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Showing posts from June, 2024

Toronto Newcomer Day 2024 Celebrates 10 Years of Welcoming New Immigrants to the City

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The City of Toronto celebrated its tenth annual Toronto Newcomer Day, a significant event that highlights the city's dedication to welcoming newcomers and celebrating their contributions. This year, the event was marked by Mayor Olivia Chow proclaiming May 23rd as Newcomer Day, with Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik joining her in honouring the city's newcomers. The event featured a rich program of cultural performances, including music by indigenous voices Rosary and Myranda Spence, African drumming by The Ngoma Ensemble, and the harmonious Nawa Choir. A highlight of the day was the citizenship ceremony, where 50 new Canadians were officially welcomed. Toronto Newcomer Day offered newcomers a chance to learn about settlement services and community programs. Over 140 exhibitors provided information on accessibility supports, arts and cultural awareness, education, children and youth services, employment counseling, and housing support. This wide array of services underscores the city

Army of Lovers: Rally and March for LGBTQ+ Refugee Rights in Downtown East Toronto

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Recently, Regent Park TV covered the March for LGBTQIA2S+ Refugee Rights 2024, a significant event that brought together Downtown East communities, including Regent Park. The event drew a massive crowd of newcomers and residents, predominantly of African descent, highlighting the vibrant diversity and unity within the area. Organized by The 519 as part of the National Rainbow Week of Action, the rally sought to amplify support for LGBTQ+ refugees. The event at Barbara Hall Park served as a powerful platform to address the pressing issues faced by LGBTQIA2S+ newcomers and refugees in the city. A distinguished lineup of speakers added weight to the event's message. MPP Wong-Tam, MPP Marit Stiles, and Councillor Moise, addressed the need for government action to defend the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ refugees. Additional speakers, such as Representatives from various organizations, including Fred Hahn, President of CUPE Toronto, Lisa Duplessis, Director of Programs and Community Servi

Regent Park Unites: Community Rallies Against Gun Violence

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On June 7, 2024, a protest was held combating the gun violence that is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue in the neighbourhood of Regent Park. This protest was organized by Mothers of Peace Regent Park (MOPRP), whose purpose is to “enhance and support the safety and well-being of the Regent Park community and its surrounding community residents”. This march was held in conjunction with the National Day Against Gun Violence, a day designated to raise awareness and advocate for solutions to gun violence. Starting at the TD Centre of Learning building at 540 Dundas Street East, dozens of people, from the young to the old walked around the neighbourhood of Regent Park, equipped with poster boards and signs. The individuals came together to become one to rally against the gun violence plaguing our neighbourhoods. Participants were encouraged to wear white during the walk and free white shirts displaying the text “STOP GUN VIOLENCE” were given out to participants. The white shirts repr

Regent Park Quarterly Police Meeting - Fireworks, E-Scooters, and Crime

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The June Quarterly Police meeting in Regent Park, led by Constable Farzad Ghotbi, Constable Mircea Biga, and Sergeant Jeremy Boyko, primarily focused on community safety concerns related to fireworks and e-scooters. The police detailed the alarming trend of teenagers and young adults using fireworks as weapons, leading to numerous injuries and disturbing the neighbourhood’s peace. Constable Ghotbi emphasized that using fireworks in such a manner is legally equivalent to using a firearm and will be prosecuted accordingly. The misuse of e-scooters by teenagers and children was also a significant topic. The police highlighted the dangers of e-scooters speeding through public spaces and running red lights. They proposed introducing fines similar to driving penalties to curb this behaviour, a suggestion that drew concerns from Regent Park residents worried about the potential strain on the youth-law enforcement relationship. However, the police reiterated the necessity of fines until a bett