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Dear neighbours,
For over a week now, the world has watched in horror as Vladimir Putin continues a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. In these dark moments, we stand in solidarity with Ukrainians, the Ukrainian community here Canada, and all those impacted by the unjustifiable attacks. Below, I’ve shared information about what Ontario and Canada are doing to support Ukraine and how you can help support humanitarian efforts in the region.
I was deeply concerned by news that antisemitic graffiti was found at two schools in Davenport this week, in addition to more at schools across the city. There have also been reports of antisemitic acts targeting teachers and other students, further highlighting the need for us to act to stop this hate from growing by improving education, awareness and action. This week in the legislature, I was proud to participate as we debated landmark legislation put forward by the NDP to advance racial equity in the education system, that was passed with near-unanimous support. Read more on that below.
I used my time in the Legislature this week to challenge the Government to sign onto the national childcare program (a major concern for so many in our riding), pushed for real action to address the surgical backlog on behalf of residents who have contacted our office, challenged the government on a recent Financial Accountability Office report, and fought for the rights of gig workers, students, and for greater transparency around public appointments.
As we enter this final session before June’s provincial election, the government has accelerated its legislative agenda. That acceleration unfortunately comes at the expense of meaningful debate and oversight, something that should concern all of us. I have included a summary of new legislative changes proposed, and yesterday a number of bills were forced directly through to committee stage and even passed into law with little chance for debate, let alone consultation, amendment or improvement.
The news is not all bad, however, and we saw some important updates and local milestones this week that deserve to be celebrated. Coming up on Monday, we will recognize International Women’s Day with a special virtual panel discussion called “Women, work and a just recovery” featuring some of the women leading change here in Davenport.
I hope you can join us.
Please read on for much more, and have a great weekend.
Marit
Marit Stiles, MPP
Davenport
Community Office: 1199 Bloor St. West
416-535-3158
maristiles.ca
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In this issue:
Vaccine Clinic Tomorrow
Changes to Public Health measures
Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine
Congratulations Loly Rico
Upcoming Event: Women, work and a just recovery
In the Legislature:
$10-a-day child care
Status of government bills
Status of opposition bills
Endometriosis Awareness Month officially recognized
New IPCC Climate Report
In the Community:
Creative Space Working Group
The Stop AGM
FPCBP Portuguese Heritage Contest
The Stop Farmer’s Market
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Community Vaccine Clinic Tomorrow
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Changes to Public Health Measures
This week, Ontario eased many of its public health measures, as indicators continue to improve. As of March 1, 2022, Ontario lifted capacity limits for all indoor public settings. Proof of vaccination requirements have also been lifted. However, businesses and organizations may still choose to require proof of vaccination from patrons upon entry.
All businesses and organizations that are open are required to continue having COVID-19 workplace safety plans in place. Other protective measures, including mask or face covering requirements and COVID-19 screening, remain in place. Read more here.
Both the Premier and Chief Medical Officer of Health have indicated that the guidance on masking is under review and could change in the coming weeks. While the reduced community risk is good news, and a credit to the sacrifices we have all made – the removal of restrictions poses new threats to those who are more vulnerable to infection. My colleagues and I continue to advocate for any changes to be done with care, and based on evidence, especially in the school setting. Vaccination rates among children continue to lag behind the rest of the population, despite the risk of serious health complications for children who contract COVID.
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Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine
As Russia’s war on Ukraine continues, the government of Ontario has provided $300,000 in humanitarian aid to the besieged country. The Ontario NDP has called for this to be increased to 3 million to meet the scale of the need, and for individual donations to be matched. Read more.
Federally, the Canadian government has announced prioritized immigration applications for Ukrainians as a million people leave the country to seek refuge. According to Minister Sean Fraser, around 4,000 Ukrainians have been approved to immigrate to Canada since mid-January. For those with family or friends in Ukraine, more information on accessing assistance can be found here.
Thank you to the folks at St. Anne’s Anglican Church on Gladstone who held a Peace Vigil for Ukraine last night, and to all in the community who have been pitching in to help with events including the soup fundraiser on Geary Ave earlier this week.
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Congratulations, Loly Rico!
Davenport’s own Loly Rico is the recipient of a 2022 YWCA Women of Distinction Award for her tremendous contribution to the rights and well-being of countless refugees in our city and country. Learn more.
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Davenport Talks: Women, work and a just recovery
Join us on March 7th at 7pm, the eve of International Women’s Day, over Facebook Live to hear from women leaders in Davenport about the pandemic's impacts on women and how we can mitigate those impacts with a just recovery based on the principles of gender equity.
RSVP: maritstiles.ca/IWD
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$10-a-day Childcare: Keeping up the pressure
In Question Period this week, I pushed the government to deliver relief to families by signing onto the federal child care offer. It has been over a month since the premier said a deal was ‘very close’ and families are still waiting here in Davenport and across Ontario. Watch the video:
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Endometriosis Awareness Month is official!
March is now officially recognized as Endometriosis Awareness Month in Ontario, following the passage of my bill this past December. I am so grateful for the support we received from thousands of Endo advocates out there and fellow MPPs.
Raising awareness is a vital step in supporting people with endometriosis and breaking down stigma. But there is more to be done to alleviate the suffering and isolation people experience with this disease. Read my full statement and calls for action.
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Above: My private member's bill, Bill 58, The Endometriosis Awareness Month Act, which was passed into law in December.
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Status of government bills:
Bill 84 – An omnibus anti-“red tape” bill focused on removing fees for various services, specifically vehicle license registration fees and the tolls on Highways 412 and 418. There were also significant changes to the Children, Families, and Youth Act, 2017 impacting Indigenous care provision. This bill passed third reading and received Royal Assent on Thursday. In brief remarks during debate, I raised concerns about the significant loss of revenue from the removal of license plate sticker fees and questioned what cuts might result from this decision.
Bill 88 – This bill was presented as the introduction of a minimum wage for gig-workers, but it would actually create a separate sub-class of workers with fewer labour rights, something that is extremely concerning to those of us in the Opposition (You can see my initial reaction here). It also includes a surprise schedule that would deregulate Traditional Chinese Medicine by winding down the College responsible for certifying practitioners, another concerning move that was done without any consultation with those working in the field. Before this bill was able to be debated at 2nd reading, the government used its majority to send it directly to committee. I know there is a lot of interest in this bill here in Davenport and I will share information about the committee's review of the bill as soon as we have it.
Status of Opposition Bills:
Bill 86, Our London Family Act - Yesterday, the Government House Leader moved a motion to discharge the second reading of Bill 86, the Our London Family Act, the NDP’s bill to tackle Islamophobia and hate crimes, crafted in collaboration with the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM). This bill was named in honour of the Afzaal family who were killed in an Islamophobic terror attack in London, Ontario on June 6, 2021. The NCCM and broader Muslim community were expecting debate on this bill next week, as part of the process of raising awareness and honouring the victims of the terror attack.
This unprecedented move will effectively bypass any debates in the Legislature at the second reading stage.
Bill 67, Racial Equity in the Education System Act - On Wednesday, I was pleased to join the debate on Bill 67, the Racial Equity in the Education System Act. This bill was introduced by Ontario NDP MPP for Kitchener Centre, Laura Mae Lindo, to promote racial equity in Ontario’s public schools and post-secondary institutions by embedding equity language into the legislation that shapes Ontario’s education systems. With all party support, the Bill has proceeded to Standing Committee for consultations and further deliberations. You can watch my contribution to the debate below:
NDP reintroduces ban on COVID evictions - On Tuesday, the Ontario NDP reintroduced our bill to ban residential evictions in Ontario until the pandemic is truly over. We had previously highlighted the flaws in the Ford government’s temporary ban on the enforcement of evictions issued last January. The ban, which Ford later lifted, unfairly gave greater discretion to the Landlord and Tenant Board to expedite evictions.
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Supporting the Racial Equity in the Education System Act.
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IPCC Report
On Monday, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its latest report detailing the causes and devastating impacts of climate change. The report shows that the rise of average global temperatures is likely to exceed the 1.5°C target within just two decades. The accelerated rate of global warming is another reminder of the urgency of climate action and adaptation strategies. The Ontario NDP pressed the government this week about investments to make Ontario more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Watch NDP Critic for Climate Change and MPP for Toronto—Danforth, Peter Tabuns, question the Premier on climate action here.
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More from around the community
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Creative Space Working Group report back
Last week marked the first official meeting of our new Davenport Creative Space Working Group. The group came together following our very well-attended “Making Space” virtual townhall and has two main objectives:
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Bringing together various advocacy and other groups organizing to maintain and grow space for live/work/perform/show space in Davenport & to support each others’ initiatives and advocacy.
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Working on policy solutions at the provincial level and local solutions to urgent issues, including exploring Land Trusts.
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The Stop Annual General Meeting
Last night I joined The Stop for their AGM. The Stop has been so vital in supporting the community through the last two years. I was happy to note that they used a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for $118, 500 to rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. I hope that The Stop can continue their fantastic work going forward, and continue to be a source of strength for the community.
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FPCBP Portuguese Heritage Contest
Applications are now open for Luso-Canadian 2022 Portuguese Heritage Essay & Multimedia Contest for students in Grades 7-12 across Ontario. Multiple awards of $250 to be won! Apply today http://fpcbp.com/contest. Deadline: Friday March 25, 5:00PM
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The Stop Farmers Market accepting new vendors
The Stop Farmers’ Market is now accepting applications for new vendors!
Learn more and apply by March 18th at http://thestop.org/farmers-market
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COVID-19 Resources
Please review the following resources should you need assistance:
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