Hello <<First Name>>,
It didn't have to be this way. The government's decision to institute a full lockdown is the result of its stubborn refusal to make the investments that communities like ours so desperately need. You and I knew that if we were to prepare for a second wave, substantial investments would be needed. Instead, the government wanted to save a buck, and as a result, shortchanged York South—Weston.
The Premier didn't invest in more staff and infection control experts for long term care homes. He rationed testing and contact tracing. He didn't give workers paid sick days. He didn't help small businesses with direct support. He's still trying to do this on the cheap and refuses more direct support to hotspot communities. There are no shortcuts.
Now, there are concerns in some schools in the community that are reporting multiple positive cases. Whether these cases are spreading in the school, or arriving at the school from the community is of no consequence to concerned parents. What matters is that the government take immediate action to protect staff and students, and ensure that schools boards have additional resources available to them should they need it. We shouldn't be shortchanging schools when it comes to safety, and we should be ramping up testing and contact tracing to control community spread.
Long term developments remain encouraging, and after a long journey, we can see the shoreline is in sight, but there will still be rough waters ahead. The government must do more to protect our community and the citizens of this province, and will continue to pressure them to do so.
Conservation Authorities:
Bill 229 continues to be the focus of discussion at Queen's Park, specifically the measures pertaining to the conservation authorities. I will be voting against Bill 229 and will support strong environmental oversight and the powers of conservation authorities to protect, enhance and restore watersheds. I do believe a healthy environment is a foundation for a healthy economy. I also believe the proposed measures would take us backwards at a time when increased flooding is affecting our community.
Weston Area Emergency Service:
For the 32nd year, Weston Park Baptist Church is seeking to assist local food bank, the Weston Area Emergency Service. This has been a different year during COVID and they need our assistance more than ever before! Here are some ways you can help:
Go Fund Me page in support of WAES:
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/waes-to-care
November 30 to December 5: A collection of non-perishable items will be ongoing at the Weston Go/Up Station.
December 7: Drop off at Weston Park Baptist Church for residents looking to drop off donations.
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
Motion passes: legislature condemns McVety’s hate-speech, opposes government deal to make CCC a university
QUEEN’S PARK — A motion condemning the governments move to give Charles McVety the right to grant university degrees has passed.
With a final count of 29 for and 27 against, the legislature passed the motion to “condemn the extreme and hateful invective of Charles McVety and oppose any efforts to make Canada Christian College into an accredited university." McVety has a long history of Islamophobic, transphobic and homophobic hate speech, and is a political backer of the Premier. The government circumvented the normal process and are ramming through a bill that gifts Charles McVety the right to call his school a university, and issue degrees in arts and sciences.
“Winning this vote delivers a strong condemnation of the favour-swapping deal Premier Ford and Charles McVety have cooked up, and a powerful condemnation of bigotry,” said MPP Laura Mae Lindo (Kitchener Centre).
“This was also the chance for MPPs to stand up and be counted — to stand against Islamophobia, homophobia and transphobia. It looks like many of them just chose not to vote. Literally, The Premier couldn’t line up enough of his own party members to defend his actions.”
Moments after just 27 government MPPs voted on this motion, 57 of them re-appeared to vote on another matter.
Lindo said they will press hard to ensure the will of the legislature isn’t overridden by the Premier, who could plow ahead with his McVety bill, regardless.
Monday morning, the National Council of Canadian Muslims called on MPPs to support the motion. McVety’s application for university status has also been strongly opposed by the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations and the faculties of several universities.
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Do you know someone between 15 and 30 years of age, out of school and able to commit to a paid 13-week full-time program? Youth Employment Services is launching job central. Email kirsten_toney@yes.on.ca or call (416)-656-8900 for further details, or visit https://www.yes.on.ca/
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The Career Foundation is currently accepting applications for "Completing the Circle". The program offers career and professional development training, paid training and work experience as well as other opportunities. For more information, visit www.CareerFoundation.com/CTC or call 416-645-1113 ext. 267.
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Weston Area Emergency Services has seen increased demand for their food bank, and they need your support. You can help by dropping off non-perishables at the Weston UP station Nov. 30 to Dec. 5, or at Weston Park Baptist Church on Dec. 7. You can also support their Gofundme campaign HERE.
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Mount Dennis Community Association’s AGM will be held on-line via webex – December 9th at 7pm. Details on how to connect will be available at www.mountdennis.ca/2020-AGM. If you are interested in joining the Board, please contact Simon Chamberlain 416-614-3371 or simon@mountdennis.ca.
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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 Toronto Black Farmers Collective is now taking orders for 2021. Support local, organic, urban farming and food insecurity by ordering today! Get a copy of the order form 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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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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