Holipalooza 2022
Holipalooza is back! Join me on Saturday, December 10 at 7:00 pm for another fun evening of music with performances by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Skule Choir and Phusion Band. RSVP here.
Court Strikes Down Bill 124; Government Appeals
An Ontario court has struck down wage-capping Bill 124. There’s no doubt that this is a victory for workers in Ontario. The courts have recognized what public sector workers and the NDP have been saying for years: Bill 124 is unconstitutional.
Bill 124 has wreaked untold damage on our precious public services. This government’s wage-capping legislation has created staffing crises in key sectors like education and health care, and Ontarians have been paying the price.
The province had argued it was under severe financial strain when it implemented the new law – the judge disagreed.
This is a very important step to undoing the damage of Bill 124, and the victory belongs to the tireless efforts of every Ontario worker who has raised their voice in the past three years. The message to the Premier now is to not appeal this decision.
Human Trafficking Bill Passes Second Reading
Speaking at my press conference on November 17
Bill 41, An Act to Amend the Consumer Reporting Act and the Prevention of and Remedies for Human Trafficking Act, passed second reading in the legislature.
Human trafficking is an absolutely sickening crime. The average age of a victim when they are first trafficked is 14 years old. The average trafficking period is 3.44 years. As well as the sexual violence, traffickers steal their identities and take out OSAP loans and credit cards in their names.
Many survivors are stuck in shelters because they can’t rent a place because their credit rating has been destroyed by their trafficker. Others are pursued by collection agencies. Many are forced to pay debts they do not owe. The financial exploitation means that survivors are revictimized after they’ve escaped.
I want to thank Richard Dunwoody who started Project Recover and has helped 474 survivors to resolve $2.2 M in fraudulent debts. While his work has transformed the lives of many survivors, there is a need for the government to step in.
I also want to thank MPP Lucille Collard for bringing forward this legislation to eliminate fraudulent debts from the records of survivors. I also want to thank MPP Mike Shreiner and MPP Laurie Scott for supporting this legislation because taking this step to support survivors is a basic act of humanitarianism and is not a partisan issue.
Province Submits New Ontario Place Development Application
The Ontario Government has submitted a new development application to the City of Toronto. The application includes a revised design by Vienna-based Therme Group for a $350-million spa and recreational facility on Ontario Place’s west island.
The developer claims it has revised its design based on the input received which includes “making the building smaller and the park bigger”. However, the design shows that publicly accessible park space will be located along the perimeter of the large spa facility.
The new design shows publicly accessible park space along the perimeter of the large spa
Ontario Place For All is urging the city to reject the new plan, saying the proposal amounts to “vandalism” of a public iconic park, and the entire west island would be taken out of public hands and turned into a private spa for the rich.
Our new City Councillor Ausma Malik raised concern about the $200 million the Province has allocated to the readying of the property. Spending that amount of money “to subsidize a private spa and water park is just a terrible use of our public tax dollars. We could actually invest our money to build an accessible public park that’s available to everyone to use and enjoy.”
The newly passed Bill 23 also threatens the heritage protection for Ontario Place and the Ford government has exempted the west island from the environmental assessment that could possibly protect the trees from being bulldozed.
Auditor General Report Reveals Government Inaction, Inequity
The Auditor General of Ontario released its 2022 Annual Report highlighting a number of problem areas. Below are some of the key findings:
COVID-19 Strategy
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About $3.5 billion of the $7 billion spent on COVID-19-related contracts were non-competitive procurements between March 2020 and March 2022
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The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Public Business Service Delivery had $66 million of personal protective equipment that was expired, damaged or became obsolete by March 31, 2022
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Due to a large purchase commitment, the province expects to have more than 100 million N95 respirators by March 2030, worth $81 million
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The province did not consistently apply its prioritization process when it selected 114 hot spot communities to receive COVID-19 vaccines ahead of lower risk communities, which resulted in nine high-risk neighbourhoods excluded in favour of eight low-risk ones
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The lack of a centralized COVID-19 vaccine booking system meant there were about 227,000 no-shows for appointments in 2021 as some Ontarians registered for multiple openings using different booking systems
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Ontario wasted about 9% of all COVID-19 vaccine doses
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COVID-19 vaccination pay was very different for doctors, who earned $170 to $220 per hour compared to nurses at $32 to $49 per hour and pharmacists at $30 to $57 per hour
Highway Projects
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The Ministry of Transportation prioritized the building of four highway expansion projects that its own experts would not have recommended, including Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass
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The Ministry of Transportation’s business cases for discontinuing tolls and licence plate sticker fees did not follow its own guidelines
Auto Insurance
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Ontarians pay the highest car insurance premiums in the country, with the average premium having increased nearly 14 per cent from 2017 to 2021 to $1,642
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Car insurance quotes, “where the person lived” being the only factor changed, found rates for the same car ranged from $1200 in London to $3350 in Brampton
Invasive Species
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The province does not track 33 invasive species that are considered high risk by neighbouring jurisdictions
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The province is sometimes years late in regulating invasive species after they are identified as a problem
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The province spends only $4 million annually to fight invasive species despite the $3.6 billion economic impact they create
Electricity Subsidies
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Ontario Power Generation was only using upwards of 50 per cent of installed hydroelectric generating capacity
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In 2021, OPG could have generated enough electricity to power 540,000 more homes
Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation
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Auditor general “mystery shoppers” made away with cheques totalling over $45,000
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Staff failed to verify if funds were coming from legitimate wins
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Shoppers left casinos with almost 98% of the funds they had originally brought in as cash
Post-secondary Institutions
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The province doesn’t know how many post-secondary institutions it needs and how much funding should be earmarked for or charged to each domestic and international student
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Institutions compete for both domestic and international students with an “‘every university for itself’ mentality
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Ontario doesn’t have a plan to differentiate the programs offered by colleges versus universities
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Growing need for tuition fees from international students among post-secondary institutions
Ontarians are paying the price for this government’s refusal to act on and invest in critical areas like the environment and public health. We should be taking steps to make people more healthy and more safe, not less.
New Virtual Health Care Fee Structure Begins Today
The province and the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) have agreed to change the fee structure for virtual care fees which comes into effect today.
During the pandemic, the province allowed doctors to bill up to $80 under OHIP for virtual sessions with patients. Starting December 1, doctors can only charge $80 if they have seen the patient in person at some point in the last two years. Otherwise, the cost drops to $20 for a video visit and $15 for a telephone visit.
According to the OMA, telephone services will be paid by OHIP at 85% of in-person care for patients with an existing relationship with a physician. Core mental health treatments via telephone will be paid at 95% of in-person care.
Many have expressed concern that, with over 1.8 million people in Ontario without a family doctor, this could lead to some providers shutting down their services. Connect-Clinic, a virtual clinic that provides medical services to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, was forced to close because of the funding change. This is a disaster for trans and gender-diverse Ontarians. There must be an urgent alternative funding plan from the Ministry of Health.
The federal government is also concerned with the policy change and thinks this could lead to the patient being billed for services. Health Canada will be following up with Ontario to get a better understanding of the fee structure.
Osgoode Hall Garden Update
In my last update, I reported that a draft notice was issued to some community members stating that five historic trees were slated to be removed from the Osgoode Hall grounds on December 5. I sent a letter to Metrolinx requesting they wait for the results from the City of Toronto’s third-party review before any further decisions are made on this property.
Metrolinx has issued a new community notice regarding archaeological work starting on December 8, stating, “Archeologists will be conducting a Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment on the southwest section of the Osgoode Hall lawn. No trees will be impacted by this work.”
The notice also states the assessment will determine whether there is a need for further archaeological works on this site. We are hoping the city’s review will find a way to build the station without destroying a portion of the lawn and the heritage fence that surrounds it.
If you have any questions about the notice, email OntarioLine@Metrolinx.com or call 416-202-5100.
Ontario Line Costs Doubled
When the government first announced plans for the Ontario Line in 2019, costs were said to be $10.9 billion with the project completed by 2027. New documents released by Infrastructure Ontario this show that two contracts totalling $15 billion have already been awarded for the project, which is now expected to be completed in 2031.
One of the biggest factors driving up the cost of the Ontario Line is a contract awarded to a consortium of companies to operate and maintain the system for the next 30 years.
Metrolinx previously estimated the value of that contract at greater than $2 billion but when the contract was formally announced on Nov. 17 its value had shot up to $9 billion.
The other contract to build the southern portion of the line from Exhibition Place to west of the Don River was initially pegged at $4 billion but came in at $6 billion when it was announced earlier this month.
NDP Infrastructure Critic Jennifer French stated, “I think that factoring in inflation is a realistic thing to talk about, but to blame this entirely on that, nobody's buying that. The government owes taxpayers a more fulsome explanation.”
Child Dental Care Benefit Applications Now Open
Starting today, parents can apply to receive the federal children’s dental care benefit. The benefit is available for children under 12 for families that earn less than $90,000 a year. Benefits range from $260-650 per child depending on net income. Details here.
Paid Sick Days for Federal Workers
Employees in federally regulated private-sector workplaces are now eligible for 10 days of paid sick leave. Workers who have been continuously employed for at least 30 days will have access to three paid sick days. Workers will then get a fourth sick day as of February 1, and will accumulate one additional day at the start of every month up to a maximum of 10 days per year.
However, in Ontario, the Ford government has once again blocked efforts to give Ontarians 10 days of paid sick leave, voting down NDP MPP Peggy Sattler’s Stay Home if You Are Sick Act. This marks the 28th time this government has voted against paid sick days for Ontarians.
Workers in Ontario have just three days of temporary paid sick leave — a measure hard-won by activists, workers, and the Official Opposition. That’s three paid sick days total — not annual — for almost three years living through a global pandemic, and can only be used for COVID-related illnesses.
Free Rapid Tests Available Until June 2023
Ontario will continue to provide free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in grocery stores and pharmacies across the province until June 30, 2023.
Ontario hospitals and pediatric units have been struggling to manage an influx of patients dealing with influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Patients have reported extraordinarily long wait times in emergency departments and some surgeries have been cancelled due to a lack of beds.
However, the Ontario government remains adamant that there is not a nursing crisis in the province.
Vax the Holidays
The City of Toronto has launched its Vax the Holidays campaign bringing COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics to Toronto malls and popular community hubs throughout the holiday season. Details here.
Eligible residents age 5 and older can choose from 30 mobile clinics across the city, including:
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Cecil Community Centre: 58 Cecil St., Wednesdays, 10 am - 2 pm
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Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre: 627 Queens Quay W., Saturday, December 3 and 10, 12-4 pm and Monday, December 5, 12, and 19, 4-8 pm
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Scadding Court Community Centre: 707 Dundas St. W., Wednesday, 4-7 pm and Wednesday, December 28, 2-5 pm
’Tis the Season for Cybersecurity
I would like to share the following tips on how you can keep your personal information as safe as possible during this busy shopping season:
Make Your Passwords Unique and Secure
If hackers gain access to your account passwords, they can steal your payment information or order items with your account and leave you with the bill. Make sure you create secure passwords, such as a string of a few unrelated characters, to minimize the risk. Avoid using the same password across different accounts; if one is hacked, multiple accounts will be vulnerable. If available, enable multi-factor authentication.
Update Software on Your Computer and Mobile Device
Software updates can seem like a drag, but if you get an alert to update your operating system or browser, do so right away. These updates are often released to protect consumers from new security risks. They can also help protect your data by reinforcing or upgrading your computer or mobile device's security features.
Public Charging Stations
Public charging stations at airports or other public places are extremely convenient, but are also a convenient way for a device's data to be compromised. Connecting a mobile device via USB to a piece of hardware in an airport, library, or coffee shop means that you are connecting your device to hardware that is outside of your control. An easy way to avoid these risks is with a personal portable charger power bank for your smartphone.
Public Wi-Fi Hotspots
Airport Wi-Fi networks are risky to join and while free Wi-Fi is tempting, it's an easy hotspot for hackers to view what you're browsing and steal personal information. Assume that you're being observed and every bit of Wi-Fi network data is monitored. Use a VPN or your cellular connection for transactions involving sensitive information.
Only Shop with Reputable Retailers
Shop reliable websites, and get there safely. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Don't be fooled by the lure of great discounts by less-than-reputable websites or fake companies. Use the sites of retailers you know and trust, and get to their sites by directly typing a known, trusted URL into the address bar instead of clicking on a link.
Use Credit Cards – Not Debit Cards – to Shop Online
Credit cards offer strong protection from fraudulent charges. Some credit card issuers provide zero liability protection, meaning you're not held responsible for fraudulent charges (better verify this with your card issuer). Some credit card issuers also offer “approval” notifications prior to any purchases.
With a debit card, however, the money leaves your account immediately — whether the charge is fraudulent or not. And, depending on your bank, it might take weeks or months to get your money back.
Sharing Holiday Photos
Be careful about who you allow to see online photos of yourself, friends and family members. Resist: do not post when you are going or where you are. Wait till you get home to post your travel pictures. Those who really need to share their photos, should at least wait till they are back home, and their home is not empty anymore.
Think Before You Click
Email is still the easiest way for cybercriminals to get hold of your personal information – username, password and more. The most recent phishing scams have been playing on the theme of file sharing, with emails that mimic generic notifications from file sharing apps like OneDrive, SharePoint, Dropbox, etc. If you’re not expecting to receive a link from the sender, don’t click on it; instead, follow up with the sender to ensure it is legitimate (and not by replying to the email).
Beware of Holiday E-cards
Cyber attackers can spoof the FROM address, so that emails appear to be sent from a person you know. Legitimate e-cards are sent directly from the company, and you can verify their website.
Waterfront For All Speaker Series #8: Future of the Island Airport
On Tuesday, December 13 at 7:00 pm, Waterfront For All presents this event featuring Nicole Swerhun, president of Third Party Public discussing key issues regarding Billy Bishop Airport, including new safety regulations, the expiry of the 50-year lease, and other possible uses of the land. Register here.
Vaccine Clinics
See all vaccine clinics here.
Construction & Road Closures
See all announcements here.
Fun Things to Do
CityPlace Here Comes Santa Claus: Come join the festivities along Fort York Blvd. Dec 3-4.
Holiday Fair in the Square: Combining the charm and elegance of a Christmas market with the excitement of a thriving winter carnival and light show. Details here. Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W. Dec 2-23.
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