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Vol. 8 No. 3/ MAY-JUNE, 2019

Mayor Bonnie Crombie says would be better off if the rest of Peel – , Caledon – were separately run. That may be a fact for taxes and infrastructure. But what about the cash-poor Mississauga wants people of Peel? What could happen to the folk on welfare, OW, ODSP? The shelters that house the homeless are almost all in Mississauga. The soup kitchens that feed the hungry are all in Brampton. out of Peel Region The Region of Peel provides social services on be- half of the government. But the Doug Ford bunch doesn’t have much time or money for the BUT WHAT WILL IT COST THE CASH-POOR? have-nots. A 1.5% raise in Ontario Works payments was stopped. Will Bonnie do the best job of frustrat- ing more Ford takeaways?

BY BONNIE CROMBIE here has been a great deal of discussion about Mississauga’s position on regional govern- Tment and our desire to become a separate, independent city. There have also been a lot of ques- tions about what will happen if the province grants Mississauga’s request. In particular, the readers of Tough Times will be See Mississauga on page 4 Hanging on to OHIP Peel Poverty Action Group (PPAG) is forming a Health Coalition to oppose Doug Ford’s privatization of Ontario’s health care.

For information phone PPAG Chair Richard Antonio at 647 237-5135, These are Mississauga’s architectural gems, known popularly as the Marilyn Munro apartment buildings on the east side of Hurontario at Square One. Ever noticed how the two towers appear, rising in a western mist, in illustra- or email [email protected] tions of ’s streetscapes? Toronto envies us! (Photo supplied)

Social justice goes online P2 When you need a place to stay P7 “Devastating” cut to Legal Aid P11 INSIDE All parts of Peel are into trees this Spring P3 Ford drags Brampton backward P7 A shameful non-government P13 THIS Taking aim at guns P5 Where to start for mental health P8 Will the cash poor be better off? P14 ISSUE Call for renaissance of the Bank of Canada P6 Did your vote count? P8 & 9 More than just a food bank P15 CLIMATE CHANGE 2 Tough Times – May-June, 2019 PEEL POVERTY Social justice Tough Times is published ACTION GROUP six times a year Next issue: July-August, 2019 Peel Poverty Action Group (PPAG) goes online Deadline for ads and editorial: June 1, 2019 is open to every individual and organization in Peel Region that BY CHRIS FOTOS Phone 905-826-5041 cares about what poverty does Volunteer writers, reporters, artists, ough Times is taking social justice to people. It provides a safe place cartoonists, photographers, are where people who are cash-poor to the web. You can find us online welcome at Tough Times. and those who try to help them Tat www.ToughTimesTabloid.ca Please email letters to: are encouraged to speak out – And right on time, too. Public [email protected] and Tough Times is part of that services are under attack from the Produced by: safe place. PPAG’s mandate is to Progressive Conservative Ford provin- Peel Poverty Action Group (PPAG) advocate for people in need and to cial government, and the Progressive Editor: Edna Toth educate the public about poverty Conservatives have a shot at forming issues. Membership is free. PPAG government in the looming federal Associate Editors: meets at 9:30 a.m. to noon, usually Michelle Bilek, Rosemary Keenan election. Chris Fotos the second Thursday of every month We’ll be using our online presence (except July and August) alternately to hold politicians of all stripes to Graphic Designer: Patti Moran in Mississauga and Brampton. account, cover labour and social justice Contributors: Huda Abbas, Richard Antonio, Navi Aujla, Kay issues, and connect Peel Region’s cash- Bajaj, Samina Bangash, Michelle Bilek, Laura Bily- Meeting dates for 2019: poor residents with services they need. ea, Dr. Simon Black, Jaspal Brar, Brampton Mayor Mississauga, at the Newcomer Patrick Brown, Taodhg Burns, Coun. George Centre of Peel, 165 Dundas St. W., Staying informed is crucial in times like Carlson, Shaila Kibria Carter, Surabhi Das, Dr. Paula (at Confederation Parkway); these. DeCoito, Nikki Clarke, Paricia Chrisjohn, Doris May 9; Sept. 12; Nov 14. The website was built by the newest Cooper, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Jack Brampton, place to be fixed: June 13; Fleming, Christopher Fotos, Moushumi Hakrabar- ti, Linda Hochstetler, Jack Jackson, Jerry Jarosz, Oct. 10; Dec. 12 addition to Tough Times’ staff, myself, Christopher Fotos. Chris Fotos at work Sylvia Jones, MPP; Laura Kaminker, Rosemary Check PPAG’s website for announcements. Keenan, Shalini Konanur, Deb Kuipers, Stephen I found Tough Times tabloid in late (Photo by Kim Northcote) Lay, Alexandra MacGregor, Harinder Malhi, Julia www.ppag.wordpress.com 2018. The paper’s commitment to Peel Margetiak, Pat McGrail, Archana Medhekar, Bren- da Murdoch, Varsha Naik, Norma Nicholson, Kim- Region’s cash-poor and homeless was tions six times a year, serving people berly Northcote, Karen Ras, Christianne Reyna, surprising and refreshing — people who don’t have computers or who Monica Riutort, Marina Rosas, Ruby Sahota, MP, Lea Salameh, Farina Salahuddin, Liisa Schofield, don’t often think of Peel as a place prefer information by hand or who Chris Sensicle, Subash Sharma, Sara Singh, MPP; where poverty thrives, but homeless- happen upon Tough Times in a coffee Bret Sheppard, Catherine. Soplet, Coun. Ron Starr, Advertising Susan Stewart, staff members of the Region of ness and hunger are very real here. shop, or the library, at social service of- Peel, Anna Sycz, Chelsea Tao, Pauline Thornham, In January this year, I emailed Editor fices, in Peel Region buildings, shelters, Rozeeta Torbram-Jarvis, Martin Tsvetanov, Edesiri Rates Edna Toth, and asked if I could help soup kitchens, in food bank boxes, Udoh, Kate Vinokurov, Suraiya Wajih, Jessica Wang, Grazyna Wiercinska, Emily Wiles, Coun. Tough Times’ foray into the digital with their faith group, in their offices, Charmaine Williams, John Wilson, Cheryl Yarek. Tough Times distributes 10,000 world. cafeterias, most any place. copies, throughout Peel Region. Printed by: Atlantic Web Printers Going forward, I’ll be serving Look for it, read it, and visit it Target audience is people readers as Tough Times’ online edi- online. experiencing homelessness, using tor. If you’d like to provide online food banks and soup kitchens, visual or written content, email Chris Fotos is completing a BA at York people who are struggling, [email protected] University and is a songwriter, singer, band Homeless: plus faith groups, social service agencies, trades unions, business Tough Times continues print edi- member. people, and the general public. The Video To advertise in Tough Times: Spaces and Places: Uncovering Email: Homelessness in the Region of Peel [email protected] is a 15-minute video in which Phone: 905 826-5041 homeless people describe their experiences. A team from PPAG, Mail address: 4-287 Glidden Road including a once-homeless person, Brampton, ON L6W 1H9, Canada will show the video to a group on Advertising rates: (colour included) request. There is no charge. Business card: $105 To book a showing contact 1/16 page: $125 [email protected] 1/8 page: $190 Allow about 45 minutes for the 1/4 page: $280 video and discussion. 1/2 page: $460 The video was made by a 3/4 page: $650 team from , in 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 Trillium Foundation. Tough Times – May-June, 2019 3

All parts of Peel are into trees this spring

Mississauga, with a million trees on dead or dying or damaged trees. And already. in memory of a person, celebration of public land (250,000 of them on bou- what to do after a tree-ravaging storm. Brampton already has an estimated a birth, or some other event. There’s a levards) is planting a tree of knowledge On the brighter side, Mississauga 3.5 million trees on public and private fee. – educating Mississaugans about telling hopes to plant one million trees by the land, and plants about 8,000 more Caledon takes the education route: the City’s Forestry department about year 2032. They’re a third of the way every year. It offers to dedicate a tree a cartoon tells the tree story.

NEED FOOD? Don't Go Hungry If you don't have enough money for food and live in Mississauga, you can go to a neighbourhood food bank. It doesn't matter about your age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or immigration status. You will receive enough healthy food to feed your family for 7-10 days each month. There is no cost to visit a food bank. Find your food bank at www.themississaugafoodbank.org or phone 905.270.5589. 4 Tough Times – May-June, 2019

Mississauga, cont. from page 1 asking what happens to the social and human services currently provided by the Region of Peel. I will do my best to answer these questions and provide greater information and context for Mississauga’s position. Our desire to separate from the Region of Peel is not new; in fact, for- mer Mayor Hazel McCallion engaged in the “One City, One Voice” cam- paign in 2004 to seek independence. The government of the day did not grant her wish, but the citizens of Mississauga were overwhelmingly in sup- port of the idea, and with good reason. Mississauga is Ontario’s third larg- est City and the sixth in Canada. We face many of the same chal- lenges as other urban metropolises across the country. The problem is, unlike many of the other bigger, and smaller cities in For instance, the question about the Ontario, we are not able to address for support. future of Peel Police has been raised them head on. Peel Region is an added As an example, Mississauga wants throughout this discussion. layer of government that often slows to revitalize and redevelop portions Peel Police Services is governed by down our process or creates a barrier of the Malton community to build its own legislation and has an indepen- to getting things done. affordable housing and attract invest- dent board of directors. Mississauga At the same time, Mississauga is ment. The City began its planning has no issue keeping Peel Police intact over-contributing to the Region to work in 2015 and finished in 2017, but the way it currently operates with the tune of $85 million – money that it took the Region almost two years to We do not dispute that the Regional Mississauga and Brampton, providing could be better used for Mississauga’s complete its part of the work. staff provide excellent service and do funding based on our share of services. priorities. Then, after more months of legal good work. On many matters, from economic Mississauga only has 50 per cent negotiations between the City and the Our concern is the duplication and development to transit, Mississauga of the vote at Council. This means we Region, the City was finally able to waste, and lack of control inherent in cooperates across municipal borders, have to ask Brampton and Caledon for move forward. The delay added almost the regional government model. Our while retaining the ability to make our permission and support before we are three years. proposal would see Mississauga take own decisions. able to implement plans. Our priorities This kept the affordable housing on the responsibilities of the Region. We know our community, our peo- do not always align with theirs, and this supply off the market and did not Just as Toronto delivers health and ple and the challenges they face. Our in turn holds Mississauga back. allow Malton to move forward as a human services as a standalone city, so Council and our professional staff at On transit, affordable housing, community. There are countless other too would Mississauga. Toronto does the City of Mississauga are in the best poverty reduction, community safety, examples like this. not negotiate with other municipalities position to address these challenges; growth and development, we must The bottom line is that we believe on poverty priorities, but is able to we simply need the power to do so. continually negotiate with the Region the Regional model is broken in Peel. make decisions that are in the best We will continue to tackle poverty, interest of residents. build affordable housing for low and Under Mississauga’s model, there middle income earners, and build the would be no change in service levels. necessary infrastructure from tran- However there would be changes in the sit, to roads and bike lanes that our efficiency of how services are delivered. residents need to move across our City You have my commitment that and throughout the wider GTA. income and other supports currently This is an issue of governance and provided by the Region would be the ability of Mississauga to control unaffected and uninterrupted by the our own affairs and make decisions in change. Having a single level of gov- the best interests of our residents. All ernment deliver services, rather than we ask is fairness. two, is preferable. I encourage residents to visit www. Moreover, there would still be a mississauga.ca to learn more about requirement for staff to deliver the our position and to make your voices services the Region currently provides, heard at the provincial level. This is but they would do so as part of the an important time in the future of City of Mississauga. Mississauga. Tough Times – May-June, 2019 5 Taking aim at guns rampton gals are getting behind levels of government. the guns. “We must not support a back-of-a- B First off is Charmaine napkin motion to address serious issues Williams, councillor for Wards 7 and 8 such as gun violence in our City. It is in Brampton. She triggered her career irresponsible and misleading to support on council in 2018 with an appeal for a notion that throwing randomly-de- a gun amnesty, loaded with a sugges- termined dollars towards a problem as tion to Council that Brampton offer serious as gun violence, will result in $100 to residents who no longer use any meaningful long-term impact.” their guns but lack an incentive to get “Within our local jurisdiction we rid of them. must communicate with, outreach to, Seeking signatures for a petition and invest in our youth to provide op- in support of the $100 motivator, she portunities that engage and encourage reported that when Toronto held a gun them to make a positive contribution amnesty in 1999, about 300 guns were in our community. “ handed in. A year later, with a $50 per Enter Ruby Sahota, MP for gun incentive, 2,000 guns came in. Brampton North, well-armed with ar- Next up is Rowena Santos, Regional gument. She pot-shots at Opposition councillor for Brampton Wards 1 and Conservatives who have turned 5. Santos turned thumbs down on down lifetime background checks on the $100 shot, taking other councillors applications for renewals of firearms with her. licences, turned down “proper” She issued a statement, which record-keeping for gun sales, and op- includes these remarks: pose “political intervention in firearms “The residents of our city put their classification.” trust in us. They voted for new coun- Sahota describes her Liberal gov- cillors who will move our city forward ernment’s proposed laws as “com- through team work and make respon- monsense firearms legislation that sible, educated, informed decisions prioritizes public safety and effective based on evidence. police work, while treating law-abiding “Our action to tackle gun vio- firearms owners in a fair and reason- lence should be consistent with those able manner.” expectations. Gun violence is a serious She continues: “At time of in- and systemic issue that stems from creasing gun violence, we Liberals are root causes such as gangs, poverty, looking to support provinces, munic- social exclusion, mental health, and ipalities and local law enforcement in more. Studies support that substantive their efforts to disrupt gangs, prose- and successful strategies to reduce gun cute offenders, prevent young people violence require proper research, local from being drawn into gangs in the data, expertise, and collaboration at all first place and to help them exit that destructive lifestyle.” Newspaper-style advertisement used by “For years, my constituents have Charmaine Williams in seeking support been telling me how the threat of gun for her campaign to offer $100 cash for and gang violence has made them feel guns turned in by Brampton citizens. unsafe in their neighbourhoods. I am There’s no $100 offered now, but if you’ve got a gun to get rid of, phone Peel Police proud to support a government that at 905 453-3311and they will arrange to will continue to fight for the solu- collect it. Don’t take it to a police station. tions my constituents need.” 6 Tough Times – May-June, 2019 Call for renaissance of the Bank of Canada e civil society organizations private banks and from other private ingly catered to the private commercial of the Bank of Canada to replace who work for public welfare money-lenders, and pay interest on banks, this practice greatly declined. gradually interest-bearing debt car- Win Canada, depending these debts. Each year governments Governments at all levels throughout ried by governments at all levels with heavily on dedicated volunteers, are across Canada presently pay some Canada increasingly had to resort to interest-free debt, and could make constantly frustrated in our efforts to $60 billion in interest on borrowing from the private available interest-free loans for new obtain government funding to meet their debts, and as banks and other pri- projects. This change in monetary urgent human and environmental needs. these debts in- vate money-lend- policy, combined with changes in tax We are repeatedly informed that there is crease, with ers, including policy, would make available each year never enough money available, and that tens of billions of dollars urgently we must endure austerity in order that needed for actions, which can only be growing public debts can be overcome. taken by governments, to protect our We are told that public funds—essential environment from such dire threats for infrastructure repair, for health and as climate change, to rebuild and to medical care, for education, for poverty improve our public infrastructure, and reduction, for social justice, and for to strengthen social programs meet- environmental protection—not only ing human needs—notably medical cannot be increased despite urgent care. Through such interest-free loans unmet needs, but must be cut, and pub- for infrastructure, for example, our lic assets for providing public services, governments, instead of paying for in- must be privatized. terest that could double or triple their We are deeply concerned about investment expenses, could be paying government deficits and debt, and only for the principal, thus freeing tax also about the heavy personal debts income for other programs. Moreover, borne by Canadian citizens. Indeed government-funded construction we believe that governmental and would create jobs, stimulate additional personal debt should be taken far economic activity, and significantly more seriously, and dealt with by far increase tax receipts. more radical means than the usual interest rates foreign sources. Those who oppose the revival of austerity programs involving cuts to probably rising, Moreover, the Bank this monetary policy invariably charge social programs and privatization. Such this enormous annual of Canada in the late that it would be inflationary, even measures have already been experi- burden for taxpayers will increase. 1970s began raising interest rates as its though it was managed in the past enced as profoundly unjust. They shift But this interest expense is not necessary. primary tool for fighting inflation, driv- without significant inflation. As the gov- debt burdens to individual Canadian Through our Bank of Canada, ing the economy into recession in the ernment through the Bank of Canada citizens, especially to the most needy, which has been publicly owned since early 1980s and again in the early 1990s. creates growing quantities of our money bankrupting and impoverishing many. 1938, the federal government has These changes from the original man- supply, the power of private banks to Meanwhile, we see that wealthy the power to borrow money in huge date of the Bank of Canada, combined create money needs to be restrained, as individuals and corporations receive quantities essentially interest-free, and with tax reductions for the wealthy, was possible until 1991, when the re- tax cuts they do not need, and that they to make such funds available not only rapidly increased the debts of govern- serve requirement for the private banks often use tax havens to escape such for its own use, but also for provincial ments at all levels, justifying major cuts was surreptitiously removed from the taxes as they do owe. Lowering taxes and municipal expenditures. Such to social programs. Following some Bank Act. This provision to the Bank for the rich is regularly justified by the borrowing helped Canada to get out of recent federal government economic Act needs to be restored to prevent argument that they invest their savings the Great Depression, and to finance stimulus following the 2008 global fi- inflation, as can readily be done. to create employment, but we see little its participation in World War II. nancial meltdown, the austerity agenda Therefore, we Canadian civil evidence to support this claim. We see Continuance of this practice until 1974 is bringing ever more devastating cuts society organizations, who work for further that our federal government played a key role in creating Canada’s to our valued public services. public welfare, call on our federal makes billions available for controver- post-war prosperity and in making In line with policies pursued government to revive the powers sial warfare, for expensive, inappro- possible its cherished social programs. through the Bank of Canada be- of the Bank of Canada to provide priate new weapon systems, and for As federal governments, which tween 1938 and 1974, our federal funding to all levels of government unnecessary new prisons, while poverty control the Bank of Canada, increas- government could revive the powers in Canada, largely with interest-free and environmental damage continue loans, as was done between 1938 and to increase. A just tax system, wisely 1974 with very low inflation, enabling spent, could go a long way toward pro- This article appears on the website of COMER, Committee our nation to break out of the Great moting the human and environmental of Monetary and Economic Reform. It calls on the federal Depression, to shoulder extraordinary welfare to which we are committed. government to restore the Bank of Canada to its previous role responsibilities during World War II, But changes in our tax system are not as a prime lender to Canadian governments, thus saving huge and to prosper while building our enough to deal adequately with our sums in interest payments. You are invited to infrastructure and highly valued social needs, including our debt problems. ENDORSE THE CALL by publicizing the idea in more media. programs during some thirty post-war Crucial to our governmental debt years. We Canadians now urgently need problems is the fact that our gov- Find out more at comer.org a renaissance of these powers of our ernments at all levels borrow from Bank of Canada Tough Times – May-June, 2019 7 WHEN YOU NEED A PLACE Ford drags Brampton TO STAY – URGENTLY backward says NDP THE SALVATION ARMY CAN HELP s Tough Times went to press, In October, New Democrats the Ontario budget was pre- put forward a motion calling on omelessness can happen to anyone. sented at Queen’s Park. the Conservatives to fund a new Sudden loss of employment, physical injury, are among the many A H Brampton’s three New Democrat Brampton hospital and expand Peel factors that can result in an individual losing a home. MPPs promptly denounced it. Memorial Centre in the spring budget. In Ontario alone, an estimated 12,000 people experience homeless- Official Opposition Deputy Leader The Ford Conservatives voted it down. ness on any given night. But there is hope…and that is where The Salvation Sara Singh (Brampton Centre), Kevin “Brampton families continue to Army steps in. Yarde (Brampton North) and Gurratan face excruciating waits in crowded “We want to reach out to those who may be struggling before they Singh (Brampton East) said the emergency rooms and Ford’s health reach the point of homelessness,” says Fran Kane, Executive Director of budget adds insult to injury for care cuts will make a dire situation so Peel Shelter and Housing Services. “The Salvation Army provides many Brampton families. much worse,” said Yarde. “Without services that can support individuals vulnerable to homelessness.” funding that keeps pace with infla- The Salvation Army operates five shelters in the Region of Peel: in Here’s what they said: tion our hospitals will continue to be Brampton – Queen Street Youth Shelter and Wilkinson Road Shelter for The budget cuts $1 billion from the squeezed for resources. We need to men; in Mississauga – the Cawthra Road Shelter, Honeychurch Family Life Ministry of Children, Community and expand services in Brampton, but Ford Resource Centre, and Peel Family Shelter. Social Services; is forcing us to make do with even less. QUEEN STREET YOUTH: Brampton Queen Street Youth, is the first youth It underfunds health care below the This attack on Brampton is wrong, and shelter in the city, with 40 beds available for youth ages 16 to 24. Clients rate of inflation, which means more it has to stop.” get a place to stay, three meals a day, and if they need it, housing search hallway medicine and no new hospital; Yarde—the NDP’s Community assistance, financial help, life-skills development and employment train- No new university campus for Safety critic—noted that the budget ing are available. . A dentist and doctor visit once a week. Brampton; lacked funding to help Brampton Additional programs include housing search assistance, financial help, as “Brampton is a growing city and combat gun violence and improve well as life-skills development and employment training. For more infor- families need their services to grow community safety. mation, phone 905-791-2334. with it,” said Singh. “Rather than make Gurratan Singh said that Doug investments in our health and educa- Ford stole the future from Brampton CAWTHRA ROAD SHELTER: With over 100 beds, The Salvation Army’s tion, Doug Ford is taking things away students by cancellng funding for a Cawthra Road Shelter provides emergency housing including meals to from Brampton families. new college campus. single men and women over 25. The shelter focuses on housing homeless “We need a new hospital, and we “It just got even more difficult to individuals as quickly as possible and providing supportive services after need to expand Peel Memorial. We access post secondary education if they have been housed. Phone 905-281-1272. need a university campus so our young you live in Brampton,” he said. “Ford people can get the education they is cutting even more from student HONEYCHURCH FAMILY LIFE RESOURCE CENTRE: The Salvation deserve right here in Brampton. Ford's assistance and threatening to withhold Army’s Honeychurch Family Life Resource Centre provides a safe haven budget not only ignored those needs as much as 60 per cent of an institu- for women and children fleeing violence, offering temporary accommo- entirely but made the kind of cuts that tion’s funding if they don’t do as Doug dation for up to 18 families. will hurt families in our community.” Ford says.” Services include crisis counselling, legal advice, support groups and practical assistance. Personal safety is a priority. If you or someone you know is facing physical, emotional, psychological, WE’RE ON THE MOVE or verbal abuse, contact the Honeychurch Family Life Resource Centre New home for Labour and Community Services at 905-451-4115. BY JERRY JAROSZ It tries to settle difficulties PEEL FAMILY SHELTER: Located in Mississauga, the Peel Family Shelter is abour Community Services through mediation and representa- a 160-bed emergency shelter for homeless families. Food, clothing, and of Peel (LCSP), a non-profit tion, and helps with intervention or psychosocial support are available to residents every day. The shelter fo- Loffering free social services appeals on behalf of workers. cuses on finding housing for families and helping them transition smoothly in Peel, has moved from its old of- Its employees and volunteers to independent living. For more information on the Peel Family Shelter, fice in Mississauga to Brampton, conduct Know Your Rights at Work phone 905-272-7061. and invites everyone to its Open (KYR@W) training for groups, House at 10 Gillingham Dr. #213, helping workers understand their WILKINSON ROAD SHELTER: The Salvation Army’s Wilkinson Road on Thursday, June 6, from 3 p.m. to employment rights, human rights Shelter in Brampton provides temporary emergency housing for men 16 7 p.m. Check it out in the Service and health and safety needs. and older who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The shelter has Canada plaza, at the corner of With funding mostly from The 101 beds and provides services such as pastoral care, mental health and Bovaird Dr. and Main St. United Way Greater Toronto, part of addiction support, life skills training, and more. Phone 905-452-1335. LCSP’s in-house help centre pro- its mandate is to raise awareness and vides information on Employment support for the United Way regard- Whatever the reasons that bring an individual to our shelters, Insurance, Workplace Safety and ing labour and social issues. The Salvation Army is committed to walking alongside them, Insurance Board (WSIB), Canada We are proud of the thousands to support them in their journey. pension, human rights and employ- of dollars we have returned to work- ment rights, and more. ing people and their families. 8 Tough Times – May-June, 2019 Did your vote count in last year’s Ontario election? … DOES IT MATTER? There are many such ridings in BY PAT MCGRAIL Canada –likely the majority– oug Ford’s Ontario where everyone knows who will government has dis- be elected even before the polls Dtressed many with open. Assume most voted for Finding the way to cuts to education, social assis- other candidates – as in every tance and minimum wage. A election. They will soon come mental health for basic income pilot project has to believe that their votes do been eliminated and universal not count and it does not really healthcare is under attack. matter if they vote. They are children and youth We are told that Ontario can probably right. no longer afford programs that There are also a small number BY ALEXANDRA MACGREGOR to your story, ask questions and help lift people out of poverty. And of ridings which are sensitive to a AND JULIA MARGETIAK you find the right program or service as climate change threatens, small shift in popular vote – such n Peel Region, finding mental for your unique needs. They will also Ontario is paying out millions as in Peel Region. This small health services for children and connect you to walk-in counselling to cancel existing environmental shift usually determines which Iyouth up to age 24 just got a whole and/or crisis mental health services if programs and oppose federal party forms the government. So, lot easier. you need them. government initiatives. parties pander to these “swing” WhereToStart.ca: Access to Mental Youth over the age of 12 can The wealthy and multina- votes. But even in swing ridings, Health Services for Children and Youth is contact WhereToStart.ca on their own, tionals get tax relief while the most voters will not get anyone a free and confidential service that and parents/guardians of young rest of us are being told to to represent their views. Only the connects young people to a range of people under the age of 16 can pull up our boots and fend for votes for the winning candidate high quality mental health programs contact WhereToStart.ca on their behalf. ourselves. “count.” The rest of the votes and services in our community. WhereToStart.ca also accepts referrals So how is it possible that fall off the table and elect no one. Navigating the child and youth from physicians and community a government opposed by In 2018, the PCs received 2.3 mental health system can be difficult service providers. a sizable majority of voters million votes or 41% of valid and exhausting. Young people and Mental health affects all of us, apparently has carte blanche to do whatever it wants? votes cast. But the 76 PC MPPs who now form the their families often don’t know where including children and youth. The root of our problem is a wonky electoral government received less than 31% of the popular to seek help, and frequently find According to the provincial advo- system which effectively disenfranchises half the vote. Yet the PCs received 61% of the seats – and themselves repeating their story many cacy organization Children’s Mental population entitled to representation and throws our 100% of the power. times before connecting with the right Health Ontario, as many as one in constitutional machinery out of gear. Supporters of other parties found their votes service or program. five children and youth in Ontario Let’s take any riding which has four candidates had much less weight. Almost 90% of the votes WhereToStart.ca seeks to make will experience some form of mental standing for election as MPP. Under our current cast by Liberal and Green Party supporters elected things easier for children and youth health challenge, and five out of six of First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system, whoever gets no-one – as did 57% of NDP votes. The Liberals who need mental health support by these young people will not receive the the most votes becomes the MPP. If Candidate A received 20% of the popular vote but less than 6% doing most of the heavy lifting: all you treatment they need. gets 40% of the vote and the remaining three candi- of the seats. Overall, 52% of votes cast elected no have to do is phone for help. It is more important now than ever dates get the other 60% between them, 60% of the one. Electoral reform is NOT a partisan issue – it is When you phone WhereToStart.ca before that children and youth know voters have nobody to represent their views. a voter representation issue! at 905 451-4655, a specialist will listen how to find help. Let’s assume that this riding is a “safe” riding. Canada’s so-called “majority” governments are frequently elected by a small proportion of the th “Feeding7 Annual Our Future” Fundraising Gala Contact: Dinner, Entertainment and Silent Auction [email protected] Pearson Convention Centre 905-454-8725 2638 Steeles Ave. E., Brampton, ON L6T 4L7 www.knightstable.org Friday, June 14, 2019 • Coctails 6pm • Dinner 7pm Tough Times – May-June, 2019 9 Did your vote count in last year’s Ontario election? … DOES IT MATTER? There are many such ridings in Canada –likely the majority– where everyone knows who will be elected even before the polls open. Assume most voted for other candidates – as in every election. They will soon come to believe that their votes do not count and it does not really matter if they vote. They are probably right. There are also a small number of ridings which are sensitive to a small shift in popular vote – such population, at all levels of government. Voters in and seldom experience policy lurch – reversing the as in Peel Region. This small the only other western countries still using FPTP – policies of the last government post-election. They shift usually determines which the US and UK - face similar democratic deficits. have less debt and better economic results with nine party forms the government. So, We can do better. More than 80 democratic out of 10 of the top economic performers in the parties pander to these “swing” countries use a modern voting system resulting OECD using PR. votes. But even in swing ridings, in “proportional representation” or “PR”. This Other notable PR benefits include lower income most voters will not get anyone simply means that if a party gets 40% of the vote, it inequality and higher voter turnout. Legislatures to represent their views. Only the gets 40% of the seats. more closely reflect the population with greater votes for the winning candidate PR countries, on the whole, are more responsive female and minority representation. “count.” The rest of the votes to the priorities and preferences of the broader In the last federal election, two-thirds of voters fall off the table and elect no one. majority. Up to 90% of votes ‘count” in countries supported parties that promised electoral reform. In 2018, the PCs received 2.3 like Norway, Germany, Switzerland, New Zealand The subsequent betrayal by the Liberal government million votes or 41% of valid and many others. proved yet again that politicians do not give up votes cast. But the 76 PC MPPs who now form the In Canada, we have become accustomed to power willingly. If citizens want to regain control government received less than 31% of the popular politicians making grand-sounding election prom- over their governance, they must be willing to vote. Yet the PCs received 61% of the seats – and ises but failing to deliver. So, we no longer vote or demand it loudly. 100% of the power. else vote “strategically” for a party we do not like to The stakes are high – for ourselves and our Supporters of other parties found their votes keep out a party we like even less. children. No matter what issue moves us – hous- had much less weight. Almost 90% of the votes Most PR countries have not only maintained but ing, healthcare, student debt, disability or immi- cast by Liberal and Green Party supporters elected expanded their social safety net, resulting in higher gration support, climate change – our government no-one – as did 57% of NDP votes. The Liberals scores on the United Nations Index of Human must be working for us. We need proportional received 20% of the popular vote but less than 6% Development, factoring in health, education representation now. of the seats. Overall, 52% of votes cast elected no and standard of living indicators. The top eight Fair Vote Canada is a multi-partisan citizens one. Electoral reform is NOT a partisan issue – it is countries in the World Happiness Index all use movement, organized solely to advocate for pro- a voter representation issue! PR. Consensual democracies have also acted more portional representation. It is not affiliated with Canada’s so-called “majority” governments are quickly and better in protecting the environment. any political party and relies on volunteers across frequently elected by a PR governments are usually stable, “true” ma- the country. To learn more, sign a Declaration small proportion of the jority coalitions. They engage in long-term planning of Voters Rights, donate or volunteer. Visit www. fairvote.com Peel Region Action Group is campaigning locally and welcomes any opportunity to speak to groups, display literature or accompany other citizens in visits to MPs and MPPs. Please contact us at [email protected]

Pat McGrail is a Certified Public Accountant, now retired. She is the volunteer leader of Peel Region Action Team of Fair Vote Canada. A Brampton resident, she also volunteers with the Council of Canadians and Sierra Club Peel. 10 Tough Times – May-June, 2019 When learning is a challenge

sensory pro- Mindfulness for kids with ADHD: cessing disor- skills to help children focus, succeed ToughTomes der, and other in school & make friends neurodiffer- 2018 BY LAURA BILYEA, Librarian ences. For the Burdick, Debra E., Central Library, Mississauga parents who 618. 92858 BUR love them, the Mindfulness o you remember sitting help- challenges are for kids with lessly in school while the just as hard– ADHD offers Dother students around you struggling fun and accessi- read their books, or whizzed through to find the ble mindfulness the math questions, or eagerly wrote right school, exercises to the answers for the spelling test? And the right therapist, the right parent- help your child you sat, bewildered and a little scared, ing group while feeling isolated and successfully because you just didn’t get it, couldn’t harboring endless internal doubts navigate all areas do it, didn’t understand—yet. about what's normal, what's not, and of life. The activities in this easy-to-use We all still get those moments (or how to handle it all. Reber provides a workbook will help your child develop is that just me?) but for many children, been-there, done-that book that helps self-awareness and self-reflection–two this is every day, every class. Learning others discover how to stay open, pay skills that kids with ADHD often challenges are a very real obstacle for attention, and become an exceptional need extra help with. If you're looking many young students. How can we–as you'll discover why it's so important parent to your exceptional child. for real tools to help your child with parents, friends, teachers, and caregiv- to assess your child accurately, find ADHD thrive, this workbook can help. ers–help to clear a path through the new perspectives based on the most There is always room for hope and confusion for them? current studies, and discover tips and broader thinking. There are specialists We can learn more about the issues strategies for navigating school, home who argue that genius and creativity they face. Here are some books from life, and your child's future. Every are linked to “neurodifferences”. Here the Mississauga Library to teach us child is unique–and every child learns is a suggested book on this perspective. about learning challenges: in his or her own way. Using the tools provided in this book, children can The power of different: the link Helping your child with lan- hone the skills needed to do better between disorder and genius guage-based learning disabilities: in school, gain self-confidence and 2017 strategies to succeed in school and life self-esteem, and cultivate a positive Saltz, Gail, with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalcu- mindset. 305. 9084 SAL lia, ADHD, and processing disorders Saltz shows 2018. Differently wired: raising an excep- how the very Franklin, Daniel, tional child in a conventional world conditions that 616. 85889 FRA 2018 cause people As a parent, it hurts to see your Reber, Deborah, to experience child struggle. But the good news 649. 1528 REB difficulty at is that there are proven-effective They're the “differently wired” kids: school, in strategies you can learn to help your the one in five children with ADHD, social situa- child be their best. In this book, dyslexia, Asperger's, giftedness, anxiety, tions, at home, The boy crisis: why our boys are strug- or at work, gling and what we can do about it are inextrica- 2018 bly bound to Proudly representing Peel’s Farrell, Warren, creative, disciplinary, artistic, empa- 155. 432 FAR thetic, and cognitive abilities. Readers Public Elementary Teachers Worldwide, boys are 50 percent less will find engaging scientific research likely than girls to meet basic profi- and stories from historical geniuses ciency in reading, math, and science. and everyday individuals who have ADHD is on the rise. Many bright not only made the most of their Defending quality public education – boys are experiencing a “purpose conditions, but who have flourished for our students & our communities void,” feeling alienated, withdrawn, and because of them. addicted to immediate gratification. This book provides a comprehensive How can we help? We can learn. We can etfopeel.com blueprint for what parents, teachers, ask the hard questions of the teachers, @ETFOPeel and policymakers can do to help our the school administration, and the doc- sons become happier, healthier men, tors. We can band together with other par- @peeletfo and fathers and leaders worthy of our ents. We can accept the challenge head-on. respect. Use your knowledge. Use your library. Tough Times – May-June, 2019 11 “Devastating” cut to Legal Aid

BY JACK FLEMING am writing in response to Tough Times’ re- quest for comment on the cut to Legal Aid I Ontario (LAO) funding, announced in the Ontario budget. LAO’s budget has been cut by $133m in the current fiscal year -- a 30% cut in funding. As well, the reduction in annual funding will continue and will be an annual $164m cut two years from now. This is a devastating blow to persons with low income at the point in their lives when they most desperately need help: at the time that they are facing eviction, deportation, loss of income or other legal problems. Now, for many of them, at that low point there will be no one there to help them. At this point, we do not know specifically how this will affect community legal clinics in general or legal clinics in Peel specifically. LAO will have to figure out a response quickly as the budget cut affects the current fiscal year. However, at this point, we do not know how LAO will respond and to what extent the cuts will affect legal clinics. We had understood that Doug Ford had committed to no loss of front line services for Ontarians, and had committed to no job losses for those delivering front line services. Every one working in a community legal clinic delivers front line services. We are all small non-profit organizations directly helping people. Community legal clinics never run a deficit and have decades of experience scraping by on funding that cannot possibly meet the demand for service. We have found all of the efficiencies that can be found and we have embraced every opportu- nity for modernization. A funding reduction of this size will mean loss of services for low income Ontarians. No “efficiencies” or “modernization” can make up for a 30% cut in funding.

Jack Fleming is a lawyer and executive director of North Peel and Dufferin Community Legal Services in Brampton. www.NorthPeelDufferinJustice.ca 12 Tough Times – May-June, 2019 Privatization – overspent and undelivered

BY RICHARD ANTONIO Auditor General revealed the for-profit he Ontario government wants clinic had been charging the govern- to privatize a growing number ment $500 more per procedure than Tof publicly owned assets and publicly-operated clinics did, and this services – from the sale of beer and for-profit centre had not reduced wine, marijuana distribution, to health patient wait lists after more than a year. care services. To win contracts, private companies We believe that most Ontario are motivated to over-promise. That's residents disagree – especially when why so many public-private partner- they understand the facts about pri- ships sound great on paper but dis- vatization and the benefits of publicly appoint in reality. Private contractors delivered services. say what they need to CANADA’S FOOD GUIDEI Growing evidence say to win a contract shows that when pub- Growing evidence shows and then do what they lic services are publicly that when public services need to do to make a owned and publicly de- are publicly owned and profit. Could we prohibit livered, they are better, The Auditor safer, more affordable, publicly delivered, they are General has said that more accountable. better, safer, more afford- using private money to unhealthy foods? What does pri- pay for hospitals and vatization mean ? able, more accountable. transit is “high-risk,” BY TAODHG BURNS Simply stated, it means “costly,” and “lacks n the world of 2019 when the food system is increasingly dominated by highways, medical labs and utilities are transparency” big food corporations, our choices of what to eat can be very limited, es- being used to generate profits instead In her 2016 report on government Ipecially for those who cannot afford the more expensive natural, organic of serving our communities. If there spending, Ontario's Auditor General less-processed, more nutritious products. is no profit the service is cut. It means highlighted some of the ways that private We are living in times of unprecedented inequality, including food citizens’ hard-earned money is spent companies drive up expenses by misman- inequality. It’s no surprise that the rich live longer than the poor, who more on paying businesses and corporations aging budgets and charging extra fees. and more have to rely on food banks, even in developed countries like cost-plus-profit. For example, the city In one project alone, errors made Canada. of Hamilton saved millions after taking by the consultant caused a project “Eat Well, Live Well” as the new 2019 Canada Food Guide recommends its water treatment service out of the to be over-budget by 35%, or $13.6 means different things for different people. hands of private contractors. million, a cost that Metrolinx (a gov- As recently reported by the media, the rich are faking “street” experienc- Hired contractors may promise ernment agency) had to pay as a result es while eating under the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto, although in the to create new jobs and infrastructure of the design not including all final safety of “crystal” bubbles. investments. But private companies are requirements. Others try to follow the latest eating fashions promoted by their idols motivated by their own bottom lines, not In a sample of six projects whose in entertainment, sport and social media, while growing numbers of others by public needs and may cut corners. total initial construction costs were are just struggling to put any food on the table at all, relying on highly-pro- Private contracts are above and over $178 million, $22.5 million more cessed products from food banks, supermarkets, and health food stores beyond public scrutiny and the public had to be spent just because of the de- catering to the needs of this different demographic. have no way of knowing what’s being sign consultants' errors and omissions. The Canada Food Guide puts the burden for better food choices on handed over or committed to when The amount that private con- individuals. a government signs a contract with a tractors overcharged the provincial Since more people are obese or diabetic, the approach of food labelling private company. government on 74 out-sourced can’t be working; why? Private companies cannot be fired projects according to a 2014 report 1) people have to read and understand the labels if the work does not measure up. For by Ontario's Auditor General was $8 2) they have to interpret the labels’ often technical information. example, in her 2016 report, Ontario’s billion. There are no quick or easy fixes to a complex problem like nutrition. Auditor General highlighted a number It’s time for all Ontarians to Multiple factors play a role, from individual choice, family culture and peer of problems with private contractors, demand the provincial government pressure, to economic class. including one that installed a bridge practice “HAND’S OFF” our public Affecting many individuals are isolation, disability, poverty. truss upside down. services. A root problem for many in food choices is the domination of corpo- Another example is Ontario’s Peel Poverty Action Group calls rate voices. first-ever private cancer treatment facil- on the Ontario Government to KEEP Here’s some advice for those at the top: don’t just preach or label. Help ity. Terms of the contract, financed by PUBLIC SERVICES PUBLIC. people with timely interventions, but most important of all, prevent food public money, were considered to be problems before they start by limiting, to the point of prohibiting, the sale a “commercial secret” and key details Excerpts from a speech by Richard Antonio, and marketing of unhealthy foods. were missing. chair of Peel Poverty Action Group. He can A special audit by the provincial be contacted at [email protected] Tough Times – May-June, 2019 13

LABOUR SPEAKS ITS MINDI A shameful non-Government

Then comes Bill 66 – the latest law University go on strike to protect the teachers and the quality of education. JASPAL passed by the Ford government which high quality of education. The teach- As Tough Times went to press, Bill BRAR pays less to workers when it comes to ers were in a legal position to strike 74 was being rammed through the overtime. This is yet another attack on and wanted to negotiate with York Legislature, paving the way for privat- workers who work extra hours and are University. ization of health care. A section of e have an Ontario Govern- deprived of being paid a fair income. It was bad enough for the teachers the Bill removes references to keeping ment under Doug Ford’s Time-and-a-half pay is usually man- to be on the picket lines for 21 weeks hospital and other health services Wleadership that ran on the datory when workers work more than because York University prolonged the public and not-for-profit. platform of “For the People.” 44 hours a week unless an overtime strike, knowing they had Ford’s govern- In another section, the health min- What’s shameful is the fact the averaging agreement is in place. ment on their side. ister is given power to direct a hospital, Doug Ford’s government seems to be Before Bill 66, if an employee The government passed “Back to long-term care home, etc., to utilize a here only for the rich and certainly not worked 30 hours in Week One, 30 Work” legislation without any consul- private company for a specific service. the majority of people who, as in Peel, hours in Week Two, 60 hours in Week tations with the teachers union or even The people of Ontario deserve to are working people, some living on the Three and 60 hours in Week Four, he/ any attempts to get the employer back get fair and livable wages for their hard poverty line. she would get 32 hours of overtime to the bargaining table. work. One such example of shame pay (because in Weeks Three and Four, This doesn’t help the process of bar- Our children – the future of is scrapping Bill 148, updating the she/he worked in excess of 44 hours/ gaining because from now on, there is no Ontario – are not getting the best Employment Standards Act. Bill 148 week, overtime averaging was spread incentive for the employer to negotiate. education they deserve and need. Nor didn’t just happen overnight. over two weeks). On April 4, 2019 a mass walkout by are any of us sure of the healthcare we It was through consultations with Under the new law, the same worker students across the province protested must have. labour groups that it finally passed, would have the hours averaged over a the changes to education. It is time for the Ford government with gains to help working-class people, month instead of two weeks, resulting These changes by the Ford govern- to live up to its election promises, and such as common sense changes – no in overtime pay of just four hours. ment will increase class sizes, require be there for all the people. requirements for a doctor’s note if you People work overtime to get addi- students to take more online courses, are sick for up to 10 days in a year. This tional pay; but this Bill passed by the change the province’s autism program Jaspal Brar is president of Unifor made absolute sense because we are Ford government puts less money into amongst other things, and will also re- Local 1285. all human and not immune to getting the workers’ pockets and more into the sult in reducing the numbers of school sick with colds and flu. Good rest and employers’ pockets. over-the-counter medication helps the Freezing minimum wages at $14 an majority of people recover. The Liberal hour did nothing to help those living government approved Bill 148. But on or below the poverty lines. Ford’s Conservatives reversed it, so Many big corporations rake in prof- now employers can force their employ- its, and this just helps them get richer ees to bring in a doctor’s note. to the detriment of workers. These This will not only enable the cold or corporations can afford to pay their flu symptoms to be passed on to other workers a livable wage without going people but most doctors will charge bankrupt; it just means they will not be Seniors’ Lunch Bunch the patient for the note and bill our making much higher profits. FOOD AND FRIENDS: A DELICIOUS COMBINATION healthcare system. Last year we saw teachers at York ON Peel hosts weekly se- Rathburn area. Transportation is avail- niors-only lunch clubs, able for the Monday and Wednesday Vnamed Senior’s Lunch lunches. Bunch and held in various locations Meals begin at noon with soup across Mississauga. Local seniors or salad, followed by a main entrée mix and mingle while eating a freshly (spaghetti and meatballs, anyone?) prepared nutritious meal. and finishes with dessert, coffee and For more than 10 years VON tea. Peel, a Canadian non-profit orga- Want to join a lunch group? nization, has organized Senior’s Phone 905 821-3254. Lunch Bunch, with the help of Phone the same number if you volunteers. are interested in volunteering to Senior’s Lunch Bunch is held on help at lunches or other programs Mondays in the Erin Mills-Collegeway such as Meals on Wheels, Volunteer area, Wednesdays in Clarkson and Visiting or S.M.A.R.T Exercise. Meadowvale, Thursdays in Streetsville, Deb Kuipers, Care Coordinator and Fridays in the Cawthra and VON Canada, Peel 14 Tough Times – May-June, 2019 IF MISSISSAUGA SEPARATESI Will the cash-poor be better off? he Region of Peel could split up. in Mississauga who are supported by looking for a bigger place, to offer OW budgeted by the previous Liberal Mississauga Council is payments from Ontario Works, Ontario more services such as job training, help government. Taxpayers provide the Texamining the possibilities of Disability Support Program, other for addictions. Needs money. cash, no matter which political party separating from the Region, and having forms of welfare. OW alone has about Everybody needs cash. OW pays pulls the purse strings. its own tax base and providing its own 9,000 recipients a month in Mississauga, a single person $733 a month, $1,119 Would the cash-poor be better off services, while Brampton and Caledon Brampton/Caledon has a few more. for a single parent with one child. The in a separate Mississauga? remain with the Region. Mississauga has all the shelters for shelter allowance is part of that, listed Tough Times made a presentation The question for Tough Times: will homeless families and many singles. at $390 for a single, $642 for parent at the public meeting. It said Mayor cash-poor people be better off? Wilkinson Road in Brampton is a shel- and child. Pay less? Get less allowance. Bonnie Crombie has heart, as well as And if so, where? With the Region ter for men. Nobody wants to live in Don’t ever say you are homeless. a good business head. That she, of all or outside it? a shelter. There’s no privacy, no quiet. Away goes your shelter allowance, people, could persuade Doug Ford to And when will we know? People who’ve been there say there’s and a single person is down to $343 a increase allowances. Mississauga Council called a public no safety either. month, $360 for one person with child. Soon? meeting to find out what the public Brampton has all the seven-days- The current rates of pay for The civil servants who will take thinks of the split idea. Of the 200 or so a-week 365-days-a-year soup kitchens Ontario Works are set by Doug Ford’s care of legal details in a split, say it will people present, most seemed to like it. in Peel. Both of them. Only Knights Progressive Conservative government, take years. Tough Times asked about the folk Table offers three meals a day. It’s which pulled back a 1.5% increase in So don’t hold your breath.

which was covered by public funding. BY KIMBERLY NORTHCOTE The rest was covered by private insur- t was a mildly funny story disguised Time for medicare to open wide ance or paid out-of-pocket. as a warning. An acquaintance told for savings in pain and problems Canadians spent a total $5.1 billion Ime about a friend who recently grad- out-of-pocket to pay for dental care in uated from post-secondary and asked for 2015. Imagine how much the quality a trip to the dentist as a Christmas gift. health is essential to overall health. Covering dentist visits under OHIP of life would improve for all of us, Most post-secondary students have Lack of regular preventive care can would free up cash and reduce the especially for people who can’t afford dentist visits covered by their school’s lead to much larger problems, such as demand on family physicians. Besides, dental care, if at least some of that insurance, but those in the workforce are periodontal disease, diabetes, cardiovas- regular dental visits are more affordable money paid for oral care to be covered often not so lucky. Full-time employees cular disease, respiratory problems, and than emergency room visits, dental by a publicly-administered plan, such as may receive a benefits package that in- poor nutrition. surgeries, and treatment of related OHIP. cludes regular dental cleanings, but those Social impacts can be equally harm- diseases, such as diabetes. Maybe then we could afford the who are stringing together part-time ful, as those with teeth problems report We often boast about Canada’s insulin and prescriptions that have also work, freelancing, or self-employment they may avoid speaking, smiling, even health care coverage compared to that been left out of public funding and must budget hundreds of dollars for socialising, and getting a job can be of the United States, but compared which cost individuals thousands of oral care, as OHIP (Ontario Hospital nearly impossible for someone with to many developed nations, Canada is dollars a year. Insurance Plan, financed by taxes) does noticeable oral defects. still way behind. Britain, France, and not cover anything beyond emergency Dental problems can only be effec- Norway each spend more on healthcare Kimberly Northcote has a Bachelor’s degree oral surgery performed in a hospital. tively treated by dentists, but those who than we do, and Finland and Sweden in criminal justice and public policy from the It would be easy to dismiss this as cannot afford a dentist turn to a family include dental care as part of their University of , and a diploma in just a story about a cash-strapped mil- physician, which costs time and money, health care funding. creative arts from Sheridan College. She has lennial, but the implications go beyond without improving oral health in any In 2015, $13.6 billion was spent on exhibited at Joshua Creek Heritage Arts an unconventional Christmas gift. Oral real way. dental services in Canada, only 6% of Centre and Sheridan College.

Hepatitis C Treatment, Care & Support Is Available

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 pie rcings. Reusing and sharing tattoo ink and ink pots • - • Receive blood and body organs tha t have not been screened for hepatitis C. Even in Canada, if you received blood and organ donations • beSharingfore 19 drug90 y equipmentou may be atsuch ris kas. 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. Tough Times – May-June, 2019 15

THE COMPASS More than just a food bank BY AMANDA RYLOTT AND JOHN WILSON On a recent visit to The Compass Food Bank and Outreach Centre, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie told clients and volunteers that her main focus since taking office in 2014 has been on keeping the city affordable. Crombie understands that one of the main objectives of The Compass is to find safe, reliable, and affordable housing for all of its clients. The chron- ic lack of affordable housing is a situ- ation that is difficult to deal with on a strictly municipal level, as the availabil- ity of space for affordable housing is created by the Region of Peel. The city has continued in every year of Crombie’s term, to increase the in- ventory of housing that is appropriate for all people regardless of income. But the waitlist as of June, 2018 for subsi- dized housing in Peel had 13,597 names on it. “Every year,” Crombie says, “new housing units are bought, but every year the wait list gets even longer.” This is just not sustainable in the long-term. The past few months show a marked increase in the number of Compass cli- A place to hang out, meet, eat, and learn. The Compass Food Bank and Outreach Centre is at 310 Lakeshore Road West, Missis- ents who have become homeless, due sauga, at the corner with Benson Avenue. (Illustration by Mark C. Paszkiewicz) mainly to the rising cost of rent and housing. Currently, more than 60 clients and Peel Addiction Assessment and overlooked or difficult to coordinate in to people living on low-income. of The Compass are living in precarious Referral Centre (PAARC). But it will these systems. Canned or packaged foods The problem in South Mississauga situations, and 27 clients are living on take months, if not years, to realize any allow people who may not have many is not that there is a lack of available the streets. longer-term solution to Mississauga’s amenities to continue to make meals. food, but a lack of equal access to food. In June 2018, Mississauga’s City affordable housing needs. But provision of fresh foods should Providing food to low-income fami- Council approved a new Rental Housing Consequently, for many Compass not be overlooked, especially when lies and individuals helps to fill the gaps Protection By-law, which was identified clients, maintaining a diet that includes members use food banks long-term. in the short term, but it is not a solution as a priority in its 2016 Making Room healthy, fresh foods can also be difficult. A program The Compass has intro- to the issue of chronic food insecurity. for the Middle housing strategy. Many obstacles hinder access to food – duced to make fresh produce more ac- Therefore, it is important for food banks The Compass continues to work housing insecurity, low wages, and pre- cessible is the Good Food Box (GFB). In to do more than just provide food. with all levels of government to in- carious employment are just some of partnership with FoodShare Toronto, The The Compass is committed to ad- crease the supply of affordable housing the systemic issues which contribute to Compass provides space for community vocating for its clients and promoting in Mississauga and give low-income food inaccessibility. members to get a variety of produce at a greater awareness of the underlying community members a better life. If most of your income is keeping lower price than at a grocery store. issues that cause people to experience This winter, The Compass’ new a roof over your head and paying the Similar to community-supported food insecurity and precarious housing Winter Survival Program provided bills, how much money can you spend agriculture, consumers sign up for the in our community. blankets and care packages to help our on healthy food? If you are not living GFB beforehand and collect their box homeless clients make it through the in a home, how can you cook or store of produce the following Thursday. John Wilson is Managing Editor of cold weather, with several of our sup- food? How can one find employment This program is open to clients of Compass Directions, a newsletter published porting churches providing beds to our to afford these things? The Compass and to community mem- quarterly. homeless residents on nights when ex- Healthy, fresh foods tend to cost more bers for a scaling price. Clients of The treme cold weather alerts were declared. than processed foods and therefore they Compass pay $14 per box while com- Amanda Rylott is a Contributing Writer to The Compass also provides ac- can be out of reach for lower-income munity members pay $19. Community Compass Directions. She has a master’s degree cess to an employment coordinator, families. Non-perishable food items are members who participate in GFB are in Agrarian Food and Environmental Studies representatives from Ontario Works, such an important part of food banks subsidizing the boxes for clients and from the International Institute of Social Supportive Housing in Peel (SHIP) that the need for fresh foods is often making balanced diets more accessible Studies of Erasmus University, Rotterdam. 16 Tough Times – May-June, 2019 Visit peelregion.ca @regionofpeel

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