Dear Neighbours,
School is back! The nights are chilly and fall is definitely in the air. I've been enjoying visiting with students and parents in the mornings.
Summer got off to an exciting start! I want to thank everyone who joined me for my summer events – Chill with Chris, End of Summer Barbecue and Movie Night in Liberty Village. I think everybody who watched The Princess Bride with us will now be able to complete the phrase: “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya…”
Chill with Chris July 23
Movie Night in Liberty Village Park August 28
End of Summer Barbecue August 21
Last week, I officiated my very first wedding for a young couple from the riding. Last spring we passed legislation to allow MPPs to conduct up to three weddings per year. So if you know anyone who wants an MPP to conduct their wedding, please reach out to my office!
Congratulations to Reid and Kristyn! I was honoured to officiate my very first wedding for them.
Although we won a brief reprieve from jets at Billy Bishop, it now seems that fight was part of a bigger plan by the provincial and federal governments to privatize our airports. This is a foolish economic plan that will cost all of us millions of dollars in the coming years. This makes us even more vulnerable to President Trump’s economic and sovereignty threats. Our airports are vital strategic assets and they cannot be allowed to fall into the hands of for-profit corporations and potentially American corporations.
Download and print my petition here.
We also need to be supporting Ontario and Canadian businesses. While the provincial government is encouraging people to shop local, they continue to contract government work to American companies. The government also gave a $60 million contract to Staples, an American company to provide school supplies. We need to fully fund our schools. It’s the most important investment we can make. See more on this below.
U.S. tariffs are putting significant pressure on small businesses, raising costs, disrupting supply chains, and threatening jobs and investment. We have compiled a list of the existing provincial and federal supports available. See the full list here.
There is plenty to do this fall in Spadina-Fort York! Check out my updated list of Fun Things to Do.
As always, it is an incredible honour to serve as your MPP.
Sincerely,
Latest News
Airport Expansion and Privatization Concerns
We may have celebrated too early. The Billy Bishop airport expansion has not been cancelled, but just postponed by the federal government.
Premier Ford has confirmed what we suspected all along. The federal and provincial governments had a deal to expand Billy Bishop Airport. The prime minister would approve the airport plan in Toronto in exchange for the premier preventing Eastern Ontario MPPs from opposing the Alto rail project.
Premier Ford has confirmed that Ontario and the federal government had been working toward an agreement on the airport expansion. The federal government has now said the project will not proceed “at this time.”
Mayor Chow and Deputy Mayor Malik are bringing an urgent resolution to Toronto City Council calling for the expansion to be permanently cancelled. The Ontario NDP supports the resolution and the calls from residents opposing the expansion.
As long as Bill 110 is law, our community is at risk. My colleagues and I support the City of Toronto’s call to repeal Bill 110 and return Toronto parklands.
Preparing Ontario for the Risks of AI
As the Shadow Minister for Technology and Innovation, I have been closely watching the rapid development of AI. Governments must ensure innovation is matched with strong safeguards.
Evan Hubinger, an AI researcher at Anthropic, recently estimated there is a greater than 10% chance AI agents could kill all humans within the next decade. I also spoke with Wyatt Tessari, Director of the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Safety Institute, about the risks of increasingly autonomous AI systems, including threats to cybersecurity, financial stability, essential services, and potential “loss of control” events.
Ontario needs to be proactive. That means strengthening cybersecurity supports for smaller hospitals, municipalities and school boards; developing plans to maintain essential services during major technology disruptions; and establishing clear safety, environmental and data governance standards for AI data centres.
Ontario passed Bill 194, the Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act, but it primarily gives the Minister the power to develop regulations. There is still a broader conversation needed about AI safety.
I introduced Motion 37 to establish an AI safety research scholarship fund to build expertise in this critical area. We have also called on the Ford government to pause approvals for new mega AI data centres until clear rules are in place, including meaningful public and Indigenous consultation, environmental oversight, data sovereignty and clear benefits for local communities.
AI offers enormous opportunities, but responsible innovation means preparing for its risks before they become crises. Canada can help lead the development of AI safety regulations, and Ontario should be developing strong safety standards of its own.
You may be interested in listening to this recent podcast: Paying attention to Data Centres. A Conversation with MPP Chris Glover | Connecting the Community
Premier Shuffles Cabinet But Changes Little
After losing three cabinet ministers since May, Premier Ford recently announced another cabinet shuffle. While several ministers have been moved into new portfolios, the changes raise questions about accountability and whether Ontarians can expect a different approach from this government.
Here are some of the most notable changes:
David Piccini has been awarded the position of Minister of Infrastructure. Minister Piccini is still under investigation by the Integrity Commissioner for his actions as Minister of Labour after the auditor general raised questions about his handling of the $2.5-billion Skills Development Fund. He mismanaged an important public fund, rewarding insiders and lobbyists, while his own donations skyrocketed.
Kinga Surma, the former Minister of Infrastructure who signed the Ontario Place deal that left taxpayers on the hook for a luxury spa from a broke company, is now in charge of the province’s purse strings as President of the Treasury Board, a role left vacant after Caroline Mulroney resigned earlier this year.
Trevor Jones will take over as Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Jones previously served as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, a role that will now be held by Sam Oosterhoff.
Zee Hamid, who was previously the Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform, becomes the new Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, after Stan Cho resigned from the job as he came under fire for spending $16,000 in Toronto hotel stays despite living in the city. Hardeep Grewal, Nina Tangri, and Charmaine Williams have faced scrutiny over similar hotel expenses while retaining their cabinet positions.
Vijay Thanigasalam becomes the Associate Minister of Artificial Intelligence Adoption. This portfolio is particularly significant to me in my role as Shadow Minister for Technology and Innovation. Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing our economy, public services, and workplaces, and Ontario needs a clear and accountable strategy to ensure these technologies are adopted responsibly and deliver meaningful benefits for Ontarians.
Ultimately, this shuffle changes who holds the titles, but does very little for accountability.
FAO Warns of $9.9B Public Service Funding Gap
Ontario’s Financial Accountability Office (FAO) says the Ford government’s current spending plans could fall $9.9 billion short by 2028-29 of what is needed to maintain existing service levels across education, healthcare, social services and postsecondary education.
Key numbers:
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Education: $2 billion projected gap by 2028-29; per-student funding is projected to decline from $15,140 to $14,775 after inflation.
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Healthcare: spending projected to grow 3.2% annually, compared with 4.4% needed to maintain current service levels; projected gap reaches $3.8 billion by 2028-29.
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Social Services: projected funding shortfall grows from $700M this year to $1.9B by 2028-29.
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Postsecondary: spending projected to decline 2.2% annually, while maintaining current services would require 3.2% annual growth.
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OSAP: the share of students receiving grants is projected to fall from 59% to 37.3%, largely due to changes affecting private career college students.
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Childcare: $4.8 billion Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care funding shortfall by 2028-29 if average fees remain at $19/day.
Ontario Needs Action, Not Just Tough Talk
With the latest tariff threats and escalating attacks on Canadian jobs and workers coming from the U.S., Ontario families need the province to do more than make speeches and put up billboards. We need action.
My colleagues and I in the Official Opposition have been calling on the Ford government to recall the Legislature and bring forward a real plan to support workers, protect jobs, and put Buy Ontario First into practice.
Right now, the government’s actions don’t match its rhetoric. Ontario subway cars are being built in Maryland. A broke Austrian company is building a megaspa at Ontario Place. Almost 600 WSIB workers have been laid off while contracts go to an American company. The government even contracted the website supportontariomade.ca to an American company.
Teachers buying subsidized school supplies are directed to American-owned Staples. We are calling for a full audit of the $66 million Classroom Supplies Fund. The Staples portal is charging higher prices and teachers are still having trouble accessing supplies.
U.S. tariffs are putting significant pressure on small businesses with many already reporting significant revenue losses and uncertainty. My office has compiled a list of the existing provincial and federal supports available. See the full list here.
545 Lake Shore Shelter Closure and Transition
The 545 Lake Shore Blvd W shelter is now closed to clients, with the site scheduled to return to the landlord on September 30, 2026. The City will continue to provide outreach and community supports during the transition.
From September 1 to October 31, Safe House Community Services will operate a Neighbourhood Response Team (NRT) seven days a week, from 8 am to 8 pm. Two NRT members will be deployed on each shift, with additional overlapping coverage from noon to 4 pm. The team will focus on community engagement and outreach around Waterfront Elementary School, St. Stephen’s Childcare, Little Norway Park and surrounding residential areas.
Residents with questions or concerns about Safe House services can call 416-823-9210 and leave a message for a staff member to return their call.
For discarded harm reduction materials, including sharps, residents can email [email protected]. The City will coordinate with Fresh Start, which provides safe removal seven days a week.
Who to Contact
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211: Community-based mental health crisis and wellness support through TCCS
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311: City services, including complaints, maintenance requests and support for people experiencing homelessness. For emergency shelter, call 311 or Central Intake at 416-338-4766
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416-808-2222: Toronto Police non-emergency assistance
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911: For emergencies or an immediate threat to life or safety
Queen and Bathurst Update
Our office continues to hear concerns from residents and local business owners about the ongoing state of emergency at Queen and Bathurst.
I meet regularly with the local community and recently attended the check-in meeting held on September 14 at West Neighbourhood House. Residents had an opportunity to ask questions, share their concerns, and hear directly from service providers working in the area.
If you require assistance with excess debris or someone who is in crisis, reach out to the following:
Fred Victor Community Outreach
Discarded Needles & Sharps and Assistance
Call: 416-707-4233
Email: [email protected]
If you see someone in distress:
Dial 211
On September 11, I wrote to Health Minister Sylvia Jones requesting a meeting to discuss immediate actions the Ministry of Health can take to address the crisis unfolding on our streets. I will be following up with the Minister next week to ensure this meeting takes place before the Legislature resumes at the end of October.
Read my letter to Minister Jones here.
Bike Lane Decisions Should Remain Local
A new Abacus Data survey shows that 64% of Ontarians believe municipalities – not the provincial government – should decide where local bike lanes are installed.
The survey comes as the provincial government moves ahead with plans to remove bike lanes on sections of Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue. The government recently won its appeal of a lower-court ruling that had found the legislation behind the removals unconstitutional, and has now proceeded with a request for proposals for the work.
While opinions differ on specific bike lane projects, people trust their municipalities to make decisions based on local needs, local data and local priorities. Transportation decisions should be informed by local needs and the people who live in our communities.
Toronto Rail Yards Takes Over Rail Deck Park
Toronto’s long-planned Rail Deck Park has given way to a very different proposal: Toronto Rail Yards. The private proposal from LiUNA and Fengate would deck over the active rail corridor between Bathurst Street and Spadina Avenue to create a new mixed-use community with nearly 4,000 homes, offices, retail, childcare and about 2.3 acres of public space.
That is a significant change from the City of Toronto’s Rail Deck Park vision, which protected this corridor for a major public park of roughly 20 acres. The city plan was cancelled in May 2021 when the provincial Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) ruled in favour of a developer group.
The Toronto Rail Yards proposal is still subject to the City’s planning and approval process, and the website states they will be collecting community feedback. We will continue to watch this development.
Consultation on Proposed Changes to the Condo Act
The Ministry of Public and Business Service Fulfilment and Procurement is consulting and seeking feedback on a proposal to make amendments to the Condominium Act. The proposed amendments aim to strengthen consumer protection, increase transparency, and improve access to information. For questions, contact [email protected].
Deadline: September 30, 2026
Explore MPAC’s Updated Housing Inventory Map
The Housing Inventory Map is a free, interactive tool that lets users explore Ontario’s residential housing stock and trends by municipality and region. With recently updated data from 2016–2026, users can compare housing types, inventory levels and changes over time.
FIFA Main Street Impact Survey
Toronto BIA Association (TABIA) is conducting a survey to measure the economic impact of events that took place across the city during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Responses will assist the City of Toronto, TABIA, and other stakeholders when planning future events.
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.
