Fwd: A Government That Can’t Finish What It Starts
Narmeen
From: Dr. Adil Shamji, MPP <adils...@substack.com>
Date: Fri, Sep 5, 2025, 6:49 p.m.
Subject: A Government That Can’t Finish What It Starts
To:
A Government That Can’t Finish What It StartsFrom Crown Royal to Crosstown, the Premier’s stunts aren’t helping Ontarians
Dear Neighbour, I hope you have been able to enjoy the first week of September and that all our students have had a successful start to your school year. This week, I’d like to touch on an official holiday that is very important but many people haven’t heard of: the Provincial Day of Service. It was proclaimed into law in 2022 to encourage us to show compassion and engage in charitable activities, fundraisers, good deeds and community service for worthy causes. The day is inspired by the outpouring of goodwill and generosity by Canadians in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States and it also commemorates the many lives lost on that day. Now, I’ve witnessed the community spirit in Don Valley East and I know that we don’t need a single day to remind us to be kind or supportive to each other. That being said, it’s still nice to have an occasion that allows us to be a little bit more deliberate about thinking how we contribute to our neighbourhood. If you have some time or energy, I hope you will consider finding an organization to support in any way you see fit. Just remember that showing compassion and kindness doesn’t have to just be about volunteering or fundraising or attending events. It can also be about checking in on each other – calling someone who might be lonely, supporting someone who might be having a difficult time, or keeping a watchful eye in your neighbourhood in case of something suspicious. If you are looking for a more formal way to contribute – either on September 11 or any other time of year – my annual calendar is full of great organizations that would probably love to hear from you for a helping hand. Constituency UpdateToday, news broke out that the Eglinton Crosstown LRT missed its promised September opening with no accountability as to why. The Premier is rejecting the idea of a public inquiry, despite so many of you calling for one in the Eglinton Crosstown petitions you submitted to my office. Ontarians deserve a straight answer: when will it open? For more than a decade, the Crosstown has been under construction and over the past 6 years, progress has crawled under this government’s watch. While the delays are deeply frustrating, it’s the lack of honesty and accountability that has been most difficult to accept. Your concerns are valid, and I intend to raise them once again in the legislature. In the meantime, I want to keep you informed about what's ahead, including new disruptions related to the Ontario Line construction in our community. Starting September 8, Ontario Line construction will cause new disruptions on Wynford Drive, east of Don Mills Rd. and lane reductions will be in place weekdays from 7am to 7pm. If you use this route regularly, please plan ahead and consider alternate routes. Transit construction is necessary – but our communities deserve clear timelines and real transparency. I’ll continue pushing for both. Legislative UpdateOntarians saw two stories this week that share one theme: people and jobs are leaving our province. Firstly, Diageo announced it will close the Crown Royal bottling plant in Amherstburg, putting over 200 people out of work. Instead of finding solutions, the Premier staged a stunt, pouring out a bottle of whisky on live television. It made headlines but did nothing for the families now facing layoffs. Crown Royal is Canadian-made across three provinces and by turning it into a political prop, the Premier has risked jobs nationwide and signalled to investors that Ontario is unpredictable and unstable. At the same time, Ontario announced a new interprovincial labour mobility agreement that will allow workers in regulated professions to start jobs within 10 days of credential approval. This is good news; Ontario should be a magnet for talent and opportunity. However, the reality is that unemployment is the highest it has ever been, housing starts are down, and families and young workers are being driven out of our province. With responsible leadership and a clear vision, we can build an Ontario where people don’t just get by – they build a future, raise their families, and truly thrive. Finally, I was glad to see Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health join me and the Auditor General in calling for a province-wide vaccine registry. This is something I have long advocated for because prevention is the best medicine. A registry would help families track records, help providers deliver care and help the government respond quickly to outbreaks so tragedies like this year’s measles crisis never occur again. Adil in the Media/Video of the WeekStall on Housing Featured in: CBC, Global News, Beritaja.com, Weekly Voice Ontario could change how municipalities qualify for housing fund amid market 'standstill' Featuring: MPP Adil Shamji Quote: Liberal housing critic Adil Shamji said the province is "moving the goalposts" on the fund because it's failed to drive construction as it had envisioned. It could cut its own taxes on builders and buyers to help move the market, he said. "These are things that are well within the purview of Doug Ford and things which he refuses to do because it doesn't allow him a photo op," he said. Events & OpportunitiesSeptember 6: Fun in the Sun with Flemingdon – Flemingdon Health Centre Celebrate Flemingdon Health Centre’s 50th birthday at Fun in the Sun on Saturday, September 6 from 12pm to 4pm at Go Green Cricket Grounds (130 Overlea Blvd). Enjoy free BBQ, prizes, music, and a Community Health & Information Fair. Register by clicking here. September 9: Flemingdon Park Playground Revitalization Celebration September 12: Health, Wellness & Volunteer Fair – Better Living Community Center Join Better Living Community Center on Friday, September 12 from 11am to 3pm at 1 Overland Drive, Toronto. Enjoy demos, info sessions, giveaways, and learn about volunteer opportunities and services for healthy aging. For details, click here. September 20: Celebrate Black Excellence 2025 Fall 2025: TDSB’s Learn4Life General Interest Programs Fall 2025: TDSB’s Learn4Life Instructor Opportunities Fall 2025 - June 2026: TDSB’s International Languages & African Heritage Program
© 2025 Dr. Adil Shamji, MPP
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