When it comes to advancing equity and social justice in Humber River-Black Creek, I co-hosted a Town Hall on Confronting Anti-Black Racism and a Community Safety Town Hall this year with MPP Tom Rakocevic. Mayor John Tory joined to listen to our accounts and share how his staff can support our neighbourhoods. I will share more updates in the New Year, and I look forward to moving ahead together as a community.
As the Poverty Reduction Advocate, I have made food security, youth employment, and transit equity top priorities. I worked with the Poverty Reduction Office to implement the second phase of the strategy, including dozens of measures to alleviate poverty. I also put through a motion to strengthen a Black Youth Employment Strategy and pushed to open a food bank located at the Jane and Sheppard Library and another new location at Oakdale Community Centre, which will come to fruition next year. I partnered with DUKE Heights BIA to distribute backpacks to kids in need at Fountainhead Park before school commenced in the fall.