What a thrill Pride Toronto was this year! I can't help but be filled with gratitude for everyone who helped create such an outstanding event. None of this was possible without the organizers, volunteers, and everyone else who made it such a fantastic event.
On May 31, I raised the flag outside City Hall to mark the beginning of Pride Month. This is the time to celebrate Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer love, culture, and history. Pride Month is also a time of reflection, acknowledging the challenges that our communities face to be proud and to be true to their identity.
The May 22 and 23 City Council meeting was a somber affair, as we honoured the life of our late colleague, Councillor Jaye Robinson. Following touching tributes, there was discussion about the City’s Corporate Asset Management Plan and Micromobility Strategy.
Toronto City Council had another full and engaging agenda this past April 16 and 17. There was timely discussion about fixing the Vacant Home Tax, big strides in improving tenant assistance for those impacted by rental demolitions, and plans to expand both its Student Nutrition Program and the Alcohol in Parks program.
I want to extend a warm thank you to all residents who joined my first annual Participatory Budgeting (PB) exercise in 2023; we could not have done it without you!
Toronto City Council had a jam-packed and exciting session this past March 20 and 21. Aside from lively discussion about the 2026 FIFA World Cup, section 37 funds were released for projects coming from my office’s Participatory Budgeting 2023 exercise.
In this special update, I explain what this year’s adopted budget means for us in Toronto Centre and the work to be done in the year ahead.
On February 1, Mayor Olivia Chow released her version of the budget. This iteration comes after the Staff budget was released on January 10th and underwent extensive public consultation at pre-budget consultations last November, budget town halls, and budget committee meetings.
Over the last week, I have heard from many constituents about the City’s proposed 2024 budget. I wanted to address the concerns I have heard regarding the property tax rate increase as I can understand the anxiety this has caused.
9-8-8 is the new, nationwide suicide crisis helpline. It is the line to call if you, or someone who know, are dealing with thoughts of suicide.