MPP Mitzie Hunter Community Update

Dear friends,

I hope you are all staying safe and healthy. Happy Earth Day! Earth Day is an opportunity to appreciate our world for its beauty and resources, as well as take steps to preserve it for future generations. I encourage everyone to make earth-conscious decisions in hopes of giving a small amount back to the planet that has given us so much.

Christos Anesti to those celebrating Orthodox Easter this upcoming weekend. This holy day offers a chance to spend time with loved ones and reflect on one’s spiritual growth. Continued well wishes to those in the Jewish community as they celebrate Passover, and the Muslim community as they observe Ramadan. We are experiencing a wealth of holy days this season, and I hope we are all feeling the benefits.

As cases continue to increase, please seek out vaccination options, if you haven’t already. Those eligible can receive their 4th dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are safe, protect us and those around us, & reduce the burden on our healthcare system. To book your COVID-19 vaccine or booster, you can visit the Ontario COVID-19 Vaccination Portal. You can also receive your vaccine at one of the pop-up clinics happening now. Visit the ‘Upcoming Pop-up Clinics’ section of this newsletter to learn more.

As always, my Constituency Office is ready to hear from you. If you have any concerns or challenges accessing support, need assistance applying for provincial programs, or would like help booking a vaccination, please call my office at 416 281-2787 or send an email to mhunter.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org.

Warm regards,

Mitzie

KEEPING SCARBOROUGH-GUILDWOOD SAFE

Vaccination News

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility for 4th dose booster- the 4th dose COVID-19 vaccine boosters is now available for certain groups. The Scarborough Health Network is currently administering 4th doses.

The following groups are eligible:

Individuals aged 60 and over (born in 1962 or earlier) who have received their 3rd does at least 5 months ago
First Nation, Inuit, and Metis adults and their non-Indigenous household members who are aged 18 years and over who have their received 3rd dose at least 5 months ago

Click here to book your 4th dose appointment.

Rapid tests for the General Public- Five million free rapid tests are made available each week to Ontarians at pharmacies and grocery stores until at least the end of July. Households are limited to one box of five tests per visit. There are many pick-up locations in Scarborough. Click here to find your nearest rapid test pick-up location.

Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Cold/Flu/COVID-19 clinic at SHN’s General Hospital located at 3050 Lawrence Ave. E. The clinic offers assessment, testing, and care for patients who develop moderate symptoms common to COVID-19, the flu, or a cold and need to see a doctor. The clinic will operate from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM seven days a week, by appointment only. Book your appointment here.

Upcoming Pop-up Clinics

Scarborough Health Network pop-up clinic for walk-ins:
Parkway Mall, 85 Ellesmere Road

Open every Friday from 12 – 6 p.m.

Ages 12+ (1st, & 2nd doses and 3rd dose booster)
Kids Ages 5-11 (1st & 2nd doses)
Ages 60+ and First Nation, Inuit, Métis, and non-Indigenous household members who are 18+ years (4th dose booster)
- Must have received their last vaccine at least 5 months ago
Walk-ins welcome – no appointment required
Learn more at www.ScarbVaccine.ca

Tropicana Community Services, 1385 Huntingwood Drive

Saturday April 30th from 9 a.m.– 2 p.m.

Ages 12+ (1st, & 2nd doses and 3rd dose booster)
Kids Ages 5-11 (1st & 2nd doses)
Ages 60+ and First Nation, Inuit, Métis, and non-Indigenous household members who are 18+ years (4th dose booster)
- Must have received their last vaccine at least 5 months ago
Walk-ins welcome – no appointment required
Learn more at www.ScarbVaccine.ca

Additional Health Services

Parents with questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for children should reach out to The Scarborough Health Network VaxFacts Clinic. The clinic is here to connect you with qualified doctors who can answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to make the right decision. They are ready to talk, listen and help you get the facts. Schedule a one-to-one phone conversation at shn.ca/VaxFacts or (416) 438-2911×5738

Homebound Sprint is a program to complete first dose vaccination for homebound Toronto residents. Adults who live in Toronto and cannot physically leave their home to receive the vaccine for medical, physical, cognitive, or psychosocial reasons are eligible for in-home vaccination. This service is accessible through primary care or homecare service provider. The Toronto Seniors Helpline by phone at (416) 217-2077 or online: www.torontoseniorshelpline.ca/web-chat can help if individuals do not have access to primary or homecare services.

Transportation to get to your vaccine appointment: If you are a Scarborough-based senior, adult with a disability, or adult who is immuno-compromised, you can request free transportation to and from your vaccine appointment through SCHC’s Scarborough Ride. Call (416) 736-9372 or visit their webpage to book a ride. (for information about free transportation options in other parts of the City, see this press release about the vaccine transportation equity plan)

Vaccines for COVID-19 Information in 15+ Different Languages: Health Canada has translated important COVID-19 information into over 15 languages. Watch videos and download fact sheets on topics such as traveling, vaccines, and more: http://ow.ly/DI8m50EN6NC

COVID-19 Testing Sites – updated daily: COVID-19 tests are available at assessment centres, pop-up, and mobile testing facilities & pharmacies. Learn more about COVID-19 testing locations and eligibility, including locations of upcoming pop-up testing sites, by visiting toronto.ca/COVID19Testing.

MITZIE IN THE LEGISLATURE

Scarborough healthcare needs the financial support it was promised. After years of allowing that money to sit idly in a treasury, it is time for this government to do right by its constituents by using the money for the purpose it was set aside for: supporting Scarborough healthcare.

The income and affordability crisis facing many Ontario seniors is forcing them out of the province they helped build. As provincial representatives, we have a responsibility to protect our seniors and I hope to see that reflected in the budget when it is tabled.

MITZIE ON THE MOVE

I am extremely saddened that our community faces gun violence once again. We cannot normalize this. We must support the immediate passing of Bill6 0 which will give us resources to deal with the rippling impacts of another shooting. If you or someone you know has been affected by gun violence, I encourage you to reach out to the Victim Services Toronto hotline (416) 808-7066 or visit their website here.

I had the privilege of helping serve haleem at a Scarborough Muslim Cultural Centre food distribution. It is important to spend time helping others in our community when we can. Thanks to SMCC for exemplifying that and giving others a chance to give back.

I was lucky enough to be invited to Iftar this week. Special thanks to Ghous Dar for hosting, it is always a privilege to be welcomed into such events. It was a pleasure to see Minister of Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair there as well. Ramadan Mubarak!

COMMUNITY UPDATE

**Mitzie Hunter’s Youth Advisory Council-** Register today for MPP Mitzie Hunter’s Youth Advisory Council. MPP Hunter’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a non-partisan opportunity for Scarborough youth ages 14 to 26 interested in sharing their thoughts on policy issues affecting our community. Participants will have the opportunity to amplify the voice of their generation while helping shape the future of Scarborough and Ontario as a whole. Participation in the YAC can count towards the “Community Involvement Hours” required to graduate high school. The council is meeting Friday, April 29th at 6:00 PM at Progress Church, 4242 Kingston Rd. **Email amawani@liberal.ola.org to register.**

*NEW* MAAT Youth Leading Reconciliation – The MAAT Youth Innovation & Cultural Centre is hosting a night of truth and reconciliation. There will be a series of workshops and discussions about the long-standing cultural practices of Indigenous peoples, such as the use of traditional medicines and the significance of drumming circles, facilitated by members of the Native Youth Advisory Council and our Youth Council.

It will be an evening filled with food, culture and knowledge sharing. Anyone 13 years old and older is welcome to join on April 29, at 5:00 pm located at 62 Orchard Park Drive. Please register to reserve your spot click here.

*NEW* Health Literacy Workshop – Frontier College Scarborough is excited to host an online Health Literacy workshop on April 26th, 2022. Topics include learning how to find a doctor online, finding test results or medical info on hospital websites, and applying for health insurance and health cards online. Register your spot here.

*NEW* Youth Gardening Program – This program provides a holistic approach to gardening that addresses the economical, nutritional and social challenges youth face through Agricultural Literacy. The program is open to youth ages 14 – 29 and runs from April 13, 2022 – August 31, 2022, at 100 Galloway Road at 4:30 pm on Wednesdays. Click here to register.

*NEW* CCS Enhanced Language Training (ELT) for Healthcare Professionals– Catholic Crosscultural Services is offering an Enhanced Language program. This is a sector-specific language and skills development program that supports internationally educated healthcare professionals with employment-related resources. Classes begin on May 9th, 2022, and will be offered both in-person and online. For more information or to register, contact Violeta at (416) 759-8800 ext. 5504 or vdimitrova@ccscan.ca

UCC Ukraine Response- The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is organizing a national response to the invasion of Ukraine. If you’re interested in how you may be able to help, visit https://www.ucc.ca/

**Tropicana 2022 Auto Body Pre-Apprenticeship accepting participants-** Tropicana Community Centre is accepting participants for its 2022 Auto Body Pre-Apprenticeship L-1 program, a program designed to deliver students with an understanding of autobody repair and arms them for apprenticeship on the production floor. Registration has been extended to April 28th. For more information on Tropicana’s Auto Body Pre-Apprentice L-1 program, **click here.**

BGC Programs in April – East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club has announced its April programs and workshops. They offer a variety of programs for children of all ages, adults, and seniors both in-person and online. Visit their website to find out more about programs that might be right for you https://www.esbgc.ca/.

CO-OP at Metrolinx- Metrolinx recently posted Co-Op/summer opportunities for post-secondary students. If you are a student in the community seeking a placement over the summer, the closing dates for some of these opportunities have already passed but many are still open. Click here for more information and find out how to apply.

The Progress Career Planning Institute- offers various free career development, employment, and training services often funded by either the Federal, Provincial, or Municipal Government. See all their upcoming events and their full calendar here.

CONTACT US

We’re working hard to serve the community. If you have any questions, concerns, or want to bring an event or special story to our office’s attention, please get in touch via the links below!