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April 12 Newsletter

Hello Neighbour,

I hope you had a chance to catch a few moments of the solar eclipse on Monday. Despite the clouds, caught a glimpse and it was an experience to remember. I had the pleasure of spending time in Davenport over the long weekend in March, with family visiting from Ottawa and Montreal, and walked in the Good Friday Procession with many members of our community.

This week marks the end of Ramadan and a very happy Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating. This week, as you gather with family and community to celebrate Eid, I hope you find peace, comfort and moments of joy amongst each other.

I am so honoured, humbled and inspired by my colleagues NDP MPPs Lisa Gretzky, Kristyn Wong Tam, Peggy Sattler and Jill Andrew, their staff and the advocates from across Ontario who contributed to Bill 173- the Intimate Partner Violence as an Epidemic Act. I am proud to have seen such a strong showing of support from Davenport and across the province. During the debate, the galleries were filled with strong, diverse and dedicated advocates, survivors and family members impacted by Intimate Partner Violence, and we share this moment with each of you. Declaring IPV an epidemic was the first recommendation of the Renfrew Coroners Inquest and is a first step to saving lives and protecting Ontarians. Now we need the resources and supports an epidemic demands.

Marit Stiles 
MPP for Davenport

Eid Al Fitr

This Wednesday April 10th marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid Al-Fitr and Muslims across the province will be celebrating this special holiday.

International Day of Pink

The International Day of Pink is a worldwide anti-bullying and anti-homophobia day of significance. The event was sparked when a Canadian high-school student was witnessed by two fellow students as being bullied at their school for wearing a pink shirt.

Vaisakhi

April 13th is Vaisakhi! Let the vibrant spirit of the harvest festival fill your hearts and life with joy and prosperity! Wishing everyone a happy and colourful Baisakhi.

Puthandu

April 13th is The Tamil New Year, also known as Puthandu, is a significant cultural and religious festival celebrated by the Tamil community. It marks the beginning of a new year.

Pohela Boishakh

April 14 is the Bengali New Year, known as Pohela Boishakh marks the first day of the Bengali calendar and is a time of joy and festivity, with various cultural events, processions, and family gatherings. It’s a significant occasion that symbolizes renewal and hope for the year ahead

Updates from the Legislature

Official Opposition calls for Auditor General probe to investigate fees at for profit health care clinics

On Monday, I asked the premier how this government can continue to expand for-profit healthcare while millions of Ontarians are still without a primary care provider, and the entire province is facing a cost-of-living crisis. Official Opposition Critic for Healthcare, France Gelinas will be asking the Auditor General to investigate the for-profit providers. Everyone in Ontario has the right to get health care with their OHIP card, not their credit card. Instead of holding bad actors accountable, this Government is encouraging private clinics to force Ontarians to pay for health care that should be free.

Read more here.

Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act

I was disappointed this week when the government continued to ignore top recommendations of its own Housing Affordability Task Force, including legalizing fourplexes and four-storey multiplexes in all neighbourhoods. The Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes act has fallen short of what experts know is desperately needed to help address the urgent need for affordable housing. What’s missing? Real rent control and government investment in non-market housing. Largely, what this bill does is attempt to back-track on the government’s previous bad decisions, but it doesn’t offer solutions that will protect Ontarians from Illegal evictions or stabilize the rental market. I will continue to propose, bold, long-term solutions like:

  • Establishing Homes Ontario and provide financing and access to public land to build affordable housing
  • Allowing fourplexes as-of-right in all neighbourhoods everywhere in Ontario
  • Protecting existing affordable housing by bringing in strong rent control

Read more here.

Bill 173 Declaring Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic Act passes second reading

On Wednesday, April 10th Bill 173, The Intimate Partner Violence as and Epidemic Act 2024 passed to second reading. This is a welcome first step – but it’s far from the end of the line. We had almost 200 advocates, survivors, and front-line workers join us at Queen’s Park, and they have been crystal clear in their demands. The time for action is now. The time for believing and supporting survivors of intimate partner violence is now. We don’t need more half-measures or studies. The work has been done. The Official Opposition and people across Ontario have spoken. It’s time for this government to finally take this seriously.

Watch here.

Local Parent Organizing Brings strong message to TDSB Trustee Vote April 4

Davenport parents and activists joined their Neighbours and education advocates across the GTA to show solidarity for a No Cuts Budget at the TDSB. Proposed cuts to programming have been officially delayed, at least until 2025-26. While the trustees did not vote in favour of an entirely “no cuts” budget, Provincial underfunding has been officially recognized. Considering the continuing "structural deficit" whereby the hard costs of delivering education (e.g., salaries, benefits, special ed, etc.) exceed the grants issued by the province, trustees voted unanimously to issue a letter to the Ministry of Education requesting more funding. Thank you to MPPs Kristyn Wong-Tam and MPP Jessica Bell for representing our Caucus at the TDSB Rally April 2nd and thank you to The Toronto Schools Caregiver Coalition for their organizing as well as the folks at fundourschools.ca.

Parents in Davenport are saying enough is enough. The Toronto Schools Caregiver Coalition (TSCC) is a parent-led group organizing to stop the endless cycle of education cuts that TDSB students have endured annually since 1996, by calling for changes to the way provincial funding is allocated to school boards. Many students, parents, teachers, education workers, and trustees agree that the provincial grant is not enough.

To learn more, visit www.fundourschools.ca/ and RSVP by signing up here.

 

Aura Freedom International leading the way for organizations to declare IPV an epidemic

Thank you to Marissa and the folks at Aura Freedom for the contribution you made to declaring Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic in the City of Toronto in July 2023 and for showing up to support Bill 173 in the Provincial Legislature. Aura Freedom International has been working tirelessly for a decade to address systemic issues that contribute to gender-based violence. Aura Freedom International is a Davenport-based grassroots organization working in Canada and beyond to end violence against women and human trafficking through advocacy and education. In addition to leading the way declaring IPV an epidemic in Toronto, last November, Aura Freedom International hosted a powerful femicide exhibition “For Her” at It’s Ok studios on Queen Street in honour of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women. Check out aurafreedom.org for more information on their activities that range from education and awareness campaigns, workshops, survivor support, advocacy and policy work and grassroots community research. I look forward to more amazing opportunities to support this work.

 

Lina Almanzan, Women's Habitat of Etobicoke, Carla Neto, Women's Habitat of Etobicoke, Alicia Whyte, Women's Habitat of Etobicoke,Marissa Kokkoros, Aura Freedom, Danielle Warren, Aura Freedom, Gabbey Dessye, Yorktown Family Services

Around the Community

2024 ACAPO Merit Award & Scholarship Gala

I was honoured to join the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario for their annual Merit Awards & Scholarships Gala Dinner on Saturday March 30th at the Liuna 183 Gerry Gallagher Hall.

Thank you to all the donors, volunteers and participants. A big congratulations to all the scholarship recipients, I can't wait to see what is to come from this generation of Portuguese youth.

Graciosa Community Centre Celebrating 44 years!

Congratulations to Graciosa Community Centre on their 44th anniversary this past weekend. My staff were delighted to join in the celebration. Manuel Quadros highlighted here with board members giving a heartwarming speech during the night.

In 1980, a group of people from Graciosa decided to form an organization to serve all those who hailed from this Azorean island. The intent was to have a space where they could celebrate their culture and reminisce about the land they had left behind. The organization grew quickly and, two years later, it purchased its headquarters in what was then the heart of the Portuguese community in Toronto, on Dundas and Dovercourt.

Celebrating 30 Years of Clay and Paper Theatre!

Date: Sunday, April 14th, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: 221 Sterling Road, Unit 5b, Toronto, ON, M6R 2B2

Come hang out with your favourite local motley crue of puppeteers and storytellers and hear spectacular Georgian polyphony masters, Ori Shalva, Ukrainian singers Kosa Kolektiv Choir, and New Orleans swing style jazzman (and regular Grossman Happy Pals member), Ben Lee! With other guests still to be announced!

Repair Cafe every Sunday at 68 Abell Street

Bring your broken items to Creative Reuse Toronto’s storefront location. We will be fixing small appliances, home electronics, clothing, jewelry, and small furniture. Visit repaircafetoronto.ca/drop-off-pick-up-locations/ for more info.

 

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MPP Community Newsletter February 20, 2026

Dear Neighbours,

In addition to cheering on Team Canada at the Winter Olympics, I’m preparing to return to Queen’s Park. (In fact, we were supposed to return to the Ontario Legislature last week, but the Ford government extended the Winter Break by an additional month.)

As your MPP for Davenport and Leader of the Official Opposition, I have been listening closely to what matters most to people in our community. I will bring your issues and voices with me when the Legislature reconvenes in March.

My Constituency Office has received many calls and emails about the Ford government’s recent cuts to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). At a time when tuition and the overall cost of living continue to rise, students cannot afford reductions to their financial support. These OSAP cuts could not come at a worse time, and students in Davenport and across Ontario deserve better. You can read more in this newsletter about the saveOSAP.ca campaign that we launched recently.

Whether you are concerned about the OSAP cuts, or another issue affecting you and your family, I encourage you to reach out in the coming weeks. Your stories, emails and conversations inform the work I bring to Queen’s Park. Thank you to the community members who have participated in town halls and shared their ideas - your engagement strengthens our democracy and helps to shape the future of the neighbourhood and province.

As we head into the final weekend of the Winter Olympics, I know many residents in Davenport will be cheering on Team Canada!

Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Marit Stiles
MPP for Davenport

Updates from the Legislature

Let's Save OSAP - Take Action

Over the past week, my Davenport constituency office has heard from many people who disagree with the recent cuts to OSAP announced by the Ford government. Young people across Ontario will be forced into debt as a result of these cuts, when education should set them up for success. This creates a vicious cycle that prevents people from getting ahead.

Take Action!

The Ontario NDP has launched a Save OSAP campaign, and we are working hard to demand a reversal of these cuts to save OSAP. You can sign a petition and send emails to demand that OSAP is saved.

We want to hear from students, parents and other key stakeholders. Let’s make our voices heard and save OSAP.

Check out our new website saveosap.ca

Click here to sign the OSAP petition

Share your Voice - Preparing to Return to Queen’s Park

The Legislature resumes on March 23, and I remain committed to raising the issues that matter the most to the people of Davenport. Whether it is the rising price of groceries and essentials, finding an affordable home, being able to afford post-secondary education, finding affordable childcare spaces, accessing seniors’ services, or getting timely access to healthcare, I know that people are dealing with a lot.

I’m focused on making life better for people, and I am ready to return to Queen’s Park to continue fighting for what’s important to Davenport residents.

What issues are top of mind for you or your family? I want to hear what matters the most to you.

Please complete this survey to let me know the top issues that you would like me to bring forward when the Legislature resumes.

What matters to you matters to me.

Click here to complete my survey.

Lunar New Year Reception at Queen’s Park 

As Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition, I will be hosting a Lunar New Year Reception at Queen’s Park on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Members of the community are invited to attend this event!

Iftar at Queen’s Park – RSVP to attend

As Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition, I will be hosting an Iftar at Queen’s Park on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

As the sun sets, we will come together to break fast and share in a serene evening in the spirit of Ramadan. Members of the community are invited to attend this event.

Click here to RSVP

Other News

Support Small Businesses - Request a Free Shop Local Sign 

Small businesses are at the heart of vibrant mainstreets and support the growth of local economies. In Davenport, we have hundreds of small businesses that showcase Ontario made goods as well as international and diverse products from around the world.

To encourage residents to shop locally, we have printed new Shop Local: Stronger Together signs for businesses to display in their storefront.

Do you have a business in Davenport? Request your FREE sign here.

Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals Scholarship Awards

The Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals (FPCBP) has announced that its 2026 scholarship applications are now open. Eligible Luso-Canadian youth can apply for scholarships ranging from $2,000.00 to $10,000. Applications are open until March 18, 2026. Click here for more information and full eligibility criteria.

Metrolinx Construction Notices

Bloor-Landsdowne Go

Davenport Diamond Greenway

Caledonia GO

Bloor GO/UP

Barrie GO Expansion

Kitchener 4th Track Expansion

Around the Community

Coldest Night of the Year – Support Oasis Dufferin Community Centre

Oasis Dufferin Community Centre is taking part in the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) on Saturday, February 28, 2026. This walk raises funds and awareness for charities supporting neighbours who are hungry, hurting and homeless. Here in Davenport, Oasis provides year-round support through its food bank, seniors’ programs, learning hub, and Spanish-speaking women’s counselling.

Click here to support this event.

 

Build Green Symposium

Join industry leaders, community partners, and changemakers for a full day of learning, dialogue, and connection at the 2026 Build Green Symposium hosted by Toronto Community Benefits Network at Humber Polytechnic.

Click here for more information and to register.

Husmates Co-Ownership Conference

Housing prices in Toronto have reached a breaking point. Co-ownership is helping people secure stable, beautiful homes through collaboration and shared resources. This event is an opportunity to explore the idea, meet others who are thinking about it too, and learn what it really takes to make co-ownership work.

  • Saturday, March 14, 2026

  • The Parkdale Hall, 1605 Queen St W

Click here for more information and to register for this event.

Toronto Home Energy Network Webinar

TDSB SEAC Listening to Parents’ Voice Meeting

Councillor Bravo's End of Season Skating Party

Days of Significance

Ramadan Mubarak Message

May this holy month bring peace, compassion, and strength to all those observing.

Lunar New Year Message

As communities come together to share meals and cultural traditions, may the year ahead bring happiness and prosperity to all.

February 22 - Chosen Family Day

February 25 - Pink Shirt Day

March is Bangladeshi Heritage Month

March is Irish Heritage Month

March is Mois de la Francophonie 

March 2 - Purim

March 2 - Black Mental Health Day

March 4 - Holi

 

MPP Community Newsletter February 6, 2026

Dear Neighbours,

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it offers meaningful opportunities for connection and reflection here in Davenport.  

As we observe Black History Month, we take time to honour Black Ontarians whose leadership, creativity and resilience have helped shape our community. It is a time to recommit ourselves to the continuing work to build a more just and inclusive province for everyone.  

This February also includes several important cultural and spiritual observances, including Lunar New Year, the beginning of Ramadan, Losar, and Family Day.  Each of these occasions offers an opportunity to come together, reflect, and look ahead with intention. They remind us of the richness and diversity that makes Davenport such a vibrant place to call home. I hope many of you are able to spend time connecting with the family, friends, neighbours, and communities that matter most to you, and that these moments offer space for rest, reflection, and a sense of belonging as we move through the winter season together. 

It is an honour to represent such a thoughtful, engaged, and welcoming community, and I look forward to continuing our work together. This newsletter contains updates on many exciting initiatives across Davenport, Toronto and Ontario. 

And – as a small reminder that spring is on its way - the days are getting longer, and, earlier this week, Wiarton Willie predicted only six more weeks of winter…. 

Go Team Canada!

Sincerely,

Marit Stiles
MPP for Davenport

Updates from the Legislature

FAO Report – Sounding the Alarm on Funding Cuts

The Ontario NDP sounded the alarm following the most recent Financial Accountability Office (FAO) Capital Spending Plan Report. The FAO found that the Ford government is continuing to make cuts to key services, including affordable housing, hospitals and school repairs. Here is a summary of some of the concerning findings in the report:

  • Further cuts to affordable housing funding, despite 85,000 people homeless and rising unemployment
  • A plan to eliminate 10,000 health care workers, despite long wait times at hospitals and the need for jobs
  • More cuts to public education, leaving overcrowded classrooms and poorly maintained school buildings in our children’s future

I will continue to push the Ford government to create plans that protect jobs, and provide a good quality of life for the people of Ontario.

Click here to access the full FAO Report

Stop the Education Takeovers – Emergency Townhall

There have been more concerning public education developments as schools and classrooms here in Davenport and across Ontario remain underfunded.

First, the provincially appointed TDSB Supervisor has reversed a decision to cap class sizes for Grades 4 to 8. And, the Ford government has taken over Peel District School Board and put them under the same ministerial supervision as the TDSB and TCDSB.

Placing school boards under supervision does not improve student outcomes, it only serves to block parents from being a part of important decisions about the future of education that are being made. We need to focus on properly funding our schools.

NDP MPP Chandra Pasma (Ottawa West-Nepean), Shadow Minister for Education, has organized an Emergency Education Town Hall to summarize what has happened, why it matters and what we can do next. 

Intimate Partner Violence Virtual Town Hall

The rates of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Ontario are on the rise. Members of the Davenport community are welcome to attend a Virtual Town Hall about IPV to discuss actions that need to be taken in Ontario. Join MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre), Shadow Attorney General, with responsibility for 2SLGBTQI+ Issues, and MPP Alexa Gilmour (Parkdale-High Park), Shadow Minister for Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, along with a panel of experts for this important conversation.

My Statement Regarding MPP Doly Begum

I released the following statement on MPP Doly Begum's resignation:

"… I received Doly Begum’s notice of resignation as MPP for Scarborough Southwest. I want to thank Doly for her service and wish her well. "Our party has been proud to represent the good people of Scarborough Southwest for the past eight years and look forward to continuing that representation. "I want to especially thank her constituency staff who, as New Democrats, continue their excellent work serving constituents."

Setting Priorities for the Next Legislative Session

I met with the Ontario NDP Caucus to start to prepare for the next Legislative Session, which begins March 23, 2026. Since the house rose in December, we have been out there, listening to communities about where people are at, and what matters to them right now. We are bringing these ideas together, and are working through real solutions and plans that address the challenges that people are facing right here in Davenport and across Ontario. Click here to watch the full press conference.

Other News

Call for End to Ontario Contracts Serving ICE

I recently made an announcement that called for an end to Ontario's manufacturing contract with ICE — to ensure that both Ontario and Canada have no part in the atrocities being committed in the United States.

In Ontario, I believe that we need to find stable opportunities for Ontario manufacturers to strengthen Canada, not increase our reliance on the United States.

Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals Scholarship Awards

The Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals (FPCBP) has announced that its 2026 scholarship applications are now open. Eligible Luso-Canadian youth can apply for scholarships ranging from $2,000.00 to $10,000. Applications are open until March 18, 2026. Click here for more information and full eligibility criteria.

Metrolinx Updates

TTC Line 5 Eglinton Crosstown LRT is now Open

I’m sure many of you heard the news that the TTC Line 5/Eglinton Crosstown LRT begins a phased opening this Sunday, February 8th. I know that there are many households and businesses in Davenport who have experienced years of hardship as a result of this delayed project, and we will continue to demand a public inquiry into Metrolinx.

I hope that we see a smooth opening of Line 5. With 2 stops serving Davenport (Fairbank and Caledonia) let’s hope that residents and businesses alike finally start experiencing the benefits of this new transit line.

Click here to read the full details of the Line 5/Eglinton Crosstown phased opening.

Metrolinx Construction Notices

Bloor-Landsdowne Go

Davenport Diamond Greenway

Bloor GO/UP

Barrie GO Expansion

Kitchener 4th Track Expansion

Around the Community

You’re Invited – Lunar New Year’s Reception at Queen’s Park

Members of the community are invited to RSVP and attend the Lunar New Year’s Reception at Queen’s Park.

Click here to RSVP to the Lunar New Year Reception

Celebrating Thai Pongal at Tamil Co-op

At the end of January, I had the pleasure of gathering with members of Davenport’s Tamil Co-op to celebrate Thai Pongal. May this harvest festival bring abundance and prosperity to all the residents and their families. Warmest wishes for a bright, healthy, and prosperous New Year! 

2026 Seniors Calendar now available

Back by popular demand, my 2026 Seniors Calendar is available. Please contact my community office if you would like a copy. My community office team can be reached at:

Please note that unfortunately we are unable to accommodate large-volume requests at this time. 

Free Family Day fun at Queen’s Park Winter Festival

Looking for something fun and free to do on the Family Day weekend? The Legislative Assembly of Ontario is holding a two-day celebration, designed for families of all ages.

  • Event Dates: Saturday, February 14 and Monday, February 16.
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location: Ontario Legislative Building, Queen’s Park, Toronto (just north of TTC Queen’s Park subway station)

Click here for more information.

City of Toronto outside Mural and Street Art Program – FIFA

The City of Toronto has opened applications for its outside mural and street art program, and this year there is a bit of a FIFA World Cup theme. Business associations and community groups can receive one-time funding for outside mural projects that help promote a local theme and facilitate neighbourhood identity.  In order to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 26, special consideration will be given to mural proposals that highlight the spirit of the tournament and “The World in a City” theme. 

Click here for more information.

Fund our City Toronto Budget Rally

On February 10, Toronto City Council will be voting on the 2026 City Budget. Social Planning Toronto and partners are organizing a community rally outside City Hall to let Council know this is no time for cuts.

Statistics Canada Now Hiring for the 2026 Census

Statistics Canada is now hiring for the 2026 Census. Click here for more information and to apply.

Stay Warm Davenport - Warming Centres Information

City of Toronto Warming Centres are part of the City’s Winter Services Plan for people experiencing homelessness. 

Click here to check the status of Warming Centres and for more information.

Regal Heights Residents Association Valentine’s Neighbourhood Pub Night

Days of Significance

February is Black History Month

February 4 - Imamat Day

February 16 - Family Day

February 16 - Louis Riel Day

February 17 - Lunar New Year

February 17 - Ramadan set to begin

February 18 - Losar

 

MPP Community Newsletter January 23, 2026

 

Dear Neighbours,

Happy New Year, Davenport!

The start of a new year brings many opportunities, and my team and I are working hard to support our community with the issues that matter the most.

As you may have heard, the upcoming legislative session has been delayed by an additional six weeks and is now set to resume on March 23. Even though we are not sitting at Queen’s Park for the next two months, my team and I are still working, and continuing to advocate for our community.

This newsletter contains information on the upcoming provincial pre-budget consultations, the new Blue Box recycling program brought in by the Ford government, as well as the new Student and Family Support Offices at the TDSB and TCDSB. I will remain busy speaking out on issues that are important to the residents of Davenport.

It was great to see many of you at my annual New Year’s Levee event! We announced the 2026 Davenport Good Neighbour Award recipients. Please see a full list of the recipients, and some photos from the event, in my community updates below.

Wishing you a good start to 2026.

Sincerely,

Marit Stiles
MPP for Davenport

Updates from the Legislature

Provincial Pre-Budget Consultations – We Want to Hear from You!

The provincial government is accepting written submissions and requests to participate in its 2026 Pre-Budget Consultations until January 29.

We want to hear from you! Whether you are a small business, arts or community group, service agency, or nonprofit, your voice matters in shaping how the provincial government uses its budget to make life more affordable in Davenport and across the province. As your MPP, I’m committed to advocating for the people of Davenport and making the budget work for you.

Have your say and choose how you would like to participate:

For more information about the provincial budget, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/budget-consultations.

Also, please feel free to submit your thoughts or any written materials to our office so that we can better understand what issues are facing your organization and how, as your MPP, I can bring your voice to Queen's Park.

Blue Box recycling program changes – Issues and Information

The Ford government made regulatory changes to the Blue Box recycling program (previously operated by the City of Toronto) that took effect across Ontario on January 1, 2026. Our office has heard from many people in the Davenport riding with questions and complaints about the new program.

I share your concerns about the massive inconvenience, unreliable service, and possible negative environmental consequences that come with this change. The Ford government made these changes behind closed doors and without any debate.

I know that people across Davenport are committed to recycling because it reduces landfill waste and supports local environmental responsibility.

There is no excuse for unreliable service. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks must ensure that Blue Box services continue for anyone who received it prior to this year, that it remains as reliable as it was under The City of Toronto, and that the producer responsibility system results in less waste and lower costs to municipalities rather than poorer recycling services. 

At this time, the best source of information we have about the changes can be found here. If you need to make a complaint to Circular Materials because your blue box has not been picked up, please call 1-888-921-2686 or email at [email protected]. 

TDSB/TCDSB - New Student and Family Support Offices Open

The Ford government opened new Student and Family Support Offices for the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Unfortunately, these changes simply add layers of bureaucracy without accountability. What families really need is the return of elected trustees to navigate the system and advocate for them.

Links to Contact Student and Family Support Offices:

Click here to read the statement released by NDP Shadow Minister for Education, MPP Pasma (Ottawa West-Nepean).

The following CityTV news report summarizes the issue. Click here to watch the video.

Standing with the Simao Family and Calling for More Special Education Resources in Classrooms

I recently joined MPP Gilmour (Parkdale-High Park), MPP Lennox (Hamilton Centre), and the Ontario Autism Coalition, to stand with Chris and Emily Simao, whose autistic seven-year-old son, Max, was tragically struck and killed by a bus in December. Max was on a modified half-day school schedule due to staffing shortages stemming from a lack of provincial funding.

Chris and Emily have been living through every parent’s worst nightmare. Max should have been at school, one of his favourite things to do. Instead, he was sent home early, because his school didn’t have enough resources to support him.

I am calling on the Premier and his Minister of Education to finally provide proper funding for special education.

Watch the full video here.

Integrity Commissioner’s Investigation of Skills Development Fund Continues

Even though the Legislature is not sitting right now, the Integrity Commissioner's investigation into Minister of Labour David Piccini's role continues. The investigation was launched following my letter to the Integrity Commissioner.

I will continue to demand the Ford government fire the Minister of Labour over the mismanagement of the $2.5 billion Skills Development Fund. If you are still trying to understand the Skills Development Fund issue, you can watch this video for a detailed explanation. I will continue to push on this issue until the truth comes out.

Other News

City of Toronto Warming Centres

With extreme cold winter temperatures right now, I wanted to share information on how to find the City of Toronto’s Warming Centres. These Warming Centres are part of the City’s Winter Services Plan for people experiencing homelessness.  

Click here to check the status of Warming Centres and for more information.

Metrolinx Updates

Antler-Lappin Connection

Davenport Councillor Allejandro Bravo has announced that The City of Toronto will step in to fund the Antler-Lappin connection that was originally part of the Metrolinx Davenport Diamond Greenway project, but was never completed. This will connect local residents to parks, schools, businesses and to each other. Thank you to Councillor Bravo and the City of Toronto for picking up where Metrolinx and the provincial government abandoned this community. 

Watch the video on this story here.

Construction Notices

Bloor-Landsdowne Go

Davenport Diamond Greenway

Bloor GO/UP Station Overnight Excavation work – July-Mar 2026

Barrie GO Expansion

Kitchener 4th Track Expansion

Around the Community

Davenport Good Neighbour Awards announced at my New Year’s Levee

On January 15, my team and I hosted my annual New Year’s Levee and announced the 2026 recipients of the Davenport Good Neighbour Awards. It was wonderful to welcome the new year with so many members of Davenport that make this community special and strong.  

Here is a full list of the 2026 Davenport Good Neighbour Award Recipients.

  • Liz Allaby - Volunteer, Working Women Community Centre
  • Rodrigo Ardiles - Founder, Dundas West Open Air Museum
  • Maria Carrusca - Volunteer, Horizons for Youth Shelter
  • Helder Costa – Co-owner, Caldense Bakery
  • Katharine Harris - Chair, General Mercer Junior Public School Parent Council
  • John Santos – Founder, The Long and McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest
  • Hasseena Shah - Volunteer, Oasis Dufferin Community Centre
  • Asli & Selcuk Suna – Co-founders, Concerts on Connolly
  • Joelle Young - Volunteer, Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement

Congratulations to these amazing award recipients. Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination, we had many wonderful nominations this year.

We also presented a Special Recognition Award to Casa Da Madeira to acknowledge the challenges the Casa has faced in the past year, since the act of arson in 2025.

The 2026 Davenport Good Neighbour Award Recipients, and my Community Office staff. 

Members of the community braved the wintry weather to attend my New Year's Levee at Casa Do Alentejo, where the Davenport Good Neighbour Awards were announced.

A Special Recognition Award was presented to Casa Da Madeira.

Townhall – Society of Hospitality Workers

The Society of Hospitality Workers is a democratic organization who are collectively working towards better wages, benefits, safer workplaces, and better treatment across the sector.  On February 2nd, they will be holding a town hall to discuss issues endemic to the hospitality industry.

Davenport Community Leader featured in Toronto Star Article

Davenport resident and community leader Erella Ganon was recently featured in a Toronto Star series Toronto The Better. Erella is "helping shape the city's future through housing and arts advocacy”. Click here to read the full article.

 

 

 

Days of Significance

January is Tamil Heritage Month

January 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day

January 29 – National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia

Days of Significance earlier in the month:

January 7 - Orthodox Christmas

January 13 - Lohri

January 14 - Orthodox New Year

January 14 - Thai Pongal

January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 21 - Lincoln Alexander Day

Marit Stiles, MPP - Davenport Community Office: 1199 Bloor St. West, Toronto
416-535-3158 - [email protected]

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Phone: 437-772-7831