Premier’s plan creates chaos, sows division

By Jessica Bell

Since school closed in March, our family has been struggling with the impossible job of full-time work and full-time parenting our two school-aged children. I, along with the parents of Ontario’s other two million school-age children, have been waiting for the Ontario government to release its back-to-school plan. However, its release — just weeks before school is scheduled to begin and without any serious consultation with the community — brought feelings of relief, anxiety, hopelessness, and rage.  Read more

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Telling parents to prepare for every eventuality is not a plan

By Jessica Bell

As the pandemic drags on, the social and economic impacts of COVID-19 on the most vulnerable are getting worse. I want to draw attention to three communities that need our help.  Read more

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We need to summon the political will to make long-term change

By Jessica Bell

The COVID-19 pandemic is not only exposing how poorly our economy and society treat our most vulnerable, it’s making it worse.   Read more

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An updated guide of Annex resources

By Gleaner Staff

Staying home to help stop the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be the new normal for the foreseeable future.  

Read on for our updated guide to Annex resources during COVID-19, the third issue since we all started to hunker down and stay together apart.   Read more

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Bell fears the worst is yet to come

By Jessica Bell 

COVID-19 has changed our world. Many of us are anxiously living in private, reading our screens, and feeling helpless. At the same time, the essential workers among us are working overtime to keep us fed and safe. They are our farmers, our scientists, our truckers and cleaners, our midwives, postal workers, doctors, and supermarket staff. We see you and appreciate you all.   Read more

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The tavern that’s been serving the west-end community with drinks, dance parties, and DJ nights announced in mid-February it will close permanently.

In a post to social media pages, Clinton’s Tavern announced its sudden closure.  Read more

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An early guide to services

By Gleaner Staff

Staying local, living local, and shopping local is going to be the new normal in the coming weeks as the world hunkers down to battle the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).   Read more

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Listen to public health officials, cancel play-dates, work from home

By Jessica Bell

We are in a new normal. The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting our country, our city, and our community. While our healthcare workers, public health staff, and others – including pharmacists, grocery store workers, and TTC staff – are working around the clock to keep us safe, we also need to do our part.   Read more

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Crusader lauded for her contributions

This article is the second in a series about local residents making a difference in our community. These unsung heroes were brought to The Gleaner’s attention by MPP Jessica Bell, who honoured them at her Annual Community Celebration, in December of 2019.  Read more

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Little Italy’s Nav Persaud makes the case for free meds

By Nicole Stoffman

This article is the first in a series about local residents making a difference in our community. These unsung heroes were brought to the Gleaner’s attention by MPP Jessica Bell, who honoured them at her Annual Community Celebration, in December of 2019.  Read more

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Australia is the canary, we must act now

By Jessica Bell

Australia is my original home, and it is experiencing a climate catastrophe. Armageddon fires are still burning up the country. Half a billion animals are dead. Towns have been destroyed. Billions are needed for rebuilding.  Read more

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Ford forgets “affordable” in his housing plans

By Jessica Bell

Leonard is 72, lives at 103 Avenue Rd., and is the latest victim of Toronto’s affordable housing crisis. Here’s Leonard’s problem: he lives on $1,600 a month from his pension, and $1,500 of that is spent on rent. He has $100 a month to spend on everything else. For food, Leonard has protein shakes and one small meal a day.   Read more

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MPP Bell hosts community appreciation celebration

By Nicole Stoffman  Read more

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