I'm going to pause making posts to my account on Mastodon for the time being. I'm posting on 6 social media accounts, and have to cut that down for the time being, but I'll consider coming back in the future if things change.

A year ago today, Election Day, I posted a photo of the sun coming up over City Hall. Today, I'm sharing one from its 8th floor. A lot has happened, and celebrating feels bittersweet at the moment with all that's going on, but here's to sunrises and happy moments. #HamOnt

For a PDF of my statement, visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wQCEsqE5jUsJ50bETU5EwEDTRfOEoN5v/view?usp=sharing.

My statement on the impacts of the Middle East conflict on Ward 2 residents and my fellow elected representatives MPP Sarah Jama and Ward 2 HWDSB Trustee Sabreina Dahab. Deeply disappointed by the misguided actions of the Ontario NDP for removing my MPP from caucus today. Huge step back. #HamOnt

Great time at the Mum Show with these best flower friends. It’s on until October 29 from 9:00am to 7:00pm daily. If you go, see if you can find the rat in the last pic! So fun! #HamOnt

Best hiking friends! For those curious, we were in the Dundas Valley today. 🍂 💞 #HamOnt

I've received requests to provide a breakdown of how much all levels of government are spending on social and affordable housing in Hamilton in 2023. Here's how the $146.6m is allocated. Thanks to City of Hamilton staff for help with this. More at https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/housing-shelter/preventing-ending-homelessness/city-hamilton-encampment-protocol. #HamOnt

Moving tribute to an unknown 76 year old cyclist who was killed at the intersection of James Street North and York Boulevard last week. Thank you to those who organized tonight’s ghost ride and everyone who came out. 🤍 #HamOnt

I hope that helps to explain my position and why I chose to keep quiet during the recent negotiations. Everyone who knows me, knows that I believe strongly in workers' rights and will continue to stand with workers in our city.

Unions have the right to argue their points as they see fit, without interference from individual members of Council (the employer) and I intend to preserve that right. The employer has the right to respond, if it chooses, but those decisions are not mine alone to make.

This isn't comparable to other situations involving negotiations or issues for the City to deal with. Labour negotiations, unlike other contract negotiations, are governed by the Ontario Labour Relations Act. It defines how this works, what's fair, and how parties can object.

Individuals who are part of these groups cannot be seen to undermine the bargaining process, no matter where it takes place. While it's true that it might be helpful for me to clarify an issue, support it, or otherwise speak up, it can undermine fair labour negotiations.

The employer's collective, if you will, is made up of a number of groups, but primarily City Council, the employer's bargaining team, and staff in Human Resources. The same goes for the union. The union has an executive committee and a bargaining team.

To keep it brief, unions and employers have a legal right to negotiate, including through the media and in public. Their ability to do this, collectively, is important. It's called collective bargaining, after all. It's a group activity.

I promised to explain more about my silence during the recent CUPE Local 5167 negotiations with the City. As the former President of a labour union, it was hard to keep quiet, but as a City Councillor, this is why I think it was important for me to stay out of it. #HamOnt

For more information, you can read the City staff report, the Parks Master Plan, and look at the City's presentation at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/100HWpUqFwHLczVnFrPYFmAQdTen7Ftl6?usp=drive_link.

Need was assessed based on a number of factors, but chief among them was population density compared to greenspace. Durand has around 12k people in its boundaries, Corktown 8k, Beasley 7k, North End 5k, Central 5k, and Stinson 4k.

As this map shows, Wards 2 and 3 need more parks. The darker the colour, the higher the need. Durand, Corktown, and Beasley are all rated as having a very high need, Stinson with medium need, and the North End and Central with low need.

This week, the City of Hamilton approved its first Parks Master Plan. I'm grateful to staff for taking into account density and equity in deciding how to allocate resources in the coming years. To put it mildly, our downtown needs more greenspaces. #HamOnt

Just wrapped a quick but dense development meeting with Beasley residents at the historic Stewart Memorial Church in Ward 2. Tonight’s meeting is one of 24 meetings I’m holding this year to engage with residents. See you soon! #HamOnt