Dear Neighbours,

COVID-cases are rising rapidly across the province, according to wastewater data - one of the only ways we can track it since PCR testing has been restricted so significantly. This week, I was one of the hundreds of thousands of estimated new cases, as I tested positive. I can tell you it has not been a pleasant experience, but I am very glad to have been vaccinated and boosted, protecting me from the worst outcomes associated this terrible virus. 

As you may have seen in my bulletin yesterday, the province has expanded eligibility for fourth doses of the vaccine to anyone 60 years and older. You can book through the provincial booking site, select pharmacies or upcoming drop in clinics. 

But vaccines alone will not be enough to stop this continuing wave. Doug Ford moved too quickly to remove virtually all restrictions, and that's already driving hospitalization rates back up to what they were in the peak of the last wave. The Chief Medical Officer of Health hasn't been seen publicly for four weeks, and the government has ruled out resuming any protective measures. 

The Opposition NDP have called on the government to take immediate steps to protect peoples' health and our health care system by:

• Resuming mask requirements in schools to return to protect children, teachers and education workers, and reinstating masking in public places like malls.
• Providing at least 10 permanent paid sick days so workers can stay home at the first sign of symptoms, instead of infecting their coworkers.
• Resuming broad access to PCR testing, so people know when they need to stay home, when they need to isolate from their family and friends.

The idea of a sixth wave is tough to accept, and I know many of us are simply tired of this pandemic. But we owe it to each other to continue protecting our health. I'll keep pushing the government to do its part to prevent unnecessary illness and suffering by taking these common sense steps.

Thanks for all your well-wishes this week, I am looking forward to resuming my in-person work on behalf of our community this week.

Take care,
 
Marit 

In this issue:

• Legislative Updates
  • Bill 88 passes
  • Bill 111 - Gas Tax changes
  • Bill 109 (housing) goes to committee
  • Update: OHIP for Ukrainian
• Upcoming local vaccine clinics
  • Wallace Emerson Community Centre
  • Dufferin Mall
• Dufferin Grove Farmer's Market returns to the park
• Easter Egg Hunts in Davenport!
• The Stop's Healthy Beginnings Program
• Bloordale/MacGregor Park Spring Clean Up

Legislative Updates

Bill 88, Working for Workers Act

Yesterday, the Ford government used their majority to pass Bill 88, the so-called “Working for Workers Act,” following third reading debate. The NDP Caucus voted against this bill as it creates a second class of workers with fewer rights for gig workers; it fails to address misclassification which major app-based companies leverage to exploit their employees; and it leaves workers with less income since the minimum wage only applies when digital-app workers fulfill an order.

Watch my speech on supporting gig workers during debate on Bill 88:

Bill 111, Tax Relief at the Pumps Act

This week, the Ford government introduced a new bill with the stated purpose of temporarily reducing gas taxes by about $8 a month, for just six months. But with skyrocketing prices of housing, groceries, bills and virtually everything else, I'm concerned that this legislation is yet another pre-election stunt that will do little to actually address the unaffordability crisis people are facing.

Last month, the Official Opposition introduced a bill that would stop price gouging by big oil and gas companies and regulate the cost of gas – one of the many ways the NDP has been pushing to make life more affordable for Ontarians. And of course, we also need to step up our efforts to invest in transportation that doesn't rely on fossil fuels - something the Ford government has only taken us backwards on.
 

Bill 109, More Homes for Everyone Act

The Ford government introduced Bill 109 last week which claims to provide “More Homes for Everyone” by speeding up the construction of housing. As I mentioned in last week's newsletter, the bill fails to address speculation, leaves out the construction of missing middle housing and ignores many of the recommendations made by the Ford government’s own task force. There are few more pressing issues facing Davenport than the housing crisis, but this bill does not deliver.

Bill 109 has now passed second reading debate and will move to committee for further deliberation. To participate in public committee hearings with a written submission, click here.

Read the NDP’s plan for housing here.

UPDATE: OHIP coverage for Ukrainian refugees

Last week at Queen’s Park, the NDP called on Doug Ford to waive the OHIP waiting period for Ukrainians who have fled the illegal invasion. This past Wednesday, the government finally announced that there will no longer be a waiting period for those who are eligible for OHIP. Ukrainian newcomers arriving under the new federal travel authorization will have access to OHIP coverage which includes mental health services and drug benefits. You can read the government’s full press release here.

Upcoming Local Vaccine Clinics

Dufferin Mall Vaccine Clinic

Dufferin Grove Farmers' Market Returns to the Park

For nearly 20 years, Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers' Market has fostered connections between local organic farmers and urban eaters. To maintain these increasingly important relationships, the market successfully moved online shortly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and offered pickup and delivery options. While the reinvention was enthusiastically welcomed, this spring, market organizers are thrilled to return – this time to the south end of Dufferin Grove Park – to bring you farm fresh produce and local food vendors' delicious foods in person. Starting May 19, every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m., bring your picnic blanket and cash to the park and reconnect with your community. It's a delightful way to contribute to a more equitable, sustainable, ecological and joyful world. Want to get great local food now? You can still  order a wide array of products from the Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers' Market Web Store at dufferingrovemarket.ca.

Easter Egg Hunts in Davenport

It’s that time of year again! Annual Easter events are quickly approaching. Here are a couple that have been posted recently- though I’m sure there are many more that will come up. We will be sure to share them as we hear!

Saturday, April 16 - 10am-2pm
Meet the Easter Bunny with St. Clair Gardens’ BIA 

Details: https://www.facebook.com/SCGBIA/posts/2491437560993227 

Saturday, April 16, 1pm-3pm
Councilor Ana Bailao’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Dufferin Grove

Wadsworth Park Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 16, 10am-noon
From the organizers:

“We'll have free refreshments, a raffle and candy-filled eggs for the wee ones. The hunt will last as long as supplies last. There will be a 10 egg maximum so everyone has a fair shake to find some treasures and nobody goes home disappointed.

This is a free event and all are welcome but please RSVP to mia@miamacdonald.ca so we know how many are coming! As always, any donations of food to The Stop will be appreciated but not mandatory. Can't wait to see you all there! Mia, Corri & Winston”

https://www.facebook.com/groups/CVSRA/posts/3116155551977413/

The Stop's Healthy Beginnings Program Is Uplifting Families!

The Stop's Healthy Beginnings program is open to anyone who is living in Toronto, pregnant and on a low income, regardless of immigration status. The program serves community members living at or below the poverty line who may be struggling through the pandemic with the ultimate goal of building supportive spaces. In the past, the program ended six months after the baby was born, but due to the pandemic, that has been extended to nine months post-partum, to offer extra support.

For two Wednesdays every month, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., participants pick up the following from The Stop’s headquarters at 1884 Davenport Rd: 

• a food hamper (with items such as eggs, milk, yogurt, and dry goods like cereal, crackers, rice and pasta);
• a $10 voucher for The Stop’s Good Food market, which opens two Wednesdays a month just for Healthy Beginnings participants, where they can choose their own affordable fresh fruit, vegetables and baked goods to bring home;
• a $30 President’s Choice gift card;
• other useful items like baby formula, diapers, kids’ books and toiletries.

Learn more about Healthy Beginnings on The Stop's website.

Bloordale / MacGregor Park Spring Clean Up - Sunday, April 24

Neighbours in the MacGregor Park area will hold a Spring Clean Up on April 24, all are welcome to lend a hand! (Planning a clean up in your neighbourhood? Drop me a line and we’ll help promote: MStiles-CO@ndp.on.ca)