Copy
View this email in your browser
Hello <<First Name>>,

I was happy to return to the legislature this week to get to work on the pressing needs of our community. Recent weeks afforded me the opportunity to perform community outreach and consultation, as well as make phone calls to constituents. I always value these opportunities, but there is urgent work required at Queen's Park and I have been eager to get back to work serving your priorities. In the coming days, this will involve moving measures forward to tackle a variety of problems and provide hope to individuals and families that have struggled during this pandemic.

Paid sick days continue to be a necessity from an economic and a public health perspective. Long term care needs urgent investment, including hiring more staff and a minimum standard of 4 hours of hands-on care. We should be raising the pay of all PSWs by $4 and respecting housing as a human right by placing a ban on evictions during the pandemic. We can make schools safer with investments in ventilation, and a comprehensive in-school testing program. We can give our elders a voice by creating an independent Senior's Advocate, and we can provide help small businesses with rent support. This week, all-MPP motions to pass these bills urgently failed without government support, but the work continues.

I had the opportunity to press the government on an issue that is very important to our community. A motion that was among the priorities we were hoping to address this week. I urged the government to support the creation of an equity strategy to support disproportionately impacted communities like the ones in York South—Weston. You can watch the video below. We are home to many frontline heroes and deserve additional resources such as the increased local testing I fought so hard to bring to our community. I look forward to continuing this advocacy and ensuring that our resilient community gets the attention it deserves.


Black History Month Profile:
William Peyton Hubbard was Toronto's first Black elected official. Elected as a Toronto Alderman in 1894, he was known for his sharp wit and oratory skills, earning him the nickname "Cicero". He was known for his strong sense of public duty and made his name fighting for public ownership of Toronto's water and hydroelectric supplies. He also opposed discrimination, defending the small Chinese community against unfair taxes meant to discourage Chinese-operated business in 1896. To learn more about William Peyton Hubbard, click HERE.

Falstaff Community Meeting:
This evening, I will be hosting a community discussion with neighbours from the Falstaff community. The scale of concern in the community has necessitated the need for an additional meeting which I will be hosting the following week on February 25. I look forward to reporting on the results of tonight's consultation and hearing from more members of the community in future discussions.

Childcare:

The Government has not done enough to support childcare centres in our province to maintain a safe environment. Calls for additional resources for cleaning supplies and PPE have fallen on deaf ears resulting in increased costs being passed on to the few parents that can currently access childcare. These issues must be addressed, and the availability of quality, affordable and accessible childcare will be vital to an equitable recovery. I want to ensure parents who have raised these concerns will continue to be a focus of my attention in the coming weeks.

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 rose in the legislature to question the government on its lack of support for a COVID-19 equity strategy.
MPP Hassan hosted local black leaders to celebrate Black History Month.
News Release
 

Week one: Horwath brings nine solutions for help and hope, Ford blocks all

 

QUEEN’S PARK — During week one of the legislative sitting, MPP Andrea Horwath proposed nine positive solutions to help people make it through the pandemic and prevent a third wave — while the government proposed none, and blocked every last proposal.

“People need more help to get through the pandemic, and more hope that we can end this,” said Horwath. “We came here this week ready to take action that would give people hope.

“Sadly, Premier Ford wasted this week. His government didn’t bring forward a single change to help people, and blocked every last one brought supporting members — which were all things widely and loudly called for by experts and community members all over the province. I’m incredibly disappointed that he keeps choosing to put money and politics ahead of public health. But the variants are here. A third wave would devastate seniors, small businesses, students and everyone who is exhausted and frustrated. So, we won’t be deterred. We’re coming back with more positive proposals, day after day, until people get the relief they’re desperate for.”

Since Tuesday, MPP Horwath has tried for all-MPP agreement to pass motions and bills that would have:

  1. Given workers paid sick days
  2. Given long-term care residents enough staff to offer every resident four-hours of hands-on care per day
  3. Ensured care home residents couldn’t be denied access to their essential caregiver
  4. Put an eviction ban in place during the pandemic
  5. Created an equity strategy to put culturally-appropriate plans in place to support disproportionately impacted communities
  6. Made schools safer with a class cap of 15, a comprehensive in-school testing program and more
  7. Raised the pay of all PSWs by $4 an hour
  8. Put a small business support plan in place, including rent support
  9. Created a Seniors’ Advocate
Community News: 
People of African descent have been a part of shaping Canada’s heritage and identity for centuries. The role of people of African descent in Canada has not always been viewed as a key feature in Canada’s historic landscape. Black History Month is the perfect time to learn about The International Decade for People of African Descent. Events will be hosted throughout the month of February. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/idpadregistration
 

This has been a difficult year for students. Support is needed to help them make the most of their opportunities. The Canadian Gambian Youth Development Association (CGYDA) has started an Academic Mentorship Program. This program is aimed at helping push young minds to reach their full potential. They will be providing academic and social mentorship for young people in at-risk neighbourhoods. The Program is starting on February 22nd, 2021. Sign up HERE.

Another amazing initiative by the Canadian Gambian Youth Development Association. The CGYDA Community Food Delivery Program is donating and delivering hot meals to members of the community in need, fighting to ensure no one worries about where their next meal would come from. Their aim is to deliver 1000 meals to people in need. Register for support by filling out the form HERE or by calling 647-741-0945.
Shakespeare in Actions has exciting virtual programming available for local youth. Kids Zoom Puppetry Play is an 8-week online course for youth ages 8-12. To sign up, click HERE. For teens interested in learning improvisation, "Improv for Teens" will be running from February 2nd to March 9th. You can register for that program HERE. In an effort to reduce barriers to access for this program ticket prices will follow Pay What You Can Afford model. Each program is run by highly trained and experienced performers. For more information visit, www.shakespeareinaction.org.
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.
Seniors are struggling with isolation. I'd like to thank the Rustic-Maple Leaf Homeowners Group who mobilized, fundraised and collected items for distribution along with Valentine's Day cards created by young supporters. With the help of the St. Fedelis Golden Age Club, they distributed 238 cards to seniors and 36 to essential businesses and staff!
The members of ATU113 at TTC Mount Dennis Division have put together a wonderful display in celebration of Black History Month to inform members of the rich history of black leadership across Canada and the globe.

Urban Arts are providing free community arts programming and services. This week, participate in Beats.Mind.Movement. This is a virtual program learning about music development. It takes place every Wednesday at 6PM EST on Zoom and registration can be found at www.urbanartstoronto.org/registration.

Red Cross Mobile Food Bank deliver food hampers to seniors and individuals with disabilities that make it difficult for them to access community food banks. Register over the phone to be added to the Red Cross's regular delivery schedule at 416-236-3180.
To assist in the collection of the census, Statistics Canada is hiring approximately 32,000 people across the country (9000+ in Ontario). Census jobs are short-term positions, between March and July 2021, collecting census data from residents in the community. If you know of anyone who may be interested in census jobs, please spread the word. Candidates can apply online at www.census.gc.ca/jobs
Aangen is a non-profit social enterprise inviting local stakeholders to learn more about All Dried Up. All Dried Up is a dehydrated meal product developed to support seniors nutrition and ensure adults with physical or cognitive barriers are able to access healthy, nourishing meals that are safe to prepare and easy to serve. Register for their upcoming information session 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
Join Frontlines for "Rich History, Bright Futures", a virtual fundraising event taking place Friday, February 26th at 6:00pm. Enjoy guest speakers, performances and more. Prices range from $25 to $75. For more information or to register, click HERE.
Are you out of school and work and looking for full-time employment, then the Job Central program might be right for you. Their pre-employment program currently provides 3 weeks of paid virtual workshops followed by a 10 week paid work placement. For more information visit www.yes.on.ca, or register HERE.

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.

Supercoffee is participating in Virtual Seedy Saturday. A Toronto wide gardening event. Local gardners are encouraged to donate pre-packaged seeds. Requests for seeds can be sent HERE. They will be facilitating contactless seeded drop-off and pick-up. Pick-up is scheduled for February 28th from 2-4pm.
Are you feeling depressed? Lonely? Isolated? Want to speak with a peer support worker? The Warm Line is a service that is available for individuals who have a mental health issue and need support. Between 12pm - 8pm call 416-323-3721. Between 8pm - Midnight: 416-960-WARM (9276). You can also find support online HERE, or by texting 647-557-5882
Twitter
Facebook
Email
Instagram
YouTube
Copyright © 2021 Former Member of Provincial Parliament - York South-Weston, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.