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Hello <<First Name>>,
 
Black History Month is coming to a close once again. It was another successful year as we celebrated the amazing achievements of black leaders in Ontario and across the globe for their invaluable contributions to our way of life. The history of black excellence in Ontario is filled with endless stories of innovation, success, acts of kindness and perseverance. This history cannot be contained within a single month and needs to be shared beyond any boundaries. This month also served as an opportunity to reflect and remember the sacrifices of past leaders as they cleared a path for future generations. As a member of our provinces' first-ever black caucus, my focus continues to be on the accomplishments of the past, as well as the incredible amount of work still required to achieve equity in our province.

I had the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of events and exchanges this February. Earlier this month, I hosted a virtual Black History Month celebration with local leaders here in York South—Weston. Our party elected the first black woman, Janelle Brady, to serve as Party President of the Ontario NDP. I met with organizations like the Black Entrepreneur Youth Initiative, and the Black Business and Professional Association as well as local businesses along Eglinton. Local organizations the Central United Church and Cathedral Church of our Lady and Saint Basil were kind enough to invite me to speak at their local Black History Month events, and I was happy to oblige! Most recently, I enjoyed the opportunity to meet organizations like Unity in the Community, and the African Canadian Social Development Council to support their work and learn about their challenges.

I recognize there is still much work to do, and a great deal we can improve upon. The black community has suffered disproportionately as a result of the pandemic and laid bare many of the inequities that still exist. Barriers to healthcare services continue to be a challenge. One important focus that needs more attention is mental health. I have co-sponsored a Bill to mark every first Monday of March each year to be recognized as Black Mental Health Day in Ontario. As we move forward on the path to recovery, we need to continue to view issues through an equity lens, and ensure that the pandemic recovery is inclusive of all Ontarians, leaving no one behind.

Surgery Backlogs:
No one should have to wait in pain for surgery. No one should have to live with the anxiety and frustration of an illness getting worse by the day while you wait. Almost a million Ontarians are waiting for surgery right now. That is why my leader, Andrea Horwath, will force a vote in the legislature on Monday on funding and a strategy to tackle the overwhelming backlog of surgeries. The last Liberal government froze hospital budgets and laid off 1,600 nurses. Between the pandemic and the Ford government’s cuts, hospitals have been brought to their knees. “People shouldn’t have to wait for the next election — we need to start to fix the surgical backlog now.”

"Learn to Swim" at Shakespeare in Action: 
I was thrilled to take part in a showing of “Learn to Swim”, the debut feature film by award-winning, internationally acclaimed Toronto-based filmmaker Thyrone Tommy, presented by Shakespeare in Action with the support of Castlepoint Numa. The Artscape Weston Common event also included a talkback with Thyrone Tommy and Emma Ferreira, an actor from the film. Thyrone has written and directed the short films "Seed of a Deadbeat", "Avalanche", and "Mariner" which was selected by TIFF for Canada’s Top Ten shorts. Learn To Swim is his debut feature.

New Public Health measures:
As public health and health care indicators continue to improve, the following changes to public health and workplace safety measures will come into effect on March 1, 2022.
  • capacity limits lifted in all indoor public settings
  • proof of vaccination requirements lifted, with businesses being allowed to implement them voluntarily
  • other protective measures, such as mask/face covering requirements and active/passive screening of patrons, will be in place
  • public health units can deploy local and regional responses based on local health indicators

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
 
FAISAL IN THE COMMUNITY:
MPP Hassan visiting the Shakespeare In Action's presentation of "Learn to Swim" supported by Castlepoint Numa with Director Thyrone Tommy and Actress Emma Ferreira.
MPP Hassan visiting "Unity in the Community" with colleague MPP Kevin Yarde of Brampton North
News Release

York South—Weston MPP welcomes 2022 Youth Council

York South—Weston – MPP Faisal Hassan, the Ontario NDP’s critic for Youth Opportunities, is pleased to announce this year's team of young leaders participating in Hassan’s Youth Council for York South—Weston.

“Young people possess a unique perspective, and the Youth Council provides an opportunity for youth to take action and have their voices raised through community and political action,” Hassan said.

“York South—Weston is home to many brilliant and inspiring young leaders. I’m inspired by their community involvement, and I look forward to working with them to give a voice to youth who are too often ignored.”

Hassan thanked the outgoing Youth Council team for their tremendous work.

“Shanthos Thangalingam, Numaan Rahman, Muna Ahmed, Olivia Lee, Natalie Pilla, Rhythm Rana, Zeyd Hassan, Norah Rahman, Saherla Osman, Sumaiya Tasnim, Emily Huynh and Devron Swaby contributed greatly to the 2021 Youth Council,” he said.

“I welcome Jamila Wynter-Scotland, Jordyn Crawford, Ibrahim Akinola, Qadra Rihdan and Eli Prinsloo to the 2022 MPP Faisal Hassan Youth Council and am excited to work with them and to see them apply their experiences making our community stronger.”

COMMUNITY NEWS:
From March 25th-27th, visit Central United Church for "Weston: Then & Now" as they reflect on 200 years of history in Weston. Explore Weston's history through music, visual art, storytelling, live performance and more! This event is free for all ages. For more information, contact foh@shakespeareinaction.org.
Each year, as Toronto's largest recreation program provider, the City of Toronto employs approximately 9,000 recreation workers, 5,000 of which support community recreation programs. The City is regularly hosting virtual job information sessions for recreation positions. Information on sessions scheduled throughout March and April and registration details can be found at https://jobs.toronto.ca/recreation/.
Crews at Mount Dennis Station will begin working extended construction hours to facilitate track cuts and rail and platform construction. This work will take place in the Railway Corridor Between Ray Avenue and Black Creek Drive. Construction will take place on a 24-hour basis, Monday-Saturday, for approximately six (6) months. Occasionally, crews will be required to work extended hours on Sunday to facilitate specialized activities.
Frontlines is looking for student volunteers to help with their Online Homework Club. This is a terrific opportunity for students looking for volunteer hours. If you would like to support children and youth from grades 1-7 with their math, french, English and science homework, contact frontlineshomeworkclub@gmail.com. Homework help sessions take place Mondays and Tuesdays from 4PM-5PM & 5PM-6PM
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
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority has commenced a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment to determine a preferred riverine flood mitigation strategy for the Rockcliffe-Smythe area. This study will incorporate and expand on the previous flood mitigation studies completed in this area which includes the Black Creek Riverine Flood Management Class EA and the recently completed Black Creek at Rockcliffe Special Policy Area Flood Remediation and Transportation Feasibility Study. The second of two Public Information Centre’s will be held virtually on March 1st, 2022.  Click HERE for further details about how to register and participate in the virtual event.
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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Copyright © 2022 Former Member of Provincial Parliament - York South-Weston, All rights reserved.


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