Hello <<First Name>>,
Recently, neighbours in the Stockyards District learned the disappointing news of plans for a new meat processing facility at 70 Glen Scarlett Road. For years, residents have raised various concerns with health and safety violations and odour and noise issues resulting from industrial activity in the area. The approval of this facility is a disappointment and dismissive of the community concerns. This government's decision to approve the facility without consulting the community is a decision I plan to hold them accountable for.
Just this week, I have written to our local councillor and the federal Minister of Agriculture concerning this matter. I also had the opportunity to ask the government for an explanation during question period today at the legislature. The response was disappointing to say the least (you can watch the exchange below). As I expressed in my supplementary, our community is not opposed to jobs. The community supports the need for employment land of various types, but the delicate balance of industry in residential neighbourhoods must be handled with far more care than this government has shown.
Community consultation plays an important role, and so does government leadership which has been lacking. In 2019, the government indicated its intention to stop responding to "low-risk nuisance complaints and incidents" such as odour and noise complaints, downloading the responsibility to municipalities. In the absence of this leadership, I have asked the government to take action and ensure a new environmental compliance approval takes place before the new facility opens.
Black History Month Profile:
Born in 1935 in Fredericton New Brunswick, Willie O'Ree grew up, like most boys age, loving the sport of Hockey. As a black man in the 1950s, O'Ree faced racism and barriers to achieving his goal of playing in the NHL. He persevered, and on January 18, 1958, Willie O'Ree broke the NHL colour barrier with the Boston Bruins, becoming the first black player in a National Hockey League game. Willie O'Ree is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, as well as a recipient of the Order of Canada.
Housing as a Human Right Act:
The government voted down my "Housing as a Human Right Act" bill, co-sponsored by my colleague, Sara Singh. This bill would have required policies and programs to provide equitable access to housing and address some of the disparities that exist today. With the establishment of an Independent Housing Commissioner and a Housing Inequities and Disparities Working Group, we could have begun the valuable work of finding ways to prevent evictions. We will continue to support efforts to recognize housing as a human right.
Long-Term Care Commission:
This week we learned that 217,000 documents were withheld by the government from the commission investigating the tragedy in our long term care homes. These documents were handed over just 8 weeks before the report is due from the commission. Families who lost loved ones deserve the answers that will this preventable, horrific disaster from ever happening again. The Commission has asked to be allowed to keep working until the end of 2021. The Ford government has refused, and insists it will be shut down by April 30.
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
|
|
|
|
MPP Hassan questions the government on the slaughterhouse in the Stockyards District.
|
|
|
Please read my latest letter to Councillor Nunziata regarding the slaughterhouse in the Stockyards District below:
|
|
News Release
MPP urges community consultation on new Stockyards slaughterhouse
York South—Weston MPP Faisal Hassan asked the Minister of Environment during question period Thursday about the approval and lack of community consultation regarding a new meat processing facility set to open in the Stockyards District in his riding.
"Many in my community of York South—Weston are disturbed by the news that a new slaughterhouse is opening up in the Stockyards District. Our office has been inundated with emails and calls objecting to this facility. A previous slaughterhouse in that location was closed and its license revoked as a result of multiple health and environmental violations. An Environmental Compliance Approval was granted to the former owners despite nearly 100 complaints in public consultations in 2018.
“How did this new facility get approval and why was the community not consulted?”
In 2019, the government announced it would no longer be enforcing environmental standards related to complaints about noise and odour from facilities like this new slaughterhouse, downloading those responsibilities to municipalities.
Hassan urged the government to ensure a new Environmental Compliance Approval takes place.
|
|
|
UrbanArts has a wide variety of programming available including BMM (Beats.Mind.Movement), MindARTSoul, Indigenous Art Workshop and more. To register or see what's available, visit them HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
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 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
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Keelesdale Neighbourhood Group is hosting a snowman building contest open to anyone who lives, works or plays in the Keele and Eglinton area. Just snap a picture of your creation and share it for a chance at Prizes up to $250. Must be built in a Keelesdale Park. Visit them on social media for more information on eligibility.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
