Hello <<First Name>>,
I hope you and your household enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on all we have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving weekend. Even in these challenging times, there are reasons to show gratitude. Whether it's that helpful neighbour or family member, or the hardworking cashier behind the grocery store counter, we can all find reasons to be thankful.
I am thankful for the support of my hard-working, talented staff members Margherita, Lanny, Naima and Paul for their efforts during this pandemic. Margherita worked tirelessly with me over the weekend to follow up with the Ministry of Health on concerns from local residents. We were successful in securing the Humber River Hospital location at 200 Church Street, however, we are seeing access to testing and timely results come up short. Testing availability is now by appointment only, and we are hearing reports of wait times of several days just to get tested. Constituents who do get tested are telling me they haven't received results. Some have waited over 2 weeks. This is unacceptable.
When COVID-19 cases were on the decline, our government could have been investing in ramping up testing capacity. Instead, we see a troublesome online registration process that restricts access to testing, and we see lives put on hold, waiting weeks for test results that never seem to come. The response from the Ministry to this point has been underwhelming, but I will insist on accountability from a government that has promised to protect hotspot communities such as ours.
Long Term Care:
There is a vision for fixing long term care in Ontario. One that starts with investments in keeping seniors in their home for a long as they can. A public system that places care before profit with full-time, well-paid, well-trained caregivers. One that values intimate, culturally responsive communities and partnership with family caregivers. A vision that clears the 38,000 person waitlist, and provides true government accountability through the establishment of Seniors’ Advocate, an independent officer of the Ontario legislature. It's a plan I'm proud to support. To read more about it, click HERE.
Hydro Rates:
The government has once again backtracked on their commitment to lower hydro rates and will be increasing electricity rates by 2% on November 1st. It seems clear to me that a government not willing to keep electric rates low during a pandemic, never really had the intention of reducing them in the first place. The privatization which began under Premier Kathleen Wynne has not resulted in the lower hydro bills promised by this government. Our system needs an overhaul that puts people ahead of shareholders, and I will continue to advocate for this at Queen's Park.
Youth Engagement:
I am thrilled to announce the Faisal Hassan MPP Youth Council for York South—Weston! I am inviting young people across our community to apply for this exciting opportunity to bring their voices to the halls of Queen's Park. If you know a young leader, please share this opportunity with them and encourage them to get involved. Youth have led on issues such as climate change and social justice, and I value their contributions to our province and our community. To apply, click HERE.
Virtual Conversation on Facebook Live:
Please join us for our next virtual conversation on Facebook Live this October 21st at 6:30pm where our topic will be Poverty and Vulnerable Communities in York South—Weston. This pandemic has had devastating impacts on communities that were already struggling to begin with. We will be sharing the stories of local residents and advocates, and shining a light on their experiences. Please join us at www.facebook.com/FaisalHassanNDP on October 21st at 6:30pm.
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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News Release
Government sitting on $9 billion in COVID-19 support money: FAO
HAMILTON — The premier's penny pinching has made the second wave worse — and he’s still withholding $9.3 billion that is meant to help with the pandemic, according to Ontario’s Financial Accountability Officer (FAO).
On Thursday, the FAO released a new $37.2 billion deficit projection — but pointed out that that number includes $9.3 billion earmarked for pandemic funding that Ford is sitting on, refusing to allocate. That figure includes $6.7 billion specifically earmarked to combat the pandemic, and $2.6 billion in contingency funds.
“Doug Ford is doing the bare minimum to try to save a buck,” said MPP Sandy Shaw. “But penny-pinching during a pandemic will cost our economy, businesses and families much more. He’s put Ontario on the brink of another health and economic disaster.
“That money could save seniors in long-term care, now facing a new wave of deadly outbreaks. It could be spent to dramatically boost COVID-19 testing and contact tracing – which the government has rationed and throttled back to save a buck. And it could make schools safer with smaller classes.”
Shaw said more people getting sick, restrictions lasting longer, and deeper damage to Ontario’s economy and small businesses are predictable consequences of Premier Ford's refusal to invest in second-wave protections.
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I am so thrilled to announce that the Batista family has reached their $2.8 million fundraising goal, and can now purchase the gene therapy medication she needs. Thank you to all the local organizations and community members who supported this cause. I can't wait to see Eva bouncing around York South—Weston!
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The SOCAN Foundation is accepting applications for the SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards, open to musicians of all genres. The award celebrates extraordinary Black Canadian music creators and will grant up to five awards of $5000 to finalists. Applications will be accepted until October 15, 2020. For more information, visit https://www.socanfoundation.ca/awards/, or click HERE to apply.
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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 Keelesdale Neighbourhood Group is hosting an informative nature walk along Black Creek. Join them October 24th at 2:00pm at the York Recreation Centre. Public health measures including masking, social distancing and contract tracing will be in adhered to. Coffee and refreshments will be provided (bring your own cup). For more info, email HERE, or visit their Facebook group page HERE.
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Weston Area Emergency Support Food Bank is collecting donations of Halloween Candy in preparation for for the holiday. Support local children in need with a donation at various locations across the city, including Pelmo Park on October 24. If you can't donate in person, or have any questions, reach out to Brigette at 647-889-7411 or Mike at 416-464-9007.
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The David Suzuki Foundation is hosting a screening of "There's Something In The Water", followed by a panel discussion with producer Dr. Ingrid Waldren, Dr. David Suzuki, and frontline activists. The film follows Ellen Page as she travels to rural areas plagued by toxic fallout from industrial development. The screening will take place on October 21st at 6pm EST. To register, click HERE.
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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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The recent gun violence in our community has impacted the lives of the victim's family in a profound way. A young woman is now widowed, and the community is gathering to support her, and her family to deal with the costs of this tragedy. Please consider a donation to support their cause HERE.
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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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I was honoured to be nominated by NOW magazine as one of Toronto's best MPPs! You can vote for me HERE. Voting is open until October 28th.
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