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Hello <<First Name>>,

This afternoon, Premier Ford was asked by a reporter about this government's resistance to paid sick days, his response was "there's no reason for the province to jump in there". I can't quite understand the Premier's hesitance seeing as there is a resounding call from all corners of the province to do just that. Public Health experts, including those within his own government, have clearly identified paid sick days as a useful tool in slowing the spread. The Ontario Medical Association has also called on the province to institute paid sick days, as have mayors, labour groups and social service agencies right across the province. It's clearly the right thing to do from a socio-economic perspective and a public health perspective.

It's becoming clearer that the voices of insiders, lobbyists, and members of his own government have taken precedence over the best advice of public health experts. Why else would this government ignore a sensible policy that would support working families and lessen the spread of COVID-19? Relying solely on a vaccination rollout that has already seen delays in not good enough. Instead of using billions in COVID-19 funding to protect people, he’s sitting on it, resulting in a longer, broader lockdown, more agony and tragic loss. 

I suppose it shouldn't be surprising from a government that was cutting our public health, education and long-term care before the pandemic, too. I know many of you recall cancellation of the two paid sick days Ontarians were entitled to. They would hope that we forget these choices, but days like today serve as a useful reminder of the values of this government.


Keelesdale Neighbourhood Meeting:
Individuals in the Keele and Eglinton area are encouraged to join me for an important local neighbourhood meeting concerning the future of Keelesdale. The Crosstown LRT and incoming development are anticipated to bring a great deal of change to the community. I want to hear your thoughts and understand the community's vision for the future, and how I can support it. To register for the event this Thursday, visit www.tinyurl.com/keelesdalemeeting.

Small Business Grant:
Applications for the Small Business Support Grant are now open. The grant entitles eligible small businesses who have had to restrict their operations due to the Provincewide Shutdown to a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $20,000. For more information, or to start your application, click HERE.

Local Testing:
A reminder that various pop-up testing locations continue to operate on a weekly basis. Starting on January 22nd, York Recreation Centre at Black Creek Drive and Eglinton Avenue W. will be hosting COVID-19 testing every Friday, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. All you need is an OHIP card or a piece of ID with your name on it. Call 416-653-5400 ext. 3121 to make an appointment. For more dates and locations, see below.

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:
News Release


York South—Weston MPP calls for paid sick days to protect workers in his riding

 

YORK SOUTH—WESTON — MPP Faisal Hassan said the government must grant paid sick days to workers so they have the option to stay home when they’re unwell. 

“I have heard from countless community members and families concerned by the lack of paid sick days in Ontario. York South—Weston is home to many of the front-line heroes Premier Ford often praises, but isn’t helping with paid sick days. These essential workers are employed in the service industry, health care, manufacturing, and retail, often working lower-wage jobs and having to travel between part-time jobs on crowded transit just to make ends meet,” Hassan said.  

“Many are people of colour, women and young workers. When they feel ill, they have to choose between taking an unpaid sick day and suffering further financial setback; or going to work not feeling well, potentially spreading COVID-19. Through their work and public transit travel, these essential workers and their loved ones are exposed to a greater risk of COVID-19.” 

MPP Andrea Horwath has been urging the government to provide Ontarians with meaningful supports to make this lockdown count, rather than simply a stay-at-home order rife with contradictory loopholes and exemptions. 

Hassan continues to fight for additional measures such as direct financial support for small business owners when they pause operations, more self-isolation centres, a clear ban on all evictions, a pause on non-essential travel between regions, and more testing and tracing capacity invested in workplaces and hot-spot neighbourhoods. 

Community News: 

Join the Toronto Community Benefits Network for the West Park Healthcare Centre information session. On January 19, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. RSVP to learn more about apprenticeships and career opportunities, social procurement, and neighbourhood & environment improvements.
York West Active Living Centre has a variety of virtual programs available for Winter 2021. To learn more about available programs and options, visit their site HERE.
The Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto is accepting applications for its 2021 Diversity Scholarship Program. If you live in a member co-op and would like to apply, details and the application can be found HERE. Deadline for applications is February 17th at 4pm.
Change is coming to the Keelesdale Community. The Eglinton Crosstown is nearing completion, and development is coming. If you are a neighbour in the Keele and Eglinton neighbourhood, please register for this local meeting to share your vision for the community 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

We all need to continue to take care of our physical and mental wellbeing during these difficult times. Call to register for Unison Health and Community Services' fantastic virtual programming taking place over Zoom. Mind Body and (chair) Yoga, Laughter Yoga, and Mind Body and Soca are available from now until the end of March. For more questions, or to register, call 416-645-7575 EXT 2224.

York South-Weston readers take note. Weston Collegiate is preparing an event to encourage reading in the age of COVID-19. The long days at home are perfect time to curl up with a book from your local library, which remains in service for pick-up. Stay tuned. We will share more information as it becomes available.

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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Copyright © 2021 Former Member of Provincial Parliament - York South-Weston, All rights reserved.


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