Dear friends,

Like many of you, I am reeling from the news of the violence that was inflicted in Nova Scotia last night and early this morning. As we learn more, and process these heinous acts, I know I speak on behalf of all of us here in Davenport when I say that our hearts are with the people of Nova Scotia at this dark time. Planning is underway for virtual vigils and I will share information as it becomes available. 

Tonight also marks Yom HaShoah, when we honour the memory of the 6 million Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust, killed systematically simply for being Jewish. As we commemorate the dead, let us honour the survivors and say NEVER AGAIN. 

If you or someone you know is having difficulties coping these days, for any reason, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You can get support referrals to a number of mental health supports by calling 211 anytime. I’ve also compiled a number of crisis support resources, along with financial and social supports, on my website at: maritstiles.ca/help  My office is also available to take your calls and help direct you to support. 

My staff, volunteers and I continue to call through to community members to check in. We are helping people access supports, and flagging issues that emerge with government. We know that many of you are on the frontlines -- healthcare workers, long term care workers, grocery staff, and so on. Our community is so proud of the work you are doing. We must all continue to do our part to ‘crush the curve’, by:

• Staying home and only going out for essentials.

• If you must go out, stay at least 2 metres apart from others 

• Wash your hands with soap and water, long and often.

Finally, this past weekend marked one year since Doug Ford tried to make a 1-billion dollar cut to Toronto Public Health, and more from public health units across the province (I spoke about the impact on Davenport here). With all that’s happening, we can’t forget the essential role that public health provides in keeping our communities safe and healthy, and we must be vigilant in ensuring that it is not put at risk again.

Take good care,

Marit

Davenport businesses on struggling through pandemic and giving back

Toronto Life has highlighted 5 Toronto businesses adapting to our current state of affairs, including Davenport’s own Maker Bean Cafe (1052 Bloor St. West). Owners Lorraine Sit and Chris Caira also talked about how cafe is helping to support frontline healthcare workers by making Personal Protective Equipment, using funds from take out sales. 

Thanks, Lorraine and Chris! 

Read the article and find out how you can support Maker Bean here.

PHOTO: Toronto Life

Small businesses are what make our neighbourhoods liveable, and right now they're at tremendous risk, despite federal supports.

We're calling on the provincial government to step up to protect our local businesses and non-profits with:

• Commercial rent subsidies up to $10,000/month

• A moratorium on commercial evictions

• Utility payment freeze

• Remote work set-up fund

• Designated emergency fund for business owners who have faced historic barriers to accessing capital

New modelling data released by the province

Today, the provincial government released new data modelling regarding the pandemic, and officials are cautiously optimistic that the efforts we’ve all made so far as a province are helping reduce the number of fatalities. Still, officials made clear that to further reduce the number of cases and deaths, “it remains critical that Ontarians continue to adhere to public health measures, including staying home and practicing physical distancing if they must go out for essential reasons only.”

But even though the data shows the number of cases in the province may have peaked, data revealed that long-term care, retirement homes and other congregate settings are bearing the brunt of the pandemic. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath reiterated our call for immediate action to protect vulnerable people in our province.

Our caucus is also calling on the Ford government to listen to experts and collect race and socio-demographic data on COVID-19, a critical step in preventing worse health outcomes for racialized Ontarians during the pandemic. 

In case your missed it: Facebook Live

On Thursday, I held a live Q&A on COVID-19 on Facebook. Thanks to everyone who tuned in and submitted questions.

You can watch a video of the entire virtual event here on my Facebook page (featuring a guest appearance by my laundry at the beginning). Stay tuned for more Facebook events by liking and following my page.

We are also working on a telephone town hall to continue to keep in touch with the community. Watch this space for more details.

Community Gardens and Local Food Supports

I’ve heard from a number of constituents who are concerned about the restrictions placed on community gardens. In these times of heightened food insecurity and heightened food bank demand, Ontarians can and should have access to every safe and reliable source of food available to them. For that reason, my colleague, MPP Ian Arthur, the Ontario NDP’s Critic for the Environment, has written to David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, for clear guidance on whether community gardens can be operated safely and within the bounds of the Emergency Orders established by the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. 

In other food news, the Dufferin Grove Farmers Market is adapting to social-distancing with a new online ordering system and depot location at St. Anne’s Anglican Church (270 Gladstone). Learn more about the changes to this Davenport institution here.

Oasis Dufferin Community Centre is also seeking urgently needed donations of items to assist with their food/COVID-19 relief efforts including, diapers, baby wipes, toilet paper, toiletries, menstrual products, proteins (canned meat, beans) and canned vegetables.

All items can be dropped off at their Hallam Street and Dufferin location, every Monday and Thursday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. You can also get in touch with Davenport Mutual Aid who are collecting items for Oasis. 

The Stop Community Food Centre (1884 Davenport Road) is still in need of monetary contributions to meet the growing community demand for support. Learn more about how to support or access the Stop's services on their website.

Find more ways to help at www.maritstiles.ca/help

House of Commons back in session

Canada’s House of Commons resumed today, with the federal Conservatives blocking an agreement reached by the other parties for sittings of Parliament to be limited while the pandemic continues -- federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called on the government to provide more financial aid for students and others put out of work by COVID-19. 

Canada is bracing for potential shortages of critical drugs needed to treat COVID-patients, and has put a call out for new suppliers. 

Public Health Updates

COVID-19 self-assessment tool:
Use this to determine what steps you should take should you exhibit symptoms: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0

Reminder that updates on the pandemic response are available daily on the following websites:

Toronto.ca/coronavirus

Information from Toronto Public Health on local cases, how to protect yourself and where to seek further medical support.

Ontario.ca/coronavirus

Information from Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long Term Care

Find out how to protect yourself, what to do if you’re sick and how to recognize possible symptoms. Updated twice daily, in 30 languages.

Canada.ca/coronavirus

Information from the Government of Ontario and the Public Health Agency of Canada

Updates on the national response and access to emergency support benefits.