In case you missed it:

• Toronto's Ombudsman has released an interim report on the investigation into the City's process for clearing homeless encampments in 2021. The report focusses on protocol rather than the militarized nature of the by-law enforcement, its violation of human rights, and its high cost (nearly $2 million).

Image from Auditor General's report on shelter hotels

• Toronto's Auditor General released a damning report on the City's use of hotels as emergency shelters. It shows that over two years the City paid more than $13.2M in charges not covered by contract terms (plus another $1.2M in HST). That's enough to provide a room, meals, and wraparound support services — for an entire year — to 142 people experiencing homelessness.
• The Toronto Police Service released race-based data that revealed systemic discrimination, specifically that the Black community, Indigenous people, and other visible minorities are disproportionately impacted by use of force. TPS's apology to the Black community was denounced as meaningless without concrete, immediate change.

Also in this issue:

• Four more years: How did the PCs win, and what should the left do now?
• Our next four years: So how is October's municipal election shaping up?
• Improving the lives of women and gender diverse residents with gender equity
• Meet the 20 Torontonians who'll help shape the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy
• Care about social and economic justice? Come work with us!
• Hope to see you in September! (AGM postponed until fall)
• Have thoughts on how the City seeks your input? Take this short survey.