SAWRO

10/09/2026

The Government of Ontario announced that all OSAP payments associated with private post-secondary institutions have been paused while an independent audit investigates serious concerns about the integrity of the OSAP system in the private college sector.

More information about this announcement can be found here: https://news.ontario.ca/en/statement/1008103/statement-by-minister-quinn-on-pausing-osap-payments-to-private-postsecondary-institutions-and-restoring-integrity-to-the-osap-system

This may significantly affect students who depend on OSAP to pay for their education to complete the courses from private colleges. Students could face uncertainty regarding tuition fees, outstanding balances, and their ongoing studies.

If you are enrolled in a private college:

1. CONTACT YOUR COLLEGE! Students enrolled in private colleges are strongly encouraged to contact their college administration immediately to clarify their tuition fees, outstanding balances, and how this decision may affect their studies.

2. CAREFULLY REVIEW any contracts/agreements you may be told to 'sign' in order to continue your courses/programs. If your institution pressures you to agree to something that you are not fully sure of, contact SAWIS immediately to assess your situation.

Do not feel pressures to pay for fees or enter an agreement that you cannot afford!

3. THIS IS NOT THE END! Several public colleges and non-profits offer the same programs (and are likely to be better recognized by employers). Depending on the institution and your personal circumstances, you may be able to enroll in these programs and have some of your credits transferred to recognized program.

Public colleges and non-profits may have short-term or full-programs for programs related to childcare, Personal Support Workers, Food Service Worker, etc.

As this situation continues to unfold -- please keep an eye out for any further announcements from Ontario about OSAP!

Statement by Minister Quinn on Pausing OSAP Payments to Private Postsecondary Institutions and Restoring Integrity to the OSAP System | Ontario Newsroom

10/09/2026

From SAWIS's AGM, held on September 27 @ Oakridge Community Center!

In addition to our usual business agenda, community women and youth came together to discuss the challenges they are facing and that lies ahead. Community women wrote and performed their first 'puthi' -- a oral musical tradition to share information & stories.

Their puthi -- "Hay re Probashi, Hay re Jonogon" depicts the common challenges faced by newcomer families. The song highlights a range of issues, from affordability to undermployment & unemployment. Check out the performances and pictures below!

For more information about the AGM, check out SAWIS's website: https://sawro.org/2026/10/09/report-back-sawis-agm-2026/

Special thanks to East Neighbours Together (TENT) for attending the cultural portion of the AGM!

09/28/2026

REMINDER -- HAPPENING TODAY!

Want to vote at the city elections next month but want to get to know your candidates? There are events happening today at Taylor-Massey and West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Center.

Check out the meetings today after work to know about your candidates and stay informed about the upcoming municipal elections!

09/26/2026

Happening tomorrow Community Center!

SAWIS Annual General Meeting 2026-27!

DATE: Sunday, September 27, 2026
LOCATION: Oakridge Community Center, 63 Pharmacy Ave, Scarborough, ON M1L 4S9

Dear Community Members,

SAWRO is a grassroots, member-led, non-profit organization run by community women to serve our community. Every year, our registered members have the opportunity to vote for the organization’s officers and board members. This year, members will participate in the 2026–27 Governance Election.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is an opportunity for members to:
- Learn about SAWIS programs and activities
Review the organization’s governance and financial activities for 2025–26
- Participate in the 2026–27 governance election
- Help shape the future leadership of our organization

Please Note

The AGM and election are for registered members only. To confirm your membership or registration status, please contact us. Spots are limited — please register in advance!

Also, this AGM and election will be held IN PERSON ONLY. There will be no virtual/online option.

For more information, please see the attached flyer and refer to the agenda link for details about the AGM and election.

View the 2026-27 AGM Agenda HERE!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YB-re5FC-IOiRQuCdFC9DNFNIve5iy3C/view?usp=sharing

09/22/2026

REMINDER: The City of Toronto will be holding its elections on Monday, October 26, 2026. For more information on where to vote, your ward, and who the candidates are, check out City of Toronto’s website:https://myvote.toronto.ca/home

If you are in Ward 20 (Scarborough Southwest) or Ward 19 (Beaches East-York), check out the forums taking place in your neighbourhoods to get to know your candidates!

1. Ward 19 -- Beaches East-York
On Monday, September 28, 2026 at 6PM, residents are organizing an all-candidate forum at Taylor-Massey Square. Check out the flyer below to register and attend the session!

Check it out here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYt6H6ID5ZaYVeU_h0ETMV98w-_ZzNuhjsIrTYRCeqkjHTBA/viewform

2. Ward 20 -- Scarborough Southwest
On Monday, September 28, 2026 at 6:30PM, local community groups, including SAWIS, are organizing an all-candidate forum at West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Center.

Check it out here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ward-20-scarborough-southwest-municipal-candidates-forum-tickets-2001968956039

Get out, hear from candidates, and vote in this upcoming election!

09/22/2026

On September 20, 2026, SAWIS joined migrants, refugees, international students, and advocates and allies at the Rally and March for Migrants Justice at Christie Pits Park.

Across Canada, migrants are facing growing uncertainty as immigration policies tighten. Work and study permits are expiring, renewals are becoming more difficult, refugees are facing increased pressure, and families are more at risk of separation and deportation.

At the same time, working-class people are facing high rents, low wages, cuts to public services, and growing insecurity; problems that migrants are increasingly being blamed for.

This fall, the federal government will make decisions that shape who can stay, who can secure permanent status, and who will be pushed out.

The Rally and March for Migrants Justice focused on addressing the exploitation faced by migrants across all statuses -- from wage theft, cuts to healthcare services, precarious and unsafe housing, and exclusions from safety nets.

And most importantly, migrants are calling for a fair and humane immigration system: one that respects the dignity, rights and contributions of migrant workers and their families.

This Cross-Country Day of Action called for:

Status for all: Permanent resident status for migrants already here, and permanent resident status on arrival for migrants coming in the future.
Renew permits: Automatically renew expired and expiring work and study permits, restore status, and ensure no one is pushed into exploitation or deportation.
End exploitation: End employer-tied permits. Ensure equal labour rights, safe housing, healthcare, services, and real enforcement against abusive bosses.
Stop deportations: End removals, detention, family separation, and attacks on refugees.
Our message is clear: Security of one, is security for all!!

09/15/2026

UPCOMING CITY ELECTIONS!

Haven't heard? City of Toronto announced that the regular election will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026. During this election, Toronto-residents will be voting for Toronto's mayor and your local councillor+trustee.

Check out the information below on voting dates/times, who can vote, and how to vote!

https://myvote.toronto.ca/home

09/08/2026

HAPPENING ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20!

Our community is living the challenges created by recent changes to immigration policies and settlement services. Expiring permits, changing rules, narrowing pathways to residency ... all of these have adverse impacts on our community member's ability to work and live dignified lives in Canada.

Stand up and speak out!

TORONTO - Rally and March
2pm, Sunday, September 20, 2026
Christie Pits Park
RSVP TODAY: https://actionnetwork.org/events/sep20to/

09/08/2026

SAWIS Annual General Meeting 2026-27!

DATE: Sunday, September 27, 2026
LOCATION: Oakridge Community Center, 63 Pharmacy Ave, Scarborough, ON M1L 4S9

Dear Community Members,

SAWRO is a grassroots, member-led, non-profit organization run by community women to serve our community. Every year, our registered members have the opportunity to vote for the organization’s officers and board members. This year, members will participate in the 2026–27 Governance Election.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is an opportunity for members to:
- Learn about SAWIS programs and activities
Review the organization’s governance and financial activities for 2025–26
- Participate in the 2026–27 governance election
- Help shape the future leadership of our organization

Please Note

The AGM and election are for registered members only. To confirm your membership or registration status, please contact us. Spots are limited — please register in advance!

Also, this AGM and election will be held IN PERSON ONLY. There will be no virtual/online option.

For more information, please see the attached flyer and refer to the agenda link for details about the AGM and election.

View the 2026-27 AGM Agenda HERE!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YB-re5FC-IOiRQuCdFC9DNFNIve5iy3C/view?usp=sharing

08/19/2026

From yesterday's all-candidate forum!