Dear Neighbours,
I want to thank you for putting your trust in me as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Davenport and Leader of the Official Opposition NDP for another term.
I was honoured to take the oath, surrounded by my family, my team, and volunteers. I do not take this responsibility lightly. I am excited to get to work and continue to be a strong voice for our community at Queen’s Park.
I know our community is facing many challenges right now. From lack of affordable housing to tariffs, keeping healthcare public, and fixing our schools — I know there is a lot to be worried about.
As I travelled the province talking to families, workers, small business owners, and youth, one thing I can say for sure is that when we stand together, we can overcome fear and apathy. We can find ways to work together on our most pressing challenges and take care of each other through difficult times.
That’s why I’m calling on the Premier to bring back the Legislature right away. I have offered the Opposition's full support so that we can get to work protecting jobs and protecting our economy.
With a federal election called for April 28, now is the time to build a united Team Canada approach. I look forward to working with the incoming Member of Parliament and all levels of government to protect the people of Davenport.
Have a great weekend,
Marit Stiles
MPP for Davenport
Building a Tariff-Proof Economy
Last week, I met with the newly elected Ontario NDP caucus – all returning and new MPPs from every corner of the province – to set out our priorities as we look forward to the return to the Legislature.
I want to congratulate Premier Ford and his new Cabinet. However, at this critical moment for Ontario, this is not the time for more of the same as we must work to prepare for the impact of more tariffs and their effect on local communities.
This week, the U.S. President announced 25% tariffs on all auto imports. The Premier has announced that he will be relying on the Federal government for support and will support retaliatory tariffs.
I am calling on the Premier to return to the Legislature immediately so we can create immediate measures to protect workers in Ontario and work on building a tariff-proof economy.
We are going to fight like hell to protect every job, fight to keep auto plants open and make sure we keep good union jobs from disappearing forever.
We are going to support workers across this province and develop a strong income protection program.
We need to unlock the potential of our country, removing barriers to interprovincial trade, working with democratic allies, and diversifying our economy.
Your Official Opposition NDP is ready to fight for the people of this province. We must work towards building a tariff-proof economy that works for everyone. Our team is ready to work.
Community & Cultural Spaces Trust acquires Units in Youngplace Building
The Community & Cultural Spaces Trust was created by amazing advocates and leaders — some of which are from our community of Davenport — in the arts and culture sector. The mission of the CCST is to “...create and facilitate sustainable processes for acquiring and maintaining real property for use by community, cultural and arts organizations in the Bloor Dufferin neighbourhood.”
Recently, the CCST has seen its first win. In partnership with the Inspirit Foundation, two units in the Youngplace building at 180 Shaw Street are currently in the process of being transferred to the CCST for community use. This is the first acquisition by a cultural land trust in Canada.
This is amazing news for artists and creatives and sets the stage for future models of securing permanent spaces for artists. Many artists in Davenport know the difficulties of finding space, let alone affordable and permanent space without the threat of being evicted or losing funding. I am proud of the work of CCST in securing this acquisition and look forward to the good work they will undoubtedly continue to do.
Grant Opportunities
Nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for funding from the Government of Ontario through Transfer Payment Ontario. For program details and eligibility requirements, click here.
For more information on current opportunities for the Tourism Sector that are open now,
Please visit TIAO Ontario here.
Metrolinx Updates
Davenport Greenway
I know many who live along the Davenport Guideway are eager to see the community benefits promised to them by Metrolinx when the Davenport Diamond was being constructed. Part of this commitment was to build the Greenway, a stretch of community space that runs along the Guideway that will include bike paths, off leash dog areas, pedestrian walkways, and a community square under the elevated guideline.
While this commitment still leaves out a vital public connection between Antler St and Lappin Ave, it is a community benefit that I know many are looking forward to.
Metrolinx has not held a Community Liaison Committee meeting since May of last year. My team is looking into this and will have updates for the community soon.
