June 1, 2020
Dear Neighbours,
I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory physical distancing bylaw!
Pride Month in Toronto
Today marks the beginning of Pride Month in Toronto. The rainbow and transgender flags were raised at City Hall during a ceremony kicking off Pride Toronto’s 2020 Virtual Pride Festival.
This year’s festival, planned for June 1 to 28, runs virtually to celebrate Pride in a new, creative, and unique way to showcase the history, courage and diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, questioning and Two-Spirit communities (LGBTQ2S+), while ensuring the safety of residents and proper physical distancing. The month-long festival will culminate with the Virtual Pride Festival Weekend from June 26 to 28. Information about Pride Toronto and the Virtual Pride Festival is available at pridetoronto.com. More in the news release.
Celebrating Seniors
The month of June is celebrated as seniors’ month here in Ontario and across Canada. We celebrate the achievements of all seniors who helped build our province and country. During this crisis, we want to make sure that seniors living in our community are celebrating safely and can communicate through innovative mediums with their loved ones. If you want to recognize a remarkable senior in our community, please nominate them for an Ontario Senior Achievement Award. More information can be found here.
To our seniors, thank you for all the work you’ve done, and continue to do, to build our community and our country.
Celebrating National Indigenous History Month
We also celebrate National Indigenous History Month in the month of June giving all of us the opportunity to celebrate the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. This month is an ideal time to learn more about the rich history of the indigenous peoples who shaped our province and our country. Learn more and Discover Indigenous Culture along the TransCanada-Trail here.
Toronto Public Library reopening more drop boxes ahead of the start of curbside pick-up service next week
This morning, Toronto Public Library (TPL) reopened 53 additional library branch drop boxes to accept the return of library materials, the next step in its rollout of curbside drop-off and pick-up service. Toronto residents will be able to start scheduling the pick-up of their reserved materials as of Monday, June 8 More in the news release.
Prime Minister announces support to help communities create jobs and restart the economy
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that funding delivered through the federal Gas Tax Fund will be accelerated this year to help communities as quickly as possible while respecting public health guidelines. $2.2 billion in annual federal infrastructure funding for communities will be delivered in one payment in June. Early delivery of the full funding for 2020-21 will help communities quickly move forward with infrastructure projects that will improve our quality of life and help restart local economies. More in the news release.
Ontario Extending Infectious Disease Emergency Leave for Workers during COVID-19
Today the Government of Ontario announced that it has enacted a new regulatory amendment that will put non-unionized employees on Infection Disease Emergency Leave during the COVID-19 outbreak any time their hours of work are temporarily reduced by their employer due to COVID-19. This will ensure businesses aren’t forced to terminate employees after their ESA temporary lay off periods have expired. More in the news release.
Frontline Health Staff Appreciation Car Rally
Vision Infinite Foundation is holding a Frontline Health Staff Appreciation Car Rally, details below:
Date: Sunday June 7, 2020 at 3PM
Location: 2867 Ellesmere Road Scarborough
Notes: Meeting point is at the plaza located at the North East corner of Ellesmere Rd and Neilson Road 15 minutes prior to the event. All public health guidelines will be strictly followed during the rally.
Volunteer with GlobalMedic
GlobalMedic will be packing hygiene kits and emergency food nearly every weekday to support vulnerable people and front-line healthcare workers across Canada. For more information and to sign up to volunteer with GlobalMedic visit this link.
Please click here for a list of food banks and soup kitchens in the Ward 24
Please click here for a list of food banks in East Scarborough
Please click here for a list of food banks in Scarborough
Please remember to call ahead to book to ensure they are properly stocked. For those interested in volunteering, food banks are always looking for volunteers, so please feel free to save and share this information.
Our KGO Update
Read about East Scarborough’s latest roundup of key neighbourhood resources, virtual results, and up to date information through The East Scarborough Storefront’s crowd-sourced e-newsletter “Our KGO Updates.” Check out their latest issue HERE. SUBSCRIBE HERE.
Essential Government Information for COVID -19
Public Health’s information line & 311 are experiencing high call volumes. Residents can get the information they need online at www.toronto.ca
The City’s website has a tool that can translate pages into 51 different languages.
If you need info on COVID-19, please visit the following websites:
Official Global Travel Advisory
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice, and information about City services and social supports. Check https://www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
I am continuously updating my social media platforms and my website with up to date information:
Website: www.paulainslie.com
You can also reach me by: telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca
All my Best,
Paul