Welcome to the Community Civic Engagement Collaborative (CCEC)
A grassroots collective of agencies and residents in Regent Park, Moss Park, St. James Town and Corktown neighbourhoods, working to increase civic engagement in elections and beyond, through non-partisan community organizing.
A grassroots collective of agencies and residents in Regent Park, Moss Park, St. James Town and Corktown neighbourhoods, working to increase civic engagement in elections and beyond, through non-partisan community organizing.
Evan Solomon Wins Toronto-Centre
CTV, April 28th, 2025
Former broadcast journalist Evan Solomon will represent the Liberals on Parliament Hill. Solomon won by a large margin (37,907 votes, 64.33 %)
CPC candidate Luis Ibarra, founder of Latinos Magazine, placed second, ahead of the NDP's Samantha Green.
Toronto Centre is the oldest federal riding in the city, having been represented in the House of Commons since 1872. It encompasses a number of historic and cultural neighbourhoods, including Regent Park, St. James Town, Church-Wellesley Village and Old Town.
Canadians give Liberals 4th mandate as Carney leads party to minority win
CTV, April 28th, 2025
CTV News is declaring the Liberals have won enough seats in the 45th federal election to form a minority government.
Toronto Centre - Candidates Meeting in Regent Park
RPTV, April 3rd, 2025On Wednesday April 30, 2025, three candidates running for federal elections in the riding of Toronto Centre, met at the Daniels Spectrum Arts Centre in Regent Park, to share their platforms and to answer questions from the Toronto Downtown East Community.
The full house event was hosted by the Community Civic Engagement Collaborative (CCEC), a non-partisan collective working to increase civic engagement in elections and beyond, through non-partisan community organizing. The CCEC represents agencies, grassroots groups and residents living and working in the Toronto Downtown East communities notably Regent Park, St. James Town and Moss Park. The three candidates were Olivia Ihem from the Green Party ( an environmental scientist), Samatha Green from the NDP (a healthcare physician), and Evan Soloman (a political journalist). Unfortunately, the Conservative candidate, Luis Ibarra, withdrew his participation from the event. The two moderators of the event were Humaira Rhman, a resident from Regent Park, and Anushen Salvasegar, a resident from St. James Town. The on-line Zoom chat moderators were Fazia Abdul Muneem and Joel Klassen. The audience questions for the evening was coordinated by Adonis Huggins, of RPTV - Focus Media Arts Centre.
After a welcome and land acknowledgement, each candidate gave a short introduction, took questions from the audience on a wide range of issues including:
Addressing Indigenous and Anti-Black Racism; Affordable Housing and increased Rent Geared to Housing Units in Regent Park and the City of Toronto; Improving the Health Care System; Support for HIV positive individuals; Investment in Youth Employment and Raising Miniman Wage; Investment in Education and Post-Secondary Education; Community Safety; Responding to Donald Trump's Tariffs; Addressing Climate Change and the Need for Renewable Energy; Concerns about AI Technology; Conflicts of Interests; Support for Newcomers and Immigration; and Investment in Transportation including a High Speed Rail Line. One of the most persistent question that kept coming up was about Genocide, the Conflict in Gaza and the support for a Two State Solution.
The meeting ended with each candidate giving closing remarks.
The successful two-hour event drew a diverse crowd of 130 people along with an additional 30 people on Zoom. The CCEC is pleased to have presented a highly informative event to voters that is sure to increase resident engagement in the upcoming election. Don't forget to vote on election day on Monday April 28th!!
Canada Elections 2025: Toronto Centre Candidates and Community Decisions Ahead
RPTV, April 3rd, 2025With the 2025 federal election fast approaching, Toronto Centre is emerging as one of the most closely watched races in the country. This densely populated riding, which includes Regent Park, St. James Town, Cabbagetown, and Church-Wellesley, represents a diverse and evolving urban landscape. Home to a mix of long-time residents, newcomers, and marginalized communities, the riding faces pressing issues such as housing affordability, social inequality, and economic recovery. As candidates present their platforms, voters will play a crucial role in shaping the future of a riding that reflects both the challenges and opportunities of urban Canada.
The race features a strong lineup of candidates. NDP’s Samantha Green emphasizes affordable housing and climate action. Liberal Evan Solomon, a former broadcaster, promotes economic growth and social justice. Conservative Luis Ibarra, a community activist, highlights fiscal responsibility and immigrant engagement. Green Party’s Olivia Iheme pushes for environmental policies and sustainable urban development. Other candidates, like Simon Luis (Animal Protection Party) and Nathen Masri (People’s Party), bring distinct perspectives.
This election is the first under Canada’s expanded 343-seat electoral map, reflecting shifting demographics. Toronto Centre’s outcome will influence national policy on housing affordability, economic recovery, and community services. Residents face a crucial decision: elect a representative who will advocate for their needs in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
Staying informed and participating in the process ensures that the voices of Toronto Centre are heard in shaping Canada’s future.
Justin Trudeau Resigns, Mark Carney To Be New PM Today
CTV, March 14th, 2025
Canada has a new prime minister, and on his first day with the new title, Mark Carney moved to do away with one of his predecessor’s marquee policies, and signalled that Canadians will be going to the polls early.
On Friday, Carney swore the oaths of office and allegiance, then presented his new pared-down cabinet to Gov. Gen. Mary Simon in a history-making ceremony at a critical time for the country.
Carney also moved quickly to undo former prime minister Justin Trudeau’s unpopular consumer carbon tax, issuing a late-in-the-day order ending the pricing program, while vowing those receiving the accompanying carbon rebate will receive one final payment in April.
This move came after convening his new ministers for their first-ever cabinet meeting under his leadership, and is being done immediately through an order-in-council bringing the price to zero dollars, while legislation related to the fuel charge remains on the books.
It’s a move Carney made clear voters will be able to assess, in short order.
Source: https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/prime-minister-mark-carney-cabinet-terminates-consumer-carbon-price/
Ford becomes first Ontario premier since the 1950s to win 3 successive majorities
CCEC, March 1st, 2025
Doug Ford and his Progressive Conservatives won a third consecutive majority in the 2025 Ontario election, securing 80 of 124 seats. Ford's campaign capitalized on a focus on protecting Ontario, emphasizing his leadership amid Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Canadian exports. The election was called early, partly to avoid potential fallout from the Greenbelt controversy and to preempt a federal election. Ford's advisers timed the election strategically, with Ford benefiting from Justin Trudeau's resignation and the federal Liberal leadership race.
Political Representative

Mark Carney
Prime Minister of Canada

Doug Ford, MP
Premier of Ontario

Evan Soloman, AI Minister, MP
Toronto Centre

Kristyn Wong-Tam, MPP
Toronto Centre
Chris Moise, City Councilor
Ward 13

Deborah Williams, School Trustee
TDSB - Ward 10, University - Rosedale and Toronto Centre

Kevin Morrison, School Trustee
TCDSB - Ward 9 - Toronto Centre

Learn More About Their Responsibilities