The Issues
Housing is a Human Right
Justice M.J. Valente cited the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and said the region’s plans to move people off the site at the time went “against the person’s rights to life, liberty and security.” I speak with people who are unhoused every day, as they share stories of re-traumatization every time they get evicted from a shelter, warming centre, or overhanging doorways during the rain.
Connecting to Nature
Whether we share a picnic under a tree, or practice a group exercise, it is important to foster a variety of communities to promote pro-social activities. This includes shared gardening spaces, and plants which produce edible foods. We need to work to keep parks and animals safe within our ward, which includes education and increased presence of native plants.
Entrepreneur & small business support
Through promoting local businesses to public workshops on business and fundraising, we hope to create longevity (more to come)
Improve Transit
Maintaining this government-supported infrastructure is important to keeping the TTC services affordable and reliable.
Supporting Indigenous Wayfinding tools that support cognitive disabilities, as was recently introduced in council, which utilized animal representation as opposed to the current pilot project of A, A1, etc, which can be confusing for those with cognitive challenges such as brain injuries, disabilities, or even English as a second language.
Neurodivergence
& Disability Awareness
Following the social model that disabilities are the responsibility of society to accommodate, as opposed to the individual needing to change themselves, we will work towards supporting community members to thrive. This will be encouraged through ensuring that all entities and spaces are adhering to the AODA regulations.
Community
Building
From community BBQs to large events, the City Centre experiences a wide range of activities for all ages. Hospitality and Tourism is a major focus for our ward, which starts with appealing to reasons for Staycations.
Safety
As a community worker, I have been threatened and nearly stabbed while attempting to support a community member. Community workers build relationships with people, which keeps them out of trouble and supported. By re-allocating funds from the police to support workers, we can hire more peer workers to diffuse and de-escalate situations that police would not have access to.
Youth Leadership
In Ontario, most workplaces allow employment from the age of 14, which is when they also begin to pay taxes. Although they are paying taxes from this age, they are not permitted to vote until the age of 18. In 1998, the Toronto Youth Cabinet was established for youth between the ages of 14 and 24 to have a voice within the Municipal government. It is our responsibility to maintain and encourage the growth of their work, as they prepare to become the future leaders of this City.
Bicycles & Scooters
Encouraging a rideable city and reducing vehicle traffic.
Public Washrooms
From young children to elderly people, to digestive issues such as Crohn’s disease, diverticulosis, or a spicy dinner. Some of our unhoused community members will not eat for days because they are afraid to need to use a toilet. We will all benefit when more public washrooms are available to use.
Movement for Peace
We are in the times of the Peacekeepers, as it is more important than ever to denounce the destruction which has ripple effects across the world.
Free Palestine
Free Lebanon
Free Congo
Free Sudan
Indigenous Leadership
It is our collective responsibility as stewards of this land to work with the intention of seven generations forward, carrying the lessons from seven generations of ancestors prior.
“The Seven Grandfather Teachings are among the most widely shared Anishinaabe principles because they are relatable and encompass the kind of morals that humanity can aspire to live by. They offer ways to enrich one’s life while existing in peace and harmony with all of creation.”
“Love, respect, bravery, truth, honesty, humility, and wisdom. “