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Email | [email protected] Vol. 2 No. 3 | Fall 2013 iNSiDE Why I do not sit on poverty reduction committees Page 4 2 Rebates are OK 40-YEar paY off 3 X marks the spot 5 New Gilded Age 8 Peel childcare closures co-op burNS thE mortgagE 9 Knock knock, Who’s where? 10 Words from the street 11 Empty wallets, empty bellies 12 Mickey at Knights Table tar sands are coming to peel enbridge’s PiPeline story & Photo by catherine soPlet a running through shworth Square Co-op members have Next steps? A summer camp in partnership with celebrated being mortgage-free, after 40 the YMCA; and Safe City Mississauga will bring in mississauga years. tutors to help families with school work; About 80 people, from babies to oldsters, building improvements will be discussed in the Fall. Even before tar sands product pumps including original members Marjorie Fansett, who Peel has 29 co-ops, providing close to 2,700 still lives at Ashworth, and Scott Kivell. housing units. through the pipes of energy corporation enjoyed a barbeque, danced to DJ music -- and Peel has a Enbridge, public outcry is getting louder ‘Peel has a torched a $2.61million mortgage. waiting list of -- from accusations that the Harper government Mortgage holder CHF Canada (Co-Operative 13,000 needing waiting list of has deliberately limited public input about Housing Federation of Canada) congratulated affordable environmental risks, to notes by City of Ashworth Square on being its first ‘graduate’. 13,000 needing homes. Mississauga staff that they are not getting the Established on Kirwin Avenue, Cooksville, in 1971, If you want to reports they need, that in any case some reports Ashworth opened the doors of 152 units in 1973. affordable help, have an are “commissioned by industry,” and that the Object: to house families of all sizes at affordable idea, PLUS land homes’ National Energy Board (NEB) refuses to hold rents. OR money or public consultations in Mississauga. The tower and low-rise units create a common both, phone On the bright side, Mississauga is one of only central square, with a playground area and an on-site 905-791-7800 and ask for Peel Builds, an offshoot of Montessori school. The Co-op pays management the Region of Peel which has the housing numbers two Ontario municipalities (the other is Toronto) and maintenance staff, but other operations are and the know-how to get you started. continued on Page 6 delivered by volunteers. this issue of tough times is sponsored by local 966 of the canadian union of Public employees 2 Tough Times - Fall 2013 Letters to the editor tough times is published quarterly. Tough Times welcomes letters from readers. Writers may use a pen name if they wish. Tough Times needs to know who you Next issue: Winter, 2013 are, so include a phone number and address, but your identity will not be revealed without your permission. Letters may be Deadline for ads and editorial: edited. Email your letters to [email protected] or deliver to Knights Table, Brampton. october 16, 2013. we encourage and welcome rebates are oK .... are imperfect but they represent sincere attempts to make volunteer writers, reporters, artists, cartoonists, photographers, political decisions democratic ones. distributors and sales folk to join Public financing of elections should be the gold The Peel Poverty Action Group (PPAG) recently tough times. standard. When candidates are financed publicly elections appeared before Mississauga’s Governance Committee to become about ideas and vision not about who wields the Please email letters to: oppose providing rebates to residents who make financial [email protected] biggest financial stick. Nationally, Canada was well down contributions to municipal election campaigns. PPAG the path toward this goal but Stephen Harper and the produced by: argued that rebates haven’t had an impact on voter turnout Conservative Government killed the public financing of Peel Poverty action group (PPag) in municipalities that offer them and are therefore a waste of political parties. taxpayers’ money. Editor: Harper and corporate Canada argue that such funding PPAG got it wrong. Rebates aren’t designed to encourage edna toth is too expensive, but is it? It all depends on how you view voting. Rebates are meant to put more political power in the associate Editor/graphic Designer: cost. Public election financing does have greater upfront hands of ordinary people by encouraging contributions and ryan gurcharn costs but an open and engaged democracy is an investment limiting the influence of large contributors. in the society we desire. graphic Designer: PPAG’s core mission of enhancing the political and dalia emam Opponents of public financing measures say that economic influence of our most disadvantaged citizens was contribution rebates and public financing of elections is too contributors: not served by their rejection of rebates. In fact, they risk expensive, and, that if money isn’t spent in one area then it simon black, dalia emam, handing a victory to the very forces they oppose. Councillors will be spent in another more positive way. todd foster, esther Kingsley, michel asked to vote against rebates may injure themselves raising Our current system, however, is very expensive indeed. revelin, motillal sarjoo, catherine their arms too quickly. These same councillors are very soplet, francine sampogna, eric Why? Simply, it allows decisions to be made in service of unlikely to support PPAG’s more important ask: the ending guerbilsky, randy Johnson, Jadunauth corporate and other narrow agendas – often away from of corporate and union contributions, and returning a raghunauth, Julie rocchese, chiran public view. greater share of political influence to residents. PPAG got dedunupitiya, lisa davis. The impacts of these costs are all around us. Some local these issues right! printed by: examples are: Allowing only individuals to contribute to political metroland media group ltd. • The poor state of public transportation in Mississauga campaigns, providing rebates for political contributions, and limiting election spending, are all measures designed to • A city built for cars and developers not for people advertising rates • A city council whose elections pots are filled by corporate maximize the influence of individuals and limit the undue interests tough times has a minimum press power of corporate and special interests. These measures Each of these examples represents decision run of 10,000 copies, distributed making outside the greater public interest that led throughout Peel region. to huge costs to the public. Corporate contributors target audience is people aren’t philanthropists – they want a return on their experiencing homelessness, using investment. foodbanks and soup kitchens, people who are struggling, plus Change won’t happen until citizens have the faith groups, social service agencies, opportunity to make informed decisions based trades unions, business people, and on debates in an open, democratic environment. the general public. Neither will money not spent in one area be spent elsewhere in the public interest unless spending To advertise in Tough Times: smurf needs to go to email: priorities better reflect the public will. Policy the bathroom but he’s [email protected] locked up in the mental limiting the power of big money while enhancing Phone: 905 826-5041 ward of the hospital. he the broader public interests must, therefore, be the mail address: 287 glidden road, #4 had to use the facilities goal of reform. brampton on l6w 1h9, canada in the corner of his Public election financing is ultimately the best room, to the dismay of Advertising rates: (sales tax extra) way to give the power of decision making to voters. the nurse who would business card: $60 not unlock the door. If PPAG’s goal is to give greater power to the 1/16 page: $70 powerless then the direction is clear. What matters 1/8 page: $100 (Drawing and caption by is that we freely talk and debate, influenced by ideas 1/4 page: $170 Francine Sampogna) and better arguments. That is democracy. 1/2 page: $340 3/4 page: $480 Bill McBain full page: $620 Mississauga colour $35 extra Editor’s note: McBain has been a candidate for Mississauga a full page is approximately 10 Council and may run in 2014. inches wide by 12 inches deep = 120 square inches. | e&oe Tough Times - Fall 2013 3 X marks the spot 55 jobs up for grabs and The The elecTions ............ money is good t he next two years in Ontario are loaded with You may not need a lot of cash. Mississauga Mayor W hen the next elections are called, elections. The provincial government must go Hazel McCallion hasn’t collected or spent any dollars a total of 55 jobs become open in to the polls not later than Thursday, October 1, on her campaigns for several elections now. (Despite Peel, not including school trustees. 2015, but could call an election any time. being re-elected, re-elected and re-elected, she’ll be 93 Peel’s 34 council members, including The federal government must go to the polls not on Valentine’s Day 2014, and says she’s not running for the mayors. are elected and paid in their later than Monday, October 19, 2015, but could call an Mayor again). own municipalities. Some are also Regional election any time. To find out more about the costs of running for councillors, receiving additional cash from the The only voting date for sure is municipal elections in office, check the financial reports of candidates who Region. Ontario, set for Monday, October 27, 2014. ran in 2010 which will reveal what you can expect to Brampton council members: $67,860, plus This is a once-in-four-years opportunity for cash- spend on brochures and postage, signs and advertising. $50,416 each for the six Regional councillors poor people to be elected to council or school board, Some candidates have paid office help. Find the reports Caledon council members: $27,881, plus and to find candidates who understand the challenges online at Brampton.ca, Missississauga.ca, or Caledon.ca. $50,416 each for the four Regional councillors that cash-poor people face. Look under City Hall or Town Hall, Candidate financial Mississauga council members: $81,614, Though the feds supposedly direct the economy to statements or similar. No computer? You can ask to see plus $50,416 each as Regional councillors. produce more jobs, and the Ontario government sets the the papers at your local municipal HQ. Peel’s nine Members of Parliament have a rates for Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support And that’s not all. base salary of $160,200; in the 2015 election, Program (ODSP), it’s the municipality that delivers as Peel Poverty Action Group and Tough Times invite Peel will elect 12 MPs. best it can on housing -- from shelters to basement potential candidates, potential supporters, and the public, The nine members of the Ontario apartments to public housing, soup kitchens, food to a Get Out the Vote meeting at Knights Table, 287 Legislature are paid a base of $116,550 each banks, health, education, parks, transit, and a myriad of Glidden Road #4, Brampton, on Thursday, 24 October, School board trustees’ honoraria (increases services that matter. 2013. Free admission. Free refreshments. expected March 31, 2014) You can have a hand in developing and improving Because election dollars can be daunting, Tough Peel District School Board - $26,280 these services.You can sign up to run for mayor, council, Times has checked the more delectable digits from Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School or school boards starting January 2, 2014, only a few council candidates’ reports – who spent what on Victory Board -- $18,940 months away. And once registered, you can start raising Parties on Election Day. Conseil scolaire Viamonde - $5,000 money to pay for your campaign. See below for the 2010 numbers: VoTing day parTies Election finance returns are filed on disposed of $2,490; invested $4,756 in a victory party. keep three single mums and babies for special forms, with an item Voting day In Ward 6, ron Starr gael miles (Wards 7&8) a year. party/appreciation notices. The sums reported $1,745 party money. shelled out $3,854; noted below include both party and in Ward 8, Katie mahoney paul a. palleschi (Wards 2&6) calEDoN appreciation. put up $1,462. spent $2,434 on celebrating his win, marolyn morrison, Mayor of Caledon, in Ward 10, Sue mcfadden and declared $5,352 spent on t-shirts, partied away $1,664; miSSiSSauga partied away $931; jackets and hats. in Ward 1, town councillor Doug mayor hazel mccallion did not raise in Ward 5, Eve adams was elected in John Sanderson (Wards 3&4) beffort spent $563, while regional or spend any money on her re-election, 2010, but resigned. In a byelection in spent $862; councillor richard paterak held no or on a voting day party. 2011, Bonnie Crombie was elected. Elaine moore (Wards1&5) party; in Ward 2, town councillor gord Ward 1 councillor Jim tovey did not Adams’ voting day party came in at victory party cost $306; mcclure also held onto his party report a party either. $11,791. Crombie confirmed she money, while regional councillor Here are other Mississauga council spent $754, after Tough Times queried Brampton City Councillors allan thompson invested $1,238; members in order of expenditure: supplementary reports of $1,949 or Vicky Dhillon (Wards 9&10) In Wards 3 and 4, town councillor in Ward 7, Nando iannicci $1,194. partied away $8,571; Nick deboer held no election day party, disbursed $17,565; in Ward 3, chris fonseca spent $700. John hutton (Wards 2&6) while regional councillor richard Ward 11’s george carlson Total (E&OE) is close to $50,000, celebrated with $2,850; Whitehead blew $1,691; spent $5,292; which, as welfare payments, would bob callahan (Wards 3&4) in Ward 5, town councillor rob in Ward 4, frank Dale spent $3,413 maintain 2.5 single mums with one partied to the tune of $647; mezzapelli spent $1,353 on his voting on the Voting day party/appreciation child each for a year. grant gibson (Wards 1&5) day party; regional councillor patti notices line, but also reported post- partied away $613; foley spent $264. election parties/meetings at $4,684, bramptoN Sandra hames (Wards 7&8) and her Caledon’s parties totaled $6,773, about and Expressions of appreciation mayor fennell partied away $38,526; supporters kicked up their heels with enough welfare payments for five $2,193; Brampton Regional councillors, in $362. single mums for a month. in Ward 9, pat Saito invested $2,911; order of expenditure: Brampton’s parties totalled (E&OE) Ward 2’s pat mullin John Sprovieri (Wards 9&10) $63,777, what welfare would spend to 4 Tough Times - Fall 2013 Why I do not sit on poverty reduction committees By EsthEr kingslEy - a penname i do not sit on poverty reduction committees any more, especially those led by government workers. Been there; done that; seen the farce. They are a waste of time and a bundle consultant gets $25,000 for two months’ work, of hypocrisy and contradictions. approximately $2,775 a week or $555 a day to document exhibit 1. My sister used to be ‘on welfare.’ To the existence of poverty. compare this to the fact that the help her out, I would give her a $50 or a $100 at the single parent with a child ‘on welfare,’ gets about $18,000 end of the month. She was hard of hearing, had high blood pressure, was a single mother of a child with for 12 months which works out to $346 a week or emotional problems, and she had Shadow, a dog that less than $50 per day for parent and child she just could not give up. She had found him many years ago on the roadside, left for dead. One month, I put the money into her bank account at the local bank because I did not have time to give it to her in person. Her caseworker asked to see her of failure to attend school. (Correctional Services something that costs money – to inform elected bankbook and saw the $100 deposit, money that my Canada, says that the average annual cost of keeping officials about the obvious? Furthermore, why sister did not declare. She accused my sister of fraud, an offender in a correctional institution is $102,000.) couldn’t the highly-paid civil servants who work for cut her off welfare or any form of income support, Canadian Senator Mike Duffy is in the news the Regional Councillors provide them with the freely leaving her and her child to starve and to be evicted over alleged erroneous expense claims. The Prime available information on poverty? from their home. Minister’s Chief of Staff gave him a personal cheque I am not done with this story. There’s more. It took my sister a year to regain any kind of monthly to repay $90,000 or so. Today, Mr. Duffy is still a income from the government. By the time the money Senator and receiving a senator’s salary of $135,200 a exhibit 3. The poverty reduction committee was came, she was diagnosed with severe depression, and year ($370.41 a day) and allowable expenses. established, and the first order of business, at the her child was in a juvenile detention facility because instigation of the civil servant leading the committee, exhibit 2. I was once asked to sit was to hire a consultant to write a report on poverty on a poverty reduction committee. in the Region. Here is the reason the civil servants The consultant was to gather statistics on poverty, gave for the establishment of the talk to poor people about their experiences, and committee (I am paraphrasing...): “We interview non-profit social workers who provide need to provide Regional Council with services to the poor. This work was to be done over evidence of poverty in our Region so a two-month period for a fee of $25,000 plus HST. that they will vote to provide funding Let’s do the math. Consultant gets $25,000 for two for programs to help the poor. After months’ work, approximately $2,775 a week or $555 a all, people look at the 905 area with day to document the existence of poverty. Compare the many big single family homes and this to the fact that the single parent with a child ‘on don’t think we have poor people here. welfare,’ gets about $18,000 for 12 months which We have to be evidence-based.” works out to approximately $346 a week or almost Here is my question: What planet $50 per day for parent and child or $25 for each of are these Regional Councillors living them. How do we justify paying a middle class person on? If this sounds too harsh, here’s $555 per day to describe the lives of people who get another question: Were my civil $25 per day from the government? servant colleagues under-estimating Analyze that, Ms. Consultant! the intelligence of the Regional I do not want poverty reduction. I want poverty Councillors? After all, one would elimination. And the only way to eliminate poverty expect elected officials to have the is to create a social system that does not allow some level of education and professional people to own and control so much of the natural experience that would make them world and society that others have to become their aware that: a) poverty is a fact of life slaves just to get the basics of life that are provided for many people in advanced capitalist freely by Nature: a piece of land to live on, water to societies, and b) existing official drink, natural food to eat, and access to electricity and statistics and reports on poverty in other natural sources of energy. their Wards and in the Region as a We do not need poverty reduction committees. whole. We need a social revolution that would make poverty Why set up a committee – history! Tough Times - Fall 2013 5 New Gilded Age a ThreaT To youTh From Brampton-mississauga and district laBour council t he Ontario Federation of Labour wants to uncertainty lock them out of a secure future.” with market-driven values.” But some young folk use stop union-busting in its tracks. To reverse the plight of youth, Canadians social and digital media for forms of protest “that Why? Because it realizes that without must educate themselves about the larger social constitute a new realm of political activity”. trade unions, there would be no weekends, no paid conditions. “All over the world forces are on the Giroux suggested that the Occupy and Quebec vacations, no health care, and Canadians would lose march dismantling the historically guaranteed social and Idle No More movements reveal young people as many services that we value. provisions provided by the welfare state; defining “a vibrant source of creativity, possibility, and political So it has established the Ontario Common profit-making as the essence of democracy, increasing struggle,” in opposition to “predatory capitalism.” Front, to bring people and ideas together to prevent the role of corporate money in politics, waging “Young people need to imagine a future in which demolition of our cherished institutions -- services an assault on unions, denigrating public servants economic justice prevails ... where everyone has like free elementary schooling and help for people and public goods, allowing public transportation to access to sustainable jobs, decent health care, quality having a hard time, assistance that Canadians take for deteriorate, overseeing widening social inequality,” he education and communities of solidarity.” granted. said. When the Common Front met recently, it heard Giroux declared: “The Gilded Age is back with huge Henry Giroux is the author of Disposable Youth: Racialized from McMaster University professor Henry Giroux profits for the ultra-rich, and increasing impoverishment Memories, and the Culture of Cruelty; Youth in Revolt: that these services that unions fought for are in danger. and misery for the middle and working classes.” Reclaiming a Democratic Future; Zombie Politics and Culture “People who were once viewed as facing dire It is now “easier to blame the poor, homeless, in the Age of Casino Capitalism. problems in need of state intervention and social uninsured, jobless, disabled, and other disadvantaged protection are now seen as a problem threatening groups for their problems.” For more information about the Ontario Common society,” he said. Tweets, cell phones and the internet may not help Front, phone Ontario Federation of Labour Young people are especially at risk as “they live in young people. “Corporations have hit gold with the 416-441-2731 a space of social homelessness in which precarity and new media and can inundate young people directly 6 Tough Times - Summer 2013 Tough Times - Summer 2013 7 EPnipberliidngee EGLINTON AVENUE CREDITVIEW RD TERRY FOX WAY McLAUGHLINROAD KENNEDY RD HIGHWAY 403 EGLINTON AVENHUIEGHWAY 401 Route HIGHWAY 403 K E E BURNHAMTHORPE ROAD URCHILL BLVD LLS PARKWAY AUGA ROAD VALLEY RIVER STATION ROAD MAVIS ROAD NTARIO ROAD BURNHAMTHORPE ROAD WTHRA ROAD OMKEN ROAD ETOBICOKE CR TON CH RIN MII MISSISS CREDIT NDALE HURO CA T S E I DUNDAS STREET IN ER DUNDAS STREET W Tar sands are adequate, including valves and sensors? How into the Kalamazoo River, is costing more TWO VIEWS ON TAR SANDS quickly can the corporation detect, seal off, than $800m to clean up, which might exceed and clean up after a spill? (Enbridge says it Enbridge’s insurance coverage. At press time, “Raw tar sands oil is thick and gooey, and Getting raw tar sands oil through pipelines “The committee that produced the report did coming to Peel would respond to an emergency in two to four Tough Times online research revealed that needs to be mixed with lighter petroleum is like moving hot, liquid sandpaper that not fi nd any pipeline failures unique to the hours. City staff want to know precise plans. clean-up of the Kalamazoo River continues products like natural gas, benzene, grinds and burns its way along, increasing transportation of diluted bitumen or evidence Enbridge reports a Valve Placement Study, three years after the event, with six miles of toluene and xylene to be pushed through the chance that weakened pipelines will of physical or chemical properties of diluted but City staff haven’t seen it. Enbridge also the river closed.) a pipeline. This mixture is usually called rupture.” bitumen shipments that are outside the range reports that emergency shut-down buttons And more on the money: Enbridge says diluted bitumen. It also needs to be hot Environmental Defence, of those of other crude oil shipments.” ...AND THAT’S product underground in Mississauga, and are in place at all pump stations, and the that Western Canadian crude oil is on average and pumped at high pressure to move. an organization based in Toronto. A report prepared for the U.S. Congress have told the NEB to be sure to discuss: NEB has Enbridge plans for backup power $25 per barrel cheaper than crude oil from NOT ALL Whether Enbridge’s inspection and systems. City staff say they don’t know when overseas, which may explain their need to get maintenance program is adequate; (Enbridge the work will be done.) it to market, via Mississauga. says it has inspected the pipe with “state- And on the money, councillors want On public input into the pipeline T hank you! Continued from Page 1 of-the-art in-line inspection tools”, but City to know, on our behalf, “that fi nancial discussions with the NEB, wellknown to be granted Intervenor status at NEB staff don’t have the results.) protection is provided for taxpayers from the lawyer Clayton Ruby, chair of ForestEthics hearings and that the City is sharing with Just how corrosive is tar sands product costs for emergency response, clean-ups and Advocacy Association, in an article in The Toronto the cost of expert advice. compared with what has been in the pipes damages to municipal and privately-owned Toronto Star, says “the Harper Conservatives But Mississauga councillors are worried Your input will help increase housing affordability before? infrastructure and property.” (City staff have quietly implemented a new regime and eliminate homelessness in Peel about what could happen with tar sands Is Enbridge’s Emergency Response System notes from media reports that a spill in 2010 under the National Energy Board Act, cutting off public participation and violating We asked the community to join us in taking ownership of a long-term plan for Canadians’ Charter rights to free expression housing and homelessness in Peel, and hundreds responded. People from all DON’T GO HUNGRY backgrounds shared opinions, suggestions and insights, and inspired the … in 2012, the Harper government snuck development of a draft local plan that addresses our community’s needs. in amendments to the Act through omnibus Bill C-38 … They turned the NEB from an If you are struggling to make ends meet, have to choose The plan aims to improve the availability of safe, affordable, accessible, between paying rent or buying food, can’t aff ord formula for independent decision-making body into one and appropriate housing in Peel, and provide a solid foundation on which your baby, or have more bills than income...The Mississauga that merely advises the cabinet. Even that to secure employment, raise families and build strong communities. Food Bank is here to help you. wasn’t enough. Harper wanted to silence Peel’s Final Housing and Homelessness Plan will take effect in January 2014. critics, too. Anyone in need and living in Mississauga is eligible to Curious about what others had to say? Want to read the draft plan? use a neighbourhood food bank or other food program “These amendments gave the NEB the Visit www.peelregion.ca/housinghomelessness regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, race or power to screen out members of the public immigration status. and scientifi c community likely to bring up ‘irrelevant’ issues like skyrocketing cancer PEEL’s COMMUNITY OWNED rates in downstream communities, the Housing and Homelessness PLAN poisoning of watersheds and the negative Visit www.themississaugafoodbank.org/getfood impact of the tar sands.” or phone us at 905-270-5589 to fi nd the food program closest to you. 6 Tough Times - Summer 2013 Tough Times - Summer 2013 7 EPnipberliidngee EGLINTON AVENUE CREDITVIEW RD TERRY FOX WAY McLAUGHLINROAD KENNEDY RD HIGHWAY 403 EGLINTON AVENHUIEGHWAY 401 Route HIGHWAY 403 K E E BURNHAMTHORPE ROAD URCHILL BLVD LLS PARKWAY AUGA ROAD VALLEY RIVER STATION ROAD MAVIS ROAD NTARIO ROAD BURNHAMTHORPE ROAD WTHRA ROAD OMKEN ROAD ETOBICOKE CR TON CH RIN MII MISSISS CREDIT NDALE HURO CA T S E I DUNDAS STREET IN ER DUNDAS STREET W Tar sands are adequate, including valves and sensors? How into the Kalamazoo River, is costing more TWO VIEWS ON TAR SANDS quickly can the corporation detect, seal off, than $800m to clean up, which might exceed and clean up after a spill? (Enbridge says it Enbridge’s insurance coverage. At press time, “Raw tar sands oil is thick and gooey, and Getting raw tar sands oil through pipelines “The committee that produced the report did coming to Peel would respond to an emergency in two to four Tough Times online research revealed that needs to be mixed with lighter petroleum is like moving hot, liquid sandpaper that not fi nd any pipeline failures unique to the hours. City staff want to know precise plans. clean-up of the Kalamazoo River continues products like natural gas, benzene, grinds and burns its way along, increasing transportation of diluted bitumen or evidence Enbridge reports a Valve Placement Study, three years after the event, with six miles of toluene and xylene to be pushed through the chance that weakened pipelines will of physical or chemical properties of diluted but City staff haven’t seen it. Enbridge also the river closed.) a pipeline. This mixture is usually called rupture.” bitumen shipments that are outside the range reports that emergency shut-down buttons And more on the money: Enbridge says diluted bitumen. It also needs to be hot Environmental Defence, of those of other crude oil shipments.” ...AND THAT’S product underground in Mississauga, and are in place at all pump stations, and the that Western Canadian crude oil is on average and pumped at high pressure to move. an organization based in Toronto. A report prepared for the U.S. Congress have told the NEB to be sure to discuss: NEB has Enbridge plans for backup power $25 per barrel cheaper than crude oil from NOT ALL Whether Enbridge’s inspection and systems. City staff say they don’t know when overseas, which may explain their need to get maintenance program is adequate; (Enbridge the work will be done.) it to market, via Mississauga. says it has inspected the pipe with “state- And on the money, councillors want On public input into the pipeline T hank you! Continued from Page 1 of-the-art in-line inspection tools”, but City to know, on our behalf, “that fi nancial discussions with the NEB, wellknown to be granted Intervenor status at NEB staff don’t have the results.) protection is provided for taxpayers from the lawyer Clayton Ruby, chair of ForestEthics hearings and that the City is sharing with Just how corrosive is tar sands product costs for emergency response, clean-ups and Advocacy Association, in an article in The Toronto the cost of expert advice. compared with what has been in the pipes damages to municipal and privately-owned Toronto Star, says “the Harper Conservatives But Mississauga councillors are worried Your input will help increase housing affordability before? infrastructure and property.” (City staff have quietly implemented a new regime and eliminate homelessness in Peel about what could happen with tar sands Is Enbridge’s Emergency Response System notes from media reports that a spill in 2010 under the National Energy Board Act, cutting off public participation and violating We asked the community to join us in taking ownership of a long-term plan for Canadians’ Charter rights to free expression housing and homelessness in Peel, and hundreds responded. People from all DON’T GO HUNGRY backgrounds shared opinions, suggestions and insights, and inspired the … in 2012, the Harper government snuck development of a draft local plan that addresses our community’s needs. in amendments to the Act through omnibus Bill C-38 … They turned the NEB from an If you are struggling to make ends meet, have to choose The plan aims to improve the availability of safe, affordable, accessible, between paying rent or buying food, can’t aff ord formula for independent decision-making body into one and appropriate housing in Peel, and provide a solid foundation on which your baby, or have more bills than income...The Mississauga that merely advises the cabinet. Even that to secure employment, raise families and build strong communities. Food Bank is here to help you. wasn’t enough. Harper wanted to silence Peel’s Final Housing and Homelessness Plan will take effect in January 2014. critics, too. Anyone in need and living in Mississauga is eligible to Curious about what others had to say? Want to read the draft plan? use a neighbourhood food bank or other food program “These amendments gave the NEB the Visit www.peelregion.ca/housinghomelessness regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, race or power to screen out members of the public immigration status. and scientifi c community likely to bring up ‘irrelevant’ issues like skyrocketing cancer PEEL’s COMMUNITY OWNED rates in downstream communities, the Housing and Homelessness PLAN poisoning of watersheds and the negative Visit www.themississaugafoodbank.org/getfood impact of the tar sands.” or phone us at 905-270-5589 to fi nd the food program closest to you. 8 Tough Times - Fall 2013 what we lost childcare and the lack of a provincial peel childcare closures or national childcare program means and why it that accessible, high-quality public care, by simon blacK matters provided by well-compensated workers, is available to only a small minority l ast September, Peel Region operated childcare centres provide the work is overwhelmingly performed by of families. And this type of care is councillors voted to close the 12 benchmark of quality to which other women. While this work is essential to ‘gold-plated’ in that in most instances, childcare centres the Region runs centres aspire. Numerous reports have sustaining ourselves, our families and municipally-operated childcare centres by September, 2014. The move was shown that the care offered by these communities, and to the functioning provide the best childcare available and opposed by a coalition of childcare centres is of higher quality than in non- of the economic system itself, most pay some of the highest wages in the advocates, the Canadian Union of profit and for-profit private centres. care work remains either unpaid or sector. Public Employees, and concerned And second, because in a sector with underpaid. But contra Mayor McCallion, families. Prior to the vote, Mississauga an overwhelmingly female workforce Women have waged momentous that’s exactly why municipally-operated Mayor Hazel McCallion, remarked “I that is notoriously underpaid and struggles for care work to be recognized childcare centres are worth fighting for: think we are supporting an elitist group overworked, municipally-operated and economically valued. The in a province and a country dominated [of children and parents].” When the childcare centres are more likely to International Wages for Housework by politicians who fail to recognize the issue first came up in council, Mayor be unionized (the majority of are campaign which began in the 1970s importance and economic value of care McCallion made similar comments unionized--Peel is an exception-- demanded that women be paid for work and the people who do it (e.g. The about “gold-plated” childcare. compared to only 17% of non-profit the domestic labour—the unpaid care Harper Conservative’s $100 a month Peel Region is not exceptional: Over centres and even less in the for-profit work—they did at home. The Welfare childcare ‘plan’), we need to defend those the past year, municipally-operated sector), pay higher wages and provide Rights Movement of the 1960s and spaces in which this work is recognized centres have been closed or privatized in better benefits than private non-profit ‘70s argued that a single-mother on and well-paid. Across Canada, unions, Toronto, Ottawa, and Windsor. Those and for-profit centres. social assistance was not poor because the women’s movement, seniors in favour say it frees up money for Despite changes in our thinking she lacked a job, she was poor because groups, childcare advocates and anti- desperately-needed childcare subsidies about the roles of men and women, the job she did have—that of being a poverty organizations— providers and and that displaced children can find care work—childcare, elder care or the mother—was not recognized as work. consumers of care—are fighting for a care elsewhere. The introduction of care of other dependents, inside or When it came to paid work in the country in which we not only have a full-day kindergarten is also part of the outside the home—remains women’s labour market, from the 1960s onwards, right to care, that families are permitted discussion, and just as Tough Times work. As feminist activist Selma James women working in nursing, childcare, and helped to care for their members, goes to press, Region staff is set to puts it “Women reproduce the human and elder care, organized into unions but a right to quality care work, good report to Council on applications from race (and thus the whole workforce), and lobbied governments, demanding wages, dignity and respect. In Peel profit and non-profit groups to run the and are everywhere its primary carers that their work be valued and that they Region, we’ve lost an important fight. centres. from womb to tomb.” Women continue be treated with dignity and respect. But the struggle continues. So why does it matter that municipal to do more than their share of unpaid Mayor McCallion was right in her centres are on the chopping block care work in the home, and when done diagnosis but wrong in her prescription. Simon Black is a teacher at York University, across Ontario? First, municipally- for wages in the labour market, care Chronic underfunding of public and a member of Peel Poverty Action Group. lakeshore showdown: tap WatEr grassroots vs. Developers Water, water, everywhere and f lots of drops to drink or almost two years, residents are pointless now. The developer in south Mississauga have been is trying to meet the planning divided over Trinity Development requirements of the City of the hot weather is almost Group’s plan to build a massive ‘big Mississauga. The project will almost gone, but more than 500 box’ retail store at 501 Lakeshore Blvd certainly move ahead. Peel businesses are offering East. The anchor store will likely be However, we must not lose heart free water-bottle fillup. look a Walmart, or a Target, which many over this apparent set back. By residents fear would dramatically coming together and organizing as for the blue w decal in shop change the flow of traffic and a community, we were able to put windows, and drop by for a commerce in Port Credit, Clarkson, pressure on the developer to play nice thirst-quenching glug. and Lakeview. with the city. A study at Loyola University in Sometimes we win, sometimes we blue w is a non-profit network heath, reduces waste and Chicago found that in an area similar lose – and often the outcome is less of shops, restaurants and protects the environment. to Port Credit, 25% of local businesses than clear. We are stronger for our closed when a Walmart opened. collective efforts regardless, and we businesses that began in Peel you can refill your water About 300 jobs that paid higher than will continue the fight to protect our in march this year. bottle from the tap 45 Walmart were eliminated, replaced neighbourhoods. Peel region points out that tap times. the cost to your by temporary, part-time positions. water is cheap, good for your water bill: one cent. Consumers saved a few cents here or Eric Stéphane Guerbilsky, there, but at what cost? President, Mississauga South NDP Unfortunately, all such arguments [email protected] Tough Times - Fall 2013 9 Knock, knock. 8,000 peel in Who’s where? people have hep c bY liSa DaViS persuading landlords to rent to a but do they Know it? E very human being has basic population that society sometimes needs: food, shelter, safety and shuns is an art. h epatitis is an inflammation hepatitis C. Peel Health reports that rest. But how can you prepare Establishing good relationships of the liver which can be an average of 380 cases is reported meals, or rest without a place to call with landlords is the first step caused by viruses, and if in Peel each year. home? but the key to finding affordable untreated can lead to serious illness, Following infection with a This is the reality of many visitors housing is not what you say but how even death. hepatitis virus, some people may to Malton Housing Resource you say it. I always advise landlords Common forms of the virus in experience fatigue and jaundice, but Centre, a new program of Malton to see a human being rather than a Canada are types A, B, C. many do not feel ill at all and remain Neighbourhood Services, funded “homeless person”. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is most unaware of their infection. by Region of Peel Homelessness Housing issues sometimes arise: often spread through contact with If you think you might be at risk Partnering Strategy. Rent is not paid; tenants quarrel, or food or water contaminated with of infection, recently or in the past, The Centre, in the lower level of lack life skills. I try to help clients the virus. see your healthcare provider for a Westwood Mall, is specifically to help identify issues that can lead to a Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and blood test. There is treatment for people experiencing homelessness cycle of homelessness, and show hepatitis C virus (HCV) are both hepatitis C infection. or at risk of becoming homeless. them how to take the lead in their spread through contact with Healthcare organizations in Peel Clients can use a landlord registry; housing search. Weekly life skills contaminated blood, and HBV is can test for hepatitis C and help you get help with negotiating lease workshops provide information also sexually transmitted. access treatment, care and support. agreements, assistance filling out about eviction prevention, hygiene Vaccination can protect against Peel Public Health operates a housing applications, and referrals issues, getting along with others, Hep A and Hep B. But Hep C needle exchange program, connects to further help, such as Ontario money management, and taking currently has no vaccination. hepatitis C clients with community Works and employment recruitment responsibility. And there are Prevention is the only protection. and medical supports, and provides agencies. emergency food supplies in our But there is treatment. information on how to reduce or Part of my job as a Housing pantry, bus tickets to search for Often called a “silent disease,” prevent the spread of hepatitis C. Coordinator is community outreach, housing. And landlords are invited hepatitis C usually reveals no specific You can also contact the going door-to-door to find suitable to advertise in our registry. signs or symptoms and is rarely Bloom Clinic at 40 Finchgate Blvd, and affordable housing within If you are homeless or know diagnosed until its chronic stages. Brampton ON L6T3J1, phone 905- Malton for individuals who are someone at risk, contact Lisa Davis When left untreated, hepatitis C may 451-6959 or [email protected] precariously housed. Knocking on at 905 612-0350, Monday – Friday 9 lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, the for assistance. See ad on page 12. landlord’s doors is the easy part; a.m.-5 p.m. need for liver transplant, and even death. Thanks to Jadunauth Raghunauth, Based on studies of prevalence Program Coordinator at the Bloom Clinic, of the disease in Ontario, an and to staff of Peel Health. rents go up estimated 8,200 people in Peel have North peel & Dufferin your rent may increase 0.8% for 2014. community legal Services if you pay: rent goes up: $400/month $3.20/month Free legal services for low income residents of $500/month $4.00/month Brampton, Caledon, and Dufferin County. $600/month $4.80/month Problems with your landlord? Is your rent subsidy threatened? $1,000/month $8.00/month Was your application for Ontario Disability Support Program benefits denied? Problems with Ontario Works? Call Us! Landlords must give 90 days written notice of an increase. 905-455-0160 Toll Free from Dufferin 1-866-455-0160 They must pay annual interest on any rent deposit. [email protected] 10 Tough Times - Fall 2013 cards or cars; I’ve done little to Temporary agencies subvert the many gains of the feed those pigs at the troughs. North American labor movement. New Canadians, I put effort into an education from places where children are forced into slave WorDS from and it cost me dearly, only when labor, the conditions of the manufacturing sectors I realized that the learning is so worn down and dangerous that death on the thE StrEEt free, but the institutionalization job is commonplace, are arriving here and being is pricey. That is, to limit the manipulated by others to work ‘under the table’ for UNWORThy TAKES accredited intelligentsia to a less than the minimum wage in conditions that are not controllable group is important acceptable here. By todd FostEr to keeping up the appearance of As of today the prices of everything from schism. peanut butter to bread are rising, but a pair of shoes, “... For who would bear the whips and scorns of time, In 1938 the board of directors of the National clothing, electronic goods, have a way of staying The oppressor’s wrong, the proud mans contumely, Association of Manufacturers described the ‘hazard affordable thanks to despotic corporate rule overseas. The pangs of despised love, the laws delay, facing industrialists’ in the ‘newly realized political Soon, goods may be even cheaper as more items are The insolence of office, and the spurns power of the masses’; ‘Unless their thinking is manufactured here in Canada by labourers making That patient merit of the unworthy takes.” directed,’ it warned, “We are definitely headed for $6 an hour without any documentation or regulation. - Billy Shakespeare adversity.” No less threatening was the rise of labor While Nike has built nets around its factories in China organization, in part with the support of industrialists to catch falling people, we buy and we buy and we buy I have no problems with being a poor person. I’ve who perceived it as a means to regularize labor into a future uncertain. never wanted wealth or extravagance. I have a markets. A young Asian woman stands close to the ledge, a problem with being marginalized for my lack of want. Our thinking has been effectively directed, strong warm breeze at her back, enough to clear the I’ve never put effort into owning property or credit the souls of the labourer crushed once more as black twine below. Just do it. pulling TeeTh I have noticed that “the system” is making it harder and harder just to get by lately. Rental rates and other basic need costs are mushrooming well beyond the meagre means of most recipients, yet incomes are not reflecting these increases. Being a social assistance recipient and trying to just “cover all the bases” is quite like pulling chicken teeth; it’s nearly impossible to cope with it all (in my opinion). While on the subject of pulling teeth that is another “tender” issue. Got a toothache? No worries, they’ll pull them all out (if you let them), no questions asked! You need false teeth? Good luck. I consider myself quite the fighter for rights and I have not been able to get any dentures, though I’ve been requesting them for over two years! Another issue is it appears that the start-up program tough times’ cartoonist todd foster responds to the question: what if canada’s senate became a shelter for has been cancelled. The start-up benefit was a welcome the homeless? any resemblance to living senators is coincidental. benefit to countless thousands as they try to rebuild sTaying in their lives. Do not get completely discouraged though jusT geT a job as you can apply for help under a different program school name. Check out the criteria on the social assistance website before applying. Just get a job ... is not that easy. I got a diploma Even the Rose Theatre who used to provide Poverty is most often associated with consequences as a community service worker years ago ... done complimentary tickets to shows for folks on social such as Homelessness – what caused the person to endless volunteer work ... yet no job. assistance have now banned that practice and so far become homeless? The most highly-correlated risk If I could speak certain languages and fall into have not wavered from this new policy (though I am factor for poverty and as a by-product, homelessness, a specific category I would have got a job - too bad still working on it). is dropping out of school. Want to prevent/reduce I can only speak English. Thus I see an over-all increase in the castrating poverty – ensure all youth complete high school Once I tried to access free sports activities for of clients self-worth, dignity, choice, freewill and or have a mechanism for going to a trade school. my son but was told they are for youths so they can prosperity. I think there are things we can (and must) Remind parents that it is illegal not to have your child adapt to Canadian culture. I ask what? My child do to reverse this pattern of subjugation. Protest to enrolled in school. Work with the schools to support was born here and never did any of this because I your MPP, sign up folks onto pettiions and many programs that keep youth in school and ask for public can’t afford it. other forms of objection must be encouraged. One support as we are all in this together. Support a youth- I don’t have any of those senior privileges thing for sure, don’t sit back and take it. Fight for the led program to encourage older adults to go back to either. right or lose. school or get a trade. You go figure what is really happening .. Mike Milne Social services worker Mississauga woman on Ontario Disability Support Program

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Email | [email protected] Vol. 2 No. 3 | Fall 2013 iNSiDE Why I do not sit on poverty reduction committees Page 4 2 Rebates are OK 40-YEar paY off 3 X marks the spot 5 New Gilded Age 8 Peel childcare closures co-op burNS thE mortgagE 9 Knock knock, Who’s where? 10 Words from the street 11 Empty wallets, empty bellies 12 Mickey at Knights Table tar sands are coming to peel enbridge’s PiPeline story & Photo by catherine soPlet a running through shworth Square Co-op members have Next steps? A summer camp in partnership with celebrated being mortgage-free, after 40 the YMCA; and Safe City Mississauga will bring in mississauga years. tutors to help families with school work; About 80 people, from babies to oldsters, building improvements will be discussed in the Fall. Even before tar sands product pumps including original members Marjorie Fansett, who Peel has 29 co-ops, providing close to 2,700 still lives at Ashworth, and Scott Kivell. housing units. through the pipes of energy corporation enjoyed a barbeque, danced to DJ music -- and Peel has a Enbridge, public outcry is getting louder ‘Peel has a torched a $2.61million mortgage. waiting list of -- from accusations that the Harper government Mortgage holder CHF Canada (Co-Operative 13,000 needing waiting list of has deliberately limited public input about Housing Federation of Canada) congratulated affordable environmental risks, to notes by City of Ashworth Square on being its first ‘graduate’. 13,000 needing homes. Mississauga staff that they are not getting the Established on Kirwin Avenue, Cooksville, in 1971, If you want to reports they need, that in any case some reports Ashworth opened the doors of 152 units in 1973. affordable help, have an are “commissioned by industry,” and that the Object: to house families of all sizes at affordable idea, PLUS land homes’ National Energy Board (NEB) refuses to hold rents. OR money or public consultations in Mississauga. The tower and low-rise units create a common both, phone On the bright side, Mississauga is one of only central square, with a playground area and an on-site 905-791-7800 and ask for Peel Builds, an offshoot of Montessori school. The Co-op pays management the Region of Peel which has the housing numbers two Ontario municipalities (the other is Toronto) and maintenance staff, but other operations are and the know-how to get you started. continued on Page 6 delivered by volunteers. this issue of tough times is sponsored by local 966 of the canadian union of Public employees 2 Tough Times - Fall 2013 Letters to the editor tough times is published quarterly. Tough Times welcomes letters from readers. Writers may use a pen name if they wish. Tough Times needs to know who you Next issue: Winter, 2013 are, so include a phone number and address, but your identity will not be revealed without your permission. Letters may be Deadline for ads and editorial: edited. Email your letters to [email protected] or deliver to Knights Table, Brampton. october 16, 2013. we encourage and welcome rebates are oK .... are imperfect but they represent sincere attempts to make volunteer writers, reporters, artists, cartoonists, photographers, political decisions democratic ones. distributors and sales folk to join Public financing of elections should be the gold The Peel Poverty Action Group (PPAG) recently tough times. standard. When candidates are financed publicly elections appeared before Mississauga’s Governance Committee to become about ideas and vision not about who wields the Please email letters to: oppose providing rebates to residents who make financial [email protected] biggest financial stick. Nationally, Canada was well down contributions to municipal election campaigns. PPAG the path toward this goal but Stephen Harper and the produced by: argued that rebates haven’t had an impact on voter turnout Conservative Government killed the public financing of Peel Poverty action group (PPag) in municipalities that offer them and are therefore a waste of political parties. taxpayers’ money. Editor: Harper and corporate Canada argue that such funding PPAG got it wrong. Rebates aren’t designed to encourage edna toth is too expensive, but is it? It all depends on how you view voting. Rebates are meant to put more political power in the associate Editor/graphic Designer: cost. Public election financing does have greater upfront hands of ordinary people by encouraging contributions and ryan gurcharn costs but an open and engaged democracy is an investment limiting the influence of large contributors. in the society we desire. graphic Designer: PPAG’s core mission of enhancing the political and dalia emam Opponents of public financing measures say that economic influence of our most disadvantaged citizens was contribution rebates and public financing of elections is too contributors: not served by their rejection of rebates. In fact, they risk expensive, and, that if money isn’t spent in one area then it simon black, dalia emam, handing a victory to the very forces they oppose. Councillors will be spent in another more positive way. todd foster, esther Kingsley, michel asked to vote against rebates may injure themselves raising Our current system, however, is very expensive indeed. revelin, motillal sarjoo, catherine their arms too quickly. These same councillors are very soplet, francine sampogna, eric Why? Simply, it allows decisions to be made in service of unlikely to support PPAG’s more important ask: the ending guerbilsky, randy Johnson, Jadunauth corporate and other narrow agendas – often away from of corporate and union contributions, and returning a raghunauth, Julie rocchese, chiran public view. greater share of political influence to residents. PPAG got dedunupitiya, lisa davis. The impacts of these costs are all around us. Some local these issues right! printed by: examples are: Allowing only individuals to contribute to political metroland media group ltd. • The poor state of public transportation in Mississauga campaigns, providing rebates for political contributions, and limiting election spending, are all measures designed to • A city built for cars and developers not for people advertising rates • A city council whose elections pots are filled by corporate maximize the influence of individuals and limit the undue interests tough times has a minimum press power of corporate and special interests. These measures Each of these examples represents decision run of 10,000 copies, distributed making outside the greater public interest that led throughout Peel region. to huge costs to the public. Corporate contributors target audience is people aren’t philanthropists – they want a return on their experiencing homelessness, using investment. foodbanks and soup kitchens, people who are struggling, plus Change won’t happen until citizens have the faith groups, social service agencies, opportunity to make informed decisions based trades unions, business people, and on debates in an open, democratic environment. the general public. Neither will money not spent in one area be spent elsewhere in the public interest unless spending To advertise in Tough Times: smurf needs to go to email: priorities better reflect the public will. Policy the bathroom but he’s [email protected] locked up in the mental limiting the power of big money while enhancing Phone: 905 826-5041 ward of the hospital. he the broader public interests must, therefore, be the mail address: 287 glidden road, #4 had to use the facilities goal of reform. brampton on l6w 1h9, canada in the corner of his Public election financing is ultimately the best room, to the dismay of Advertising rates: (sales tax extra) way to give the power of decision making to voters. the nurse who would business card: $60 not unlock the door. If PPAG’s goal is to give greater power to the 1/16 page: $70 powerless then the direction is clear. What matters 1/8 page: $100 (Drawing and caption by is that we freely talk and debate, influenced by ideas 1/4 page: $170 Francine Sampogna) and better arguments. That is democracy. 1/2 page: $340 3/4 page: $480 Bill McBain full page: $620 Mississauga colour $35 extra Editor’s note: McBain has been a candidate for Mississauga a full page is approximately 10 Council and may run in 2014. inches wide by 12 inches deep = 120 square inches. | e&oe Tough Times - Fall 2013 3 X marks the spot 55 jobs up for grabs and The The elecTions ............ money is good t he next two years in Ontario are loaded with You may not need a lot of cash. Mississauga Mayor W hen the next elections are called, elections. The provincial government must go Hazel McCallion hasn’t collected or spent any dollars a total of 55 jobs become open in to the polls not later than Thursday, October 1, on her campaigns for several elections now. (Despite Peel, not including school trustees. 2015, but could call an election any time. being re-elected, re-elected and re-elected, she’ll be 93 Peel’s 34 council members, including The federal government must go to the polls not on Valentine’s Day 2014, and says she’s not running for the mayors. are elected and paid in their later than Monday, October 19, 2015, but could call an Mayor again). own municipalities. Some are also Regional election any time. To find out more about the costs of running for councillors, receiving additional cash from the The only voting date for sure is municipal elections in office, check the financial reports of candidates who Region. Ontario, set for Monday, October 27, 2014. ran in 2010 which will reveal what you can expect to Brampton council members: $67,860, plus This is a once-in-four-years opportunity for cash- spend on brochures and postage, signs and advertising. $50,416 each for the six Regional councillors poor people to be elected to council or school board, Some candidates have paid office help. Find the reports Caledon council members: $27,881, plus and to find candidates who understand the challenges online at Brampton.ca, Missississauga.ca, or Caledon.ca. $50,416 each for the four Regional councillors that cash-poor people face. Look under City Hall or Town Hall, Candidate financial Mississauga council members: $81,614, Though the feds supposedly direct the economy to statements or similar. No computer? You can ask to see plus $50,416 each as Regional councillors. produce more jobs, and the Ontario government sets the the papers at your local municipal HQ. Peel’s nine Members of Parliament have a rates for Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support And that’s not all. base salary of $160,200; in the 2015 election, Program (ODSP), it’s the municipality that delivers as Peel Poverty Action Group and Tough Times invite Peel will elect 12 MPs. best it can on housing -- from shelters to basement potential candidates, potential supporters, and the public, The nine members of the Ontario apartments to public housing, soup kitchens, food to a Get Out the Vote meeting at Knights Table, 287 Legislature are paid a base of $116,550 each banks, health, education, parks, transit, and a myriad of Glidden Road #4, Brampton, on Thursday, 24 October, School board trustees’ honoraria (increases services that matter. 2013. Free admission. Free refreshments. expected March 31, 2014) You can have a hand in developing and improving Because election dollars can be daunting, Tough Peel District School Board - $26,280 these services.You can sign up to run for mayor, council, Times has checked the more delectable digits from Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School or school boards starting January 2, 2014, only a few council candidates’ reports – who spent what on Victory Board -- $18,940 months away. And once registered, you can start raising Parties on Election Day. Conseil scolaire Viamonde - $5,000 money to pay for your campaign. See below for the 2010 numbers: VoTing day parTies Election finance returns are filed on disposed of $2,490; invested $4,756 in a victory party. keep three single mums and babies for special forms, with an item Voting day In Ward 6, ron Starr gael miles (Wards 7&8) a year. party/appreciation notices. The sums reported $1,745 party money. shelled out $3,854; noted below include both party and in Ward 8, Katie mahoney paul a. palleschi (Wards 2&6) calEDoN appreciation. put up $1,462. spent $2,434 on celebrating his win, marolyn morrison, Mayor of Caledon, in Ward 10, Sue mcfadden and declared $5,352 spent on t-shirts, partied away $1,664; miSSiSSauga partied away $931; jackets and hats. in Ward 1, town councillor Doug mayor hazel mccallion did not raise in Ward 5, Eve adams was elected in John Sanderson (Wards 3&4) beffort spent $563, while regional or spend any money on her re-election, 2010, but resigned. In a byelection in spent $862; councillor richard paterak held no or on a voting day party. 2011, Bonnie Crombie was elected. Elaine moore (Wards1&5) party; in Ward 2, town councillor gord Ward 1 councillor Jim tovey did not Adams’ voting day party came in at victory party cost $306; mcclure also held onto his party report a party either. $11,791. Crombie confirmed she money, while regional councillor Here are other Mississauga council spent $754, after Tough Times queried Brampton City Councillors allan thompson invested $1,238; members in order of expenditure: supplementary reports of $1,949 or Vicky Dhillon (Wards 9&10) In Wards 3 and 4, town councillor in Ward 7, Nando iannicci $1,194. partied away $8,571; Nick deboer held no election day party, disbursed $17,565; in Ward 3, chris fonseca spent $700. John hutton (Wards 2&6) while regional councillor richard Ward 11’s george carlson Total (E&OE) is close to $50,000, celebrated with $2,850; Whitehead blew $1,691; spent $5,292; which, as welfare payments, would bob callahan (Wards 3&4) in Ward 5, town councillor rob in Ward 4, frank Dale spent $3,413 maintain 2.5 single mums with one partied to the tune of $647; mezzapelli spent $1,353 on his voting on the Voting day party/appreciation child each for a year. grant gibson (Wards 1&5) day party; regional councillor patti notices line, but also reported post- partied away $613; foley spent $264. election parties/meetings at $4,684, bramptoN Sandra hames (Wards 7&8) and her Caledon’s parties totaled $6,773, about and Expressions of appreciation mayor fennell partied away $38,526; supporters kicked up their heels with enough welfare payments for five $2,193; Brampton Regional councillors, in $362. single mums for a month. in Ward 9, pat Saito invested $2,911; order of expenditure: Brampton’s parties totalled (E&OE) Ward 2’s pat mullin John Sprovieri (Wards 9&10) $63,777, what welfare would spend to 4 Tough Times - Fall 2013 Why I do not sit on poverty reduction committees By EsthEr kingslEy - a penname i do not sit on poverty reduction committees any more, especially those led by government workers. Been there; done that; seen the farce. They are a waste of time and a bundle consultant gets $25,000 for two months’ work, of hypocrisy and contradictions. approximately $2,775 a week or $555 a day to document exhibit 1. My sister used to be ‘on welfare.’ To the existence of poverty. compare this to the fact that the help her out, I would give her a $50 or a $100 at the single parent with a child ‘on welfare,’ gets about $18,000 end of the month. She was hard of hearing, had high blood pressure, was a single mother of a child with for 12 months which works out to $346 a week or emotional problems, and she had Shadow, a dog that less than $50 per day for parent and child she just could not give up. She had found him many years ago on the roadside, left for dead. One month, I put the money into her bank account at the local bank because I did not have time to give it to her in person. Her caseworker asked to see her of failure to attend school. (Correctional Services something that costs money – to inform elected bankbook and saw the $100 deposit, money that my Canada, says that the average annual cost of keeping officials about the obvious? Furthermore, why sister did not declare. She accused my sister of fraud, an offender in a correctional institution is $102,000.) couldn’t the highly-paid civil servants who work for cut her off welfare or any form of income support, Canadian Senator Mike Duffy is in the news the Regional Councillors provide them with the freely leaving her and her child to starve and to be evicted over alleged erroneous expense claims. The Prime available information on poverty? from their home. Minister’s Chief of Staff gave him a personal cheque I am not done with this story. There’s more. It took my sister a year to regain any kind of monthly to repay $90,000 or so. Today, Mr. Duffy is still a income from the government. By the time the money Senator and receiving a senator’s salary of $135,200 a exhibit 3. The poverty reduction committee was came, she was diagnosed with severe depression, and year ($370.41 a day) and allowable expenses. established, and the first order of business, at the her child was in a juvenile detention facility because instigation of the civil servant leading the committee, exhibit 2. I was once asked to sit was to hire a consultant to write a report on poverty on a poverty reduction committee. in the Region. Here is the reason the civil servants The consultant was to gather statistics on poverty, gave for the establishment of the talk to poor people about their experiences, and committee (I am paraphrasing...): “We interview non-profit social workers who provide need to provide Regional Council with services to the poor. This work was to be done over evidence of poverty in our Region so a two-month period for a fee of $25,000 plus HST. that they will vote to provide funding Let’s do the math. Consultant gets $25,000 for two for programs to help the poor. After months’ work, approximately $2,775 a week or $555 a all, people look at the 905 area with day to document the existence of poverty. Compare the many big single family homes and this to the fact that the single parent with a child ‘on don’t think we have poor people here. welfare,’ gets about $18,000 for 12 months which We have to be evidence-based.” works out to approximately $346 a week or almost Here is my question: What planet $50 per day for parent and child or $25 for each of are these Regional Councillors living them. How do we justify paying a middle class person on? If this sounds too harsh, here’s $555 per day to describe the lives of people who get another question: Were my civil $25 per day from the government? servant colleagues under-estimating Analyze that, Ms. Consultant! the intelligence of the Regional I do not want poverty reduction. I want poverty Councillors? After all, one would elimination. And the only way to eliminate poverty expect elected officials to have the is to create a social system that does not allow some level of education and professional people to own and control so much of the natural experience that would make them world and society that others have to become their aware that: a) poverty is a fact of life slaves just to get the basics of life that are provided for many people in advanced capitalist freely by Nature: a piece of land to live on, water to societies, and b) existing official drink, natural food to eat, and access to electricity and statistics and reports on poverty in other natural sources of energy. their Wards and in the Region as a We do not need poverty reduction committees. whole. We need a social revolution that would make poverty Why set up a committee – history! Tough Times - Fall 2013 5 New Gilded Age a ThreaT To youTh From Brampton-mississauga and district laBour council t he Ontario Federation of Labour wants to uncertainty lock them out of a secure future.” with market-driven values.” But some young folk use stop union-busting in its tracks. To reverse the plight of youth, Canadians social and digital media for forms of protest “that Why? Because it realizes that without must educate themselves about the larger social constitute a new realm of political activity”. trade unions, there would be no weekends, no paid conditions. “All over the world forces are on the Giroux suggested that the Occupy and Quebec vacations, no health care, and Canadians would lose march dismantling the historically guaranteed social and Idle No More movements reveal young people as many services that we value. provisions provided by the welfare state; defining “a vibrant source of creativity, possibility, and political So it has established the Ontario Common profit-making as the essence of democracy, increasing struggle,” in opposition to “predatory capitalism.” Front, to bring people and ideas together to prevent the role of corporate money in politics, waging “Young people need to imagine a future in which demolition of our cherished institutions -- services an assault on unions, denigrating public servants economic justice prevails ... where everyone has like free elementary schooling and help for people and public goods, allowing public transportation to access to sustainable jobs, decent health care, quality having a hard time, assistance that Canadians take for deteriorate, overseeing widening social inequality,” he education and communities of solidarity.” granted. said. When the Common Front met recently, it heard Giroux declared: “The Gilded Age is back with huge Henry Giroux is the author of Disposable Youth: Racialized from McMaster University professor Henry Giroux profits for the ultra-rich, and increasing impoverishment Memories, and the Culture of Cruelty; Youth in Revolt: that these services that unions fought for are in danger. and misery for the middle and working classes.” Reclaiming a Democratic Future; Zombie Politics and Culture “People who were once viewed as facing dire It is now “easier to blame the poor, homeless, in the Age of Casino Capitalism. problems in need of state intervention and social uninsured, jobless, disabled, and other disadvantaged protection are now seen as a problem threatening groups for their problems.” For more information about the Ontario Common society,” he said. Tweets, cell phones and the internet may not help Front, phone Ontario Federation of Labour Young people are especially at risk as “they live in young people. “Corporations have hit gold with the 416-441-2731 a space of social homelessness in which precarity and new media and can inundate young people directly 6 Tough Times - Summer 2013 Tough Times - Summer 2013 7 EPnipberliidngee EGLINTON AVENUE CREDITVIEW RD TERRY FOX WAY McLAUGHLINROAD KENNEDY RD HIGHWAY 403 EGLINTON AVENHUIEGHWAY 401 Route HIGHWAY 403 K E E BURNHAMTHORPE ROAD URCHILL BLVD LLS PARKWAY AUGA ROAD VALLEY RIVER STATION ROAD MAVIS ROAD NTARIO ROAD BURNHAMTHORPE ROAD WTHRA ROAD OMKEN ROAD ETOBICOKE CR TON CH RIN MII MISSISS CREDIT NDALE HURO CA T S E I DUNDAS STREET IN ER DUNDAS STREET W Tar sands are adequate, including valves and sensors? How into the Kalamazoo River, is costing more TWO VIEWS ON TAR SANDS quickly can the corporation detect, seal off, than $800m to clean up, which might exceed and clean up after a spill? (Enbridge says it Enbridge’s insurance coverage. At press time, “Raw tar sands oil is thick and gooey, and Getting raw tar sands oil through pipelines “The committee that produced the report did coming to Peel would respond to an emergency in two to four Tough Times online research revealed that needs to be mixed with lighter petroleum is like moving hot, liquid sandpaper that not fi nd any pipeline failures unique to the hours. City staff want to know precise plans. clean-up of the Kalamazoo River continues products like natural gas, benzene, grinds and burns its way along, increasing transportation of diluted bitumen or evidence Enbridge reports a Valve Placement Study, three years after the event, with six miles of toluene and xylene to be pushed through the chance that weakened pipelines will of physical or chemical properties of diluted but City staff haven’t seen it. Enbridge also the river closed.) a pipeline. This mixture is usually called rupture.” bitumen shipments that are outside the range reports that emergency shut-down buttons And more on the money: Enbridge says diluted bitumen. It also needs to be hot Environmental Defence, of those of other crude oil shipments.” ...AND THAT’S product underground in Mississauga, and are in place at all pump stations, and the that Western Canadian crude oil is on average and pumped at high pressure to move. an organization based in Toronto. A report prepared for the U.S. Congress have told the NEB to be sure to discuss: NEB has Enbridge plans for backup power $25 per barrel cheaper than crude oil from NOT ALL Whether Enbridge’s inspection and systems. City staff say they don’t know when overseas, which may explain their need to get maintenance program is adequate; (Enbridge the work will be done.) it to market, via Mississauga. says it has inspected the pipe with “state- And on the money, councillors want On public input into the pipeline T hank you! Continued from Page 1 of-the-art in-line inspection tools”, but City to know, on our behalf, “that fi nancial discussions with the NEB, wellknown to be granted Intervenor status at NEB staff don’t have the results.) protection is provided for taxpayers from the lawyer Clayton Ruby, chair of ForestEthics hearings and that the City is sharing with Just how corrosive is tar sands product costs for emergency response, clean-ups and Advocacy Association, in an article in The Toronto the cost of expert advice. compared with what has been in the pipes damages to municipal and privately-owned Toronto Star, says “the Harper Conservatives But Mississauga councillors are worried Your input will help increase housing affordability before? infrastructure and property.” (City staff have quietly implemented a new regime and eliminate homelessness in Peel about what could happen with tar sands Is Enbridge’s Emergency Response System notes from media reports that a spill in 2010 under the National Energy Board Act, cutting off public participation and violating We asked the community to join us in taking ownership of a long-term plan for Canadians’ Charter rights to free expression housing and homelessness in Peel, and hundreds responded. People from all DON’T GO HUNGRY backgrounds shared opinions, suggestions and insights, and inspired the … in 2012, the Harper government snuck development of a draft local plan that addresses our community’s needs. in amendments to the Act through omnibus Bill C-38 … They turned the NEB from an If you are struggling to make ends meet, have to choose The plan aims to improve the availability of safe, affordable, accessible, between paying rent or buying food, can’t aff ord formula for independent decision-making body into one and appropriate housing in Peel, and provide a solid foundation on which your baby, or have more bills than income...The Mississauga that merely advises the cabinet. Even that to secure employment, raise families and build strong communities. Food Bank is here to help you. wasn’t enough. Harper wanted to silence Peel’s Final Housing and Homelessness Plan will take effect in January 2014. critics, too. Anyone in need and living in Mississauga is eligible to Curious about what others had to say? Want to read the draft plan? use a neighbourhood food bank or other food program “These amendments gave the NEB the Visit www.peelregion.ca/housinghomelessness regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, race or power to screen out members of the public immigration status. and scientifi c community likely to bring up ‘irrelevant’ issues like skyrocketing cancer PEEL’s COMMUNITY OWNED rates in downstream communities, the Housing and Homelessness PLAN poisoning of watersheds and the negative Visit www.themississaugafoodbank.org/getfood impact of the tar sands.” or phone us at 905-270-5589 to fi nd the food program closest to you. 6 Tough Times - Summer 2013 Tough Times - Summer 2013 7 EPnipberliidngee EGLINTON AVENUE CREDITVIEW RD TERRY FOX WAY McLAUGHLINROAD KENNEDY RD HIGHWAY 403 EGLINTON AVENHUIEGHWAY 401 Route HIGHWAY 403 K E E BURNHAMTHORPE ROAD URCHILL BLVD LLS PARKWAY AUGA ROAD VALLEY RIVER STATION ROAD MAVIS ROAD NTARIO ROAD BURNHAMTHORPE ROAD WTHRA ROAD OMKEN ROAD ETOBICOKE CR TON CH RIN MII MISSISS CREDIT NDALE HURO CA T S E I DUNDAS STREET IN ER DUNDAS STREET W Tar sands are adequate, including valves and sensors? How into the Kalamazoo River, is costing more TWO VIEWS ON TAR SANDS quickly can the corporation detect, seal off, than $800m to clean up, which might exceed and clean up after a spill? (Enbridge says it Enbridge’s insurance coverage. At press time, “Raw tar sands oil is thick and gooey, and Getting raw tar sands oil through pipelines “The committee that produced the report did coming to Peel would respond to an emergency in two to four Tough Times online research revealed that needs to be mixed with lighter petroleum is like moving hot, liquid sandpaper that not fi nd any pipeline failures unique to the hours. City staff want to know precise plans. clean-up of the Kalamazoo River continues products like natural gas, benzene, grinds and burns its way along, increasing transportation of diluted bitumen or evidence Enbridge reports a Valve Placement Study, three years after the event, with six miles of toluene and xylene to be pushed through the chance that weakened pipelines will of physical or chemical properties of diluted but City staff haven’t seen it. Enbridge also the river closed.) a pipeline. This mixture is usually called rupture.” bitumen shipments that are outside the range reports that emergency shut-down buttons And more on the money: Enbridge says diluted bitumen. It also needs to be hot Environmental Defence, of those of other crude oil shipments.” ...AND THAT’S product underground in Mississauga, and are in place at all pump stations, and the that Western Canadian crude oil is on average and pumped at high pressure to move. an organization based in Toronto. A report prepared for the U.S. Congress have told the NEB to be sure to discuss: NEB has Enbridge plans for backup power $25 per barrel cheaper than crude oil from NOT ALL Whether Enbridge’s inspection and systems. City staff say they don’t know when overseas, which may explain their need to get maintenance program is adequate; (Enbridge the work will be done.) it to market, via Mississauga. says it has inspected the pipe with “state- And on the money, councillors want On public input into the pipeline T hank you! Continued from Page 1 of-the-art in-line inspection tools”, but City to know, on our behalf, “that fi nancial discussions with the NEB, wellknown to be granted Intervenor status at NEB staff don’t have the results.) protection is provided for taxpayers from the lawyer Clayton Ruby, chair of ForestEthics hearings and that the City is sharing with Just how corrosive is tar sands product costs for emergency response, clean-ups and Advocacy Association, in an article in The Toronto the cost of expert advice. compared with what has been in the pipes damages to municipal and privately-owned Toronto Star, says “the Harper Conservatives But Mississauga councillors are worried Your input will help increase housing affordability before? infrastructure and property.” (City staff have quietly implemented a new regime and eliminate homelessness in Peel about what could happen with tar sands Is Enbridge’s Emergency Response System notes from media reports that a spill in 2010 under the National Energy Board Act, cutting off public participation and violating We asked the community to join us in taking ownership of a long-term plan for Canadians’ Charter rights to free expression housing and homelessness in Peel, and hundreds responded. People from all DON’T GO HUNGRY backgrounds shared opinions, suggestions and insights, and inspired the … in 2012, the Harper government snuck development of a draft local plan that addresses our community’s needs. in amendments to the Act through omnibus Bill C-38 … They turned the NEB from an If you are struggling to make ends meet, have to choose The plan aims to improve the availability of safe, affordable, accessible, between paying rent or buying food, can’t aff ord formula for independent decision-making body into one and appropriate housing in Peel, and provide a solid foundation on which your baby, or have more bills than income...The Mississauga that merely advises the cabinet. Even that to secure employment, raise families and build strong communities. Food Bank is here to help you. wasn’t enough. Harper wanted to silence Peel’s Final Housing and Homelessness Plan will take effect in January 2014. critics, too. Anyone in need and living in Mississauga is eligible to Curious about what others had to say? Want to read the draft plan? use a neighbourhood food bank or other food program “These amendments gave the NEB the Visit www.peelregion.ca/housinghomelessness regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, race or power to screen out members of the public immigration status. and scientifi c community likely to bring up ‘irrelevant’ issues like skyrocketing cancer PEEL’s COMMUNITY OWNED rates in downstream communities, the Housing and Homelessness PLAN poisoning of watersheds and the negative Visit www.themississaugafoodbank.org/getfood impact of the tar sands.” or phone us at 905-270-5589 to fi nd the food program closest to you. 8 Tough Times - Fall 2013 what we lost childcare and the lack of a provincial peel childcare closures or national childcare program means and why it that accessible, high-quality public care, by simon blacK matters provided by well-compensated workers, is available to only a small minority l ast September, Peel Region operated childcare centres provide the work is overwhelmingly performed by of families. And this type of care is councillors voted to close the 12 benchmark of quality to which other women. While this work is essential to ‘gold-plated’ in that in most instances, childcare centres the Region runs centres aspire. Numerous reports have sustaining ourselves, our families and municipally-operated childcare centres by September, 2014. The move was shown that the care offered by these communities, and to the functioning provide the best childcare available and opposed by a coalition of childcare centres is of higher quality than in non- of the economic system itself, most pay some of the highest wages in the advocates, the Canadian Union of profit and for-profit private centres. care work remains either unpaid or sector. Public Employees, and concerned And second, because in a sector with underpaid. But contra Mayor McCallion, families. Prior to the vote, Mississauga an overwhelmingly female workforce Women have waged momentous that’s exactly why municipally-operated Mayor Hazel McCallion, remarked “I that is notoriously underpaid and struggles for care work to be recognized childcare centres are worth fighting for: think we are supporting an elitist group overworked, municipally-operated and economically valued. The in a province and a country dominated [of children and parents].” When the childcare centres are more likely to International Wages for Housework by politicians who fail to recognize the issue first came up in council, Mayor be unionized (the majority of are campaign which began in the 1970s importance and economic value of care McCallion made similar comments unionized--Peel is an exception-- demanded that women be paid for work and the people who do it (e.g. The about “gold-plated” childcare. compared to only 17% of non-profit the domestic labour—the unpaid care Harper Conservative’s $100 a month Peel Region is not exceptional: Over centres and even less in the for-profit work—they did at home. The Welfare childcare ‘plan’), we need to defend those the past year, municipally-operated sector), pay higher wages and provide Rights Movement of the 1960s and spaces in which this work is recognized centres have been closed or privatized in better benefits than private non-profit ‘70s argued that a single-mother on and well-paid. Across Canada, unions, Toronto, Ottawa, and Windsor. Those and for-profit centres. social assistance was not poor because the women’s movement, seniors in favour say it frees up money for Despite changes in our thinking she lacked a job, she was poor because groups, childcare advocates and anti- desperately-needed childcare subsidies about the roles of men and women, the job she did have—that of being a poverty organizations— providers and and that displaced children can find care work—childcare, elder care or the mother—was not recognized as work. consumers of care—are fighting for a care elsewhere. The introduction of care of other dependents, inside or When it came to paid work in the country in which we not only have a full-day kindergarten is also part of the outside the home—remains women’s labour market, from the 1960s onwards, right to care, that families are permitted discussion, and just as Tough Times work. As feminist activist Selma James women working in nursing, childcare, and helped to care for their members, goes to press, Region staff is set to puts it “Women reproduce the human and elder care, organized into unions but a right to quality care work, good report to Council on applications from race (and thus the whole workforce), and lobbied governments, demanding wages, dignity and respect. In Peel profit and non-profit groups to run the and are everywhere its primary carers that their work be valued and that they Region, we’ve lost an important fight. centres. from womb to tomb.” Women continue be treated with dignity and respect. But the struggle continues. So why does it matter that municipal to do more than their share of unpaid Mayor McCallion was right in her centres are on the chopping block care work in the home, and when done diagnosis but wrong in her prescription. Simon Black is a teacher at York University, across Ontario? First, municipally- for wages in the labour market, care Chronic underfunding of public and a member of Peel Poverty Action Group. lakeshore showdown: tap WatEr grassroots vs. Developers Water, water, everywhere and f lots of drops to drink or almost two years, residents are pointless now. The developer in south Mississauga have been is trying to meet the planning divided over Trinity Development requirements of the City of the hot weather is almost Group’s plan to build a massive ‘big Mississauga. The project will almost gone, but more than 500 box’ retail store at 501 Lakeshore Blvd certainly move ahead. Peel businesses are offering East. The anchor store will likely be However, we must not lose heart free water-bottle fillup. look a Walmart, or a Target, which many over this apparent set back. By residents fear would dramatically coming together and organizing as for the blue w decal in shop change the flow of traffic and a community, we were able to put windows, and drop by for a commerce in Port Credit, Clarkson, pressure on the developer to play nice thirst-quenching glug. and Lakeview. with the city. A study at Loyola University in Sometimes we win, sometimes we blue w is a non-profit network heath, reduces waste and Chicago found that in an area similar lose – and often the outcome is less of shops, restaurants and protects the environment. to Port Credit, 25% of local businesses than clear. We are stronger for our closed when a Walmart opened. collective efforts regardless, and we businesses that began in Peel you can refill your water About 300 jobs that paid higher than will continue the fight to protect our in march this year. bottle from the tap 45 Walmart were eliminated, replaced neighbourhoods. Peel region points out that tap times. the cost to your by temporary, part-time positions. water is cheap, good for your water bill: one cent. Consumers saved a few cents here or Eric Stéphane Guerbilsky, there, but at what cost? President, Mississauga South NDP Unfortunately, all such arguments [email protected] Tough Times - Fall 2013 9 Knock, knock. 8,000 peel in Who’s where? people have hep c bY liSa DaViS persuading landlords to rent to a but do they Know it? E very human being has basic population that society sometimes needs: food, shelter, safety and shuns is an art. h epatitis is an inflammation hepatitis C. Peel Health reports that rest. But how can you prepare Establishing good relationships of the liver which can be an average of 380 cases is reported meals, or rest without a place to call with landlords is the first step caused by viruses, and if in Peel each year. home? but the key to finding affordable untreated can lead to serious illness, Following infection with a This is the reality of many visitors housing is not what you say but how even death. hepatitis virus, some people may to Malton Housing Resource you say it. I always advise landlords Common forms of the virus in experience fatigue and jaundice, but Centre, a new program of Malton to see a human being rather than a Canada are types A, B, C. many do not feel ill at all and remain Neighbourhood Services, funded “homeless person”. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is most unaware of their infection. by Region of Peel Homelessness Housing issues sometimes arise: often spread through contact with If you think you might be at risk Partnering Strategy. Rent is not paid; tenants quarrel, or food or water contaminated with of infection, recently or in the past, The Centre, in the lower level of lack life skills. I try to help clients the virus. see your healthcare provider for a Westwood Mall, is specifically to help identify issues that can lead to a Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and blood test. There is treatment for people experiencing homelessness cycle of homelessness, and show hepatitis C virus (HCV) are both hepatitis C infection. or at risk of becoming homeless. them how to take the lead in their spread through contact with Healthcare organizations in Peel Clients can use a landlord registry; housing search. Weekly life skills contaminated blood, and HBV is can test for hepatitis C and help you get help with negotiating lease workshops provide information also sexually transmitted. access treatment, care and support. agreements, assistance filling out about eviction prevention, hygiene Vaccination can protect against Peel Public Health operates a housing applications, and referrals issues, getting along with others, Hep A and Hep B. But Hep C needle exchange program, connects to further help, such as Ontario money management, and taking currently has no vaccination. hepatitis C clients with community Works and employment recruitment responsibility. And there are Prevention is the only protection. and medical supports, and provides agencies. emergency food supplies in our But there is treatment. information on how to reduce or Part of my job as a Housing pantry, bus tickets to search for Often called a “silent disease,” prevent the spread of hepatitis C. Coordinator is community outreach, housing. And landlords are invited hepatitis C usually reveals no specific You can also contact the going door-to-door to find suitable to advertise in our registry. signs or symptoms and is rarely Bloom Clinic at 40 Finchgate Blvd, and affordable housing within If you are homeless or know diagnosed until its chronic stages. Brampton ON L6T3J1, phone 905- Malton for individuals who are someone at risk, contact Lisa Davis When left untreated, hepatitis C may 451-6959 or [email protected] precariously housed. Knocking on at 905 612-0350, Monday – Friday 9 lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, the for assistance. See ad on page 12. landlord’s doors is the easy part; a.m.-5 p.m. need for liver transplant, and even death. Thanks to Jadunauth Raghunauth, Based on studies of prevalence Program Coordinator at the Bloom Clinic, of the disease in Ontario, an and to staff of Peel Health. rents go up estimated 8,200 people in Peel have North peel & Dufferin your rent may increase 0.8% for 2014. community legal Services if you pay: rent goes up: $400/month $3.20/month Free legal services for low income residents of $500/month $4.00/month Brampton, Caledon, and Dufferin County. $600/month $4.80/month Problems with your landlord? Is your rent subsidy threatened? $1,000/month $8.00/month Was your application for Ontario Disability Support Program benefits denied? Problems with Ontario Works? Call Us! Landlords must give 90 days written notice of an increase. 905-455-0160 Toll Free from Dufferin 1-866-455-0160 They must pay annual interest on any rent deposit. [email protected] 10 Tough Times - Fall 2013 cards or cars; I’ve done little to Temporary agencies subvert the many gains of the feed those pigs at the troughs. North American labor movement. New Canadians, I put effort into an education from places where children are forced into slave WorDS from and it cost me dearly, only when labor, the conditions of the manufacturing sectors I realized that the learning is so worn down and dangerous that death on the thE StrEEt free, but the institutionalization job is commonplace, are arriving here and being is pricey. That is, to limit the manipulated by others to work ‘under the table’ for UNWORThy TAKES accredited intelligentsia to a less than the minimum wage in conditions that are not controllable group is important acceptable here. By todd FostEr to keeping up the appearance of As of today the prices of everything from schism. peanut butter to bread are rising, but a pair of shoes, “... For who would bear the whips and scorns of time, In 1938 the board of directors of the National clothing, electronic goods, have a way of staying The oppressor’s wrong, the proud mans contumely, Association of Manufacturers described the ‘hazard affordable thanks to despotic corporate rule overseas. The pangs of despised love, the laws delay, facing industrialists’ in the ‘newly realized political Soon, goods may be even cheaper as more items are The insolence of office, and the spurns power of the masses’; ‘Unless their thinking is manufactured here in Canada by labourers making That patient merit of the unworthy takes.” directed,’ it warned, “We are definitely headed for $6 an hour without any documentation or regulation. - Billy Shakespeare adversity.” No less threatening was the rise of labor While Nike has built nets around its factories in China organization, in part with the support of industrialists to catch falling people, we buy and we buy and we buy I have no problems with being a poor person. I’ve who perceived it as a means to regularize labor into a future uncertain. never wanted wealth or extravagance. I have a markets. A young Asian woman stands close to the ledge, a problem with being marginalized for my lack of want. Our thinking has been effectively directed, strong warm breeze at her back, enough to clear the I’ve never put effort into owning property or credit the souls of the labourer crushed once more as black twine below. Just do it. pulling TeeTh I have noticed that “the system” is making it harder and harder just to get by lately. Rental rates and other basic need costs are mushrooming well beyond the meagre means of most recipients, yet incomes are not reflecting these increases. Being a social assistance recipient and trying to just “cover all the bases” is quite like pulling chicken teeth; it’s nearly impossible to cope with it all (in my opinion). While on the subject of pulling teeth that is another “tender” issue. Got a toothache? No worries, they’ll pull them all out (if you let them), no questions asked! You need false teeth? Good luck. I consider myself quite the fighter for rights and I have not been able to get any dentures, though I’ve been requesting them for over two years! Another issue is it appears that the start-up program tough times’ cartoonist todd foster responds to the question: what if canada’s senate became a shelter for has been cancelled. The start-up benefit was a welcome the homeless? any resemblance to living senators is coincidental. benefit to countless thousands as they try to rebuild sTaying in their lives. Do not get completely discouraged though jusT geT a job as you can apply for help under a different program school name. Check out the criteria on the social assistance website before applying. Just get a job ... is not that easy. I got a diploma Even the Rose Theatre who used to provide Poverty is most often associated with consequences as a community service worker years ago ... done complimentary tickets to shows for folks on social such as Homelessness – what caused the person to endless volunteer work ... yet no job. assistance have now banned that practice and so far become homeless? The most highly-correlated risk If I could speak certain languages and fall into have not wavered from this new policy (though I am factor for poverty and as a by-product, homelessness, a specific category I would have got a job - too bad still working on it). is dropping out of school. Want to prevent/reduce I can only speak English. Thus I see an over-all increase in the castrating poverty – ensure all youth complete high school Once I tried to access free sports activities for of clients self-worth, dignity, choice, freewill and or have a mechanism for going to a trade school. my son but was told they are for youths so they can prosperity. I think there are things we can (and must) Remind parents that it is illegal not to have your child adapt to Canadian culture. I ask what? My child do to reverse this pattern of subjugation. Protest to enrolled in school. Work with the schools to support was born here and never did any of this because I your MPP, sign up folks onto pettiions and many programs that keep youth in school and ask for public can’t afford it. other forms of objection must be encouraged. One support as we are all in this together. Support a youth- I don’t have any of those senior privileges thing for sure, don’t sit back and take it. Fight for the led program to encourage older adults to go back to either. right or lose. school or get a trade. You go figure what is really happening .. Mike Milne Social services worker Mississauga woman on Ontario Disability Support Program

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