Jessica Bell MPP, University–Rosedale

Government of Ontario

News & Events

August 15, 2025

It took the Conservatives 1,121 days to approve higher density and affordable housing near TTC stations.

It took the Conservatives 1,121 days to approve higher density and affordable housing near TTC stations. After three long years, the Conservatives have finally given Toronto the green light to qu... More
August 13, 2025

Ice cream social at Bickford Park

Let’s connect, chat, and cool off with some free ice cream! Come enjoy an evening with us at Bickford Park (400 Grace St) on Monday, September 15 from 5:30–7:30 PM. It’ll be a great opportunity to... More
August 9, 2025

Ontario NDP calls for urgent Provincial and Federal action on Gaza

Earlier this month, MPP Alexa Gilmour (Parkdale-High Park) wrote to Premier Ford and Prime Minister Carney on behalf of the Ontario NDP caucus, reiterating our call for greater support for ... More
August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025 - Update

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 C... More
August 1, 2025

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 provinc... More
July 23, 2025

OPINION: I thought I knew about the impact of social media on my children. I was wrong.

As a parent, I am daily exposed to the addictive nature of social media and screens.    My kids howl when I remove their computers.  They will go to any length to access my phone.  At dawn, I occa... More
July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025 - Update

Dear Neighbour,  On June 27, the last day of school for many students, the Minister of Education placed four more school boards under provincial supervision, including the Toronto District School... More
July 15, 2025

Education in Crisis - Virtual Town Hall

On June 27, the last day of school for many students, the Minister of Education placed placed four more school boards under provincial supervision — including the Toronto District School Board. An ... More
July 14, 2025

Summer Park Series 2025

Join me for my Thursday Summer Park Series. I am bringing my community office to local parks this summer. Come by to say hello, share what’s on your mind, and find out how my team and I can help wi... More
July 7, 2025

2025 Renter Social

Please join us at our upcoming Renter Social on August 19, 2025 (Tuesday) from 6-8pm in the Queen's Park North Lawn. All are welcome! Please RSVP below. More
July 4, 2025

July 4, 2024 - Update

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 S... More
July 3, 2025

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 opportuni... More
June 21, 2025

June 20, 2025 - Update

Dear neighbour, I have begun canvassing again in the neighbourhood, and it’s really nice to connect with constituents again A big issue that I’m hearing about at the door is that landlords are fr... More
June 18, 2025

It is Time Ontario Set a Maximum Temperature for Rental Units

Climate change is here, and it is getting worse. Every summer, our office hears from renters struggling to survive in dangerously hot apartments. Temperatures in these units regularly soar above 30... More
June 17, 2025

Virtual AGI Townhall

Are you a renter who wants to better understand Above Guideline Increases (AGIs) and how to challenge them? You're invited to a virtual townhall to learn how to challenge AGIs, hear from experts... More
June 17, 2025

Ontario housing starts are down. We’re asking why.

The Financial Accountability Office (FAO) recently released an economic update that shows Ontario’s housing starts have dropped to their lowest level since 2007. This is a concerning development in... More
June 6, 2025

RSVP: Online Panel on Youth Social Media Use

With the release of the Netflix film Adolescence, decision-makers are ramping up their work to curb the harmful impacts of social media use on our children. Some U.S. states have banned social med... More
June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025 - Update

Dear neighbour, In the face of fierce resistance from workers, environmentalists and First Nations, the Conservatives rammed through Bill 5 on Wednesday. Bill 5 creates special economic zones tha... More
June 6, 2025

NDP introduces law to make renting more affordable

TORONTO — Ontario NDP Shadow Finance Minister Jessica Bell (University--Rosedale), Shadow Minister for Housing Catherine McKenney (Ottawa Centre), Alexa Gilmour (Parkdale--High Park), and Chandra P... More
June 4, 2025

Repeal Bill 5

This afternoon, Bill 5 became law in Ontario, but my bet is it will not be law for long. Bill 5 will be challenged in the courts, in the legislature, in the streets, and on the land. It will be ch... More
June 2, 2025

Post-secondary cuts are closing the door for Ontario students

In Ontario’s 2025 budget, post-secondary education funding is being cut by $1.2 billion. This massive cut is exacerbating the already considerable funding pressures faced by colleges and universit... More
May 30, 2025

Fighting back against predatory paid parking in rental buildings

Visitor parking should not be used by corporate landlords to make a profit. That’s why I joined to support MPP Jennie Stevens on her motion calling on the Ford government to ban paid visitor parki... More
May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025 - Update

Dear neighbour, The Ford government is ramming through Bill 5.  This alarming and controversial 229-page omnibus bill is designed to speed up mining and infrastructure projects. Bill 5 guts endan... More
May 26, 2025

Beverley School parent speaks out on Special Education cuts

Now is the time for us to speak up against cuts to our schools, especially in areas such as Special Education. Recently I heard from Jessica - a Beverley School parent and Special Education advoca... More
May 21, 2025

Support our kids! Invest in education now

Sign our petition to invest in education now. The Toronto District School Board is facing a yawning financial gap between what the Ministry of Education requires the board to deliver and what ... More
May 16, 2025

What's in Ontario's band-aid budget?

What’s in Ontario’s band-aid budget? Ontario is flying through serious economic turbulence because of Donald Trump’s trade war. The 2025-2026 provincial budget should be helping tariff-proof our e... More
May 16, 2025

Meet the 2025 Community Recognition Award Winners

Yesterday, we held our Community Recognition Awards and I am once again elated to celebrate all the wonderful contributions made by each of the recipients. It is their work that makes University-R... More
May 16, 2025

May 16, 2025 - Update

Dear neighbour, Ontario is flying through serious economic turbulence because of Donald Trump’s trade war. The 2025-2026 provincial budget should be helping tariff-proof our economy, by getting O... More
May 15, 2025

Public Education: Emergency Meeting

Join Jessica Bell, Kristyn Wong-Tam, and TDSB Trustee Deborah Williams for an emergency townhall about the state of public education and what you can do to fight the cuts facing our schools. Our s... More
May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025 - Update

Dear neighbour, Over the last few months, I’ve spoken with many parents, teachers, and students who are deeply worried about what’s happening in our schools. From overcrowded classrooms to the lo... More