Dear Neighbours,
The last three weeks in the legislature have been hectic and boisterous, and with only 28 sitting days, the government is fast-tracking several concerning bills with little to no debate.
The new Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act is a sweeping omnibus bill that would amend 16 different laws. While supposedly aimed at solving the housing crisis, it is a direct attack on renters and the environment.
Last week, the government announced they were considering ending rent control on all units, and allowing corporate landlords to evict renters, not because they haven’t paid their rent, but for the corporate landlord’s business strategies. Then, on Sunday, the Housing Minister backtracked and said “now is not the time” to end rent control. Why would this government think there is ever a good time to end rent control, and threaten to kick renters out of their homes? I remain concerned that they will find another way to bring this back.
Watch me in Question Period and download and sign my petition here.
The handling of the Skills Development Fund has revealed further instances of corruption like the ones we saw with the Greenbelt and Ontario Place. My colleagues and I have called for the resignation of Labour Minister David Piccini who admitted that his office personally influenced the selection process, approving low-scoring applications from donors, and overruling higher-ranked ones.
The government plans to make reforms to Ontario’s electoral system. The changes include raising donation limits and removing fixed election dates. These changes will allow wealthy donors to have a greater influence in elections and will allow the government to choose dates that most benefit them.
The government also released its Fall Economic Statement. While Ontario has the lowest per capita housing starts in the country, there is no provincial plan to build affordable housing. Meanwhile, Mayor Olivia Chow has cut ribbons on 2,600 units of affordable and rental housing in the past month, showing that it is possible to build affordable housing. See more on this below.
Press conference to call on the government to end ticket resale price gouging
The Blue Jays may not have won the World Series, but it certainly was one of the most exciting series in Toronto baseball history! Unfortunately, most fans could not afford the price of a ticket. In 2019, the government made changes to the Ticket Sales Act that now allows the resale for any amount above face value. My colleagues and I in the Official Opposition called on the government to put Fans First, and for legislation that will prevent ticket resellers from using bots to gobble up tickets and then reselling them for hundreds or thousands of dollars above face value.
Despite the heavy winds, it was so much fun meeting the hundreds of children trick-or-treating at the CityPlace Halloween Crawl.
CityPlace Halloween Crawl along Fort York Blvd.
Please join me on Tuesday, November 11 for the Remembrance Day ceremony at Fort York at 100 Garrison Road at 10:40 am. The ceremony features soldiers and nurses dressed in uniforms dating back to World War I. On this day, we pay tribute to our veterans and honour those who gave their lives in service.
It’s hard to believe, but the holidays are almost here. Join me on Saturday, December 6, 1-3 pm for my annual Holipalooza! See details below.
Also note the official opening of the Distillery Winter Village on November 13. Check out this and more fun activities in my updated list of Fun Things to Do.
Sincerely,
Latest News
Holipalooza Dec 6
It’s that time again and we are gearing up for our annual holiday party and concert – Holipalooza! Join me on Saturday, December 6, 1-3 pm at the brand-new East Bayfront Community Recreation Centre located at 261 Queens Quay East. Everyone is welcome for an afternoon of live music, refreshments, kids’ crafts and activities, and a special visitor!
Space is limited! Register here.
AI Safety Research Motion to Protect Jobs
In the first week back in the Legislature, I tabled a motion calling on the government to create a grant program for artificial intelligence (AI) governance and safety research at Ontario’s public colleges and universities, amid growing concern that 1.1 million Canadian public sector jobs could be threatened without strong regulation and government oversight.
The disruption that AI inflicts on our workforce is already real and escalating. If we don’t act now, we risk more people joining the 800,000 Ontarians that are already unemployed, because nothing was done to plan for its impact on our labour force.
Cybercrimes and disinformation campaigns are being supercharged by AI. We need clear guardrails and strong public oversight before it has devastating effects on our economy and society. An AI research grant will carve out a field in which Ontario can once again be a global leader, while protecting and creating jobs, which should be this government’s top priority given Ford’s ongoing jobs disaster.
Watch the press conference here.
Download and sign my petition here.
Fall Economic Statement – What We Need
Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy released the 2025 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review.
Total spending is set at $218.4 billion with a deficit forecast at $13.5 billion (a decrease of $1.1 billion from the budget). As the cost of living rises and housing and jobs crises worsen, my colleagues and I in the Official Opposition are pushing for a plan that has the government building affordable homes, employing Ontario workers, and using Ontario lumber and steel.
The government has committed to a $100 million nonsensical tunnel under the 401, including $9 million just for a feasibility report. Meanwhile, health, education, housing, and social services remain woefully underfunded. We are pushing for addressing the 7.8% unemployment rate or the 17% youth unemployment by having the government give construction and materials contracts for roads, bridges, and other infrastructure to Ontario businesses that employ Ontario workers.
Key Highlights:
Tariffs, Trade, Economy & Support for Workers
- Protect Ontario Account: Announced in the last budget but the application process was complicated but no new money was announced and no indication where money is going
- Trade Impact Communities Fund: $40 million directly to impacted sectors
- Ontario Together Trade Fund: $150 million over 3 years to support businesses to retool and expand to interprovincial trade partners; no new expansions of the Manufacturing Tax Credit; no details about the Buy Ontario strategy; no money for retraining and worker action centres
Housing
- Only 64,300 housing starts, down about 10% from the 71,800 projected in the budget
Childcare, Education, Post-Secondary
- No new childcare announcements
- Nothing for childcare workers
- 86,000 spaces promised in 2022 – one year left and only a third of the spaces created
- Education spending unchanged, maintained inflationary cuts
- School repair backlog is $16.8 billion as of August 2025
- Maintained $1.4 billion in cuts over 4 years to post-secondary education
Health
- Marginal increase in health spending at $369 million
Social Services
- No new funding for Ontario Autism Program
- No mention of Children’s Aid or Legal Aid funding
Energy, Environment
- No climate action plan
- Collapsed Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities
- Increased Ontario Energy Rebate
Transit, Transportation
- No timeline for major transit project and no budget for Hwy 413 and Bradford Bypass
- Developing provincial ride share standards for companies like Uber and Lyft
What We Need:
A Plan for Jobs: The government continues to rely on the scandal-ridden Skills Development Fund instead of a real strategy to keep work and train workers in Ontario.
A “Buy Ontario First” Procurement Strategy: Public money and taxpayer dollars should create Ontario jobs, not subsidize companies outside of the country.
Real Measures that Make Life More Affordable: Costs are skyrocketing and there is nothing in this statement that meaningfully lowers rent, groceries, utilities, or transit costs for the people of this province.
A Plan to Build More Homes: Ontario is going backwards. It is the only province with declining housing starts and the government has no plan to change that.
My colleagues and I are urging the government to prioritize:
- Protecting and creating good jobs by expanding support for local manufacturing, small businesses, and Ontario’s critical resource sectors.
- Investing in social infrastructure such as housing, health care, education, and childcare, to attract and retain workers.
- Building economic security by increasing social assistance rates, expanding public pharmacare and mental health care, and investing in municipalities to prevent job loss and homelessness.
Who’s Hungry Report Reveals Record-Breaking Usage
Last week, I met with the Daily Bread Food Bank to discuss the recently released Who’s Hungry Report 2025. It was distressing to hear that, last year, food bank visits in Toronto reached an all-time high of 4.1 million — more than half a million higher than the year before, and a 340% increase since 2019.
Key Findings:
- More than 1 in 10 Torontonians rely on food banks – compared to 1 in 20 in 2022
- 54% of respondents visited food banks 3 or more times a month
- 1 in 4 clients are children
- 96% of respondents said the rising cost of living is a top reason they visit food banks
- 88% of respondents live in unaffordable housing
- Respondents reported a median income of $1,200 per month—down from $1,265 last year
- Clients experiencing homelessness increased by 19% from 2024 to 2025
- 35% of employed respondents work multiple jobs
- 57% of respondents hold a post-secondary degree or higher
This is unacceptable. The Fall Economic Statement delivered by the government does not address any of these basic needs. We need real measures to make life affordable and a plan to build more deeply affordable housing. My colleagues and I will continue to push the government to:
- Double the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Increase the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB)
- Bring Back Rent Control
Environment at Risk with Current Legislation
The passing of recent legislation is very concerning particularly in regards to the environment.
Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act
Toronto’s green roof by-law helped to make Ontario a global leader in environmental construction, but the government quietly killed the mandate without public notice on the night the Blue Jays began their World Series bid. The green roof program has been hailed for its rainwater absorption and flood prevention capabilities, while also reducing heating and cooling bills.
The bill also states that it will “remove so-called green development standards at the lot level outside the building.” This means removing requirements such as permeable pavement, native tree planting, and bicycle parking. This would undermine municipalities’ ability to manage stormwater effectively and safeguard communities from the growing risks of climate-driven extreme rainfall events.
Submit feedback on Bill 60 until 11:59 pm on November 22:
- Consultation on Enhanced Development Standards – Lot Level
- Proposed Changes to the Planning Act (Schedule 10 of Bill 60)
Bill 46, Building a More Competitive Economy Act
The government’s new “anti-red tape” bill weakens Ontario’s clean water legislation – the laws put in place after seven were killed and thousands made sick when people drank contaminated water in Walkerton over 20 years ago.
Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act
This bill allows the government to designate certain areas, including the Ring of Fire, as Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Within these zones, projects undertaken by “trusted proponents” can be exempted from various provincial laws, regulations, and municipal bylaws. The bill weakens environmental oversight by repealing the Endangered Species Act and narrowing the definition of habitat protection.
Submit feedback on SEZs until 11:59 pm on November 16:
Bill 25, Emergency Management Modernization Act
The government’s bill on organizing emergency services does not even recognize that with the advance of the climate crisis we will be facing new and more dangerous emergency situations from fire and flood.
Ontario Conservation Authorities
The government also plans to merge Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into a few regional bodies under a new Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency, eliminating local oversight and expert input. This will weaken flood control, pollution prevention, land conservation, and habitat protection – handing developers a blank cheque for sprawl and destruction.
Poverty Reduction Strategy Survey
The Ontario government is conducting a survey to get public input for its Poverty Reduction Strategy. Residents, service providers, and employers can share their experiences and perspectives through online surveys or written submissions by November 30, 2025.
Online Submissions
Written Submissions (download PDF here)
- Email: Send a scanned copy to [email protected]
- Mail: Send a printed copy to Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Strategic Policy Division, 3rd Floor, 315 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M7A 0B8
- In-Person: Drop off a completed survey or written submission at your local Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works office
Local Business Recognized by TIME for Best Invention
Spadina-Fort York resident, Sarah Cox, has been recognized in Time Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2025. Sarah and her co-founder, Hayley Mullins, developed a medical device called Joeyband to help parents and doctors achieve skin-to-skin contact with less stress. Joeyband is currently being used by hospitals all over the world for enhancing newborn and maternal care.
Not only is this a win for Toronto, but it’s a win for women’s health and women inventors who only hold approximately 17% of patents. Congratulations Sarah and Hayley!
Bathurst Priority Streetcar Lane Installation Begins this Week
Starting November 5, weather permitting, the City of Toronto and TTC will begin work on the priority streetcar lanes along Bathurst, from Dundas to Lake Shore. Installation continuing north from Dundas to Bathurst Station will follow once the initial section is complete. Details here.
Work includes:
- Removal of existing pavement markings, applying red paint, and installing new markings.
- Removal of existing signage and new signage and signals will be installed, as required.
Work hours:
- Pavement marking changes will take place overnight from 10 pm to 4 am with efforts made to complete the noisiest work before 11 pm.
- Daytime work (e.g. signage changes) will take place during the off-peak hours to limit traffic disruptions.
Parking:
- No parking or standing will be allowed in the installation area starting November 5 at 8 pm.
- Vehicle owners parked on Bathurst will receive 48-hour advance notice from the contractor before work begins.
- Green P machines and related signage will also be removed or covered.
- Vehicles parked in the work zone will be relocated at no cost to the owner. They will be moved to the nearest legal side street parking spot, as determined by Toronto Police Services (TPS). If your vehicle is relocated, you can call TPS at 416-808-2222 to find out where it was moved.
Transit:
- TTC vehicles will continue to operate, and access to Bathurst Station will be maintained during regular station hours.
- 511 Bathurst streetcars will be replaced by buses between 9 pm and 2 am.
- Overnight 307 Bathurst bus service will continue to operate and regular streetcar service will resume each morning at 5:30 am.
For immediate concerns during installation, please email [email protected] or call 647-336-4222.
New Park Opening at 50 Queens Quay E
A new park is coming to 50 Queens Quay E near the One Yonge Community Recreation Centre. Before full construction begins, the site will open on November 10 as a Park in Progress featuring a temporary green space available for public use while plans for the permanent park are developed. It will include pathways, seating, pickleball courts, and a dog off-leash area. Details here.
Exhibition Place Sports Court Revitalization Public Meeting
Exhibition Place is hosting a second community consultation meeting to discuss the redevelopment of the Centennial Square Park sports courts presented by Studio TLA. Details here.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 – 6:30-7:30 pm
Via Zoom
Liberty for All Community Consultations
Liberty For All was initiated by the City of Toronto in 2024 and is a study that will shape the future of the neighbourhood in the next 10-20 years. The City is hosting two community consultation meetings that will include a presentation from staff and opportunities to give feedback and ask questions.
In-person Community Consultation
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – 6-7:30 pm
Fort York, Historic Site, 100 Garrison Rd
Virtual Consultation
Thursday, November 20, 2025 – 6-7:30 pm
Register here
Canoe Landing Park Off-Leash Survey & Public Meeting
The City of Toronto is improving the dog off-leash area in Canoe Landing Park and is in phase two of the community engagement process. Here are two ways to provide feedback:
Online Survey
Deadline: November 19, 2025 at 11:45 pm
Take the survey here
Virtual Public Meeting
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Register here
Help Shape the Future of the Grange
If you live, work, study, or visit the Grange Precinct and surrounding Kensington-Chinatown area, your feedback is needed. University Settlement, and in collaboration with the City of Toronto and CreateTO, is seeking input that will help ensure that local spaces, services, and programs truly reflect the needs of this growing and diverse community. Full details here.
Complete the survey by November 30 here.
Design Competition for New Park in Liberty Village
The City of Toronto is launching an international design competition for a new park in Liberty Village located at 34 Hanna Ave. The site is currently a parking lot and a temporary pop-up park, before it will be transformed into a vibrant green space for the community.
The first stage of the competition invites teams to submit their team qualifications to the City by Friday, November 28 at noon. Eligible design teams will be evaluated based on their qualifications, work experience and design approach to the park site. Details here.
Grants for Ontario Francophone Projects
Are you a Francophone or Francophile? Would you like funding to carry out a creative project rooted in Ontario’s Francophone community? The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario has launched the Celebrating 50 Years – Shaping the Future Together initiative. This collective art project is open to anyone who is passionate about the Francophone presence in Ontario. Selected participants will receive creation grants of up to $10,000. Find out more and learn how to apply here.
ArtWorksTO Indigenous Program
The ArtWorksTO Indigenous program offers Indigenous youth ages 18-35 opportunities to gain professional experience, develop skills, and build networks in the media arts industry. Participants receive a $5,000 paid creative contract, skills training with OCAD University, and mentorship from Indigenous media leaders, all within a supportive, culturally grounded environment. Application deadline is December 1, 2025. Details 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.
