Recognizing Emancipation Month

BY: SHameera HUsain

The British Empire sought Black and Indigenous peoples for centuries for personal benefit. Through genocide and subjugation, they could not only dominate Indigenous lands but created a rift between various communities and their culture, religion, and way of life. Enduring pain beyond words can describe, the dark and twisted history of slavery across the British Empire and promoting a more Euro-Centric lifestyle continue to affect those that fall under these communities.

Recent studies have shown that across Toronto, Anti-Black racism thrives, affecting the livelihood of approximately 200,000 individuals of African descent/origin. Discrimination in the administration of justice (whether in policing, criminal prosecutions, trials, sentencing, or imprisonment) can cause extraordinary harm to individuals and society.

However, by exposing and scrutinizing the values that underlie our colonized society, we can implement the change we want to see. Starting with the oppression embedded in our social discourse and Canadian identity, we must critically analyze which voices are used to tell our story and which are excluded. We must work to broaden our perspective to see the context within which Canadians are living their lives and how life circumstances are differentially impacted by the oppressive, Eurocentric discourse that dominates.

August is recognized as Emancipation Month. We recognize the many repercussions that stemmed from the infamous legacy of slavery, including intergenerational trauma and systemic racism. But not only do we confront Anti-Black Racism, but we highlight and celebrate black success and resilience. Throughout the month, various events are taking place to honour those who came before us and empower black Torontonians.

A prime example of this is one of the largest events in the city, Caribana! Caribana is an annual festival during the first week of August that embodies Caribbean culture in Toronto and is considered a symbol of grave contributions and sacrifices that Caribbeans and Black communities have made across Canada. It reflects the resilience these communities have shown and celebrates life!

Some upcoming events include Exploring Emancipation from August 2 to August 31, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Todmorden Mills Heritage Site and the East York Historical Society.

Toronto Public Library Revitalized York Woods library reopens in Jane and Finch community, showcasing new services and innovative features

BY: Editor

Toronto Public Library announced the completion of the extensive renovation of its York Woods branch. Situated in the heart of the Jane and Finch community, the newly revamped York Woods branch stands as a stunning district library, exemplifying a large, modern and multi-purpose urban public library and beautiful public infrastructure for the community.

With a commitment to creating public spaces that bring communities together, TPL has transformed the York Woods branch into an inviting space where everyone will feel welcome. Serving a population of more than 55,000, the York Woods branch plays a vital role in providing services that extend far beyond the traditional library lending model. The renovated branch is designed by Diamond Schmitt.

The renovation includes a beautiful new entrance and atrium on the main floor, expanded public space, seating and a prominent street presence.

Exciting new features include:

Youth Hub: TPL's first dedicated Youth Hub provides a dynamic space equipped with a built-in kitchenette and adaptable furniture, offering teenagers school support from librarians, engaging programs, access to technology community resources, along with complimentary nutritious snacks.

Digital Innovation Hub: Whether for learning, business or creative exploration, the newly-established Digital Innovation Hub is equipped with advanced software and a wide variety of new and emerging technologies, including a podcast recording studio and 3D printers.

KidsStop Early Literary Centre: This immersive and interactive space stimulates children’s creativity and imagination, and helps to build their early literacy skills. The space includes interactive elements such as a magnetic wall with a moveable ball run, and "Big Piano" floor keyboard, where children can play by stepping or moving over the keys.

Musical Instrument Lending Library: Library customers can borrow an impressive collection of instruments including guitars, keyboards, violins, wind chimes, a Kalimba, an 8-key African bellaphone, electric violin, and an autoharp. The Musical Instrument Lending Library is generously supported by Sun Life and the Estate of Thomas C.M. Logan.

“We’re excited to welcome the community back to their library at York Woods. Beautiful and well-equipped public spaces like this one help build resilience, success and well-being for the community and its residents. We look forward to welcoming the community back, and hope everyone will take advantage of their beautiful library with its enhanced features and expanded services!”

-Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library

Credits to Toronto Public Library. To learn more, visit tpl.ca

Downsview Advocacy: Exploring the experiences of Black mothers with children in childcare settings

BY: Sarosh Sawani

Janelle Brady, (She/her) is an Anti-Racist Educator, Activist-Researcher and Community Organizer. She is also a co-founder and Director of a social enterprise, the Downsview Advocate, a local newspaper in Toronto’s north end. In a recent interview, she expressed her passion and commitment to exploring the experiences of Black mothers with children in childcare settings.

When asked what is her current research project and how she thinks it will help the community, she said:

Currently I am working alongside Dr. Rachel Berman on a research project that explores the experiences of Black mothers with children in childcare settings which is funded by the Faculty of Community Services at Toronto Metropolitan University. I think it might support the community by amplifying the significant and often understudied roles that Black mothers play in system navigation. It can also support the community by highlighting the recommendations and ideas that Black mothers have which can lead to more transformative spaces within and beyond childcare.

I also asked her what outcomes she is hoping for through her research project.

A possible outcome would be to have more opportunities where Black mothers can share their ideas, experiences, and thoughts. Rather than taking a colour-blind approach, this can lead to the centering of stories, thoughts and initiatives that help create change. It is more widely understood now that when we talk about our differences we can find our similarities. Through narratives, meaningful connections can be made. By addressing and confronting anti-Black racism from early on, communities can support challenging all forms of social exclusion. Another possible outcome would be a wider understanding of how anti-Black racism shows up in early childhood contexts but not simply left there but rather challenged through collective change.

Due to her dynamic advocacy role, when asked what her future research projects focus would be and the rationale behind choosing them, she said:

In future, I would like to explore some of the past anti-racism initiatives as led by Black Elders and how these translated to policy in early childhood and care in Toronto. I hope to better understand where some of these initiatives are today and why some halted suddenly in the 1990s. I think this is important because understanding history helps provide important lessons for today and in future. As well, I would like to understand the experiences of Black Early Childhood Educators and how they support the children, families, and communities that they work with because Black ECEs often play important roles behind the scenes to not only do their job but also challenge anti-Black racism and other systemic barriers.

Lastly, she shared how community members can also get involved in her research project.

Members of the community can feel free to reach out to our research team to offer their insights and or to sign up to future project recruitment efforts. The email address to get in touch is ecs.blackstudies@torontomu.ca.

A Guide to the 2023 Toronto Municipal Election: Profiles of Front Runners and Local Candidates

BY: Downsview Advocate

As the 2023 Toronto municipal election approaches, the residents of Canada's largest city have the opportunity to shape the future of their communities. With a diverse range of candidates vying for the position of mayor, it is essential for voters to be informed about the individuals running for this crucial role. Understanding their backgrounds, platforms, and visions for Toronto is vital in making an informed decision at the ballot box.

Voting is not only a fundamental right but also a civic responsibility. It allows citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and have a say in the governance of their city. The outcome of the municipal election can significantly impact various aspects of everyday life, from housing affordability and transportation infrastructure to social services and environmental sustainability. By exercising their right to vote, Torontonians have the power to shape the direction and priorities of their city for years to come. 

The Downsview Advocate has compiled a profile of front runners (Forum Research poll, May 29) and local candidates, be sure to read the full article and disclaimer on candidate information and visit www.toronto.ca/city-government/elections/by-election/by-election-candidate-list/ for the full list of candidates. 

Olivia Chow

• Olivia Chow is a long-standing figure in politics, having served as a Member of Parliament and a city councillor in Toronto.

• Chow is known for her progressive stance on various issues and has a reputation for being a champion of social justice and equity, advocating for marginalized communities and addressing income inequality.

• Olivia’s campaign emphasizes the need for accessible and affordable housing and childcare, including increased support for tenants and transit riders.

• Chow has highlighted the need to increase investments in public services and infrastructure, through an expansion to public transportation, more bike lanes, and the opening of libraries seven days a week.

• Olivia aims to fund these issues through the implementation of various taxation strategies, including a luxury homes tax and a vacant homes tax.

• Chow is committed to securing local jobs for Toronto residents and strengthening our local democracy by not utilizing the increased “strong mayor” powers.

• Olivia supports the city’s vibrant cultural scene. She supports an Ontario Place that is open to the public and opposes the demolition of the Ontario Science Centre.

Source: https://www.oliviachow.ca/plan 

Brad Bradford

• Former urban planner and city councillor Brad Bradford aims to solve the issues that he has seen fail to be addressed through city hall.

• Bradford’s campaign emphasizes increasing the speed of housing construction, combating gridlock with a congestion relief commissioner, and the hiring of 68 new police officers to enforce bail conditions.

• Brad is committed to ensuring maximum results from the use of tax dollars by ensuring that public services are held accountable. 

• As opposed to increasing taxation, Bradford will employ contractors that have non-unionized workers or those not under a city agreement with major trade unions to fill Toronto’s $1-billion budget gap.

• Brad is prepared to use the strong-mayor powers to advance his agenda.

Source: https://www.votebradford.ca/ 

Ana Bailão

• Former city councillor Ana Bailão is prepared to support Torontonians with her plans

• Ana’s campaign aims to establish reliable and sustainable funding from the provincial and federal governments to fill the $1.5 billion budget gap.

• Bailão is committed to ensuring the province covers maintenance costs for the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway, despite Doug Ford’s repeated rejection.

• Ana is committed to ensuring property taxes remain at their current levels or below the inflation rate, as she believes that the city cannot utilize taxes to solve the budget deficit.

• Bailão’s campaign emphasizes the need for affordable housing. She aims to combat this by beginning construction on affordable housing, re-evaluating construction contracts if progress is slow, and allowing eight and 10-storey buildings on major bus routes.

Source: https://anabailao.ca/ 

Mitzie Hunter

• Hunter is a former Scarborough-Guildwood Liberal MPP and released a “Fix the Six” election platform

• Mitzie Hunter's campaign pledges to deliver 108 new midrise buildings on city land, providing a total of 22,700 units. Among these, over 16,500 units would be purpose-built rentals, with nearly 70% offered at or below the current market rate. 

• All units on city land would be subject to rent controls, ensuring affordability for residents.

• Hunter emphasizes the need to address the deterioration of citywide services, such as the TTC, to ensure their improvement and effective functioning.

• Hunter proposes a property tax increase of six percent for 2024 and 2025, resulting in an approximate $216 increase in the average household's bill next year. However, for low- and middle-income homeowners earning less than $80,000 annually, the increase would be limited to three percent.

• Hunter intends to establish a new Toronto Affordable Housing Corporation to make public land available for the construction of 108 new developments within six years of assuming office.

• Hunter prioritizes youth programs and plans to invest in community partners focusing on mental health, homelessness, and addressing the underlying causes of violence. 

Source: https://www.mitzieformayor.ca/ 

Josh Matlow

• Matlow has served as a city councillor for the Toronto-St. Paul's ward since 2010. 

• Matlow's platform includes addressing the pressing housing and homelessness issues in Toronto by allocating $407.6 million towards reducing housing costs, providing support for homeless individuals, and developing livable neighborhoods with essential amenities such as childcare, schools, infrastructure, and parks.

• Matlow proposes an annual investment of $200 million to ensure that Toronto fulfills its commitment to becoming a net-zero city by 2040

• Matlow's plan involves reversing the TTC cuts and restoring service to pre-pandemic levels, making it more convenient for residents and their families to navigate the city.

• Matlow's proposal includes rebuilding the deteriorating 2.4 kilometers of the elevated highway east of Jarvis Street at ground level. This initiative aims to redirect $568 million towards addressing other urgent priorities

Source: https://www.votematlow.ca/platform 

Mark Saunders

• Mark Saunders is the former Chief of the Toronto Police Service

• Saunders advocates for the removal of existing bike lanes on University Avenue, reversing the decision to make the Yonge Street bike lanes permanent, scaling back the expansion plans for the Bloor Street West bike lane, and putting a pause on other bike lane expansion projects.

• He is committed to ensuring that property tax increases remain at or below the rate of inflation, providing stability for residents.

• As mayor, Saunders envisions financing the construction of new parks through contributions from developers. Additionally, he aims to enhance public enjoyment by offering free WiFi in selected parks.

• He proposes a significant increase in the number of TTC special constables, aiming to triple the current count to at least 200. These constables would be integrated into the Toronto Police Service, collaborating to maintain safety. Furthermore, Saunders plans to bolster security measures on the transit network by installing additional surveillance cameras.

Source: https://marksaundersfortoronto.ca/ 

Anthony Perruzza 

• Anthony Perruzza has been a long-standing representative for the area: As a school trustee, North York City Councillor, MPP and, most recently, City Councillor for Humber River-Black Creek.

• Anthony is renowned for standing up for Toronto residents on a number issues, including working to get a subway line to North York, spearheading major sewer repairs in his riding, standing up for renters’ rights, and championing the Jane-Finch Community Hub and Centre for the Arts.

• Anthony’s campaign is centred around improving the lives of Torontonians: Freezing property taxes and TTC fares for three years, expanding after-school programs for school-age kids, and building $1,000 affordable rental homes. He will also ensure that the City serves Torontonians better by creating work crews to fix pot holes and remove snow from our streets.

• Anthony will fund his initiatives by getting a better deal for Toronto, so we can keep the $2.2 billion we collect for the province every year through our property taxes.

• Anthony has an extensive history of supporting local communities, from helping organize renters to push for upgrades for rental buildings to supporting youth job creation to championing the arts throughout the Jane and Finch area.

• Anthony’s campaign emphasizes the need to ensure the city is affordable for everyone, making sure families are not forced to leave the city because owning or renting is too expensive.

Source: https://perruzza.ca/ 

Please note that the mayoral candidate profiles provided above are not an exhaustive list of all their platform promises. The information presented focuses on the front runners and known local candidates in the 2023 Toronto municipal election. Each candidate may have additional proposals and initiatives that have not been covered in this summary. There may also be local candidates not featured in this story. It is important to review each candidate's official platforms and statements for a comprehensive understanding of their campaign promises and vision for the city.

By delving into the backgrounds, policy positions, and campaign emphases of these prominent candidates, voters can gain a better understanding of their potential mayoral choices. However, it is essential to conduct further research, attend debates, and engage with the candidates directly to obtain a comprehensive view of their platforms and policy proposals.

As election day approaches, let us remember the significance of our vote and the impact it can have on shaping the future of Toronto. By taking the time to learn about the candidates and casting an informed vote, we can collectively work towards a city that reflects our values, aspirations, and the needs of all its residents.

Congress 2023: Climate Change is Not the Change We Want!

BY: miwako CHANG

Congress 2023 brought together more than 10,300 scholars, policymakers, community members, and 67 associations from across the country to take part in over 300 events over seven days on the York University Keele Campus. Held on May 29, 2023, the event “Climate Change is Not the Change We Want! Community Connection Dialogue Between Changemakers and Youth Leaders for Inclusive Social Transformation” brought together various local partners to discuss the next steps to continue facilitating inclusivity and positive social change in our communities. This event aimed to address pressing challenges and recent developments surrounding key issues, offering a platform for individuals to engage in meaningful conversations and drive positive change. The event sought to create awareness, foster dialogue, and inspire action, igniting a collective effort towards a more inclusive and progressive society.

Moderated by Dr. Dawn Bazely, Professor, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, York University, she engaged in a rich discussion with esteemed guests Matias de Dovitiis, Dr. Joseph J. Smith, Emily Rowe, Nick Mulé, Lee Truong, and Amanpreet Chonkrian. The event was led by Dr. Idil Boran and Julia Satov and was coordinated by Francesco del Carpio

The audience was immersed in a diverse program that encompassed various activities, including keynote, introductions, presentations, breakout sessions for the youth and community groups, audience discussion, and group discussions. These activities engaged audience members and fostered passionate discussion, creating a rich experience with valuable knowledge shared. Panelists captivated the audience with their expertise, personal stories, and powerful messages. Throughout the event, several key themes emerged, weaving a rich tapestry of thought-provoking conversations. Participants explored civic engagement, accessibility barriers, public support and services funding, and more. The event served as a forum for robust discussions, offering a platform for attendees to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and foster a deeper understanding of key issues and our progress in the community. Attendees actively engaged through interactive workshops, collaborative projects, and participatory elements, fostering an inclusive and empowering environment that encouraged everyone to contribute their unique insights.

As a result of the event, new initiatives, collaborations, and partnerships emerged, bridging the gaps and uniting passionate individuals and organizations in pursuit of shared goals. The event empowered attendees to amplify their voices and take tangible steps towards effecting positive change and brought together a diverse community, amplifying the voices of change and inspiring action towards a more progressive future. 

World Day Against Child Labour: Acting Now

BY: JASLEEN KAMBO

On June 12th of every year, World Day Against Child Labour is observed to raise awareness about child labour and promote action to end it. This year's theme is "Act Now: End Child Labour," highlighting the urgent need to address child labour and protect the rights of children around the world. 

On June 12th, World Day Against Child Labour is observed annually to raise awareness about child labour and promote action to end it. This year's theme is "Act Now: End Child Labour," highlighting the urgent need to address child labour and protect the rights of children around the world.

Child labour is a global issue that affects millions of children globally. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), an estimated 152 million children are engaged in child labour, with 73 million in hazardous work. ILO defines child labour as “work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential… and is injurious to physical and mental development.” Child labour has serious consequences on children's health, education, and growth, and gravely violates their basic human rights. In its most extreme cases, it separates children from their families at very young ages (sometimes leaving them to fend for themselves on the streets of large cities), enslaves them, and exposes them to severe risks and illnesses. 

On World Day Against Child Labour, we can all take action to end child labour and protect children's rights. By first educating ourselves and others about the issue of child labour and the importance of protecting children's rights, we can then make greater strides. Raising awareness,  advocating for policies and laws that protect children's safety, and supporting organizations that work to end child labour, such as the ILO, UNICEF, and Save the Children are all important measures to abolish child labour.

The urgent need to abolish child labour and defend the rights of all children is officially observed on June 12th, however, light should not only be shone on issues like these for just a day. We should consistently bring awareness regarding such issues, advocating for the laws and policies for children’s safety, and supporting organizations that work to end child labour, so we can continue to make significant differences and create better futures for all children even faster!