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Vol. 3 No. 3 | June 2014

he Region of Peel is not getting a fair share *Adult Services per capita funding: of per-capita funding from Queen’s Park for average $28.40; $36.30; Peel $12. social services, education and health. *Children’s Services per capita funding: Ontario Peel TWhy? Because funding formulas have not kept average: $691.10; Toronto $721.90; Peel $283.70. pace with rapid growth. *The two Local Health Integration Networks The result is that many services are not (LHINs) serving areas of Peel receive $757 and available to Peel people. Problems affect child care, $964, compared to an Ontario average of $1,440. child welfare, poverty reduction, adult services, *Of the two Community Care Access Centres wants developmental services, special needs students, access serving Peel, one receives $105 per person, the other to justice, health and homecare -- even investment in $112; The Ontario average is $158 per person. transit. The problem has continued for more than 20 Peel’s sexual assault centre funding from its fair years, with governments from the PC, NDP and the Victim Justice Fund has not increased Liberal parties. ”in seven years. Per capita funding for Recently the Liberal government supported sexual assault centres: new affordable housing projects, put money into Kingston $2.58, Peel $0.33. share! children’s mental health. Funding formula reforms have helped child care and child welfare in Peel. *15,000 families wait for affordable” housing in BY DARRYL WOLK Most recently, the Ontario budget assigned Peel – the longest wait list in Canada; And a long $810 million to eliminate wait times for people with wait – 12 to 15 years in Peel. disabilities. Investments in seniors’ care, Personal *Some school boards receive $1,700 per special Support Workers, transit, youth unemployment and needs student. Peel District School Board gets the poverty reduction were also announced. lowest per capita in Ontario, at $339. It was also encouraging to see the fair share *For mental health services, children wait six issue between Ontario and Canada addressed in the to eight months for counselling; 12 to 15 months budget. for specialized sexual abuse treatment; eight to 10 Under the “equalization formula”, Ontario months for day treatment services. taxpayers send $11 billion more to Ottawa than we *Peel’s sexual assault centre funding from the get back in services. It has been calculated that the Victim Justice Fund has not increased in seven Fair Share issue costs Peel Region $366 million a year. years. Per capita funding for sexual assault centres: Kingston $2.58, Peel $0.33. average Ontario $28.40 *-Caledon Community Living reports Adult Services Toronto $36.30 that 600 people are on a waiting list for a spot in a per capita funding: Peel $12.00 group home. *Community legal clinics in Peel have 16 staff. average Ontario $691.10 Toronto 109. Children Services Toronto $721.90 *9% of Peel families are considered working per capita funding: Peel $283.70 poor. One in three of Peel’s immigrants who arrived INSIDE Here is the impact on Peel Region: *Peel welcomes 34,000 new residents each year. Peel Region has one youth 2 Down-turn Abbey From 2001 to 2006, immigrants made up roughly ”shelter with 14 beds. Toronto 80% of Peel’s population growth; 3 Questions to ask *By 2031, Peel will have a population of 1.64 has 11 shelters with 579 beds. 5 A second career million. 58% of Peel’s population lives in , 37% in Brampton, 5% in Caledon. Mississauga is in the last five years lives below the Low Income” 6 Party policies on poverty now Canada’s sixth largest city. Brampton is the ninth Cut-Off (a standard measure of poverty). One in 7 Soup for the soul largest; five Peel children live in poverty. 18% of people with 8 Homeless? How to vote *Developmental Services per capita funding: disabilities live in poverty, as do 40% of seniors who Ontario average $119.30; Toronto $89.60; live alone in Peel. 9 The power of the poor Durham $83.80; Halton $67.40; York $66.30; Peel *Peel Region has one youth shelter with 14 beds. 11 That OTHER election $63.20. Toronto has 11 shelters with 579 beds. And there’s more: continued on page 5 Special Provincial Election Issue 2 Tough Times - June 2014 Tough Times - June 2014 3 eradicate child and family poverty in Income Security Advocacy Centre Ontario? Will your party create a new Peel pipes up What will you do to make sure that extended medical benefits program for Did you Next issue: Summer 2014 everal organizations want you to City projects. work is a pathway out of poverty? all low-income people in Ontario that question candidates for Queen’s Here are questions voters might What will you do to end includes drug, dental, and vision care? know? Deadline for ads and editorial: SPark at all-candidates meetings ask: homelessness in Ontario and ensure On the Workplace Safety and June 14, 2014. and on the doorstep. On public transit – who should everyone can find affordable housing? Insurance Board: Will your party Here’s what to ask and who wants pay for a light rail transit line linking What will you do to make sure ensure that the WSIB system We encourage and welcome Peel Poverty volunteer writers, reporters, you to ask it: Port Credit GO Station to the GO Ontario families can find affordable, adequately supports people who artists, cartoonists, photographers, station in downtown Brampton? quality childcare? have been injured at work? And how Action Group distributors and sales folk to join Peel Region On maintaining roads, What will you do to make sure will you improve Ontario Disability Tough Times. Please email letters to: One in five families in Peel cannot bridges, water supply, sewers, everyone in Ontario can afford to see Support Program (ODSP) benefits to Peel Poverty Action Group is open to every [email protected] afford average rents. What will you telecommunications, where the dentist and get the prescription ensure people with disabilities don’t individual and organization in Peel Region do to encourage private sector Mississauga can raise only $32 million Down-TurnDown-Turn AbbeyAbbey Produced by: rental drugs that they need? live in poverty? that cares about what poverty does to Peel Poverty Action Group (PPAG) housing construction, and ensure this year or $91 million less than What will you do to create more Fewer than a third of unemployed people. long-term funding for municipalities to required – who should pay? Residents affordable public transit for people Ontario workers receive EI benefits. Editor: provide local housing? pay taxes to the province as well as across Ontario? What will your party do to persuade It provides a safe place where people who Comments collected about the provincial election from diners during random chats at a Peel soup Edna Toth are cash-poor and those who try to help kitchen, where free food is provided to people who are homeless, families having a hard time. Inconsistencies, inflexibility and to the City. Will we get value for our How will you make sure everyone the federal government to ensure Associate Editor/Graphic Designer: them are encouraged to speak out-- and the Question: What do you think about Lack of free parking in downtown overregulation stand in the way of money? who wants to pursue a post-secondary the Employment Insurance system Ryan Gurcharn Tough Times is part of that safe place. the provincial election? Brampton. helping Peel residents having hard degree can do so, without relying on maintains the income security of Graphic Designer: times. How will you help Peel provide Ontario Health Coalition student debt? Ontario families? The Group’s mandate is to advocate for Insufficient affordable housing for Create jobs, blue collar and white collar. Dalia Emam more efficient public service? 18,500 hospital beds have been What will single parents , low income families and More grants, not loans, for job creation. you do to make people in need and to educate the public Contributors: Poverty affects 13% of Peel’s closed in Ontario since 1990. Ontario senior citizens. Provide more training for jobs. about poverty issues. Simon Black, Dalia Emam, Jo-Anna population. Could integration of now has the fewest hospital beds and sure everyone Gould, Rosemary Keenan, Doug Kwan, Ontario Works with health, recreation funds its hospitals at the lowest rates in Ontario can Lack of viable jobs with suitable Do not cut taxes, it will not control the Membership is free. Meetings take place Pat McGrail, Krista Murray, Rhonda and employment opportunities reduce per person in Canada. afford to see the remuneration. cost of living. at 9.30 a.m. the second Thursday of every Nordlander, Francine Sampogna, poverty? In the latest provincial budget, dentist and get the month in Brampton. Motillal Sarjoo, Union Strategies Inc., prescription drugs Slow transportation system which is If the minimum wage is raised, costs will What can you do to fast-track community hospitals would have seen Darryl Wolk, & Shelley White. they need? www.ppag.wordpress.com unreliable – weekend travel is very rise. foreign credentials held by recent their funding levels set below the rate difficult. Printed by: immigrants settling in Peel? of inflation for the fifth year in a row. Make it less difficult to replace your ID. Metroland Media Group Ltd. How can we make better use The question for candidates: Will you of paramedics so as to speed up commit to ensuring that base funding We should elect somebody who is admission to hospital emergency for hospitals meets inflation and poor and knows about mental health Advertising Rates departments? population growth needs at minimum North Peel & Dufferin and poverty. I am trying to return to Tough Times has a minimum press and what action will you take to stop we inspire work but it is difficult. You should be run of 10,000 copies, distributed What Hazel wants the cuts? Community Legal Services rewarded and appreciated just for throughout Peel Region. Mayor Hazel McCallion wants success, showing up. Change the system, so Free legal services for low income residents of Brampton, they subtract taxes before you get the Target audience is people Mississauga voters to turn the heat on Campaign 2000 confidence money. experiencing homelessness, using candidates to boil up some money for What will you do to reduce and Caledon, and Dufferin County. --Barbara foodbanks and soup kitchens, and hope in families who are struggling, plus Problems with your landlord? Is your rent subsidy threatened? We don’t need another NDP faith groups, social service agencies, Was your application for Ontario Disability Support Program each student. government and we’ve had enough trades unions, business people, and of Kathleen Wynne. I’ve always been a the general public. benefits denied? Problems with Ontario Works? Call Us! conservative guy. But I see how Hudak To advertise in Tough Times: is in some of the advertising… we could Email: 905-455-0160 Toll Free from get another minority government. [email protected] --Andrew Website: www.toughtimestabloid. Dufferin 1-866-455-0160 [email protected] wordpress.com Why should minimum wage workers Phone: 905 826-5041 sweating on loading docks pay for a $2 Mail address: 287 Glidden Road, #4 raise for babysitters who are already Brampton ON, L6W 1H9, Canada Don’t Go Hungry. paid $16 to $20 hourly to play all day with children in air-conditioned Advertising rates: If you are struggling to make ends meet, have to classrooms? Business card: $75 (colour included) choose between paying rent or buying food, or have --Randy 1/16 page: $85 (colour included) more bills than income... The Mississauga Food Bank is 1/8 page: $100* here to help you. Pedal bikes run on energy -- no 1/4 page: $170* insurance, no licences, no plates, no fuel, 1/2 page: $340* Anyone in need and living in Mississauga can use a no batteries. 3/4 page: $480* neighbourhood food bank or other member agency --John Full page: $620* regardless of age, sexual orientation, race, religion, *Colour $35 extra gender or immigration status. What can we do to help the homeless? District Can the minimum wage be raised to A full page is approximately 10 Visit www.themississaugafoodbank.org/getfood School Board $12? inches wide by 12 inches deep = 120 --Lloyd square inches. | E&OE or phone 905.270.5589 to find a member agency near you. Tough Times - June 2014 5 t’s time to make a change! See if you qualify for a Homelessness Proud to support Igovernment program that pays for your tuition and other expenses up to $28,000. in Peel A Growth non-industry This program helps you get back hat do you know about although no official count exists. Tough Times... to work in a brand-new exciting career. homelessness? Been there? They’ve heard of social workers It is called Second Career and WDone that? If you have, or in Malton who have headed off between John Howard at 134 Main if you haven’t, the Region of Peel may homelessness for clients by persuading Street, Brampton, and Employment have a volunteer job for you. a landlord to lower the rent, or be Proud to be Access at 201 County Court Boulevard, Invitations are out to join a more patient with a difficult tenant, or Brampton, I went through an Community Advisory Board for a one- a tenant to be more understanding of a application process to see if I qualified. year term beginning in July, 2014. landlord. That’s one-on-one, one home People Helping People And I did. Qualifications: work or live in Peel, at a time, one dedicated social worker, I have been a Montessori teacher know about homelessness here and one more tenant safe for one more In Peel for over 25 years, but it did not want to do something about it. month. dampen my ability to create with food The task is to decide what projects In contrast, soup kitchens in Cooking since I was eight years old. affecting homelessness should be Brampton and Malton are into the I was thrilled to hear that George paid for from taxpayers’ money, then numbers, doing a brisk business Brown College was chosen for me -- determine if the money is well spent; feeding folk who don’t have food, or up a the best culinary school ever! and find ways to persuade the public to don’t have cooking facilities. At age 53 my life has taken a turn. confront the horrors of homelessness. Food banks are a-Twist with I see myself coming off Ontario Working conditions: Meet in an families needing extra helpings, and second Disability Support (ODSP) to cater evening every two months, maybe many of the food banks are themselves -- an artistic way of expressing myself more, maybe less. in need of cash donations as well as career and making a living. Check www. If that doesn’t sound like a real eatables. secondcareerontario.com/web/ job, read the businesslike closing Want to help? Think about the By Francine Sampogna second_career sentence of the invitation to apply: Community Advisory Board for the “We thank all applicants; however, only Homelessness Partnering Strategy. continued from page 1 you to hold all parties and all local selected applicants will be contacted.” Phone 905 791-7800 ext. 4940 to find *With a population just over half a provincial candidates in Peel Region Tough Times contacts report out more or call your local food bank. million, Hamilton has four community to account on this fair share funding that homelessness is growing in Peel, issue. We must demand our fair share health centres. With 1.3 million people, Most seniors are well taken care in exchange for the taxes we pay to Peel has three. What you of by family. But a hotline to report Queen’s Park. Taxpayers in Peel Peel Region’s Human Services Elder Abuse has received 125 calls in deserve the same quality of services Department, United Way of Peel need to know one year alone. In 2010, Peel Police enjoyed by Ottawa, Kingston, London, Region and the non-profit sector, are recorded 61 occurrences of elder Windsor, Northern Ontario and doing more with less. But the gap is abuse. Toronto. about seniors too big. Funding formulas must ensure eniors are the fastest growing Many seniors cannot afford This provincial election will be fairness in services for all regions in the population group in Peel Region. dental care. About 4,000 seniors have decided in the vital 905 area where the Watch for our new look this summer! GTA. About 120,000 Peel residents received some dental care through a We cannot continue to send to most “swing” ridings exist. Peel has S are over 65 -- that’s one in 10. 20 years program financed by Peel property nine seats and lots of influence. Act Toronto so many of Peel’s people from now, one in five residents will be taxes. now for Peel. www.actnowforpeel.ca when they need help at home. over 65. About 12,000 seniors in Peel Another 3,000 are on the waiting Darryl Wolk is Strategist for the Service must be here -- in Brampton, survive on low income. This means list. The program provides basic CUPE 966 is getting a makeover! Look Fair Share for Peel Task Force and Mississauga and Caledon. more demand for housing for seniors, services only -- cleanings, fillings, Coordinator of the Western GTA Summit. for the CUPE 966 bus at festivals This election, I encourage more long term care homes. dentures --- and just once in a lifetime.

and events across Peel Region this The NDP will create an ‘Open Schools’ summer. Fund to stop school closures and increase after-school programs in your community, working to keep kids healthy. New Michelle Democrats will stop cuts to childcare and make spaces affordable for families. Mississauga—ErindaleBilek

Join Michelle’s campaign Authorized by the CFO for the Michelle Bilek Campaign www.michellebilek.ca [email protected] MBilek.ca @MBilek It’s YOUR money they’re spending Ontario Liberal Party Soup for pop-up The Liberal Party introduced a Poverty Reduction Strategy in 2007 and passed Ontario’s restaurant first-ever poverty reduction law in 2008. As a result, 47,000 children and their families BY KRISTA MURRAY Tough Times invited political parties were raised out of poverty from 2008 to 2010 during the worst recession in 70 years. the soul Communist ix months ago, Aaliyah was shy Research has identified two barriers to state their policies on poverty. Ontario NDP Our government created the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB), which now benefits over and lacked confidence. Today, she to steady work: the ability to handle Party of Canada 950,000 children in 510,000 families. sparkles: an outgoing 16-year-old money, and ability to handle food. The of Ontario S Here are the replies: (ontario) who sees positive opportunities in her So the young people put together a has these ideas about reducing poverty: Since 2003, we’ve committed nearly $3 billion in the largest affordable housing future. Aaliyah lives in Mississauga’s Pop-Up Restaurant – a place to eat which Communist Party of Canada (Ontario) policies *raise the minimum wage to $12 and program in Ontario’s history and our government launched Healthy Smiles Ontario, Colonial-Collegeway neighbourhood, a suddenly appears, serves a meal, then directed at eliminating poverty and assisting community of 3,000, where residents are pops back down again. Ontario people living in poverty: increase according to inflation. so that nearly 103,000 children and young people, who may have otherwise gone Green Party *increase Ontario Works and Ontario untreated, are now receiving free dental care. not rich and where mothers lead most of The young women found a place to the families. sell Soup for the Soul, drew up a budget, Progressive Raise the minimum wage to $19 an hour; Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Aaliyah is one of 20 girls and young bought ingredients, practiced food safety, of Ontario restore the manufacturing industry – for index to inflation. The 2014 Ontario budget laid out our plan to build on this success by: women taking part in research to find out prepared the soup, and marketed their Conservatives instance building a Canadian car that is *reduce clawbacks from ODSP One in seven Ontario children live in why they can’t get paid work and what event. Will Stewart, director of media for the affordable, fuel-efficient and environmentally poverty. That’s about 400,000 kids. Green recipients. • Increasing the maximum annual payment for the OCB to $1,310 per child in 2014 can be done about it. The project is led Nearly 100 local residents attended Progressive Conservative party campaign, says sustainable; MPPs will double the Ontario Child *Follow through on the and tying it to inflation going forward in 2015 by Peel Children and Youth Initiative and Soup for the Soul’s grand opening in the that the party’s Million Jobs Plan will help Benefit for families close to the poverty recommendations of the Social funded by Status of Women Canada, party room of Springfield Gardens, a cash-poor people. build affordable housing to create jobs and • line. Assistance Review, including an Expanding health benefits for low-income Ontarians, starting with children Participants attend workshops and residence on Colonial Drive run by Peel provide affordable places to live. Rent controls immediate increase of $100 in Ontario are helped by members of the Successful Housing. Through the PCs’ Million Jobs Plan, which is are needed. • Raising social assistance rates for the ninth time, for a total of a 16% increase since Women’s Advisory Group (SWAG). Success! The most efficient, effective and dignified spread over eight years, people who have Works allowance. 2003 SWAG members include experts in What’s next for Soup for the Soul? way to address poverty is with a exhausted all other resources can graduate Crumbling provincial and municipal * enforce labour standards. business law, the author of a children’s Proving that young women can get work, Guaranteed Annual Income for all from Ontario Works to paid employment, and infrastructure needs rebuilding. *implement an Ontario Pension Plan. • Increasing our investment in housing and homelessness prevention by over $122m. book, a tutor of French, a foster parent, a can handle money, can handle food. citizens. Doubling the Employer Health those living on Ontario Disability Support cook, social workers and office workers at Krista Murray is Communications Manager Tax Exemption rate would enable small Program will benefit when 100,000 “faceless Youth unemployment in Ontario is 16-17%. Affordability: • Proposing a $50m over four years Local Poverty Reduction Fund to support local all levels. for Peel Children and Youth Initiative. businesses to employ more people in bureaucrats” are fired. As well, “employers will We must invest in youth. Pensions should * remove HST from Hydro and gas, solutions to poverty reduction and share best practices be put in touch with people with disabilities increase and the voluntary pension age be rebate $300 per household. quality jobs that pay well and are in their • Increasing the minimum wage to $11 an hour, and tying it to inflation starting in to develop more opportunities … Expand reduced to 60. Social assistance and disability *freeze transit fares across Ontario. own community. 2015 post-secondary education for people with benefits must increase to ensure healthy *freeze childcare costs. disabilities so they can develop job-ready living. Quality affordable public childcare Pauline Thornham, Green Party • Expanding the Student Nutrition Program by funding 340 new breakfast programs skills.” would provide more opportunities for working Housing: candidate in Bramalea-Gore-Malton, to reach an additional 56,000 students women and student parents. *housing can be more affordable adds to these ideas: Among bureaucrats biting the dust will be NOW if low rent or subsidized units These notes on Ontario Liberal Party plans to reduce poverty were supplied by the campaign office of the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) Employment Insurance should cover all are mandatory in new developments, Charles Sousa, candidate in Mississauga South. • Developing a grid for transit and the money saved will go to frontline unemployed at 90% of previous earnings. and a housing benefit subsidy is put in including bike lanes; health care. On average, women are paid 31% less Other Liberal Party candidates in Peel are: place for low income tenants. • Merging public and separate than men so pay equity laws should be Kuldip Kular, Bramalea-Gore-Malton Amrit Mangat, Mississauga-Brampton South *build more than 50,000 new Kayla and Kayle school systems thus freeing at “Unnecessary rules” affecting social enforced and Employment Equity legislation Harinder Malhi, Brampton-Springdale Dipika Dameria, -Cooksville affordable housing units in Ontario. Allydice chop Rose Streete, Project Coordinator for Peel least $1.2 billion a year for keeping assistance will be eliminated according to introduced. We should enact anti-scab laws Vic Dhillon, Harinder Takhar, Mississauga -Erindale the Jobs Plan, “so that it [becomes] easy to and card check union certification for all chicken for Soup Children and Youth Initiative, helped Soup for schools open and improving special Dental care: Bobbie Daid, Dufferin-Caledon Bob Delaney, Mississauga-Streetsville education; understand and focuses on helping people workers. Pro-corporate trade agreements such for the Soul. the Soul succeed. (Photo by Krista Murray) find work.” as NAFTA, CETA, and TPP should be cancelled. *create an Emergency Dental Care • Providing up to $4,000 per program for unemployed and working household, to invest in energy Income taxes will be reduced “to leave a little We must enhance food security. On education, poor as well as for seniors. This NDP conservation so as to reduce energy bit more money in the family budget at the one secular publicly-funded education system plan would help more than 50,000 bills end of the month.” in Ontario should be open to all, and post- adults every year. secondary tuition should be free. Other Green candidates in Peel: PC candidates in Peel are: NDP candidates in Peel are: Laila Yan, Brampton-Springdale Harjit Jaswal, Bramalea-Gore-Malton Contracting out and privatizing health Jagmeet Singh, Bramalea-Gore-Malton Sayyeda Ebrahim, Brampton West Pam Hundal, Brampton-Springdale services must end. Hospitals and services Gurpreet Dhillon, Brampton-Springdale Karren Wallace, Dufferin-Caledon Randeep Sandhu, Brampton West must include long-term care, vision and Gugni Gill Panaich, Brampton West Kathy Acheson, Mississauga-Brampton South Sylvia Jones, Dufferin-Caledon dental care, mental health care and Rehya Yaznek, Dufferin-Caledon Linh Nguyen, Mississauga East-Cooksville Amarjeet Gill, Mississauga-Brampton South pharmacare. No income taxes should be Kevin Troake, Mississauga-Brampton South Vivek Gupta, Mississauga-Erindale Zoran Churchin, Mississauga East-Cooksville charged on incomes below $40,000 a year. Fayaz Karim, Mississauga East-Cooksville Lloyd Jones, Mississauga South Jeff White, Mississauga-Erindale Michelle Bilek, Mississauga-Erindale Scott Warner, Mississauga-Streetsville Effie Triantafilopoulos, Mississauga South Elizabeth Hill is running for the Communist Boris Rosolak, Mississauga South Nina Tangri, Mississauga-Streetsville Party in Brampton-Springdale. Anju Sikka, Mississauga-Streetsville 8 Tough Times - June 2014 Tough Times - June 2014 9 the activism of the National Welfare in Idle No More, may represent a However in its quest for power, in Rights Organization in the 1960s new wave of disruption in which the recent years the NDP has attempted The power and 70s. These popular uprisings federal government is forced to make to shed its image as a party of protest. did not emerge out of the blue but concessions to Aboriginal peoples and Where it has little experience in flowed “from historically specific dismantle the colonial architecture of government, particularly in Ontario of the circumstances” which gave rise to the Canadian state. and at the federal level, the NDP has You Deserve a RAISE mass indignation and a willingness for shifted to the right, betraying some people to break the rules, routines, and Canada has been home of its social justice principles. The poor relations of domination and obedience ” to a party of the left, first Ontario party’s failure to champion which normally govern everyday life. the CCF then the NDP, a $14 minimum wage and necessary Raise the minimum wage NOW! Electoral politics However, when movement leaders increases in welfare rates—while the attempted to turn moments of historically committed to Liberals were vulnerable as a minority and poor people’s mass disruption into moments of the interests of poor and government—are only the most recent mass organization—bureaucratizing working class people. departures from the NDP’s traditional movements movements by creating formal role as a political voice for people BY SIMON BLACK institutions to represent the interests ” struggling to make ends meet. n 1977, American sociologists of the poor—they dampened protest One important difference in the What then does this have to and anti-poverty activists, Frances and “curbed the disruptive force which U.S. and Canadian experiences is that do with a book published by two Fox Piven and Richard Cloward, lower-class people were sometimes Canada has been home to a party of I the left, first the CCF then the NDP, published their now classic study able to mobilize.” In its quest for power, in historically committed to the interests of power and protest, Poor People’s This final claim was incredibly recent years the NDP has $ Movements. In it, they argued that controversial and generated of poor and working class people ” since “the poor have few resources considerable debate among social (although not always, and at times in attempted to shed its image for regular political influence,” their movement activists and academics. As fact counterposed, to the interests of as a party of protest. The Aboriginal peoples—poor, working 14 ability to create social change depends journalist Mark Engler has pointed out, NDP has shifted to the right, on the disruptive power of tactics for some, Poor People’s Movements was a class, or otherwise). For much of NOW! such as “militant boycotts, sit-ins, heresy. If the poor could achieve little its life, the NDP has been a party betraying some of its social traffic tie-ups, and rent strikes.” through the routines of conventional of protest, forming government justice principles. Movements of the poor, Piven and politics—voting, lobbying government, only on occasion. For poor people’s Cloward explained, won victories advocacy, community organizing— movements in Canada, having an ally American sociologists some” thirty- only by causing “commotion among then in the times in-between inside the political system has proved seven years ago? As Piven and Cloward Join the Campaign bureaucrats, excitement in the media, outbreaks of disruption, poor people’s valuable. As movements take to the observed, those moments in which streets, the NDP has worked to bridge Less than $14 is not enough Workers need $14 an hour Decent wages, healthy economy dismay among influential segments organizations could at best work to the masses of people “rise up in anger of the community, and strain for defend gains made in previous rounds the demands of movements to the and hope, defy the rules that ordinarily In response to the Campaign to Full-time work should lift workers With more income workers can spend political leaders.” While the exercise of unruly mass protest. parliamentary process, turning slogans govern their lives, and, by doing so, Raise the Minimum Wage, Ontario out of poverty. That’s why workers more – and that’s good for the of disruptive power would not always Do Piven and Cloward’s and banners into law. And when the disrupt the workings of the institutions Premier Kathleen Wynne announced across Ontario are insisting on a economy. After all, what businesses result in victory, its absence would arguments hold true in the Canadian party has picked up popular support in which they are enmeshed” are a 75¢ increase, effective June 1. But $14 minimum wage – enough for need most are customers. This and rides high in the polls, it has forced $11 an hour still leaves full-time all of us to pay for food, clothing, election, vote for candidates who guarantee a movement’s defeat. context? From the On to Ottawa infrequent and fleeting. As poor workers 16% below the poverty line. and adequate shelter. support a $14 minimum wage. Piven and Cloward’s arguments trek of 1935 to the strike wave of the Liberal Party governments to the left, people’s movements in Canada were grounded in their analysis of four 1940s to the social movements of the making concessions to the labour and become increasingly alienated from poor people’s movements in American 1960s, there is little doubt that the anti-poverty movements. This inside/ their traditional political ally, the need Call: (416) 531-0778 ext. 221 history: the movement of unemployed exercise of disruptive power by those outside dynamic has characterized to explore the power and potential workers early in the Great Depression, with few resources can bring about those periods in Canadian history in of disruption takes on ever more Join Us Email: [email protected] the industrial strikes that gave rise to progressive social change in Canada. which progressive legislation—such as importance. industrial unions in the late 1930s, The Quebec student movement universal health care, unemployment Simon Black is a Streetsville resident, the Black civil rights movement in provides a recent example while the insurance, public pensions, or increases completing a doctorate at York University. RaiseTheMinimumWage.ca the South in the 1950s and 60s, and resurgence of indigenous activism, to social assistance—have been passed. ust because you sleep in the What is happening Bramalea and East Mississauga woods, or in an underground Community Health Centres will help Jgarage, or in your car, doesn’t in Peel? would-be voters, as will Knights Table The NDP’s Job Creator Tax Credit would Homeless mean you can’t vote. and Regeneration at Grace United Elections Ontario is asking Dave Carleton, executive director Church in Brampton. reward employers for creating jobs in vote shelters, food banks, community health of Peel Shelter and Housing Services, Other local organizations serving Ontario and would cut small business facilities, to assist in getting out the says: “As in every election we support homeless people are expected to join Anju Sikka vote in the provincial election, and in. taxes by 1.5% to help local job creators. and encourage our clients to vote. Mississauga—Streetsville Got no home? that includes the votes of folk who We provide info where, and provide If you can’t find a place to help Sleeping in the don’t have a home. Representatives of bus tickets to our current clients.” you, phone Elections Ontario at 1 888 facilities taking part in this project help In Mississauga, this applies to the 668-8683 or email info@elections. woods? Let X mark homeless people obtain a Certificate Peel Family Shelter, Angela’s Place, on.ca

of Identity and Residence which they and the Cawthra Road shelter, and Join Anju’s campaign your spot can show at their polling station when in Brampton to the Wilkinson Road www.streetsvillendp.ca Authorized by the CFO for the Anju Sikka Campaign [email protected] they go to vote. shelter. @AnjuSikka 10 Tough Times - June 2014 Tough Times - June 2014 11 hold onto -- health care and education, attacking workers’ rights. The means: unemployment insurance, pensions, proposed government supervision Why labour must say human rights, we must work together of strike and ratification votes, more 1 in 7 people in Peel to defeat the Conservative Party and its obstacles to certification of a union, anti-union policies at all levels. more interference in arbitrations. MUNICIPALITIES NO! to Hudack Hudak wants you to believe that And most dangerous of all: Our live in poverty. his target is union leaders, that “a democracy is under threat through the BY MOTILLAL SARJOO sick leave, vacations, hours of work and above all – rates of pay! competitive labour market” will be unFair Elections Act making it more MATTER! im Hudak wants to be premier If unions lose, we all lose, whether better for working families. Nonsense. difficult for some people to vote, and of Ontario. union members or not. “Competition” means lower wages for from attempts to restrict labour’s right Municipal elections in Ontario are set for 27 This is unacceptable. No way. Ontario needs better, not lesser, all of us. Not good for you, not good to contribute to campaigns on social or October. Let’s talk about housing, transit, T for business. political issues. He is out to destroy unions, and protection for working people, and jobs, schools, and more. Let’s elect the right with them the ability to negotiate that means stronger unions. We have to realize that both the Motillal Sarjoo is president of Peel people to councils and school boards. United Way of Peel Region works with local workplace pensions, health coverage, If we want to improve –- or even Hudak and Harper Conservatives are Region Labour Council. partners to improve the lives of people struggling Tell us about the issues YOU face! in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga by providing immediate and lasting solutions that Hepatitis C Sponsored by Concerned Citizens of Peel, tackle poverty on many fronts. with Peel Poverty Action Group, Brampton Health Coalition, Council of Canadians – Learn more at www.unitedwaypeel.org. Treatment, Care & Support Is Available Peel Chapter, Peel Regional Labour Council, Canadian Union of Public Employees Local You can be at risk if: 966. Fair Vote Canada – Peel Region 

Sharing of personal care and hygiene items such as razors, Phone 416 587-8809 www.concernedcitizensofpeel.org  toothbrushes, clippers and scissors with someone living with  hepatitis C Sharing needles used for body tattoos and piercings. Re-using and sharing tattoo ink and ink pots Aayesha Arshad Aamir  Sharing drug equipment such as needles, filters, tourniquets, water, syringes, cookers, alcohol swabs, Tough Times invites all candidates who have registered acidifiers to run for mayor or councillor or trustee, to email to Candidate for Mississauga council, Ward 5 [email protected] a head and shoulders photo, Aayesha Arshad Aamir is a candidate for council in Ward 5 (Malton, Receive blood and body organs that have not been screened for hepatitis C. Even in Canada, if you Britannia Woods). She reports she has degrees in business  e s a n d i dat short biography, and notes on what they see as poverty issues received blood and organ donations before 1990 you may be at risk. C administration, and training in community service. Contact: in Peel, and what they will do about them. She is a director of UMMID, Unmatched Movement for Involved in medical procedures including immunization in hepatitis C endemic countries Pee l Improvement of Disadvantaged, listed in Canada’s Charities Bloom Clinic Call today for information or Directorate. She reports she has organized festivals and seminars in 40 Finchgate Blvd. Suite 224 Fazal Khan the community over the last three years. to book a free test. Mayoral Candidate for Brampton Her priorities for Ward 5: immigrant issues, preventing isolation of seniors, better bus service, timely snow removal, park improvements, health activities for housewives, youth counselling, and Brampton, ON L6T 3J1 Fazal Khan is the founder of SkyRocketKids Foundation, a registered “reduce the burden on Health Canada by providing a stress-free environment.” charity that encourages financial literacy among K-12 students. Phone: 905-451-6959 | [email protected] Aamir runs an employment agency and lives in Mississauga with her two children. He has volunteered in schools and community groups across the GTA for the past five years, “researching practical solutions to improve our education system.” A NDP government will: Fazal immigrated to Canada at age four and graduated as a J. D. Singh computer engineer in 1992 from the University of Waterloo. Candidate for Brampton Regional Councillor in Ward 9 • Create jobs Married, with three children, he lives in Brampton and has and 10 • Invest in safe and affordable childcare spaces lived in Peel Region for 18 years. • Invest in student nutrition programs so children make a healthy start to their day Fayaz Khan sees poverty as “the result of not receiving enough money to live the quality of life J. D. Singh, candidate for Regional Councillor in Ward 9 • Protect tenants by enforcing building standards and maintenance rules we expect as Canadians. and 10, says he wants to bring a new voice, and a fresh • Reduce hydro costs “Our community needs to come together to ensure that our most vulnerable residents perspective to Brampton, based on his years of experience in Karim share in our prosperity and have access to housing, transportation, education and food,” he • Get new and replacement buses on the road in cities and towns Mississauga—East—Cooksville the public/private sector, and in community leadership. states. He says: “The problem of poverty can only be solved by This makes sense and will benefit hard working families. A vote for me and the NDP is a Peel residents should support community organizations that already provide effective raising education standards, lowering or freezing municipal vote for responsible government, equality and fairness. solutions and develop a master strategy, reducing bureaucracy and duplication, mobilizing an taxes, implementing safety and lowering insurance premiums. army of volunteers, and raising sufficient funding. “Efforts such as the Peel Poverty Reduction “My agenda also includes proper residential and commercial planning, fixing Join Fayaz’s campaign Strategy are extremely valuable,” he says. 647-284-9973 problems of Brampton civic hospital and building transparency in council.” Authorized by the CFO for the Fayaz Karim Campaign www.fayazkarim.ca Better co-ordination between all levels of government can keep costs down. More [email protected] fayaz-p-karim @fayazkarim volunteers can be found. 905-791-7800 Visit peelregion.ca

Unstable work Youth Employment impacts families Logistics Program The Youth Employment and Logistic Program provides vulnerable youth and community life with six weeks of pre-employment and life skills training, two weeks of job specific skills training and seven weeks of structured job search. In partnership with community and industry supporters, the Region of Precarious Employment Peel will deliver three, seventeen week sessions. is employment that lacks benefits and security and is This program is intended for unemployed youth, under the age of 29, often short-term job contracts, who want full time employment in the logistics industry. Participants temporary positions, low must be a Canadian citizen or have landed status. pay, limited work benefits, poor working conditions, Recruitment for the next available session will begin in August 2014. To fewer opportunities for career register for a general Information session, call 905-793-9200 ext. 8780 advancement, reduced entitlement to ongoing or email [email protected] employment and limited control over work schedule. Funding Provided by the Government of Ontario The Precarious Employment and Poverty in Southern Ontario (PEPSO) research initiative is a community-based research study that invites you to share your experiences in interviews and focus groups.

The research team wants to better understand: • How residents are impacted by their inability to work and earn enough money to support their livelihoods; • How service providers, community services and programs are impacted; and • Residents’ knowledge of available community

resources and programs in the Region and their FHE-0222_Layout 1 13-05-16 2:30 PM Page 1 effectiveness.

Are you between 18 and 64 years old?

Do you live, work or provide services in the Cooksville area with a postal code starting L5A or L5B or in the Springdale area with postal code starting L6R or L6Z?

IF SO, BE AN IMPORTANT PART OF INFORMING POLICIES AND SERVICES FOR YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD!

If you are a member of the Business Community, your voice on these issues also needs to be heard.

For more information, please contact Hannah Atom at [email protected] or by phone at 905-602-3650 ext. 3646.

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