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Hello <<First Name>>,

We are dealing with parallel crises here in our community. We've all become familiar with the tragic impacts of COVID-19. It's devastated long term care, small businesses and continues to ravage our economy. It has also intensified a problem that our community, and our city, has been struggling with for many years. The housing crisis.

This is no small concern in York South—Weston. As I've shared with you in the past,  neighbours in our community took part 170 evictions hearings just in the month of November alone. Eviction notices are continuing to arrive at the doors of concerned individuals, and families are having to worry about whether they can maintain the roof over their head. Just this afternoon, a tenant who worked hard to catch up on rent owing in previous months was met at the door by the Sheriff. They paid all their rent in the weeks prior, but the eviction notice was never rescinded.

These are daily tragedies happening in parallel with the pandemic. They are crushing burdens that nobody should have to deal with, especially during a public health emergency. The shelter system is overburdened and this added pressure could be devastating for public health. The Premier has the ability to ban evictions, and we have continually urged him to do so. It's just not enough to say that you have tenant's backs when you're not prepared to help them when they need you the most.

Housing is a right. I believe that everyone deserves a stable, safe, comfortable place to call home in the community that they love: a home you can afford, a home that fits your family and meets your needs.

Auto Insurance Town Hall:

I would like to thank the participants who took part in our auto insurance townhall this past Thursday. As a driver, I've experienced the unfair treatment our community faces at the hands of the auto insurance industry. I appreciated the opportunity to hear from other members of the community with similar challenging situations. I will continue to urge the government to provide drivers with relief on their auto insurance bills, and to end the unfair practice of postal code discrimination.

SIU Case:
D'Andre Campbell was loved. He called 911 for help at his Brampton home, only to have his life ended. My thoughts are with D'Andre's family as they struggle to come to terms with an SIU report that leaves many questions unanswered. We need to do more to bring public confidence to an oversight process that is not serving families like D'Andre's. I joined my colleagues in Ontario's first Black Caucus as well as Brampton MPPs to issue this statement in response to the news.

Upcoming Testing:
More testing is coming to our community with the next opportunity taking place at the Jane Street Hub tomorrow from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. An appointment is encouraged to avoid lineups. Call 416-645-7575 ext. 3113 to book an appointment and be sure to bring your OHIP card with you if you have one. Testing will continue every Tuesday.


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
 
FAISAL IN THE COMMUNITY:
MPP Hassan visiting with the ATU113 elves making holiday magic happen at Mount Dennis Bus Division.
MPP Hassan joined Weston's own Zayde Wisdom as he gave back to the community with a donation to the Mount Dennis Salvation Army.
News Release
 

Local residents in York South—Weston still seeing no relief on auto insurance premiums

 

TORONTO – MPP Faisal Hassan (York South—Weston) heard the concerns of local residents Thursday evening who are seeing no relief on their auto insurance bills during the pandemic. At a virtual townhall hosted by Hassan, local community members expressed their frustration about unfair auto insurance rates, and wanted to know why during a lockdown when people are driving less, with fewer accidents on the roads, their premiums are still going up.

“Our community has struggled under the weight of unfair auto insurance rates for some time, and it’s not fair. Decent hard-working drivers with clean records are forced to pay higher rates simply because of where they live. For many families, using a car is the only way to get to work. It’s the only way to ensure they can pay the bills, and be home in time to spend time with their families,” said Hassan.

Hassan says the government promised drivers they would see relief on their insurance payments, but instead all we saw was empty gestures and no concrete actions to require insurers to cut rates for their customers.

“At a time when the insurance industry is enjoying record profits, we should expect fair and equitable business practices and an end to the discrimination and bias our community of York South—Weston has experienced with postal code discrimination and no relief for drivers during this pandemic”

Faisal Hassan has supported bills that would cap the profit margins of auto insurers and end postal code discrimination. Back in April, the government was called on to give all Ontario drivers a 50 per cent break on auto insurance payments, and let people who have lost a job or income defer payments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community News: 
Metrolinx is inviting the community to the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension virtual open house. Visit Metrolinx Engage to learn about the project, the progress on the tunnel alignment and stations, and the work beginning next year. 
Autism Ontario will be hosting a virtual workshop on January 14th on Building Resilience for Black Caregivers. . This workshop is open to caregivers, professionals, and anyone else who may be interested. The workshop runs from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, and you can register HERE.

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.
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
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.

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.
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 
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
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].
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/
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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Copyright © 2020 Former Member of Provincial Parliament - York South-Weston, All rights reserved.


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