Service, and Delivering VALUE at Queen’s Park
Five pillar strategy for measles, trade barriers, and more
Dear Neighbour,
I want to take a moment to reflect on the meaning of service. It’s been something that has crossed my mind a lot given that we just came out of an election (provincial), are going into another one (federal), and I've been wondering how I want to define myself as your MPP in this new Parliamentary session.
It’s fascinating to think that our democracy is founded on the fact that it is honourable and loyal for two sides to respectfully disagree with each other in Parliament. That’s why, in the Legislature, we have a Government side and an Opposition side. We’re supposed to sit across from each other, provide constructive feedback, and absolutely disagree when appropriate.
I think we have a responsibility to go further, though, because it’s not good enough to just oppose things and say no. Just as often (if not more often), it’s important to propose things and say “you can do better—and here’s how”. True service isn’t about easy wins by flinging criticism, but by charting a roadmap and working together.
This week provided an opportunity to do this, in the wake of news that cases of measles how now exceeded 1000. It’s more cases than the entire United States of America. On Thursday, I outlined a five-pillar approach that our province can adopt to tackle this public health crisis with the seriousness it deserves. It uses the acronym VALUE, and goes like this:
VACCINATE – Provide public health units with resources for catch-up immunizations.
ALLOCATE – Restore millions of dollars in public health funding cut since 2018
LEGISLATE – Put public health back on the legislative agenda immediately
UPDATE – Deliver a long-overdue public update on the measles outbreak
EDUCATE – Create a province-wide campaign to provide education about measles and vaccines
There are many more details that go into a plan like this, but this is the high-level strategy I will be pushing our Government to adopt in the weeks to come.
On a final note about service, the most important and rewarding work I’m able to do is right here in Don Valley East. It’s the work to help people facing evictions, struggling to put food on the table, secure their OSAP, or even just renew their health cards or driver’s licenses. We have a tremendous amount of casework currently underway in our constituency office and remain available to help you in any way that we can.
Constituency Update
The story of the Ontario Science Centre continues to evolve. The latest twist? The government has now awarded a 10-year, multi-million-dollar contract to develop a “strategic vision” for the Science Centre’s future at Ontario Place. It’s fair to ask: why spend this much money planning something that has supposedly already been decided? How can a government commit hundreds of millions of dollars to building a Science Centre at Ontario Place, and after signing the contract ask themselves what the plan should be? It’s not too late to cancel the relocation altogether, which is the outcome I am fighting for.
As already mentioned, measles is on the rise and I understand this is worrisome. At the current time, there are cases in Toronto though thankfully very few. It’s important to get information from trusted sources, and I recommend checking the City of Toronto measles site if you have any questions. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to make sure your measles vaccination status is up to date.
Legislative Update
This past week, the Financial Accountability Office (FAO) confirmed what Ontarians have been feeling: job growth is stalling and this government’s job creation record is not what they make it out to be. The report revealed that Ontario recorded its highest unemployment rate since 2014 and every municipality in the province saw unemployment go up. In case you’re wondering about how we compared against other provinces, the answer isn’t good: our job growth is at the back of the pack. For example, in construction we lost 26,000 jobs while the rest of Canada created them.
At Queen’s Park, we will be debating two bills. Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, proposes expediting natural resource development, shifting energy regulations, and allowing the government to create “special economic zones” that can be exempted from provincial and municipal laws. I’m studying this very carefully. Hearing about “special economic zones” reminds me of the current government’s use of “ministerial zoning orders” which some people argue have been used to reward the Premier’s friends.
The other legislation before the House is Bill 2, Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act. If passed, it could help remove interprovincial barriers so that we can increase trade within Canada and build our self-sufficiency now that the US has proven to be an unreliable partner. I like this idea, but the devil will be in the details.
Video of the Week
Highlights of the Week
It’s always a pleasure to join Don’t Mess with the Don for their annual Earth Day clean up!
Did you know that the Salvation Army's Toy Mountain is in Don Valley East? I had the pleasure of visiting their facility and was in awe of the programs they provide.
Friday’s Science Expo at Seneca Hill Private School was a celebration of science and an illustration of the vast potential of youth in Don Valley East. I’m glad I could attend.
Adil in the Media
“The last time that we had an outbreak like this in Canada, Google search hadn’t been invented yet and Brian Mulroney was our prime minister,” said Dr. Shamji
https://globalnews.ca/news/11147388/ontario-measles-outbreak-liberal-call/amp/
“Shamji said he wanted to see the government take five urgent actions: offer resources to public health units to catch up vaccinations; reverse spending cuts for public health units; consider new public health legislation; hold a public briefing on the measles outbreak; and launch a province-wide education campaign to encourage vaccination.”
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
April 26 - Elbows Up Market
Looking for an all-Canadian market? Check out the Elbows Up Market at the Toronto Botanical Gardens (777 Lawrence Avenue East) on Saturday, April 26th from 10am - 4pm.
April 28 - Federal Election
Monday, April 28th is Election Day! Check your voter information card or visit elections.ca to find your voting location. Polls are open from 9:30am - 9:30pm.
April 28 - Access to Housing Online Portal Training
Join The Neighbourhood Organization’s session on Monday, April 28th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm at 104-10 Gateway Blvd. Their housing workers can assist applicants on the Housing Centralized Waiting List.
Wishing you a great weekend!
Adil