Hello <<First Name>>,
Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It is a day to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It is also an opportunity to honour the work of individuals and groups that are part of the movement to demand inclusion and respect. Disability rights are human rights. We should commit to an Ontario that understands this important value.
This year, the 2020 theme is "Not all disabilities are visible". It serves as an important reminder that disability comes in many forms. Mental health, chronic pain and sight or hearing impairments aren't always expressed physically. Diabetes, brain injuries, learning differences and neurological or cognitive issues can remain unseen. If this is your experience or that of a family member, you know all too well that our Province could be doing a lot better to support these, and all persons with disabilities.
Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the ways that we have fallen short. Our society has been failing to provide this community with the support that it needs for too long. The pandemic response offered an opportunity for the government to address some of these issues, but instead, it fell far short of its responsibilities. They offered meagre support that required that individuals opt-in, and CERB clawbacks on support payments. I'm proud to have supported critical increases to social assistance programs and more affordable and supportive housing so that person's with disabilities don't have to live in poverty.
I will continue to work for a York South—Weston free of barriers. Person's with disabilities deserve equal access to health care, education, public spaces and transportation. They deserve homes and workplaces where they can belong, and they deserve a government that treats them with dignity.
Virtual Holiday Open House:
Just a reminder to join us at 6:30pm at www.facebook.com/faisalhassanNDP for our live virtual event. See you soon!
$4.8 million Consultant Plan:
Ontario's Auditor General identified a $4.8 million fee paid by the government for a plan for Ontario's schools. The government hired the consulting firm, but no details of the report were made available to the Auditor General. I believe that Ontarians deserve to see that report and I am urging the government to release it publically. It's important the community have confidence that this money hasn't simply gone to stuff the pockets of consultants. These are funds that could have been invested in increased testing in our community, so we should know if this contract provided value for money.
Shelters and Food Banks:
Poverty and homelessness is on the verge of a humanitarian crisis. The government must step in and help fund shelters and food banks here in our community, and across Ontario. Recent data indicates that Ontario has seen a 26% increase in first-time food bank usage. In Toronto, the impact is more severe. Despite the second wave lockdown, the government has not provided direct financial support to renters, nor have they banned evictions. It is time for the government to stop pinching pennies, and start funding municipalities and organizations caring for those who are struggling.
Environment
A new report from Environmental Defense has shown that the governments actions are making efforts to stop climate change worse. Emissions have increased for the first time in a decade under this government. They scrapped carbon pricing, paid to take down wind farms, removed electric charging stations, and cut flood management funding by half. This is compounded by their recent attacks on the province's conservation authorities. Our health is at risk, and I will insist that this government is held accountable for that fact.
Big box vs. small businesses:
The government continues to receive criticism of their preferential treatment of big box stores during the most recent lockdown. Forcing small businesses to shut down without providing direct supports puts them at a huge disadvantage now, and in the future when they have to compete against these corporate giants after the pandemic. I've heard from small businesses in our community directly and will be at Queen's Park next week urging the government to shift their focus in support of main street businesses like the ones in York South—Weston
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
Statement on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
QUEEN’S PARK — Joel Harden and Lisa Gretzky released the following statement on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities:
“On the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, we honour the work of the disability rights movement whose determined organizing has secured greater rights and recognition for people with disabilities in Ontario and around the world.
This pandemic has exposed how far short our society falls when it comes to ensuring that every person with a disability has the support they need.
In so many different areas, and despite repeated calls by disability rights leaders, the government has failed people with disabilities during COVID-19. Whether it’s a lack of resources or clear e-learning guidelines for 330,000 special education students, an inability to make in-home testing widely available or clawing back the CERB from Ontario Disability Support Program recipients, the needs of people with disabilities have been neglected throughout this pandemic.
We have repeatedly called for critical increases to social assistance programs, developmental services, and affordable, supportive housing, to ensure that no one with a disability lives in poverty or goes without the services and supports they need to have a high quality of life.
We believe disability rights are human rights. Together with the disability rights movement, we will keep advocating for a society without barriers – in health care, education, public spaces, transportation, the workplace and at home. Today and every day, we will continue to fight for a province where people with disabilities are free to live their fullest lives.”
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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 TTC Mount Dennis division is holding a coat drive. Every $10 donation provides a coat to a Mount Dennis resident in need. Toronto Police and LEF will support with the distribution. Cash donations can be made at Supercoffe on Weston and Eglinton. Cheques can be made to TTC Mount Dennis Recreations and e-transfers can be sent to kramreed@rogers.com.
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The Rustic Maple Leaf Homeowners Group is holding a holiday food drive. Food collected will go to Amesbury Fire Department #133 for distributions to Daily Bread, Daily Harvest, and North York Harvest. Canned tomatoes, vegetables and fish, along with rice, grains and pasta are needed urgently. Donations will be accepted at Rustic Bakery until December 20.
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As early as Monday November 30 for approximately one month, crews will be reinstating sidewalks and curbs, including electrical works, at Eglinton Ave W and Municipal Drive. Traffic on Eglinton will be reduced to one lane in either direction. Left turns onto Municipal Dr will be restricted for traffic travelling eastbound. All pedestrian routes will remain the same.
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You can send cards or letters to our Canadian troops who will be stationed around the world over the holidays. Cards must arrive in Belleville by December 9th to allow time for Christmas delivery overseas. A postage stamp is required. Simply send to:
Any Canadian Armed Forces Member
PO Box 5004 Stn Forces
Belleville, ON
K8N 5W6
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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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Unison Health & Community Services is supporting the community with virtual mental health programming. Surviving the Holidays, Mind Body and Yoga, or Soca are just some of the offerings. For a list of virtual programs click HERE [PDF].
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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 at 1 King Street (across from the library) 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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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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