MPP Mitzie Hunter Community Update

Dear friends,

I hope you are all staying safe and healthy. Today is Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. We send our sympathies to the Jewish community on this difficult day as we remember the six million Jewish people who suffered and were killed by Nazis. The importance of remembering the failures of humanity cannot be overstated. Remembering is the best way to ensure we are ready to stand up against injustices as they appear in our lives today.

The holy month of Ramadan is coming to a close next week. I’d like to express the utmost respect and appreciation for the Muslim community and those who observe Ramadan. Here’s hoping the experience continues to bring growth and clarity. Ramadan Mubarak!

As cases are still prevalent, 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 ON THE MOVE

It was a pleasure to help with several different community clean-ups this week. Seeing all the volunteers who care about keeping our community clean and reducing the pollution of the planet was an inspiring way to celebrate Earth Day. Special thanks to those who organized the clean-ups and the volunteers who made them possible.

I was lucky enough to be invited to Pariwar’s Iftar Party this week. It is always a privilege to be welcomed into events that are so close to people’s hearts. As Ramadan begins to come to a close I hope the growth and community gained from it continue to build as the year goes on. Ramadan Mubarak!

I had the privilege of helping wrap gifts at Cedarbrae Library for an Eid toy drive. It’s always great to see members of our community come out to help one another, especially in the service of bringing joy to kids. Thanks so much to Onebrotherhood and Onesisterhood for organizing this event! Eid Mubarak!

I was welcomed to a BBQ iftar by The Sufi Council of Toronto and Mecca Islamic Center. I had an energizing conversation with the women and girls while we ate. It is always a pleasure to break bread with the members of our community. Ramadan Mubarak!

It was great to go to the Mayor’s Arts Lunch. This lunch is the Toronto Arts Foundation’s annual celebration to honour Toronto’s great artists and arts organizations as well as the supporters who have contributed to their success. Congrats to awardees Dwayne Morgan (Celebration of Cultural Life Award) and Shelly Grace (Breakthrough Artist Award)!

COMMUNITY UPDATE

*NEW* IRCC Digital Case Status Tracker – Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have launched a new digital case status tracker website that allows eligible families access to permanent resident application statuses, sponsorship application statuses, and other information online. The tracker is available for PR applicants in the spousal, partner, and dependent child categories. Access the tool by clicking here.

*NEW* DROP-IN THE ZONE – a youth drop-in program for Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+ and newcomer youth ages 14-17 held weekly on **Thursdays from 4:30 pm-6:00 pm starting Thursday, May 12th and running until Thursday, June 30th, 2022**. In these sessions ReAct Peer Educators will explore topics centered on learning tips for socializing during social distancing and building healthy, meaningful, and respectful relationships. A Zoom link will be shared on ReAct’s Linktree in our social media @ReActYouthProgram every Thursday for the weekly drop-in session.

*NEW* Centennial’s Academic Upgrading programs – Obtain your high school diploma equivalent or prepare for college entry through Academic Upgrading – Career and College Transition (CCT) and Academic Career Entrance (ACE) programs. The Spring/Summer semester for Centennial’s Academic Upgrading programs – Academic Career Entrance (ACE), and Career and College Transition (CCT) begins on **May 9, 2022**. This is the perfect time for community members to access education for College entry, employment, or apprenticeship. These tuition-free programs reimburse the costs of textbooks, and all courses will be offered online.

**For more information or to register email **academicupgrading@centennialcollege.ca** or call 416-289-5272.**

**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.

**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/

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/.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

**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. Walk-ins are welcome! *Click here to register.*

*NEW* Kids ReadTO – A virtual book club for kids ages 9-12 from different communities reading books from around the world by diverse authors. There are six virtual meetings with a free book and a journal sent to you! Click here for more details and here to apply by April 29th.

*NEW* Summer CampTO registration is open – Summer CampTO has a variety of activities including Arts, Camp, Sports and more. Visit eFun to find camps, locations, and times.

Visit How to Register for Recreation Programs for information on how to create or manage an account and ways to register for programs.

Free Programs and Subsidies
Learn about free programs and subsidies for recreation programs.

Age Requirements

In most cases, participants must meet the age(s) specified by the program on the program’s first day. Some programs may allow participants that are younger than the specified age to register. This is done by using an override. Prior to the registration date, contact location staff to request an override. Overrides can’t be processed on eFun.
Overrides are not permitted for participants under the age of six.

Age requirements are mandated by the Child Care and Early Years Act and by Staff to Participant ratios.

*NEW* GRL PWR: The Art of Life – This series will use accessible arts and games to explore art activities, build leadership, and self-confidence! It is an 8-week girl’s mentorship program for girls ages 10-13. This program will take place every Tuesday on Zoom from 4:30 pm-6:00 pm starting on Tuesday, May 10th, and running until Tuesday, June 28th, 2022.

**Registration will be completed over email at youthcoordinator@metrac.org or send a DM to @reactyouthprogram on Instagram.**

*NEW* Young Women’s Outreach Program – These webinars are a great way to learn new things and empower yourself, but they are also a space where young women can come together virtually to create and experience a sense of community.

Building Strong Futures: Young Women’s Outreach program will continue to host online workshops for young women throughout Spring 2022. Participants can choose to have their camera on or off during the meetings and can participate through the chat or use their mic. We do hope that in the near future we will be able to offer some in-person services!

Sign up by clicking here. The link to join the meeting, as well as call-in instructions, will be sent to you in the email you provide the day before the webinar is scheduled to take place. If you don’t have a reliable internet connection, you have the option to call in from your mobile device and listen on your phone.

Questions? Please email our Project Coordinator Priscilla Arias at specialproject@scarboroughwomenscentre.ca or call 416-439-7111 ext. 104

*NEW* Malvern Group Mentoring Program – Explore, learn, play, and hang out with Malvern Community Leaders. We play sports, games, and learn new things! Snacks and TTC tickets will be provided! All Youth Aged 6-15 are Welcome! Meetings are every Tuesday 5pm-7pm May 17 to June 21, 2022 at Malvern Recreation Centre and Burrows Hall Community Centre. All sessions must be attended.

**Register now by contacting vconstantino@yay.org or calling 416-932-1919 *283**

**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.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

*NEW* Toronto Zoo Student Jobs in Food Services – The Toronto Zoo is hiring students to work in food service and hospitality operations. They offer a fun, family environment, and they are looking for people that are passionate about delivering great customer service! They are hiring general help, kitchen help, counter help, and Supervisor positions. **Click here more details and to apply.**

*NEW* CIBC: Neurodiversity Hiring Initiative – Specialisterne Canada is a recruitment firm that specializes in working with businesses to hire people on the autism spectrum or who identify as neurodivergent. Presently, Specialisterne Canada is working with CIBC to recruit for the following positions in Toronto:

Business Lending Product Analyst
Business Systems Analyst
FX Analyst
Payment Investigation Analyst
Procurement Analyst

The first step in the recruitment process is for interested candidates to apply online for the roles. This will involve completing an online questionnaire as well as submitting their resume to
Specialisterne Canada.

Visit the website for full job descriptions and application instructions. Applications should be submitted in full no later than May 5, 2022.

**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.**

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 date 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!