Dear Neighbours,
It is my honour to have been re-elected to serve as your Member of Provincial Parliament for another four years. Thank you for your trust in me. This week marks the return to Queen’s Park after five long months. This legislative session will be more challenging than ever, and our top priority must be defending Ontario workers and businesses from the economic threats coming out of the U.S.
My first priorities are to:
- Develop strategies to protect our local small businesses from tariff threats
- Work with credit unions, land trusts, churches and other agencies to build affordable housing
- Continue working to develop Artificial Intelligence policy regulations
Swearing-in ceremony at Queen’s Park on March 19
I am looking forward to my new position as Shadow Minister of Sport. With the FIFA World Cup coming to the riding in 2026, I will have an opportunity to work with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport as we prepare for one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
I will also continue my work as the Shadow Minister for Technology, Innovation and Democratic Reform, pushing for the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence and to protect our democratic rights.
To support our small local businesses, MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre) and I met with small business owners and John Kiru, the Director of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas. The overarching message was clear – our local businesses need our support. So whenever you can, shop local, or take your friends to a local restaurant.
The fight for Ontario Place continues. A bombshell New York Times investigation has revealed evidence that Therme misrepresented itself to get a 95-year lease from the government for Ontario Place. Even more concerning, Therme has yet to secure outside investment for the redevelopment. This means the West Island was destroyed just to meet the Ontario government’s lease requirements to start building by spring 2026. For two years now, we’ve been pushing the government for transparency, filed formal complaints, and demanded the contract be released.
Listen to my question in the legislature to the Premier here.
We need to cancel this deal and focus on the original vision for Ontario Place which was to showcase Ontario innovation. It has the world’s first IMAX theatre which was invented in Ontario. It launched the international careers of architect Eb Zeidler, landscape architect Michael Hough, and Children’s Village creator Eric McMillan who is also the inventor of the ball pit! In the wake of the tariff threats and the need to buy Canadian, we need to recruit Ontario innovators to redevelop Ontario Place. The government is boasting that they are investing $3 billion to develop Ontario innovation, yet they are giving $2.2 billion tax dollars and a 95-year lease on public parkland to American and Austrian corporations.
Sign my petition to showcase Ontario innovation at Ontario Place.
Photos by Francesca Bouaoun taken at Ontario Place
Coyote attacks are being reported daily in Liberty Village, Fort York, CityPlace and all the way up to King and Bathurst. This problem did not exist before the Ontario government cut down the forest at Ontario Place without an environmental assessment or a plan for the wildlife that would be displaced. I’ve been meeting with residents and wildlife experts to determine what the best solution is, but keeping our community safe is my priority. See more on this below.
Cycle Toronto’s Bike Rally on Tuesday
I am an avid cyclist, and in 2018, I was doored while riding on Bloor Street. A vehicle drove past me, stopped three feet out from the curb, and the passenger opened the door. Bike lanes help keep cyclists safe. Now that the election is over, I’m glad to see the city has been able to push the province to backtrack on its plans to rip out at least some of the bike lanes that have been targeted. Cycle Toronto is also challenging the government’s planned removal of the bike lanes in Ontario Superior Court, stating that ripping up bike lanes will put lives at risk, violating Charter rights to life and security of the person.
Waterfront cleanup with George Brown College
April 22 is Earth Day and there are several neighbourhood cleanups taking place across the city. If you are organizing a cleanup in the riding, I would be happy to participate. Reach out to my office with the details.
One of the most inspiring events is my annual Community Recognition Ceremony. It’s incredible how many of our neighbours dedicate their time to helping others. This year we honoured local business leaders, environmentalists, and people who brought our community together. Read about the incredible contributions below or click here for a complete listing of recipients.
If you’re looking for something to do this long weekend, join me on Sunday for the Easter Scramble in Canoe Landing Park! Check out more Fun Things to Do.
Easter Scramble in Canoe Landing Park
Again, thank you so much for your support and your trust in me. I will work every day to earn it.
Happy Easter and Chag Sameach!
Latest News
Community Recognition Ceremony Held Mar 29
Thank you to everyone who attended the 5th Annual Community Recognition Ceremony held at the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre on Saturday, March 29, 2025. It was an incredible afternoon and an honour to be in the presence of so many wonderful people doing such amazing work in the riding.
Click here to view all the photos.
Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients:
Arts/Culture Leader:
- Kseniya Tsoy
Business Leaders:
- Alan Liu, Managing Director, Salad King
- Tonny Louie, Chair, Chinatown BIA
Community Leaders:
- Asian Toronto Running Club
- Isin (Iris) Unlu
- Nesreen Hajjar
- Ruby Kooner
- Theresa Kapusta and Jacques Bernier
- Tina Guglietti
- Barbara McLardy
Disability Advocates:
- Luke Anderson, Co-founder, StopGap
- Rose Finlay
Environment Advocates:
- Jasminee Persaud
- Rachelle Chevalier
- UofT Trash Team
Indigenous Arts/Culture:
- Monica Decock, Indigenous Bijoux
Seniors Advocate:
- Barbara Ceccarelli, Executive Director, Centres d’Accueil Héritage (CAH)
Youth Leader:
- Negar Nasrkhani
Lifetime Achievement:
- Chris Fraser, Co-founder, Liberty Village BIA
- Joan Prowse, Bathurst Quay Neighbourhood Association
King Charles III Coronation Medals:
- Gerald Mak
- Sergeant James Papadamou
- Bruce Weber
- Louis March, Founder, Zero Gun Violence Movement
Ontario Place Protectors Still Fighting
In March, we learned that the Ontario government withdrew their request to dump sewage into the Ontario Place West Channel. This was a huge win for our waterfront!
Also in March, the challenge brought forward by Ontario Place Protectors (OPP) was unsuccessful at the Court of Appeal. The challenge began when the Ontario government pushed through the Rebuilding Ontario Place Act in December 2023. This new legislation retroactively exempts the project from all municipal and provincial laws. It also exonerates government ministers or agents who have committed acts of misfeasance, breach of trust, or breach of contract in the project. This is not just a fight for Ontario Place; this is also a fight for our democracy.
After consulting with experts, OPP is now filing for leave to appeal the case to the Supreme Court of Canada. I will continue to keep you updated.
Coyote Update
In March, the City of Toronto presented the findings of the Downtown Coyote Response Expert Panel. Since fall 2024 (the same time the trees were removed on the West Island) there has been a noticeable increase in incidents with coyotes in the neighbourhoods adjacent to Ontario Place.
I am very concerned with the daily reports of coyote attacks in our riding. I’ve been meeting regularly with residents and wildlife experts to determine what the best solution is. I recognize that this is not the fault of the coyotes as they are just trying to survive, and that the destruction of Ontario Place seems to have triggered this behaviour. But the dangers to our community are too high.
I spoke with a resident last week whose dog was attacked and then watched the same coyote attack two others on the same stretch of land at 2 Tecumseth. Two dogs were killed in the last two days. Someone sitting alone in Trillium Park without a dog was rushed by two coyotes. A jogger with no dog was attacked and had injuries severe enough they required to be taken away by ambulance. On Tuesday evening, there were three incidents at Garrison Park. Based on the descriptions given, it appears to be the same coyote with a mange tail involved in these attacks.
We need a sustainable plan to manage coyotes in the city and what we are currently doing is not working. I’ve called several sanctuaries and they have all said they are only able to take animals for rehabilitation that will be released into the wild. Unfortunately, I think the only option that remains is that the coyotes must be removed.
Noise from Metrolinx Construction
Spadina-Fort York is home to four future Ontario Line stations and the most complaints my office receives is regarding construction noise. I continually hear from residents who are being forced to endure unbearable noise for up to 16 hours a day and for months on end. This is causing disruption to their sleep and day-to-day life severely impacting their physical and mental health.
I have met with Metrolinx representatives and discussed my concerns but they have been given a mandate from the provincial government to build the Ontario Line as quickly as possible. This also means that the construction does not need to abide by City of Toronto noise bylaws.
I have requested a meeting with Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria to discuss what can be done to minimize the negative effects that Ontario Line construction is having on residents. While I recognize that this construction is necessary, it is also important that we respect residents.
Report Shows Steady Decline in Spending on Health, Education
The Financial Accountability Officer’s latest report on spending trends showed a decline in government spending on key social programs. We have fewer hospital beds, fewer doctors, and a dangerous increase in hallway medicine and emergency room closures.
Social assistance rates are lower today than they were 20 years ago, despite sky-high housing costs and a rise in homelessness. We need to make sure that our government invests in the things that matter most – reliable health care, affordable homes, and good schools.
QUICK FACTS:
- Per capita federal transfers have increased faster than provincial spending
- Long-term care beds per capita have declined by 45%, from 99 to 62 beds per 1,000 seniors
- There has been a steady decline in the number of hospital beds per 100,000 people – from 478 in 1990-91 to 222 in 2023-24
- Ontario has half the hospital beds per capita it did 30 years ago
- In the last 10 years, the province has only gained a single bed per 100,000 Ontarians
- On a per student basis, postsecondary education spending decreased at an average annual rate of -0.3% from $14,183 in 1990-91 to $12,994 in 2023-24
Ontario Government Holding Back Building of Rental Housing
Last month, the City of Toronto announced that it had reached an historic housing agreement with the federal government that would see $2.55 billion in low-cost financing to help deliver thousands of rental homes to the city. The project would bring almost 5000 new rental units to the market, including a minimum of 1075 affordable units.
The federal government has set aside up to $7.3 billion in low-cost financing over three years to help the city with the construction of more rental housing. However, the money is contingent on financial support from the Government of Ontario which has not yet materialized.
Measles in Ontario
There has been an increase of measles in many parts of the world, including Ontario. Measles cases are usually associated with travel. If you have symptoms of measles, you should not travel. Anyone travelling outside of Canada should ensure they are adequately protected through vaccination prior to travelling. Travel health advice
Measles is a serious respiratory infection that is highly contagious. Around 90% of people who are exposed to a person with measles will become infected if they are not vaccinated. The measles virus is spread by coughing or sneezing into the air. It can also be transmitted by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching an infected surface. Symptoms of measles include fever, red blotchy rash, red watery eyes, and cough.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against measles. For children and most adults born after 1970, this means receiving two doses of the vaccine. For questions regarding immunization, please contact Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 or email [email protected].
Federal Election New Boundaries
The federal election is coming up on Monday, April 28 but Advance Polls will be open this long weekend from April 18-21. Your vote is very important, so be sure to make your voice heard.
This is the first election with the new federal riding boundaries. Not all residents in Spadina-Fort York may be residents in Spadina-Harbourfront. To find out what riding you live in, click here.
MPP Scrolls for Special Occasions
Turning 30, 40, 80, 90 or 100? Celebrate a significant birthday with a certificate from my office.
Is there a new addition to your family? Send the name of your baby, the parents’ names and other relevant information and we’ll send a “Welcome to the World” certificate to celebrate this special event.
