Making Every Minute Count: The Final Week
A New Health Care Bill, Special Ed, and the Toronto Island Land Grab
Dear Neighbour,
It’s hard to believe it but, astonishingly, next week will be the last week of the Legislature before it adjourns for the summer. In theory, parliament is expected to resume on Monday, September 14, but we may learn next week that the government prefers a later date. With this government’s recent track record, I would not be surprised if that happens.
This means that I’ll need to make the best use of every minute next week. Is there anything you think I should be prioritizing? Hit reply and let me know so I can make sure your voice is reflected in mine.
One thing that will make the final week especially unique is that I will be introducing new legislation that could make an enormous difference for health care in our province. I’ll be able to share more details once I’ve formally introduced it, but I’m excited to demonstrate how much potential our system has, as long as we’re ready to make sensible choices.
It’s a unique privilege to be able to write bills which, if passed, will become laws in Ontario. As an MPP who sits on the opposition side, however, I face a very significant limitation: the bills I write are not allowed to spend any money - not even a penny. Only the Government is allowed to write bills that allocate the use of funds.
That raises an important question: how can you make a difference if you have to solve a problem but don’t have any money to do it? It’s not easy, but it’s also a great opportunity to practice fiscal responsibility. Just a few weeks ago, the Minister of Finance said our rate of health care spending was unsustainable. He’ll be pleased to know he can pass my health care bill without touching the province’s wallet.
I’ve always maintained that I want to act like I’m a member of proposition, not opposition. I’ll always be positive and do my best to lead with thoughtful, well-researched and sensible ideas.
If you want a front row seat to my new bill, tune in to the Queen’s Park Media Studio at 9 AM on Monday, June 1. You’ll be able to watch my press conference here.
Legislative Update
This week, the Ontario Court of Appeal dismissed the Premier's attempt to block a review of his personal cellphone records tied to the Greenbelt development controversy. This ruling now means that three levels of oversight — the Information and Privacy Commissioner, Divisional Court judges, and now the Court of Appeal — have all said the same thing: government business conducted on a personal phone is still government business. Instead of complying with transparency rules, the province is choosing to spend years and public resources to fight in the courts.
Additional reporting emerged this week showing that even before purchasing his private jet, the Premier had developed a taste for flying private. Specifically, two-thirds of all flights he took since January 2025 were private, as were nine of his last ten flights. It’s tough to see such extravagance when everyday Ontarians are just focused on paying the next bill and putting food on the table.
The Toronto District School Board is sounding the alarm as it becomes set to lose $6.4 million in special education funding next year. This will only make it more difficult for students to get the help they need, at a time when 87% of teachers were already warning that they simply don’t have the resources to deliver individual education plans. The solution should be more, not less, funding.
Finally, this week, the Government passed legislation that would officially take over Billy Bishop Airport. The new law actually doesn’t provide any details about expanding the airport, and instead deals exclusively with unilaterally seizing it from the City of Toronto. This has led to widespread criticism that the Premier is moving unilaterally and without any public consultation. He has now also indicated that he intends to make Billy Bishop a ‘Special Economic Zone’, which means he will face even less accountability over its future. It’s the latest in a series of power grabs that are silencing the voice of our community.
Constituency Update
On Monday, the Premier held a press conference regarding the construction of a new Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place. His choice to provide this update while breaking ground couldn’t be a more ironic metaphor for breaking promises. Despite the Premier’s many claims, multiple sources have now confirmed that a new Science Centre will have less programming space than the original. The cost to build it – most recently estimated at $1.04B – vastly exceeds the estimate to simply repair and modernize it where it stands now. And the new Science Centre will surely be delayed beyond the projected 2029 opening – consistent with this government’s track record of delivering infrastructure behind schedule. It’s never too late to stand up for the Science Centre that we have all known and loved on Don Mills Road.
This week, I attended the Thorncliffe Park Community Hub Open House, which offered an opportunity to learn more about its services, programs, and partnerships that support residents across our community. The Hub plays an important role in connecting families, newcomers, seniors, and youth with the resources they need to thrive. Investments in spaces that bring people together and strengthen local connections are investments in the future of our community.
I also had the opportunity to attend the Victoria Park Spring Concert, which showcased the remarkable talent, creativity, and dedication of local students. Events like these remind us of the important role that arts and music play in education, helping young people build confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging. Congratulations to all of the performers, teachers, and families who made the evening such a success.
Finally, please be advised that the Don Valley Parkway will be fully closed in both directions on Sunday, starting at 2:00 AM. This closure is for the Bike for Brain Health, which begins at 6:00 AM. The closure will run from Lake Shore Boulevard to Highway 401. The Gardiner Expressway will also be closed in both directions from South Kingsway to the base of the DVP. Both highways are expected to reopen by 4:00 PM.
Adil in the News:
New Ontario Science Centre now under construction in Toronto Insauga News
The new Science Centre, which will take shape at Ontario Place, has been controversial. The old Ontario Science Centre closed at 770 Don Mills Rd. in June 2024 due to what provincial infrastructure officials said were structural issues with the roof. However, after a record snowfall this January, Liberal MPP Dr. Adil Shamji, who represents Don Valley East, noted the roof appeared to be in no danger of collapsing.
Ontario developers ‘frustrated’ at slow rollout of HST rebate for new builds Global News
“There ought to have been ample time for them to have done their homework, had the conversations with the federal government and Canada Revenue Agency,” said Ontario Liberal MPP Adil Shamji.
The risk, Shamji said, is that potential homebuyers will continue to “sit on the sidelines” as they await details from the province.
Video of the Week
Events & Opportunities
May 31: Baycrest Ride for Brain Health
Canada’s largest one-day cycling event kicks off from the Aga Khan Museum this Sunday with activities starting at 6 AM. There will be plenty of activities and excitement for all participants, though entry requires a registration fee. For more details, visit here.
May 31: World Partnership Walk
The World Partnership Walk is Canada’s largest public movement to fight global poverty, and it’s taking place at Downsview Park this Sunday beginning at 10 AM. Come out for fresh air, exercise and the chance to make a difference. More information is available here.
June 5-7: Taste of North York
Neighbours everywhere are invited to join for the third Taste of North York, a three-day Community & Food festival celebrating everything that makes North York such a special place to live! Celebrate our community’s diverse cultures, including Korean, Chinese, Persian, Ukrainian, Latin, Italian, Tamil, Japanese, Caribbean, Indian and more. For more information, visit https://www.neighbourlink.org/taste.
June 6: Play4Care Community Day
Come out for Play4Care on June 6th (12:00 – 4:00 PM) at Go Green Cricket Grounds! Hosted by Flemingdon Health Centre, this high-energy community day features soccer, cricket, a DJ, and 500+ free BBQ meals. Don’t miss the “Youth vs. Healthcare Workers” basketball tournament or kids face painting! Our goal: connecting 500 residents with family doctors. More details here.
June 20: CF Shops at Don Mills - Movies in the Square Is Back
Grab your blankets, pack your favourite snacks, and bring the whole family for a magical movie marathon in the Town Square. Trolls (G) will be playing at 12:00 PM, How to Train Your Dragon (PG) will be playing at 4:00 PM and Shrek 2 (PG) will be playing at 7:00 PM. See more information and the map to Town Square here.
June 10: Toronto Fire Services Fire and Fall Prevention at Don Mills Library
From 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, a representative from Toronto Fire Services will discuss fire prevention, causes of fire, escape planning, placement of smoke and CO alarms, eliminating nuisance alarms, fire safety for high-rise buildings, calling for help, and much more. Spots are limited; register here.
Find a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner in East Toronto
Are you an East Toronto resident without a family doctor or nurse practitioner? East Toronto Health Partners can help you. Healthcare organizations in East Toronto are working together to match residents with primary care. Find more information and sign up here.
Thanks for Reading!
Adil