Dear Neighbour,
Last Friday, the Ford government announced that it is taking control of four Ontario school boards, including the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board. The Minister of Education has appointed a former Metrolinx advisor with no previous experience in education to oversee 248,000 students in Toronto.
This is a serious and alarming move. Elected trustees have had their powers stripped and their pay suspended. That means if you're a parent with concerns, you can no longer go to your trustee. You’ll have to take your issues to unelected staff, a Conservative-appointed supervisor, or Paul Calandra himself.
The Ford government claims that this is about accountability. But there’s no accountability in removing democratically elected trustees and installing political appointees behind closed doors.
I’m worried about what comes next. This move opens the door to more school closures and a privatization agenda, while real problems like rising class sizes, special education cuts, underfunding, and growing violence in schools go unaddressed.
We need a public school system that puts kids first. This means smaller class sizes, more mental health supports, and strong special education programs. I’ll keep organizing with parents, students, and educators to fight for the well-funded, inclusive schools every child deserves.
Let’s support our kids,
Jessica Bell
MPP, University-Rosedale
In this newsletter:
- Parents and advocates call on the Ford government to invest in special education
- Ontario needs stronger rent control
- World Refugee Day at Christie Refugee Welcome Centre
- Join me for an ice cream social at Jean Sibelius Square
- Koreatown Street Festival July 26
Parents and advocates call on the Ford government to invest in special education
On June 26, I joined parents and advocates outside Heydon Park Secondary School to sound the alarm about the continued cuts to special education.
Heydon Park is the only public high school in Toronto designed for young women, trans, and non-binary students, many of whom have disabilities or learning differences.
Parents told us that this school is a lifeline; it's the only place where their children feel safe, supported, and able to learn. These are students with autism, Down syndrome, and severe anxiety who cannot thrive in a typical school environment. We should be expanding programs like Heydon Park, not cutting them.
Since 2018, the Ford government has underfunded education. Now, school boards are being forced to make impossible choices. The TDSB has halted Grade 9 enrolment at Heydon Park and proposed increasing special education class sizes. These changes are the direct result of chronic underfunding.
We are calling on the provincial government to invest in special education and ensure that every child has access to the safe, well-resourced learning environment that they deserve. Add your voice by signing the petition to save Heydon Park here.
Ontario needs stronger rent control
On June 30, the Ford government announced that Ontario’s rent increase guideline for 2026 will be capped at 2.1 percent. This is the lowest increase in four years, and while any relief is welcome, it is not enough.
Renters are still being hit with unaffordable rent hikes. The Ford government refuses to close the loopholes that leave so many tenants unprotected. Corporate landlords are increasingly turning to above guideline increases to boost rents well beyond the cap. If we want to make housing affordable for Ontario’s 1.7 million renter households, then we need to bring in stronger rent control.
This is why I introduced the Rent Stabilization Act. This bill would bring in strong rent control on all homes, including homes built after 2018, which the Ford government exempted from rent control. It would put a cap on how much the rent can be raised between tenancies, which will curb the rise in illegal eviction activity as landlords will no longer be able to kick out long-term tenants and increase the rent to whatever they can get.
The government cannot keep ignoring the rental crisis. I’m calling on them to take action and pass this bill when the house resumes. Sign the petition here.
World Refugee Day at Christie Refugee Welcome Centre
On June 19, I joined the Christie Refugee Welcome Centre for their World Refugee Day street party and to celebrate the impact of a $132,400 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This funding is helping unaccompanied and separated refugee children access safe housing and vital wraparound support through the Centre for Refugee Children. I’m grateful for the Centre’s work and proud to support their mission to ensure no child falls through the cracks.
Join me for an ice cream social at Jean Sibelius Square
Let’s connect, chat, and cool off with some free ice cream! Come enjoy a summer evening with us at Jean Sibelius Square (50 Kendal Ave) on Tuesday, July 29 from 6:30–8:00 PM.
It’s a great opportunity to meet neighbours, enjoy the park, and talk about the issues that matter—whether it's healthcare, education, or anything else on your mind.
Everyone is welcome! RSVP here.
Koreatown Street Festival July 26
The 2025 Koreatown Street Festival is happening Saturday, July 26 from 1:00–9:00 PM on Bloor West between Crawford and Markham. Come celebrate Korean culture with live performances, cultural activities, and amazing local businesses from the KoreaTown BIA. It’s a great way to support the community and enjoy a vibrant day in the heart of Bloor Street West. Hope to see you there.