Community Newsletter

MPP Community Newsletter October

Dear Neighbours,

It’s been a busy return to the Ontario Legislature. Over the past two weeks, I’ve been speaking out on behalf of Davenport residents and people across Ontario on several critical issues including:

  • Pushing back against Bill 60, and the urgent need to protect tenants’ rights
  • Exposing how the Skills Development Fund funnelled money to lobbyists instead of creating real jobs for Ontarians.
  • Highlighting the Ford government’s ongoing jobs crisis and the impact on working families.
  • Challenging the Ford government’s overreach with both Bill 33 (which removes elected school board trustees) and Bill 56 (which bans municipal speed cameras).

At the same time, I’ve been proud to introduce real solutions to strengthen Ontario, including:

  • The Ontario NDP’s Buy Ontario First strategy — a plan to create and protect good local jobs.
  • A Fans First plan that bans ticket resales above face value, putting fairness and affordability back into live events.

You can read more in the Updates from the Legislature section below — and I plan to keep this strong momentum going at Queen’s Park in the weeks ahead.

Closer to home, our community’s thoughts remain with everyone affected by the tragic Casa de Madeira fire on October 22. Updates on the ongoing investigation are included in this newsletter.

It’s also shaping up to be a busy weekend here in Davenport. Halloween celebrations continue with trick-or-treating on October 31, followed by Davenport’s Pumpkin Parades on November 1.

Wishing everyone a safe and festive weekend — Happy Halloween!

Have a great weekend,

Marit Stiles

MPP for Davenport

Updates from the Legislature

Stop Bill 60

Thank you to the many Davenport residents who have taken the time to contact my Community Office to express their concerns about Bill 60. On Wednesday night, I co-hosted an Emergency Town Hall with our Shadow Minister for Housing, MPP Catherine McKenney, to discuss how we can all work together to stop Bill 60 and stand up for renters.

Thanks to public outcry, the Ford government has already been forced to remove the controversial “security of tenure” clause from Bill 60 — a win for renters and housing advocates across Ontario. But our work isn’t done yet. We need to keep the pressure on to stop this harmful bill entirely and protect affordable housing in our communities.

This week, we also launched  StopBill60.ca — a new website where residents can access resources, sign the petition, take part in the email campaign, and download flyers to help spread the word.

Join me in the fight for good jobs and affordable homes. Add your name here to help stop Bill 60.

Calling for Accountability: Minister Piccini Must Resign

This week, I called for Minister of Labour David Piccini’s resignation following serious concerns about the misuse of the Skills Development Fund. What was meant to help workers build skills and access good jobs has instead become a pay-to-play scheme, funneling public money to political insiders and donors — while worker-focused applications were denied.

The Ontario Auditor General found that the fund was not “fair, transparent, or accountable,” echoing the same troubling patterns seen in recent investigations into the Greenbelt and Ontario Place. Millions of dollars went to low-scoring applications from well-connected insiders, while 670 higher-ranked proposals were rejected.

I will continue to push for Minister Piccini’s resignation and demand that the Ford government stop putting party insiders ahead of Ontario’s workers.

Buy Ontario First - A Real Plan to Create Good Jobs in Ontario

With nearly 800,000 Ontarians out of work and youth unemployment at 18%, it’s clear that the Ford government’s approach to jobs has been a disaster. Ontario needs a government that invests in workers — not one that leaves them behind.

That’s why I’ve put forward a real solution: the Ontario NDP’s Buy Ontario First strategy. This plan would ensure that $30 billion in public procurement contracts stay within Ontario to support our workers and businesses.

Hear more about the Buy Ontario First Plan:

By prioritizing local workers and industries, the Buy Ontario First plan will help reverse the Ford government’s jobs crisis and build a stronger economy — right here in Davenport and across the province. Tell the government to support my Buy Ontario First plan.

Putting Fans First

With many Toronto Blue Jays fans priced out of World Series tickets, I launched a new petition this week to put Fans First and ban ticket resales above face value in Ontario. The Fans First plan puts everyday people ahead of ticket resellers and big business, ensuring fair access to sports, concerts, and live events. Fans deserve transparency, affordability, and a fair chance to enjoy the events they love — without being priced out by exploitative resale practices.

Add your name to the Fans First petition

Other News

Davenport Community Stands with Casa da Madeira

Our community was deeply saddened by the devastating fire at Davenport’s Casa da Madeira on October 22. This long-standing cultural and social hub has been a cornerstone for the Portuguese community, bringing people together for generations of celebrations, events, and connection.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to Toronto Fire Services and all first responders for their swift action in containing the blaze and ensuring everyone’s safety. Toronto Police Services has asked for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in their ongoing arson investigation — you can read their news release with more information here. 

Flu Shot and Covid-19 Vaccines now available

You can receive the latest annual COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot for free at participating pharmacies. Most pharmacies book appointments ahead of time and many allow walk-ins. Vaccine availability may vary. Call ahead to ensure the pharmacy has supply before going. Click here to check vaccine availability. 

Metrolinx Updates

Construction Notices

Bloor-Landsdowne Go

Davenport Diamond Greenway

Kitchener 4th track expansion + West Toronto Railpath Realignment

Barrie GO Expansion

Around the Community

Clay and Paper Theatre's annual Night of Dread parade and pageant in Dufferin Grove

   

Remembrance Day - Tuesday, November 11

Remembrance Day ceremonies and projects in Davenport:

  • “They walked these streets... We will remember them” Remembrance Project. This innovative and interactive community Remembrance week commemoration has several installations in the west-end of Toronto, including one at Davenport’s Bloor Collegiate Institute. Click here for more information about this personal and interactive project.
  • Community members are invited to attend the 97th annual Remembrance Day Sunrise Service at Prospect Cemetery. Click here for event details. 
Florence Watts Memorial and planting bulbs on Daffodil Hill

I was pleased to join the Regal Heights Residents' Association to honour and celebrate the life of Florence Watts. Florence was a community leader, neighbour, and friend. Her work increasing green spaces in the community spans over decades and her legacy will be remembered in places like Daffodil Hill. If you're in the Regal Heights area, check out the plaque on Daffodil Hill honouring Florence Watts. I had a wonderful time planting this year's bulbs and looking forward to the blooms next year.

   

   

Charlie Angus Town Hall Event - November 27

Finding Light in these Dark Times. A Meidas Canada/West End Phoenix town hall conversation, hosted by Charlie Angus, author, musician and former MP.

Call for Vendors/Artists for Holiday Markets

   

   

Months of Significance - November

Days of Significance

October 21 was Childcare Worker and Early Childcare Educator Appreciation Day

I would like to recognize and thank the many childcare centres and their dedicated employees for providing such critical community services to Davenport families.

Treaties Recognition Week - begins November 2

Trans Parent Day - November 3

Veterans' Week Begins November 5

Indigenous Veterans Day - November 8

Remembrance Day - November 11

Transgender Awareness Week Begins November 13

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Phone: 437-772-7831