Dear Neighbour,
The Legislature adjourned on December 8, which marked the end of an unbelievably busy session in which I was active across all of my critic portfolios. I’m pleased to provide updates from Queen’s Park in addition to some helpful information for our riding, and even a special invitation near the end!
Legislative Update
Healthcare
I have been particularly outspoken about the deterioration of our healthcare system, particularly in our children’s hospitals. I have been regularly releasing data that reveals worsening emergency performance that contradicts the Minister of Health’s assurances that everything is okay – here is one example. I have also been interviewed by the media on this, and worked hard to provide constructive steps on how we can improve the healthcare system using my experience as an emergency physician. Here is one interview I conducted where I explain some of the solutions that the Ontario Government should be implementing.
On December 3, I had the honour of delivering the keynote address to Unifor, Canada’s largest union. In it, I spoke about the importance of public healthcare and they subsequently passed a resolution to battle against privatization. We will continue to work together to protect our healthcare system.
Another area that I have been focused on is protecting our publicly funded universal healthcare system and defending against privatization. I have launched a petition that has already been signed by hundreds of people. I won’t stop until we have thousands more! It was certified in the Legislature on December 7 (see here) and I have begun delivering signatures. If you would like to sign as well, please contact my office.
Housing
I have heard, loud and clear, that housing and affordability are important concerns of residents in this riding. During the last session, the Government passed Bill 23, which is legislation they proposed to increase the construction of homes in the province.
Unfortunately, Bill 23 was seriously flawed. It eliminates environmental protections, allows development in the Greenbelt, permits construction on flood plains, and eliminates charges for developers with no guarantee that these savings will be passed on to home buyers. In fact, many municipalities have come out to say that this Bill will lead to increased property taxes. For these, and many other reasons, I voted against Bill 23 and I am including a video I created that explains some of these reasons. Here it is.
Make no mistake, I am enthusiastically supportive of efforts to increase housing supply and supported several of my colleagues in proposing important amendments that would have massively improved Bill 23 but they were voted down by the Government.
I am also an advocate for initiatives such as rent control as well as expanded supportive and affordable housing.
In Don Valley East
Youth Council
Our youth are our future, and I am passionate about getting more of them involved in civic activities. The Don Valley East MPP Youth Council is a non-partisan group that has been formed to develop youth initiatives and be a part of solving local problems. It will give young people a meaningful role in the policy and decision-making process affecting their neighbourhood. Youth want and deserve a voice in their communities.
If you are between the ages of 14-25 years or know someone who is, I encourage applying to join our Youth Council to make a difference and be heard.
Meet and Greet in Don Mills-Donalda
One of the goals for my office is to engage with the communities in our riding on a consistent basis. Your input and feedback matters to me and helps my office stay informed to serve you better. That is why I will be visiting every neighbourhood in our riding to reintroduce myself, meet residents and visit local businesses.
During Constituency Week in November, I held my first meet and greet in the Don Mills – Donalda neighbourhood and visited Three Valleys Public School. It was a pleasure meeting with constituents and I look forward to my next visits.
Resources for Healthcare Access
Although it is a difficult time for our healthcare system, there are still many options available if someone gets sick in the weeks to come. Here are some options.
East Toronto Urgent Care Centres
MGH Cold and Flu Clinic for Kids
MGH Virtual Emergency Department
MGH Clinical Assessment Centre (Can test for Covid-19 and prescribe antiviral medicine if eligible)
Helpful Information About COVID
Guidance from Toronto Public Health about Covid-19
Information about Covid Testing and Treatment
Covid Vaccines and Kids
COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines
On November 12, I got my booster and flu shots. If you are looking to get a bivalent COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine, you can visit East Toronto Health Partners Community Outreach Centre located at 10 Gateway Boulevard, Unit 100A. Walk-ins are accepted. Click here for more details and full services offered.
Toronto Public Health Pop Up Vaccine Clinics in December
Broadlands Community Centre
19 Castlegrove Blvd
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00pm – 8:00pm (except Dec. 27 and 29)
Ages – 5 years and up
Important Dates
New Year’s Levee
Join MPP Dr. Adil Shamji and MP Michael Coteau at the New Year’s Levee for a fun-filled afternoon on Sunday January 15, 2023 from 12 noon to 2:00pm at IBEW 1377 Lawrence Ave. E. Refreshments will be served. RSVP before Friday January 6, 2023.
Autism
A townhall on the Ontario Autism Program will be held in January 2023. Details to be emailed soon.
Opportunities
Newcomer Environmental Professionals
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is a partner of the Professional Access Into Employment (PAIE) program that helps newcomers trained in the environmental sector start their career in Canada. Applications are being accepted for the program which starts in February 2023. Details are on the registration page.
2022 Canada Cares Awards
Nominate a Caregiver! Canada Cares recognizes caregivers across Canada and over the years has presented awards to over 350 individuals. It is a program by the Canadian Abilities Foundation that provides resources for people living with a disability. Nominations close on December 31st and her is the Nomination Form.
Conclusion
I hope the information contained in this newsletter has been helpful. As always, if there is ever anything I can do to assist, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.
Sincerely,
Dr. Adil Shamji
Member of Provincial Parliament, Don Valley East