EMAIL | [email protected]
Vol. 2 No. 1 | Spring 2013 INSIDE NEWS Injured Workers Monument Souvenir Issue Page 7 Income inequality getting worse 3 Getting a move on 5 Raising money to build a kitchen 5 COMMENT THE TROTS HAVE Words From The Street Page 13 CALEDON ON THE RUN! Horse tales 12 MUSCLE HILL BRED BY WINBAK FARM, PULLS THE SULKY WITH THE Did you know? 14 STLYE THAT HAS WON 20 OF 21 STARTS. (Photo courtesy of Winbak Farms) Page 5 FEEDING GALA DINNER, THE MONEY BREAKDOWN: THE ENTERTAINMENT, FUTURE & SILENT AUCTION MUNICIPAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS eel Poverty Action Group (PPAG) Times, “I have always made it very clear that I will nights Table, Peel region’s only soup kitchen challenges candidates for council seats not take donations from the aggregate industry or that is open every day of the year, needs Pin the Town of Caledon, the City of from developers. I do not want to feel that I owe K $100,000 to continue to feed needy people Brampton and the City of Mississauga not anyone and therefore have the opportunity to have a and to grow as demand grows. to accept election campaign donations from donation infl uence my votes at the Council table.” It is holding a gala dinner and silent auction, corporations (including developers) or from labour Morrison is one of only two mayors in all of on Friday, June 7, 2013, at 6p.m., at the Speranza unions. Ontario who supports a ban on corporate or union Banquet Hall, 510 Deerhurst Drive, Brampton. “Housing is the single most important issue donations. A staff of fi ve and 1,542 volunteers keep Knights affecting cash-poor people in Peel,” reports PPAG, Campaign donations of up to $750 are a long- Table open. Of the people Knights Table serves, “without such campaign income, councillors could standing practice in Ontario’s municipal elections and 26% are homeless – living in cars or in the woods, do a better job of encouraging developers to are not against the law in Peel. However, campaign or couch-surfi ng with friends; 71% do not have a include more social and affordable housing in their donations from corporations and trade unions criminal history; 43% have a physical disability; 23% plans.” are forbidden in all federal elections, in Quebec’s have a mental illness. Some members of council do not accept provincial and municipal elections, in Manitoba and Knights Table runs social support programs for corporate donations. Mississauga Mayor Hazel Nova Scotia’s provincial elections, and in the City of families, provides volunteer opportunities for youth, McCallion does not take money from corporations Toronto’s municipal elections. job training, assistance for people fi ghting addictions. or trade unions or individuals. Mississauga The next municipal elections are scheduled For tickets or to donate auction items, phone Councillor Jim Tovey, elected in 2010, declared in for October 27, 2014. Candidates can register Stephanie or Linda at (905) 454-8725 or email advance he would not take money from developers. on January 2, 2014, and once registered, can start [email protected]. Caledon Mayor Marolyn Morrison told Tough accumulating campaign donations. See advertisement on page 4.*** Continued on Page 4 This issue of Tough Times is sponsored by Local 966 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees 2 Spring 2013 TOUGH TIMES
The Execu ve Board, Officers and Staff of Teamsters Joint Council No, 52, Ontario, Canada wish to extend their support and best EXECUTIVE BOARD wishes to the Randy Doner, President Brampton-Mississauga Craig McInnes, Vice-President & District Labour John McCann, Secretary-Treasurer Brian MacDonald, Recording Secretary Council on the Steve Rodriguez, Trustee Unveiling of the Injured Gerry Cadeau, Trustee Workers Monument in Brian Lawrence, Trustee recogni on of the sacrifices that workers
Teamsters Local Union 91, Ottawa, ON | Teamsters Local Union 230, Markham, ON have made and the Teamsters Local Union 419, Mississauga, ON | Teamsters Local Union 647, Concord, ON need for all possible Teamsters Local Union 847, Toronto, ON | Teamsters Local Union 938, Mississauga, ON Teamsters Local Union 1979, Pickering, ON safety measures in the Teamsters Local Union 879, Hamilton, London & Windsor, ON labour force. Teamsters Canada Rail Conference-Maintenance of Way Employees Division TOUGH TIMES Spring 2013 3 THE RICH GET RICHER... CORPORATION TAX ...AND GUESS WHAT? CUTS COST CANADA $17 BILLION Tough Times is published quarterly.
ax cuts for corporations money every year than an average shrinking government services and Next issue in Summer, 2013. have cost Canada $17 billion Canadian. And the gap is widening. In permitting unregulated markets to Deadline for ads and editorials Tin lost revenue – and those 1980, the rich received only nine times dictate livelihood. is May 17, 2013. who suffer most from the loss are more than the average. “The income gap inequality is a people at the bottom of the income The answer, Hennessy suggested, physical, tangible thing,” she said, and We encourage and welcome ladder, says Trish Hennessy, director is through taxes paying for social compared Toronto’s Regent Park with volunteer writers, reporters, of the Canadian Centre for Policy services. the affl uent Bridle Path, which has artists, cartoonists, photographers, distributors and sales folk to join Alternatives. “Public services are a great more greenery and fewer roads cutting Tough Times. At a public meeting sponsored by equalizer in our society,” she said, through. Peel Poverty Action Group, Hennessy noting a shift in government policy Hennessy indicated a solution: “It Please send your letters to: described the widening income gap that began in the 1980 when Ronald is not about just taxing the rich or [email protected] in Canada, as leading to “more crime, Reagan was president of the United corporations, although I think it’s a Produced by: more stress, less hope and to social States. “Reaganomics” promoted discussion we need to have – it’s about unrest.” what we do. I Peel Poverty Action Group (PPAG) Hennessy think it’s time Editor: declared we had that Edna Toth that the conversation.” Associate Editor/Graphic Designer: richest PPAG Ryan Gurcharn 1% of member Contributors: residents of Fayaz Karim Annie Bynoe, Dalia Emam, Todd Vancouver, presided, Foster, Hala Ghali, Ryan Gurcharn, Montreal, and was lead Randy Johnson, Fayaz Karim, Motilall or Toronto, Normal vs. Maverick organizer of Sarjoo, and Edna Toth. receive 15 the event. *** NDP UTM President CCPA Director Event Coordinator Printed by: times more Nida Waheed, , Trish Hennessy, , & Fayaz Karim, . NEW MALTON LOCATION Metroland Media Group Ltd. FOR PUNJABI HEALTH SERVICES n January, Punjabi Community Advertising Rates Health Services (PCHS) offi cially Tough Times has a minimum press Ire-opened at its new Malton run of 10,000 copies, distributed location, 2980 Drew Rd, unit 241. throughout Peel Region. The celebrations were joined in by the Target audience is people PCHS’ Board Member, Gurvinder experiencing homelessness, using Kaur; PCHS’ Chief Operating Offi cer, foodbanks and soup kitchens, Amandeep Kaur and other staff people who are struggling, members and volunteers. plus faith groups, social service The second part of the opening agencies, trades unions, business was a community engagement people, and the general public. session that focused on South Asian To advertise in The Tough Times: seniors’ needs and issues. Facilitated email: by PCHS’ COO, Amandeep Kaur, [email protected] the seniors from PCHS’ SAHARA Extension of Langar on Wheels building. Phone: 905 826-5041 Seniors Program prioritized the follow Program currently being run by PCHS; For more on PCHS’ seniors Mail address: 287 Glidden Road, #4 ‘attention areas’ in order: (1) Nursing (3) Exercising equipment for seniors; programming or other services Brampton ON L6W 1H9, Canada Homes for South Asian seniors (2) (4) Healthy/Positive family relationship available, visit www.pchs4u.com.*** Advertising rates: (sales tax extra) Business card: $60 1/16 page: $70 DON’T GO HUNGRY 1/8 page: $100 1/4 page: $170 If you are struggling to make ends meet, have to choose between paying rent or 1/2 page: $340 buying food, can’t aff ord formula for your baby, or have more bills than income... 3/4 page: $480 The Mississauga Food Bank is here to help you. Full page: $620 Anyone in need and living in Mississauga is eligible to use a neighbourhood food bank or other food program regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, A full page is approximately 10 religion, race or immigration status. inches wide by 12 inches deep = 120 square inches. Visit www.themississaugafoodbank.org/getfood Colour $35 extra | E&OE or phone us at 905-270-5589 to fi nd the food program closest to you. 4 Spring 2013 TOUGH TIMES Excerpts from reports of the 2010 municipal election contributions to council members in Peel. THE MONEY BREAKDOWN: Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but readers may wish to check with the Clerks of the municipalities, and examine municipal websites which are required to post reports of election income and spending by all candidates, including those who did not win. The reports include the 2010 MUNICIPAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS names and addresses of donors of $100 or more. Some candidates do not report corporate/union Continued from Page 1 and individual contributions separately. Some candidates post supplementary reports. Tough Times thanks Prof. Robert McDermid of York University and the website votetoronto.ca for assistance.
HAZEL McCALLION, Mayor JIM TOVEY Ward 1 PAT MULLIN Ward 2 CHRIS FONSECA Ward 3 FRANK DALE Ward 4 BONNIE CROMBIE Ward 5 EVE ADAMS Ward 5
A Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: By-election 2011 Resigned on being elected $ 0 $7,785 from 16 donors $2,700 from 6 donors $4,550 from 10 donors $24,400 from 40 donors Corporate contributions MP for Mississauga- G Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: $30,000 from 52 donors Brampton South Total contributions including U $ 0 $13,075 from 36 donors $200 from 1 donor $8,100 from 26 donors $5,300 from 14 donors Individual contributions Total spent: $ 0 Total spent: $30,635 Total spent: $13,820 Total spent: $41,980 Total spent: $56,930 $29,860 from 86 donors in-kind: $1,617 A ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Total spent: $67,310 Total spent: $68,852 ***** ***** RON STARR Ward 6 NANDO IANNICCA Ward 7 KATIE MAHONEY Ward 8 PAT SAITO Ward 9 SUE McFADDEN Ward 10 SS GEORGE CARLSON Ward 11
I Corporation contributions: Total contributions: $53,750 Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Contributions: Corporation contributions: $36,550 from 60 donors from 84 contributors $19,075 from 34 donors $11,600 from 20 donors $17,200 $21,850 from 39 donors Individual contributions: Total spent: $66,540 Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Total spent: $35,304 Individual contributions: $19,500 from 40 donors ISS ***** $10,750.00 from 17 donors $1,000 from 2 donors ***** $5,200 from 11 donors Total spent: $56,749 Total spent: $32,329 Total spent: $ 28,744 Total spent: $35,691 ***** M ***** ***** ***** SUSAN FENNELL, Mayor ELAINE MOORE PAUL PALLESCHI JOHN SANDERSON GAEL MILES JOHN SPROVIERI Corporation contributions: Regional Councillor Ward 1 & 5 Regional Councillor Ward 2 & 6 Regional Councillor Ward 3 & 4 Regional Councillor Ward 7 & 8 Regional Councillor Ward 9 & 10 $108,295 from 170 donors Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Individual contributions: $25,275 from 44 donors $44,300 from 67 donors $32.275 from 58 donors $18,975 from 32 donors $28,650 from 42 donors $152,770 from 261 donors Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: ON Total Campaign Expenses: $5,975.00 from 13 donors $15,400.00 from 22 donors $9,850 from 19 donors $3,600 from 8 donors $7,250 from 12 donors $260,480 Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: Total Election Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: ***** $34,743 $59,616 $44,842 $27,936 $35,817
PT ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** GRANT GIBSON JOHN A HUTTON BOB CALLAHAN SANDRA HAMES VICKY DHILLON Councillor, Ward 1 & 5 Councillor, Ward 2 & 6 Councillor, Ward 3 & 4 Councillor, Ward 7 & 8 Councillor, Ward 9 & 10 M Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: $32,375 from 54 donors $16,300 from 26 donors $7,825 from 13 donors $8,600 from 15 donors $35,975 from 57 donors A Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: $6,700 from 11 donors $1,450 from 3 donors $1,450 from 5 donors $3,000 from 5 donors $26,200 from 47 donors Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses:
BR $42,355 $18,568 $13,851 $14,440 $65,646 ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** MAROLYN MORRISON RICHARD PATERAK DOUG BEFFORT ALLAN THOMPSON GORDON McCLURE Mayor Regional Councillor, Ward 1 Area Councillor, Ward 1 Regional Councillor, Ward 2 Area Councillor, Ward 2 Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions: $25,275 from 58 donors $1,800 from 7 donors $2,186 from 5 donors $8,950 from 15 donors $4,800 from 7 donors Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: Individual contributions: $16,500 from 74 donors $4,175.00 from 17 donors $1,200 from 3 donors $2,950 from 7 donors $950 from 2 donors ON Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: $45,126 $7,116 $7,371 $12,189 $9,235 ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
ED RICHARD WHITEHEAD NICK de BOER PATTI FOLEY ROB MEZZAPELLI
L Regional Councillor, Wards 3 & 4 Area Councillor, Wards 3 & 4 Regional Councillor, Ward 5 Area Councillor, Ward 5 Corporation contributions: Corporate and Individual Corporation contributions: Corporation contributions:
A $7,800 from 14 donors contributions: $325 from 4 donors $1,845 from 5 donors Individual contributions: $2,200 from 7 donors Individual contributions: Individual contributions:
C $8,750 from 12 donors Total Campaign Expenses: $3,555 from 13 donors $1,450 from 7 donors Total Campaign Expenses: $18,803 $5,436 Total Campaign Expenses: Total Campaign Expenses: ***** ***** $13,049 $4,982 ***** ***** KNIGHT’S TABLE gala dinner & silent auction Friday, June 7, 2013 | 6pm | Speranza Banquet Hall, 510 Deerhurst Drive, Brampton (905) 454-8725 | [email protected] TOUGH TIMES Spring 2013 5 THE TROTS HAVE Continued from Page 1 RAISING MONEY TO CALEDON ON BUILD A EDEN COMMUNITY FOOD LOCAL JOBS IN BANK IS $50,000 AWAAY THE RUN JEOPARDY KITCHEN FROM DREAM KITCHEN tandardbred racing, where so Ontario Lottery and Gaming slot o help people in need in Nutritious Food Basket Survey, the horses pull sulkies around a machines were placed rent-free in Mississauga-West, the Eden average weekly cost of basic healthy Sracetrack and the first four past horse racing tracks across the province. TCommunity Food Bank eating for a family of four in Peel has the post get prize money, is losing out Racing got 20% of gross revenues (ECFB) plans to open a commercial- increased by 10.6% between 2009 to the government. And it is riding (about $345m a year) of which 10% grade kitchen this year. ECFB is and 2011. As identified in the Peel roughshod over the Town of Caledon. went into breeding, ownership, bigger asking the community to help raise the Poverty Reduction Strategy 2012-2015, Queen’s Park is changing the rules purses, and 10% to the track operators. remaining $50,000 it needs to complete many families living in poverty have and taking slot machine money away Host municipalities got 5% of total the kitchen that will serve 400-500 to choose between food and other from trotting racing. This is leaving revenues, and the government got families monthly. necessities such as rent. Also, the 2011 horse owners, trade unions, and the remaining 75%, which was $1.1 Currently, ECFB also has an Hunger Inquiry reports that “17% other horse trade workers up in arms. billion a year, every year. In 2012, the advocacy program that ensures clients of the population of Mississauga Without the subsidies that the slots government gave one year’s notice that have access to information on a potentially qualifies to use food provide, jobs – and prize money -- will the Slots at Racetracks Program would variety of community services. With banks”. be lost. And further ill-effects will end on March 31 this year.” the kitchen, two programs will begin: To help build the kitchen, ECFB rattle down the trotting chain. “Racetracks can’t maintain (1) Classes teaching how to cook welcomes corporate donations, “Investment in trotting has already their current staffing levels if the healthy and nutritious meals with the employee fundraisers, foundation diminished,” says Larry Drysdale, government replaces the Slots at food commonly available at the food grants, and individual donations. For who has spent nearly 35 years in the Racetracks Program with lease bank; (2) Training courses to help more information, contact the ECFB’s business and is currently the manager agreements, as has been agreed to at unemployed individuals find work in Kitchen Project Manager, at peter. of Winbak Farms in Caledon. A mare 10 of the province’s 17 tracks,” said the food industry. [email protected] or (416) takes 11 months to produce a foal, DeSousa. According to the annual 899-1339. *** and at Winbak’s Caledon operation The Fort Erie Racetrack has breeding has slowed from the average closed. DeSousa noted 109 layoffs 800 services a year to “we’ll be lucky at Woodbine and Mohawk. PSAC GETTING A MOVE ON to get 400.” That means fewer represents nearly 400 slots workers at standardbred horses for trotting racing Woodbine and expects downsizing. eel’s Poverty Reduction Mississauga, and only $3 on the TTC. just a few years down the line. 80% of The government-appointed Horse Strategy Committee will soon Brampton seniors with Brampton horse racing in Ontario is The Trots. Racing Industry Transition Panel was be posing this question to Transit Senior Identification card can “From 30,000 to 60,000 jobs could told “These jobs generally involve P stores all over the region: “Would travel in Brampton for $1. be lost in Ontario,” Drysdale says, long hours and low pay, and require grocery stores in Peel provide free or On the buses, Brampton issues “not just by people who work among little formal education. But people cheap pick up and drop-off for cash- PRESTO cards with fares at $2.45 for horses, but the producers and suppliers employed in the horse racing industry poor people?” students, $2.65 for adults and $1.50 for of hay, straw, and feed, the truckers love their work. Skills that make It is part of a three-year strategy to seniors. Mississauga PRESTO fares who delivers the stuff, vets, harness employees valuable in the backstretch, reduce poverty: more housing, more are $2.25 for students, $2.70 for adults makers. We are on life support.” breeding barns and training stables money, more jobs, more food, and and $1.80 for seniors. PRESTO cards Town of Caledon Council endorsed are not transferable outside the equine better transportation. Transportation is must be pre-loaded and can be used a paper that Wellington County is sector.” top of the poverty strategy list because on various transit services including presenting to the Ontario government All is not lost on the horses in municipal and provincial governments Mississauga, Burlington, GO, Durham that declares: “Termination of the Caledon. Caledon Equestrian Park is are already talking about it. Region, and parts of the TTC. Slots at Racetracks program will have to be improved and refurbished as a “There is a concern that transit Caledon has no public transit, but a devastating effect on the industry.” venue for the 2015 Pan Am Games. remains unaffordable for a large Caledon Community Services (CCS) Caledon’s horses -- not all of them The federal government is percentage of residents who are forced provides door-to-door accessible trotters -- are a $45m-a-year business. investing $6.8 million in changes to sacrifice other basic necessities transportation seven days a week for It is rare for millionaires, trade unions, which will include a new stadium, a in order to get around,” says the Caledon seniors (60+) and people and non-unionized workers from new grand prix arena, and new indoor committee. with disabilities who cannot drive grooms to trainers to people who and outdoor training facilities. An “Cash-poor people should get themselves. Fees are $4 each way muck out the stables to be on the same addtional $9.3 million will be spent on transit passes because transportation anywhere in Caledon except Malls, side financially, but threats to The wages and salaries at the park during is the means for getting basic needs: which are $5; shopping in Orangeville Trots have them working together. the Pan Am Games and $8.1 million food, clothing, and medical services, costs $5 each way; Etobicoke or The Public Service Alliance of a year thereafter. This will create 160 and these necessities are not being met Brampton fares are $10; Mississauga Canada (PSAC) is whipped up about jobs during the games, and 175 jobs because fares are too expensive.” for a medical appointment is $20, and The Trots. Sharon DeSousa, PSAC’s annually after. When the games are By 2015, the Poverty Reduction medical trips further afield are $30. Executive Vice-President for Ontario, over, the park will host more events, Strategy hopes to see affordable public Check with CCS at (905) 584-2300. describes the history: “In late 1990s a hotel will be built, and equestrian transit in Mississauga and Brampton. To share your transit ideas with the the provincial government wanted economic activity will almost double. Currently, cash fare in Brampton committee, phone (905)791-7800 ext. more income without raising taxes, *** See Horse Tales on Page 12 is $3.50 from April 1, $3.25 in 4015.*** Is Our Government On Our Side?
The Brampton-Mississauga & District Labour Council invites you to honour the memory of those lost or injured on the job.
We dedicate ourselves to workplace safety.
April 28 2013 | 11am www.bmdlc.org SMALL DONATIONS WELCOME INJURED WORKERS MONUMENT SOUVENIR
Brampton-Mississauga & District Labour Council invites you to: The Unveiling of the Injured Workers Monument
Milestones of Labour 28 April 2013 | 11am Flower City Community Campus 8870 McLaughlin Road JIM STOBBE OWEN SOUND LEDGEROCK Brampton, ON Donated all the granite for MOTILLAL SARJOO the Monument SALLY LAWRENCE & ROB MOIR BRAMPTON-MISSISSAUGA & DISTRICT INJURED WORKERS MONUMENT ARTISTS LABOUR COUNCIL PRESIDENT Unveiling the Injured Workers Monument Since 2000, over WSIB REPORTS 238,373 WORKPLACE INJURIES IN 2012 11,000 Canadians n Canada’s National Day of Optimism is better than despair. So let us Canada, the Day of Mourning is now at Queen’s Park in opposition to a Mourning, April 28, 2013, the be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll commemorated in more than 70 countries government plan to eliminate the have died because OBrampton-Mississauga & District change the world.” worldwide. permanent disability pension. The Canadian Labour Council (BMDLC) will unveil a According to Ontario’s Workplace “It is our intention to create a place Labour Congress says, “27 years later, the their employer failed monument honouring workers killed or Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) 2012 for quiet refl ection,” explains Lawrence current workers’ compensation system is in injured in the workplace. Built on the west statistics, 389 fatalities occurred. Of these, and Moir, “where science, art, and social decline. Workers’ compensation boards are to keep their workplace safe! side of McLaughlin Road, just south of 80 Ontarians were killed on the job, 273 consciousness come together to inspire continuously bowing to corporate pressure Queen Street in Brampton, the monument Ontarians died from occupational diseases, global thinking and local action.” to make changes that are not benefi cial melds together both science and art. to workers while many workers are not Meannwwhile... not one employoyeyer “The cycles of nature are celebrated both reporting injuries.” in the sculptures that sit on the four cardinal has gone to jaiil. Is that fair? directions and by the sun that will draw a sign First Monday in September: Labour of infi nity on a fl agstone fl oor,” comments Day – In 1894, Prime Minister John monument artists Sally Lawrence and Rob Sparrow David Thompson declared the Moir. fi rst Monday in September as Canada’s “If the sun were observed and recorded offi cial Labour Day. each day at ‘true noon’ for a year, the resulting movement across the sky would be October 17: International Day for a fi gure eight, or Analemma, or the sign of the Eradication of Poverty – The Peel infi nity, which will be marked on the ground Poverty Action Group (producers of Tough with geode crystals,” BMDLC says. Times) declared, “Poverty is not being Artistically, the monument is a sculpture rooted out. The Ontario government is of three life-size nickel-silver fi gures ignoring the Social Assistance Review that of different ages, genders, and ethnic recommended an immediate increase in backgrounds climbing the curve of a dome. social supports. High rents are a cause of “The concept has evolved over the past 13 poverty in Peel, but nothing is being done years into a 75 x 45 foot, three-fold labyrinth about it. Federally, no poverty plan is in and solar sculpture,” comments Lawrence place and offi cial poverty measurement and Moir. “The monument commemorates tools do not exist.”*** Jagmeet Singh union accomplishments while promoting Artist Sally Lawrence welds sculptures in the Injured Workers Monument with a copper alloy called nickel silver, using an oxy-acetyline torch. She wears a respirator because the welding exhausts from the fl ux used with copper alloys are toxic. MPP, Bramalea – Gore – Malton health and safety in the workplace.” Safety in the workplace! (Photo courtesy of the artists) Celebrating workplace safety, a quote by Donations to support the J.S. Woodsworth and one by Jack Layton will and 36 Ontarians died from work-related To be marked at the Monument: monument are invited be carved into the polished granite walls of disabilities after years of suffering. Total May 1: International Workers Dayy – Is a the labyrinth. The fi rst leader of the Canadian injuries reported to the WSIB for last year: national holiday in more than 80 countries BMDLC Commonwealth Federation and forerunner 238, 373. and celebrated unoffi cially in many Injured Workers Monument of the NDP, J. S. Woodsworth said, “What To commemorate workers injured on others. On 1973 in Montreal, Quebec, Monument Fund we desire for ourselves we wish for all. To the job, killed, disabled, or suffered from the fi rst contemporary demonstration It is a great honour for the City of Brampton to have a monument dedicated 989 Derry Road East, Unit 403 It’s time to enforce the law. this end may we take our share in the world’s occupational illnesses, the Workers Mourning was organized by the major trade union to those who were killed or injured in the workplace. This monument will work and the world’s struggles.” Day Act that was passed on December 28, confederations. Over 30,000 trade unionists Mississauga ON L5T 2J8 serve as a mee ng place for the Day of Mourning ceremonies, honouring these vic ms. Alongside Woodsworth quote will be 1990. It offi cially established April 28 as the took part in this demonstration. 905 696-7444 one from the eight-year leader of Canada’s Day of Mourning, because that was when the Kill a worker, New Democratic Party, Jack Layton, “Love fi rst comprehensive Workers’ Compensation June 1: Injured Workers Dayy – Come visit our community offi ce! is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Act was passed. Although beginning in Established in 1983, following a rally As your Member of Provincial Parliament, my cons tuency assistants and go to jail. I are able to help you in a variety of ways: • Bringing your concerns to the legislature and advoca ng on issues that are important to you. BRAMPTON • Helping you navigate any Ontario public services including OHIP, OSAP, and ODSP • Assis ng your access to health programs such as Trillium Drug or Flower City the Assis ve Device Programg • Providing Commissioner of Oath services for government Gael Miles documents April 28, 2013 • Providing congratulatory scrolls for your special occasions such as Regional Councillor Birthday and anniversary celebra ons Wards 7 & 8 [email protected] I am here working for you, and together we can make change that puts people fi rst. canadianlabour.ca City of Brampton T: 905.874.2671 @CanadianLabour 2 Wellington Street West TTY: 905.874.2130 Brampton, ON L6Y 4R2 Fax: 905.874.2644 @CLCOntario Community Offi ce Unit 18, 470 Chrysler Drive, Brampton, Ontario L6N 0C1 | Tel: 905-799-3939 ||jg email: [email protected].@p ca Councillor George Carlson Councillor Jim Tovey Ward 11 Mayor Hazel McCallion Ward 1
The Mayor and Members of Council of the City of Mississauga recognize the Councillor Sue McFadden Councillor Pat Mullin Ward 10 contributions and sacrifices made by Ward 2 workers in the City of Mississauga and Region of Peel
We are proud to support this monument that honours those killed or Councillor Pat Saito Councillor Chris Fonseca Ward 9 injured on the job Ward 3
Councillor Katie Mahoney Councillor Frank Dale Ward 8 Ward 4
Councillor Nando Iannicca Councillor Ron Starr Councillor Bonnie Crombie Ward 7 Ward 6 Ward 5 TOUGH TIMES Spring 2013 11
We are proud to have had the opportunityopportunity toto workwork withwith thethe BramptonBrampton-Mississauga and District Labour Council toto makemake thisthis ‘Milestones‘Milestones ofof Labour’ monument project a reality. From this day forward this monument will serve to honour the memory of all those killed or injured in the workplace.
Grant Gibson Elaine Moore John Sanderson Bob Callahan City Councillor Wards 1 & 5 Regional Councillor Wards 1 & 5 Regional Councillor Wards 3 & 4 City Councillor Wards 3 & 4 12 Spring 2013 TOUGH TIMES
CAW) local wanted union security – all WHAT UNIONS HAVE WON workers to be union members, and all who got the benefits to pay union FOR ALL OF US dues. This is now a bedrock principle of unions across Canada, and many BY MOTILALL SARJOO, CAW LOCAL 1285, LABOUR COUNCIL PRESIDENT in the labour movement consider it essential to the survival of unions. abour unions began in Canada better chance of a sound education. working families benefit from a Thanks to the financial stability in the early 1800s, and became Then, workers had to fight for a better healthier tax base that can provide that came with the Rand Formula, Llegal in 1872, following a strike deal, while today we take these gains for education, health care, and social more workplaces became unionized. by printers in Toronto to win a nine- for granted. programs. Workers made good wages and were hour day. Ten years later, a national But we could lose them. Corporate In Canada, budget deficits at able to send their kids to university labour organization was formed which domination of our governments could provincial and federal level are huge and college. The government received is now the Canadian Labour Congress. destroy good labour legislation. Two because of low taxes on corporations enough in taxes to pay for social Another 20 years, and workers wanted scary proposals must not be allowed to and fewer individuals in jobs. Services programs -- until the late 1970s and an eight-hour day, better wages, take hold in this country or in Ontario, are cut, and social programs like health early 80s, when Margaret Thatcher, and the right to belong to a union. (1) Making Ontario a right-to-work care, education and old age pensions Ronald Regan, and Canada’s Brian Canada’s most famous strike took province; and (2) Taking away the are underfunded. Mulroney, designed policies to attack place in Winnipeg in 1919, when Rand Formula -- Canada-wide. But RTW is not the way to go. workers, lower wages, reduce benefits 30,000 workers closed down the city. Sid Ryan, president of the Ontario and gut unions. One man was killed, several jailed, but Of the so-called right-to-work: It Federation of Labour, declares With globalization, corporations it was another 30 years before workers sounds great. But what it means is that that RTW means “cheap” workers, could shift production abroad. were granted union recognition and you need not pay union dues. This shuffling from one part-time low wage Corporate profits soared. Workers collective bargaining. weakens the union and in the 24 states precarious job to another, competing saw wages eroded, plants closed, jobs In the 1930s and 1940s, workplaces of the U.S. where “right-to-work” with each other. “This type of flexible outsourced and living standards drop. remained dangerous, overcrowded, (RTW) practices have been adopted, workforce will bring poverty, not It is time to turn the tide. We must unhealthy, and workers poorly paid. wages have been lowered, benefits prosperity,” Ryan says. “The right to stand together with our fellow workers, Unions began to grow. Workers weakened, the poverty rate has gone work for less is closer to the truth.” families, friends and neighbours -- and obtained some security, better working up, workplace deaths and injuries have demand a better society for ourselves conditions, wages and benefits. To this increased. Workers in the RTW states On the Rand Formula: In 1945-6, and our children. All of us must be day unionized jobs pay better and have are paid on average $5,680 LESS a year Supreme Court Justice Ivan Rand prepared to take a leadership role. more benefits. Workers enjoy a better than workers elsewhere. negotiated an end to a 99-day strike Changes are not easy to make. Our quality of life and their kids have a In states without RTW legislation, at Ford Windsor. The UAW (now fight is for social justice. *** OVER $500,000 HORSE TALES ucky horseshoes are needed in the with $1750 in winnings. SECURED FOR PEEL trotting business in Ontario right Lillies’ pay, which started at $15 a Lnow, with the Ontario government week, went up. “I got $50 a week as a STRIKING IT RICH permitting slot machines away from groom, plus free room and board on the CHILDREN racetracks, which horse racers declare will tracks,” and he mentions St. Catharines WITH CANADA ruin their business. which closed down years ago, Mohawk eel Children and Youth Initiative LEARNING BOND But David Lillies, whose career in (still open), Greenwood, now closed but (PCYI) has hosted six events that horseracing includes being a horse owner, the name given to the old Woodbine Phave registered children in the a net household income of $42,707 or less says that in the 50 years he has been in the track at Queen and Woodbine, when the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) and secured after taxes are eligible to apply. trotting business it has always been a tough new Woodbine was built on 788 acres on up to $524,000 towards education for For more information about PCYI or career. Rexdale Boulevard, opened in 1956. children in Peel. The events are a one-stop- the CLB visit www.pcyi.org or speak with Lillies got into the business through Even in the good old days, shop for parents, where they can register an information and referral specialist at a friend, Ben Larocque, in Carman, standardbred racing was not always their child for the CLB and for a social 1-888-836-5550. *** Manitoba, a small agricultural town rewarding. “There are eight horses in insurance number (SIN) at the same time. (current pop. 3,027) about 40 minutes a race, but they only pay the first four. The CLB helps children from Winnipeg. “Ben had a few horses and Nobody else gets anything,” Lillies said. born after 2004 save wanted somebody to clean up the sh*t,” Finally, he and Larocque went to for their postsecondary Lillies reports. “Ontario was the place to London Raceway and “lost the horse in a education. The bond is be. They had a lot of tracks back then. We cheap claiming race.” a Registered Education bought a standardbred, Gordon Littell. He But that was not the end of Lillies’ Savings Plan (RESP) that was a wild horse, but Ben could handle horse career. secures up to $2,000 and horses, and it turned into a pretty good He continued working with horses for grows interest over time. horse and won some races.” 10 years, and went to racetracks all over Although no parental According to records kept in the North America, “It was lots of fun. They contribution is required, Mississauga offices of Standardbred, had lots of tracks back then.” Having been the federal government will the official registry of all things trotting, through a rollercoaster of a trotting career, match any contributions by Gordon Littell ran 32 races in 1966, Lillies is now a regular at the Knights 40 per cent. Families with winning five, placing second in three, and Table. *** third in two. It was the gelding’s best year, TOUGH TIMES Spring 2013 13
The CUPE 966 crowd at the International Women’s Day WORDS breakfast.From left, Mary Jo Falle, president of local 966; Gogi Bhandal, regional FROM representative for the Canadian Labour Congress; Edna Toth, editor of Tough Times; Stefanie THE Pereira with her mom Mary, who is a union steward in CUPE 966 STREET TransHelp unit. TIMES TOUGH BY PHOTO Rob Wight, Glenda and Jo-Anne Brown feeding OW, OH DEAR the city’s food banks through the Mississauga the hungry at the Coldest I have worked on and off for fi ve years. I Marathon, set for Saturday and Sunday, May 4 Night of the Year event, sometimes got 40 hours a week as a forklift and 5, 2013. Find out more by phoning 905 270- 23 February, 2013, at operator, but if I earned too much, I was better off 5589. ReGeneration, in Grace to go on OW. United Church. Brampton LOOKING BACK raised $31,525. We offi cially DREAMER Old-timer visiting St. Mina for its Tuesday soup had 156 walkers. We had What’s my dream meal? T-bone steak, with kitchen, remembered volunteering at Knights over 45 volunteers. onions, mushrooms, mashed potatoes, gravy. Table, when it was on Main Street, Brampton, JOHNSON RANDY BY PHOTO Topped off with raisin pie. about 2001. “Somedays they served 20 to 30 Participants take a break people. But some days 100 would come in.” LADY MISSING THE SUNSHINE after the Coldest Night Walk. Brampton raised $31,525. I came to Canada from Trinidad 20 years ago, and WORKPLACE ACCIDENT We offi cially had 156 walkers. still miss the sunshine. My son is two years old. I In 2006, my forklift was T-boned and I had broken We had over 45 volunteers. shall go back to warehouse work when he starts vertebrae. They wanted me to take classes to From left, Isaac Sellito next school. I like Knights Table because I get a meal train for some other work, but I could not attend. to his dad, Youth Pastor Rob and socialize while I wait for my box from the They cut me off . I had no money for rent. I had Sellito of Heart Lake Baptist food bank. to go in a shelter, which is as bad as it gets. I’ve Church, Brittini Lewis, Jennifer appealed to the Workplace Safety and Insurance McKnight, and Brandon.
FINDING WORK, SETTLING IN Board. They owe me. JOHNSON RANDY BY PHOTO Our family came to Canada from Afghanistan six months ago. My husband is sick, but my son and IT WAS TWO WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS…. older daughter have jobs, and my two younger when mom and her three boys, ages 11, six, and DIXIE BLOOR daughters are in school. four, were evicted from their three-bedrooom apartment in Toronto. Mom says a Special Diet ABOUT THE 2013 BUDGET Allowance was stopped in April, 2012. She could CELEBRATES 25 YEARS More people are coming to the food banks all the not pay full rent and eventually had to move out, his year on June now more than 20 programs time. It’s diffi cult to fi nd a job. Demand for food to spend Christmas in a one-bedroom basement. 15, Dixie Bloor are available. is growing, more children are coming, and more Days later, the diet allowance was reinstated. Neighbourhood In 2011, a new complex pregnant women with young children. We don’t Now she lives in Brampton where rents are T use the soup kitchen every day, but it needs to be cheaper. She’s studying at York University, will Centre (DBNC) celebrates was opened combining there. The government should put more money graduate in 2015, and plans to work with the 25 years of service to the Burnhamthorpe Library, into soup kitchens. It will make more jobs for aboriginal community. Why aboriginal? Her mom community with activities Maja Prentice Theatre people. Lorna, dining at Knights Table is from Attawapiskat. for all ages. Past and and the Neighbourhood present staff, volunteers, Centre. Easily available UNKIND CUT WHAT YOU GET FOR $450 RENT board members and local services include information, The police took my knife away. In the past they He says call him Mike, which is not his real name. residents are invited. Mayor referrals, translation and gave it back. But some young rookie took it. I His income is from Ontario Works, and he lives Hazel McCallion will bring commissioning of immigration need it to cut cardboard to line my shoes. in a Brampton rooming house. Lowest rent on greetings. and employment-related the Region of Peel’s list of low rent places is $450 In 1988, DBNC operated documents, assistance in BASIC a month. Eight guys live in the same place as from a small upstairs room in fi lling out government forms, Canada is safe with supports for newcomers. The Mike, sharing a microwave, but not the kitchen Newcomer Centre of Peel has helped us. because that’s where one of the eight sleeps and a local church. A free Family employment services to fi nd Couple from Egypt, eating at St. Mina and St. there’s no stove anyway. The laundry room is Resource Centre offered a job, English classes, youth Kyrellos Coptic Church, Mississauga. unlocked every two weeks. Water at 8.30 a.m. is activities for families with programs and summer camps. about 15 degrees. Doors are carpet hung over the children up to six, plus a toy A list of programs, services, EATING UP THE MILES… doorway. That’s what Mike says. That’s where he lending library. Activities awards and opportunities can Mississauga Food Bank hopes runners will raise lives. *** were added for seniors and be found at www.dixiebloor.ca. $20,000 to provide 60,000 meals for clients of newcomers to Canada, and *** 14 Spring 2013 TOUGH TIMES DID YOU MALTON MOVES FORWARD ‘MNS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH’ KNOW? alton Neighbourhood great that we get a chance Services (MNS) hosted to see some of the creative PEEL POVERTY Mits annual Free Black and talented people who History Month event at the Malton either live here or started ACTION GROUP Community Centre. In partnership out here.” The evening Peel Poverty Action Group with the City of Mississauga, the included traditional African is open to every individual evening began with a wide range drumming, dances, songs, and organization in Peel of local and professional talents, literature, art work, and Region that cares about what followed by a dynamic keynote speaker spoken word pieces. poverty does to people. KiKe Ojo, ending with an interactive Ojo unpacked the idea of Caribbean dance Socacize™ session. moving forwards and what that meant “The theme of Moving Forwards It provides a safe place where “Malton is such a vibrant diverse for the black community. Ojo is the is one that examines and integrates people who are cash-poor community,” says Joyce Temple- Diversity and Anti-Oppression Senior the past in order to build our future,” and those who try to help Smith, MNS Executive Director. “It’s Manager of Children’s Aid Society says Jacquie Lewis, MNS Settlement them are encouraged to Peel, a Lincoln Alexander Manager, and Black History Month speak out -- and The Tough Community Award recipient committee member Times is part of that safe To find out more about MNS and place. for extraordinary leadership in the elimination of racial the Black History Month event, visit The Group’s mandate is to discrimination in Ontario in www.mnsinfo.org. advocate for people in need 2000, and a former executive MNS is a non-profit, charitable and to educate the public member of the Ontario organization that has provided about poverty issues. Secondary School Teacher’s settlement and community support Membership is free. Federation and chair of its services since 1975. Meetings take place at 9.15 Human Rights Committee. Photos courtesy of Debbie Brown.*** a.m. the second Wednesday of every month, alternately in Mississauga or Brampton. EAT OUT OR EAT AT HOME
Website: ppag.wordpress.com MISSISSAUGA’S COPTIC COMMUNITY PUTS FOOD ON YOUR TABLE t. Mina and St. Kyrellos Coptic Church in Mississauga supplies are sent out with meals, and at St. Mina, host a catering service and run a soup kitchen, one a food bank is open Mondays and Tuesdays (6 Sday a week. Every Tuesday, volunteers cook and they p.m. to 8 p.m.), and Wednesdays (11.30 a.m. to 2 HOMELESS: deliver free meals to 50 families. As well they serve to 85 p.m.), serving 220 families. St. Mina is thus home THE VIDEO meals between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the church on Dundas to Mississauga’s largest community kitchen and Street East. home delivery food bank service. Spaces and Places: Uncovering The volunteers are from Peel’s Coptic community, like The supplies for these feasts (rice, pasta, meat, Homelessness in the Region Majdi Tourani. Finding time out of his busy schedule sauces, and desserts) come primarily from the of Peel is a 15-minute DVD of running his own construction company, Tourani still in which homeless people Mississauga Food Bank. *** describe their experiences. manages to cook every Tuesday. Nader Morcos is in engineering, and his son Ramy who is in construction and A team from Peel Poverty engineering, also volunteers. Action Group including a Meals are not the only service provided. Food bank once-homeless person, will Packing more than 120 Dalia Emam show the video to a group on meals is highly organized Puublications layout designer request. There is no charge. volunteer labour at the Coptic Church’s Email ppagactiongroup@ 416-312-40446 soup kitchen and meal [email protected] gmail.com to book a showing. delivery service. At work http://ca.linkedin.com/in/daliaemam Allow about 45 minutes for the are (from left) Majdi video and discussion. Tourani, Nader Marcos, and Samira Sharobim. The video was made by a team from York University, in Fruit salad is among the cooperation with the Social goodies served from St. Planning Council of Peel, Mina and St. Kyrellos Coptic financed yb a grant from the Church, to please the palates Ontario Trillium Foundation. of people eating at the Download: http://ppag. church or in their own homes. wordpress.com/spaces-and- (from left) Ramy Marcos, places-video/ Samia Abrahim, and Samira Sharobim pack containers.
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The City of Brampton congratulates Brampton-Mississauga and District Labour Council on the unveiling of the “Milestone of Labour” monument. We are privileged to have been part of this initiative to honour the memory of our fellow citizens who have been tragically killed while at work.
The “Milestone of Labour” serves as a reminder that accidents are preventable. It stands tall to strengthen our resolve, reaffirm our commitment to safety and making our workplace safer and healthier.
In honouring the unveiling of this monument, let us together pledge to make our workplace a safe and healthy place to be.
www.brampton.ca