| Message from Stephanie |
| Dear Constituents, A few weeks ago, I published my special issue on the budget and the actions I have taken to hold the government accountable for how it uses our public dollars. This week, I wanted to share some of the work I have been doing to connect with constituents and advocate for their issues. I would like to start by acknowledging that we recently lost a key member of our community. Jaye Robinson, our long-time City Councillor for Ward 15, Don Valley West, passed away on May 16th. I was honoured to speak about Jaye and call for a moment of silence at Queen’s Park (more details below). Jaye is and will be deeply missed. In this issue, I will also update you on: -My Private Members Bill -My advocacy at Queen’s Park on behalf of constituents’ issues -Petitions I have submitted from constituents -Upcoming event -New supports on my website Over the past few months, I have attended many community gatherings, such as a celebration of the contributions and accomplishments of black Ontarians for Black History Month, hosted by my colleague, MPP Andrea Hazell. We saluted the Lunar New Year with the York Mills Chinese Community Association, and I hosted an International Women’s Day event for seniors at Suomi-Koti. We welcomed Nowruz, the start of Ramadan, culminating with Eid Al-Fitr, and observed the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. I also attended a rally at Queen’s Park to raise awareness about rising antisemitism in our communities, which we have unfortunately seen strike right here in Don Valley West. Kehillat Shaarei Torah was vandalized twice recently and I was glad to be able to attend a Shabbat service in solidarity with the community. In February, I attended an open house to discuss the future of Thorncliffe Park and the Transit-Oriented Community proposal for the area, and to speak with residents about their views on the needs of the community. It is now the season of spring fairs and community BBQs, and I look forward to connecting with many of you at these fun events. While I know that the last few months and years have been incredibly challenging, meeting at local events is a great way for me to learn about your priorities for the community. I remain dedicated to listening to your feedback and representing you at Queen’s Park. Your input is important in shaping the riding and our province’s future, so keep writing to me and sharing your thoughts. Kind regards, Stephanie |
| Tribute to Jaye Robinson |
| Two weeks ago, in the Legislature I rose with a heavy heart to pay tribute to Councillor Jaye Robinson, a remarkable woman, dedicated public servant, and long-time friend, who represented Don Valley West at Toronto City Council for almost 14 years. Jaye exemplified fun, spirited leadership, and led with distinction in roles such as Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission and Director of Events for the City of Toronto, where she helped create beloved traditions like Nuit Blanche and Summerlicious. Her resilience and commitment were truly inspirational, especially as she bravely battled breast cancer while continuing to serve our community. We remember Jaye for her profound dedication, ability to inspire, and deep compassion for Toronto’s residents, and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends. I would also like to acknowledge her office team, who did a remarkable job of helping represent Jaye and supporting her constituents. |
| Tribute to Jaye Robinson at Queen’s Park |
| I was honoured to stand in Queen’s Park and deliver a member’s statement commemorating the achievements of Jaye Robinson and to share my condolences. She was a dedicated advocate for her community, a great colleague, and she is and will be deeply missed. Watch the full statement here. At Queen’s Park I asked for the unanimous consent of the house to hold a moment of silence in honour of Jaye Robinson. Watch the video here |
| Update on My Private Member’s Bill on Tenants’ Rights |
| Hearing numerous stories from constituents about tenants issues, I have been working on a private member’s bill on tenants’ rights. I am drafting legislation to amend the Residential Tenancies Act to clarify large landlords’ responsibilities. The first draft has gone through community review and is now in its second draft. If you would like to share about tenant issues you have experienced, please email us at sbowman.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org. |
– Additional security in buildings
– Better reporting on maintenance issues
– Restricting rent increases in instances of neglect
– Better elevator maintenance guidelines
– More supports for vulnerable tenants facing eviction
– Improving the ability of tenants to access cool spaces in hot weather
– Clarifying rights to amenities for tenants
| Issues I Am Raising at Queen’s Park |
| Super Bowl Ads Amid ER closures, understaffed daycares, falling productivity, and 2.3M Ontarians without family doctors, why is the government spending taxpayer money on Super Bowl ads to pat themselves on the back? And why won’t they tell Ontarians how much of our money they spent? Watch my question here. Ontario Line-Thorncliffe Park The whole point of consultation is to ask people for input before decisions are made, not after the fact. Why is this so hard for the government to understand? Thorncliffe Park residents deserve a say in the future of their community. Watch my statement here. |
| Petitions from Constituents |
| Ontario Science Centre Petition In my most recent paper newsletter, I attached a petition calling on the government to cancel the move of the Ontario Science Centre. I was overwhelmed with the response and I was proud to present the signatures of constituents in the legislature. Watch my first submission here. Petition to Save Ontario Heritage Sites Last week I presented a petition from Don Valley West residents who are concerned about government changes to the Ontario Heritage Act. Watch the petition submission here. Petition to Stop Privatizing Healthcare I was pleased to stand and submit a petition on behalf of constituents who are calling on the government to stop privatizing our healthcare system. Watch the video here. |
| In the Community |
| In the Upcoming Events in Don Valley West |
| New Employment and Tenant Resources On My Website |
