By Fred Alvarado & Humaira Rahman
(Fred and Humaira are journalist for the Focus Media Arts Centre)

Welcome to RPTV Weekly News Show. In this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters, Fred Alvarado and Humaira Rahman, we present news that impacts on Regent Park and other surrounding communities located in the Down Town East communities of Toronto.
Episode two for the week of August 30, 2021 features: Ryerson University decision to rename the institution; TDSB and TCDSB require staff to get vaccinated; Johnson and Johnson comes out with a booster vaccine that increases antibodies; Toronto Public Health expands programs to support a safe return to school; Ontario unveils back-to-school plan; The 2021 Canadian federal election and Toronto Centre Riding; Events in Regent Park Area.
See following for more details.  

Ryerson University decision to rename the institution
 
The Ryerson University ’s board of governors approved a motion to accept all 22 recommendations from a special task force, including one to rename the institution, to share materials to recognize the legacy of Egerton Ryerson, and provide more opportunities to learn about Indigenous history and Indigenous and colonial relations.

The task force was formed in November 2020 to examine and address the legacy of Egerton Ryerson, who helped design both the public and residential school systems in Canada.

According to the report, the name “Ryerson” does not reflect the values that define the university. Therefore, the Task Force is recommending that the university rename the school through “a process that engages with community members and stakeholders.” 

The task force recognizes that a name change alone will not erase the systemic barriers and inequities that Indigenous and Black community members face within the institution. As a result, it suggests increasing access to information, promoting Indigenous and Black scholarship and using public space for community building.
 
Ryerson has faced growing calls to change the name of the institution, which has been formally called for as far back as 2017.

This year, hundreds of children’s remains were discovered at the sites of former residential schools across Canada sparking nationwide protests for Indigenous rights.

Ontario Covid-19 and vaccination updates

TDSB and TCDSB require staff to get vaccinated

The Toronto District School Board made the announcement on Thursday morning, saying that its trustees voted in favor of a mandatory policy. The school board is now working on a plan that requires all workers, trustees and visitors to be fully vaccinated. They will be required to disclose and provide proof of their vaccination status. It is yet to be determined on what will happen to those who refuse to disclose their vaccination. More updates are yet to come.

Johnson and Johnson comes out with a booster vaccine that increases antibodies

This is created for those who have their single shot of Johnson and Johnson. For those of you who have gotten their single shot of Johnson and Johnson, you may want to listen to this. Johnson and Johnson has come out with a booster vaccine that increases antibodies. The data shows that an additional shot might serve as a booster if the vaccine's effectiveness begins to wane.
For those of you who have yet to receive your vaccine, 40 Oak is holding a drop in vaccine clinic, open for anyone. No immigration status, fixed address or identification is needed.

Toronto Public Health expands programs to support a safe return to school
In-person learning is essential for the mental and physical well being of children and their families, and Toronto Public Health (TPH) is supporting all Toronto school boards and the Government of Ontario in this transition with the recommended public health measures.

TPH guidance supports these requirements and supports boards in creating as safe an environment as possible. In addition to masking, handwashing, cleaning protocols and COVID-19 screening for staff, students and visitors, Toronto Public Health has recommended additional measures to further reduce the spread of COVID-19. These additional measures include recommending junior and senior kindergarten students wear masks indoors, and masking and practicing physical distancing in music classes, where the virus could spread more easily.

TPH also continues to work closely with local schools, school boards and healthcare partners to achieve the highest possible vaccination rates as possible. This work includes operationalizing mobile vaccination clinics in schools for youth 12 years of age and older, and those born in 2009 who are turning 12 by the end of the year.

Ontario unveils back-to-school plan for September

All students will be able to return to the classroom full time this September under the Ontario government's highly anticipated back-to-school plan. Remote learning will remain an option for parents and students who don’t feel comfortable returning to the classroom.  Masks will be mandatory for all students between Grade 1 and Grade 12, and will remain optional – but recommended – for children in kindergarten. They are not required outdoors. 

In the plan, the government said school boards must be prepared for a potential closure and have plans in place so all students can pivot to remote learning if the COVID-19 situation worsens.
All staff in schools must wear masks, with reasonable exceptions for medical conditions. Staff working in close contact with children who are not wearing masks must use eye protection.

The  2021 Canadian federal election  and Toronto Centre Riding

Canadian citizens have the right to choose who represents them in federal politics. If you are a Canadian citizen who is 18 or older, you can vote to elect your local member of parliament. And, it is your vote that helps choose the prime minister. There are five major political parties in Canada — the Liberal Party of Canada, The Conservative Party of Canada, the New Democratic Party, the Bloc Quebecois and the Green Party. 

Ontario is currently divided into 124 electoral districts including the Toronto Centre, encompassing a good portion of Toronto’s downtown. Toronto Centre has had a strong Liberal hold in recent years. The seat was recently won by former TV host Marci Ien in a 2020 byelection.

The Candidates for the Toronto Centre riding are:
Marci Ien for the Liberal Party
Ryan Lester for Conservative Party: 
Annamie Paul for the Green Party:   
Brian Chang for the New Democratic Party
Eric Rotberg for the People’s Party of Canada: 
Voting will take place on September 30, 2021.

Events in Regent Park Area

This past Saturday, we had the 519 5th Annual Back to School Bash. This event is thrown every year right before the opening of school.

Friends and Family came through and were able to enjoy music, games and prizes while the youth were able to collect free books, haircuts and grab a backpack filled with school supplies so you can go back to school, looking fresh.

As for events that are yet to come in the following week, we have:

The Healing As One Basketball Charity Event that is to take place this Saturday September 4th at the athletic ground basketball court. Find 3 of your best friends and register for this event through their instagram, @healingasone. There is an entrance fee of $40 but all proceeds will support relief and humanitarian efforts on the current tragedies taking place in Afghanistan.

Another exciting event that is set to take place in the following week is the Reopening of the Daniel Spectrum on September 7, 2021. This place has been closed for about a year or so, due to the pandemic.