Hello <<First Name>>,
It has been a long road, but with the support of the community, I am thrilled to announce the opening of a permanent COVID-19 testing facility here in York South—Weston. Space at the former Humber Regional Hospital site at 200 Church Street is currently being renovated with the goal of opening for September 28 at 10:00am
Since the beginning of this pandemic, I was proud to be part of the effort to hold the government accountable for the lack of testing in our Province. At the height of the pandemic in May, we pressed for mobile testing capabilities, which has been a valuable tool in combating regional outbreaks. In June, as the new case counts began to slow, our advocacy for local testing only increased, with a letter to the Premier suggesting the 200 Church Street sight as a suitable location for permanent testing.
The government has surely been slow to respond, but this community was not going to take no for an answer on an issue so important. We asked the Premier why the delay continued at Question Period in July and followed up with a letter to the Ministry of Health and Toronto's Chief Medical Officer in August. These efforts culminated with my Op-Ed in the Toronto Star.
After meeting with Toronto and Ontario health agencies recently, it became clear that our efforts were bearing fruit, and that York South—Weston was not going to be ignored any longer. Thank you for standing with me in this fight, and for standing up for our community!
I would like to wish a Happy Jewish New Year to our friends and neighbours in the Jewish community celebrating Rosh Hashanah. May the new year be filled with happiness and good health for your whole family. Shanah tovah!
Class Sizes:
The government recently announced renewed restrictions on private gatherings, bring the number down to 10 people in several regions of the province. This has left many parents to wonder how class sizes of 25 or more can be considered safe in these circumstances. Many schools in our community have seen class sizes capped to varying degrees due to their presence in priority COVID-19 neighbourhoods. Inexplicably, a handful of schools in our community did not make the list, and many parents are asking why? I've raised this issue at Question Period and will work towards addressing these concerns. Please see my exchange with the government in the video below
Healthcare Waitlist:
The growing waitlist of individuals waiting for surgery and diagnostic medical services in Ontario continues to climb. As we urge the province to come up with a workable plan for the coming second wave, we continue to remind them that the healthcare of everyday people must remain a priority. That's why I am pressuring the government to come forward with the funding necessary to end the stress and pain this backlog is having on our community.
Secrecy on Long Term Care:
This week, we learned that work on the government's Long Term Care Commission has already begun in secret. We have also failed to receive assurances that the voices of family members will be included in the investigator process. This government committed to transparency, but it's choices are an injustice to the families who have struggled with the loss of loved ones. I will continue to advocate for a fully independent, find-and-fix public inquiry that takes a serious look at the role of private homes in the long term care crisis.
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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Question Period - MPP Hassan asks about local schools excluded from capping requirements
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News Release
Horwath to force vote Thursday on motion to cap class sizes at 15
QUEEN’S PARK — With COVID-19 infections increasing in Ontario just as kids are heading back to school, Andrea Horwath will force a vote Thursday afternoon in the legislature on a motion to cap all class sizes at no more than 15.
“Parents are growing increasingly worried about their little ones’ safety,” said Horwath. “COVID-19 cases keep going up, and more new infections are being reported every day among the students and staff who are back in school, with one school already being forced to shut down because of COVID-19 cases.
“The Premier is penny-pinching on the backs of students, jamming kids into full-size classes to avoid having to hire more teachers and education workers. Parents, kids, teachers, education workers, school boards and public health experts recommend smaller class sizes. Today, with the province on the brink of a second wave, I’m calling on the legislature to change course, and finally cap all class sizes at 15.”
Horwath’s motion comes following a SickKids report that finds that there isn’t enough space for more than 12 to 15 students to maintain physical distance of two metres in a typical classroom.
“If I were premier, I would be hiring thousands more teachers and education workers and lining up temporary spaces for classrooms. I’d be hiring bus drivers and capping bus capacity at 50 per cent. I’d have spent the last six months preparing schools – from installing touchless faucets to improving ventilation in every room.
“Time is up. A new wave of infections is here, and students are back in schools. Let’s pass this motion today, and get our kids into smaller, safer capped classes as quickly as possible.
A vote on Horwath’s motion will take place at approximately 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17.
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MPP Faisal Hassan's statement on a safe return to school
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Toronto ACORN will be hosting another tenants rights information session this Saturday, September 19th at 12PM. For more information on this event, visit the Facebook event page HERE.
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The Youth Job Connection (YJC) program serves youth aged 15-29 experiencing multiple barriers to
employment. Eligible participants will be entitled to paid training and job placements. To learn more, visit www.costi.org or email employ@costi.org
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The Syme 55+ Seniors' Centre continues to serve the community with a weekly food bank in partnership with Syme Woolner Neighbourhood and Family Centre and the Daily Bread Food Bank.
Join them every Wednesday from 2:00pm-4:00pm at 33 Pritchard Avenue. For more information, phone 416-766-0388 or email syme55@syme55.com
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Fall program registration for the York West Active Living Centre is open. Modified in-person programming returns with safety protocols in place and virtual programming continues as well. For a program schedule, click HERE.
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The Rustic Neighbourhood Group is hosting a Family Music Day. Join them on Saturday, September 19 from 6:00-8:30 for this free live event at Maple Leaf Park. Please bring your own chairs or blankets. Organizers will be accepting donations for Humber River Hospital. Pre-registration is preferred at rusticmassage@gmail.com
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TTC customers can have their say on service options for the new RapidTO bus-only corridors along Jane Street. The TTC has developed concepts for bus routes and wants to hear from those who use the routes on a regular basis. Visit www.ttc.ca/rapidto to fill out a survey and for more information.
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