Don't Be Tariff-ied!
New Year's Levee, Trump Tariffs, and Touching Base with the Community
Dear Neighbour,
We are just one week away from my New Year’s Levee, taking place on Saturday, January 25 at 1:00PM. It will be located at the IBEW Building Local 353, 1377 Lawrence Avenue E. Will you be able to join us?
A Levee is a social gathering that takes place to welcome the new year with a sense of community and goodwill. In this case, it’s also an opportunity to enjoy some live entertainment and refreshments.
A special, light-hearted event like my Levee couldn’t come at a better time, given some of the hardships we are facing in Ontario - like challenges in healthcare, housing, and cost-of-living. On top of that, the threat of American tariffs has left many people wondering what the next months may hold for all of us. My thoughts on this are as follows: we must unite as a country to show the strongest position to President Trump. We must also unite as a province and I believe all MPPs should return to Queen’s Park in order to pass the measures necessary to defend ourselves in a trade war. I’m ready to do that but, as of this moment, we are inexplicably adjourned until March 3.
The Government has begun issuing cheques for $200 citing the need to help with the cost-of-living crisis. While I know the financial assistance will help, these cheques will provide only short-term relief. They may help with groceries this week, but not next week. Or this month’s rent, but not next month’s. I will continue to stand up for measures that can help in the short-term, but also the long-term. That’s why I’m supportive of measures that, for example, reduce income tax and eliminate the HST on home heating, as put forward in a recent motion introduced by my friend and colleague from Orleans.
Finally, there are some special days next week - Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20 and Lincoln Alexander Day on January 21. Both days recognize key figures who blazed a path for the Black community through their service and advocacy. In a time when politics can seem more divided than ever, we can all look to the example of both Martin Luther King Jr. and Lincoln Alexander and remember the incredible contributions of Black Canadians and Americans in law, politics, and advocacy.
Legislative Update
This week, I learned with sadness that over 1,000 people stood in the snow in Walkerton, Ontario, desperately hoping to secure a family doctor. Nearly half were turned away. It’s unacceptable that accessing a family doctor has become a luxury, and it’s definitely a problem here in Don Valley East as well. In fact, it’s one of the most common concerns that constituents raise in my office.
Against that backdrop, there was significant coverage this week of the fact that a program called Practice Ready Ontario had graduated its first 28 new internationally trained medical graduates. This was touted as victory, but it fell short of its target of graduating 50 new graduates. It also could have been hundreds more graduates if the program hadn’t been cancelled six years ago and then reluctantly brought back by the province.
Finally, this week I hosted a press conference calling for nurse practitioners to be fully publicly funded and to prevent patients from being asked to pay privately for their services. I had introduced legislation to ensure this last year which was voted down at Queen’s Park. However, the Federal government has just confirmed that my position is correct and so my press conference urged the province to take action on this immediately.
Constituency Update
This week, Metrolinx started performing repairs on platforms across the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. While the work is appreciated, it’s disappointing that our 14-year-old LRT (that’s how long it has been under construction!) is in need of repair before it has even opened. The work will necessitate rolling lane closures, only adding to the congestion that is so frustrating to all of us.
Many constituents noticed this week that the signs were removed from the Ontario Science Centre. This is unacceptable. We know that relocating the Science Centre will cost hundreds of millions of dollars more than to keep it where it is. To add insult to injury, the projected opening date of the Science Centre has also already been delayed by one year. I will not stop fighting for our Science Centre.
Finally, I’d like to highlight that this past week was the 96th birthday of Michael Garron Hospital. Congratulations! All our hospitals are currently under tremendous pressure, and so let’s take a moment to think of the many healthcare workers doing their part to keep our community healthy.
Highlights from the Week
Adil in the Media
"Licensed to Learn's dedication to supporting student success across Toronto schools is commendable,” said Adil Shamji, MPP for Don Valley East. “This well-deserved grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will strengthen their continuum of mentorship services which, for over twenty years, have been integral to ensuring students in Don Valley East and beyond have the support they need to reach their full potential."
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
January 21 – 23: Empowering Parents: Positive Parenting Workshops in Pashto
Join the Home Essentials Newcomer Support Positive Parenting programing this month! The sessions aim to support families by providing a better understanding of how the school system, law enforcement, and mental health resources work in Canada. For more information on sessions, see this poster.
January 22: Public Help Session for New Registration & Booking System (Jenner Jean Marie Community Centre)
Jenner Jean Marie Cc is hosting a Public Help Session to assist families with the NEW Registration and Booking system on January 22nd from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at 48 Thorncliffe Park Drive. For more information, see this flyer.
Deadline Jan 23: Student Trustees Election
Do you have a young leader in your life who wants to improve the education system? Do you know a high school student interested in government? If so, you should let them know the TDSB Student Trustees Election will take place on February 26 and 27, 2025. Students in grades 10 and 11 are eligible to apply and will be emailed the necessary information in the coming days. Before applications open on January 23, interested candidates are required to attend a virtual Student Trustee Information Session on January 15.
January 27: Toronto Community Crisis Service Information Session Thorncliffe Park
TCCS is hosting an information session on January 27th from 5:00pm to 6:30pm at Thorncliffe Park Youth Hub (45 Overlea Blvd) to provide valuable insights on what the TCCS does and how they can support individuals and families during critical moments. For more information on how to register, see this flyer.
Deadline Jan 31: Flemo Farm Community Farmer Applications
Flemo Farm is excited to soon welcome 3 new community farmers from the Flemingdon and Thorncliffe area. The deadline to apply is January 31st. For information on how to apply, see this flyer.