Dear neighbour,
Today, the U.S. government raised tariffs on Canadian goods that do not qualify under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) from 25 percent to 35 percent.
While most Canadian exports still qualify for tariff‑free access under CUSMA, key Ontario industries such as steel, aluminum, autos, lumber and copper remain highly exposed and often do not meet CUSMA’s rules of origin. According to Ontario’s Financial Accountability Office, the province could enter a modest recession in 2025, with over 119,000 jobs at risk, including nearly 58,000 in manufacturing.
I’ve been working on the NDP Leader’s Advisory Council on Tariff Response and Economic Security, where we’re developing a made-in-Ontario response to this escalating trade conflict.
Our economic response must put Ontario and Ontario workers first. That means making it easy for you and I to access Canadian-made products by mandating clear and accurate Made in Canada labelling. It means harnessing the purchasing clout of the government by bringing in strong procurement policies to increase the purchasing of locally made products and services, from subway cars for Toronto to food for hospitals. It means investing more in public infrastructure, such as building and upgrading schools, building new hospitals, and building affordable housing on public land to keep people employed in good jobs.
This challenging moment offers an opportunity to course correct and come out stronger and more self-reliant.
Sincerely,
Jessica Bell
MPP, University-Rosedale
In this newsletter:
- Join me at our Thursday Summer Series
- Join me at our Renter Social August 19
- New renoviction bylaw in effect July 31
- As climate disasters worsen, why are we paying more insurance for less coverage?
- Victory Ride for safer streets
- Ford government opens Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to development
- Register for Civic Spark
Thursday Summer Park Series
This Summer, I am bringing my community office pop-up to local parks on Thursday evenings from 6-8pm. Come by to say hello, share what’s on your mind, and find out how my team and I can help with provincial issues. RSVP links, locations, and dates below. Hope to see you there!
Queen's Park North - 14 August
Join me at our Renter Social on August 19
Are you a renter looking to build community and push for stronger housing laws? Join me, tenant organizers, and fellow renters on August 19 from 6-8pm at Queen’s Park North for our Renter Summer Social!
The purpose of this event is to share ideas and discuss issues with your renter neighbours so you are more equipped to protect your home from unfair landlord actions, establish and strengthen your tenant association, and work with us to pass stronger city and provincial housing laws.
Snacks provided.
New renoviction bylaw in effect July 31
Starting July 31, landlords in Toronto will need a Rental Renovation Licence before carrying out any renovations that require tenants to temporarily move out. This new bylaw is designed to crack down on illegal evictions known as “renovictions”, where a landlord evicts a tenant out in order to renovate the home, and then relists the home at a higher rent and brings in a new tenant.
Under the bylaw, landlords must:
- Apply for a licence through the city before evicting tenants under the provincial N13 process
- Notify tenants of the licence application
- Either offer temporary accommodation, cover rent-gap costs, or provide compensation if the tenant chooses not to return
- Permit the tenant to return to their home once the renovation is complete at about the same rent.
Tenants can look up if their landlord is licensed through a new public registry.
This policy was first introduced in New Westminster, British Columbia. Once it was enacted, the number of renovictions dropped to zero.
It took years of research, organizing and advocacy to bring this effective renovictions policy to Toronto. Thank you to the mayor, councillors, staff, advocacy groups, including ACORN, and renters who championed this bylaw. As a result of your work, our city will be more affordable for renters.
Provincially, I will continue to campaign for the Ontario government to take the renovictions bylaw province wide.
If you believe your landlord is violating the new rules, you can report it to the City of Toronto by calling 311. You can also reach out to my office if you need help at [email protected] or 416 535 7206.
As climate disasters worsen, why are we paying more insurance for less coverage?
As climate disasters like floods and wildfires grow more severe, home insurance costs in Ontario are rising fast. Premiums have increased by 84 percent in the last decade. People across the province are paying more for insurance and getting less coverage. It’s also very difficult to get information about how insurance rates are set or find out what insurance companies are doing to address the climate crisis.
This week, I joined my colleagues MPP Peter Tabuns and MPP Sandy Shaw in writing to Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario, calling on them to investigate the impact of climate change on Ontario’s home insurance system.
We’re asking for public reporting on rate hikes, flood and fire risk data, and insurance companies’ climate transition plans.
Home owners should have affordable and comprehensive insurance, and insurance companies have a responsibility to provide a good product and do their part to tackle the climate crisis.
Read our letter here.
Victory Ride for safer streets
Last night, I joined Cycle Toronto and hundreds of riders for a powerful and celebratory ride marking the court victory that struck down the Ontario’s government law to remove protected bike lanes on Bloor, Yonge, and University.
You can read the full decision here.
It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many advocates, neighbours, and community members who have fought tirelessly to protect and expand safe cycling infrastructure in our city.
Thank you to everyone who made this moment possible. This is an important win for everyone working to make our cities safer, healthier, and more livable.
We know the Ontario government is looking at appealing the decision, which is an appalling waste of money. That’s the next battle. Today, we celebrate.
Ford government opens Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to development
The Ford government is moving ahead with a plan to remove more than 60 hectares of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park including Beach Areas 1, 2, New Wasaga, and Allenwood and transfer the land to the Town of Wasaga Beach and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming for future development.
To make this possible, the Ford government is proposing changes to the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act (PPCA) that would eliminate key safeguards designed to protect parklands. Right now, the PPCA requires additional scrutiny for major changes including a public study, a report, and legislative approval for removing more than 50 hectares or 1% of a park. Environmental advocates warn that the Ford government’s proposed amendments could eliminate these safeguards, allowing them to deregulate parkland behind closed doors, without public oversight.
Wasaga Beach is home to the endangered piping plover and sensitive coastal dune systems that protect the shoreline. Experts warn this proposal not only threatens those habitats, but sets a dangerous precedent that could make it easier to carve up parklands across Ontario.
Public land belongs to all of us. Stripping protections to fast-track tourism development is the wrong approach, especially without clear environmental assessments or transparent consultation.
Make your voice heard. The government is currently taking feedback on this proposal until August 11. You can submit your comments here.
Register for Civic Spark
Civic Spark is a two-day event bringing together organizers, public servants, technologists, mutual aid networks, and community leaders who care about the future of public life.
On Saturday, August 16, the conference will feature sessions on what’s working — and what’s not — when building for civic impact. On Sunday, August 17, the unconference invites attendees to propose and host their own workshops and conversations.
Whether you work inside government or outside of it, Civic Spark is a chance to connect across roles and disciplines, learn from each other, and imagine what comes next.
Learn more and register here.