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DisAbled Women's Network: DAWN ONTARIO

What's New - 2003

Follow this link to view archives of
additions to the site from 2002
additions to the site from 2001

Check out our Events Calendar events, conferences etc
Check out our Featured News & Alerts page
Check out our LINKS page

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McGuinty's First Throne Speech focuses on Restraint
Special Throne Speech Edition - United Ways of Ontario


Ontario Election 2003: Organizing Information & Resources for Social Justice Activists

Sign our GUESTBOOK!


Google

  Search DAWN Ontario website Search the WWW


 

 

December 22, 2003
DisAbility News of Interest
:

Ottawa gets serious on mental health - Canada the only G8 country without a national policy
Ottawa is finally paying close attention to mental health issues, according to experts in mental health policy who spoke at a recent meeting of the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA). Much of the discussion centered on the work of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. Its chairman, Senator Michael Kirby, outlined the committee's specific focus on mental health and mental illness. Source: Medical Post, November 18, 2003, Volume 39 Issue 42

The True Story Project: Where Theater and the True Nature of Disability Meet
by Ross M. Wolfarth (Half the Planet)
--- "In artistic programs for people with disabilities, there is a dangerous tendency to let the disability take precedence over the art. The True Story Project is an acting company that overcomes that tendency. Rather than treating the productions of its troupe of disabled adult actors as therapy, The True Story Project holds its performers to a standard comparable to that of any other professional company. And by doing so, The True Story Project uses its genuine art to demonstrate the unique and yet fundamentally human experience of Americans with disabilities."

Music for Deaf Persons
by Bruno Cruz Petit ---
"The title of this article could be ironic or a joke for some, including deaf persons. That is what happened to a friend, a music teacher, at arriving at a school for the deaf and being told that he was hired to teach music. Music for deaf people? How are we to explain the evolution of music from Bach to the Beatles to someone who cannot hear their works?" Source: Reprinted from Esperanza on Disability World

December 21, 2003
A
dditions to the site include:

Examination of Disability in the Context of Sustainable Human & Social Development from Chapter 33 in the Universal Design Handbook
Written by CJ Walsh, t
his Paper examines "disability" and "contextual factors" from the broad perspective of Sustainable Human and Social Development. It remains, then, for the reader to decide whether or not the concepts of "Universal Design/Design-for-All" are sufficiently elastic to remain on the European Disability Agenda for the short term - up to the year 2010.


December 20, 2003
A
dditions to the site include:

Send the Hon. Coell/Cruel in BC a Clear Message
Stop hurting people in need! Rescind the two year limit on welfare!
Coell/Cruel billboard located on Pat Bay Highway from Dec-15-03 to Jan-15-04
Sponsored by End Legislated Poverty - caricature is by Dirk Van Stralen

List of organizations involved in Income Support work in Ontario
http://dawn.thot.net/coalition-work.html

Letter to Premier McGuinty from the Association of Community Legal Clinics of Ontario (ACLCO) calling for an Increase to Social Assistance Rates
http://dawn.thot.net/aclco.html

Organizing Information & Resources for Ontario Social Justice Activists
http://dawn.thot.net/organizing-ontario.html

December 15 - 19, 2003
Additions to our Kimberly Rogers site include:

 

December 10, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Disability in Canada: A 2001 Profile
Report released by Human Resources Development Canada highlights selected findings from Statistics Canada's 2001 Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS).
The report is available on HRDC's website in HTML, text, and PDF formats.
HTML: http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/hrib/sdd-dds/odi/documents/PALS/PALS000.shtml
Text: http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/hrib/sdd-dds/odi/documents/PALS/PALS.txt
PDF: http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/hrib/sdd-dds/odi/documents/pdfs/PALS.pdf [size: 4.3 mb]

 

December 7, 2003
Additions to the site include:

New from the Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD)
*
Strategies to Ensure Economic Security for All Canadians
* Urban Poverty Project

 

December 6, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Honouring our beloved daughters, sisters and friends - NUPGE - Dec. 6, 2003 - Montreal tragedy happened 14 years ago today

Canadians called to remember and take action against violence against women - Status of Women Canada News Release dd Dec. 6, 2003



December 5, 2003

Additions to the site include:

"The Failed Experiment - Gun Control and Public Safety in Canada, Australia, England and Wales" - New Gun Control Study released by Fraser Institute - Nov. 2003
Op/Ed by tOM Trottier


December 3, 2003 - International Day for Persons with Disabilities
Additions to the site include:

Celebrate the 2004 Youth Exchange on the International Day of Disabled Persons
The Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability (ALACD) is pleased to celebrate the International Day of Disabled Persons by inviting 50 young people from across Canada to Ottawa for the experience of a lifetime. In partnership with premiere sponsor, Pfizer Canada Inc., the fourth annual Youth Exchange will be held in Ottawa at Carleton University from June 29 to July 4, 2004. This event is supported by the YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada program which is funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage. Read More =>


VIA Rail to Appeal Ruling

Previously Enablelinker reported news that the disability community had proved victorious in a Canadian Transportation Agency ruling against VIA Rail. The ruling obliges the company to make all of its rail cars accessible. However, the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD), which lodged the original complaint, has just received notice that VIA Rail is launching an appeal of the decision. In a recent press release, CCD declared:

“Now Canadians with disabilities face another lengthy and costly legal battle to ensure we can use the trains. At the end, when we win, VIA - who is now retrofitting these same cars to meet Canadian safety standards - will have to rip those cars apart again to make them accessible. Canadian taxpayers will pay again and again for VIA’s mismanagement in purchasing unsafe and inaccessible passenger rail cars.”

For more information or to find out how to contact your MP about this issue, contact CCD at 204-947-0303 or visit their website at http://www.ccdonline.ca

Watch Your Back!
The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) has developed a list of recommendations for safe snow shoveling through the winter months. It reports that many Canadians experience muscle fatigue, low back and/or shoulder pain, vertebral disc damage and even spinal fractures during the winter season. For a list of back- friendly tips for safe snow shoveling, visit the CPA website at http://www.physiotherapy.ca/release2003_9.htm


November 28, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Master and Slave - Op/Ed by tOM Trottier


November 26, 2003
Additions to the site include:

choose to change this - Women and children more at risk in province
Read the report released by OAITH - Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses - on Monday, Nov. 24, 2003 at Queen's Park. (Reproduced from PDF file) "Since June 1995: 161 women, 21 children, 10 family and friends murdered.   33% increase in murders of women between 2000 and 2001--virtually all in Ontario" - The title of this report is borrowed from the Liberal Party election campaign slogan "choose change" because we look forward to a new approach that will offer hope to women and children experiencing violence in Ontario. Abused women work hard every day to change their lives and the lives of their children. Governments can take women's lives from poverty to promise, from fear to freedom--if they choose to take action now. During November Wife Assault Prevention Month in Ontario, we especially look forward to positive and speedy change.

Research Paper – The Legal Concept of Employment : Marginalizing Workers - Now available on the Law Commission of Canada’s web site, the research report: “The Legal Concept of Employment: Marginalizing Workers“ by Judy Fudge, Eric Tucker & Leah Vosko of York University. The report provides an interesting statistical, historical and legal analysis of self-employment in Canada. The report, which was funded by the Law Commission of Canada & Human Resources Development Canada, was produced for a project examining law reform and policy options to better meet the needs of vulnerable workers in Canada. Copies of this Research report are available at this pinpoint URL:
English:
http://www.lcc.gc.ca/en/themes/er/tvw/worker_main.asp
Français: http://www.lcc.gc.ca/fr/themes/er/tvw/worker_main.asp

 

In recognition of the United Nations International Day of Disabled Persons, the National Film Board of Canada and the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres will present a special live web cast screening and discussion of the film "Bearing Witness: Luke Melchior - Dec 3, 2003 7 pm ESTUnited Nations International Day of Disabled Persons The National Film Board of Canada & the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC) will present a special live web cast screening & discussion of the film Bearing Witness: Luke Melchior on December 3, 2003 at 7 pm EST

 

 

November 25, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Stop Violence Against Women
website launched Nov. 25, International Day Against Violence Against Women by Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, in cooperation with UNIFEM & Network Women's Program of OSI

 

November 23, 2003
Additions to the site include:

November 23 - 29, 2003 is Child Poverty Awareness Week
Test your knowledge of Child & Family Poverty by taking the Child Poverty Quiz
and find out what needs to happen to ensure the well-being of children and families

 

November 21, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Speech from the Throne - Strengthening The Foundation For Change
Text of first Throne Speech of the new McGuinty government

McGuinty's First Throne Speech focuses on Restraint
Special Throne Speech Edition - United Ways of Ontario


TAKE ACTION!

The Throne Speech ignored the Liberal Party's campaign promise to increase welfare benefits by the cost of living for the first time in eight years. Social Services Minister Sandra Pupatello said the government can't afford to increase benefits now because of the $5.6 billion deficit left by the former Tory government. 'Our goal will be to do exactly that ... timing is going to be the issue... because we have some huge fiscal challenges,' she said.

It is absolutely essential that MPPs across the province hear from their constituents that this is an outrageous violation of promises made during the election, and a callous disregard for the lives of the people who have been suffering for years without enough income to survive in the richest province in one of the richest countries in the world.

Call your MPP today
, and demand that they take immediate steps to raise the rates.
Ontario MPP contact information available at http://olaap.ontla.on.ca/mpp/contact.jsp

 

November 19, 2003
Additions to the site include:

ACTION Alert - Uncovering the truth: Why was Maher Arar deported to Syria?

Canadian citizen Maher Arar was subjected to torture, repeated interrogation and horrific conditions while being held without charge for over a year in Syria. His fundamental rights were violated after being detained in the in the US in September 2002 and accused of links to "terrorism". Amnesty International is calling for a public inquiry into what role, if any, Canadian law enforcement and security agencies played in his deportation to Syria. Without the answers, there is no guarantee it won't happen again. Read More || TAKE ACTION: Sign the online petition

Child Poverty & Housing Crisis
North Bay Network for Social Action - Media Advisory dd Nov. 19, 2003
The North Bay Network for Social Action will hold a Press Conference Friday, November 21, 2003 at 11:00 A.M at the Catholic Centre, 387 Algonquin Avenue

 

November 18, 2003
Additions to the site include:

ACTION Alert - Liberals Fast track New Adams Mine Bid
Nov. 18, 2003 - Public Concern Temiskaming:
Barely 30 days into office, the new Liberal government has made the shocking decision to issue a draft permit to drain the Adams Mine. The draft permit sets the stage for Adams Mine Rail Haul to begin pumping 26 million litres of groundwater out of the pit, everyday for to up two years. Once drained, the pit will then be filled with garbage. The move flies in the face of an election promise by Premier Dalton McGuinty to halt all development at Adams Mine pending a full review of the controversial project. Read More =>


November 11 -12, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Have you seen Cecilia Zhang? 9 year-old Missing Girl
The missing girl has been identified as Dong-Yue (Cecilia) ZHANG a 9-year old grade 4 student at Seneca Hill Public School, Ontario Canada. Her parents last saw the child when she went to bed on Sunday night (Oct. 19th, 2003). Her disappearance was not noticed until Monday morning shortly before 8:30 A.M. She is described as; female, Asian, 9 years of age, 4'11", 70lbs, thin build, shoulder length black hair with blond highlights, brown eyes, wearing unknown clothig. Anyone with Information is asked to contact 33 Division at (416) 808-3300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

 

Presentation to Judy Marsales, MPP, and staff of Ted McMeekin MPP -- At the Meeting of the Campaign for Adequate Welfare and Disability Benefits (CAWDB) on Nov. 12, 2003 - Presented by Mike Hogeterp and Darlene Burkett

November 11, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Hon. Jean Augustine speaking on Beijing platform of Action
The Honourable Jean Augustine, Secretary of State, will be guest speaker at a public forum Sunday, November 16, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at Committee Room 1, Toronto City Hall. The event is being sponsored by The Older Women's Network, an organization committed to act in support of justice, equality, dignity and respect for older women in Ontario. Read More


November 7, 2003
Additions to the site include:


UN Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women

Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) media release

In recognizing the UN Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 7th), the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) calls upon the public, governments and communities to join social workers in working towards the amelioration of the social and economic conditions that contribute to the persistence of violence against women. Read More =>

United Ways of Ontario's Government Relations Bulletin - Issue dd Nov. 7, 2003

* New Government, New Ministries, and New Committees
* McGuinty Moves Swiftly to Tackle Deficit
* Food Banks Struggle with Growing Hunger
* Study Cites Factors Driving Dramatic increase in Children’s Aid Cases
* Ontario to End Hydro Rate Freeze
* Commission Seeks Removal of Barriers for Disabled Students
* B.C.’s Two-Year Welfare Cut-off Challenged


November 3, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Call for Abstracts for the inaugural meeting of the Canadian Disability Studies Association
Abstracts invited from academics, community members and graduate students for papers/panels on the intersections with (and within) disability and disability studies, including disability and medicine; social policy and disability; disability history; the immigrant experience and disability; law and disability; disability and queerness; disability and culture; disability in literature; feminism and disability; ethics and disability, disability and pedagogy; and disability and personal/private space.

 

November 2, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Access to Breast Cancer Screening Programs for Women with Disabilities
by Maria Barile -- Equal access to health services for women with disabilities to health services is a constant concern in all aspects of throughout their life cycles. Often, women with disabilities are denied services provided to women simply because these services are “unintentionally” geared to non-disabled women. In some cases, as in the case of breast-cancer screening, this inequality of access for all women with disabilities can have life-threatening consequences. Read More =>

 

October 31, 2003
Addition to the site

Alternative Federal Budget predicts substantial surpluses and spending room, despite Ottawa¹s fear mongering
Press Release: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives dd Oct-31-2003
OTTAWA:
Despite John Manley and Paul Martin¹s repeated warnings of a dismal fiscal outlook, the Alternative Federal Budget¹s calculations show Canadians can expect an underlying federal surplus of $6.6 billion in fiscal year 2003-04. Read More =>


October 28, 2003
Addition to the site

Bad walls make bad neighbours
Op/Ed by tOM Trottier


October 24, 2003
Addition to the site

Message from the Coalition for Fair Opposition
NDP Party Status


October 14, 2003
Addition to the site

October 17th - the International Day Against Poverty
Poverty is a human rights violation. Every woman, man, youth and child has the human right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being, to food, clothing, housing, medical care and social services. These fundamental human rights are defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, CEDAW, the International Covenants and other widely adhered to international human rights treaties and Declarations -- powerful tools that can empower efforts for social and economic justice worldwide.
How much do you know about poverty? Take these Poverty Quizzes:

World Poverty Quiz
Poverty in Canada Quiz


October 13, 2003
Addition to the site

Spotlight on Angie Sandow
Co-founder & lead guitarist of Bare Rump: AC/DC Tribute band
Angie Sandow is a musician with a disability living in Mississauga, Ontario who has been playing the electric guitar for nearly 25 years. 3 years ago, Angie and her musician/drummer husband, Lloyd Walsh, formed a band called "Bare Rump" - a tribute band to the music of AC/DC. Angie is the "Angus" or lead guitarist. One of the reasons why Angie chose to do this was because she wanted to show people what a person with disability can achieve. Read More =>

 

October 1, 2003
Announcement

Elections Ontario Needs Volunteers to Participate in an Important Survey
On behalf of Elections Ontario, Ipsos-Reid - the national opinion research firm - will be conducting a comprehensive research project among eligible voters (whether they voted or not). The findings will help us make further improvements to the administration and management of the electoral process in Ontario. The survey will take about 20 minutes to complete and will be conducted in English. If the nature of your disability would make it difficult for you to do a telephone interview, please contact Ipsos-Reid at Toll free 1-888-666-8541, TTY 1-888-292-2312, or email electionsurvey@ipsos-reid.com. Read More =>


September 29, 2003
Added to the site

Who cares about Ontario's poor? Op/Ed in Toronto Star - Sept. 29, 2003
by Sarah Blackstock And Jacquie Chic

It should outrage all of us. But it doesn't. Nearly 2 million people in this rich province live in poverty. In spite of this, poverty has barely been mentioned by candidates in the current election campaign. Why? Perhaps, after eight years of Progressive Conservate rants blaming poor people for their own poverty, we've started to believe the rhetoric. However, the consequences of buying into such rhetoric are dire.We would do well right now to take a lead from the jury which examined the death of Kimberly Rogers. Eight months pregnant, convicted of welfare fraud and sentenced to house arrest during the height of summer, Rogers died in August, 2001. Read More =>

Update in the case of Bilquis and Imran!
(disabled women and her teenage son)
On September 17, 2003 Bilquis and Imran received approval to appeal their PRRA rejection to the Federal Court of Appeal. The percentage of claimants that are approved for an appeal hearing is under 10% and this major victory has undoubtedly been due to the massive political campaign in support of Bilquis and Imran all around the country. Thank you to the hundreds of supporters and allies who have previously written to Minister Coderre, attended press conferences and rallies, organized solidarity actions and campaigns in various cities and offered their support to Bilquis and Imran and all the Pakistani refugees.

Their appearing at the Federal Court of Appeal is set for December and until then a stay has been granted and they are being released from detention on Monday September 29, 2003. Their case HAS NOT BEEN WON until they are granted a permanent stay and their deportation order is overturned. Minister Coderre still has the ability to intervene and stop the deportation and our campaign must continue.Read More & TAKE ACTION =>

September 26, 2003
Added to the site

Access to Justice - Governance in the America
Deadline for responses to questionnaire Tues. Sept. 29, 2003

Women from across Canada are invited to participate in an Americas-wide project to assess the progress made by the region’s governments in the areas of: access to justice, freedom of expression, access to information,civil society participation and strengthening local governments since the 2001 Summit of the Americas in Quebec City. Information on the current legal/regulatory state of these issues in theory and practice will be collected in 21 participating countries, including Canada.
Follow this link for a brief
description of the Access to Justice Project
Follow this link for some information about the Canadian Foundation for the Americas
Follow this link to read and respond to the questionnaire
Follow this link to print & respond to the questionnaire
(10 pgs + cover)
Rich Text Format size 504 kb
-
Accessible to Word & WordPerfect users
Word Document size 226 kb


September 25, 2003
Added to the site

Court Overturns Stoning Sentence of Woman in Nigeria
Amina Lawal Case Update - Sept. 25, 2003

Strategic Voting? Hold Your Nose

CHANGE the Voting System - Take Action - Contact your MP!
We have the opportunity to finally change the way our federal politicians are elected. Members of Parliament will be voting on Tuesday, September 30th on a motion to call a referendum asking Canadians if they would like to change the electoral system to proportional representation.

McGuinty in the middle by Scott Piatkowski
Anyone keeping score had to give Hampton top marks for staying on topic, for consistency and for actually proposing ideas.
Ontario Liberal leader Dalton McGuinty has developed a strategy for exceeding the expectations of voters. Aided admirably by the Conservatives' negative campaign against him, McGuinty has systematically ensured that those expectations are so low that he exceeds them simply by showing up and not tripping over his own tongue. Aside from his surprising revelation that we are now living in 2005, he did that Tuesday evening in the televised leaders' debate. Read More on Rabble =>


September 24, 2003

Added to the site

Happy Retirement to Gilles Seguin from HRDC
Publisher of Canadian Social Research Links - a virtual resource centre for Canadian social program information

Justice with Dignity (Jwd) Action Package - September 2003


September 20, 2003
Research Posting:

Sudbury emergency food aid because of August blackout was badly done
Anti-Poverty Group, City Squabble Over Blackout Payments
Contrast Sudbury's $50 for singles and up to $125 for families with Hamilton's measly $10 and $20 vouchers. In both cities, the responsible authority failed to get the word out effectively

Obstacles to Justice Research Project
This is a research project aimed at identifying obstacles in the justice system which prevent or discourage sexual assault survivors' access. The project will examine the current trend towards criminalizing women or making them responsible for men's violence (eg. dual charging, using the defense of provocation in aid of violent men, criminalizing women when they do not give abusive fathers access to their children, and requiring that women supervise/monitor the violent behaviour of abusive fathers in the home). Read Project Descriptions & Questions =>


September 19, 2003

Additions to the site:

When Social Policy is Health Policy MS Word doc size 1.3 mb
Why Increasing Poverty & Low Income Threatens Canadians' Health & Health Care System by Dennis Raphael
- School Of Health Policy & Management, York University
Dennis Raphael, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the School of Health Policy and Management at York University in Toronto, Canada. The most recent of his over 100 scientific publications have focused on the health effects of income inequality and poverty, the quality of life of communities and individuals, and the impact of government decisions on North American's health He is co-editing the volume Social Determinants of Health: Canadian Perspectives" that reports the findings from a Health Canada funded national conference he organized at York last November. Many of his papers and presentations on these topics are available for downloading and distribution from the Library in his website.


September 18, 2003
Additions to the site:

Series of helpful Q & A sheets on the child tax benefit, the minimum wage and social assistance, developed by John Fraser, former policy analyst with the Income Security Advocacy Centre.

Leaving Welfare for Work? Questions & Answers

Child Benefits in Ontario? Questions & Answers

Minimum Wage - Questions & Answers

 

September 16, 2003
Additions to the site:

Political Campaign in Support of Bilquis & Imran
Disabled woman & her teenaged son to be deported - Reason(s) given: "Cost" to Canadians - Contact Members of Parliament Today!

 

September 8, 2003
Additions to the site:

Ontario Health Coalition - Election Planning Kit #1
All Candidates' Meeting Planning


September 6, 2003

Additions to the site:

The Killing of Dudley George - Eight Years on Many Questions Remain Unanswered
Dudley George
was killed by a sniper on Sept. 6, 1995
, when the Ontario Provincial Police attacked a small group of unarmed protestors occupying Ipperwash Provincial Park. Eight years later, critical questions remain unanswered about the decision to use force against the protestors and the influence of government officials. Amnesty International released this week, a new report on the case, Canada: Why there must be a public inquiry into the police killing of Dudley GeorgeCanada: Why there must be a public inquiry into the police killing of Dudley George

 

September 5, 2003
Additions to the site:

Make poverty an election issue in your community: Sept 10 province wide event

With nearly 2 million people in Ontario living below the poverty line, politicians in this province need to take poverty seriously. They need to commit to raising the minimum wage and social assistance rates. On Sept 10, in communities across Ontario, activists will be making it clear to political candidates that raising the minimum wage and social assistance rates must be a priority. Read More =>


September 4, 2003

EI Program robs workers, especially women

Women who work to support their families and pay for unemployment insurance protection get robbed by the federal government. A new report released today shows that the EI Program, which was set up to administer unemployment insurance in 1996, pays insurance to just one third of working women who lose their jobs. Read More on the Canadian Labour Congress site. Read More

 

September 3, 2003
Additions to the site include:

ODSP Issues in Provincial Election Campaign - Questions for Ontario Election 2003

ODSP Fact Sheet - Media Stats

Ontario Election 2003 - Organizing Information & Resources for Social Justice Activists

70+ links to a comprehensive collection of information about social justice campaigns happening around the Ontario provincial election called for Oct 2, 2003


September 2, 2003

Announcement

Pls note our mailing address is no longer valid as the place where our post office box was housed closed its door as of Sept 2/03 - New address to be advised

Ontarians With Disabilities Act (ODA) Committee Election Ontario Action Kit
United to Achieve a Barrier-Free Ontario

The ODA Committee is a voluntary coalition of individuals & community organizations who have united to secure the passage in Ontario of a new law which would achieve a barrier-free society for people with disabilities. For the Oct. 2, 2003 Ontario Election, we've launched a campaign to move forward on the long, challenging road to a barrier-free Ontario for 1.9 million Ontarians with disabilities.
ODA Committee Action Kit
ODA Committee Election 2003 Leaflet
ODA Committee Chronology

Election 2003 Political Parties Voting Record Factsheet


August 29, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Postal Workers Torn on Contract
For the next month, Canadian postal workers will be voting to accept or reject the contract their union negotiated last month. Most agree that finally contacting-in some 6,000 Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers was a massive gain. But some union locals say that came at the expense of too many concessions for the traditional urban membership. Read more =>

Florida Governor Jeb Bush Sends Lawyers to Represent a Fetus:
Targeting A Mentally Retarded Pregnant Woman for Pro-Life Intervention

FindLaw columnist and Rutgers law professor Sherry Colb discusses a new angle on the controversial decision by Governor Jeb Bush to seek the appointment of a fetal guardian in an abortion controversy. In the case in which he has sought a guardian, the woman at issue is a mentally disabled rape victim. Colb argues that the fact that Governor Bush chose hers as the test case for fetal guardianship should trouble all Americans -- whether pro-life or pro-choice. Read More =>

Feeding the Poor in Yorkville from rabble.ca
While no one got to literally "Eat the Rich" at OCAP's feast in Toronto's Yorkville, people who would ordinarily only go into the posh neighbourhood to work as waiters got a chance to wine and dine like working class kings and queens. Read more =>

 

August 26, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Disablement and Feminisation of Poverty by Maria Barile
"From the economic viewpoint, one can infer that poverty and disablement are synonymous with each other. What happens when poverty and disability are experienced at the same time?" Article looks into the economic and social experiences of women with disability based on the Canadian experience.

 

Plain Talk - Summer 2003 Issue
Newsletter of the Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC)
Looking for justice in all the wrong places
Low Income People Hit Hardest By Blackout
ISAC Persuades Premier To Declare ODSP Offices An Essential Service
ISAC's Income Security Consultation
Ontario Needs a Raise!
An Ontario Child Benefit?
Regional Updates
The "Lifetime Ban" Goes to Court
ISAC AGM Notice

 

August 23, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Polaris InstituteWTO Pusher profile: ACCENTUREA
Identifying Characteristics: Big business consultants who are big-time privatization pushers of gov't services, especially social services. Makes lots of money replacing people's jobs with machines, love to slash welfare benefits, & pillage public health care & education funds.
Persistent Patterns:
Appetite for privatizing welfare & social services. Hunger for profits satisfied through the elimination of public sector jobs. Has a record for major cost overruns & receiving payments far greater than initial projections. Despite substantial profiteering, practices major job cts on their own.

Known Hangouts:
Head office 40 King St. W. Toronto. Check out www.accenture.com for more locations Known Aliases: Was known as Andersen Consulting, changed name in Jan. 2001, in largest, most costly "re-branding" effort in history.
Known Allies:
Member of a number of influential business groups including the U.S. Coalition of Service Industries (USCSI), a major GATS pusher. Connections to Shell Oil's nasty activities in Nigeria and Inco's pillaging of Innu Land in Labrador.
Follow this link for more detailed information
GATS Pusher Profile: ACCENTURE


More Cut-Offs of BC's Most Vulnerable - People with DisAbilities (PWD)
Today's Georgia Straight article by Bill Tieleman is about the BC Liberal Government's ongoing threats to people with disabilities (PWDs), and about what intentions the BC Liberals' most recent media spin is likely designed to cover up. The BC Liberals designed its arduous 23-page reassessment process to reduce the number of people with disabilities (PWDs) who qualify to receive disability benefits (maximum $786 monthly). However, evidence now suggests that the PWDs who (between October 2002 -- April 2003) were exempted from the reassessment process (because the ministry considered them unable to complete it for medical/disability reasons) are still likely to be reassessed and, for those PWDs again unable to successfully complete the arduous form and process, are still likely to be cut off their disability benefits income . . . Read More =>

BC Court Victory - DisAbilities, Autism
Another at least temporary court victory for People with Disabilities! In this case there are implications for at least children with autism. Read More =>


August 19, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Amina Lawal: continuing appeals process to prevent execution by stoning:
TAKE ACTION: Please sign the Amnesty International Petition

Provincial Party Leaders Respond to Letter from Ontario’s Religious Leaders
Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition (ISARC) - On 24 Feb, 2003, a letter from Ontario religious leaders was sent to each of the three Ontario provincial party leaders asking him to respond to six questions within the next six weeks. ISARC was asked to receive the letters and distribute them to religious leaders and various coalitions. The responses from the two opposition leaders came by 1 April 2003. After numerous calls to both Premier Ernie Eves MPP & Minister Brenda Elliott MPP, ISARC finally received the government’s letter, dated 10 June 2003. All responses under each leader are complete, unedited quotes from their letters. No information was deleted except salutations & closings. Read More

 

August 14, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Disablement and Feminisation of Poverty by Maria Barile
From the economic viewpoint, one can infer that poverty and disablement are synonymous with each other. What happens when poverty and disability are experienced at the same time? This article will look into the economic and social experiences of women with disability based on the Canadian experience. Read More =>

 

August 13, 2003
Additions to the site include:

New Snapshot of Family Violence
Family violence now accounts for one-quarter of all violent crimes reported to Canadian police services, according to new data from Statistics Canada. The vast majority of victims (85%) were women, and two-thirds of perpetrators were spouses or ex-spouses. Read More =>

Kids with Disabilities & Families Struggle
... 155,000 Canadian kids with disabilities & their families NOT getting the help they need

Data recently released by Statistics Canada examining the lives of the estimated 155,000 Canadian children (ages 5 to 14) with some form of activity-limiting condition reveals they and their parents don’t always get the help they need. Read More =>

Ontario Settles Pay Equity Dispute ... Affecting 100,000 Ontario Women
In June a settlement was reached in a long-standing pay equity dispute affecting more than 100,000 Ontario women. The settlement covers female dominated workplaces in the public sector and many community-based organizations that receive transfer payments from the province. Read More =>

 

August 12, 2003
Additions to the site include:


W32.Blaster.Worm - Virus Alert & Steps to Recovery
In mid-July, Microsoft issues a critical update about a security hole that made Windows systems vulnerable to viruses. Microsoft urged users to download and install a software update to "patch" the hole / vulnerability. Computers running Windows XP were among the systems that needed to be patched. Apparently, some people didn't get the message (or couldn't get the update to work). A new computer virus/worm that takes advantage of the security hole is spreading rapidly around the world this week. The worm is known by several names, including "MS Blaster" & "Lovesan." Read More

August 10, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Prisoners' Justice Day - August 10
August 10th is a day set aside to remember all the men and women who have died unnatural deaths inside Canadian prisons. This August 10th marks the 27th Anniversary of Prison Justice Day, a day when prisoners across the country go on a one day hunger strike and work stoppage to protest the deaths of all the men and women who die at the hands of an apathetic prison system. Read More =>

 

August 9, 2003
Additions to the site include:

A look at what a Budget can buy
on the 2nd Anniversary of the death of Kimberly Rogers
by Barbara Anello
Today, August 9th marks the second anniversary of the death of Kimberly Rogers who died while serving a conditional sentence of 6 months under house arrest after pleading guilty to welfare fraud. So it was interesting to read in the Toronto Star today just how much of our tax dollars, the Eves government wasted on the "Magna Budget"
Read More
=>

 

August 3, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Hate Crimes - What are Hate Crimes & Hate Propaganda and The Criminal Code in Canada



August 2, 2003
Additions to the site include:

Using the Internet for Outreach & Organizing: A Virtual Activist Training Reader
This organizing tool was developed by NetAction and has been reproduced on the DAWN Ontario website with additional pointers to Canadian content and alternative text added to images. NetAction permits reproduction with appropriate credit.

Consensus Decision Making

Tips for Equal Access Presentations Suggestions for making your presentation accessible

DAWN Women Write page
A collection of Op/Eds, stories and commentaries by Women with disAbilities connected to DAWN.

Submission - Poetry by Debbie Kerr


August 1, 2003
New links added to links page:

Women's Health Matters Resource Database
The Women’s Health Matters Resource Database is a searchable bilingual database of women’s health resources for consumers and health professionals alike. It provides women with information about where to find women’s health resources to support their health-care decision-making. Users can search the database using a variety of criteria to retrieve results that contain standardized descriptions of reviewed resources.

Kathleen O'Grady - website launch announcement

Kathleen O'Grady is a writer and academic. She is the author of numerous articles and the editor of several books in the fields of philosophy, religious studies and women's issues, including, with Paula Wansbrough, Sweet Secrets (Sumach Press), and, with Morny Joy and Judith Poxon, French Feminism and Religion and Religion in French Feminist Thought (Routledge Press). Her reviews and articles on women's health, sexuality and cultural issues have also appeared in a variety of magazines and newspapers, including The Chicago Tribune, The Women's Review of Books, BUST magazine, Publisher's Weekly, The Globe and Mail, The Ottawa Citizen, Toronto Star and many others.

The Woodcarver by Christine Watts

Sars, Stones and Accessibility by Kathleen Williams


July 31, 2003
Additions to the events calendar:

Diaspora, Memory & Silence Conference Hosted by the Centre for Feminist Research
Where: Founder's Assembly Hall, York University
Plenary Speaker: Floya Anthias -- From Oxford Brookes University in the UK, Professor Anthias is well known internationally for her work in social divisions and identities, social exclusion and inequality, and gender, ethnicity, racism and migration. She will be speaking about Rethinking Translocations, attempting to move forward the debate in the study of population movements and their understanding.
Speaker: Pamela Sugiman -- Associate Professor from McMaster University's Department of Sociology, Professor Sugiman will speak on "Passing Time, Moving Memories: Three Narratives of Japanese Canadian Women's Wartime Experience".
Speaker: Audrey J. Whitson -- Author of Teaching Places, Ms. Whitson received her MS from the Franciscan School-Graduate Theological Union at Berkley. Teaching Places is her tale about a woman's spiritual search, how that search calls her to the land and how the land teaches.
Speaker: Vijay Agnew -- Director of the York Centre for Feminist Research and author of the new Wilfrid Laurier Press publication "Where I Come From", Vijay will be speaking on The Quest for the Soul in the Diaspora.
Program and Registration can be found at http://www.yorku.ca/cfr/events/conference%20program.htm
Co-sponsored by MCRI Diaspora, Islam and Gender and York Centre for Asian Research and Founders College


July 28, 2003
New link added to links page:

YouthARE
A non-profit employment program at the YWCA for young adults with disabilities, called Youth ARE (able, ready, employed)


July 25, 2003
Additions to the site:

Mental Pause and Menopause or Mutation
She Says (M. Kathleen Williams) ... He Says (Andrew D. Tutty)
... a new Op/Ed column on the DAWN Ontario site -- Read the first SARS WARS

 

July 23, 2003
Additions to the site:


Canadian ISM activist, Tarek Loubani, arrested and beaten by Israeli police

A London Ontario activist named Tarek Loubani was arrested by the Israeli police while working with International Solidarity Movement (ISM) peace activists some time ago. Though the arrest was outrageous enough (they were merely observers to monitor and prevent human rights abuses in the occupied territories of Palestine), the treatment they have received in prison is nothing short of shocking. Read the 8 updates on the issue, including a note that Tarek slipped to attornies during preliminary trials. In this note Tarek describes beatings and solitary confinement conditions that he has been subjected to while in prison. We urge everyone reading this to contact your MP and Bill Graham, the Minister of Foreign Affairs to express your outrage at this situation. This is especially relevant to the government given the recent brutal beating death of Zahra Kazemi, the Canadian photo journalist, in Iran. Read More =>


July 22, 2003
Additions to the site:

Board Development ToolKit

arrowRole of Chair/President
arrowRole of Secretary
arrowRole of Treasurer
arrowBoard Meetings

 

July 21, 2003
Additions to the site:

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Facts and Questions: Ontario Election 2003

 


July 20, 2003
Additions to the site:

Feminist Principles, Practices and Processes - An Online Guidebook
Feminist principles guide the work that we do within equality-seeking organizations, as well as the way that we do it. Taking the time to examine or revisit our feminist principles can assist in deepening our understanding of feminist practices and processes, and reconnecting with our feminist basis of unity. (Reproduced in HTML by DAWN Ontario from PDF version of a segment from the Feminism: Our Basis for Unity published by PACSW Newfoundland & Labrador)

These are the feminist principles of:


July 19, 2003
Additions to the site:

Getting Off Welfare
Submitted anonymously to
Sound, a magazine for social justice in Kamloops BC
"So, here you are. All your life you have been self-sufficient and now you find yourself in this place. Feeling a little ashamed, perhaps? Voices whispering in your ear, “What’s the matter, loser, can’t you find a job?” No, not yet? Well, while you wait, let me tell you about some of the experiences that are coming your way..." Read More =>

Eves Government Invests $1 Billion to Help People with Developmental Disabilities - MCFCS News Release dd July 18, 2003
"To help people with developmental disabilities live meaningful lives, close to their families and their communities, the Ernie Eves government is increasing funding by $56 million in 2003/04, Minister of Community, Family and Children's Services Brenda Elliott announced today" Read More =>

 

July 17, 2003
Additions to the site:

Adams Mine Consortium applying for dewatering permits

On July 9th, Adams Mine Rail Haul applied for dewatering Permits for Adams Mine! The move comes as farmers are assembling evidence that the pit is no longer filling with water --meaning pit water is probably flowing into the surrounding groundwater. If the MOE approves this permit, they will be destroying the evidence needed to prove this pit poses a risk to our groundwater. As well, by approving this now, they will be saddling the incoming provincial government with an "on the ground fact"-- ie. an Adams Mine operation that is well on its way to completion. We Need Action Immediately. Read More =>

July 16, 2003
Conference Announcements:

4th Annual National Aboriginal Women in Leadership Training Conference
October 23 - 25, 2003 | Ottawa
Crowne Plaza Ottawa, 101 rue Lyon Stree, Ottawa
For more information, contact: First Nations Training and Consulting Services
Mailing address: P.O. Box 69 Saanichton, BC V8M 2C3
Courier address: 7449 West Saanich Rd, Saanichton, BC V8M 1R7
Phone: (250) 652-7097 || Fax: (250) 652-7039
E-mail: fntcs@telus.net
Website: www.firstpeoplescanada.com

BC Women's Breast Health Conference
October 17 - 19, 2003 | Vancouver, BC
This interdisciplinary conference will address new directions in breast cancer health, including approaches in diagnoses, medical/legal issues and risk management. The conference will provide information, resources and networking opportunities for health care professionals. Hosted by Interprofessional Continuing Education.
For more information, please visit http://www.interprofessional.ubc.ca/Breast%20Health/Advance%20Notice.html
or call 822-0054; or send an email to interprof@cehs.ubc.ca.
Online conference registration is available at http://www.interprofessional.ubc.ca/

10th Canadian Conference on International Health
October 26 - 29, 2003 | Ottawa
The theme of this year's conference is "The Right to Health: Influencing the Global Agenda. How Research, Advocacy and Action can shape our future."
The Preliminary Program and online registration is now available!

Conference Goal
: To provide a forum for practitioners, researchers, educators, policy makers and community mobilizers, interested in health and development issues, to share knowledge, experience and promote innovation and collaborative action.
For more information, contact the Conference Secretariat at:
Toll free in Canada: 1-877-722-4140
Phone: 613-722-4140
Email: conference@csih.org

Conference URL: http://www.csih.org/what/conferences2003.html

 

July 11, 2003
Additions to the site:

Addiction and mental health privatization in Ontario?
Leaked memo indicates Tories plottiing another P3 give-away

The privatization zeal of the Ontario Tories knows no bounds: now they are apparently ready to let business make a buck on the backs of citizens requiring addiction and mental health treatment. The Toronto Star reports that the province is quietly considering a plan to amalgamate four Toronto addiction and mental health treatment sites - with a big role for their favourite friends - the private sector. Read More =>

 

July 9, 2003
Additions to the site:

Pay the Rent Lobby Blitz Take Action to raise the shelter allowance portion of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program to average rent levels. Phone, fax or email your MPPs on July 17 and August 7 to deliver the message that social assistance rates must be raised so that everyone can pay the rent, feed themselves and if they have children, feed the kids. Take Action =>

 

July 8, 2003
Additions to the site:

The Coca Cola Campaign - Boycott Coca-Cola
22nd July 2003 - International Day of Action

Coca Cola & Nestlé both stand accused of serious human rights violations in Colombia. While Nestlé sack union members, Coca Cola kill them. Paramilitary Death Squads, acting under orders from Coca Cola management, have assassinated 8 trade union leaders in their workplaces. The union, SINTRAMINERCOL, has responded by calling for an international boycott of Coca Cola & all of their products, starting 22 July.


July 7, 2003
Additions to the site:

Higher Child Benefits Needed To Counter Persistent Poverty
Toronto - Increased investments in the Canada Child Tax Benefit are needed in order to substantially reduce child poverty, say researchers and advocates following the release of the 2002 National Child Benefit Progress Report (1). They argue that enhancement of child benefits combined with an end to the clawback of the National Child Benefit (NCB) from families on social assistance would go along way to bolster family income security in Canada. Press Release dd July 4, 2003 Campaign 2000 Read More =>



July 4, 2003
Additions to the site:

Canada slips from U.N. list
We drop to 8th place in index based on quality of life - U.S., Australia, even Belgium ranked as better places to live. "For the first time in more than a decade Canada has slipped below the United States, Australia and Belgium as the world's best place to live, according to a United Nations quality of life report. This year's Human Development Index, part of the U.N.'s Human Development Report 2003, ranks Canada as the 8th best country in the world in terms of living conditions. The ranking is based on 2001 data. Read More on the Toronto Star

Canada fell from third to eighth place on the United Nations' annual human development report after spending most of the 1990s in the top spot. Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United States are all ahead of Canada on the United Nations Human Development Index. It will be released next week. Read more on the CBC

National Child Benefit Reduces Child Poverty
"The National Child Benefit Progress Report: 2002 confirms that the incidence of low-income families with children is steadily declining, dropping from a high of 15.8 percent in 1996 to a low of 11.4 percent in 2000. This is just one of the highlights of the report..." Read More =>

Squat Evicted in Peterborough, Squatters move to City Hall
As of Friday, July 4th, the squatters of 1130 Water Street will be residing on the lawn in front of city hall. The decision to move to City Hall was made after the squatters were forcibly removed from their home at 6:30 am on Thursday July 3, 2003. Half an hour after a city official and police officer notified the squatters that they were trespassing and advised the squatters to leave, nine police officers in full riot gear and gas masks descended upon the building while a dozen other police officers surrounded the building. The squatters were later released in a public park without charge. Read More =>

Support the right of transexuals to obtain gov't funding for Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS)
It's up to the Federal Government to make sure the Provinces provide equal health care to all the people in the provinces. They cannot discriminate against transexuals, but they do by not paying for S.R.S.
Please join in and write to your Government. Read More & Take Action =>

How I Feel About Men
Op/ed by Chrstine Watts


July 3, 2003
Additions to the site:

 
HOME HOME logo -- image of housing

    Housing Ontario Means Everyone


Read the HOME brochure online! HOME is a new Toronto-based coalition of community groups, tenant organizations and organizations working with homeless people and people with housing problems. We want to raise awareness of housing and homelessness issues in the month's ahead. Download the HOME Brochure (PDF size 135 kb)

Anti WTO Demonstrations in Montreal
A newly formed coalition in Toronto is mobilizing to attend the anti-WTO demonstrations in Montreal starting July 27, 2003.

  1. What is going on in Montreal?
  2. How and when are we going to get there?
  3. Anything happening in Toronto?
  4. I want to help organize!
  5. I want to be kept up to date, I have more questions.

July 2, 2003
Additions to the site:

Make Trade Fair - Cotton Pickin' Madness
US cotton subsidies mean big bucks for big business in the US, but they spell ruin for millions of African cotton farmers. It doesn’t sound very fair does it? It isn’t - but now’s your chance to do something about it. Take Action =>

 

July 1, 2003
Additions to the site:

Support the PCAP Squat
PCAP has occupied an empty city-owned building at 1130 Water St.

Community members took over the empty building as part of the Peterborough Coalition Against Poverty's "Give it or Guard it" Housing Campaign & Squatting tour. The summer-long campaign tours unused buildings in the city that could be used for squatting or affordable housing.

Happy Canada Day!


June 30, 2003
Additions to the site:

Say “NO” to Hong Kong’s Proposed Article 23 Legislation - update July 7, 2003 - see Toronto Star article "Hong Kong backs off bill"
On July 9, 2003 the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) is attempting to implement the globally opposed Article 23 legislation due to pressure from China. Article 23 poses a great threat to the civil liberties and basic freedoms to the people of Hong Kong and those who set foot on Hong Kong soil... Article 23 gives the police total power. Police won’t need a court order or evidence to search homes or to arrest law abiding citizens. Read More & Take Action =>

 

June 29, 2003
Additions to the site:

This Day in History: June 29th
2002: First Gay Pride Parade in Croatia
1974: Isabela Perón takes office as Argentine president
1972: US Supreme Court strikes down death penalty

Final call for the Lesbians and Breast Cancer Project
With your help, the Lesbians and Breast Cancer Project Team has connected with 29 lesbians willing to tell their stories about breast and gynecological cancer. Read early quotes from women we have interviewed so far. This is our final recruitment call! Interviews with lesbians across Ontario who have had breast or gynecological cancer will be booked until July 15th, to take place in July and August. Read More =>

 

June 28, 2003
Additions to the site:

Urgent Appeal to Save Maryam Rajavi

Maryam Rajavi, leader of the Iranian Resistance movementMrs. Maryam Rajavi, leader of the Iranian Resistance movement, was arrested on June 17 and detained since, in a savage raid by the French Police at her residence in a suburb of Paris. Various media reports have described Mrs. Rajavi “the hope of Iranian people for freedom,” “symbol of national unity and solidarity”, and “the anti-thesis to the fundamentalist regime in Tehran.” Times named her among 100 powerful women of the world and her theories on women’s equality and women’s rights in Islam are being taught in some of the best universities in the United States. Her services and initiatives in the field of women’s equality and freedom, are well-known for women’s rights activists.
Read More
=>

 

June 26, 2003
Additions to the site:

Bill C-13: The Assisted Human Reproduction Act
Take Action !

Women's Equality Minister's Hands Are Tied
BC Coalition of Women Centres' Media Advisory dd June 23, 2003
The BC Coalition of Women's Centres met with Minister Lynn Stephens, Friday June 20th to discuss preventing the closure of the 37 Women's Centres across the province. The Minister made it clear to the delegation that her hands are tied and that she has no power within her own party. Read More =>

LEAF's Family Law Legal Aid Affidavit Campaign
By Pro Bono Law of BC
West Coast LEAF describes the purpose of the affidavit campaign and how you can become involved:
"The Attorney General announced deep funding cuts to the Legal Services Society in May 2002. These cuts eliminated legal aid representation for all poverty law matters and severely restricted family law legal aid to only those matters involving violence and a threat to life or physical safety. Read More =>

Job Opportunities for People with Disabilities under the age of 30 in Ontario
Tetra Ontario's Youth Apprenticeship
program is inviting applications for
3 chapter coordinators in Ottawa, Kingston & Sarnia and 8 assistant coordinator positions in London, Sarnia, Windsor, Sudbury, Hamilton, Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Kingston & Ottawa. Read More =>


June 19, 2003
Additions to the site:

Source: United Ways of Ontario's Government Relations Bulletin - Issue dd June 18, 2003

Medical Care Out-of-Reach for Disabled
Research by the Canadian Council on Social Development reveals that disabled Canadian often face difficulty affording the drugs they need, and barriers in accessing other medical services. Many disabled people require medication on a regular basis. However, almost 20% of working age women and 12% of working age men report that they can't afford their medication. Despite higher rates of medication usage, disabled seniors tend to have fewer affordability problems because of access to provincial drug assistance plans. Read More =>

TD Study Tackles Affordable Housing
A new study by TD Economics calls on policy makers to develop a new approach to affordable housing. Rather than simply being viewed as a social or health issue, the report suggests that housing solutions also be viewed as "smart economic policy". Read More =>

Funding Trends Threaten Non-profits
A new report raises disturbing questions about the impact the trend towards short-term or project funding is having on the non-profit and voluntary sector. Commissioned as part of the Voluntary Sector Initiative, Funding Matters, assesses the impact these shifts in funding are having on the financial capacity and long-term sustainability of non-profit and voluntary organizations, and on their ability to fulfil their mandates. Read More =>

 

June 18, 2003
Additions to the site:

The Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD) recently released a major new study providing an in-depth examination of how the voluntary and nonprofit sector in Canada is coping after a decade of cost-cutting & restructuring by governments.

The study reveals the enormous financial strain facing nonprofit and voluntary groups across Canada because of the short-term, project-based funding now favoured by governments and many other funders, and details the day-to-day struggle for survival of many organizations forced to deal with the harsh realities of Canada's new funding regime.

"Funding Matters: The Impact of Canada's New Funding Regime on Nonprofit and Voluntary Organizations" by Katherine Scott.

The full report is available online, along with the Summary Report, press release, and a series of fact sheets. [June 15, 2003] Pinpoint URL: http://www.ccsd.ca/pubs/2003/fm/


June 15, 2003
Additions to the site:

"Tell It to Ottawa" Advocacy Toolkit & Legislative Workshop
Tooklit Includes:

 

Bibliography on Women With DisAbilities
Anyone looking for materials about the lives and experiences of women with disabilities a few years back would have found little to read. Today there is a growing body of literature addressing different aspects of the lives of women and girls with disabilities. Read More =>

Listening to Canadians: A First View of the Future of the Canada Pension Plan Disability Program Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities
Judi Longfield, M.P. Chair ||
Carolyn Bennett, M.P. Chair, Subcommittee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities; Tabled in the House June 12, 2003 Read the Report =>

 

June 13, 2003
Additions to the site:

SAR WARS - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
She Says (M. Kathleen Williams) ... He Says (Andrew D. Tutty)
... a new column on the DAWN Ontario site

Women's History Month 2003

In October 2003, Canadians will celebrate Women's History Month (WHM), with the highlight being Person's Day on October 18. The theme for WHM this year is What do you mean, women couldn't vote?

Follow this link to Status of Women Canada's Women's History Month 2003

Follow this link to Status of Women Canada's Women's History Month 2003


June 5, 2003
Addition to the Site

Ontario Media Directory (created June 5, 2003)
In preparation for the upcoming Ontario election, we have worked hard to develop the following resources with updated contact information of Media in Ontario. Use your voice - write letters to the editor!

arrowOntario Media Email Addresses - Letters to the Editor

arrowOntario Media Detailed Contact Information

Statement of Principles: New Landlord/Tenant and Rent Control Legislation
Released by the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) and the Legal Clinics' Housing Issues Committee (composed of representatives from legal clinics in each region of Ontario) have jointly released this paper. Topics include: fair eviction application process, security of tenure against forfeiture, what a new tribunal would look like ... This platform will be distributed to the government and both opposition parties, and LCHIC/ACTO will request a meeting with all three parties. Read More =>


May 31, 2003
Addition to the Site

To better assist our visitors, we have added a Search Feature to the DAWN Ontario site. You may use it to search through the DAWN site or to search the WWW. Follow this link to use the search feature.


May 28, 2003
Of Interest ...

Poverty: 4 million Canadians can't afford basics of life - Ottawa unveils new yardstick called 'market basket measure'
More than 13 per cent of all Canadians cannot afford enough food, shelter, clothing and transportation for a healthy life, according to a new gauge of poverty developed by Human Resources Development Canada. The Market Basket Measure (MBM) classifies more Canadians as poor than does any other yardstick used by Ottawa. Read more from => National Union of Public and General Employees

10-year Tory war on welfare devastates Ontario's poor - New study by CCPA shows 37% 'real value' plunge in assistance rates
Toronto - A decade after the last small increase in benefits, and eight years after the Harris-Eves Tory government won power and declared war on welfare, Ontario's poorest citizens are finding it almost impossible to meet basic needs such as food and secure shelter, says a new study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Read More => National Union of Public and General Employees

Tory cuts ensure "basic needs" hard to meet for Ontario's most vulnerable --study
Since Ontario’s Tories were elected in 1995, welfare rates have plummeted by an inflation-adjusted 37 per cent. Welfare incomes now fall well below the Sarlo-Fraser Institute’s poverty line — Canada’s most conservative scale. Not surprisingly, a new report finds that Ontario’s poorest are finding it nearly impossible to meet their basic needs for food and secure shelter. Read more from => Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives


May 27, 2003
Resource Announcement

CLEO - Community Legal Education Ontario Publications
These documents point to the CLEO website (CLEO does NOT give legal advice) and open in a new browser window. Please note that in order to view the publication, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader which is available for download FREE at: www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Patients' Rights: Form 1 - Are you in hospital for a psychiatric assessment?

http://www.cleo.on.ca/english/pub/onpub/PDF/may03/form1.pdf
(PDF - 98 KB) Rev April 2003

Need Welfare? How to apply for Ontario Works benefits
http://www.cleo.on.ca/english/pub/onpub/PDF/may03/needwelf.pdf
(PDF - 179 KB) Rev. March 2003


May 24, 2003
Additions to the Site

Why the poor are getting poorer
Op/Ed in Toronto Star, by Jacquie Chic & John Fraser


May 23, 2003
Additions to the Site

ONTARIO NEEDS A RAISE! June 5th Flyering Day
On June 5th, the Ontario Needs A Raise Coalition has organized an Ontario-wide day of flyering,
calling for increases to the minimum wage and social assistance rates and for indexing of both to keep pace with inflation. Read More =>

May 20, 2003
Additions to the Site

2 Grannys and the "Crown"
Jen Bradley writes from prison
Next hearing for the 2 Grannys arrested for civil contempt will be at 10 AM Thurs. May 22. Rally at 9:30 AM in front of courthouse on Smithe St. in Vancouver

May 19, 2003
Additions to the Site

Statistics Comparing Basic Social Assistance Rates in Canada
Estimated 2002 Annual Basic Social Assistance Income by Type of Household

May 16, 2003
Additions to the Site:


Top court to rule in landmark judicial activism case
B.C. Court ordered province to provide treatment for autistic children


May 15, 2003
Additions to the Site:

Native Women Suffer Most in "Discriminatory" Prison System: Advocates
by Sue Bailey (CP)

DAWN Canada Press Release: Prisons are a Failed Experiment (Especially for Women)

Medicare Equality
Prepared by the CLC Disability Rights Group

AACSafeguarding.ca
Safeguarding People who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) from Sexual Abuse / Victimization -- This is a project on safeguarding people who use augmentative communication from sexual abuse / victimization funded through the Trillium Foundation. (Resources, Communication Displays, Workshops, Best Practices etc)

 

May 2, 2003
Additions to the site:

Op/Ed: How Many "C's" in "Canada"? by Kathleen Williams

Happy 10th Anniversary to ERDCO!

 

May 1, 2003
Additions to the site

Campaign 2000 Press Release: Legacy of Child Poverty Eclipses Government's Proposals

Eves Government Throne Speech Makes No Commitment to Strengthen the Ontarians with Disabilities (ODA) Act 2001

Press Release: NDP MPP Tony Martin's Response to Eves Government's Throne Speech

 

April 30, 2003
Additions to the site


ISAC Press Release on Throne Speech dd April 30, 2003:

ODSP Raise A Step Forward, Ontario Works Recipients Disregarded

Women Vote '03 Kit

Make Votes Count - Give Yoruself A Choice! Register to Vote - A Message from DAWN Ontario: DisAbled Women's Network Ontario

Sign Online Petition to support Bill C-250
... to amend the Criminal Code of Canada to include Sexual Orientation for protection from hate crimes
Petition closes May 5, 2003

April 22, 2003
Additions to Events Calendar:

ADDA 2003 National Conference
May 2 - 4, 2003 | Portsmouth, VA
Over 800 people from around the world, including most of the top professionals in the AD/HD field, will be in Portsmouth, VA, May 2-4 for Connections 2003 - connecting to ideas, connecting to people, connecting to purposeful lives. This conference will be a time to reflect, a time to re-evaluate and a time to re-energize and recommit to what is valuable in your life. Come and benefit from the most complete, up-to-date and diverse resources on AD/HD http://www.add.org/conf2003

The 29th National IRI Conference
May 5 - 6, 2003 | Washington D.C.
The IRI, which has existed under various names since 1947, produces quality training materials that are used extensively in human resource development and staff training throughout the field of rehabilitation. At the National Forum, the two Primary Study Groups present the results of their year-long studies in concurrent sessions. Interested individuals are invited to register for one of the two topics to be presented at the conference. Topic 1: Promoting Consumer Empowerment through Professional Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Topic 2: Teaching Orientation and Mobility Professionals: Non-Traditional Approaches to Meet Critical Staffing Shortages http://www.gwu.edu/~rrcep/National.htm

Official Congress of The International Brain Injury Association
May 24 - 26, 2003 | Stockholm Sweden
http://www.congrex.se/braininjury/

The Empowerment of Children With Physical Disabilities Pediatric Conference
May 22-24, 2003 | Austin, Texas

The Pediatric Power Network™ is an association, which deals with issues relating to children with physical disabilities. The three day agenda will consist of classroom lectures by therapists and physicians and 'hands on' labs and exhibits of pediatric related products and services. This course is designed to make a difference in the future of a child, by turning disabilities into capabilities. Mobility, positioning, communication, and access will be highlighted throughout the presentations. The Exhibit Hall will provide attendees the opportunity to view and try a wide range of Pediatric equipment. Communication and computer access will be highlighted in various exhibits and labs during the conference. This entire conference is dedicated to providing attendees an educational environment specifically dedicated to the needs of children with physical disabilities. From the lecture rooms to the exhibit hall, the focus will be on 'Empowerment of a Child to Succeed.' The topics will be directed at mobility, communication, education, medical intervention, and fun.
http://www.pediatricpowernetwork.com/

International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)
June 16 - 19, 2003 | St. Louis, Missouri

The NACC Conference on ICF provides an opportunity for valuable knowledge sharing and open discussion on issues related to the ICF. It is associated with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics and Washington University http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/otheract/icd9/icfhome.htm

NFB National Conventions
June 28 - July 4, 2003 | Louisville, Kentucky
NFB Conventions give government representatives, agency administrators, and leaders in politics, business, and industry the opportunity to address and respond to a large nationwide audience primarily of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The topics of interest include: relevant civil rights issues; rehabilitation of the blind for competitive employment; the operation of vending facilities by blind persons on public property; specialized library services for the blind; Social Security and Supplemental Security Income programs; advancements in technology; the organization and funding of federal programs; and other timely topics. Legislative proposals, new laws, administrative policy, and program changes are all considered during the Convention."
http://www.nfb.org/convent/convens2.htm

RESNA 26th International Conference on Technology & Disability: Research, Design, Practice
June 19 - 23, 2002 | Hyatt Regency Atlanta, GA.
Each year, assistive technology's leading researchers, expert clinicians, and policy specialists fill the RESNA program with an unmatched level of knowledge and expertise. Presenters and attendees of the RESNA conference can expect to experience a packed Exhibit Hall, Product Demonstrations and Training sessions, two days of Pre-Conference Instructional Courses, and 3 full days of Workshops, Interactive Poster Sessions, Themed Paper Sessions, and distinguished speakers. As always, the professional networking will be intimate, easy and unparalleled.
http://www.resna.org/conferences/index.html

Spina Bifida Association of America 30th Annual Conference
June 22 - 25, 2003 | San Antonio, Texas

The Spina Bifida Association of American celebrates its 30th year of presenting the premier conference serving the spina bifida community. The Conference has earned its reputation as a gathering place for those whose lives are affected by spina bifida - adults, children, teens & families - who come together to learn how they can help improve the quality of life for themselves & their loved ones. In addition, leaders in medicine & research share their expertise about most recent advances in the treatment & prevention of spina bifida http://www.sbaa.org/html/sbaa_conference_2003.html

CTCNet 12th Annual Conference
June 26 - 29, 2003 | Washington D.C.
CTCNet National Conference has been the premier event in the community technology field throughout the past decade - no other conference draws representatives from so many of the most outstanding community technology programs together with community leaders, non-profit practitioners, funders and policymakers. http://www2.ctcnet.org/conf/2003/

The 42nd American Council Of The Blind National Convention
July 5 - 12, 2003 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

http://www.acb.org/convention/info2003.html

American Association Of The Deaf - Blind 2003 Convention (AADB)
July 12 - 18, 2003 | San Jose, California

AADB is a national consumer advocacy organization which promotes better opportunities and services for deaf-blind people.
http://www.tr.wou.edu/dblink/aadb.htm

The Fourteenth Annual APSE Conference
July 20 - 23, 2003 | San Diego, California

The Association for Persons in Supported Employment is a membership organization formed in 1988 to improve and expand integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for persons experiencing disabilities
http://www.apse.org/

Disability Studies: Theory, Policy and Practice
September 4 - 6, 2003 | Lancaster U.K.
Disability Studies Association 2003 Inaugural Conference Call for Paper

This conference aims to bring together people involved in disability studies throughout Europe to share their knowledge and experience of studying disability issues, and to act as the launch pad for a disability studies association in the UK.
http://www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/apsocsci/events/dsa.htm

Closing The Gap 21st Annual Conference
October 16 - 18, 2003 | Minneapolis, Minnesota

The preconference workshop titles have been announced.
http://www.closingthegap.com/menulinks/confmenu.html

The International Conference on Aging, Disability, and Independence
December 4 - 6, 2003 | Arlington, Virginia, USA
The International Conference on Aging, Disability, and Independence will bring together researchers, practitioners, business leaders and people involved in aging policy to focus on these issues. The conference will include sessions related to research and development, practice, products and services and policies. Commissioned papers will be published following the conference. Conference proceedings (abstracts of submitted papers) will be posted on the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology for Successful Aging website.
http://www.asaging.org/icadi/03/index.cfm

Designing for the 21st Century - An International Conference on Universal Design March 3 - 7, 2004 | Havana, Cuba
Design is a tool for social equity. The developed economies know a great deal about the design of places, things, and communication that work for people with disabilities and older people and that work better for everyone. There has been little effort to date to share that knowledge with the developing nations where growth will occur for the next century. 80% of people with disabilities live in the developing economies and they are the poorest of the poor. The only realistic stance toward inclusion for people with disabilities is to identify a design framework that applies to everyone. Special solutions are costly and potentially discriminatory. Universal design anticipates diversity of ability and results in sensible, efficient, and realistic solutions for housing and streetscapes, buses and technology, and all of the other aspects of development that inevitably get designed. If awareness and information are shared now, we have an opportunity to avoid perpetuating discrimination by design and to integrate solutions into development. http://www.adaptiveenvironments.org/21century/index.php?f=1

 

April 19, 2003
Additions to the site:

Federal Government Survey on Internet Usage
Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey & let the gov't know that women do constitute a critical mass online, that women are accessing government information via the Net; and the necessity of the state to provide appropriate resources, access, and information.
Read More http://canada.gc.ca/programs/guide/5_5e_surv.html


April 18, 2003
Take Action!

Abortion in Nepal Legal but Women Still Imprisoned
Please
TAKE ACTION to support the release of Women in Prison in Nepal. Despite the legalization of abortion in Nepal last September, 50 women remain imprisoned on abortion and related offences. Read More =>


April 17, 2003
Additions to the site:

Can ICTs empower people?
The reality of a digital divide between Northern and Southern countries, but also within Southern countries, is widely recognized. Access in developing countries is largely confined to urban areas, profitable markets and to well-educated, upper income male users, thus widening existing social inequalities. In a context of globalisation and liberalisation, what regulations and policies are required to ensure global and national access and guarantee effective use of ICTs for all? What is needed to transform ICTs into a means of empowerment for all people? Here is a detailed discussion on transforming ICTs to benefit all the people. http://www.ctrlaltesc.org/article.pl?sid=03/04/03/129227&mode=thread


Fifth World Conference on Women & the 2005 CSW Review of the Beijing Platform for Action

Discussions by NGOs at the 47th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, 3-14, March 2003
The Center for Women's Global Leadership (CWGL), the Conference of NGOs (CONGO), the European Women's Lobby and the Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO) convened several meetings at the 47th session of the CSW at UN Headquarters in New York from 3 to 14 March, to facilitate a discussion among women from different parts of the world on the question of the ten year review of implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the fifth world conference on women. Read More =>


April 16, 2003
Event Announcement

Lesbians and Breast Cancer Project:
Tune in Saturday, April 19th, 5:30 pm, to CIUT Radio 89.5 FM to hear women connected to the Lesbians & Breast Cancer Project talk about sexuality after cancer.
And -- mark your calendars! -- the My Body Politic event -- has been rescheduled for May 12th, 6 - 8pm, at Gilda's Club. Details to follow.

The Lesbians & Breast Cancer Project is a partnership of:
- The 519 Church Street Community Centre
- DAWN Ontario: DisAbled Women's Network Ontario
- The Coalition for Lesbian & Gay Rights in Ontario
- Gilda's Club
- The Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto
- The Ontario Breast Cancer Community Research Initiative
- The Rainbow Health Network
- Sherbourne Health Centre
- Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre - Social Work & Professional Advisory Committee
- Willow Breast Cancer Support & Resource Services


April 15, 2003
Additions to the site:

News Release: Manitoba Minister Responsible for Persons with Disabilities - dd April 14, 2003
Improvements to Exemptions for People with Disabilities Receiving Employment & Income Assistance Announced

AFN Notice: Call to Action - Caravan to Ottawa & Emergency Gathering of Nations!
The Assembly of First Nations, declare a "FIRST NATIONS CRISIS" and an URGENT request for all First Nations to join the "Caravan to Ottawa" for an "Emergency Gathering of Nations".
When: April 27- May-2, 2003 | Where: Ottawa
Why: To Defend our Sovereignty: Taking Charge of our Future


March 27, 2003
Additions to the site:

Shock and owe - Ontario consumers get it in the ear
by Linda Leatherdale, Business Editor
This is it. Now it's all-out war. And I'm not talking about Iraq. I'm talking about my outrageous electricity-water bill, which has jumped 228.67% since 1992. Hell, Canada's cost of living only rose 19.86% from 1992 to 2002, and I can tell you my pay cheque didn't jump 228.67%. Read More =>

Exploring Sustainable Livelihoods – A Workshop
ACTEW - A Women's Training Community
is pleased to present a one-day best
practices workshop on "Exploring Sustainable Livelihoods"
W
hen: Wednesday, April 30, 2003 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Metro Hall, Room 308, 55 John Street (at King Street West) Toronto

Early bird registrations will be accepted until April 11th (discount for ACTEW members) Y
ou can register online at: http://www.actew.org/about/workshops.html

Facilitators for the session are Janet Murray and Mary Ferguson of Eko Nomos
Program Development Consultants. Eko Nomos has been refining the sustainable livelihoods approach for Canadian application over the last few years, and brings a community-based approach to all of its initiatives.

For further info: contact ACTEW at:
email: carol@actew.org
tel: 416-599-3590


March 26, 2003
Additions to the site:

TV Ontario Budget Broadcast to London, North Bay, Thunder Bay and Ottawa
Ontario NDP is organizing a Have Your Say on Budget Day briefing and alternative view of the budget

2003 Report on Child Poverty in Ontario
Child Poverty Persists: Time to invest in children and families Campaign 2000

The persistence of child poverty in Ontario is a clear indication that economic growth alone is not sufficient to ensure the well-being of children and families. At a time of economic prosperity:

  • 390,000 children remain in poverty in Ontario - an increase of 41% since 1989.
  • The child poverty rate of 14.4% for 2000 is now significantly higher than the rate of 11.4% achieved during the peak of the last economic boom in 1989.
  • 40% of low income children would need more than $10,000 to reach the poverty line.
  • Low-income female lone parent families remain, on average, $8,600 below the poverty line. Among low-income twoparent families, the average gap between income and the poverty line actually widened by nearly $900 since 1996 to almost $10,500 by 2000.

Public policy must play a stronger and more deliberate role in ensuring that all families can share in our province's prosperity. A comprehensive social investment strategy is needed to ensure that no child lives in conditions of disadvantage and poverty. Strategic investments in the following five key areas are crucial to achieving substantial progress in reducing child and family poverty... Read More =>

 

March 25, 2003
Additions to the site:

Games ... or Bread? Take Action
Email members of the IOC to reject the Vancouver-Whistler Olympic Bid in June - Say NO to GAMES at the expense of BC People with disAbilities!

Email members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to tell them about the human rights scandal that will unfold in British Columbia if the BC Government wins the Vancouver Olympic Bid and follows through on the $350 million provincial Olympic commitment ... while it continues to cut BC's Ministry of Human Resources budget by $254 million and undertakes re-definitiions and reassessments of people with medical disabilities in order to balance its budget. (And it has legislatively required itself to balance its budget). Read More =>

March 23, 2003
Additions to the site:

Online Legal Workshops for Women with disAbilities and Deaf Women

Family Law Issues Workshop
Custody & Access and Child Protection
for Women with DisAbilities and Deaf Women
arrow
Follow this link

Disclosure of Records Workshop
for Women with DisAbilities and Deaf Women
arrowFollow this link

Other documents:

Restraining Orders, Peace Bonds & Terms of Release
arrowFollow this link

Finding a Lawyer
arrowFollow this link

Covering Your Tracks Online
arrowFollow this link

 

March 21, 2003
Special Feature

"Spouse in the house" Case Update
The Ontario government was granted leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada in the Falkiner case (“Spouse in the house”) case on March 20, 2003. In 1995, the Ontario government changed the social assistance legislation so that a person was defined as a “spouse” as soon as they started living with someone of the opposite sex, removing the previous three-year cohabitation period.

The Falkiner case successfully challenged this new definition of “spouse” in the Ontario courts, and in May 2002, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that the definition of “spouse” was unconstitutional. The Court of Appeal also held that social assistance recipients are a protected class of persons under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and ruled that governments cannot discriminate against social assistance recipients. Following the decision, the Ontario government amended the definition of “spouse” to reimpose a cohabitation period, but reduced the cohabitation period to three months.

The Ontario government is asking the Supreme Court to overturn the Court of Appeal ruling that social assistance recipients are protected under the Charter.

For more information, including links to the Court of Appeal decision, see the “Spouse in the House” page from Canadian Social Research Links.

Follow this link to to read LEAF's Factum on the Falkner case.

 

March 14, 2003
Special Feature

Housing in Ontario

State of the Crisis, 2003: Ontario housing policies are de-housing Ontarians
by Michael Shapcott; Ontario Alternative Budget 2003


Read Highlights of the Report

Read Press Release: Give us shelter! Ontario housing policies de-house 345,000 Ontarians

Read the Report: State of the Crisis, 2003: Ontario housing policies are de-housing Ontarians

 

March 11, 2003
Announcement / Call for Participation

Women in Public Policy Initiative (WIPP) - Projet Les femmes et les politiques publiques -- Phase 3
WIPP is conducting an evaluation of the Steps Toward a Credible and Inclusive Public Policy Process / Les étapes d'un processus d'élaboration de politiques publiques crédibles et inclusives; deadline for responses March 21, 2003
Read More =>

CONNECTIONS & DIRECTIONS : Sharing Visions for Clinic Law
2003 International Conference on Clinic Law Services

June 23-25, 2003 - Hamilton Ontario

CONNECTIONS & DIRECTIONS will be an opportunity for representatives of clinic staff, boards, LAO, community stakeholders, academics and others interested in access to justice - from Ontario and other jurisdictions - to meet to discuss the future of clinic law services in Ontario.
Program:
40+ sessions, panels, interactive workshops, innovation showcases, celebrations of clinic achievements
Registration Page:
includes conference fees; registration policies; on-line registration form; hotels & accommodation; travel; and financial assistance & reimbursement policies (please register early if you require a subsidy) Register before April 30 for best rate
Statement of Themes (PDF document requires Acrobat Reader)
For more information, contact Ian Morrison, Conference Co-ordinator.
Sponsored by: Legal Aid Ontario with the support of the Association of Community Legal Clinics of Ontario


Social Safety News - the OSSN Newsletter

Issue 28 March 2003
Social Safety News
is produced by the Coordinating Committee of the Ontario Social Safety NetWork (OSSN), which is made up of anti-poverty groups, legal clinics, faith groups, labour organizations, community agencies and social activists who support the Mission Statement of the NetWork.
deadline March 21, 2003

March 5, 2003
additions to the site

Statement on International Women's Day
made by Jenny Kwan in the BC legislature on March 4th
& Spotlight on Joy and Jenny:

Joy MacPhail, Leader of the Opposition, MLA for Vancouver–Hastings

and Jenny Kwan, MLA for Vancouver–Mount Pleasant

 

March 3, 2003
additions to the site

Ontario's Housing Crisis - A Blueprint for Action (draft version)
Housing and Homeless Network of Ontario (HHNO) dd Feb 23, 2003
In the mid 1990s Ontario embarked on a radical experiment in housing policy. The government said it would get "out of the housing business" and placed its faith in the private market to meet the housing needs of Ontarians. By any measure, this experiment has been a failure. The promised results - more new rental housing and better upkeep of existing properties - have not been realized. The Housing and Homeless Network of Ontario (HHNO) is calling for a new housing strategy for Ontario built on four pillars. Read More =>

47th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women
March 3 - 14, 2003 | New York, USA
The Commission focused on two thematic issues:
1.
participation and access of women to the media, and information and communication technologies and their impact on and use as an instrument for the advancement and empowerment of women; and
2. women’s human rights and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls as defined in the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome document of the Special Session for the General Assembly entitled “Women: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century.”


February 27, 2003
additions to the site

Federally Sentenced Women Prisoners Begin Hunger Strike
Women inside Springhill Institution Protest Unjust Conditions

Three Aboriginal women imprisoned in a segregation unit at Springhill Institution, a men’s prison in Nova Scotia, started a hunger strike last night at midnight. The women began their non-violent action to protest the prison administration’s refusal to address their long-standing grievances. Read More & Take Action =>

February 27, 2003
additions to the site

Contact the UN Today
Email UN Members to express support for efforts in the Security Council to assure that int'l inspections are given sufficient time & resources to achieve the containment & disarmament of Iraq without resorting to war.
Read more =>


February 24, 2003
additions to the site

Federal Budget 2003 - Analysis & Reactions
source: Canadian Social Research Newsletter - issue dd February 23, 2003


Voluntary Sector Evaluation Research Project - Canada
http://www.vserp.ca/index.html

"The Voluntary Sector Evaluation Research Project (VSERP) is a three-year initiative to improve the capacity of voluntary organizations to evaluate their work and communicate their effectiveness to their funders, stakeholders and the public."


February 22, 2003
additions to the site

Anti-Unionism: The Last Legal Hate Fix
by Humberto da Silva

VIETNAM  Revisited
by Kathleen Williams


February 21, 2003
additions to the site & Event Announcement:

Announcing ...
University of Toronto's New Production of
The VAGINA MONOLOGUES
on International Women's Day - Sat., March 8, 2003
Innis Townhall - 2 Sussex Ave.
Toronto; wheelchair accessible
Showtimes: 2:30 pm; 7:00 pm; 10:30 pm
ASL Interpretation at 7:00 pm performance
Tickets on Sale: Monday, February 24, 2003
THE TORONTO WOMEN'S BOOKSTORE
416. 922.8744

March 27- 28, 2003 | Ottawa, Ontario
Social Inclusion Conference: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go?Building A Social Inclusion Research Agenda

The Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD) and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) will host a research conference on social inclusion in Ottawa in March. The conference will focus on the latest policy research being done on the social inclusion front and will provide participants with an opportunity to identify the gaps in a national social inclusion research agenda.

Who: Human Resources Development Canada and the Canadian Council on Social Development will co-host the event
What: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go? Building a social inclusion research agenda
When: Thursday, 27 March 2003 – Friday, 28 March 2003
Where: Sheraton Hotel, 150 Albert Street, Ottawa ON
Details: The conference will include a series of expert panels and seminars on social inclusion research in such areas as health, income and food security, visible minorities, children and youth, and housing. Leading Canadian and international researchers, policy analysts and community-based advocates will share their latest findings and thoughts about where more investigation and policy development is needed. Space will be limited to allow for small seminars and full participation at the plenaries.

To receive further conference information, contact:
Sarah Zgraggen, The Willow Group,
Tel: (613) 722-8796; Fax: (613) 729-6206; e-mail: szgraggen@thewillowgroup.com Please feel free to share this notice with colleagues.


February 12, 2003
additions to the site:

VDAY - Until The Violence Stops
March 8, 2003
University of Toronto, St. George Campus Presents
"The Vagina Monologues"
3 production times: 2:30 pm; 7 pm; 10:30 pm

Strengthening the Social Determinants of Health: The Toronto Charter for a Healthy Canada
is now available at:
http://www.socialjustice.org/conference/english.htm
http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/SHPM

Press Release:

Federal health spending must include housing and childcare, declare 450 health professionals

Toronto, February 10, 2003 - Leading health policy experts, community
representatives and health researchers from across Canada have ratified the
Toronto Charter for a Healthy Canada. Citing mounting evidence that the root
sources of health and the causes of illness are social and economic, they urge
funding for social housing and childcare and the creation of a Task Force to
oversee Canadian progress on population health.

 

February 11, 2003
additions to the site:

Feb 14 National Day of Action - Campaign for Equal Marriage
On Valentine's Day, the national LGBT equality rights organisation Egale Canada is inviting same-sex couples across the country, together with their families, supporters and friends, to present themselves at their local marriage registry office and ask for a marriage licence. In what has been dubbed a campaign of "civil obedience", this day of action will draw country-wide attention to the fact that same-sex couples cannot yet get legally married. In many cases, the city/town would like to issue marriage licences to same-sex couples, but the federal government prohibits this.
Read More =>

IWD - International Women's Day - Week Events | North Bay
see http://dawn.thot.net/GEAN
The Program in Gender Equality and Social Justice, the Campus Women's Centre, and the Gender Equality Alliance of Nipissing are again hard at work to bring to the university and North Bay communities a series of events to celebrate International Women's Week (IWD) (February 26 - March 8, 2003).
This year our theme is the Criminalization of Poverty and the Pursuit of Social Justice, and our events are aimed at raising awareness about related local and global social justice issues.

Discussion Panel & Presentations
February 26, 2003
from 7:00 to 9:00 pm - Weaver Auditorium

Women Rock

March 7, 2003, "Women Rock" celebration from 9 -12 pm in the main floor Cafeteria at the Nipissing University campus, featuring a local band, The Spacial Fold. Donaton of cash or food for food bank would be appreciated.

Film Festival
Featuring three films, which will be open to the public, free of charge, and shown during International Women's Week. Each film will be followed by a panel of presenters, who will engage the audience in a critical discussion of questions and issues that arise from the films.

Film: Salaam Bombay
Fri. February 28, 2003 at 7:00 pm, Weaver Auditorium

Film: Ladybird, Ladybird
Wed. March 5, 2003 at 7:00 pm, Weaver Auditorium

Film: Erin Brokovich
Fri. March 7, 2003 at 6:00 pm, Weaver Auditorium

February 10, 2003
additions to the site:

In honour and in memory of Kim McConnell, DAWN Ontario has named our
Annual Inclusion Leadership Award
(started in 2001) as the Kim McConnell Inclusion Leadership Award

Kim McConnell lived her life as a champion of inclusion in both her professional and avocational work advocating at every opportunity for the full participation of people with disabilities to become part of all that goes on in our communities.

Nominations will be accepted until May 31 2003.


February 9, 2003
Special Announcement

Dear Friends, it is with much sadness that we announce the death of our beloved sister and friend, disability activist, Kim McConnell. Kim died very suddenly, on Tues. Feb 4th in her 38th year in Sudbury, Ontario.

Kim served for many years on the board and executive of DAWN Ontario. A memorial site has been put together that includes the eulogy to Kim delivered by her younger sister, Jodie, a copy of Kim's obituary, a copy of the program from the memorial service, Kim's photo, and also a guestbook where you may leave your thoughts and condolences.

Here is the web address of the Memorial site for Kim: http://dawn.thot.net/kim/

To make an entry in the Guestbook, please follow this link



January 29, 2003
additions to the site:

Special Feature

DENIAL BY DESIGN….
….THE ONTARIO DISABILITY SUPPORT PROGRAM

John Fraser, Cynthia Wilkey, JoAnne Frenschkowksi
Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) Jan 2003
Full Report, posted Jan 29, 2003

 

January 28, 2003
additions to the site:

Take Action on ODSP Reform
Access to ODSP Campaign - Ontario Disability Support Program

Contact Brenda Elliott, Minister MCFCS urging her to Adopt the Recommendations of the ODSP Action Coalition & Make the ODSP Accessible to People with Disabilities


January 27, 2003
additions to the site:

It’s Time for a Fair Wage, not a Poverty Wage!
Justice for Workers, a coalition of low wage immigrant and young workers, women, community groups and union members is building a campaign in Toronto and across Ontario to raise the minimum wage

Ontario Lifetime Ban Statistics
View statistics on the number of people in Ontario (as of Nov 27, 2002) permanently ineligible for social assistance as a result of being convicted of welfare fraud (converted from RTF document from ISAC)

January 24, 2003
additions to the site:

CALL FOR HELP National Action Committee (NAC) on the Status of Women - An Important Message from Mariam Abou-Dib of NAC's Executive Committee

Improve the World: Help Pull the Switch on TV Violence
by Sue Richards
,
Publisher, Breast of Canada Calendar


January 22, 2003
additions to the site:

Thirty Years of ROE V. WADE: And An Uncertain Future
In honor of Roe. v. Wade's 30th anniversary, IWHC (International Women's Health Coalition) recalls how the landmark 1973 decision galvanized a global movement that had been gaining momentum throughout the 1960s--a movement that is now, ironically, battling the US to stay strong. Read the IWHC's analysis.

More effective gun control legislation needed to protect women from violence Press Release dd Jan 22, 2003

Bushoilography - a pictorial
Bush expainifies the war against Irag using Texas terminologragy

January 21, 2003
additions to the site:

Call for Support re: Human Rights for People with Transsexualism in Australia
Read the submission from the Australian W-O-M-A-N Network
Transsexualism and the Case for Correction of Birth Records In Victoria, Australia
(Word doc. size: 92 kb)
Read
a copy of DAWN Ontario's letter of support sent to the Hon. Rob Hulls, MP and copy to Louise Glanville
Read a copy of the letter from the Australian W-O-M-A-N Network.

 

January 17, 2003
additions to the site:

Kimberly Rogers tribunal results in common sense findings
Provide adequate benefits and never impose a lifetime ban, jury recommends by Reuel S. Amdur
dateline: Jan 13, 2003 | Source:
Straight Goods

Gosselin decision upholds Lévesque’s reforms reducing welfare
A bad day for poor people in Canada. As for Chief Justice McLachlin, history
will see her decision as a milestone on the road to yesterday

by Reuel S. Amdur |
Dateline: Monday, January 13, 2003
source: Straight Goods - Canada's independent on-line source of news you can use

Stop President Moron's war
Join your local march against war - or start one of your own on Sat. January 18th and link up with millions of people around the world.
Source: Straight Goods
Related Links
Canadian Peace Alliance
www.acp-cpa.ca/Jan18action.htm
Canadian Network to End Sanctions on Iraq www.canesi.org

stop sign


January 13, 2003
additions to the site:

Ex-Squatters Invite Premier to Discuss Alcohol & Substance Misuse dd Jan 12, 2003

Media Coverage of Premier Campbell's DUI Charge & Arrest

January 11, 2003
additions to the site:

BC Premier, Gord Campbell Arrested for Drunk Driving
on Fri. Jan. 10th while vactioning in Hawaii

Statement From Premier Gordon Campbell

Gordon Campbell's Mugshot

Kootenay Cuts has designed goods sporting the Gordo mugshot from t-shirts, sweatshirts, jerseys, teddy bear, mugs, coasters, flying discs, mousepads, bbq aprons, baseball caps, greeting cards, to tote bags.

Book him danno with Hawaii Five-0's Jack Lord holding Gordo's mugshot

 

January 10, 2003
additions to the site:

O.D.S.P. Action Coalition
Access to ODSP Campaign - Ontario Disability Support Program
SUMMARY OF FORUM REPORTS
Revised draft document - January 9, 2003

 

January 8, 2003
additions to the site:

Don't Ask, Tell or Respond: Silent Acceptance of Disability Hate Crimes
by Mark Sherry
Ed Roberts Post Doctoral Fellow in Disability Studies,
University of California, Berkeley

Martin Launches Campaign For Change
Implement Kimberly Roger's Inquest Recommendations

 

January 6, 2003
additions to the site:

MCFCS' new website, the duplicitous John Baird & the Tories' colossal arrogance by Barbara Anello


January 3, 2003
additions to the site:

Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action's (FAFIA) Submission to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) on the Occasion of the Committee's Review of Canada's 5th Report on January 23, 2003 is now on line:

Canada's Failure To Act: Women's Inequality Deepens
* As a WORD document (676 kb)
* As a PDF file requires Acrobat Reader (355 kb)

B.C. CEDAW Group's Submission: British Columbia Moves Backwards on Women's Equality
* As a WORD document (242 kb)
* As a PDF file requires Acrobat Reader (174 kb)

About the CEDAW 28th Session (13 to 31 January 2003) http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/28sess.htm

 

January 2, 2003
Event announcements added to Events Calendar

Alternatives to corporate-led globalization
(Re: World Social Forum)
when:
Saturday, 11 January, 2003
where: Ryerson University, Jorgenson Hall (East of Yonge, South of Gerrard) Toronto
what: * a one-day, open, interactive educational space
* inspirational speakers and workshops
* a chance for information sharing, dialogue & discussion across sectors, campaigns and issues
* link local issues to global themes
* explore exciting local initiatives and alternatives
* celebrate the energy of Toronto activism that night with drinks, food, DJ and dancing!

Toronto Learning Challenges Association
Aspergers Syndrome Partnership: AS Family Life& AS Divorce Cases
Date: Sat. Jan. 11, 2003 | Time: 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Location: 184 Galloway Road, Scarborough
Cost: $25
Speakers:

Isabelle Hénault, M.A., Ph.D. candidate in psychology. University of Quebec at Montreal. Isabelle is a sexologist and consultant in readaptation centers. Her work deals primarily with sex education, social skills and couples therapy for individuals with Aspergers Syndrome. Isabelle is the author of a specialized sex education curriculum for individuals with Aspergers Disorder.
Sheila Jennings Linehan: family lawyer, family mediator
Beth Kingston: Professional autism advocate
Sandy McCulloch: President, Toronto Learning Challenges Association
To Register: Call Sandy McCulloch at 416-269-8200 or email info@tlca.ca to confirm
To be discussed:
- A Healthy Aspergers Syndrome Spousal Relationship
- Issues in Parenting with a Spouse with Aspergers Syndrome
- "Aspouse Syndrome"
- Dissolution of Marriage when one Spouse has Aspergers Syndrome
- Discussion Hour: tea and coffee, questions from the floor


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