Kimberly Rogers Inquest Alerts

Kimberly Rogers Inquest - Wed., Nov. 20, 2002 - Day 22
Ontario Social Safety NetWork (OSSN) Summary

Dr. Isaac Sakinofsky continued his testimony this morning as follows:

- Statistically, it is unusual for a pregnant woman in her third trimester to commit suicide... but it's a myth that pregnant women don't commit suicide.

- Dr. Sakinofsky was critical of the OW rate -- $520 less rent and less overpayment. Coroner reminds him that the baby would have received a supplement when born. Doctor's response was "Yes, but how much."

- Dr. Sakinofsky was asked by counsel for Public Safety, "If we're dealing with someone who is that secretive and private, how do we develop recommendations to prevent this?"

Janet Gasparini, ED of Sudbury SPC, gave evidence about community issues and resources in Sudbury.

- SPC is doing ongoing homelessness study, funded by City of Sudbury; 3 ½ year longitudinal study. Also doing Social Inclusion study to combat stigma of mental health. SPC works with other community agencies and handles emergency funds.

- SPC was contacted about Kimberly Rogers when her welfare was cancelled after fraud conviction. They were asked to help out of their Community Emergency Fund, which is about $10,000. This is considered an absolutely last resort, when all other possibilities for help have been exhausted. They gave her $68 so she could keep her telephone, as a phone was considered essential for a pregnant woman alone.

- The Red Cross administers a rent bank for emergency arrears. That fund is exhausted this year. There was no other potential source of funding in the community to help Ms. Rogers or someone like her.

- There are 89 shelter beds in Sudbury; not nearly enough for the need.

- Food banks and soup kitchens are only other source of help: you can only go to food banks once per month.

- The level of assistance is just not enough. Homelessness study shows that after the average cost of housing and the average cost of a basic healthy food basket, there is virtually nothing left for transportation, phone, clothing. A person needs transportation and reasonable clothes to look for a job.

- People in community agencies are burned out from dealing with people in such desperate situations.

- There was absolutely no ability for the community to deal with the needs of Kimberly Rogers on a long-term basis.

- Ms. Gasparini discussed the myths about welfare; we have to become aware and sensitive to the issues. She also stated that government must do research and consultation before implementing policies with such a serious impact.

- Under further questioning from OSSN counsel Cindy Wilkey, Ms. Gasparini went into further detail about the Homelessness study; the reasons for homelessness, and their recommendations.

- She also explained the Mental Health awareness (social inclusion) project which combats the stigmatization of people with mental health problems. A similar project could be developed for to deal with welfare stigma.

- Ms. Gasparini was asked to comment on the brief presented to the City of Sudbury by the Committee to Remember Kimberly Rogers. The jury was sent out at that point for arguments on the admissibility of that brief, or parts of it, specifically the appendices, which include the nutritious food basket research and a list of the municipalities which have passed resolutions opposing the lifetime ban. Those will be allowed in.

Ian Morrison, expert witness called by the OSSN/SCSA will testify tomorrow, November 21st.

Barbara Anello and Nancy Vander Plaats
Ontario Social Safety NetWork (OSSN)