I the police force. The police service subscribes to em to subscribes service police force.police The the of responsible fortheoperation proper tion legally organiza the Board, PolicePeelServices of member should beonthePolice Board,too.“ Services what it is to have teenagers fully incarcerated. More women understand can and children for responsibility have police. Women auxiliary as work to learns, ficer hire 1,000 women to everything learn that a police of Weforce. the should on women 16% only has police “Weremembrance: women.Peelmore need Regional Brampton.Herresponse to the 60-second mayor of black. being of dangers daily the to accounts, expense lors’ transit, from council current universities,jobs,from evencreating politics municipal of focus the shifts Tough Times. of issue this in candidates municipal the notes of photos andbiographical Check Peel. in way its on ready theabove. gion, ormultiples of reli different a practicing or language, different a speaking or non-white, or recent or arrival, eration immigrant, first-gen as such “different”, is that population Peel’s of 52% the reflect – should – power boards school and councils of halls Peel’s that stress from andToronto.Calgary emanating group a Network, by Diversityorganized Advancement Brampton, Gardens, Century at held meet election Blacking titled Mayors The Debate, municipal a of part Introducing diversity: ONE MINUTE’SSILENCE Sue Fennell, incumbent mayor of Brampton, is a is Brampton, of mayor incumbent Fennell, Sue for running woman black a is Bell Jacqueline ablack man Yet at this one meeting, the death of isal diversity of reflection That to is event the of purpose The is which silence 60-second A officers justafewdays before: Peel police dead inthe presence of ablack manshot of n memory - - - - Tough issue2014 municipalelections special Times mayor ofMisssissauga Left: Jacqueline runningfor Bell mayor runningfor Khan ofBrampton. Masood Right: - - - - I announcedmy platform.” sity and the visible rights minorities of in this city until Khan, who declares: “No-one ever spoke about diver survival. and housingothermattersof thepoliceforce. “ zation of cluding discriminationinthecriminaljusticesystem.”in discrimination, of issue larger much a of part is Springdale, also in the running for mayor, notes: “This are getting.” “We want training ourto police find out what kind of awards. diversity won has and declared, equity,she ployment He is referring to his run for Mississauga mayor of Masood is Mississauga of mayor for Running But ondiversity issues, Bramptonisnotalone. transit and jobs to back went meeting the Then Would-be “militari mayor Don McLeod spoke of Linda Jeffrey, LiberalMPP for Brampton- former mayor.for said: running He is Haque Muhammad EMAIL |[email protected] - - - name. Bothwear last turbans. Both“diverse”candidates. Same Dhillon. Singh Gurpreet 10: and 9 Ward INSIDE THIS ISSUE Among the names on the ballot for Vikki Dhillon’s Candidate bios Leadership Brampton mayoral candidates To your health Caledon Letters to theeditor Transit itwork?Does Food banking Down-turn Abbey Vol. 3No. 2014 5/October both city andregional councils). on serve councillors all Mississauga, in council; regional and city to or council, Caledon, councillors are elected to city to elected are councillors Caledon, him as city councillor. (In Brampton and replace to seeking candidates three with re-election, for up is He Peel. of all in councillor “diverse” only the is Dhillon us abouttheseissues?”heasks. expect to them to provide suggestions we can how problems, our of aware un are communities ethnic different norities in public decision-making. “If task forceorboards.” reflected at city hall, its committees, its verse communities, though “this is not di from come residents Mississauga mayor orcouncillor. his 2,304. He severalhas run times for to votes 74,719 got who McCallion, in 2003, when he came second to Hazel Meanwhile, back in Brampton, Vikki mi visible involve to wants Khan of 50% that out points Khan 15 14 12 11 10 9 8 7 5 2 - - - 2 Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014 Did You Tough Times is published Know? six times a year in 2014 Next issue: PEEL POVERTY Holiday issue 2014 ACTION GROUP Deadline for ads and editorial: October 16, 2014. Peel Poverty Action Group (PPAG) is open to every We encourage and welcome volunteer individual and organization in writers, reporters, artists, cartoonists, Peel Region that cares about photographers, distributors and sales what poverty does to people. folk to join Tough Times. It provides a safe place where Please email letters to: people who are cash-poor and [email protected] those who try to help them are Produced by: encouraged to speak out.-- and Peel Poverty Action Group (PPAG) Tough Times is part of that safe Editor: place. Edna Toth The Group’s mandate is to Associate Editor: advocate for people in need DownDown TurnTurn AbbeyAbbey Ryan Gurcharn and to educate the public about poverty issues. -- Graphic Designer: Henry calls them rooms from hell consisted of a bed, a built-in wardrobe, Dalia Emam Membership is free. Meetings These are single rooms that people on various and a small computer table and chair. Contributors: (alphabetically by last name) take place at 9.15 a.m. the forms of social assistance can afford to live in. A student moved into the other Simon Black, Paula deCoito, Dalia second Thursday of every bedroom. Within a week, the landlady Emam, Todd Foster, Ryan Gurcharn, month, alternately in Mississauga Well, almost afford. Prices run from $350 a month up. Henry was taken ill abroad, and began coming into the apartment Esther Kingsley, Michel Revelin, or Brampton. Motillal Sarjoo, Cheryl Yarek. dropped into Brampton’s care via the airport. complaining about non-existent damage www.ppag.wordpress.com His story: to the fire alarms, the fuse box, my Printed by: Metroland Media Group Ltd. “As soon as my condition improved lighting candles during blackouts. from fully bedridden to partly The student moved out, leaving his bedridden, the Salvation Army worker last month’s rent behind. I had a heart Homeless: found a room for me in a basement. attack followed by open-heart surgery. Advertising When I visited to check it out, its door I have lived, worked and studied in The Video was missing, standing partly broken 15 countries on four continents. Only Rates next to the room itself. The landlady in Brampton have I found landlords Spaces and Places: Uncovering told me that her son would fix it the like this. Greedy troublemakers and Tough Times distributes 10,000 Homelessness in the Region of Peel very same day. When I moved in the only one decent one. copies, throughout Peel Region. is a 15-minute video in which door still stood patently unfixed. The Target audience is people homeless people describe their experiencing homelessness, using experiences. landlady apologized that something had Drunk and noisy tenant come up, but the door would be fixed I like to think that my room is a food banks and soup kitchens, people who are struggling, A team from PPAG including a the same afternoon. Could I please give quiet place where I can relax. But this once-homeless person, will show plus faith groups, social service her the first and last month’s rent now, other tenant is drunk and noisy all the agencies, trades unions, business the video to a group on request. which I did, because I was still very sick time. It’s not restful at all. There is no charge. people, and the general public. and had nowhere else to go. The door at Regeneration To advertise in Tough Times: To book a showing contact was not fixed and during the first night [email protected] [email protected]. Allow $80 was stolen from me. Looking for a job Phone: 905 826-5041 about 45 minutes for the video Landlord and lady then went for a I have a certificate in food handling Mail address: 4 - 287 Glidden Road and discussion. prolonged visit in B.C. and their young from Humber but no job yet. I want a Brampton ON L6W 1H9, Canada job in the restaurant business, so I look The video was made by a adult son used that time for throwing Advertising rates: (colour included) team from York University, in parties at the house that lasted until five for jobs online and in the newspapers. Business card: $75 cooperation with the Social in the morning. After a mere 14 days Nothing yet. 1/16 page: $85 Planning Council of Peel, I moved out, losing my first and last at Knights Table 1/8 page: $135 financed by a grant from the month’s rent. 1/4 page: $205 Ontario Trillium Foundation. There followed a quiet tenancy with Grant applications 1/2 page: $375 Angela. But then I went back abroad to I am fed up with writing applications 3/4 page: $515 Download at: Full page: $655 http://ppag.wordpress.com/ visit friends, returning for more medical for grants when I trained to be a social treatment. For $550 a month, I rented worker. The criteria for grants change A full page is approximately 10 inches spaces-and-places-video/ wide by 12 inches deep = 120 square an apartment. The kitchen had no table all the time. You can’t win. inches. E&OE or chairs. Furniture in my bedroom Writer Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014 3

half_ad.indd 1 08/09/14 9:33 AM 4 Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014

Les élections auront lieu le 27 octobre 2014. Are you ready to vote? Êtes-vous prêt à voter?

If you are 18 or older on Election Day, you can vote. Si vous êtes âgé de 18 ans ou plus le jour de l’élection, vous pouvez voter. If you need information to help you vote in Mississauga, like: Si vous avez besoin d’information pour vous aider à voter à • Where and when you can vote Mississauga, par exemple : • Voting if you do not have an address • où et quand vous pouvez voter • What ward you live in • Comment voter si vous n'avez pas d'adresse • Who the candidates are and • le quartier dans lequel vous habitez • Types of ID you can use • les noms des candidats • Proving your address without ID or documents • les types de pièces d’identité que vous pouvez utiliser You can call the City’s Election Office at 905 615-VOTE (8683) • Comment prouver votre adresse sans pièces d'identité ni documents or visit mississaugavotes.ca. Vous pouvez appeler le bureau d’élection de la ville, Vote at an Advance Poll from September 29 to October 11. au 905 615-VOTE (8683), ou vous rendre à mississaugavotes.ca. Vote tôt par anticipation du 29 Septembre au 11 Octobre. Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014 5 Food security HOME OR HUNGER? TAKE YOUR PICK

f you had to choose, which would it be: Enough to eat or a roof over your head? Some Peel resi- I dents must make that choice. Some go homeless and some go hungry. Some do both. Organizations in Mississauga and Brampton and Caledon want to ensure that everybody is fed, and that they have a place to live. Affordable housing is a key issue: about 12,000 families will be on the housing waiting list for years – as many as 20 years, or as few as eight.

You can’t wait that long for food Knights Table in Brampton serves three meals a day every day of the year. It has trouble providing nu- tritious meals in summer because schoolchildren who organize food drives are on vacation. Knights Table invests time and effort into raising money from the public to buy food. Regeneration, housed in Grace United Church in Brampton, serves breakfast every day, and several churches nearby provide weekly or occasional lunches or dinners. Mississauga has no soup kitchens, only occasional meals, including regular Friday night dinners at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Port Credit from November Presiding over the baby food and lots more at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Brampton: from left: Linda to April. Williams, Sandra Jackson, Sylvia Zammit, Grace Yates. Volunteers at St. Andrew’s spend $900 a week on supplies Meals are delivered to shut-ins from St. Mina and for people in need. They purchase fresh vegetables, eggs, wieners, bread, canned goods, tea, milk, sugar, toilet paper, bar soap and laundry detergent and more. Grace Yates, who has been at St. Andrew’s for most of the 23 St. Kyrellos Coptic Church in Mississauga, as well as years the food bank has been open, recalls: “Twenty years ago we served 30 people, mostly mothers with small meals at the church on Tuesdays and a food bank op- children. Now we average 127 a week, adults as well as children.” (Tough Times photo) erating Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Mississauga has 42 food banks, some well known such as the Eden proof of income. Food banks are open at specified helps with nine more run by other organizations. Food Bank in Meadowvale, the SEVA (Sikhs Serving hours, some only once a month. Most provide food Then there’s your own backyard, with Mississauga Canada) food bank in Malton as well as the rest of for one week only. Fruit Tree volunteers offering to pick your fruit trees the city; Mississauga Food Bank which obtains and clean, along with any other unclaimed goodies in your distributes food to most food banks in Mississauga Yet hunger hangs around garden, and share them with you, the volunteers, soup and raises its own money to finance the work. Several organizations in Peel are working on what’s kitchens and food banks. The Region of Peel is working on a food map, called food security. Promising to be bigger than all the backyards which will show all free food outlets in the area, Job One is to buy and beg food to provide meals put together is a project by SEVA in Caledon East. (27 in Mississauga, eight in Brampton) from school every day; Job Two is to make sure the food reaches Starting with one acre this year but with the potential breakfasts to soup kitchens, to food banks. Many faith soup kitchens and food banks that distribute it to to expand, Seva will cultivate a farmful of fresh pro- groups have food cupboards for emergency supplies. people who need it; and Job Three is to increase the duce for food banks. A healthy appetite or hungry look is not sufficient food supply by growing more food. Have we developed an appetite for food banks? qualification to eat at a soup kitchen or food bank. Ecosource is an Ontario-wide non-profit promoting Seems like they are here to stay. Most require proof that visitors are in need. Proof community gardens and other environmental improve- For more info about feeding the hungry, phone Ecosource at of address is difficult if you sleep in the woods. Ditto ment projects. It operates six food gardens in Peel and (905) 274-6222. 6 Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014

2014 Election Day Vote: Monday October 27 Hours: 10:00am – 8:00pm 2014 Advance Voting Days: Saturday October 11 Tuesday October 14 Wednesday October 15 Thursday October 16 Saturday October 18

For more information: [email protected] Facebook.com/BramptonLinda www.lindajeffrey.ca (289) 201-8869 Volunteering: see www.lindajeffrey.ca @LindaJeffrey

NORTH PEEL & DUFFERIN MUNICIPALITIES MATTER! Community Legal Services Municipal elections in Ontario are set for 27 October. Let’s talk about housing, transit, jobs, schools and more. Let’s elect the g Free legal services for low income residents of Brampton, Caledon and Dufferin County right people to councils and school boards. g Problems with your landlord? g Is your rent subsidy threatened? Tell us about the issues YOU face g Was your application for Ontario Disability Support Program benefits denied? Phone 416 587-8809 | http://concernedcitizensofpeel.org g Problems with Ontario Works? Sponsored by Concerned Citizens of Peel, with Peel Poverty Action Group, Brampton Health Coalition, Council of Canadians – Peel Chapter, Peel Regional Labour Council, 905-455-0160 Toll Free from Dufferin 1-866-455-0160 [email protected] Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 966, Fair Vote Canada – Peel Region. Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014 7 Working your way to riches

BY MOTILALL SARJOO (SARJ), President of Peel Regional Labour Council

overnments across Canada at every level to $14 an hour in Ontario would inject $5 billion into seem to think that a job provides a way out the economy. Let’s get that money moving now! G of poverty. Some work does, but not all of it We need our local councillors to publicize the and not for everyone. fact to everybody, but especially to politicians at Three out of five residents of the GTA have sta- Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill, that when work- ble and secure jobs with an adequate and predictable ers have more money to spend, more jobs are cre- income, holiday pay, sick leave, maybe a pension plan. ated because of the additional demand for goods Seniority rights and other workplace benefits may be and services. on site if you belong to a union. Federal and provincial governments need to un- But the remaining 40% of GTA residents are dertake infrastructure and other projects that create “precariously” employed, which means they may not work and stimulate the economy, because the private know from day to day whether they have paid work or sector won’t start large projects in an unpredictable not; and of course no benefits. economy. The labour movement in Peel wants a better future for workers. Precarious jobs are not the way to pull Here’s help: If you have difficulty at work and don’t belong to our communities out of poverty. a union, ask Labour Community Services of Peel (LCSP) to Labour in Peel is endorsing some candidates for help you. LCSP is a partnership between Peel Regional Labour local councils and school boards because we believe ments in the minimum wage. My own Local, Unifor Council and United Way of Peel Region. It assists workers they understand and support our view: that perma- 1285, is promoting a federal minimum wage of $15 who are not members of labour unions to get their rights on the nent well-paid employment (good quality jobs) will an hour; and while we applaud the provincial gov- job, income benefits, Employment Insurance, workplace safety, help our residents build better communities. ernment’s raising the minimum wage to $11 an hour Canada Pension Plan, and more. Most of its clients are pre- We also anticipate that these candidates will sup- and tying future increases to inflation, the minimum cariously employed. port national and provincial campaigns for improve- should be at least $14. Increasing the minimum wage Phone 905 696-7444

1 in 7 people in Peel STEVE MAHONEY FOR MAYOR STEADY HANDS TO BUILD A STRONGER, live in poverty. FASTER TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

This is unacceptable. Implement 21st century intelligent traffic lights Build Hurontario Light Rapid Transit United Way of Peel Region works with local

partners to improve the lives of people struggling Build East-West Expand 2-way, all day rapid transit and GO Transit service in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga by express traffic lanes providing immediate and lasting solutions that tackle poverty on many fronts.

Learn more at www.unitedwaypeel.org. 8 Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014

Transit – the BEGINNING of the line Residents of Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon have photo ID. pass to your PRESTO card, so you can take unlimited are miffed about transit, the lack of organization PRESTO is another relative newcomer to the trips as long as the pass is active. PRESTO is good in around it so that you can’t get from here to there in transit scene. It is a card that stores money, replacing Brampton, MiWay (Mississauga), 14 Toronto subway a convenient and affordable way. the need for tickets, tokens, passes or cash. This is stations, as far east as Clarington and beyond, north But things are changing. what the PRESTO website says about it: “When you to Lake Simcoe, west to Hamilton Street Railway, Brampton seniors can travel for $1. You need a tap your PRESTO card on a fare payment device, GO Transit, and new places are being added. senior’s card, obtainable at either of two Brampton the electronic chip embedded in the card instantly They say that transit is getting simpler, easier, transit stations when you prove that you have a calculates the fare and deducts it from your account more integrated. Brampton address, are a senior, and are who you or verifies your weekly/monthly pass.” Some transit But just to be safe, in Brampton carry $3.75 exact say you are. They will take your photo if you don’t authorities in the GTA will add a weekly or monthly fare for a single trip. In Mississauga, take $3.25. Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014 9 Letters to the editor Tough Times welcomes letters from readers. Writers may use a pen name if they wish. Tough Times needs to know who you are, so include a phone number and address, but your identity will not be revealed without your permission. Letters may be edited. Email your letters to [email protected] or deliver to Knights Table, #4 - 287 Glidden Road, Brampton, ON L6W 1H9. Does homework help increase voter turnout? Did grants that fund school council parent work- parent workshops. Elections Ontario polling results StatsCan identifies that many are experiencing pov- shops result in more Peel people voting in the 2014 show that 2014 voter turnout increased by more than erty since the 2008 recession. Youth in particular face Ontario provincial election ? 10% in those six ridings. very high rates of unemployment and impoverish- It appears to be the case in six Peel ridings: For the entire Region of Peel, grants for 181 ment. Mississauga-Cooksville, Mississauga-Streetsville, schools amounted to $162,537 in 2010-11 and in- I have advocated to get grants into Peel Region Mississauga-Brampton South, Brampton-Gore- creased to $206,387 for 218 schools in 2013-14. schools since 2007-08. The Ministry of Education Malton, Brampton-Springdale and Brampton West. The number of participating schools increased by affirms the link to parent grants and improved litera- Since 2010-11, many schools in those six ridings 20.4% over the four years, and the dollar value of ap- cy, standardized testing scores like EQAO, and higher obtained grants for parent councils to fund workshops proved grants increased by 27.0%. In 2013-14, Peel graduation rates. Coincidentally, police in Peel and where parents team with educators to learn how they Region has a total of 372 schools (234 public and 148 Toronto experience lower rates of reported crime. can help students do better in school. Topics covered Catholic schools), which means 58.6% of schools ran I am looking forward to the October 2014 munic- not only tips and tricks to homework and studying, parent grants programs. ipal election results, to see if the trend for increased but also others such as nutrition and brain develop- Low voter turnout tends to occur where people votes will continue. A 2002 report The Landscape ment and the effects of bullying on mental health. have lower household income, where they were born of Civic Engagement in Ontario draws on research In those six ridings, voter turnout in 2011 was outside of Canada, or are between the ages of 18- which shows that voters and volunteers have higher lower than 41.5%. In 2010-11 and afterward, many 24. The population of Peel is made up of more than levels of education. of the school parent councils received grants for 50% people who were born outside of Canada, and Catherine Soplet, Mississauga

My brother’s keeper: permanent part-time and two sick-days a year

My brother has a precarious job. He has cerebral benefits, although he PAYS for them. gets after seven years of working hard, diligently, for palsy and is prone to health problems and injuries. This should not be allowed and something must the same company! Can you believe it??) He is only allowed two sick days a year. be done about this travesty. My brother has been We are back to Dickensian England, with Unless his injury is severe – fractures, sprains, etc., waiting for money from the insurance company companies in a race to the bottom. We cannot allow that happen at work, he does not get paid, even though for when he was off sick for a week with a chest this to propagate any more!! he pays insurance from his meagre pay cheque. infection. My heart breaks for my brother and all those He also pays into Employment Insurance. His employer did not pay as he had already used thousands of people in similar situations. However, because he is a ‘permanent part-time up his two sick days, and there wasn’t enough left employee’, he does not qualify for any of those from his one week of vacation pay. (That is all he Annamarie, Brampton

u A way for learners to become earners For Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, believes helpers should get a reward for Catherine Soplet and Building Up Our peer tutor work, even if there is no money Neighbourhoods is advocating for a youth to pay them right now. tutor initiative called Citizen Apprenticeship. Building Up Our Neighbourhoods is Citizen Apprenticeship believes that collaborating with stakeholders to bring students can learn and earn their way to to Peel in 2015 a pilot working model of higher education when volunteer tutor Citizen Apprenticeship. The model was time is treated like a special grade which twice-awarded by United Nations for creates a cash value against tuition. success in Toronto’s Regent Park. For more information on how to participate in the Students already help students in Peel Citizen Apprenticeship 2017 initiative, please visit: schools. Building Up Our Neighbourhoods www.nabrHUBS.ca 10 Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014 Tiny perfect Caledon seeks a new mayor Marolyn Morrison, Caledon’s leader since 2003, is retiring from office and plans to travel. Five people are asking electors to give them her job. Here are the applicants, alphabetically:

Gary Cascone says that if elected, he will Nancy Stewart is a former area council- serve only two terms as mayor, then step down. “We lor and Regional councillor. She says residents tell need someone who will put the town first, and not her that Caledon’s municipal government is swathed their careers,” he says. in red tape. His plans for Caledon: a transparent council and Residents don’t see a relationship between munic- administration; holding the line on taxes; “unlocking ipal government and the hopes and dreams in their gridlock” so travel is easier; responsible growth. lives, she says. That must change. “Government is The owner of a construction business, Cascone supposed to be helping us achieve our future.” was recognized by the Region of Peel for the Best Stewart has an undergraduate degree in con- Retrofit Building. He has been a Big Brother, is active sumer behaviour and is completing a Masters in in his church, has organized missions to Haiti. He Business Administration at York University. restores cars, plays the guitar. She has been a board member of Caledon Meals on Wheels, worked with the Hills of Headwaters house tour, and provided Caledon Community Services with crocheted blankets for giveaways for years. George Niras aims to “bring 427 to Hwy 9,” double GO service from “All aspects of social services are a priority for me. Lack of adequate funding affects seven to 14 return trips per weekday, more buses overall, better roads, more trees, the health and well being of all of our citizens from small children to seniors. Ottawa development must pay its way so as to keep taxes down, a stronger presence for and Queen’s Park do not provide adequate social services funding that recognizes Peel the Town at the Ontario Municipal Board. Region’s rapid growth. We fall further behind every year. We must change this.” He plans to collaborate with colleagues, staff, and the community “to make Caledon the most liveable town in Canada.” Allan Thompson a town councillor in Caledon since 2003 and a Regional Councillor since Ian G. Sinclair says neighbourhoods in 2006, declares: Caledon must be designed for lifetime living. They “Caledon needs managed growth that brings must be inclusionary, comply with the Ontario benefits to citizens and balance to the residential/ Human Rights Code and the Canadian Charter of commercial tax base ratio; we must rehabilitate and Rights and Freedoms. New housing projects and re- manage our roads and bridges with an affordable modelled older homes must meet the requirements long-term plan for transportation and public infra- of Provincial Policy Statements regarding infrastruc- structure; one in seven residents of Peel is living ture and access to transportation. in poverty and housing, food security and employ- Sinclair was an area councillor for Caledon from ment are essential.” 1994-97, and a Regional councillor from 1997-2003. A member of Peel’s Poverty Reduction Strategy He has been Commissioner for Peel on the Niagara Committee, Thompson says: “Its members have been influential in bringing to- Escarpment Commission, on the board of Caledon gether organizations and agencies to develop practical solutions.” Community Services, chair of Peel Region’s planning committee, a director He is a champion of Caledon Community Services, supports Habitat for Humanity, of Credit Valley Conservation Foundation, on the board of Toronto Region chairs the Region of Peel’s Intergovernmental Relations Advisory Committee (IRAC), Conservation Authority and on the Watershed Management Board. advocating for Peel’s cash-poor. He also chairs the Region’s Public Works Committee.

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Tough Times reaches out to Peel residents speaking Punjabi or Hindi. The notes above say: Do you need someone speaking Punjabi/Hindi to help you? Phone Punjabi Community Health Services at 905-677-0889 Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014 11 CHEWING YOUR GUMS Visiting Peel’s health care

n Canada, we like to think of ourselves as safe those using the Ontario Disabilities Support Program. Health is affected by more than contact with con- from the horrors of costly health care. If getting But if you are a senior without the funds for dental tagious diseases, according to the report. It is also in- I sick costs a lot, individuals don’t have to pay from care, it may be a different story. fluenced by income, education, social supports, work- an individual pocket. Peel has 797 seniors on a wait list for the place, stress, child development and migration. The money comes from somewhere else – from Region’s Low Income Seniors Dental Program, Not to mention that half of Peel’s residents are the collective pocket known taxes, some even from even though since the program began six years too fat, which can lead to diabetes. local property taxes. Yet some health costs could ago 8,225 seniors have been treated. The annual Picture of Health says many Peel residents don’t get be avoided completely if treatment began earlier, or budget is $1.3m. enough physical activity because of the way the cit- citizens had more nourishing food, or lived in cities The committee which sets priorities for seniors’ ies are laid out: “Sprawling low-density development where walking is a regular part of living. dental care has been pondering which is financially has been a widespread trend in Peel for the last 10 Municipal candidates and the public are learn- most sensible: to repair dentures, or to treat people years. Solid evidence links such sprawl to lower levels ing about health, who pays and how to keep costs in pain? The wise answer would be to get the cash to of physical activity, to diminished social capital, trans- down, through briefings organized by Peel Poverty do both, because there’s a mental health cost to not portation injuries, and to pollution.” Action Group (PPAG) and Municipalities Matter, (Peel smiling. Regional councillors will decide. So councillors need to think about health when Regional Labour Council). According to A Picture of Health, a 2008 report they consider approving (or not) the plans that devel- on Peel, the Region is second only in population to opers have for Peel’s growth. Here’s just one area of info: Toronto, with a higher proportion of children and On the plus side for Peel: we don’t drink or smoke Children have their teeth taken care of through young families than Ontario as a whole. Peel’s resi- as much as other places in Ontario. Healthy Smiles Ontario, but only if the family has no dents are well educated, with a much higher propor- Picture of Health says with more work on preven- other means of dental care and is below a certain in- tion of immigrants and visible minorities than in the tion, Peel could cut 37,000 cases of illness and 120 come. Families using Ontario Works can get help, as can rest of Ontario. deaths a year from the toll of disease. Hepatitis C

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 Sharing drug equipment such as needles, filters, tourniquets, water, syringes, cookers, alcohol swabs, acidifiers

 Receive blood and body organs that have not been screened for hepatitis C. Even in Canada, if you received blood and organ donations before 1990 you may be at risk. Contact:Involved in medical procedures including immunization in hepatitis C endemic countries Bloom Clinic Call today for information or 40 Finchgate Blvd. Suite 224 to book a free test. Brampton, ON L6T 3J1 Phone: 905-451-6959 | [email protected] 12 Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014 FLOWERTOWN: Pick me ... Pick me ... for mayor ... or maybe me! On October 27, 2014, municipalities across Ontario select their mayors, councillors, and school trustees. Brampton is Canada’s Flowertown – a place that glories in its history and its tree and flower-lined streets. Here’s a bouquet of candidates for mayor. Take your pick.

irst elected in 2000, Susan Fennell is running for • Villa Polonia (105-unit seniors building and a 120- re-election as Mayor of Brampton. Through her unit building for singles and families in 2013) F leadership, she has presided over Brampton’s • Norton Lake (200 units for seniors and families in 2013) growth as a world-class city, and one of Canada’s most As Brampton continues to grow, Mayor Fennell thriving, dynamic and diverse communities. will work to establish a national housing strategy that In 2013, Mayor Fennell became the recipient of is predictable, sustainable and includes a long-term multiple awards recognizing her leadership to promote source of funding to meet local housing needs. diversity and inclusiveness. In addition to reliable public transit and accessible During her tenure as Mayor, Brampton was the housing, Susan Fennell is also committed to taking first municipality in the GTA to be designated as an action to address unemployment challenges. International Safe Community by the World Health Mayor Fennell will work to develop programs Organization. and opportunities to support at-risk youth to secure Mayor Fennell prides herself on getting things done summer employment with the City of Brampton. She for residents, including securing funding for Züm – will advocate for more enhanced re-training programs Brampton’s Bus Rapid Transit service - and establishing for seniors who are looking to continue remaining a discounted $1 transit seniors’ fare. active in the workforce and partner with the provincial Mayor Fennell has pledged to safeguard this government to provide more programs that assist important seniors’ fare during the next term of council. workers in upgrading their skills to meet the needs of She serves as vice-chair of the Big City Mayor’s the changing economy. Affordable Housing Working Group, with the Susan Fennell believes we need to build on our Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Since being accomplishments, and only experienced leadership can elected Mayor, over 500 new affordable housing units get the job done. She has the leadership to continue have been built in Brampton, serving local seniors and moving Brampton forward. SUSAN FENNEL families, including: • Snelgrove Place (94 units for seniors in 2012)

love Brampton! I love the strength of our city. I Brampton Minor Hockey, the Salvation Army, Dreams have lived here all my life. And I have known first- Take Flight for under privileged kids, and the Knight’s I hand the strength of the good people who call Table. Brampton their home. And I am proud to have served as President of the Let me tell you a story. Brampton Excelsior’s, The Brampton Board of Trade, In 1958 my family’s home burnt to the ground. My and the Ontario Waste Management Association. mother plucked us from the home minutes before it My successful run for Regional Council in 2006 was engulfed in flames. was another way for me to give back to our great city. My parents couldn’t afford insurance. They had 12 While I am a relative newcomer to council, I am kids and a home in smouldering ruins. not a newcomer to getting things done in Brampton. It would have been easy to give up. But the I’m running to be your Mayor because I have community came together around us. They found a vision for our city, for our future, and - most us homes to live in, and they made sure we didn’t go importantly - for our citizens. hungry. I understand this city, its challenges, and its people. As if things weren’t bad enough, my parents were As a taxpayer and businessman I understand the two of 15,000 who lost their jobs through cancellation need for our money to be spent wisely, and for that of the Avro Arrow program. spending to be transparent and accountable. So, I understand the struggle and hardships of far Respect for every person who calls our city home too many in our community. is my bottom line. From hardship to success, my family never stopped If what matters to you is New Leadership and Real giving back to our community. Change, then on October 27th with your support – I am proud of our collective contributions to the I’m your New Mayor. JOHN SANDERSON Cubs and Scouts, the Rotary Club, the Lion’s Club, Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014 Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014 13 FLOWERTOWN: Pick me ... Pick me ... for mayor ... or maybe me!

Candidates for mayor of Brampton took part in a debate at Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives, Would-be mayors LINDA JEFFREY of Brampton took prepared questions. Furthest from the camera is Jacqueline Bell, next to her is incumbent mayor Sue Fennell, and towards the camera: Muhammad Haque, Linda Jeffrey, Don McLeod, Baljit More, John Sanderson, Devin- der Sangha, Miriam Wiley. (Tough Times photo) recently stepped down from provincial politics to Also in the running: Sukhjinder S. Gill, Gurjit S. Grewal; Joseph Racco; Hargurnar Singh Hargy Randhawa; Ranjit Singh. return to municipal government and put my name on Ithe ballot for position of Mayor of Brampton. As a th former Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing I am 18 Annual acutely aware of how important housing is - particularly to those living in poverty. Health and Safety Study after study has proven that when people have Volunteer Activists safe affordable housing their health improves and their children do better in school. Following the election I will APPRECIATION advocate both the Provincial and Federal governments to foster new investments which target local solutions to DINNER poverty in Peel. At the same time I will bring forward the issue of secondary units or basement apartments to the Friday, November 7, 2014 Council agenda so that the City of Brampton can start 6 p.m. cocktails addressing the growing need for additional housing units 7 p.m. dinner for seniors, students and those in need of affordable Unifor Local 1285 housing. While I served as an MPP I learned about the Poverty 23 Regan Road Canada Learning Bond – it’s a program created for Brampton ON families whose income is under $41,000 who want to begin to save for their children’s education. I would like To nominate your volunteers to have the Region of Peel automatically assist families in and for more information participating in this Registered Education Savings Plan so contact Patrick Williams that we access the funding available through the Federal 905-866-4275 government. A job is a stepping stone to a better future and social inclusion I have the experience and proven track record of working with various levels of government to achieve results and get more of Peel Region’s fair share. It’s time to put our children, our families and our seniors at the heart of all decisions that are made in Brampton. I believe we need a Mayor who will always put our city first and to build positive relationships at the local levels so we can create a better Brampton. 14 Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014 A question of leadership

BY PAULA DeCOITO Executive director, Social Planning Council of Peel - Chair, Peel Poverty Action Group

s the federal government gears up for elections next year while get- ting itself entangled all over again in a war in the Middle East, and A the Ontario government focuses on reducing its massive deficit, the Personal Message from need for good, strong leaders at the municipal or local level – where people Susan Fennell actually live, work and play - becomes even more important. Municipal lead- ers – mayors, city councillors and school trustees – can focus on the everyday Dear Friends, problems and aspirations of citizens at the local level – in neighbourhoods, in workplaces, in schools, on roads, rivers and parks. Local leaders for local issues. I am proudly seeking re-election as mayor. What are these local issues that must be addressed by the incoming mu- My commitment to the people of Brampton nicipal leaders? Recent mayoral debates in Brampton and Mississauga gave us an insight into what citizens want their new municipal leaders to focus on: remains as strong, as the day I first began poverty reduction, affordable hous- my public service career. ing, job creation, a living wage, public I want to build on our accomplishments transit from Peel to Toronto, fair treat- ment of people from different racial, and continue to get things done for families, ethnic and religious backgrounds, seniors and small business owners. support of the arts, and last but not least, transparency and accountability Sincerely, of government. A tall order, indeed! However, leadership by definition, is designed for problem-solving. Here in Peel Region with our cit- ies of Brampton, Mississauga and the Susan Fennell’s Record of Results Town of Caledon, we have an op- portunity to bring in a new brand of Keeping Brampton debt-free so taxpayers’ leadership. What is this new brand of money goes toward important services, leadership? It is one that does not see a city as a business and business and not interest payments. corporations and real estate developers as the primary partners of city gov- Maintaining Brampton’s Triple-A credit ernment. Instead, it sees the city as a type of social enterprise - the physical rating, which gives businesses the and social home and workplace for a group of people from diverse back- confidence to invest and create jobs. grounds striving to care for themselves and pursuing their aspirations. The city is seen as a physical and social place for the individual and collective Expanding Züm and protecting the expression of life and liberty. From this perspective, the role of city govern- $1 seniors’ transit fare. ment is to provide policies, services and opportunities that are supportive of the well-being of citizens and the pursuit of their dreams. It is within this Leading and supporting a plan to establish citizen-focused context that city government enters into partnership and col- two new universities in Brampton. laboration with business corporations, real estate developers, the charitable sector, and others. Building the new Peel Memorial Hospital, How do we recognize the leaders that we want to govern our cities? They so families have modern, accessible and are leaders whose first commitment is to the well-being of human citizens, quality front-line healthcare. not business corporations. They are leaders who are intellectually able to un- derstand and address the social, economic and environmental issues affecting the lives of citizens. They are leaders who know how to include and respect different voices and perspectives in the problem-solving process of govern- ment. They are leaders who represent the diversity of the population. They are leaders who believe that they are servants of the people. A tall order P.O Box 2610, Brampton, ON L6T 3M6 905-216-8230 indeed! However, a true democracy for the people and by the people requires [email protected] no less than this. Vote for your municipal leaders on Election Day, October 27, 2014. www.susanfennell.com Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014 15 Don’t Go Hungry. If you are struggling to make ends meet, have to choose between paying rent or buying food, or have more bills than income... The Mississauga Food Bank is here to help you. Anyone in need and living in Mississauga can use a neighbourhood food bank or other member agency regardless of age, sexual orientation, race, religion, gender or immigration status. Visit www.themississaugafoodbank.org/getfood or phone 905.270.5589 to find a member agency near you.

BARBARA TABUNO Candidate for councillor, Ward 4 Mississauga Barbara Tabuno, 27, has 10 years experience in community development, communications, and human resources. She WHAT CANDIDATES WILL has been on the board of Catholic Family Services, a labour relations coordinator for Mississauga’s Trillium Health Partners, DO ABOUT POVERTY a member of Mississauga’s Healthy City Stewardship Committee, the Living Green Master Plan Committee, Mississauga Summit Committee Tough Times is a social justice newspaper and wants readers to She sees poverty as a complex issue. “There are many root causes. In Ward 4 we have several organizations and programs that could bridge the gap between the social know who will help them. Municipal candidates who registered and economic factors. We must facilitate collaboration between government, non-profit community-based early in the nomination period and who provided email addresses organizations and the private sector.” She says she will advocate for implementing Peel’s were invited to submit short biographies and to say what they see Housing and Homelessness Plan, and for Mississauga to support social justice advocacy groups. as poverty issues in Peel and what they will do about them when “Three main objectives are critical: increasing housing stock; looking at individual and family capacity; elected. Those who responded in time are published here. and creating an enabling environment for integrated systems,” she said.

KRISHAWN THOMPSON USMAN KHALID STEPHEN WARNER Candidate for Regional councillor, Wards 1 & 5 Brampton Candidate for City Councillor, Wards 2 & 6 Brampton Candidate for Public School Trustee, Ward 1 & 7 Mississauga Krishawn Thompson, 30, wants “To improve the quality of life Stephen Warner, age 19, is a recent to provide a different perspective of residents and reduce poverty, graduate of Port Credit Secondary to Council. A graduate of Humber Brampton needs to spend on welfare School, now studying political science College’s architectural technology projects, shelters and housing, boost at University of Toronto. He is an program, Thompson currently works food programs and expand transit. The elected member of the Anglican in design. He has coached, mentored major source of city income is property Church Toronto Synod, the Canada- and tutored various youth groups in taxes – which can lead to more poverty. wide General Synod, and the Church’s basketball, football, and rugby. “We need to increase the tax base and job availability Diocesan Council. Thompson was raised by his single-parent mom, by attracting manufacturing through reduction For the past three years he has hosted monthly and grew up in poverty in Knightsbridge, Brampton. of corporate taxes. Also, access to equalization travelogue movie nights in conjunction with the He says: “Poverty to me was watching individuals payments from Ottawa to Ontario would enable Rotary Club of Mississauga-Lakeshore. work hard, struggling for the necessities of life. My Peel to promote welfare projects without putting Warner believes the best way to eradicate poverty mother had some of the most unappealing jobs, additional tax burdens on residents.” is to offer assistance to families who are unable which motivated me to get an education. Khalid has a business degree from York to purchase school materials and other necessary “If elected, I will work to bring well-paying jobs University and a Paralegal Diploma, and runs his items, which would enable all students to access to Peel and promote social programs to help low own paralegal practice. He volunteers with charities education equally. He says statistics show that well- income families. Many churches and community such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, educated students have a better chance of breaking organizations in the area do so much to help our Brampton Sunnatul Islamic Association, Heart and out of the poverty cycle. residents, but with more funding they would be able Stroke Foundation and William Osler Foundation. And he adds: “Being a recent graduate of to distribute care packages and benefits to assist He says he is running for City Council “to bring the public education system, I know the issues with day-to-day living.” innovative ideas and modern perspectives.” firsthand.” 16 Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014

LINDA ZANELLA JOSEPHINE BAU JACQUELINE BELL Candidate for City Councillor, Wards 2 and 6 Brampton. Candidate for Separate School Trustee, Wards 6 and 11 Mississauga Candidate for Mayor of Brampton Married with four children, Linda Josephine Bau lived in poverty “My background is in marketing/ Zanella has lived in Brampton for 36 in post-war Hong Kong and lacked management. I attended Ryerson years. opportunity to develop all her talents. University and George Brown College. In 1997, she was elected trustee In Canada since the ‘70s, she acquired As a manager, my responsibility is to earn for Wards 2, 5, and 6 of the Dufferin- skills in community development money for the business while keeping a Peel Catholic School Board and is now and education by volunteering and strict eye on saving. serving her sixth term. working with university, school boards “I see the roots of poverty as limited She chairs the Special Education Advisory and human services sectors. access to education, homelessness or inadequate housing, Committee, is a member of the Student Discipline As a trustee, she will try to ensure that every unemployment and insufficient income for food, Committee and of Brampton Safety Council. student has access to opportunities, regardless of clothing, shelter and transportation. When elected, I will She is a realtor by profession and a member of economic status. Her agenda for students includes: work to restructure the City to improve the conditions the Ontario Real Estate Association. ­l Teaching about poverty in Peel and nurturing care that result in poverty. Zanella notes: “Many children come to school and respect for others “Examples: rejuvenate Brampton to draw more hungry. While many schools provide breakfast ­l Engaging in neighbourhood improvement projects companies to the area thus increasing investments programs, it is imperative that we, as a city, do ­l Encouraging community hours at soup kitchens and jobs; hold an annual competition with architects, our part. The housing shortage and high levels and food banks designers and builders collaborating on aesthetically- of unemployment contribute to poverty. I plan ­l Visits to farms and factories to see how produce pleasing green designs at lower housing costs; establish a to support a training program for unemployed is grown and how food products are made 365-day tourism initiative to create jobs and draw tourists. individuals. I would also like to see more co-operative ­l Teaching age-appropriate life skills “I would reassess the budget to find more revenue to housing in Brampton.” ­l Subsidizing arts, music and other programs for keep our tax bill low and I would roll the savings into job students who cannot afford to participate. creation -- investments, start-ups, etc.”

AMOL BLAZYS CASSIAN JOSEPH ROBERT CROCKER Candidate for Councillor, Ward 8 Mississauga Candidate for City Councillor, Wards 2 & 6 Brampton Candidate for Trustee, Wards 6 & 11 Mississauga, PDSB “I am a family man and long- Cassian Joseph moved to Canada Now a volunteer at Eden time resident of Mississauga. As a in 1988 from Sri Lanka and has lived Community Food Bank in Mississauga, supporter of charitable and service in Brampton for 18 years, where he has I have lived and worked in the organizations, I know the effects of run Williams Fresh Café for 14 years. Streetsville/Meadowvale area since poverty on children. He has been a sponsor of Brampton 1985. I retired from teaching in 2012 “As a small business owner who soup kitchen Knights Table for 13 after 35 years, which included Head of employs many local residents, I years and has supported Knights of History/Canadian and World Studies understand the obstacles that face organizations Columbus and the Brampton Tamil Association at Streetsville Secondary School, and president of trying to create jobs. I will work to reduce and among other groups. the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, eliminate red tape that stifles jobs in Mississauga. He notes that “in Brampton, we are struggling District 19 (Peel) in 2008-09. “However, the diverse challenges of poverty mean to help the poor and the needy; 167,000 of our A student’s right to learning opportunities and that those living in poverty may not be able to work. residents are living below the poverty line. We have participation in extra-curricular activities must not Children, seniors, those on ODSP benefits, and a very long waiting list for affordable housing. And be limited by poverty. Peel District School Board the mentally ill, need different types of supports we neither do enough nor choose to speak about (PDSB) administrators and guidance counsellors tailored to their needs. it!” must be on the alert for students affected by “If elected I would work closely with advocates When elected, he plans to work with developers economic disadvantage. such as the Peel Poverty Action Group, social to stimulate growth in affordable housing, and to As trustee, I will try to raise awareness of poverty- service agencies and government to provide better collaborate with other councillors to encourage related issues and will support board policies which service delivery. I look forward to confronting the developers to build a percentage of houses for low- guarantee fair access to services. PDSB must continue extraordinary challenges faced by residents living in income residents. He says: “Poverty is a man-made to support the United Way and other community poverty.” issue. It is our responsibility to end it.” groups geared to creating a happier, fairer society.

CHRIS FONSECA DAVID GREEN MANAN GUPTA Candidate for Councillor, Ward 3 Mississauga Seeking re-election to PDSB, Wards 1 & 3 Brampton Candidate for City Councillor, Wards 7 & 8 Brampton “The most urgent financial issues “According to studies by the “Publisher-editor at Road Today facing Mississauga residents are the high Region of Peel and United Way of Media Group, I host and appear cost of housing and income inequality. Peel Region, poverty is a serious regularly on radio and TV. As a “As a councillor, I have supported problem in Peel. In 2006, 15% of university graduate, I have 18+ years’ initiatives to help individuals living in Peel’s population or 167,000 people experience in engineering, quality/ poverty, including aging citizens, people were living below the Low Income environmental management systems, with disabilities, and homeless citizens. Cut-off (LICO), up from 11.5% or public safety and media. I am married “Some of those efforts are: City of Mississauga and 115,000 in 2001. Poverty increases among our and have two daughters. Peel Region motions/resolutions to support the National most vulnerable citizens: recent immigrants, single “When elected, I will work to ensure Housing Plan, ‘Housing Crunch’; participation in parents, unattached seniors especially women, accountability, transparency and respect for Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) promotion families with young children, and ethnic groups Brampton taxpayers. Peel’s Poverty Reduction of partnerships with government and business addressing experiencing racialization. Thousands of children Strategy points to sustainable jobs, adequate health the gap in rental housing; participation in FCM round go to school each day without breakfast and this care, affordable transit, regular income stream, food table discussions on housing in Peel and the GTA; has to change. security and accessible housing to help marginalized Supporting Our Place Peel youth shelter in Ward 3. “I plan to continue dialogue with all stakeholders, people. “When re-elected, I will continue to advocate for a including the various levels of government and “Affordable housing is integral to success. Peel National Housing Plan and a commitment from all levels poverty action groups, to begin eliminating poverty recently released its Housing and Homelessness of government and business to collaborate in preserving, by increasing awareness and sensitivity to the needs Plan, 2014-2024. When elected, I will work in reinvesting and creating new housing, and reducing of those affected, and to advocate for change. We partnership with governments and the private sector homelessness through services and programs, capital must help families with children get out of and stay to see that strategies addressing homelessness and projects and community initiatives.” out of poverty.” housing are managed on an action NOW basis.”

Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014 17

OSMAND BANGURA HELENE BURROWES HARLON DAVEY Candidate for City Councillor, Ward 6 Mississauga Candidate for Separate School Trustee, Ward 5 Mississauga Candidate for Councillor, Ward 11 Mississauga “As a child in the inner city I Helene Burrowes has lived in Harlon Davey has advocated for experienced poverty and homelessness Malton for over 40 years. She is access to treatment, support and care for and developed sensitivity to conditions Mississauga’s 2014 Citizen of the people with disabilities, seniors and their that diminish the lives of the homeless, Year, has the Queen’s Diamond caregivers. In 2007, he was appointed single parent families, immigrants and Jubilee Medal and was the Punjabi to the Health Ministry’s Committee to unemployed youth. I have worked with Community Health Services’ Woman Evaluate Drugs. In 2012, he established disadvantaged people and devoted time of the Year in 2012. As a volunteer, Harlon Consulting to help community and effort to advocating for vulnerable groups. she has initiated and participated in many projects groups, health charities, and social services and to “As I see it, lack of government investment with Catholic and public schools and community advocate, educate and empower marginalized people. and attention to systemic issues results in ongoing groups in Ward 5. For example, she collected When elected, Davey plans to develop a task force of poverty. Government should tackle the housing unsold bread from Fortino’s for years and community leaders and advocates to: crisis and develop the community as an affordable distributed it to needy families. 1. Identify the causes of poverty and the barriers that place to live. A Poverty Reduction Strategy should Burrowes notes that “Poverty and prevent people from overcoming it; address immediate needs and long-term solutions. homelessness are serious problems in our schools 2. Develop strategies to improve quality of life; “When elected, I plan to put a motion before for many of the students.” 3. Partner with existing organizations to build community Council for the development of a robust Poverty Burrowes has vowed not to accept donations capacity; Reduction Initiative, and I will work towards the from developers or unions for her campaign. She 4. Advocate for increased and sustained funding from all formation of a working group to include public, believes this will allow her when elected to work levels of government. private and non-profit sectors and I will work for with others to develop solutions and real changes He will collaborate with people living in poverty to sustainable funding dedicated to vulnerable people, in the lives of individuals and families living in empower them and inform them of existing supports. housing and homelessness.” poverty. “Living with dignity is not a privilege, but a right.”

MUHAMMAD HAQUE MAUREEN HARPER HARINDER HUNDAL Candidate for mayor, City of Brampton Candidate for Councillor, Wards 1 & 5 Brampton Candidate for School Trustee, Wards 9 & 10 Brampton Muhammad Haque came to Canada “I was a veterinarian for the Canadian “I was born in India, immigrated from Pakistan in the mid-90s. He has Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and a to Canada in 2001 and settled in teacher certification from the Ontario member of the Professional Institute Brampton with my family. I have College of Teachers, served in the of the Public Service of Canada, a M.Sc. in economics, an MBA and Canadian Armed Forces from 1991- a union representing over 60,000 a Bachelor of Education earned at 1992, and now works for GO Transit. workers, where I advocated for the Western Ontario and York universities. In 2007, Haque established a charity to health and safety of employees and I am a member of the Ontario College help the families of soldiers fallen in Afghanistan. collective bargaining rights. I retired in 2011, and of Teachers and work with the Thames Valley Haque sees poverty as a global issue and quotes now visit Bethel Hospice, Woodhall Retirement District School Board in London. UN reports that about 21,000 people die of hunger Residence and the Brampton Civic Hospital with “When elected, I will fight for needs-based or hunger-related issues every day. my poodle. funding for older as well as newer schools. Given our Poverty is increasing for youth, workers, young “Poverty affects the entire community and limited resources, one universal school system will families and new immigrants. Poverty in Aboriginal community awareness is essential for dealing with reduce the overall costs of education and improve groups remains high. Canada is a leader among its causes: lack of affordable housing, precarious enrichment programs such as the arts, music, and developed nations, yet one in ten people in Canada employment and insufficient jobs that pay living speech pathology. Special education, English as a struggles for the necessities of life. wages and benefits. I look forward, when elected, second language, and adult programming could also “As mayor, I will ensure that taxes are invested in to engaging a supportive network committed to be funded, plus school lunches. Children in poverty education; fostering local initiatives; and reviewing eradicating poverty, a network to include all levels should have access to these programs. social assistance to remove barriers and increase of government as well as community service “Our students are not reaching their full potential opportunities -- to develop Brampton as a world groups.” because of inadequate funding.” class city,” he says.

C. JEAN JAMIESON STEPHEN KING KIRU KULENDIREN Candidate for City Councillor, Wards 3 & 4 Brampton City Candidate for Mayor of Mississauga Candidate for Councillor, Ward 10 Mississauga “A BA in economics and becoming Stephen King wants a city Kiru Kulendiren is a resilient, determined a Certified Financial Planner prepared government accountable to the people, and energetic community leader with the me for a career as a financial consultant. transparent, and run with integrity. knowledge and skills to deliver. She holds I have experience as a wealth counsellor, King notes the issues that degrees in engineering and astrophysics, tax preparer and insurance/investment marginalize people and move them plus experience in social services and the agent, and I have become a proactive, into poverty: youth unemployment environment. Kulendiren notes many issues independent thinker – essential is at 18% with 17% of Mississauga directly linked to poverty: characteristics for a city councillor. residents living below the poverty line; food-banks ­l Childcare: lack of affordable and accessible childcare “I spent six years on our local ratepayers are a social institution; seniors are taxed out of their for working parents; board. I noted the gap between Ontario Disability homes; people are living on the streets due to lack ­l Transportation: access, relevance and affordability to Support allowances and the costs of housing, of affordable housing. take people where they need to go; where Brampton’s zoning bylaws restrict basement “We can foresee a future where Mississauga ­l Employment: A response to poverty reduction that apartments. As city councillor, I will work to revise becomes a city of have-nots. We are facing can be enhanced by supporting small and medium- bylaws so as to increase the number of affordable unprecedented debt.” he says. sized businesses; rental units. “Where is the political will to address these ­l Housing: Affordable housing is about dignity and “I will also advocate for partnerships between problems? Mississauga is a great city but if we respect; homes are a fundamental right; without a landlords and programs such as The Causeway, a don’t address the issues facing us it won’t be long home, people become transient, homeless. Salvation Army project helping homeless people before we find ourselves living in urban decay.” “To rid Mississauga and Peel of poverty, we need to become tenants and landlords acquire renters. King is a long time resident of Mississauga, and commit to eradicating it. Change begins with holding Removing obstacles to housing is a first step for served in the Canadian military. all elected officials accountable, to respect the taxpayer people living in poverty.” purse and the worth of all who live here,” she says.

18 Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014

SUE LAWTON LINDEN KING DAVID LOZOWSKY Seeks re-election for PDSB Trustee, Wards 3 & 4, Mississauga Candidate for PDSB trustee, Wards 6 & 11 Mississauga Candidate for City Councillor Wards 1 & 5 Brampton Sue Lawton has lived, worked and Linden King has lived in “I earned a B.Sc. at University of volunteered in Mississauga for over 30 Mississauga for 42 years and is Toronto, have worked in sales and the years. She is a determined advocate for actively involved in the community. computer and automobile industries. fair and equitable access to excellent He is a strong supporter of food “My term as president of Brampton education for all students. She has a banks and is an advocate for change Speakeasy Toastmasters Club is just strong business background and is an that matters. completed. At St. Anne’s Church I experienced community volunteer. King notes: “A good education is serve on the parish council, and as a Lawton notes that poverty is increasing in Peel. not only critical to our children’s success, but also lecter and a Knight of Columbus. “At the school board, we see the results of poverty for Mississauga’s future. However, one in seven “Poverty in Peel is not an issue to be dismissed. every day. Most of our schools have breakfast people in Peel is living in poverty with low family Organizations like Regeneration and the Knights programs, and many secondary schools have food incomes. This results in many students arriving Table in Brampton need frequent media attention banks for students living on their own. While lack in school hungry and unable to fully engage in and visible support from elected officials. of affordable housing is the single most urgent learning.” “Working to reduce poverty requires outreach poverty issue in Peel, food security is very close” King advocates revision of the education to people living in poverty, so that we understand Lawton says: “Our children can’t learn if they are funding formula to provide disadvantaged the challenges they face and solutions that they hungry or homeless. Our job is to engage partners students with access to the necessary resources for believe would be helpful. “We need to treat them in business and non-profit sectors with our schools, educational achievement. with respect so that we can collaborate with them so that if children come to school hungry we can He urges more collaboration between the to reduce poverty.” help.” schools and community organizations so that the proper support programs are put in place with the aid of grants.

CRYSTAL MARK DONALD MCLEOD MICHAEL MILLER Candidate for Councillor Ward 5 Mississauga Candidate for Mayor, City of Brampton Candidate for Councillor, Ward 8 Mississauga Crystal Mark is a married mother “I grew up in a family with four Michael Miller was born and of four and a 30-year resident siblings. We lived well below the poverty raised in Mississauga. He attended of Ward 5. She is a professional line and as a result I am aware of the George Brown College, graduating community developer with 15-plus monetary constraints imposed on as a mediator in both Community years’ experience. families as well as the destructive social Mediation and Victim/Offender A social advocate, Mark believes problems, the by-products of poverty. Mediation (Restorative Justice). He that diversity and equity are required “My wife and I have lived in worked as a residential counsellor at at City Hall. “Poverty is a pay cheque away for most Brampton for 22 years, and we have seen a decrease Community Living and ran in the 2003 provincial residents, and I believe that collaborative efforts of in social programs and funding at the provincial level. election in Mississauga-Centre. In 2007, he became government, agencies and businesses committed to We also note the lack of political will at the municipal executive assistant and constituency office manager reducing poverty will yield community prosperity.” level to tackle this serious problem. for former Cabinet minister Harinder Takhar. Mark acknowledges that Peel has hidden “In the future, our rapidly aging population He says that poverty has two specific areas to be homelessness and food security issues and calls for will exacerbate the root causes of poverty: lack of redressed: housing and hunger. He sees a need for a innovation in community programming to close the affordable housing; nursing care; nutritional diet; mix of market rate and subsidized housing and says gaps between haves and have-nots in Mississauga. rising cost of food; and decreased buying power. All that if elected he will ensure that those who need “We must mobilize resources across sectors to these factors could result in a tsunami of people at risk subsidized housing are the ones receiving it. eliminate the root causes of poverty and increase or already living in poverty. Miller advocates a healthy diet for all, but sees the capacity of all residents to thrive,” she says. “Municipalities must pressure the provincial and too many different organizations trying to achieve federal governments to contribute. The problem is the same goal. He aims to create a Region-wide plan not going away, but if all Brampton residents work to address hunger and engage the community and together we can ensure that every member of our city has opportunities and is able to live with dignity.” private sector in collaborating to implement it.

ELAINE MOORE SUZANNE NURSE ESTHER O’TOOLE Seeking re-election as a Regional Councillor, Wards 1&5 Brampton Candidate for re-election as Trustee, Wards 2 & 6 PDSB Seeking re-election as trustee on DPCDSB, Wards 9 &10 Mississauga Elaine Moore has a Master’s “I have been a trustee with Peel Esther O’Toole routinely attends Certificate in Municipal Leadership District School Board for 10 years, and parent council meetings and events for from the Schulich School of Business, am currently vice-chair. I also serve the 16 schools in her area, providing York University, and has been a school on the board of Rapport Youth and updates on Board and community trustee, city councillor and latterly a Family Services and volunteer with issues. She’s seeking re-election as regional councillor. several community organizations. trustee on Dufferin-Peel Catholic She chaired the Homelessness “Poverty issues in Peel include lack District School Board (DPCDSB), Forum, which included faith communities, of affordable housing and day care; limited access Wards 9 & 10 Mississauga government, and non-profits, working with people to a living wage; and few jobs, especially for youth. Former vice-president of directors for the Eden experiencing homelessness. “As a trustee, I will continue to: Food Bank, she has made schools aware of both “Housing remains a critical issue and I will ­l Try to introduce specialized programs for students food and financial need in the community. She also continue my efforts to establish a network of and the variety of academic options; helped launch a school breakfast program and is supports,” she says, and notes: “As chair of the ­l Improve resources to increase Peel students’ currently working with the Mississauga Furniture community investment committee, I led approval of EQAO test scores; Bank. over $6 million in grants annually to build capacity ­l Encourage delivery of differentiated classroom O’Toole believes that encouraging young for agencies and others supporting marginalized instruction to increase student success rates; people to help others is worth while “whether it is individuals and families. I plan to continue to ­l Partner with community groups, city and a graduation, school play, concert, parade or charity explore opportunities with the private sector to provincial officials, to address community issues drive,” and she promotes the idea of students reduce and eliminate wait lists for child care and that may negatively impact student achievement; becoming involved with the St. Vincent de Paul housing subsidies.” ­l Advocate for parents and children to have the Society. best educational experience possible.” Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014 19

OJIE EGHOBOR CAROLYN PARRISH PAUL PREIKSCHAS Candidate for City Councillor, Wards 2 & 6 Brampton Candidate for Councillor, Ward 5 Mississauga Candidate for councillor, Ward 10 Mississauga Ojie Eghobor, a native of Nigeria, Carolyn Parrish is a graduate of the Paul Preikschas has worked with has lived in Brampton for more than 15 University of Toronto and the Ontario youth for over 21 years, volunteering years. His qualifications include a Higher College of Education. Parrish has held side by side with them on projects National Diploma in Marketing and a many elected positions municipally involving the environment, citizenship, Bachelor of Administrative Studies, plus and federally. and other community activities. specialist certificates. He held several jobs “ I have become all too familiar Noting that one in seven people prior to human resources management, with poverty, the hidden secret in in Peel lives in poverty, Preikschas and volunteered in the community as a team leader, Peel, through four years as a councillor and as vice- declares: “It seems that all three levels of board member, community organizer and activist. president of Mississauga Food Bank,” she says. government lack the political will to reduce poverty. Eghobor sees the causes of poverty in Peel “While there are many causes for 17% of our We must start to tackle the problem within our Region as youth segregation, disengagement and residents living in poverty, the most basic is a lack own areas. Ward 10 needs easy access to more neglect from the mainstream, and limited economic of affordable housing. Peel’s waiting list of 20- community centres and programs for youth and power. His practical recommendations include: plus years for subsidized housing is outrageous. seniors. Facilities should include various sports l strengthening the local economy; The stock of low-rent accommodation continues fields, picnic areas, skateboard parks and natural l developing better school-to-work policies; to diminish, due to the conversion of high rise winter ice rinks. Community centres should also l improving formal apprenticeships for trades in demand; rental units into condos and the 2014 start-up include easy access to social services, food banks l promoting investment in employment programs of provincially-mandated legalized basement and community gardens. that increase participation of groups that face apartments has unrealistic and costly restrictions. “City-owned land awaiting development could labour market barriers. “As land for new housing is rapidly depleting, become community gardens. l On council, Eghobor will promote job senior levels of government must take responsibility “Discounted transit passes could go to vulnerable opportunities. for a national housing strategy.” residents.”

DEREK RAMKISSOON LYNDA SACCO DEVINDER S. SANGHA Candidate for Mayor of Mississauga Candidate for Regional Councillor, Wards 3 & 4 Brampton Candidate for Mayor of Brampton “I am the president and owner Lynda Sacco moved to Brampton Devinder Sangha is a Canadian citizen of several successful businesses in in 2000 when she became director of and a graduate of John Molson School Mississauga since 2002, including children’s services for Peel Children’s of Business (MBA). His background Helpfast Personnel Inc., Helpfast Aid Society. Youth homelessness was is in finance and information systems Administrative Services Inc. and an issue which Sacco and her staff with over 26 years experience in Kered Investments Inc. My wife and and other agencies addressed by shipping, risk management, oil and gas, sons and I have been committed establishing Peel Youth Village. contract and offshore drilling, as well as volunteers since 2007. Together we have contributed A former teacher, Sacco was a school trustee in manufacturing automotive parts. thousands of hours at homeless shelters, prisons, representing a diverse community in Scarborough. Sangha notes that poverty in Brampton is a real and and a psychiatric hospital. She understands funding inequities in Peel and serious problem. Tackling it requires a coordinated “When elected Mayor of Mississauga, I will the need for a more comprehensive and integrated effort from community organizations, municipal and work with City Council to bring affordable housing service system to meet the needs of people living in provincial governments. As mayor, he would work to those that need it. I will also work with the city poverty. This requires effective advocacy with other with all interested parties to raise awareness. and businesses to do more for our food banks. levels of government, including school boards, to How to solve the poverty problem: ­l Attract investments to create well-paying jobs; “Having volunteered for over eight years in ensure that those needs are met. ­l Adequate funding for social services from the shelters in Mississauga, Brampton and Oakville, A long-time advocate for Fair Share funding, Ontario government; I have considerable knowledge of the needs of Sacco envisions creating a more vibrant and balanced ­l Provide affordable housing; people who are marginalized and living in poverty, community, providing access to all income groups l Ensure access to employment for all people living so I want to ensure that all people in Mississauga are for education and training. She notes that “all in Brampton; able to live in dignity with self-respect and respect citizens should have the opportunity to work locally, l Make services available to all vulnerable persons; from others.” live affordably and enjoy healthy leisure activities.” l Discounted public transport passes for seniors.

SUE SHANLY BARB SHAUGHNESSY SUKHINDER GILL Candidate for councillor, Ward 2 Mississauga Candidate for Regional Councillor, Ward 1 Caledon Candidate for Mayor of Brampton Sue Shanly reports that she has “My family moved to Caledon A quality control inspector in the been an advocate for the citizens in the mid 60’s. We are a multi aerospace industry, Sukhjinder Gill, 64, has of Mississauga and the Ward 2 generational family now, with my lived in Brampton for 26 years. The father of community for 25 years. She works in mom Mary, age 88, living with us -- four says the current Brampton council needs the health care industry, assessing the my husband and twin sons, age 22. to be replaced and a new attitude adopted. needs of doctors, nurses and patients My business, Tamerlane Designs, “We will work like the servants of for independent medical research reconfigures out-of- date structures, Bramptonians, not like the masters of companies. Shanly has been recognized by Peel construction of additions and homes in Caledon Bramptonians,” he says. District School Board for 10 years volunteer service and area. Gill sees transportation and gridlock as controversial as council chair of Clarkson Public and Green “My parents believed in helping others. We issues. He declares that “people are fed up and want Glade Senior Public schools. always had someone living in our home that needed a solution” to the problems around illegal basement On poverty, she says: “We, as a community a place to stay. When someone needed financial apartments. Gill will engage the youth of Brampton and must increase awareness and find better ways to assistance they helped. So today, it is the norm in work to bring high-paying jobs to the City, in areas such as communicate poverty issues to our residents. Once our house to help others. Our family have put in Information Technology. our communities become aware of these issues, many hours volunteering and our children have Brampton’s municipal politicians must work co- action will follow. As councillor, I will ensure that done likewise in soup kitchens or saving farmland. operatively with residents, and share ideas. “I want to the issue of poverty, homelessness, hunger, and “Things are tough on all families. When you bring city hall back to the people, of the people, for the limited access to employment and transportation in imagine how hard it is for those who are not people,” he says. He hopes to identify financial options Mississauga and the Region of Peel are discussed fortunate, it can inspire people to act. Caledon providing relief for seniors and students. and brought to the forefront for action.” residents strongly support Caledon Community Gill foresees eradication of poverty in Brampton, Services financially and through volunteerism.” where no child will go to school hungry.

20 Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014

905-791-7800 Visit peelregion.ca

2014 Provincial Budget New Immunization Implications for Requirement for Students Social Assistance The 2014 Provincial Budget announced changes that would affect the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Ontario Works. The budget proposed to As of July 2014 students must be immunized against meningitis, invest more than $114 million annually to increase social pertussis (whooping cough) and varicella (chickenpox) to attend assistance rates. These changes to social assistance school in Ontario. rates and employment benefits are intended to improve Peel Public Health will be sending letters to parents of students clients’ incomes and employment results. that need these vaccines. These new rates will take effect September 1, 2014 for For additional information please contact Peel Public Health at the Ontario Disability Support Program and Assistance 905-799-7700. for Children with Severe Disabilities, and October 1, 2014 for Ontario Works. For more information on the 2014 Provincial Budget, please visit: www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/ontariobudgets/2014/ To find a free flu clinic near you, please call 905-799-7700 or visit peelregion.ca/flu Caledon residents can call free of charge at 905-584-2216

As of July 1, 2014, the Region of Peel has withdrawn from delivering child care services at its 12 child care centres. Operations at all locations, except Chinguacousy Child Care Centre, have transferred to community-based providers. Please see below for contact information:

Centre Name Location Child Care Provider Phone Number Family Day Collegeside Early Learning Centre Brampton Family Day Care Services 416-922-3434 (including Evening Care Program) Lancaster Early Learning Child Care Centre Mississauga PLASP Child Care Services 905-890-1711 Central Park YMCA Child Care Centre Brampton YMCA of Greater Toronto 905-793-5970 Howden YMCA Child Care Centre Brampton YMCA of Greater Toronto 905-458-7873 Kennedy Rd. N. YMCA Child Care Centre Brampton YMCA of Greater Toronto 905-457-6006 Falconer YMCA Child Care Centre Mississauga YMCA of Greater Toronto 905-943-9622 Hanson Rd. YMCA Child Care Centre Mississauga YMCA of Greater Toronto 905-270-4137 Mississauga Valley YMCA Child Care Centre Mississauga YMCA of Greater Toronto 905-897-1608 Morningstar YMCA Child Care Centre Mississauga YMCA of Greater Toronto 905-405-1168 Ridgeway YMCA Child Care Centre Mississauga YMCA of Greater Toronto 905-828-9419 Williamsport YMCA Child Care Centre Mississauga YMCA of Greater Toronto 905-629-3465

For information about child care fee subsidies, please call the Region of Peel at 905-793-9200 or 1-800-327-5379 or visit: peelregion.ca/children/programs/subsidy/index.htm

HUM-0456 14/08 Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014 21

MUNICIPAL ELECTION 2014 Canadian Union of Public Employee CUPE Ontario CUPE 966 CUPE ENDORSES PEEL CANDIDATES CUPE recommends that you vote for and offer other supports to these candidates in the municipal elections in Peel, voting day Monday, October 27, 2014

Brampton City Council Caledon City Council Mississauga City Council Ward 9 & 10 Gurpreet Dhillon Mayor Allan Thompson Ward 10 Kiru Kulendiren Ward 11 George Carlson Regional Council - Brampton Caledon School Trustee Ward 1 & 5 Elaine Moore Stan Cameron (acclaimed) Mississauga Public School Trustee Ward 3 & 4 Lynda Sacco Ward 5 Karen Lin Mississauga City Council Ward 2 & 8 Brad Hutchinson Brampton School Trustee Mayor Steve Mahoney Ward 3 & 4 Sue Lawton Ward 2 & 6 Suzanne Nurse Ward 6 Rabia Khedr Ward 6 & 11 Robert Crocker Ward 9 & 10 Meera Sharma Ward 7 Louroz Mercader Council has decided to remain neutral Ward 8 Matt Mahoney Mississauga Catholic School Trustee on the mayoral race in Brampton Ward 9 Pat Saito Ward 6 & 11 Peter Ferreira

PEEL REGIONAL LABOUR COUNCIL urges you to support these candidates in the municipal election October 27, 2014

BRAMPTON MISSISSAUGA Ward(s) Position Candidate (Mississauga councillors are also Regional councillors) Ward(s) Position Candidate 1 and 5 city councillor Maureen Harper 2 and 6 city councillor Cassian Joseph 5 councillor Carolyn Parrish 3 and 4 city councillor Michael Freeman 6 councillor Rabia Khedr 7 and 8 city councillor Manan Gupta 8 councillor Matt Mahoney 9 and 10 city councillor Gurpreet Dhillon 9 councillor Pat Saito 10 councillor Kiru Kulendiren Labour Council makes no endorsement for mayor of Brampton 11 councillor George Carlson

1 and 5 Regional councillor Elaine Moore Labour Council makes no endorsement for mayor of Mississauga 3 and 4 Regional councillor Lynda Sacco 6 and 11 Catholic school trustee Peter Ferreira 2 and 6 Public school trustee Suzanne Nurse 5 Public school trustee Karen Lin 9 and 10 Public school trustee Meera Sharma 3 and 4 Public school trustee Sue Lawton 6 and 11 Public school trustee Robert Crocker

CALEDON at large French public school trustee Avi Rakhra 3 and 4 Regional councillor Richard Whitehead 22 Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014

OW & ODSP Rates and OCB amounts as of September / October 2014

The 2014 provincial Budget increased Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support

Program (ODSP) rates. Different family types will receive different increases. This chart shows Basic Needs and Maximum Shelter amounts for different family types, as well as Ontario Child E Benefit (OCB) amounts. The increases come into effect starting on the September 30 ODSP R cheque and the October 1 OW cheque. T Case Type Current After Sept 30 / Oct 1, 2014 N 1 1

E Basic Max Basic Max OW OCB Total OCB Total Needs Shelter Needs Shelter

C Single $250 $376 $0 $626 $280 $376 $0 $656

Y Single Parent $336 $596 $109 $1,041 $339 $602 $109 $1,050 1 child under 18 C Single Parent $336 $648 $218 $1,202 $339 $655 $218 $1,212 A 2 children under 18

C Couple $458 $596 $0 $1,054 $463 $602 $0 $1,065 Couple O $458 $648 $109 $1,215 $463 $655 $109 $1,227 1 child under 18

V Couple $458 $702 $218 $1,378 $463 $710 $218 $1,391 2 children under 18 D ODSP A Single $607 $479 $0 $1,086 $619 $479 $0 $1,098 Y Single Parent T $750 $753 $109 $1,612 $762 $753 $109 $1,624

I 1 child under 13 Single Parent R $751 $753 $109 $1,613 $763 $753 $109 $1,625 1 child 13-17

U Single Parent $750 $816 $218 $1,784 $762 $816 $218 $1,796 2 children under 13 C Single Parent $751 $816 $218 $1,785 $763 $816 $218 $1,797 E 2 children (under/over) Single Parent

S $752 $816 $218 $1,786 $764 $816 $218 $1,798 2 children both 13-17

E Couple 2 $893 $753 $0 $1,646 $905 $753 $0 $1,658

M Couple $893 $816 $109 $1,818 $905 $816 $109 $1,830 1 child under 13 O Couple $894 $816 $109 $1,819 $906 $816 $109 $1,831

C 1 child 13-17 Couple

N $893 $886 $218 $1,997 $905 $886 $218 $2,009 2 children under 13 I Couple $894 $886 $218 $1,998 $906 $886 $218 $2,010 2 children (under/over)

Couple $895 $886 $218 $1,999 $907 $886 $218 $2,011 2 children both 13-17 1. Shelter amounts are maximums. If actual shelter costs are lower, the lower amount will be paid. 2. All amounts for couples on ODSP in this chart are for couples where only one person in the couple has a disability.

Social Assistance Rates and the OCB as of Sept / Oct 2014 Income Security Advocacy Centre 1-866-245-4072 / [email protected] 425 Adelaide St. W., 5th Floor, Toronto, Ont. M5V 3C1 4 Spring 2013 TOUGH TIMES Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014 23 Excerpts from reports of the 2010 municipal election contributions to council members in Peel. The money breakdown: 2010 MUNICIPALEvery effort CAMPAIGN has been made to ensure accurac CONTRIBUTIONSy, but readers may wish to check with the Clerks of THEPeel Poverty M ActionO GroupNEY wants voters BREAKD to know which theyO run, WNand which members: the munici of thepalities, public and canexamine municiHerepal arewebsites the totalswhich are of re donationsquired to post and rep ortsexpenses of election re - that corporations are major contributors to the elec- examine in person or online. Onlyincome amounts and spen dofing $100 by all canporteddidates, incbylu winningding those candidates who did not win. for Tthehe reports office inc lofud e t hmayore 20tion 1expenses0 MU ofN manyICI PALcandidatesCA forM municipalPAIGN of-COor NmoreTR areIB reported.UTIO DonorsNS maynames not and give addresses more ofthan donors or of $100councillor or more. inSome 2010. candidates Expenses do not ofrep ortlosing corporate/union candidates fice. The information here is from reports that candi- $750 toC oan candidate,tinued from butPag maye 1 contributeand individual that contributions amount separatelfor councily. Some and candidates trustee post candidate supplementar expensesy reports. are Tou alsogh on dates file with the Clerk’s office in the municipality in to more than one candidate. Times thanks Prof. Robert McDermidrecord of York at Universityour localy and City the website or Town votetoronto.ca Hall. for assistance.

HAZEL McCALLION, Mayor JIM TOVEY Ward 1 PAT MULLIN Ward 2 CHRIS FONSECA Ward 3 FRANK DALE Ward 4 BONNIE CROMBIE Ward 5 EVE ADAMS Ward 5

A Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: By-election 2011 Resigned on being elected $ 0 $7,785 from 16 donors $2,700 from 6 donors $4,550 from 10 donors $24,400 from 40 donors Corporate contributions MP for Mississauga- G Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: $30,000 from 52 donors Brampton South Total contributions including U $ 0 $13,075 from 36 donors $200 from 1 donor $8,100 from 26 donors $5,300 from 14 donors Individual contributions Total spent: $ 0 Total spent: $30,635 Total spent: $13,820 Total spent: $41,980 Total spent: $56,930 $29,860 from 86 donors in-kind: $1,617 A ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Total spent: $67,310 Total spent: $68,852 ***** ***** RON STARR Ward 6 NANDO IANNICCA Ward 7 KATIE MAHONEY Ward 8 PAT SAITO Ward 9 SUE McFADDEN Ward 10 SS GEORGE CARLSON Ward 11

I Corporation contributions: Total contributions: $53,750 Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Contributions: Corporation contributions: $36,550 from 60 donors from 84 contributors $19,075 from 34 donors $11,600 from 20 donors $17,200 $21,850 from 39 donors Individual contributions: Total spent: $66,540 Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Total spent: $35,304 Individual contributions: $19,500 from 40 donors ISS ***** $10,750.00 from 17 donors $1,000 from 2 donors ***** $5,200 from 11 donors Total spent: $56,749 Total spent: $32,329 Total spent: $ 28,744 Total spent: $35,691 ***** M ***** ***** ***** SUSAN FENNELL, Mayor ELAINE MOORE PAUL PALLESCHI JOHN SANDERSON GAEL MILES JOHN SPROVIERI Corporation contributions: Regional Councillor Ward 1 & 5 Regional Councillor Ward 2 & 6 Regional Councillor Ward 3 & 4 Regional Councillor Ward 7 & 8 Regional Councillor Ward 9 & 10 $108,295 from 170 donors Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Individual contributions: $25,275 from 44 donors $44,300 from 67 donors $32.275 from 58 donors $18,975 from 32 donors $28,650 from 42 donors $152,770 from 261 donors Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: ON Total Campaign Expenses: $5,975.00 from 13 donors $15,400.00 from 22 donors $9,850 from 19 donors $3,600 from 8 donors $7,250 from 12 donors $260,480 Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: Total Election Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: ***** $34,743 $59,616 $44,842 $27,936 $35,817

PT ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** GRANT GIBSON JOHN A HUTTON BOB CALLAHAN SANDRA HAMES VICKY DHILLON Councillor, Ward 1 & 5 Councillor, Ward 2 & 6 Councillor, Ward 3 & 4 Councillor, Ward 7 & 8 Councillor, Ward 9 & 10 M Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: $32,375 from 54 donors $16,300 from 26 donors $7,825 from 13 donors $8,600 from 15 donors $35,975 from 57 donors A Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: $6,700 from 11 donors $1,450 from 3 donors $1,450 from 5 donors $3,000 from 5 donors $26,200 from 47 donors Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses:

BR $42,355 $18,568 $13,851 $14,440 $65,646 ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** MAROLYN MORRISON RICHARD PATERAK DOUG BEFFORT ALLAN THOMPSON GORDON McCLURE Mayor Regional Councillor, Ward 1 Area Councillor, Ward 1 Regional Councillor, Ward 2 Area Councillor, Ward 2 Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: $25,275 from 58 donors $1,800 from 7 donors $2,186 from 5 donors $8,950 from 15 donors $4,800 from 7 donors Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: $16,500 from 74 donors $4,175.00 from 17 donors $1,200 from 3 donors $2,950 from 7 donors $950 from 2 donors ON Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: $45,126 $7,116 $7,371 $12,189 $9,235 ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

ED RICHARD WHITEHEAD NICK de BOER PATTI FOLEY ROB MEZZAPELLI

L Regional Councillor, Wards 3 & 4 Area Councillor, Wards 3 & 4 Regional Councillor, Ward 5 Area Councillor, Ward 5 Corporation contributions: Corporate and Individual Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions:

A $7,800 from 14 donors contributions: $325 from 4 donors $1,845 from 5 donors Individual contributions: $2,200 from 7 donors Individual contributions: Individual contributions:

C $8,750 from 12 donors Total Campaign Expenses: $3,555 from 13 donors $1,450 from 7 donors Total Campaign Expenses: $18,803 $5,436 Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: ***** ***** $13,049 $4,982 ***** *****

BAU, J sephine KNIGHT’S TABLE gala dinner & silent auction ELECT Candidate for Public School Trustee Mississauga Wards 6 & 11 Friday, June 7, 2013 | 6pm | SperanzaJEFF Banquet Hall,[email protected] 510 Deerhurst Drive, Brampton (905) 454-8725www.josephinebau.com | [email protected] BOWMAN 416-567-8097 For City Councillor Wards 3 & 4

www.VoteLyndaSacco.ca vote Knowledge . Passion . Commitment 24 Tough Times - Elections Special / October 2014

905-791-7800 Visit peelregion.ca

Changes to Ontario PEEL HEALTHY SEXUALITY Works Income CLINICS PROVIDE: Reporting Statement Social assistance offices across the province will STI testing and treatment be changing computer systems in November 2014. As a result, new Income Reporting Statements will Birth control be issued with all payments by November 2014. The new Income Reporting Statement is two full Needle exchange services pages, providing space to report family changes. Participants who receive payments via cheque must No health card required. ensure their name, member ID, and caseworker’s name are recorded on each page in order to avoid any delays in issuing their assistance. New clinic now open in Malton at 7205 Goreway Drive, Mississauga. For questions or more information, please speak to your caseworker or local program office. peelsexualhealth.ca

Helping You Find the Right Child Care Licensed home and centre-based child care For licensed child care options in Peel, providers in Peel: call 905-890-9432 or visit cdrcp.com • are required by the Province of Ontario to To apply for fee subsidy, call 905-793-9200 provide safe and healthy environments or visit peelregion.ca/children • help children learn and grow in healthy ways To inquire about special needs resources in • support children with special needs licensed child care, call 905-791-7800 ext. 7627 or email [email protected] Fee subsidy is available to parents and caregivers of children 0-12 years who need help to pay for licensed child care in Peel.

HUM-0456HUM-0456 14/09 14/08