Hello <<First Name>>,
When I learned that the government was choosing to adjourn the legislature early, I was quite surprised. We are in the midst of a pandemic. It seems like a curious time to throw in the towel. It's as though this government isn't interested in doing the work to address the needs of average people. There are so many issues we can be addressing and investments we can be making. I fully support Andrea Horwath's call for a return of the legislature so we can get back to the work of the people.
The Premier has made it clear that he is not interested in spending the money necessary to tackle the crisis. The Financial Accountability Office recently confirmed that the government is now sitting on $12 billion of unspent funds that could be used to combat COVID-19. We could be expanding in-school and rapid testing capabilities to keep our schools safe. We could be hiring more contact tracers, and bringing more, barrier-free testing resources to hotspot communities like ours. We could be providing substantial support to small businesses that need help to get past this winter. We could be instituting paid sick days keep work environments safe.
Instead, we've seen a different set of priorities from this government. They've chosen to side with their well-connected developer friends by going after our province's conservation authorities. It's a clear effort to make it easier to abuse and take advantage of environmentally sensitive lands. They've also chosen to focus on supporting bigoted political backer, Charles McVety, granting him the power of university accreditation. The pandemic, and our response to it, should be taking precedence over all else.
Auto Insurance Town Hall:
Please join us this evening for a special conversation on auto insurance, and the unique impact it is having in our community. Our event begins at 7:00pm at www.facebook.com/faisalhassanndp where we'll be hearing from local community members impacted by insurance gouging.
Housing Town Hall:
I was honoured to host the "Homes You Can Afford" Town Hall yesterday, where we discussed plans to truly tackle the housing crisis in Ontario. Among one of the many things discussed is the urgent need for an eviction moratorium. We learned that there were 170 eviction hearings for York South—Weston households just in November alone. December will surely bring more hearings and more households worrying about being homeless over the holidays. My colleagues and I continue to urge the Premier to take action for the sake of these families, and public health.
Happy Hanukkah!:
Good health, happiness, peace and prosperity to our friends in the Jewish community as they celebrate Hanukkah! I wish you all the blessings and joy of this holiday season. Chag Sameach!
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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To submit questions ahead of our Townhall, click HERE.
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MPP Hassan was honoured to host an important Town Hall Meeting on Housing led by Andrea Horwath, and joined by Jessica Bell as well as several other GTA Members of Provincial Parliament.
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MPP Hassan rose in the house to highlight the work of Social Planning Toronto and express the importance of dealing with the housing crisis in our Province.
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MPP Hassan on the Ford government decision to close down the legislature early in the midst of a pandemic.
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News Release
Ford government passes dangerous law overriding environmental protection
QUEEN'S PARK – Peter Tabuns has issued the following statement in response to the Ford government passing legislation to rip powers from conservation authorities and allow developers to override environmental protections:
"The Premier's actions make him a threat to Ontario's water, soil and air, and to the health and safety of Ontarians. Ford plowing ahead with a plan that lets developers pay to pollute the water and pave over vital wetlands despite a chorus of opposition from environmental experts is jeopardizing the need for Ontario to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. We will continue to oppose this dangerous, short-sighted law. Every MPP that voted to prop up this destruction of the environment should be ashamed.”
Ford government passes dangerous law overriding environmental protection
QUEEN’S PARK — The $12 billion Premier Ford has been withholding from the people of Ontario could be making a big difference in stopping the spread, and saving lives said Sara Singh.
The fact that Ford is sitting on $12 billion in COVID-19 funds — most of it money given to the province by the federal government — was revealed in a new report by the Financial Accountability Office (FAO) Tuesday.
“This money could be providing paid sick days, helping small businesses with the rent, investing in more testing and contact tracing, setting up more hospital capacity and isolation centres, and giving our kids smaller, safer classes,” said Singh. “Instead, the Premier is withholding it from the people of Ontario.
“At this point, it looks like Ford is just waving the white flag in the fight against COVID-19, and waiting for a vaccine.”
Sandy Shaw said the cost of squirrelling that money away is immense.
“You cannot put a price tag on the lives lost, and the anguish and agony families are going through as infections skyrocket,” said Shaw. “And the strain now on our hospitals, the jobs lost, the businesses shut down — those things and more are costing us far more than Premier has managed to save.”
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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.
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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.
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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 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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