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Vol. 4 No. 6 / October 2015 NDP demands: NO MORE CARDING

Jagmeet Singh, Deputy Leader of 3. In order to protect people’s the NDP, says “carding” has rights, what oversight can the got to stop. government apply to ensure that It is a practice where police stop and these interactions are conducted question members of the public, record properly? replies and feed the answers into a data base. Objections have been made to Singh objected to the questions and “carding” on claims that police target said: black youth, who regard the stops, the “There has been community activ- questions, and the recording, as intim- ists, a number of personal stories, legal idation. associations and civil liberties groups Singh, MPP for Bramalea-Gore- who have clearly articulated that we Malton, spoke at a meeting in know what street checks are, we know called by the Ministry of Community what carding is. Safety and Correctional Services. “These are processes -- practices Among the 100 or so in atten- where people are arbitrarily stopped dance were members of the black – questioned and their information is community, senior police officers, the recorded mayor of Brampton and the mayor of “What it does is, it sends a message Mississauga (both are members of Peel to certain people in our community Police Services Board), representatives that they don’t belong. And it must be of Peel’s Black Community Action stopped. Network, and others. “This is a practice that cannot be regulated. We know it is already being Why carding must end: challenged in court – a challenge to the The meeting was conducted as a idea of stopping arbitrarily and asking workshop, with three questions for dis- questions and recording the data. We cussion: are confident it will be determined to 1. How would you define a street be illegal check? “How can we answer the questions 2. If a police officer stops an indi- posed? In 2011, Senate page Brigitte LePape caused a stir when she held a homemade vidual, asks them questions, and “If a police officer stops and ques- stop sign with the addition of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s surname during the Throne Speech. With a federal election set for October 19, some citizens records their information, what tions an individual without any grounds. have taken a page out of LePape’s book and posted Stop Harper signs across rules do you think should be in “This is a practice that should not the country. The sign here is in Streetsville. Note that street signs are municipal place to govern these interac- happen in the first place. property so you could be fined for violating local bylaws. (Tough Times photo. Re- tions? (CARDING, continued on p. 11) search by Marine Makris) See more on page 11

says VOTE 2 Tough Times - October 2015 Did You Tough Times is published Know? seven times a year Next issue: Nov/Dec 2015 PEEL POVERTY Deadline for ads and editorial: ACTION GROUP November 1, 2015. Peel Poverty Action Group We encourage and welcome volunteer (PPAG) is open to every writers, reporters, artists, cartoonists, individual and organization in photographers, distributors and sales Peel Region that cares about folk to join Tough Times. what poverty does to people. Please email letters to: It provides a safe place where [email protected] people who are cash-poor and Editor: those who try to help them are Edna Toth encouraged to speak out.-- and Associate Editor: Tough Times is part of that safe Ryan Gurcharn place. Graphic Designer: The Group’s mandate is to DownDown TurnTurn AbbeyAbbey Patti Moran advocate for people in need and to educate the public about -- Contributors: (alphabetically by last name) poverty issues. Michelle Bilek, Laura Bilyea, Brad Voting while homeless Butt, Ed Crewson, Bonnie Crombie, Membership is free. Meetings You need a street address to vote in the While waiting for the food bank… Dianne Douglas, Eric Guerbilsky, Ryan take place at 9.15 a.m. the October 19 federal election. “My daughter pays $950 for rent, for Gurcharn, Harbaljit Kahlon, Farheen second Thursday of every Living in your car? Elections herself and her 12-year-old son. Social Khan, Rosemary Keenan, Lhin Nguy- month, alternately in Mississauga takes a driver’s licence, assistance gives her $663, then there’s en, Adaoma Patterson, Martin Singh, or Brampton. an ID card issued by the Ontario $212 for her son. It doesn’t even pay the Pauline Thornham, Rehya Yazbek. Printed by: Atlantic Web Printers www.ppag.wordpress.com Government, or any other govern- rent, not to mention food or supplies ment card with your photo, name, and when her son goes back to school. She current address, as proof of address. had to borrow from family and friends. One of these items is adequate proof She must repay more than $2000. Now for voting purposes. she has a seven-month contract job. Homeless: If you are homeless and don’t have The government can do better for us. Advertising any of these, go to your nearest shelter They have no compassion.” The Video or soup kitchen for help. In Brampton, Rates Knights Table at 287 Glidden Road (just The worry Spaces and Places: Uncovering east of Kennedy Road) or Regeneration “The worst part of being poor is that Tough Times distributes 10,000 Homelessness in the Region of Peel copies, throughout Peel Region. at Grace United Church, 156 Main Street you worry – constantly – about how is a 15-minute video in which North, will give you a letter that will you will manage – how will you eat, or Target audience is people homeless people describe their experiencing homelessness, using experiences. satisfy Elections Canada. (Mississauga pay the rent, or pay bus fare. The worry does not have a soup kitchen.) never leaves you.” food banks and soup kitchens, people who are struggling, A team from PPAG including a However, in this case, you need two plus faith groups, social service once-homeless person, will show approved pieces of paper, not just one, Eating at the soup kitchen… the video to a group on request. agencies, trades unions, business as proof of who you are. “I’ve got a job at Peace Ranch in people, and the general public. There is no charge. Have you got a health card? Caledon. I go one day a week to work To advertise in Tough Times: To book a showing contact Canadian passport? Birth certificate? on the farm. They pick me up and drop Citizenship card? Credit card? Library me off. The pay is all right. I pick po- [email protected] [email protected]. Allow Phone: 905 826-5041 card? Utility bill? Personal cheque? tatoes, do some weeding. I follow the about 45 minutes for the video Mail address: 4 - 287 Glidden Road and discussion. Government cheque or cheque stub? tractor. I don’t drive it. It’s life in the Brampton ON L6W 1H9, Canada These are just a few of a long list of outdoors and I enjoy it. I get a bit sore The video was made by a acceptable documents. sometimes – I’m out of shape. Peace Advertising rates: (colour included) team from York University, in Will homeless people have at least Ranch is a commercial operation and Business card: $75 1/16 page: $85 cooperation with the Social one of them? Probably not. they sell what they grow.” 1/8 page: $135 Planning Council of Peel, In Mississauga, homeless voters financed by a grant from the 1/4 page: $205 Bedbugs and worse Ontario Trillium Foundation. in need of identity letters can visit 1/2 page: $375 the Salvation Army shelter at 3167 I’m in a rooming house. The landlord 3/4 page: $515 Download at: Cawthra Road, or consult Peel’s Family fumigated, but the bed bugs and cock- Full page: $655 http://ppag.wordpress.com/ Living Centre on Dundas Street East. roaches are still there. I’ve been bitten A full page is approximately 10 inches spaces-and-places-video/ Food banks should contact the by bed bugs as you can see (he shows wide by 12 inches deep = 120 square Returning Officer of their riding if they the now-healed scars) so lost my job at a inches. E&OE want to issue letters to homeless clients. restaurant. I want to work. Tough Times - October 2015 3 Where the girls are BY called House Officers. Under MICHELLE Tom’s leadership, six of the BILEK nine NDP House Officers Women were women, including two New deputy Leaders, the Whip and Democrats the NDP Caucus Chair. are running By contrast, Justin Trudeau in six of Peel included just one woman Region’s 12 ridings. among House Officer posi- Why? Because women are tions. Almost 40% of New proud to campaign with Tom Democrat Opposition Day Mulcair, a leader who values motions and over 46% of their presence and participa- Question Period questions tion as MPs. All party Leaders were sponsored by female in this election say they want to MPs. Less than 10% of Liberal see more women in politics. But Opposition Day Motions, and what sets Tom Mulcair apart is less than 20% of Question Above: With voting day still some weeks away, women New Demo- crats seeking election in Peel ridings are already holding their own that he’ll get the job done. We are Period questions were spon- caucus meetings. From left: Farheen Khan, running in Mississauga with Tom Mulcair’s team because sored by female Liberal MPs, Centre; Dianne Douglas, in Mississauga Malton; Adaoma Patterson, he backs up words with action. and that number is even small- Brampton West; Michelle Bilek, Mississauga Erin Mills; Rosemary First, getting women elect- er under Trudeau’s leadership. Keenan, Brampton Centre. (Tough Times photo) ed to the House of Commons; And on making the right second, making sure women’s choices on tough questions Left: Rehya Yazbek is running for the NDP in Dufferin Caledon. voices are heard in Parliament; and issues in Parliament, once a million new childcare spaces are ready for change and under and third, taking principled again Tom has proven that he’ll across Canada, and will help Tom Mulcair’s leadership, we’re stands against policies that neg- back up his principles with ac- level the playing field for young ready too. atively affect women while pro- tion time and again. In the last mothers who want to return to • Michelle Bilek, posing policies that advance the parliament, the NDP caucus approach is a hallmark of the workforce. Far from being NDP candidate for equality of women in Canada. brought forward a law to require his leadership in . He too costly it’s a plan Canada can Mississauga – Erin Mills For the second straight fed- gender parity on the boards of strongly believes that more no longer afford to do without. • Dianne Douglas, eral election the NDP has the our Crown corporations; they women are needed in the In Tom Mulcair, the NDP NDP candidate for highest-ever number of women succeeded in having the tax House of Commons, and that has a Leader with a concrete Mississauga – Malton running for office -- 145 women on feminine hygiene products they should play key roles in plan to repair the damage of • Farheen Khan, or 43% of the NDP slate. The removed; and they voted unan- caucus leadership. And he Stephen Harper, the courage NDP candidate for previous record: 124 women imously to stop a Parliamentary backs those words with action. of his convictions, and a track Mississauga Centre candidates (40% of 308), was committee from re-opening the Our experience as leaders record backing up those con- • Rehya Yazbek, set by the NDP in the last cam- debate on a woman’s right to in our communities has taught victions with action – as he did NDP candidate in Dufferin- paign and resulted in 40 NDP choose. By contrast once again, us that “women’s issues” when he voted against C-51, Caledon women elected. Trudeau’s caucus split on the are actually priorities for all the so-called anti-terrorism bill. • Rosemary Keenan, Then, on ensuring the voic- abortion vote, including three Canadians who want to build We are proud to be joining NDP candidate in es of women are heard, Tom’s Liberal candidates who are still a country that is fairer, stron- the team of women that will Brampton Centre record is clear: Party Leaders on Trudeau’s team and running ger and more inclusive for all. help form the first social dem- • Adaoma Patterson, in Parliament surround them- for office again in this election. For example, Tom’s plan for ocratic Canadian government NDP candidate in selves with a group of MPs Tom Mulcair’s principled $15-a-day childcare will create in history. Canadian women Brampton West Don’t Go Hungry. If you are struggling to make ends meet, have to choose between paying rent or buying food, or have more bills than income... The Mississauga Food Bank is here to help you. Anyone in need and living in Mississauga can use a neighbourhood food bank or other member agency regardless of age, sexual orientation, race, religion, gender or immigration status. Visit www.themississaugafoodbank.org/getfood 4 Tough Times - October 2015 Authorized by the Official Agents for Farheen Khan, Fayaz Karim, Michelle Bilek, Eric Guerbilsky, Ali Naqvi and Dianne Douglas Agents for Farheen Khan, Fayaz Karim, Michelle Bilek, Eric Guerbilsky, Authorized by the Official Tough Times - October 2015 5 SEVA Food Bank puts people first – and so does the NDP

BY HARBALJIT KAHLON cessities. An NDP government is com- that Canadians deserve a fair wage, munity leaders to service organizations It’s hard to understand how resi- mitted to working directly with housing decent employment standards and op- and including all levels of government, dents of Canada, a country as rich and organizations, with communities, and portunities to create a prosperous life. need to address together. We CAN developed as Canada is, are still strug- all levels of government, to put a na- I support bringing back the federal end poverty in Canada. We need to gling with poverty. We have about 4.8 tional housing strategy in place that en- minimum wage because it will help us come together and choose to make this million Canadians living in poverty sures Canadian families have access to fight growing income inequality, allow change a reality. and one in eight Canadian households safe, affordable housing. Canadians to reinvest money back into struggling to put food on the table. the economy and give us the opportu- Harbaljit Kahlon is the New Democratic These numbers are heartbreaking National child poverty elimination nity to be leaders in developing better Party candidate in Brampton East. but they are nothing in comparison and a child care plan working standards for all Canadians. to the everyday realities families living Twenty-five years ago, the NDP in- in poverty are forced to face. There is troduced a motion in Parliament, sup- Reversing bad Conservative so much that we, as Canadians and as ported by all political parties, to end policies policy makers, can do to develop long- child poverty in Canada. But Liberals Stephen Harper and his term solutions to the root problems and Conservatives have failed to take Conservatives have delivered 10 years that cause poverty, while assisting these any meaningful action towards ending of bad policies and decisions having a families and children now. child poverty. I believe in developing a negative impact on the everyday lives I believe community leaders, social national poverty reduction plan that sets of working Canadians. The NDP plan justice groups, all levels of government targets and incorporates a timeline to starts with reversing the funding cuts and labour unions need to work to- ensure we are working toward our goals. that affect our health care, social sup- gether, as a united front, to tackle these The NDP has a practical plan that port programs, education, tax fairness, systemic issues. From affordable hous- starts with introducing $15-a-day child and will move to strengthen labour ing to food security, from well-paying care across Canada. Childcare costs are rights and environmental sustainability. jobs to access to education, the New unreasonably high for the many families The NDP has a real plan to end Democratic Party understands what that don’t qualify for subsidies. Often poverty in this great nation. We know needs to be done. parents are forced to choose between how important affordable housing and I have worked hard as a member working or staying home to take care child care is, how Canadians need ac- of the Seva Food Bank to support my of their children, because the cost of cess to nutritious foods, quality jobs, community, and chose to run for the child care is close to what they would and the benefits of investing in our NDP because I believe New Democrats earn. Imagine how difficult it is for sin- social programs and healthcare. We are committed to putting people first. gle-parent families, who only have one also know that this isn’t something Poverty is an issue that the Liberals income and where staying home isn’t an the government can do alone; this is and Stephen Harper’s Conservatives option. Affordable child care will allow a community issue that all members have long ignored. The NDP has a rep- parents to work while knowing their of the community, from com- utation as the only political party to put children are receiving quality, regulated forward concrete ways to reduce pover- care that they can afford. ty in Canada. In this election, Canadians NORTH PEEL & DUFFERIN have a choice, and it’s time for action, Reinstate the Federal Community Legal Services change and a real plan. Minimum Wage Canadians are working longer and g Free legal services for low income residents of Brampton, National housing strategy harder but are being paid less. In 1996, Caledon and Dufferin County

We see the reality of unaffordable the Liberal government eliminated g Problems with your landlord? housing and how it affects many differ- guarantees of a minimum wage to be g Is your rent subsidy threatened? ent communities, new immigrants, se- paid to workers in industries under fed- niors and single-parent families across eral jurisdiction (railways, for instance). g Was your application for Ontario Disability Support Program the Region of Peel. Canadians are often This was a step backwards, a step that benefits denied? forced to spend most of their income removed the government’s responsibil- g Problems with Ontario Works? on paying for housing which leaves less ity to address issues regarding income money for food, clothing and other ne- inequality. An NDP government knows 905-455-0160 Toll Free from Dufferin 1-866-455-0160 [email protected]

905 677 0889 6 Tough Times - October 2015 Tough Times - October 2015 7

BY ADAOMA PATTERSON term effects not only for young tion more accessible and afford- Will you still need me, FOR YOUNG FOLK IN THE LABOUR FORCE I remember working summers people but for all of us. able, and protecting the Canada while in high school and universi- While there are many causes Pension Plan to ensure it will be ty. I worked in all types of jobs – for this elevated unemployment there when this generation retires. will you still feed me … from managing a summer camp to -- a rapidly changing economy I worry that if we don’t change Getting a job is no picnic data-entry at a hospital to working that requires fewer employees, course soon, things will be much BY ROSEMARY KEENAN portant in promoting national standards in the housewares department at a older workers staying longer worse for my son and his gener- hen I’m a senior, living and providing provinces with stable major retailer. in the workforce, an education ation. Like many young people on a pension or fixed funding after deep cuts in the 1990s. Finding a summer or part-time system that is slow to adapt and I spoke to this summer, he may W income, will I be able The First Ministers recommitted to the job while in school required some therefore is not adequately pre- never know what it is like to work to afford to pay for my medical Canada Health Act and its require- effort but there was always one paring youth, more precarious, consistently each summer while in needs? Will I be able to buy food ments: public administration, universal available. short-term work, and employ- school, get an education that leads and household items? Will I be access, comprehensive coverage, accessi- Today, this is not the case for ers investing less in training and to a meaningful career and allows able to live in my own home and bility without extra charges or discrimi- many youth. Since the 2009 reces- support for new entrants to the him to do the things I was able to pay my bills? For many seniors, the nation, and portability across provinces. sion the unemployment rate for labour market -- the fact is we are do – pay off my student loan, pur- answer to these questions is “No”. In 2014, Stephen Harper refused youth has remained stubbornly risking a generation by ignoring chase a home and provide my son In Brampton, 40 - 45% of to renegotiate the Canada Health high. Worldwide and locally, youth the issue and using old solutions with opportunities. people live in low-income, or very a decent standard of living. Accord with the provinces and are struggling to find their place in for a complex problem. Previous generations made low-income neighbourhoods. The Rules governing mandato- territories. This translates as a $36 a changing economic landscape. With years of constant down- conscious decisions to invest in majority are working poor, with ry withdrawals from Registered billion cut to health care transfer According to Peel Data Centre, loading by successive govern- our social fabric and take care of more seniors slipping below the Retirement Income Funds payments across the country over the first quarter average unem- ments, it may be hard to recall a each other. poverty line. Statistics Canada (RRIF) need to be updated so 10 years. Weakened regulations, ployment rate for 15 – 24 year time when the federal government We must extend the ladder of shows that 12 percent of seniors that seniors can preserve their funding cuts and lack of federal olds increased from 16% in 2014 played an instrumental role in sup- opportunity and resources that we across Canada are living in pover- retirement savings. Canadians leadership are making healthcare Steelworkers and other trade union members enjoyed the Chris Brookbanks of Unifor 584, centre, and Fabio Gazzola, CUPE 831, to 18.7% in 2015 compared with porting youth and all Canadians. and previous generations had ac- ty. Seniors living alone are particu- are living longer and need their services unaffordable and inac- weather and the food at Peel Regional Labour Council’s Labour supervise the hamburgers and hotdogs at Peel’s Labour Day Picnic, the overall average unemployment I believe that an effective cess to. larly hard-pressed, with more than retirement savings to be available cessible. Seniors are particularly Day picnic at Heartlake conservation area. (Tough Times photo) sponsored by Peel Regional Labour Council. (Tough Times photo) rate of 8.2%. In addition, about federal government must imple- It is our moral obligation to one in four single seniors, mostly to them over a longer period of vulnerable. Just when they need it 10% of Greater Toronto and ment progressive policies speak out against those political women, living in poverty. time. The current mandatory most, affordable healthcare is out Left: Who are these people? They’re support- Hamilton Area youth are that enable youth to secure decisions that are not in the best So how do we turn this around? withdrawal schedule, where all of reach. ers of the labour movement in Canada, and not in education, employ- meaningful employment, interest of our youth and their For CARP, the Canadian Association funds are gone at age 92, is out Canadians need a comprehen- especially in Peel. All are guests of Peel Re- ment or training. incents small business- future. of Retired People, the critical issues of date, putting elder seniors at sive plan to improve health care gional Labour Council at its annual Labour Youth facing additional es to hire and innovate, include: pension reform, Registered risk of depleting their RRIF. and reverse the damage done by Day picnic. Look closely and you may spot a barriers such as poverty ensures young people Adaoma Patterson is the New Retirement Income Fund reform, The Canadian pioneer for years of funding cuts and neglect couple of New Democratic Party candidates and racism are even more in internships have the Democratic Party candidate for running in the federal election set for October national pharmacare, federal health- universal health insurance was by Liberal and Conservative gov- 19, 2015. That’s Dianne Douglas, far right, run- impacted. You may not same protections Brampton West. She is a passionate care transfer payments, and a Tommy Douglas, a Baptist min- ernments. An NDP government ning in Mississauga Malton , and the man in think this issue affects as other workers, champion of those whose voices are National Aging Strategy. It is clear ister from Saskatchewan who will provide the long-term stable the middle in the black turban is Martin Singh, you, but youth un- cooperating with often excluded from decision-making that the federal government needs was elected to the House of funding provinces and territo- NDP hopeful in Brampton North. employment and the provinces and and has worked to raise awareness to be a partner at the table with the Commons in 1935 as a mem- ries need to deliver quality health (Tough Times photo) underemploy- territories to make about the impact of poverty in our provinces and territories to make ber of the CCF (Co-operative care and seniors’ care. “Caring for ment have long- training and educa- community. sure the federal transfer payments Commonwealth Federation). an aging population is one of the sig- are made, cost-effective programs Those were the years of the world- nificant challenges Canada’s next Prime are established, and our tax dollars wide Great Depression. Millions Minister will face. We will make a major to pay rent or put food on the table. Workers new jobs in Canada are created by small busi- ties, and in improving their shops, restaurants, are allocated fairly. of Canadians found themselves investment in expanding home care to BY ERIC GUERBILSKY take two or even three jobs just to pay the nesses and local employers. Small businesses workplaces. Let’s begin with pension re- unemployed, hungry, homeless. allow more seniors to stay in their homes Small It’s a cruel cliché that people who are cash- bills, never mind saving for a rainy day. tend to pay above minimum wage and offer Small business owners know that the best form. Only a third of Canadian Douglas saw that political action longer, freeing up beds and reducing over- poor won’t take a job or won’t work hard This situation is compounded by Federal better hours, benefits, and working condi- way to increase business is to pay employees workers have a workplace pension. was necessary to alleviate the suf- crowding at hospitals.” Tom Mulcair, enough. Some politicians heap scorn on government reductions in payouts from tions than front line fast food chains and well, so the workers can buy the goods and Retirement security is one of the fering. Programs such as medicare, NDP Party Leader business – “welfare bums” to justify slashing social Employment Insurance. It has become large retailers. services of that business. Henry Ford un- most pressing economic security a Canada-wide pension plan, and New Democrats consulted with assistance. more difficult to claim benefits (though Small businesses are the backbone of our derstood this over 100 years ago – why don’t issues facing Canadian families. bargaining rights for civil servants seniors and stakeholders to build a But that’s nowhere near the truth. all working people pay into EI) and the economy, providing better wages and creating Harper and Trudeau get it? The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) were first advocated by Tommy National Aging Strategy, address- The nature of work has changed benefits don’t last as long. Desperation most of the jobs. So small businesses offer the We will end poverty in Canada by creating is one of Canada’s most successful Douglas and the NDP, established ing needs that include healthcare, the key to in the past 20 years, becoming precar- builds and people will take any job, no best opportunity we have to alleviate poverty “winning conditions” for small business, thus investment funds. Pension experts, in 1961, and are now an integral housing and financial security. ious, part-time, casual, contract, even matter how little it pays or how inconsis- in Canada. leading to job creation. labour unions, provincial govern- part of Canadian society. An NDP government will: in- with unpaid internships for students tent the scheduled hours. That is why Canada’s NDP supports re- We cannot afford four more years of ments and seniors’ organizations The vehicle for making transfer vest in home care for an additional prosperity or recent graduates. Temporary I am one of the fortunate few ducing taxes on small businesses, from 11% to Harper and Trudeau and regressive taxation of all support increasing the CPP. payments from the federal govern- 41,000 seniors, offering patient-fo- work agencies have prolif- who has found a well-paying, 9%. Justin Trudeau has suggested that small those businesses that need the most support. The federal Conservatives raised ment to the provinces for health- cused care from their own homes; erated under Ontario gov- rewarding job in my field of business owners are actually rich people try- We need to improve the lives of working the retirement age from 65 to 67, care is the Canada Health Accord. help provinces build 5,000 more ernment legislation. Some expertise. And I am grateful. ing to avoid paying taxes, but I can tell you people, we need to get more people working, slashing $11 billion from seniors’ It is an agreement between the nursing home beds; and improve ac- in Peel agencies do not pay their I work hard, and know that from my meetings with small business owners and one way to do that is through small busi- retirement income. We should re- provinces and territories and the cess to palliative care and end-of-life employees in full, offer no others work equally hard through the Port Credit BIA, nothing could be ness tax reductions. store the retirement age to 65, and federal government, ensuring fair care. “The NDP will invest in health care sick days or benefits, and – or would, if they were further from the truth. make a modest increase in basic and responsible allocation of our and balance the budget by asking Canada’s rely heavily on people des- given the chance to do so. Small business owners invest in their com- Eric Guerbilsky is the New Democratic Party public pension benefits under the taxes towards health services. biggest corporations to pay a fair share.” perate for any sort of income Eighty percent of all munities, their neighbourhoods, in local chari- candidate in Mississauga Lakeshore CPP so that seniors can retire with The 2004 Health Accord was im- Tom Mulcair, NDP Party Leader 8 Tough Times - October 2015 Authorized by the Official Agents for Adaoma Patterson, Harbaljit Singh Kahlon, Martin Singh, Rosemary Keenan and Amarjit Singh Sangha. Adaoma Patterson, Harbaljit Singh Kahlon, Martin Singh, Rosemary Keenan and Agents for Authorized by the Official Tough Times - October 2015 9

Enough money, enough food, enough education THE WAY OUT OF POVERTY Prime Minister BY DIANNE out to a youngster in DOUGLAS need. Not one child The effects of was disappointed.) in the making poverty can be lin- The face of gering, long-term, poverty is especial- and permanent. ly poignant in our If you want to know who is best qualified Mulcair, Tom. Strength of They take their toll children and youth. to be Prime Minister of Canada, read Conviction: Dundurn, 2015. on the economic, Lack of proper nu- Tom Mulcair’s Strength of Conviction. social and medical resources of trition is seen all too clearly in It’s a 184-page autobiography about our society. Educational success some children; in others, their his life and career that reaches from the has proven links to financial sta- circumstances would not be poignant – he holds his second son, bility. In the United States the known except for increases in newborn, in his arms and sees a cleft education system is failing for attendance at before-school palate, knowing that years of painful lack of funding – more money breakfast programs offered in surgery lie ahead – to the triumphant is spent on prisons than on our community. – Jean Charest appoints him to the needs of schools – and the In poverty, appearing to be Cabinet in , Jack Layton calls current Canadian government less than those around us, of him into federal politics, the NDP has been building more pris- discovering how marginal a becomes the Official Opposition ons while cutting crucial social family’s existence may be, adds in Ottawa, then poignant again at funding. the additional burden of peer Layton’s death, and his own ap- The need is evident: Mount pressure to an already difficult pointment as NDP leader. Zion Apostolic Church offered and precarious existence. Peer The book is a fast history its annual “Back to School” pressure can lead to poor choic- of Canadian politics from the event, where entertainment es when money is limited and inside. How Quebec chose fed- and activities were the back- needs are many. eralism, how the labour move- ground to collecting donations We must do better with, and ment built prosperity (and still of backpacks and school sup- for, those most vulnerable in does), how the Orange Wave plies for many children who our community. is reaching across Canada. would otherwise not be prop- Dianne Douglas is the New And there’s Mulcair’s early erly equipped for school – and Democratic Party candidate in years, a lawyer civil servant, success. Mississauga Malton. writing the laws decreed by (As a footnote, the Back-to- She is chair of Malton the Quebec legislature, the School event ran at the church Community Festival, on the board hardscrabble, infinitely de- for six years, then expanded of Punjabi Community Health tailed, job of getting it right -- the best into the community. This year, Services, and is completing her elected possible apprenticeship for a prime minister 200 backpacks were donated term as Moderator of the Presbytery in the making. and every one of them went of Brampton. On the bus for a buck Hepatitis C Since July, seniors in Mississauga have been riding the bus for $1. Treatment, Care & Support Is Available It’s a six-month pilot, operating in non-rush hours: weekdays from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and after 7 p.m. and anytime on week- You can be at risk if: ends or holidays. • Sharing of personal care and hygiene items such as razors, To get the cheaper fares, seniors (age 65+) need valid photo toothbrushes, clippers and scissors with someone living with identification such as a passport, driver’s licence, health card with hepatitis C photo and date of birth, or equivalent government ID, or a MiWay • Sharing needles used for body tattoos and piercings. Re-using and sharing tattoo ink and ink pots senior ID card (one-time fee of $5). •

For more information on the MiWay one dollar fare, phone • Receive blood and body organs that have not been screened for hepatitis C. Even in Canada, if you 905-615-4636 received blood and organ donations before 1990 you may be at risk. • Involved in medical procedures including immunization in hepatitis C endemic countries Brampton busses Seniors in Brampton have been riding the bus for a buck for Contact: a while now. You need an identity card obtainable at the Transit Bloom Clinic facility on Clark Boulevard on production of photo ID and proof 40 Finchgate Blvd. Suite 224 to book a free test. of residence. Brampton Transit will take your photo and give you Brampton, ON L6T 3J1 a card. Their website mentions tax credits, also a fee if you need Phone: 905-451-6959 | [email protected] photo ID from a Service Ontario office. 10 Tough Times - October 2015 MARXIST LENINIST LIBERALS Frank Chilelli, Brampton Centre: Ed Crewson, Dufferin Caledon: “I was fortunate to grow up at a time when “The issue of poverty cannot be governments felt an obligation to help those in need - my success in life is solved without a system that guaran- Ideas because those supports were there when I needed them.” tees everyone the necessities of life. from the Taking up politics without being an appendage of mainstream parties would be a step towards developing GREENS political Democratic Renewal and implement- Pauline Thornham, running for the Green Party in Brampton North, sees ing a program that is human-centred climate change as a player in the refugee crisis in the Middle East. “The drought and not capital-centred.” cauldron which began the displacement of the refuges from Syria was made worse by Dagmar Sullivan, Mississauga climate disruption which will create more refugees and poverty. It will also put Tough Times supports the New Lakeshore: “By voting Marxist- more pressure on wealthier countries and needs to be addressed. The Green Democratic Party. Leninist you can make a statement - a Party acknowledges this bald fact, and has a platform to do it.” resounding NO to the direction the es- tablishment parties are taking the econ- The Green Party’s published program: Early in the election omy, NO to the attacks on the rights • modernize outdated buildings and plug the leaks that increase greenhouse period, Tough Times and well-being of the people, NO to gases and energy bills. offered free space to the cuts to social programs, and NO to • Karthika Gobinath, Brampton West: “a nationwide employment and ed- Canada’s involvement in U.S. wars.” ucation plan for youth 18-25, and abolish tuition fees for college and univer- all Peel candidates Tim Sullivan, Mississauga East- sity by 2020.” of all parties that it Cooksville: “Poverty cannot be se- • Saul Bottcher, Brampton Centre: “Purchasing medication in bulk will save riously addressed without the peo- $10 billion per year. Canada is the only developed country with universal could reach by email. ple taking up democratic renewal. health care that does not cover prescription medication. It’s time we caught Excerpts were pub- Political power has been put directly up.” into the hands of the same monopo- • Andrew Roblin, Mississauga Erin Mills, and Chris Hill in Mississauga lished in previous is- lies and financial interests which are Streetsville: “A guaranteed liveable income to replace our antiquated welfare sues. Here are more: imposing the anti-social agenda on system, ensuring that every Canadian is able to afford the most basic of the people.” life’s needs in a dignified manner.” CONSERVATIVES Brad Butt, Mississauga Streetsville: “I am proud of our government’s initiatives like the Universal Child Care Benefit, the significant increase in the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Working Income Tax Benefit and improved support for persons with disabilities that are helping people out of poverty each and every day.” Help with having fun Mississauga has a recreation fee as- 42,000 residents have used a credit, sistance program to help low-income 80% of them children and youth. households join city-run activities such The program is called “ActiveAssist”. as swimming, skating, and fitness. You can apply to use it at any Mississauga Eligible families are allowed a fee community centre or at the Customer credit (not cash) of $275 per person Service Centre at Mississauga Central a year. As the programs are already Library, Ground Floor. offered, it doesn’t cost the city extra For more information about money. “ActiveAssist,” phone 905-615-4100 Launched in May 2009, more than

CONDOS ON THE BUY LIST Peel Region plans to buy 40 condominiums in 2015-16 to rent to individuals or families who need affordable housing. Capital is available through the Ontario government’s Development Charges and Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) Extension, and the Region believes the plan will provide “fast access to affordable rental housing for 40 households.” It’s a pilot project, which means more condos could be bought if the idea works. Tough Times - October 2015 11

(STOP, continued from Page One) Why carding must stop Brigitte (CARDING, continued from Page One) LePape lost her “Police officers are entitled to do job in Canada’s some things if there is illegal activi- Senate for show- ty; they do phenomenal work to stop ing a STOP crime, to prevent crime. Harper sign “But we do not want to see the con- during the Throne tinued erosion of relationships between Speech in 2011. With a federal the public and police, practices like election October 19, LePape’s carding, street checks, aimed particular- idea has been revived. A website ly at racialized youth. StopHarperStickers.com says it “It is not acceptable. We stand for has sold out of stickers, but offers ending this practice once and for all.” a free template for folk who want Singh also said the meeting was to print their own. Meanwhile, Mayor Linda Jeffrey (left) was there when Brampton residents, including the Black meaningless. “They could have used anyone found defacing a traffic community, talked about “carding”, where police ask questions, write down answers, this as an opportunity to stop carding, and put the information into a data base. Brampton Black people rejected “carding” sign may be fined and have to pay to stop racial profiling, to stop a prac- at a public meeting called by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional to have the sticker removed. If the tice that is hurting people,” Singh said. Services. (Tough Times photo) perpetrator is unknown, taxpayers cover the cost. ing, where police officers stop people, Why are these signs appearing question them, and record their an- swers, though no illegal activity is un- on streets across Canada? “STOP der investigation. Singh, MPP for Bra- Carding Harper” is an all-encompassing malea-Gore-Malton, is Deputy Leader message for the many bills, policies of Ontario New Democratic Party. hurts people, and even inaction from the Harper (Tough Times photo) Conservatives including, but not limited to: threats to environmental hurts policing protection, failure to call an inquiry to missing and murdered Aboriginal Steve Kerr (left) and Sylvia Morrison lis- Women, the muzzling of Canada’s ten as Melissa Toney (right) of Peel’s Black Community Action Network, talks scientists, the elimination of the about “carding”, at a meeting in Bramp- long-form census, the not-so-fair ton, called by the Ontario government “Fair Elections Act,” the violation to obtain public input on police street to human rights with Bill C-51, the checks. (Tough Times photo) Bonnie Crombie, Mayor of Mississauga less than stellar refugee record, and and a member of Peel Police Services economic policies that benefit the Board, discussed carding with a police upper echelon of Canadian soci- officer and local residents. “I champi- ety while leaving lower economic oned this street check review months ago,” she said. “While it is important that classes with less security. Breaking we provide our frontline officers with meets Brampton residents in a municipal by-law may not be the the tools they need to do their job, and a discussion of carding, or police street answer, but the message to many is to be safe in the line of duty, we must checks. As Minister of Community Safe- clear: Stop Harper. always protect the rights and freedoms ty and Correctional Services, Naqvi is Tough Times and Peel Poverty of all residents, whatever their race, the lead in the Ontario government’s re- religion or ethnicity. Everyone should sponse to complaints that “carding” has Action Group do not endorse graffiti or feel safe. No-one should feel targeted.” become a racist ploy to intimidate black , standing, is leading the vandalism. (Tough Times photo) youth. (Tough Times photo) attack in Peel on the practice of card- 12 Tough Times - October 2015

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