:00PM. For more information call 416-766-0388 or email syme55@syme55.com
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The City of Toronto provides free sidewalk snow clearing for eligible seniors and residents living with disablities. To learn more about the program, click HERE, and click HERE [PDF] to get access to the application form through the city's website.
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Did you know there is a helpline in Ontario that provides information and referrals to social services, community programs, and government supports? Simply dial 2-1-1 to connect with a Community Navigator who will talk to you about your situation and help you find the programs or services that are right for you.This service is free and confidential. Calls are answered 24/7 in 150+ languages.
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On February 10, 2022, the fourth annual I Heart Neighbourhood (Virtual) Charity Auction will see community members celebrate and support the importance of strong, vibrant, and compassionate neighbourhoods. UrbanArts is one of 5 charitable organizations that have joined forces to organize this unique, collaborative event. Items, services, or experiences donated for the auction will help UrbanArts raise important funds for programs and donors will be promoted widely during the 2-week silent auction and live event with DJ and entertainment. Fill out the donation form HERE or purchase tickets HERE.
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