Democracy prevails... but transparency does not.
In this week's newsletter: Riding Redistribution, Crosstown, and more.
Dear Neighbour,
This week, the future of our riding was once more thrown into question when Robert Benzie reported in the Toronto Star that Don Valley East could still be eliminated as a riding by Elections Ontario. This led to a very quick clarification from the provincial government that, in fact, Ontario will not be adopting the federal boundaries for our next election. In other words, Don Valley East will not be eliminated as a provincial electoral district. Democracy prevails!
On Thursday, we recognized Emancipation Day. This takes place on August 1 of every year and represents the anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act, which ended slavery across the British Empire in 1834.
If you reside in Don Valley East, then you receive the calendar that my office publishes every year. I’m thrilled to announce that we’re starting to design our calendar for 2025! Do you have any suggestions? Did we miss a holiday? Is there something we could do to make our calendar more useful? Please send my office an email and let us know.
Finally, with the special weather statement announced this afternoon, please consult my flood resources guide. Reach out to my office if you need any help.
Constituency Update
While the biggest news is, of course, that Don Valley East will not get eliminated as provincial riding, there is so much more to talk about.
On Thursday, for example, we learned more information about the closure of the bridge at the Ontario Science Centre. When structural issues with the bridge were first identified, an engineering firm proposed a repair plan that would have already had the bridge back in operation by now. The government chose not to act. After one meeting with Infrastructure Ontario (IO), one senior Vice-President at the Science Centre actually wrote, “In my opinion, IO may be quite focused on protecting their own interests and not considering things from our point of view. Today’s meeting felt like a bit of a ‘cover your ass’ meeting. I just don’t know how we rely on them alone for information on the problem.”
This is a recurring theme in our mission to save the Science Centre. The government takes a biased interpretation of data, fails to act, and then throws up its hands saying there is nothing it can do.
I also want to touch on one more thing that very important to our riding. I have heard from so many of you about your frustration at the endless delays and congestion associated with construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. I have been demanding accountability on this for a long time, and have asked Metrolinx officials in meetings to provide an updated timeline for completion. I’ve even spoken about this in the Legislature.
Well, now we know why everyone refuses to provide an answer. Freedom of Information requests obtained by the Toronto Star this week revealed that the government had so little confidence in its ability to deliver the Eglinton Crosstown LRT on time that the Premier’s Office ordered Metrolinx not to reveal the completion date.
Legislative Update
One of the most important issues for people in Don Valley East is housing, and this is true whether constituents own or rent a home. As we face rent and home prices that are spiraling out of control, it’s essential that we deploy every government tool possible to make safe and affordable housing available to everyone. This means addressing backlogs at the landlord and tenant board, supporting municipalities with developing the infrastructure they need, and building more of all types of homes (rental, coop, condo, single dwelling, multi-unit, etc.), amongst many other things.
The government promised to build 1.5 million homes by 2031. Last week, we learned just how badly the Premier is falling desperately behind on building enough homes. Housing starts in Ontario fell by 44% this June compared to the same month in 2023, and during the first six months of 2024 we saw a drop of 14% compared with last year. Considering that the government has released at least ten housing bills since 2018 (four of which literally say “more homes” in the title), I consider these statistics completely unacceptable.
The Premier is fond of blaming this situation on high interest rates, but the reality is that other provinces such as British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec and Nova Scotia consistently perform significantly better than us on housing despite facing the same economic pressures.
I would also like to draw attention to the decision by the Ministry of Health to cancel Ontario’s wastewater surveillance program this week. This started in the middle of COVID-19 and was used to check wastewater for signs of COVID-19 and new variants. It ended up being an essential part of our pandemic response and remains an important tool for public health. Wastewater surveillance isn’t just for COVID-19 and can be used for many different things like tracking illicit drugs, responding to the opioid crisis, detecting measles outbreaks and helping hospitals plan for Fall when we see an uptick in respiratory illnesses like influenza and RSV. Cancelling the program is the latest in a series of attacks on our healthcare system, and I released a statement this week opposing this shortsighted decision.
Photos in the Community
Media
Health Minister defends Ford government's decision to cancel wastewater surveillance (citynews.ca). “It’s a very small amount of money for a profoundly impactful program that saves lives.”
Ontario housing starts tumble, developers warn situation will ‘get worse before it gets better’ | Globalnews.ca. “‘Doug Ford may like to wear a hard hat and hold a shovel, but he certainly is no homebuilder,’ Ontario Liberal housing critic Adil Shamji said, pointing to a series of housing laws passed by the government in recent years. ‘What do we have to show for it? We certainly don’t have more homes. In fact, this data shows that we’re building less — it’s damning.’”
Ford government won’t adopt federal boundary changes (thestar.com). Ford’s intervention means Toronto will not lose the riding of Don Valley East. Federally, it’s being absorbed into Don Valley West and Don Valley North with the rest merged with Scarborough Centre to create a renamed Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East.
Video of the Week
A look back at my Member’s Statement on the issue of unfair demovictions and the burden they pose on tenants in Don Valley East. There are currently ten demovictions happening in our riding, and while we need more housing across Ontario, we must lighten the load on tenants as much as possible. That means fixing rent gap payments, protecting the right of return, and making sure no tenant is left behind.
Dealing with complications from a demoviction? Reach out to our office!
Events & Opportunities
YESS – Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (The Neighbourhood Organization)
Are you or someone you know a newcomer youth aged 15 to 30 barriers to employment? The YESS Program, offered by TNO, is an integrated skills development program designed to help youth navigate the labour market and transition into sustainable employment. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3S4psFm. For more information, contact TNO at 416-467-0126 or employmentservices@tno-toronto.org.
Summer Programming Guide
Earlier this summer, I published a summer programming guide to help connect youth impacted by the sudden closure of the Ontario Science Centre with alternative programming in the riding. Check out the guide to see what reoccurring opportunities are available at the Toronto Public Library, Don Mess with the Don, Camp TNO, and more.
Toronto Caribbean Carnival 2024 | August 1st to August 5th
This annual festival brings the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Caribbean to the heart of Toronto. Experience an unforgettable series of events, including the Grand Parade, showcasing dazzling costumes and lively music; the King and Queen Showcase, where the most elaborate costumes compete for the crown; and the Pan Alive Steelband Competition, featuring mesmerizing steelpan performances. Don’t miss the Festival Village, offering delicious Caribbean cuisine, arts, crafts, and live entertainment. Visit Toronto Caribbean Carnival 2024 for more details on events.
At Your Service
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter for this week. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any questions or feedback. Have a fantastic long weekend!
Sincerely,
Adil