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@toughtimestabloid • Find us online at ToughTimesTabloid.ca Vol. 9 No. 1/ JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2020 Changing the world for homeless people athy Crowe is a nurse who action.” works on the streets of Toronto Then she sees it as “A call for help C helping women and men who – your help – in this national plight that are homeless. But she is more than sees so many people from so many a nurse. She campaigns for an end to walks of life without a safe place to homelessness and talks to politicians, sleep at night, a warm place to return to reporters, anybody who can help. each day, a means to find employment, She will talk about her work and or a place to cook food, care for their her latest book A Knapsack Full of health, and uphold their basic needs for Dreams at Knights Table, Brampton, love and belonging.” Peel’s only three-meals-a-day every- A home. Cathy Crowe, author, activist, on homeless and poverty issues. (Photo by Lisa MacIntosh) day-of-the-year soup kitchen. Crowe is writing about Toronto of Toronto, but local residents were homeless are from many different back- Knights Table is at 287 Glidden where she works. But the story is just as not sympathetic and neither were some grounds, including blue-collar workers, Road, Unit 4, Brampton (just east off true in Brampton and Mississauga. of the social agencies that could – but seniors, ex-military, professionals such Kennedy Road) and Crowe will be Shelters are overcrowded, there’s no didn’t – provide assistance. as nurses and teachers, people with de- there from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, soup kitchen in Mississauga, health cen- Doctors used nurses to enable them velopmental disabilities. February 6, 2020. It’s a public meeting, tres are busy but far apart. to see more patients, giving the nurses A challenge for homeless people everybody is invited including men A Knapsack Full of Dreams, Memoirs of minor tasks like taking blood, phoning with health problems is “they had no and women who are homeless. It’s free a Street Nurse, describes Crowe’s experi- for specialist appointments, phoning bed to snuggle into, no chicken soup, no – no charge for admission. ences with homeless and other people pharmacists. medicine cupboard or first-aid supplies, Crowe’s book not only describes in need – the bag she carries with her Crowe eventually joined Street and for the most part, no caregivers.” her work providing health care to peo- on the street includes granola bars for Health, an organization providing Campaigning for improvement in ple having a devastatingly hard time, hungry people, as well as bandages for nursing for homeless people that was care of people who are homeless is but the political moves she makes to damaged bodies, clean needles for peo- independent of doctors or a hospital, Crowe’s mission. She talks to media, change a world that ignores the plight ple trapped in addictions. and where half the board members had writes books (Knapsack is her second), of homeless people Back in the 1990s, homelessness personal experience of homelessness. takes politicians, journalists, and others, She describes her book as “a call to was on the rise in the Regents Park area She notes that people who are See “Homeless”, page 2

Signs for a slowdown P2 Seniors need cash, dental care. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Tough Times re-organizes P3 Climate change P8 Serving The People P4 Green Party P9 Help for the hungry P5 Tales of two women P10 Changing the world P6 Homeless at the library P11 Animal skins P7 CREATING Homelessness issues in Peel FREE public meeting COMMUNITY Thursday, January 23, 2020 • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Library, 301 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Mississauga CONFERENCE (at Confederation Parkway) Social work at Mississauga Library Register online at mississaugalibrary.ca/creating community 2 Tough Times – January-February, 2020

PEEL POVERTY Signs like these are ACTION GROUP Tough Times is published popping up all over Peel six times a year Next issue: March-April, 2020 Peel Poverty Action Group (PPAG) Deadline for ads and editorial: his one is at Ray Lawson February 1, 2020 is open to every individual and Blvd. and Cherrytree Drive in Phone 905-826-5041 or 416 579-0304 organization in Peel Region that Brampton, intended to warn cares about what poverty does T Volunteer writers, reporters, artists, fast drivers that cameras to be in- to people. It provides a safe place cartoonists, photographers, are where people who are cash-poor stalled in the area will snap speeders welcome at Tough Times. and those who try to help them in the act. Please email letters to: [email protected] are encouraged to speak out – Brampton’s news release said noth- and Tough Times is part of that ing about fines or fees for speeders, but Produced by: safe place. PPAG’s mandate is to once the cameras are in place, you could Peel Poverty Action Group (PPAG) advocate for people in need and to be pushing your luck when you push Editorial Board: educate the public about poverty the accelerator. Michelle Bilek, Annie Bynoe, Chris Fotos, issues. Membership is free. PPAG The sign is part of an Automated Jerry Jarosz, Rosemary Keenan, Edna Toth meets at 9:30 a.m. to noon, usually Speed Enforcement (ASE) plan for Graphic Designer: Patti Moran the second Thursday of every month Brampton, to encourage drivers to slow Contributors: (except July and August) alternately down in areas such as school zones and Huda Abbas, Richard Antonio, Alisha Arora, Navi in Mississauga and Brampton. Aujla, Kay Bajaj, Samina Bangash, Michelle Bilek, community safety zones. Laura Bilyea, Dr. Simon Black, Coun. Jeff Bowman, ASE captures and records images of Jaspal Brar, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, Taodhg Meetings in January and Burns, Coun. George Carlson, Shaila Kibria Carter, February, 2020: vehicles travelling over the posted limit. Brampton Coun. Jeff Bowman Surabhi Das, Dr. Paula De Coito, Nikki Clarke, Patricia Then what? comments: Chrisjohn, Doris Cooper, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Mississauga: Newcomer Centre of Peel, Crombie, Bob Delaney, Merle Feltham, Jack Fleming, 165 Dundas St. W., Slow down and you may never find “There is nowhere worth travelling to Moushumi Hakrabarti, Linda Hochstetler, Jack Jack- (at Confederation Parkway); out, except by reading the ASE imple- that’s worth risking the safety of others son, Jerry Jarosz, Sylvia Jones, MPP; Laura Kaminker, Thursday, January 9 at 9.30 a.m. Rosemary Keenan, Shalini Konanur, Deb Kuipers, mentation plan expected early this year. by speeding. Brampton’s new Automated David Laing, Stephen Lay, Michael Lomas, Alexandra Brampton: First Baptist Church, The ASE Program aims to increase Speed Enforcement will serve as a help- MacGregor, Harinder Malhi, Julia Margetiak, Pat 2 Wellington Street East road safety through changes to road ful reminder to residents to slow down, McGrail, Archana Medhekar, Brenda Murdoch, Thursday, February 13 at 9.30 a.m. Varsha Naik, Audrey Nichols, Norma Nicholson, To be confirmed design, maintenance and operation, and obey the rules of the road, and respect Kimberly Northcote, Maria Pangilinan, Karen Ras, increased public awareness. those sharing the space.” Christianne Reyna, Monica Riutort, Marina Rosas, Ruby Sahota, MP, Lea Salameh, Farina Salahuddin, Liisa Schofield, Chris Sensicle, Subash Sharma, Sara Singh, MPP; Bret Sheppard, Coun. Ron Starr, Susan Stewart, Anna Sycz, Chelsea Tao, Pauline Thornham, Advertising HOMELESS, CONT. FROM PAGE 1 Rozeeta Torbram-Jarvis, Martin Tsvetanov, Edesiri Udoh, Kaukab Usman, Kate Vinokurov, Suraiya Wajih, on tours of places where homeless peo- important as medicare.” Jessica Wang, Grazyna Wiercinska, Emily Wiles, Coun. Rates Charmaine Williams, John Wilson, Rod Woolridge, ple hang out. Canada now has such a program, Cheryl Yarek, staff members of the Region of Peel. Tough Times distributes 10,000 She gathers teams, sometimes which aims to re-house 530,000 fami- Printed by: Atlantic Web Printers copies, throughout Peel Region. crowds, to petition for a better deal for lies within 10 years, cut chronic home- people who are homeless. lessness in half “and change the face of Target audience is people experiencing homelessness, using Time passes and she finds that cam- housing in Canada forever,” according food banks and soup kitchens, paigning is becoming ever harder work. to the Government website at https:// people who are struggling, She fixes the date at the late 1990s and www.placetocallhome.ca/ Homeless: plus faith groups, social service a Conservativer provincial govern- Cost is $55+ billion, paying for new agencies, trades unions, business ment. “Managers attempted to muzzle housing, modernizing existing housing, people, and the general public. me, prohibiting me from speaking out support for housing providers, and in- The Video To advertise in Tough Times: about what I saw. Even worse were novation and research. Spaces and Places: Uncovering Email: the intentional efforts to prohibit my The goal, says the Canada Mortgage Homelessness in the Region of Peel [email protected] actual work on certain health issues … and Housing Corporation, is “By 2030, is a 15-minute video in which Phone: 905 826-5041 preventable homeless deaths … SARS, everyone in Canada has a home that they homeless people describe their experiences. A team from PPAG, Mail address: 4-287 Glidden Road H1N1, bedbugs.” can afford and that meets their needs.” including a once-homeless person, Brampton, ON L6W 1H9, Canada Then the Atkinson Charitable will show the video to a group on Advertising rates: (colour included) Foundation gave her their Economic Author Cathy Crowe talks about her request. There is no charge. Business card: $105 Justice Fellowship for two years, to book and her campaigns to get help To book a showing contact 1/16 page: $125 work on a homeless nursing outreach for homeless people [email protected] 1/8 page: $190 Knights Table, Allow about 45 minutes for the program – providing money to live, ex- video and discussion. 1/4 page: $280 penses, support staff, travel. 287 Glidden Road #4, Brampton 1/2 page: $460 At the acceptance ceremony, Crowe 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, February 6 The video was made by a 3/4 page: $650 team from York University, in said: “A national housing program is as Free admission. Everyone welcome Full page: $810 cooperation with the Social Planning Council of Peel, financed A full page is approximately 10 inches wide by a grant from the Ontario by 12 inches deep = 120 square inches. E&OE “Your publication is superb. Probably the best such publication in Canada.” Prof. John Ryan, Senior Scholar at University of Winnipeg. Trillium Foundation. Tough Times – January-February, 2020 3

Want to run a newspaper? Tough Times founder Edna Toth is stepping down after eight years as editor of the paper which has been described as “probably the best such publication in Canada.” She will be replaced by an editorial board, and Tough Times is looking for Peel residents who would like to run Tough Times. Volunteers are needed who want to help people who are homeless, using soup kitchens, food banks, struggling families. The volunteers should be able to write articles, build contacts in the community in areas such as housing, health care for homeless people, labour unions, campaign for better care of cash-poor people in Peel. To find out more, please email Knights Table at [email protected] Thanks to all who make

Mary Jo Falle (left) gives Edna Toth the cheque from CUPE Local 966 that financed Tough Times run the first issue of Tough Times in 2011. (Tough Times photo)

BY EDNA TOTH ing in secretarial school, then served a toughtimestabloid.wordpress.com Doug Ford’s Tories won the election four-year apprenticeship with a news- From the first,Tough Times was and chopped the increase before it any people have been in- paper. It was Britain post-World War II, financed by advertising. Those first even began. volved with Tough Times in its with newsprint rationing in place, so newspaper ads (pre-Mayoral Bonnie Locally, Peel Region has responsi- M nine-year history. you kept your stories short. That made Crombie was an early supporter) put bility for welfare. Regional staff work The trouble with history is that you me the editor. Tough Times on a paying basis where it with United Way to make life better. have to remember it. At my age (88 Annie Bynoe, executive director has stayed since, mostly because every- Tough Times continues to work with and counting) people who were key to of Brampton soup kitchen Knights body works for free, including me. both organizations. the venture will inevitably be omitted. Table, offered to handle circulation – There’s a long list of writers and Victories are hard to come by. But But here goes: her volunteers have always dropped supporters on Page Two, including we feel we have played some role in Peel Poverty Action Group (PPAG) off Tough Times at libraries, public Michelle Bilek who is an associate keeping poverty issues on the agenda. was the starter for Tough Times, among buildings, everywhere. editor, municipal and provincial and And we are proud of this statement: the people involved: Daria Mercer and Mary Jo Falle, then-president of federal politicians, social workers from “Your publication is superb. Rosemary Keenan and Paula DeCoito, CUPE Local 966, delivered union sup- many local agencies, students, peeved Probably the best such publication at that time executive director of Peel port with a cheque for $1,000 which letter writers. in Canada.” Social Planning Council. paid for the first issue. Early in 2019, Tough Times went Prof. John Ryan, Senior Scholar We talked about everything that was Ryan Gurcharn became our news- online with the help of Chris Fotos at University of Winnipeg wrong with our small corner of the paper designer, succeeded by Dalia who has set up toughtimestabloid.ca world (Peel Region) and how it could Emam Abdelwahed, and then by Patti Has Tough Times helped heal any Edna Toth has received awards for her work be put right. Moran. poverty-imposed wounds, as it was set with Tough Times: Publicity would put it right, we The first issues of Tough Times are up to do? Mississauga Citizen of the Year, 2011; thought. lost. They hung out in the Toth garage The paper might have claimed The Saaheli Award 2011; Queen’s Diamond My background is news reporting, for the longest time. Now they are some success when the Ontario Jubilee Medal; The Credits Heritage starting in the old days in Britain, gone. Mississauga Library may have Liberal government gave an extra Mississauga Award; Community Award where you learned shorthand and typ- copies. Or you can see them online at 1.5% boost to welfare payments. But from Peel United Way.

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You can be at risk if: • Sharing of personal care and hygiene items such as razors, toothbrushes, clippers and scissors with someone living with hepatitis C • Sharing needles used for body tattoos and piercings. Reusing and sharing tattoo ink and ink pots • - • Receive blood and body organs that have not been screened for hepatitis C. Even in Canada, if you received blood and organ donations • beSharingfore 1990 drug you equipment may be atsuch risk. as needles, �ilters, tourniquets, water, syringes, cookers, alcohol swabs, acidi�iers • Involved in medical procedures including immunization in hepatitis C endemic countries

Contact: Bloom Clinic 40 Finchgate Blvd. Suite 224, Brampton, ON L6T 3J1 Phone: 905-451-6959 |[email protected] to book a free test. 4 Tough Times – January-February, 2020 Good government policies must serve The People

BY ROD WOOLRIDGE make up for those tax dollar invest- ments? Again, it is the tax-paying citi- have been involved with several com- zens of Ontario. munity organizations over a number Our Ontario and federal govern- Iof years and I have been involved ments ask us to pay more taxes to fund with community activism for much lon- this or that service, while at the same ger. We have had Liberal governments, time they spend our tax dollars on big Progressive Conservative governments businesses and large corporations. and an NDP government here in We pay taxes for driver’s licences, car Ontario during this time. registrations, boat registrations, taxes on Each government has made many gasoline, on heating fuel, on our promises to the electorate. Some of property, on alcohol, on internet ser- these promises were fulfilled, but many vices, on telephone services, on televi- of them were forgotten during their sion services, carbon taxes, our income time in office. tax, GST, PST and more. So how can we determine if policies I think it is time for big business and are good for the people and how can the large corporations to pay their fair the people ensure that good policies are share. Legislation should make it ille- implemented? gal for those rich conglomerates, their There are several questions we can CEOs, their boards of directors and ask to make this determination. their lobbyists, to ask governments to First – If politicians promise they provide financing from the people’s tax are going to reduce a taxpayer’s taxes, dollars. how will this supposed tax saving affect In the end, we pay twice for their the taxpayer? services and products. We pay when we This always sounds good to voters buy their products and services, and we before an election. But when you ana- pay again when our governments give lyze this promise, do you realize that in them tax dollars to pay for upgrades order to reduce taxes, the government and by giving them tax breaks on their must cut services such as educational investments in their own private busi- programs, health services and many nesses. other government services? Our provincial and federal tax dol- It also means the government must lars should be spent on education, lay off civil servants because we do not Rod Woolridge healthcare including mental healthcare, need as many workers to administer the pharmacare, dental care, hearing care, programs. more layoffs in the public sector. But it left to pay. vision care, shelters for the homeless, Second – If politicians promise to will also mean an increase in taxes from Third – Many large businesses and subsidized housing for low-income reduce taxes on large corporations so the general public, because maintaining corporations in Ontario pay lobbyists earners, as well as a Guaranteed Annual the corporations will be enticed to in- adequate services requires someone to to persuade politicians to enact laws fa- Basic Income for everyone over age 18. vest more money in the province, how pay for it. vouring their corporate operations. These are good government policies will this affect taxpayers? It will mean If large corporations are not helping They argue that when they invest in that should be a priority for provincial more cuts to government services and to pay for our services, we are the ones more machinery, in more robots or in and federal governments. more efficient computer-run account- Provincial and federal lobbyists have ing programs, those investment expens- no qualms about asking our govern- es should be tax exempt. Such exemp- ment for handouts from our tax dollars. tions mean that companies pay less in And the People of Ontario should not taxes. At the same time, fewer employ- settle for less than their fair share of ees are required to perform those jobs. the tax dollars they pay each year, to This saves money for the company, but be spent on the services they require who will pay more taxes to make up to live a well-educated, safe and healthy for those losses? You and I will have to life, which can result from implement- make up for those lost tax dollars. ing good government policies “For the Fourth – More lobbyists are hired People.” by large businesses and corporations to ask the provincial government to Brampton resident Rod Woolridge has been a provide interest-free loans or outright teacher, vice-principal, career counsellor, driv- grants, from the people’s tax dollars, ing instructor, union officer. Now retired, he to pay for programs or equipment that is active in several Brampton orgnizations, makes their companies more compet- including the NDP, Bramalea Community itive in the world market. Who must Health Centre, Friends and Advocates Peel. Tough Times – January-February, 2020 5 Helpful info for homeless and hungry

This is an incomplete list of facilities, orga- Gilgal Community Meal Program drinking fountains. Brampton is not so you. If you are living rough, maybe find nizations, opportunities, that help homeless Sundays 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. clear. What if you just ask? a warmer place to hang out on a cold people in Peel. Homeless folk and helpers are 3066 Given Rd, Mississauga, L5A 2N3, night. invited to suggest more info, more topics. Or if 647-574-8708 Need to take a shower, but don't (Thanks to David Hodkin of Peel Region assistance didn’t turn out as expected, Tough Lunch at Mississauga Central Library know where to go? who pointed out our error) Times’ readers need to know. Lunch is provided every Tuesday from Phone 905-791-7800, or visit 12:00-1:30 p.m. at Mississauga Central peelregion.ca/housing/shelters Are you being evicted because you Homeless and need a place to Library. Light food items and snacks In Mississauga, go to any recreation can’t pay your rent? sleep tonight? Phone 905-791-7800 are available every day. Drop In, cloth- centre and register for a pass – no Phone: 905-791-7800. The Region of or visit peelregion.ca/housing/shelters ing, hygiene items, crisis counselling charge for showers, and you can use the Peel can help eligible individuals and Peel has emergency shelters for indi- and support, referrals, advocacy, com- rec centre address on your application. families in emergencies when you can’t viduals, youth and families in Brampton munity connections In Brampton, Regeneration at pay rent or bills. and Mississauga. Shelters have 24-hour Phone or text 416-885-7879 Grace United Church (905 796-5888) Regeneration has a housing worker staffing and supports to help you find The Compass Multi Food Service provides towels and soap for free, from who can advise, but can’t pay your bill. affordable housing. Programs. The Compass food bank 7 a.m. to 9.15 a.m. every day. may serve a meal, followed by take- The City of Brampton has showers Are you going to lose hydro ser- Street Help Line has a Peel Cares van home supplies. Monday 3 p.m.-8 p.m. at some community centres, but indi- vices because you can’t pay your that can bring help to you wherever you Wednesday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. cates that none are free of charge. bill? are in Peel – food, clothing, blankets, Friday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 905-791-7800. The Region of sleeping bags, needle exchange, and 310 Lakeshore Rd W. Having a job interview, but no Peel can help eligible individuals and more. 1 877-848-8481 Mississauga, L5H 1G8 clean clothes to wear? families in emergencies when you can’t Phone: 905-274-9309 Regeneration in Brampton (905) 796- pay your bills. Are you hungry and have no Eden Food for Change-2 Multi Food 5888 has clothes for adults only, open money to buy food? Service Programs. Food Bank and Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. Services over and above Knights Table, #4 – 287 Glidden Road, community kitchen, Tuesdays 12 p.m.- Items are free. Donations invited. Regeneration at Grace United Church Brampton, serves three meals a day 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at 3185 Any other organizations in Peel that in Brampton has a volunteer chiro- every day of the year. Breakfast from 8 Unity Dr., Mississauga, L4W 4L9 provides clean clothes for free, please practor at work on Fridays from 8 a.m. a.m. to 10 a.m. Lunch and dinner from Phone: 905-785-3651 contact Tough Times at 905 826-5041 to 9.30 a.m. It’s free. First come, first noon to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and from St. Joseph Community Kitchen or email [email protected] served. (905) 796-5888. noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. It also has Tuesday 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. to be listed in Tough Times next issue.. You can do your laundry at a food bank. 1699 Dundas Street East, Regeneration. Costs: $1 for soap, plus Regeneration Outreach Community Mississauga, L4X 1L5 CORRECTION: $1 for the machine. at Grace United Church, 156 Main Phone: 905-238-9008 In our last issue, Tough Times said the Street North, Brampton, serves break- St. Mary Star of the Sea Region of Peel will pay your phone bill Punjabi community fast daily from 7 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. (on Food Bank does not have fixed hours, if you might be cut off. Punjabi Community Health Services Sundays breakfast ends at 9.15 a.m.) A opens Fridays 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wrong. The Region won’t pay. offer help with mental and physical lunch program opened in September, 11 Peter Street South, Tough Times thinks it should. health. 905 677-0889 Monday to Thursday 11.30 a.m. to Mississauga, L5H 2G1, 905-278-2058 Tough Times suggests that phones 12.30 p.m. and funds should be provided to people Organizations offering help to people who are The Mississauga Food Bank can sug- Where can you get fresh water to in difficulty. You need a phone to get homeless or in other difficulty, are invited to gest 40-plus food banks covering all drink, for free? a job, maybe keep a job, keep in touch email facts to Tough Times, to be included in of Peel. Phone 905 270-5589 to find a At soup kitchens. recreation centres with your social worker, keep in touch future issues. Phone 416 579-0304 cell, email food bank near you. and libraries in Mississauga. Most have with friends and others who can help [email protected] 6 Tough Times – January-February, 2020 Tough Times – January-February, 2020 7 Changing the world, saving lives GRADE 8 STUDENT SPEAKS OUTI Animal skins – TOM PARKIN was guest speaker at Peel All they have is a labour movement Regional Labour Council and Workers’ and their partners who keep public focus on those who run workplaces the cruelty and danger Health and Safety 23rd annual H&S on fear, where the greed of bosses is placed above the lives of workers. Enjoying the food: (from left) Jerry Jarosz, president of Local BY ALISHA ARORA awards dinner in November. And so every health and safety Lodge 1922 of the International Association of Machinists and eather and fur are award tonight is a celebration of the Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) , with Jennifer Jarosz and Karen popular materials Here’s what he said: and Mike Edwards. Mike is president of District 78 of IAMAW. activists who receive them – and a cele- L today, used to make bration of the labour movement that fashionable shoes and ctivism changes the world – un-see it. You see that these aren’t risks makes their activism possible. coats. However, many peo- P6&7 H&S people eating OK union health and safety activ- to be managed. They’re hazards to be Our movement is so incredibly ple aren’t aware of how un- A ists prove it everyday. controlled. important, and these awards recognize sustainable buying animal I’m Tom Parkin, Managing Director That’s why Workers Centre train- work that is so critical to all – congrat- skinned products can be. P6&7 H&S eugene etc_20191115_183500 of the Workers Health and Safety ing is so critical. We were created by ulations and thank you! Most of the leather Enjoying the meal and the conversation…. Centre, where our job is to develop the labour movement to provide the in North America comes P6&7 H&S speaker with crowd 1702 and deliver training that supports perspective others health and safety Tom Parkin is Managing Director of from India, where, ac- health and safety activists and a health trainers don’t – a perspective that the Workers Health and Safety Centre cording to PETA, an or- P6&7 H&S woman speaker and safety movement to literally sees the hazards of work. And sees in Markham. You can reach the centre at ganization trying to stop ill-treatment of animals, cows are forced to march change the world and save lives. that, through activism, hazards can be [email protected] Phone 416-441-1939 hundreds of miles in the heat without food or water. All of us here are activists. We are changed. or 1-888-869-7950 toll free in Ontario. If cows collapse, their tails are broken and rub chili pepper or tobacco agents of change. We change the world But it’s the labour movement that Website at https://www.whsc.on.ca/ rubbed into their eyes, forcing them to get back up. and how it works. makes that activism possible. Union Several Indian states have banned the slaughter of cows, which is why Health and safety activists change solidarity protects and supports health many cows are tied up, crammed onto trucks and sent thousands of miles to their work-worlds everyday by get- and safety activists and makes chang- PHOTOS BY JERRY JAROSZI Tom Parkin (left) with Bella Carter of COPE 343, accepting award for Marc Arsenault. Tom Parkin promotes activism. be killed in ancient slaughter homes. ting a machine guard in place, or an ing the work-world possible – even Sylvia Boyce is coordinator for United Steelworkers. The slaughtering and killing of animals affects our environment in several anti-harassment policy established, or a in workplaces where activists aren’t ways. Firstly, the number of animals being slaughtered is increasing rapidly. workstation ergonomically redesigned. allowed. which can lead to a decrease in local biodiversity and contribute to a decline Changing work-worlds changes So let’s bring our partnership of in animal species. events. A worker’s toxic exposure perspective and values closer – espe- Biodiversity provides the agents that produce our food, clean our water, pro- doesn’t happen. A worker’s fall doesn’t cially to ensure more worker represen- vide medicines for curing illness, and even creates the oxygen that we breathe. happen. A worker’s back isn’t damaged. tatives on joint health and safety com- If we drive species to extinction, then we cannot expect nature to keep A worker’s isn’t subject to hurtful mittees, whose work is so critical, get providing these things for us. harassment – all because of activists. Worker Centre Certification training. Over 600 animal species have become extinct because of human activity. The Workers Health and Safety Of course there are people who Further, hazardous toxins are used in the process of conserving, bleaching Centre and Peel Regional Labour don’t share our perspective and values and dying pelts. Council are partners in these awards to of solidarity – we’ve got one of Toxins pose a threat to the health of consumers wearing the products, and celebrate and recognize worker activ- them in the Premier’s office, down at to workers in the processing plants. At every stage of fur production energy is ism that changes work-worlds, changes Queen’s Park. consumed. Similar to other types of agriculture, fur factory farms emit large lives and even saves lives. quantities of greenhouse gases, while burning fossil fuels and other resources. Ours is a partnership of perspective Parkin referred to a workplace where Buying animal skinned products is unsustainable as we are not only harm- and values. five workers have died, three in the last three ing the environment, but we are making ourselves more prone to danger. We Friends, health and safety isn’t years, the most recent of a man who had can’t just make a difference by not buying these products. neutral. There are victims – and they toiled in this factory since 2014, but was still More people need to be aware of the dangers of animal skinned products. all sit on one side of the table. on a temporary contract, insecure, employed by We can look for alternatives. A lot of energy is also being invested to make Many, many times I’ve heard man- a temporary work agency, no union. these products. By not buying these products and finding alternatives, we can agers, politicians – even people who The place has been described as run on a become a more sustainable society. consider themselves health and safety culture of fear, where activism isn’t allowed. Alternatives are available, such as vegan leather that has the same texture experts – debate how much risk they and feel as real leather. think is manageable for workers. That’s Parkin continued: As a society, we need to cut the use of products made with animal skin and their perspective. So many workers aren’t allowed make more people aware of the dangerous aspects. Animal skinned products Our perspective focuses on what’s to be activists – because solidarity is harm our environment. Some animals may become extinct, chemicals that are around us that can harm us – a moving driven out. All they have are workplace used to conserve some products are harming us. machine part, a toxic substance, a re- laws that don’t protect them. In order to make a sustainable difference we need to realize our unsustain- petitive movement, or harassing words. All they have is a labour movement able actions. And once you’ve seen the work- and their partners who fight for better world with that perspective, it revo- health and safety laws and enforcement Alisha Arora is a student in grade 8 in Lisgar Middle School, Mississauga lutionizes your thinking – you can’t for all. Speaker is Sylvia Boyce, a Health and Safety co-ordinator with United Steelworkers, presents a feminist view of trade unions. 8 Tough Times – January-February, 2020

Senior citizens need LETTER TO THE EDITOR Aching for Climate change must be top of the list enough to live on dental care I read the latest edition of Tough eel Region was a leader in Times with interest (Vol. 8 No. 6). I BY MERLE FELTHAM providing dental care to enjoyed the front-page article listing P cash-poor people including ideas to be implemented by the cur- eing a senior citizen, I am learn- the elderly. Now, the Ontario Seniors rent Liberal minority government ing the meaning of managing my Dental Care Program has followed leading to a better Canada. B money. Inflation and unexpected Peel’s lead and Ontario residents aged I was disappointed however, not expenses teach me just how little my pen- 65 or over with income less than to see, ‘addressing climate change’, as sion suffices for my day to day living. $19,300 (single person) or $32,300 the number one priority on the list. Seniors have many problems -- seri- for a couple, can have teeth taken care Rising sea levels will inundate ous problems, physical and mental, but of. (You are not eligible if you have unprotected coastal communities. equally important is financial. private insurance or coverage under Disappearing glaciers will impact How can we keep ourselves healthy if another government program such water supplies for millions of peo- we're not eating healthy food? How can as Ontario Works or ODSP.) ple. The poorest nations will be es- we maintain a healthy outlook if we have The Seniors Dental Care pecially hardest hit. But, even here MERLE FELTHAM to choose which prescription to buy? Program provides routine dental in Canada, economically disadvan- No one likes to be one step ahead checkups, including scaling, fluo- taged populations will be dispropor- of missing a payment. However, this is We must remind the Liberals and the ride and polishing; repairing broken tionately affected. not uncommon among seniors or the NDP to honor their campaign promis- teeth and cavities; xrays; removing The price of healthy foods such working poor. es of pharmacare and even dental care; teeth or abnormal tissue; anesthesia; as fruits and vegetables is rising I fear our members of the govern- we expect more than lip service. treating infection and pain; treating steadily, primarily as a result of cli- ment -- federal, provincial or municipal Even the Conservatives must feel an gum conditions and diseases. mate change. Food security, already -- will let this fester until the problem obligation to the majority of voters, the Dentures are partially covered. a significant issue, is being further becomes too serious or too expensive. majority of Canadians. Phone Peel Public Health at 905- threatened by wildfires in California The politicians’ job is to protect Every penny less we pay for a fee or 799-7700 for info. Application and Australia, early frosts in Florida, those least able to protect themselves. a service is a penny more for food or forms are available online or ask at and weather-related crop failures in We must remind them that they can the home we live in. public health or community health our own Prairie Provinces. help us help ourselves. Every time a government down- centres, or ask your social worker. The availability of rental housing Very few problems will disappear loads or an insurance company delists a You will receive a Dental Card, to will be affected by expanding flood if ignored, but some problems can be medical expense, it means our financial show to your dentist on each visit. zones in communities across the coun- solved with just a little work. future is in doubt. The working poor But nothing is perfect, especially try. And, the poor, sick, and elderly will We must remind politicians that cre- and seniors deserve better. at the beginning. A Tough Times read- be especially affected by longer, hotter ating a job is only Step One. er on Canada Pension Plan and Old summers, and colder, icier winters. The next step is to make sure the Merle Feltham is a retired postal worker and a Age Security says she paid about $300 The Canadian government must paycheck is sufficient. member of SOAR -- Steelworkers Organized cash to have a tooth pulled. A second do its part on the world stage to Step Three is to make sure that when Active Retirees, part of United Steelworkers. tooth broke off at the gum and is mitigate the worst effects of climate we retire we have more than enough to Members of SOAR in Peel meet monthly at painful. She can no longer wear her change. That means working with mu- live on. Steelworkers Local 9042 headquarters, 1158 upper denture, therefore can only eat nicipalities, such as Brampton, to sup- Laws which protect our pensions Aerowood Drive, Mississauga. mushy foods, embarrassment keeps port programs and policies to ensure from bankruptcy or other failings For more information about SOAR, her hand over her mouth. Old Age that we meet Paris carbon reduction must be enacted and enforced. phone 905 792-2894 Security puts her income $206 over the targets. The government must also income limit – enough to disqualify her help municipalities adapt to a certain from the Program, but not enough to amount of unavoidable change. pay for pulling a second tooth. It is important that every Canadian NORTH PEEL & DUFFERIN demonstrate support for climate Community Legal Services Any questions? change initiatives being put forward Phone 416-916-0204 or toll-free: by the Liberals and hold this gov- g Free legal services for low income residents of Brampton, 1-833-207-4435. Read all about ernment accountable for meeting its Caledon and Dufferin County it at https://www.ontario.ca/page/ carbon commitments. I expect to see dental-care-low-income-seniors#section-6 that priority reflected in Tough Times. g Problems with your landlord? If you have tooth problems, or David Laing g Is your rent subsidy threatened? any other problems that you want g Was your application for Ontario Disability Support Program Tough Times readers to know about, Brampton resident David Laing is a benefits denied? email a Letter to the Editor tough- member of the Sierra Club Ontario, Chair [email protected] or drop of BikeBrampton, a volunteer group that ad- g Problems with Ontario Works? off a letter to Tough Times, c/o vocates for safe active transportation choices in 905-455-0160 Toll Free from Dufferin 1-866-455-0160 [email protected] Knights Table, #4 – 287 Glidden Peel, and a member of the City of Brampton’s Road, Brampton L6W 1H9 Environment Advisory Committee. Tough Times – January-February, 2020 9

Few people are really familiar with the Green Party. When I started to look into it, I went to www.greenparty. Through a Green lens ca and read the six Key Values of BY PAULINE THORNHAM transition to jobs with Greens, to see if they matched sustainable industries mine. They did. o, did you vote in the and energy suppliers is They are: federal election? Did you desirable and profitable. • Sustainability – leave the Earth vote Green? I'm guessing “Mighty oaks from as healthy as you found it, and S don’t take more than your share; not, as only one out of twenty little acorns grow.” It voters did, not counting the 35% is the Green vision that • Participatory democracy – let who didn't vote. strong, decisive action will everyone have a say in decisions; Like waiting for a seed to sprout begin now, and grow, as • Ecological wisdom – under- and mature, we Greens have waited Greta Thunberg's Fridays for stand and protect the complete for our party to grow. We now have Future movement has grown, web of life; three important leaves in our feder- to help us sail over the cli- • Nonviolence – oppose aggres- al government, as well as branches in strong mate emergency, and sion locally and internationally; four provincial governments. To com- enough to land safely in a world • Respect for diversity – honour plete the metaphor, we have 1.1 million reduce emissions to acceptable levels. of sustainability, and value Earth’s diversity of grassroots supporters. That's a lot of Canada's total emissions are lower than health and beau- life, including humanity recent growth! in many countries, but, per person, ty. • Social justice – contribute to Election debates are generally are among the highest in the world. the equitable distribution of strongly influenced by the questions We need to walk the walk, and lead by Pauline resources asked by the moderators. This was the example. We also need to start imme- Thornham fifth election in which I have run, and diately, locally and federally. The new has lived in I think these values serve us all the first in which someone asked about Members of Parliament have a big job Brampton since well. If you agree with them, per- climate change. Just to emphasize, to do. I hope they hit the ground run- 1980 and was haps you’re a Green person after all. all American presidents were warned ning! Green Party candidate about climate change, starting 55 years Greens and the New Democratic in the last three provincial ago. Party have long been promoting elec- elections. A retired teach- REFERENCES The first climate change debate toral reform. We still remember the er with Peel District School https://www.theguardian.com/ question I was asked came from a busi- bright, shiny promise that the 2015 Board, she continues as a supply environment/climate-consensus-97- ness person, who suggested that we election would be the last under First teacher. Pauline was teachers’ union per-cent/2015/nov/05/scientists- need to have an “AND” in the assess- Past the Post. You know: a party with representative for her school throughout warned-the-president-about-global-warming- ment, as in, reduce carbon emissions 39.5% of the votes gets over 50% of her teaching career. 50-years-ago-today AND expand the oil and gas industry. the seats in Parliament, and 100% of Pauline joined the Green Party of In my view, that's like evacuating the the power. Ontario in 2010. She is the Green Party of https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ Titanic, while putting one foot in the We would have less of a political cri- Ontario Shadow Cabinet critic for Children, ng-interactive/2019/oct/09/half- lifeboat AND keeping the other on the sis now, if that promise had been kept. Communities and Social Services, and is the century-dither-denial-climate-crisis-timeline ship. It doesn't work. We would have Members of Parliament female Horseshoe Region representative on the The questions did allow for some better representing the mix of voters, GPO Provincial Executive. She obtained a good discussions, but some of the rules across the country. And the Greens Certificate in Environmental Conservation from and the one-minute time limits were too would have about 28 MPs, instead of the University of Guelph in January, 2011. restrictive. They didn't allow rebuttals, three. when incorrect statements were made. When you look carefully at the plat- I hope for changes in the structure of forms presented by the parties, there future debates. are many areas of agreement. National Unquestionably, the climate emer- Pharmacare is one which will, I believe, Proudly representing Peel’s gency is the biggest, most Earth- come to pass. It makes sense. changing problem we face. Although And it can be paid for by another Public Elementary Teachers it was discussed during the election, I popular proposal – removing subsidies don't believe that enough people realize given to large corporations. how it will affect us. The one significant difference is the Defending quality public education – We depend on forests for the oxy- Green plan to reduce carbon emissions gen we breathe, but we continue to cut by 60% below 2005 levels, by 2030. It's for our students & our communities down forests. We depend on bees and a much stronger plan than the other other insects for much of our food, proposals, and one which will help us etfopeel.com but we allow them to be poisoned. The make the required leap across the gorge warming oceans are not friendly to the of climate change, and not fall into it. @ETFOPeel species living in them, as they contain It is hoped that the Green MPs will @peeletfo more acid and less oxygen. make the case either in Parliament, or The Green Party has the only plan elsewhere, that helping Canadians to 10 Tough Times – January-February, 2020

POLITICAL WOMENI Michelle Obama vs. Hazel McCallion

BY EDNA TOTH ecoming, a book by Michelle Obama, deals B with the tribulations of raising two daughters into their teens in the White House – the United States’ presidential palace – plus having her own career broadsided by being the U.S. president’s wife. Hazel McCallion’s book is by and about the former Mississauga mayor. Both books have a similar message. Hazel says “Do your homework.” Obama says “Get an education” – an essential for any ambitious African- American. A less obvious message is be your own boss, which Hazel always was and is, but which Obama found virtually impos- sible. Becoming starts with Michelle Obama’s childhood, spent in Chicago, with parents who recognized education as the escape route – a step away from the inevitable handicap of being black, in America, at that time. Obama absorbed learning, whether piano, or reading, or “There was a clear sense that the school had in- I’ve been called a pioneer among women in pol- studying to get to Princeton vested in us... I tore through the lessons, quietly itics, and for working women in general. I don’t University and on to Harvard know about that, but I hae had important female Law School. keeping tabs on where I stood among my peers She became a lawyer, re- as we charted our progress from long division to role models in my life: specifically, my mother; alized such a career was not pre-algebra, from writing single paragraphs to former Ottawa mayor Charlotte Whitton, who in for her, switched to life in 1951 became the first female mayor of a big city social service, and inevitably, turning in full research papers. For me, it was like into politics to support her a game. And as with any game, like most any kid, I in Canada; and Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first husband Barack’s run(s) for was happiest when I was ahead.” From Becoming female prime minister.” From Hurrican Hazel president of the United States. The family lived in the White House with 24-hour FBI secu- escorted to and from school It’s not just because Hazel staying in office for 36 years. The book’s titles: A Life with rity and surveillance of every- by armed FBI agents. Though McCallion wrote it, but be- Among her first adven- Purpose, Hurricane Hazel, and in- body there, including them. Obama maintained contacts cause we Mississauga neigh- tures was evacuating the city’s cludes Robert Brehl as writer. Obama was the first with charities and social service bours know many of the peo- population (about 250,000 at What have these two books African-American First Lady, organizations, her career took ple and events first hand. the time) to escape explosions accomplished? which drew admiration from second place to supporting the Such as Dr. Martin Dobkin, from a derailed train. She fol- Obama recorded the cre- some and bad mouthing by President publicly. Privately, her the City of Mississauga’s first lowed it up by turning farmers’ ation of a new age in American others. She reports it all. work was with her daughters. mayor, from 1974 to 1976, his fields into homes, factories, politics – an African-American The two Obama daughters, Both books are satisfy- successor Ron Searle, and how offices, highways, highrises, in the White House. Malia and Sasha, grew into ingly readable, but for me, Hazel took on the old guard and a population that has now Hazel built a city. their teens in the White House, Streetsville wins hands down. and rode to victory in 1978, reached more than 830,000. Take your pick. Tough Times – January-February, 2020 11 Homeless? Find help at Mississauga Library If you are homeless or need any kind of help, your Late night coffee shops were not designed to shelter Mississauga Library may be the place to go. the homeless yet this un-imagined outcome has be- Libraries are warm, have places to sit, and snooze if come a reality.” you want to, and it’s free. A comparison of libraries and social work agen- Mississauga Library System has gone a step fur- cies: ther, and has a trained social worker on staff. “Walk into any library and you find an information Kevin Berry, the Library’s Homelessness desk and staff who are willing to engage and assist Prevention Outreach Worker, has a master’s degree in you…walk into a social service agency whose primary social work and more than 20 years’ experience help- purpose is to serve and support specific groups of ing people. individuals and what do you find? Reception areas, He wants to share what he has learned. barriers and restricted areas where staff operates far He invites social workers, and the general public from the public eye. to a Creating Community conference -- Social Work “Understandably privacy and confidentiality re- at the Library, billed as “a day of discussion and net- main a paramount concern, and supporting necessary working to tackle homelessness issues in Peel Region.” precautions. But why are no frontline staff available to engage and greet individuals entering the agency? The Conference takes place at Central Library, Ask for help at the reception and you may be met Mississauga, Thursday, January 23, 2020, with… Do you have an appointment?...No…Do you from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Self-portrait by Mike Lomas. have a worker?... No…Awkward silence and possibly Register online at a remark that you really should have called first and set mississaugalibrary.ca/Creating Community ies by location… informal and unspoken rules of up an intake appointment. conduct which include sleeping, leaving before the Berry notes: “I admit this response is not the norm A movie The Public will be shown, where home- morning rush and maintaining behaviours that pro- or true for any specific agency or service and solely less people take over a public library to escape the cold, mote respect.” based on my subjective observations with many cur- which turns into a standoff with police. Discussion On community agencies that serve the homeless: rent front door operating procedures of many services. will follow, hosted by Berry and by Rahma Hashi, a “Community groups are quick to accept charitable ini- “…services designed in a structured and orga- social worker at Toronto Public Library. tiatives from corporations so why not demonstrate the nized manner, with applications, screening tools and Berry has written about his work. He comments on capacity in which these funds can be used? Agencies appointment times for vulnerable populations who talks with homeless people, that their stories “reflect supporting homeless, vulnerable, marginalized and remain in states of crisis and imbalance as they seek tenacity, courage, ingenuity, survival, humility, shame, oppressed individuals and groups have knowledge, help. fear, loss and hopelessness,” then adds that sharing a expertise, resources and experience which are a valu- “Impoverished, disenfranchised, homeless, vul- story is not a requirement for getting help. able commodity. nerable, marginalized, oppressed -- buzz words used On the night scene: “Coffee shops and related “Why not offer training and educational opportu- in social work circles to identify those in need. How businesses have become increasingly a safe refuge nities for corporate partners to empower and educate are services provided in respect of these terms? By for those experiencing homelessness each night. staff, address stigma and create awareness, support appointment only?” Individuals will make their way into a Tim Horton's policy and guideline initiatives and develop alternate in the late hours and join those in similar circum- referral channels. There are vulnerable individuals Brampton and Caledon Libraries do not have social stances… the support and reactions of staff var- each and every night looking for a warm place to stay. workers on staff.

HELP FOR THE HOMELESS Street Outreach (where help comes to you) provides Family Life Resource Centre – 905-451-4115 is eligible for Ontario Works or with other cash sup- support services to individuals and families, such as Peel Family Shelter ports. Kitchens and bathrooms are shared. There’s a food, after-hours needle exchange, blankets, sleeping 1767 Dundas Street East, Mississauga gym, laundry machines, meeting rooms. 905-791-5576 bag. It operates a Peel Cares van. Phone 877-848-8481 905-272-7061 Angela’s Place in Mississauga, provides housing for Cawthra Shelter up to a year for 20 families from emergency shelters Services for homeless people in Peel include: 2500 Cawthra Road, Mississauga – 905-281-1272 or without appropriate housing. Services include job Emergency and transitional shelters – all people are Wilkinson Shelter training, counselling, activities for children and youth. welcome at shelters in Peel Region, regardless of gen- 15 Wilkinson Road, Brampton – 905-452-1335 Phone 905-791-3887 ext. 7058 der, race or disability. Our Place Peel If you need emergency shelter immediately, contact 3579 Dixie Road, Mississauga – 905-238-1383 Peelregion.ca/housing/shelters/ or phone one of Brampton Queen Street Shelter the numbers below: 3458 Queen Street East, Brampton – 905 791-2334 If you are fleeing violence or abuse and are in immediate danger, phone 911 now. Transitional housing – from homelessness to a place of your own For shelter support, phone Peel Youth Village at 99 Acorn Place, Mississauga, Interim Place North – 905-676-8515 has 48 private single bedrooms, available for up to a Interim Place South – 905-403-9691 year to a homeless person aged 16 to 30 who 12 Tough Times – January-February, 2020 Visit peelregion.ca @regionofpeel

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