Hello <<First Name>>,
Yesterday, I was appreciative of the opportunity to honour the sacrifice of veterans on Remembrance Day across our community. I joined members of the Mount Dennis Legion for considerably smaller gatherings than we've been used to. I'd like to thank them for their sacrifice, their hard work, and their efforts to keep us safe during this unique time. I would also like to thank the students of York Memorial Collegiate Institute for their contributions to the ceremony, and for the school's continued commitment to the memory of our fallen men and women. Laying a wreath at the cenotaph is always a sobering reminder of the human toll paid for the freedoms we enjoy today.
This morning we were stunned by the news that the Government purposefully rejected its own public health agency’s advice when it announced it's framework for re-opening. This is a troubling development after assurances from the Premier and Minister of Health that the plan was developed with their "input" and "consultation". Less than two weeks ago, the government released modelling indicating 800-1200 new cases per day. Today, we learn that we can expect between 3000-6500 daily cases by mid-December. Failure to act could lead to deeper lockdowns, and more loss of life.
The choice to support our small business community or protect public health is a false one. Re-opening the economy and returning to normal is inextricably connected to our ability to beat back the virus. No one wants to see businesses close their doors for good, and we should be doing everything in our power to provide direct funding support to impacted businesses while we make crushing the virus a priority. I've also urged the government to institute paid sick days to ensure no one has to choose between financial distress, and keeping their community safe.
There is a path to solving this increasingly worrisome situation, but it requires a clear view of the challenges ahead of us. Ignoring the true nature of the problem and public health expertise is a choice we can afford to make.
Bill 229 - Conservation Authorities:
I share the concern of residents who have expressed dismay around Bill 229, specifically measures that will undermine conservation authorities, their ability to manage flood control as well as oversee conservation lands. The bill would allow for Ministerial authority to overrule decisions, adding unnecessary politicization to the process. The TRCA has been an ally of the Humber River and flood mitigation in our community, and I join them in opposition to these proposed changes.
Justice for Coco:
I wish to express my appreciation to the individuals who reached out to my office regarding the recent death of a black trans woman who died while in police custody. We demand justice for Coco. The SIU is currently investigating the circumstances of her passing, and it is my sincere hope that the results provide transparency and clarity to Coco and her family. As we look to police interactions in cases involving mental health, we owe it to the affected communities to fully understand how tragedies such as these can be avoided in the future.
Homes You Can Afford:
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the proposal to reform housing in Ontario. I heard support for rent control, scrapping vacancy decontrol, addressing the LTB backlog, and "HOP", a plan to support first-time homebuyers with their down payments. If you haven't had an opportunity to review the proposals, please click HERE [PDF].
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
Insurance companies must be reined in as Irish Rose Pub set to become latest victim of gouging
TORONTO — York South—Weston MPP Faisal Hassan said insurance companies need to be regulated to stop them from using COVID-19 as an excuse to gouge small businesses and deny claims and coverage. Hassan’s call comes as The Irish Rose Pub on Weston Road, a valued community establishment for over 28 years, faces ruin thanks to insurance companies.
Pub owner Jaqueline McConnell was given just days’ notice by her insurer that it would no longer provide coverage. Scrambling for another insurer, McConnell said quotes came in four times higher than the pub’s existing premiums.
“Like The Irish Rose, many business owners in Ontario are faced with impossible choices during this pandemic, struggling to make it through. We have to put an end to the pandemic price gouging that is crushing small businesses, family-owned establishments, and community organizations,” Hassan said. “It’s time to put people ahead of greedy corporations that gouge in the name of the pandemic with tough, fair regulations.”
McConnell says the insurer’s short notice puts them in a desperate situation.
“As a family, we realize we may be forced to close our doors. We value and believe that we are all in this pandemic together. It is unfortunate that the insurance industry doesn't seem to support this motto,” McConnell said.
Andrea Horwath has released a complete Save Main Street plan, which calls for regulation to prevent insurance companies from using COVID-19 as an excuse to jack-up rates or deny coverage. That includes ensuring that insurance companies properly pay out business interruption claims.
“We need to protect every small business, every entrepreneur and every job during this incredibly difficult time,” said Hassan.
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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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York West Active Living Centre is having a Festive Special Lunch Fundraiser on Dec. 2! $20 tickets are on sale until Nov. 13 and can be purchased by calling 416-245-4395 Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Zoom virtual holiday lunch will start at 12:30 and will be delivered on Dec. 1 in the catchment area.
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Crews at the Rail Corridor continue west Rail Corridor development, including utility installations. Beginning on Monday November 9 for approximately one week, crews will begin excavation activities for platform footings and foundation wall construction, south of Eglinton Ave West. Increased truck traffic can be expected at the entrance to the Corridor via Barr Ave. The working hours remain from as early as 7:00am until as early as 5:00pm.
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The City of Toronto is hosting a virtual consultation on the proposed development for 1860-1868 Keele Street. The meeting will be held Thursday, November 12th at 7pm. Registration is required. To register, click HERE, and download a PDF of the preliminary report HERE.
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The Mount Dennis Library is announcing the opening of a Youth Hub. Starting November 9th, students aged 13-19 can take advantage of a safe and welcoming space as well as laptops, with the support of library staff. The hubs are open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30pm to 7:00pm, and Wednesday and Friday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. For more information call 416-394-1008.
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Aura Freedom International is hosting an info session on Peer Prevention Project November 19th from 2:00pm-3:00pm. Learn about their ground-breaking human trafficking and gender-based violence prevention program that has been endorsed and featured by the City of Toronto. Register using this Eventbrite link for Zoom login information.
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The City of Toronto wants to develop alternative options and ways of responding to crisis calls that do not involve police and are grounded in community needs. To do this, the City needs to understand the public's priorities for what a community-based crisis response could look like. Please share your thoughts by participating in their survey HERE.
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Trillium Gift of Life Network is the Ontario agency responsible for delivering and coordinating organ and tissue donation and transplantation across the province. A single donor can save the lives of up to 8 people through the gift of organ donation and significantly enhance the lives of 75 others through the gift of tissue. Currently, 31 people in our riding of York South—Weston are on the waitlist for a life-saving transplant. Any Ontario resident who is 16 years or older and has an Ontario health card is eligible to register. You register your consent to donate quickly and easily online at www.BeADonor.ca
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In early November 2020, water valve installation will take place on Weston Rd, north of Eglinton Avenue. Lane reductions will be in effect. As early as Wednesday, November 11, 2020, Hollis Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic, including resident vehicles, for approximately five (5) weeks while crews install the storm and sanitary system along the street. Access to parking lots from Hollis St will also be closed. Property access will be maintained via sidewalk. Final paving of Hollis St will take place in 2021.
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Our friends at Community Place Hub have a great deal on beautiful, reusable handmade masks. For only $5 ($2.50 for children), pick from a variety of styles and sizes. Swing by the hub to get a look at their offerings at 1765 Weston Road between 11:00am to 4:00pm.
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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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