This is the May 2023 edition of our email newsletter.
To receive regular updates from our office in your inbox, sign up using the "Get Updates" link in the menu.
|
|
Dear Friend,
We got through another Mother’s Day.
I always find it difficult. I don’t really like it. I think of all my patients who had lost a son or a daughter, those that were unable to get pregnant. I think of my Aunt Mil and my ‘Aunt’ Marg Chambers who were my rocks when my mother Eunice, who struggled with depression, was unable to ‘be there’ for us. My mother was so giving. She remembered everyone’s birthdays and anniversaries, sending cards and flowers. My mother loved and needed the thank you’s. My mother was difficult.
|
|
A portrait of my mother by artist Brenda Bury
|
|
|
Mother’s Day will always be about my mother. Her birthday was May 10, so Mother’s Day was a double whammy. She was a florist – Eunice Denby Flowers. It was a stressful time of year in which my sister and I were ‘conscripted’ to work in the store on the busiest days of the year.
It is impossible to separate happy memories of my mother from her adoration of the Royals. My sister and I shared a room with large poster-sized portraits of then Prince Charles and Princess Anne. My mother looked like the Queen, dressed like the Queen and, every year, had the joy of making the nosegay for the Queen’s Plate, which was often presented to the Queen herself. For the occasion of her 75th birthday, I escorted Bruce who worked in the flower shop to my mother’s closet, where he was able to choose an outfit and matching purse. He then went down to Church & Wellesley to get the matching high heeled shoes that fit him. He then came to the party dressed as the Queen, wig, tiara and all. He presented a nosegay to my mother in front of all her friends. It was truly wonderful and I am still trying to find the pictures.
Peter’s family also had a huge royal connection. Peter’s father, a Spitfire pilot in the Battle of Britain, was later Group Captain at Leukars. When he was at Whitehall, he was asked to organize the RAF participation in Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation ceremony. Peter’s father later served as Aide de Camp to the Queen. He often joked that this honour meant that in his handsome white uniform, his responsibilities were to direct people to the washrooms at the garden parties at Buckingham Palace.
In 2017, Peter and I had the honour of joining Governor General David Johnston and Mrs. Johnston on the trip to Iqaluit to welcome Prince Charles and Camilla to Canada for the celebrations of Canada150. They were so authentic. I remember the Prince’s genuine enthusiasm as he was shown the demonstration of the SmartICE invention that equipped snowmachines with runners that in real-time measure the depth of the ice and warn snowmobilers to prevent tragedy.
|
|
|
Pictures from my trip to Iqaluit with Prince Charles and Camilla in 2017
|
|
|
Peter and I rose early on May 6th and watched the Coronation live before attending the beautiful ceremony in Ottawa where the stamp, coin, flag and emblem of the King of Canada were unveiled. It was an amazing day.
|
|
|
The official stamp, coin, flag and emblem unveiling in honour of King Charles III in Ottawa, on Saturday, May 6, 2023
|
I recognize that there are many Canadians questioning the relevance of our monarchy. Others point out that countries with a Head of State and an elected leader have more stability and less fractious transitions between governments. For many First Nations their relationship with the Crown is important. For First Nations with treaties, their treaties were and are with the Crown. For many others, the Crown represents the harms of colonization.
As a constitutional monarchy there would be many steps necessary to change our systems of governance.
Today I am thinking about how happy Eunice would have been to see the little Royals all dressed up and of course she would have adored the flowers.
I loved seeing our first Indigenous Governor General, Mary Simon, in her truly beautiful annuraaq as she entered Westminster Abbey with His Excellency Whit Fraser and our Prime Minister and Sophie. Proud Canadians.
|
|
|
Sit down with Carolyn to discuss issues and ideas that are important to you in a casual setting. After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, we are thrilled to offer Neighbourhood Check-Ups once more which are a vital part of the Toronto-St. Paul’s model of ‘Democracy Between Elections’. All are welcome!
|
|
10:30AM -11:30AM
Fairbank Memorial CC
York Fairbank Centre for Seniors
2213 Dufferin St, Toronto
12:00PM - 1:00PM
The Stop Greenhouse @ Wychwood Barns
601 Christie St, Toronto
1:30PM - 2:30PM
St. Matthew's Bracondale House
Courtyard, 707 St. Clair Ave. W, Toronto
|
|
|
TO-St. Paul's Constituency Youth Council Presents: A Youth Symposium
|
The Toronto-St. Paul’s Constituency Youth Council is holding a special symposium to engage young people in the riding.
Are you passionate about issues and policies that affect you and your future?
In this open roundtable discussion, we will discuss multiple topics of interest with Minister Bennett and youth from across the city. This will be a great opportunity to socialize and network, so bring a friend and spread the word!
|
|
12:00PM -2:00PM
Central Eglinton Community Centre
160 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto
|
|
|
Indigenous Reads with Sylvia Maracle
|
June is National Indigenous History Month. #IndigenousReads aims to further reconciliation by increasing Canadians’ understanding of Indigenous issues, cultures, and history by sharing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis literature.
Join Minister Bennett in conversation with Indigenous Author, Elder and Knowledge Keeper Sylvia Maracle.
Sylvia is the author of Finishing the Sweetgrass Braid - a legacy collection of essential knowledge and teachings from the Friendship Centre Movement, exploring what Indigenous knowledge is passed down, how it is shared through urban Indigenous communities and its fundamental importance for future generations.
|
|
3:00PM - 4:30PM
Christie Gardens Apartments & Care
Auditorium, Lower Level
600 Melita Crescent, Toronto
|
|
|
On Saturday, July 1st join me at Wells Hill Park for our Annual Canada Day Picnic! This is a fun and free afternoon for the whole family: enjoy a hot dog on us (while supplies last), meet your neighbours and, as always, stay ‘til the end to win a prize during my Canada-themed trivia game.
|
|
12:00PM - 2:30PM
Wells Hill Park
145 Hilton Ave, Toronto
(near St. Clair Ave W & Bathurst Ave)
|
With live music, kid’s activities, community booths and good company, you don’t want to miss it!
|
|
|
COVID-19 Free vaccines are available to everyone in Canada. To learn more about Canada's response to COVID19 visit:
canada.ca/covid-19
|
|
WELLNESS TOGETHER Connects Canadians to peer support workers, social workers, psychologists and other professionals for confidential chat sessions or phone calls.
wellnesstogether.ca
|
|
KIDS HELP PHONE Connects youth with professional counselling, information and referrals across Canada without any face-to-face contact.
kidshelpphone.ca
|
|
|
The Toronto -St. Paul's constituency office is open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Call us at 416-952-3990, or email [email protected] for assistance in any federal matter.
Please forward this newsletter to your friends who may be interested in signing up! To sign up email [email protected].
|
|
|
|