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Hello <<First Name>>,

Members of the community were encouraged last week by the announcement that vaccinations will be expanding to include adults 18+ in hotspot communities. We quickly learned that this promising news was devoid of a plan and that the government announcement was simply window dressing, adding to confusion among community members. Over the weekend, I've heard from many neighbours looking for specifics, and when they become available, I will be sure to inform you of the latest. I share your frustration at the Governments unclear messaging. The vaccine rollout is too important to be drawn up on the back of a napkin and requires more forethought and leadership than the government has shown to this point.

One step we can take is to invest in a permanent vaccination clinic right here in York South—Weston. I have written to the Minister of Health to suggest Weston Lions Arena as a capable site to deliver on the community needs. We have been hit incredibly hard during this pandemic, and many people in our community find it difficult to commute to some of the far-flung vaccine locations across town. The mobile vaccine clinics coordinated through my office, and the impressive work of Humber River Hospital staff, have proven successful because we are bringing vaccines to the communities that need them. This approach needs to continue so we can ensure an equitable vaccine rollout.

The reactive approach of this government has brought us to this point but I am committed to a proactive response with the support of the community and local stakeholders. I will not stop pressing for supports and resources to keep our community safe. Along with additional vaccine resources, paid sick days are a universally agreed-upon measure that can limit the spread of the virus and keep our community safe. Pinching pennies at such a crucial time of the pandemic is wrong, and I will continue to stress the need for these important investments at Queen's Park this week. Thank you for your continued sacrifice, and for your feedback and ideas as we work to protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19, including essential workers who do not have the option to stay home.

Education Announcement
Educators and school staff working in hotspot postal codes are now able to book appointments for vaccination over the phone by calling 1-834-943-3900. As of this moment, appointments are not being offered online. The Ministry has also announced that schools will remain in remote learning at the conclusion of the spring break. Childcare centres will remain open, but before and after-school childcare will remain suspended under the government's announcement.

Portuguese Language Mental Health and Addiction Services
I will be hosting an important Town Hall meeting on the recent decision to close Portuguese language mental health services by the government. I will be joined by my colleague MPP Teresa Armstrong of London—Fanshawe, as well as Cidalia Pereira of the Abrigo Centre this Wednesday from 6:30PM to 7:30PM. You can watch the event live on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

Vaccination for Homebound Persons
If you are a homebound person receiving care through a Primary Care Provider, Family Health Team, Home or Community Care or Community Support Services or Agencies, please contact your provider to learn whether they are able to offer in-home vaccination. If you are a homebound person who does not have a Primary Care Provider, Family Health Team, Home or Community Care or Community Support Services, please contact the Toronto Seniors Helpline. The Toronto Seniors Helpline will be available to support homebound people who are 18-65 years old, as well as seniors. They can be contacted at 416-217-2077 or by web chat at https://torontoseniorshelpline.ca/web-chat/


York South—Weston in the News
The story of vaccination in our community is gaining broader attention in the media. Stories of mobile vaccination and confusion over vaccine access has been highlighted in local media recently. Read up on the stories HERE and HERE.


Happy Ramadan
Ramadan Mubarak! Ramadan celebrations begin tomorrow and involve fasting from sunrise to sunset. I wish all my Muslim brothers and sisters four weeks of blessings, 30 days of compassion and 720 hours of enlightenment. Ramadan Kareem!


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
 
Vaccination Information:

Phase 1:

Phase 1 vaccination is continuing across the province. If you are in one of the following categories, please visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ book and appointment:

Current priority
  • Staff, essential caregivers and any residents that have not yet received a first dose in:
    • Long-term care homes
    • High-risk retirement homes
    • First Nation elder care homes
  • Alternative level of care patients in hospitals who have a confirmed admission to a long-term care home, retirement home or other congregate care home for seniors
  • Health care workers identified as highest priority, followed by very high priority, in the Ministry of Health’s guidance on Health Care Worker Prioritization (PDF)
  • Indigenous adults in northern remote and higher-risk communities (on-reserve and urban)
  • Adults 60 years of age and older
  • Staff, residents and caregivers in retirement homes and other congregate care settings for seniors (for example, assisted living)
  • Health care workers identified as the high priority level in the Ministry of Health’s guidance on Health Care Worker Prioritization (PDF)
  • Indigenous adults
  • Adult recipients of chronic home care
AstraZeneca Pharmarcy Trial:

Individuals aged 55 and older can now request an appointment for the AstraZeneca vaccine at various local pharmacies through a pilot program. To make an appointment, contact one of the local pharmacies listed below.

Online Resources:

The provincial government has launched its online booking system which can be found at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/https://vaccineto.ca/sites is a helpful link for individuals looking to search for available resources and sort by a variety of factors such as postal code and booking type. Further information and hotspot postal codes can be found on the city of Toronto's website HERE.
Pharmacy Locations for AstraZeneca Vaccine Pilot Program (Ages 55 & over)
Shoppers Drug Mart
620 Keele St 
416-766-3095

Real Canadian Superstore Pharmacy
2549 Weston Rd
416-246-9192 

Shoppers Drug Mart
2343 Eglinton Ave W
416-651-7111

Walmart Pharmacy
2525 St Clair Ave W
416-763-1867
The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy
2600 Eglinton Ave W
416-651-6511

Friendly Care West King Pharmacy  
2077 Weston Rd
416-248-4485

Weston Jane Pharmacy
1292 Weston Rd
647-344-9111

Keele-Ingram Pharmacy
2221 Keele St
416-247-8618
FAISAL IN THE COMMUNITY:
This week, I had the opportunity to check in with the latest mobile pop-up clinic at 1901 Weston Road. Thank you to the team from Humber River Hospital!
News Release
 

Response to attempted eviction of single father and two kids
 

YORK SOUTH—WESTON —MPP Faisal Hassan (York South—Weston) made this statement regarding the attempted eviction of a single father and his two daughters at 33 Gabian Way this past Friday: 

“I was disturbed to learn that 23 Toronto Police cruisers showed up at 33 Gabian Way where an attempted eviction of a single father and his two young children was underway Friday. 

I spoke to the tenant over the weekend and learned that he had fallen behind on the rent, as many tenants have, due to financial challenges because of the ongoing pandemic. He is now able to fully pay his rent. 
 
I spoke with the landlord and assisted in reaching an agreement for the tenant not to be evicted, and for him and his family to be allowed to remain in their home. This is a victory for the family and the community members and tenant advocate community, who spoke up in support of this father and his children staying in their home. 
 
No one should be kicked out of their home in the middle of a pandemic. We have been calling on the government to ban evictions clearly and completely during COVID-19.

Premier Ford has refused to listen, allowing evictions to continue, as thousands of Ontarians are removed from their homes. People need help and hope to get through this pandemic."

Community News: 
Unison Health & Community Services is offering support and resources for individuals dealing with a positive COVID-19 test result. For help with food, isolation space or other supports, call 416-787-1661 ext. 3300 between Monday and Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Not sure how to book your vaccine appointment? 55 years of age or older living in Toronto? York West Active Living Centre can help to book your appointment. Call 416-245-4395 x226. Spanish speakers can dial extensions 222, and Italian speakers can call extension 233 for service in their native language.
TDSB has resumed consultations on the pupil accommodation review that involves George Harvey CI and York Memorial CI. A pupil accommodation review is a public consultation process that school boards conduct to determine the future of a group of schools. To provide feedback on the future of these schools, fill out the survey HERE.
Are you moving, downsizing or decluttering? Your furniture can change someone's life. Furniture Bank will pick up your furniture for a small fee (no HST) and provide it to a family in need. You'll receive a charitable receipt and help turn a house into a home. For more information on how you can support them, or to access supports, visit www.furniturebank.org or call 416-934-1229 x2.

The Canadian Multifaith Federation is hiring. 4 temporary part-time Multiculturalism Project Officer positions will be available starting June 21st. For further detail on the positions and information on how to apply, clicked HERE [PDF].
The Solace Sunrise Walk is an annual Suicide and Awareness event which takes a simple 5km walk and turns into a powerful community movement. Every cent raised will go directly towards running a direct, barrier and stigma free suicide prevention and awareness service in Canada. To join their efforts on June 5th, register HERE.
Black Creek Community Health Centre is currently recruiting for a Community Health Worker – Youth, 1-Year contract position. The position will be responsible for providing support, developing health promotion activities and services for community residents, in collaboration with BCCHC’s Health Promotion team. For more information, click HERE.
Safety improvements are coming to Weston GO station with the installation of yellow tactile safety tiles at the edge of the train platforms, and repair and placement of platform curbs. Construction will take place on both the north and south platforms, but will begin on the north platform.
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.

The Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN) is a non-profit organization serving local Black communities. They maintain a scholarship directory for students who are pursuing post-secondary undergraduate education in Canada. To search for scholarship opportunities, click HERE.
 

The Faculty of Medicine’s Youth Summer Program (MED YSP) at the University of Toronto is open for this summer. The virtual program is run in live mode giving students an engaging way to learn about science and medicine. Students will meet peers from across Canada and over 15 different countries, talk to instructors, professors, do at-home activities, compete in The Great Game Show, have a chance to win prizes, and much more! Scholarships are available for students experiencing financial need. Click HERE for more info. The deadline for applications is April 30th, 2021.

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


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