Hello <<First Name>>,
This week is National Nursing Week. For the second year in a row, these heroes will be celebrating their accomplishment with pride from the frontlines of the pandemic. We've all witnessed their bravery and sacrifice. I'm so thankful to them for all the work they've done to save lives and keep communities safe. I'm also honoured to represent a community that is home to many nurses and frontline healthcare workers. To York South—Weston's nurses, know that our community has seen witnessed your strength, and it won't be forgotten. You've always been admired for your professionalism and care, but your contributions during this pandemic have elevated the profession of Nursing to a level of reverence.
There are many ways we can express our appreciation for the nurses in our lives and our community. The most impactful way to support nurses is to respect public health guidelines and do our part to limit community spread. If we stay home, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated when our turn comes, we can lower the risk to our healthcare system and keep nurses safe. As your Member of Provincial Parliament, I am eager to support the profession by opposing measures like Bill 124, which was passed by this government and limits their rights to collective bargaining. This is no way to show Nurses that we have their backs.
The government announced an extension of the Stay at Home order today. Unfortunately, the choices of this government have brought us to this point. I know the frustration that people have been experiencing with the never-ending lockdown. I remain hopeful that we can reach the end of the pandemic if we heed the advice of the experts like those on the Ontario Science Table. Nurses and healthcare professionals will tell you there are no shortcuts to defeating this virus, and that our collective efforts are the only way to keep our community safe. I'm happy to heed their advice and support them now and into the future.
Eid Mubarak!
Following a month of contemplation, Ramadan serves as a powerful lesson to Muslims to be thankful and to share with those who are less fortunate. I know the pandemic continues to prevent community gatherings, but I wanted to wish you Eid Mubarak! May this be a safe and joyous occasion for renewal, reflection and celebration for you and your loved ones.
Above Guideline Rent Increases:
Yesterday, I was happy to support a motion to ban above guideline rent increases during COVID-19. Housing in our community is in crisis, and the pandemic has amplified the issues faced by tenants. This motion would bring an end to AGIs until at least 12 months after the end of the COVID-19 and provide an opportunity for individuals and families to get back on their feet as the recovery starts to take root. I urge the government to support this motion and protect marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected by unfair rent increases.
Outdoor Recreation:
I want to thank community members who have expressed disappointment with lockdown measures restricting outdoor activity. The Ontario Science Table has indicated that many outdoor activities that allow for social distancing come with little risk. I will continue to urge the government to listen to the experts and provide community members with opportunities to safely enjoy the outdoors. The benefits to our mental health and wellbeing are not being appreciated by this government at the moment, and we hope to see changes in the coming days.
Upcoming Local Vaccination Opportunities:
*Note: In all scenarios, you are asked to bring your OHIP cards if you have one, but it is NOT required. Proof of residence is required (Driver's License, Hydro Bill etc.). All individuals who live or work in hotspot postal codes will be able to book vaccination appointments through the provinces central booking system for individuals 18+.
M6N - St. Joseph’s Health Centre and West Park Healthcare Centre continue to take appointments for vaccination. To register at St. Joseph's, click HERE. To register at West Park Healthcare Centre, click HERE. 18+ individuals who live or work in "M" hotspot postal codes are eligible.
Humber River Hospital continues to host pop-up vaccination clinics at Downsview Arena from 9AM until supplies last. Open individuals 18+ who live or work in "M" hotspot postal codes. No appointment required.
Women's College Hospital vaccination clinic at General Mercer Public School (30 Turnberry ave.) continues until 8PM for individuals 18+ who live or work in the community. No registration required, but residents are asked to use the entrance on Rowntree Avenue.
M6M - West Park Healthcare Centre continue to take appointments for vaccination. 18+ individuals who live or work in "M" hotspot postal codes are eligible. To register, click HERE.
Humber River Hospital continues to host pop-up vaccination clinics at Downsview Arena from 9AM until supplies last. Open individuals 18+ who live or work in "M" hotspot postal codes. No appointment required.
Women's College Hospital vaccination clinic at General Mercer Public School (30 Turnberry ave.) continues until 8PM for individuals 18+ who live or work in the community. No registration required, but residents are asked to use the entrance on Rowntree Avenue.
M9N - West Park Healthcare Centre continue to take appointments for vaccination. 18+ individuals who live or work in "M" hotspot postal codes are eligible. To register, click HERE.
Humber River Hospital continues to host pop-up vaccination clinics at Downsview Arena from 9AM until supplies last. Open individuals 18+ who live or work in "M" hotspot postal codes. No appointment required.
Women's College Hospital vaccination clinic at General Mercer Public School (30 Turnberry ave.) continues until 8PM for individuals 18+ who live or work in the community. No registration required, but residents are asked to use the entrance on Rowntree Avenue.
M6L - West Park Healthcare Centre has expanded coverage to the M6L postal code and continues to take appointments for vaccination. 18+ individuals who live or work in "M" hotspot postal codes are eligible. To register, click HERE.
Humber River Hospital continues to host pop-up vaccination clinics at Downsview Arena from 9AM until supplies last. Open individuals 18+ who live or work in "M" hotspot postal codes. No appointment required.
Women's College Hospital vaccination clinic at General Mercer Public School (30 Turnberry ave.) continues until 8PM for individuals 18+ who live or work in the community. No registration required, but residents are asked to use the entrance on Rowntree Avenue.
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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MPP Faisal Hassan rose in the legislature to speak in support of a bill banning above guideline rent increases during the pandemic.
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MPP Hassan's Message for Youth in Care Day.
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MPP Hassan's statement for National Nurses Week.
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News Release
York South—Weston still short on vaccine sites
TORONTO — York South—Weston MPP Faisal Hassan heard from residents of his riding at an emergency town hall Thursday who are frustrated with the lack of vaccine access in their area.
Residents spoke of confusing booking systems and long line-ups; in some cases, vaccine supplies ran out and those lining up were sent home.
"One of the barriers to getting vaccinated that I don't feel has been addressed is language. There are a lot of community members in York South—Weston that do not have English as a first language," said Leeanne Elnicki, a resident who attended the virtual town hall Thursday evening.
“The stories I heard last night reaffirm the urgency for the government establish more mobile pop-ups and a permanent vaccine facility in York South—Weston," Hassan said.
“Essential workers and community members living in a clear hot spot don't deserve to be neglected by this government. At least 14 paid sick days and paid time off to get vaccines is essential to protect our high-risk community and slow the spread of COVID-19." |
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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.
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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.
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Join with local community members for a clean-up Of the Humber River Trail and earn a coupon to a local restaurant Zeal Burgers! If you are interested, meet at Cruickshank Park along the Humber River trail. The clean-up begins at noon on May 29th. Masks, gloves and garbage bags will be provided for this socially distanced event. For more information about this community effort, email humber.river.pals@gmail.com
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Black Creek Community Health Centre is hosting a Virtual Townhall on Covid-19 Vaccine and Pregnancy. Get all your questions answered by two primary health care providers, and make informed decisions around the vaccine. For more information, contact Adele (416) 246-5072.
May 17, 2021 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm.
Zoom Meeting ID: 969 0258 3407
Passcode: 771956
Join by phone: (647) 374-4685.
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Women’s College Hospital is hiring to support our mobile vaccination clinics. This opportunity is for a temporary part-time 4-month contract. Pay for this role is $19.21 per hour plus 14% in lieu of benefits and 6% vacation pay. The mobile vaccination clinics will be held at various sites within the M6M, M6N and M9N geographical areas. If you or someone you know within the community is interested in this opportunity, click HERE to apply online.
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Shakespeare in Action continues to deliver innovative, virtual programming in the community. For its next round, starting May 13, Improv for Kids (ages 7-11) runs every Thursday from 4:30PM to 5:30PM. Starting May 10th, Puppetry Level Up (ages 9-14) runs every Monday from 4:30PM to 5:30PM.
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Spelling Bee of Canada is hosting a Short Essay contest inviting youth 6-14 to submit a short essay on the topic "How do you stay connected with friends, family and loved ones during the pandemic?". The submission deadline is Sept. 15 and word counts are listed in the attached image. Entries will be judged on content, style and writing skills and a cash prize winner will be announced Dec. 12. To enter, email details of your entry including name, address and phone number to education@spellingbeeofcanada.ca
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The past year has added a lot of stress to many families. Making it even harder to find peace and cooperation. This workshop will give you effective tools and ways of thinking to create deeper connection and teamwork in your family. The workshop is on May 19, 2021, 7:00PM - 9:00PM. For more information or to register, visit www.meaningfulideas.com
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Toronto Public Library continues to host a variety of free, virtual programs for the whole community. Children's programs, adult programs, and virtual book clubs are just some of the exciting options available. Also, Mount Dennis branch has announced expanded hours. They will now serve the community from 9:00AM-8:30PM Monday to Friday, and 9:00AM-5:00PM on Saturdays.
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HIRING EVENT: Links2Care provides care and community services, and is hiring permanent part-time positions for Etobicoke, Mississauga, Georgetown. They are hosting a virtual hiring event with support of COSTI for personal support workers, community support workers and registered ECE's on Tuesday, May 18 from 2:00PM to 3:30PM. Virtual interviews are by appointment only. To register, call 416-588-2240 or click HERE.
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York West Active Living Centre is hosting an important workshop free for individuals 55+ on Sunday, May 16 from 2PM to 4PM. This Introduction to Meditation Workshop is for older adults with limited or no meditation experience who are interested in learning several different types of meditation techniques.
To register contact Suzanne at suzanne@ywalc.ca or 416-245-4395 ext 224.
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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.
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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].
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