MPP Wong-Tam stands with Rayah Café owners as they face unfair eviction

TORONTO – MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre) joined Wafa El Rhazi, owner of Rayah Café, and Aaron Binder of the Better Way Alliance at Rayah Café today to stand against unfair eviction threats from their landlord.

“It is unacceptable that small businesses in our province take the risk of investing in our communities with little to no security,” said Wong-Tam. “The province needs to support local businesses like Rayah and explore commercial rent control, standardized commercial leases, and faster mechanisms to resolve disputes fairly.”

“Many small businesses are being bullied and forced out of their locations,” added Rayah owner Wafa El Rhazi. “Because Ontario does not have a standard commercial lease, landlords can unilaterally and in bad faith lock tenants out of their businesses without oversight or third-party intervention.”

“This is where Ontario can lead,” said Aaron Binder of the Better Way Alliance. “The Ford government can be the first government in this country to fix a system that lets bad actors win. It is not complicated: standardized leases and affordable, fast, and fair dispute resolution. Ontario can do this tomorrow.”

“The economic activity and buzz around Rayah Café are exactly what Ontario should be showing off to the world on the opening day of the FIFA World Cup,” said Wong-Tam.