SIGN UP for my newsletter by clicking here!
Dear Neighbours,
Though February is our shortest and often coldest month, it’s also a time to celebrate Lunar New Year and Black History Month. Chinatown is hosting their Lunar New Year events this weekend starting at the Chinatown Centre at 12 noon on Saturday. Stop by for dragon and lion dances, enjoy some dim sum and support our local businesses! This is the Year of the Fire Horse, and we celebrate the values it represents: optimism and opportunity, success and good fortune, vitality, speed, and perseverance. It reminds us to move forward with courage and determination – and to do it together.
There are so many wonderful ways to celebrate this February. Be sure to check out my updated list of Fun Things to Do.
Lunar New Year events presented by the Chinatown BIA and Scadding Court Community Centre
Want to know more about Black leaders in our community and their contribution to Black history? Tune into my interview series featuring: Rosemary Sadlier, a key advocate in the struggle to have Black History Month recognized in Canada; Zanana Akande, the first Black woman to be a minister in a Canadian government; Tabby Johnson, local jazz singer and the actor behind Auntie Macassare on Big Comfy Couch; and Olive Senior, Jamaica’s poet laureate. See below.
Any month is a good month to support local businesses, and this month, support our local Black-owned businesses, like Adrift Skate Company, Mofer Coffee, and My Dope Tee. Be sure to support our small businesses and “Shop Local”. If you’d like a poster for your window, contact my office.
On one of my visits to local Black-owned businesses, Matthew of My Dope Tee showed off how quickly he can print up some fun stickers!
I am very concerned with the situation in our public and Catholic schools. Since June of 2025, our democratically elected TDSB and TCDSB trustees have been stripped of their power to act as community advocates for our children’s schools. We’ve seen elsewhere in Canada, such as in Nova Scotia, that when school trustees are eliminated, parents and students lose their ability to fight back when the provincial government makes cuts to schools.
The Ontario government announced that it is increasing tuition fees and student debts levels this week. The Ontario government provides the lowest level of college and university funding in Canada – more than 50% lower than the provincial average. More on this below.
I am committed to restoring our democratically elected trustees. But to effectively defend democratic control of our schools, I need to hear from you! I invite you to join my new Save our Schools Working Group, dedicated to amplifying the voices of parents, caregivers, and students. Sign up here.
Are you a tech professional and interested in joining my Tech Committee? As the Shadow Minister of Technology and Innovation, I host noon-hour meetings on the third Thursday of each month. I’m looking for professionals who can provide insight and guidance on the government’s role in harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence, 5G networks, rural broadband, data privacy, enabling a transition to green technology, and innovating for a just transition as we enter the world of automation. You are encouraged to bring your suggestions to each meeting. Sign up here.
My heart is with the community in Tumbler Ridge, BC. This tragedy should never have happened. While we grieve, we must also take action to end gun violence. Violence has no place in our communities, yet it continues to affect people every day. I will be hosting a Gun Violence Working Group meeting soon. Please email my office if you are interested in participating.
Ramadan Mubarak! Wednesday marked the start of Ramadan, and I would like to extend warm wishes to the members of our community who observe this special time.
Sincerely,
Latest News
Black History Month Video Series
This Black History Month, I’m sitting down with Black leaders, advocates, and community members to listen, learn, and uplift the stories that shape our community and our province.
Through this video series, we explore the history, contributions, and ongoing struggles of Black communities in Ontario – while spotlighting the people and organizations doing vital work today.
OSAP Cuts Devastating for Ontario Students
The Ontario and federal governments are making changes to OSAP, downloading an average of $18,000 in additional debt for a four-year undergraduate degree. Ontario has the lowest per-student funding of any province in the country – 53% lower than the average. So Ontario college and university students are being asked to take on more debt to attend the most poorly funded system in Canada.
Beginning in the upcoming academic year, the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) will shift its funding balance. Grants will be capped at a maximum of 25% of a student’s aid package, while loans will make up at least 75%. Under the current model, students can receive up to 85% of their support as non-repayable grants and a minimum of 15% as loans.
Higher tuition and a greater reliance on loans will make post-secondary education less accessible, particularly at a time when many young people are already managing high living expenses and a challenging job market. I am also concerned about the potential long-term economic impact if affordability barriers limit participation in higher education.
Download and print my petition.
OSAP Action Event March 12
My office is currently planning a “Save OSAP” event to address these funding cuts. Email my office if you would like more information.
Did Therme Get a Sweetheart Deal?
An FOI request shows that only Therme was offered a deal that includes a taxpayer-funded parking garage. Their lease is 75 years, with an option to extend 20 more, while Live Nation’s lease for the RBC Amphitheatre is 30 years with a 15-year extension and no parking guarantees.
The lease states that Live Nation is not entitled to any parking garage, while Ontario “shall” provide Therme a parking garage and is required to penalize the developer if the spots aren’t constructed by the time the facility opens. That penalty is set at $5 per parking space per day that’s not constructed – an amount that would add up to roughly $2.2 million a year. That’s more than what Therme’s initial rent would be.
Ontarians never agreed to pay $400 per household for a megaspa project that no one asked for.
I have been very vocal about these discoveries, which show a clear pattern of preferential treatment for Therme. This needs to be investigated, and we will continue to push because preferential treatment is unacceptable and illegal.
Download and print my petition.
FAO Reports Show More Funding Cuts, Rising Youth Unemployment
The latest Financial Accountability Office reports show funding shortfalls in housing, education, and health care, alongside rising unemployment and growing provincial debt.
The report highlights a significant gap in school repair funding, with billions less allocated than what’s needed to bring buildings into good repair over the next decade, as well as a substantial reduction in long-term housing capital funding compared to the previous 10 years. At the same time, Ontario is facing a 30-year high in long-term unemployment (excluding the pandemic), and youth unemployment has reached the highest rate in Canada.
My colleagues and I are calling for increased investment in public infrastructure and frontline services – including schools, hospitals, affordable housing, and municipal supports – to strengthen Ontario’s economy, reduce wait times, and create good, stable jobs across the province.
Permanent Work Begins at King-Bathurst Ontario Line Station
With excavation complete at the south site of the future King-Bathurst Ontario Line station, permanent work has begun and will continue into late 2028. Crews will be installing waterproofing and starting to build the station structure.
Starting Monday, February 23 at the north site, foundation work is set to begin, starting with the pouring of the concrete base slab. Work will begin at 4:00 am Monday morning and will work in a continuous shift for 12-14 hours, and is expected to be completed by the end of the day. Due to the nature of concrete pouring, this work must be completed in one continuous shift. Should the work need to be postponed for any reason, the secondary start date for this work is Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Work Hours:
South site (7 am-11 pm weekdays; weekend hours as needed)
North site operating 24/7
Residents can expect construction noise, equipment activity, and truck traffic. Monitoring and mitigation measures will be in place to reduce impacts. For more information, email [email protected] or call 416-202-5100.
Experiencing Recycling Collection Issues?
Our office continues to hear from residents who are experiencing issues with recycling collection. On January 1, 2026, the Ontario government moved the management of residential recycling from the City of Toronto to a private company, Circular Materials.
If you have an issue with your recycling, including missed collection or bin damage, contact Circular Materials at 1-888-921-2686 or email [email protected]. If your issue is not being resolved in a timely manner, please contact my office.
Explore the Quayside Immersive Experience
Waterfront Toronto has released an immersive video that gives you a front-row view of what’s coming to Quayside. The major transformation includes essential infrastructure and vibrant public spaces that will support new homes – including affordable housing – and future transit along the eastern waterfront. With this interactive experience, you can explore the vision and progress at your own pace.
Order of Ontario Nominations Open
The Order of Ontario is the province’s highest civilian honour, recognizing individuals whose excellence and achievements have left a lasting impact locally, nationally, and globally. You can nominate someone excelling in any field, from business, healthcare, education, arts, sports, science, and more. Nominees must be long-term or former Ontario residents, living at the time of nomination, and have made a major contribution to society.
Deadline for nominations is March 31. Details here.
Ontario Arts Council Funding for Artists
Attention local artists and arts organizations! The Ontario Arts Council’s 2026-27 grant programs open in early April 2026, with applications submitted through the online Nova portal.
Funding opportunities include operating support through the Ontario Arts Operating Fund, as well as project grants for individual artists. If you’re an Ontario resident aged 18 or older and meet the professional artist criteria, you can explore these opportunities and apply. Details here.
Artist Residency Program at Harbourfront Centre
Are you an emerging artist looking to advance your creative career? Harbourfront Centre’s Craft & Design Residency program is an incubator and training facility that is open to post-graduates and those with equivalent training in one of five areas: Ceramics, Design, Glass, Metal, or Textiles.
Application deadline is 5 pm on Friday, March 13, 2026. Details here.
Feedback Request on Trees and Waste Management
Tree Maintenance Review
The City of Toronto has launched a short public survey as part of the City’s Tree Maintenance Review. This review will look at how the City maintains street and park trees, with the goal of identifying opportunities for improvement. Take the survey by February 28.
Waste Management Strategy
Toronto handled nearly 850,000 tonnes of waste in 2024, with landfills expected to reach capacity by 2034. The City is updating its Long-term Waste Strategy to work toward zero-waste goals and plan for future infrastructure, which can take 10+ years to build. Take the survey by March 8.
Trinity Bellwoods Park Access & Circulation Study
The City of Toronto is conducting a study to assess Trinity Bellwood Park’s pathways and entrances and consider how to improve functionality, connectivity, accessibility and the overall experience of navigating the park. Here’s how you can get involved:
Online Survey
Open until March 5, 2026
Take the survey now
Open House
March 3, 2026, 6:30-8:30 pm
Trinity Community Recreation Centre
155 Crawford Street
Commercial Business Grant Programs
The City of Toronto is offering the following grant opportunities to commercial business and property owners:
Commercial Space Renovation Grant Program
This grant provides matching funding of up to 50% (to a maximum of $20,000) for interior improvements to vacant or at-risk storefronts. Eligible upgrades include structural repairs, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, interior finishes, and accessibility improvements, including AODA compliance. Details here.
Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program
This grant opens March 2, 2026 and provides funding for improvements such as masonry restoration, new doors and windows, lighting, canopies or awnings, exterior painting, signage, and accessibility upgrades that meet AODA standards. Details here.
Vacant Home Tax Deadline Apr 30
The Vacant Home Tax program requires homeowners in Toronto to let the City know if their property is occupied or vacant by making a declaration every year. The goal of the program is to increase the supply of housing by encouraging owners of vacant residential properties to sell them or rent them out. Owners who choose to keep their properties vacant are subject to a tax, with the revenue allocated to affordable housing initiatives. Deadline to declare is April 30, 2026.
3 Ways to Declare:
- Online: www.toronto.ca/VacantHomeTax
- Telephone: Call 311 or 416-392-2489 (outside Toronto)
- In Person: At Toronto City Hall or any Civic Centre – 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.
