Hello, and welcome to September!
As usual, it has been a busy summer in Scarborough and I’m happy to share some updates on what I’ve been up to in our community over the past month. It has been wonderful to meet and talk with many of you at local events and festivals.
With the House of Commons returning to Ottawa in a few weeks, I’ll be sharing the feedback you have given me with the government.
Housing affordability continues to be a pressing concern, and I know we have a new housing Minister who is committed to working with the province and the city to build more housing that people can afford and that meets their needs. The federal government is ready to invest but we can’t do it alone; we need the province and the city to step up as well.
And while Canada has fared better than all other G7 countries and inflation is dropping, affordability – especially for groceries – remains a major issue. We delivered help to those that need it most with the one-time grocery rebate, but the core challenge still remains.
These are among the issues I will be raising in Ottawa on your behalf this fall.
Sincerely,
Salma
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Save the date for coffee with your MP
Please save the date for our next coffee with your MP event. It’s a chance to enjoy a hot beverage and have a chat with your Member of Parliament about your concerns. Hope you can join us!
Date: Saturday October 7th
Time: Noon to 2:00PM
Location: Crème et Miel, 2075 Lawrence Ave East, Scarborough ON, M1R 2Z4
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Thank you for making ice cream with your MP a success!
What a great turnout at our first ice cream with your MP event at Glamorgan Park. Lots of great conversations with neighbours and, of course, some cool treats for the whole family. We hope to do it again soon, so stay tuned.
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Summer jobs make a big splash in Scarborough
At our annual Big Splash event we recognize and thank all the employers and youth that took part in this year’s Canada Summer Jobs program. This year, 81 local organizations received funding to create 265 job opportunities for local youth, pumping more than $1.1 million into our local economy. Hope everyone has a great summer experience!
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Supporting striking Metro workers
I stopped by the Metro at Kennedy Commons with coffee and timbits for the Unifor members who are striking for fair pay. Grocery companies are making record profits and they should treat and pay their employees fairly. I hope they can negotiate a fair deal.
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New CBC comedy shooting in Scarborough
I had the opportunity to visit a set of the new CBC Comedy One More Time from D.J. Demers, which is shooting in Scarborough, and meet some of the production staff and actors. Great to see Canadian arts thriving and Canadian stories being told here in Scarborough!
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IKEA comes to Scarborough Town Centre
It’s always good to see new businesses creating jobs and investing in Scarborough. Recently we welcomed IKEA and its new City format to Scarborough, and to Scarborough Town Centre. This will cut down the commute for meat balls substantially. Welcome to Scarborough!
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The 12th annual Afro Carib Festival
A highlight of summer in Scarborough is always the Afro Carib Festival, which celebrated its 12 year this year and is always an amazing showcase of food, music and culture.
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Celebrating Pakistan Independence Day
I had the pleasure of attending many events in celebration of Pakistan Independence Day, including at the flag raising hosted by the Consul General, with many of my colleagues and so many friends in the community.
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Celebrating Indian Independence Day
I joined the Hindu Cultural Society for its celebration of India’s 76th Independence Day at Scarborough Civic Centre. Thank you to the organizers for an amazing event and celebration.
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Observing the Rathotsavam Festival with the Tamil community
Thank you to the Canada Kanthaswamy Temple Society for inviting me for the Annual Chariot festival (Rathotsavam Festival). Wonderful to mark this important occasion with the community.
