SUMMER | 2018 LABOUR ACTION

THE ABUSE OF POWER BEGINS

@torontolabour facebook.com/labourcouncil labourcouncil.ca 2 SUMMER | 2018 EDITORIAL THE NEXT FOUR YEARS IN

themselves to an agenda that weakens workers’ rights and economic equality. But there were some victories - we can celebrate the election of many dynamic New Democrats to Queen’s Park. The NDP ran on a bold platform of social justice, and the ten new NDP MPP’s in will join as champions in confronting the direction of the new government. It will be essential that they help give voice to resistance and assist in building powerful movements for social justice across the province. A difficult battleground will be the issue of climate change and just transition to a low-carbon future. His It was the wildest election in living memory. The Liberal Party abrupt reversal of cap-and-trade will collapsed, the NDP elected the most MPP’s in a generation, and throw important energy conservation is the new Premier. His message of tax cuts, lower gas investments into turmoil, and eliminate funding for vital mitigation prices, and challenging the privilege of elites hit home, including measures such as energy retrofits with many working families. The Ford campaign cynically of schools and social housing, as refused to provide any concrete indication of how a Conservative well as industrial transition. A Ford government would pay for its many promises. government will mimic the same approach to the environment as the There will be four years of turmoil public services and frontline workers. Harper regime, setting us back years across Ontario, but many people don’t But some of the first acts of the in our efforts to take on this crucial see that yet – they believe they voted government may be popular, so our challenge. to end hallway medicine, lower gas messaging must be accurate. It will be For cities and school boards, the prices and turf overpaid executives, all essential to safeguard democracy in relationship with the provincial while front line jobs will be protected. our public institutions, because a key government is fraught with difficulty. What they don’t realize is how much tactic of the Conservatives and U.S. A central demand of parents and public services and public sector Republicans is to strip accountability education workers is to fix the workers will be under attack to pay from government decision-making broken funding formula and invest in for promised tax giveaways of the process. classroom resources. Municipalities Ford campaign. Or the reality that History shows that each time the are still recovering from the disastrous private sector employers will be given downloading of costs and services by Conservatives take power they drive a free hand to exploit workers, wages the Harris government decades ago. down the standards that working will stagnate and precarious work will Transit workers are concerned about a people have secured. Their rhetoric expand. takeover and privatization of subway We saw how and Rob criticizes the “elites”, but their service. There is no plan to address Ford moved with lightning speed actions inevitably align with the crumbling social housing stock, and to privatize assets and gut workers’ interests of big business. And no no mention of support for social rights. There is no question that this matter how much some moderate services. The wild card for Ontario Conservative regime will operate corporate leaders decry the behaviour is the impact of Trump’s moves on the same way, and that labour and of politicians like Ford or Trump, tariffs. With a potential trade war community activists must be prepared business wants lower corporate looming, industrial workers need a for an immediate fight to defend taxes and most will accommodate plan to defend their jobs. LABOURACTION 3

The labour movement has learned pharmacare, expanded childcare, and Ford about the real impact of the from experience that we must resist more, and show that Ford will hurt decisions his government makes. every attack on working people, on the living standards of most Ontarians Through all this, we have to take time the poor or marginalized, on civil if he tries to reverse those gains. to deepen the political understanding society and on democracy. It is never of activists in every union, including easy to maintain solidarity in the face We must join with all others to reject a new generation of leaders. It won’t of powerful forces that will attempt to the politics of greed and division, divide and conquer. Our leadership building broad coalitions and working be an easy four years, but through will be tested many times. Now is the in both parliamentary and extra- our efforts we continue to strive for time to defend the hard-won progress parliamentary forms of struggle. a better future, fighting for a society we made in recent years – including And we must continuously talk to that provides fairness, good jobs and the minimum wage, Bill 148, partial the working families that voted for dignity for all.

The Labour Council will: • Undertake a comprehensive outreach to all affiliates and activists to prepare for the tough struggles ahead

• Expand our ability to communicate with union members, diverse communities and the general public about the values of social, economic, racial, gender and climate justice that anchor our labour movement

• Build broad coalitions to challenge regressive policies of the Ford government

• Defend workers’ rights and the gains in Bill 148 including the $15 Minimum Wage, and urge unions to undertake mass organizing drives among precarious workers

• Work to overcome the divisions within the house of labour so that we can build a strong, united union movement as the foundation for the important work we must carry out over the next four years

• Continue to call for electoral reform in favour of proportional representation so that the true wishes of the voters are reflected in the legislature.

LabourACTION is a publication of the CONNECT + FOLLOW + SHARE Toronto & York Region Labour Council that is published several times a year. Stay connected with Twitter & Facebook Follow @torontolabour Got feedback? Comment on an article? Like facebook.com/labourcouncil Story ideas? Visit labourcouncil.ca for video, articles, Email: [email protected] press releases & more! www.labourcouncil.ca 4 SUMMER | 2018 LABOURACTION 5

When Ontario Services Are Cut, Sliced And Frozen Who Loses? Despite being Canada’s most He also froze all hiring across Ontario’s of privatization. The LCBO is under populous province, Ontario just Public Sector. This means no new attack as Ford actively looks to allow got smaller. Not in population Labour Inspectors who will go out convenience and grocery stores to sell but in services. Newly elected PC to enforce Bill148, crippling the first alcohol. The LCBO brings in $2Billion Premier, Doug Ford is looking progress Ontario has seen in Labour into Ontario’s public money chest each to deliver his election promise of and Employment law in two decades. year – that’s a lot of roads, hospitals, There is no value to a law on paper books in schools and medicine to keep $6.5billion in “efficiencies” by if there is no enforcement. There can our families healthy. Also, let’s not executing some serious cuts to be no enforcement if there are no forget the good jobs with benefits that the public sector and this includes inspectors who go out to hundreds are created because LCBO is owned by our schools. of workplaces to investigate and ask the public. Doug Ford is abolishing the cap questions. What does this mean for Finding $6.5billion of efficiencies and trade program we share with the workers of Ontario, especially by selling what Ontario owns is the Quebec and California, the pricing those battling precarity and employer same as burning the furniture to heat system that put a dollar value on abuse? your home. Do you really want an carbon pollution as a way of reducing Ford’s first priority was getting rid of extra $5 in your wallet, if you child’s emissions. The money is used to fund the 6 million dollar man, the CEO of education is crumbling, your parents much needed infrastructure work that Hydro One, Mayo Schmidt. They got can’t pay for medication, you can’t both addressed climate action while him to retire with a one-time payment afford to update your furnace and your upgrading quality of life for thousands of $400,000 payout in lieu of post- neighbours are losing their jobs? It’s an of Ontarians. Scrapping the program retirement benefits. But no mention inconvenient question, but it’s our job will cut billions needed to repair the of the $10million Mr. Schmidt will to ask! crumbling schools, fix social housing receive in stock options after retiring! and build transit. We are already seeing growing threats A Review by Gordon Campbell? You gotta be kidding! Doug Ford swears he’s going to $1.5 billion surplus – a figure later After the new roof came in at $563 figure out what’s going on with confirmed by BC’s auditor general. But million, Campbell’s government tried Ontario’s finances. So, who better after the election, Campbell appointed to claim their original estimate of $100 to lead the investigation than a a handpicked panel of BC Liberal million was not a real estimate. donors to investigate the province’s man who has experience fudging And when Campbell tried to build a finances and later falsely claimed BC new conference centre in Vancouver, numbers for his own political was facing a $5 billion deficit, using gain? Ford appointed former BC the final price ballooned from $495 it to discredit the former government million to $883 million – nearly $400 Premier Gordon Campbell to and justify nearly a billion dollars in million more than it was supposed to lead an independent inquiry into corporate tax cuts. cost. A hydro project building 350 km Ontario’s finances. Ironically, the of transmission lines to northern BC person Ford is asking to review Sketchy, unaccountable deals was pegged at $400 million but ended Ontario’s finances has plenty of Campbell isn’t exactly known for up closer to $750 million. On the experience misleading a different being fiscally responsible, given some other hand, given his views on carbon province on the state of its of the biggest cost overruns in BC taxes, it is a little strange Ford says he finances. history happened under his watch. trusts the financial wisdom of a man When Campbell’s government tried who introduced North America’s very When Campbell’s BC Liberals came to renovate the roof of BC Place first carbon tax. Just saying.. into power in 2001, the previous BC stadium the cost was nearly half a NDP government left him a massive billion dollars more than estimated. Edited from article in PressProgress.ca 6 SUMMER | 2018

Meet our Orange 11 - City of Toronto’s NDP Members of Provincial Parliament

Jill Andrew – Toronto St Paul’s An award-winning equity advocate, co-founder of Body Confidence Canada, co- owner of Glad Day Bookshop - the world's oldest LGBT bookstore. Jill works tirelessly to end appearance-based discrimination, harassment and bullying.

Doly Begum – Scarborough SouthWest Dynamic community leader, she chaired the Scarborough Health Coalition and Warden Woods Community Centre. As coordinator of Keep Hydro Public campaign she helped stop privatization of Toronto Hydro and Wasaga Distribution.

Jessica Bell – University Rosedale Executive Director of TTCriders, lecturer at Ryerson University, director of the California Food & Justice Coalition and an advocate for environmental justice. Recipient of Toronto Community Foundation’s Vital People Award.

Cris Glover – Spadina Fort York School Board Trustee, local soccer and hockey coach, member of the Residents Association and the parent council at Dawson St Public School. He has also taught at Ryerson Public School and Central Tech.

Faisal Hassan – York South Weston Since coming to Canada from Somalia, he has focused on housing and homelessness issues. Volunteered with the Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation, Habitat for Humanity and the Weston King Neighbourhood Centre.

Bhutila Karpoche – Parkdale HighPark First Tibetan-Canadian to be elected to public office, she worked with MPP Cheri DiNovo, was a board member of the Canadian Tibetan Association of Ontario, and an advocate for public health, affordable housing and fair wages.

Rima Berns-McGown – Beaches Rima was born in Apartheid South Africa, which fueled her life–long work in fighting for the creation of socially just and diverse societies. A respected author, researcher, and former professor.

Suze Morrison – Toronto Centre An experienced advocate recognized for her work on healthcare, community safety, inclusion, and Indigenous issues. Her passion for change is rooted in her personal experience of overcoming poverty, precarious housing, and gender–based violence.

Tom Rakocevic – Humber River Black Creek Lifelong local resident and dedicated community advocate. Tom was Executive Assistant to City Councilor

Marit Stiles – Davenport School Board Trustee and board member of Toronto Foundation for Student Success, she is President of Canada’s NDP and National Director of Public Policy and Research for ACTRA.

Peter Tabuns – Toronto Danforth Voted best MPP twice by NOW Magazine, ONDP critic for energy and environmental issues. Past Toronto City Councilor, Executive Director of Greenpeace Canada, worked with Ontario Nurses and chaired Toronto Board of Health. LABOURACTION 7 HOUSING & RETROFITS ACORN started door knocking in 2004 in Toronto, Ottawa and Hamilton. Since then we have facilitated 20- to 40-minute house visits with over 150,000 of the lowest-income tenants across these three cities. During each visit we ask, “What is to heat their apartment with their oven, the biggest issue you would like to or have faulty windows that need to be see changed?” Undoubtedly, the most left open while running air conditioning common issue we hear about is the units. substandard state of both public and In the previous government’s Climate Research has shown that every $1 private housing. Change Action Plan, tenants were million spent on social housing retrofits Common issues experienced by low- promised $385 million to $500 million generates energy savings of $1.3 million income tenants are leaking pipes for social housing retrofits, plus $300 to to $3.9 million, as well as additional causing mice, rats, cockroaches, $400 million in incentives for retrofits benefits to residents, such as improved bedbugs and mould; as well as poorly in other private apartment buildings, wellbeing. Without this money, the insulated windows leading to freezing funded through cap-and-trade revenues. province’s most vulnerable tenants temperatures in the winter and extreme The diversion of this money away will be forced to continue living in discomfort due to heat in the summer. from retrofits represents a huge loss substandard units that are up to 25 per For many vulnerable people, for hundreds of thousands of tenants cent less energy efficient than houses. substandard units lead to negative across the province. We are concerned health outcomes, such as asthma, stress, about the ripple effect that substandard Marva Burnett diseases carried by bugs and more. housing will have on tenants, and President In addition, it is incredibly difficult anticipate an increase in socioeconomic ACORN Canada, Toronto for people to even consider carbon and health inequality as a result of this emissions when they have no option but funding cut.

TALK IS CHEAP NOW WHERE IS THE MONEY? When the Ford Conservatives abolish Ontario’s Cap and Trade program, billions of dollars disappear that was intended for retrofits of buildings to reduce carbon pollution, so the question is where will the money come from for this vital work?

Hospital Energy Efficiency Program Home Energy Audits and Retrofits Mass Timber Buildings Project ($64 million) ($100 million) Investing in tall-wood building Making hospitals more energy Enhancing existing home energy skills development. efficient and redirecting savings into audit and retrofit programs to help patient care. homeowners reduce energy costs. SMART Green ($25 million) Helping small and medium-sized Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Social Housing Apartment Retrofit businesses implement upgrades to (school retrofits) Program ($82 million) their manufacturing processes. ($200 million) Renovating large social housing Building upgrades in schools to create apartment buildings Low-Carbon Building Skills cleaner and less expensive facilities. (150+ units). ($9.6 million) Investing in training current and Campus Retrofit Program ($214 Social Housing Apartment future workers to become skilled in million) Improvement Program low-carbon retrofits and construction. Building upgrades on postsecondary ($575 million) campuses to create cleaner and less Improvements to high-rise social expensive facilities. housing apartment buildings over four years. 8 SUMMER | 2018

CITY COUNCIL REPORT CARD 2014-2018 The Labour movement in Toronto works hard to improve the quality of life for the people of this city. That quality of life is built on a foundation of strong public services servicing every neighbourhood, and programs that sustain healthy communities. Those depend on the women and men who work both on the front lines and in supporting roles. Those workers deserve fair wages and working conditions. The city also has valuable public assets which need to be defended. The Labour Council produces a grading matrix based on voting records and leadership demonstrated by the current City Council members, which are assessed on their stand on these crucial issues..

Mayor Tory has often disappointed. He is hesitant to raise money to run the City, other than for his SmartTrack plan. He intended to privatize Toronto Hydro and solid waste collection, but could not get the votes. Mayor On a few issues he supports a progressive approach, on most he C Old enables a conservative austerity agenda. His leadership of the city Ward leaves much room for improvement.

Vincent Crisanti A Ford loyalist, who has consistently supported a right wing agenda 1 North including on race relations. Support's Doug Ford’s Bill 5 slashing F (running in new Ward 1) Council seats.

Mike Ford Quickly transforming into the style of his uncles. Actually voted against 2 improvements to the community benefits package for the Woodbine F Etobicoke North Casino.

Stephen Holyday The other Etobicoke Councillor who voted against improving 3 Etobicoke Centre community benefits and has one of the most right-wing voting records. F

John Campbell Voted for every privatization motion on the floor. However, he did take 4 Etobicoke Centre action against Neo-Nazi meeting in his ward. F

Justin J. Di Ciano Plagued by scandals of corruption and possible electoral fraud, but is 5 Etobicoke Lakeshore fronting the group favouring Ford’s Bill 5. F

Mark Grimes A voice for developers, votes for austerity, and forced the lockout of 6 Etobicoke Lakeshore IATSE at the CNE. But did oppose garbage privatization. F

Giorgio Mammoliti There is no limit to his outrageous behaviour to gain attention. Usually 7 York West votes hard right, except for garbage privatization. F

Anthony Perruzza Sides with workers, strong defender of local democracy. Mentor to 8 4 York West young activists - one who was elected as NDP MPP in June. B

Maria Augimeri Fiercely loyal to workers issues, she has always voted for public services 9 4 and to defend employment land. B

James Pasternak He supports contracting out, and voted in favour of potentially 10 privatizing Toronto Hydro and Parking Authority. But did vote for D+ York Centre regulations for short term rentals

Frances Nunziata The Council Speaker (once again) who has voted with Tory on almost 11 York South-Weston everything, and in favour of cuts and contracting out. F

4 Labour Council Endorsed this Candidate in 2014 WINTER | 2017 LABOURACTION 9

Frank Di Giorgio Long past his "best before" date. He voted to consider selling off Hydro 12 York South-Weston and Parking, keeping with his regressive views on city finances. F

Sarah Doucette Always a unifying voice, she has worked to improve community services 13 4 and against privatization and contracting out. Strong local focus on her B+ Parkdale High Park constitutents.

Gord Perks An insightful critic of the Mayor and right wing on Council. His 14 4 advocacy on revenue tools and progressive public policy are much A Parkdale High Park needed.

Josh Colle Chair of the TTC, who is sometimes a swing vote on Council, but 15 Eglinton Lawrence generally supports the Mayor's agenda. C

Christin Carmichael Greb Probably seen as the one of the most unpopular local councillors, she 16 Eglinton Lawrence has been a hard line advocate for conservative ideology. F

Cesar Palacio Has consistently upheld the austerity agenda, works against 17 Davenport environmental and progressive public policy. F

Ana Bailao Strong advocate on housing, workers' issues and community benefits. 18 4 Davenport Always a bridge builder within Council. B+

Mike Layton Leader on environmental and road safety issues, as well as both Casino 19 4 Trinity Spadina fights. Solid pro-labour vote. A

Joe Cressy New face on Council has learned to work multiple sides to achieve 20 4 agreement while maintaining principles. His work on safe injection sites A Trinity Spadina will save many lives.

Joe Mihevc Mihevc is a vetern leader on poverty, social justice and health issues. 21 4 St. Paul’s Progressive transit expert A

Josh Matlow Matlow is a wild card. Ardent opponent of the Scarborough Subway, 22 St. Paul’s has led on street safety and other local issues. C

John Filion Has had a mixed voting record, and went wrong way on TIEGs tax 23 giveaway. Fights gentrification and condo over-development in his D Willowdale ward.

David Shiner Veteran Conservative has kept himself in the Mayor's corner. Leading 24 Willowdale voice for Ford's hijack of election. F

Jaye Robinson Profoundly anti-union, she was in charge of failed garbage privatization 25 Don Valley West effort in 2017. F

Jon Burnside Votes on the Conversative side of Council, and hasn't shown much 26 Don Valley West leadership on key issues. F

Kristyn Wong-Tam Council leader on racial and gender equity, helped initiate Women 27 4 Toronto Centre-Rosedale Win TO. Consistent supporter of labour issues A

Lucy Troisi Hand picked by the Mayor and conservatives on Council. Her 28 appointment in Pam McConnel's seat was a disgrace, and now she is F Toronto Centre-Rosedale breaking promise not to run.

Mary Fragedakis East York progressive shines for her work on increasing food security 29 4 Toronto Danforth programs, and retail workers rights. A 10 SUMMER | 2018 CITY COUNCIL REPORT CARD 2014-2018

Paula Fletcher Led fight to save public holidays for retail workers, and defending 30 4 Toronto Danforth employment lands. Strong supporter of culture and film industries. A

Janet Davis A long time defender of public services, and childcare in particular. 31 4 Her strong social justice lens will be missed on Council when she A Beaches East York retires.

Mary-Margaret Mcmahon An environmentalist, and an advocate for a two-term limits. After her 32 Beaches East York second term, not running again. C

Shelley Carroll A veteran leader on progressive public policy and a strong voice for 33 4 police accountability. Did not succeed in provincial election so back in A Don Valley East Council race.

Denzil Minnan-Wong Tory's Deputy Mayor has been a ruthless enforcer of right wing 34 Don Valley East conservatism. Ran for Ford's Conservatives and lost. F - Berardinetti Generally follows for the Mayor's agenda, seldom votes for progressive 35 issues. F Scarborough Southwest

Gary Crawford Tory's Budget Chief who tries to penny pinch public services and find 36 Scarborough Southwest cuts in the system. Conservative on most issues. F

Michael Thompson He typically has a conservative voting record favouring big money, but 37 Scarborough Centre showed leadership on the Woodbine community benefits debate. D

Glenn De Baeremaeker A champion for Scarborough, and a subway to Town Centre. Good on 38 4 Scarborough Centre worker issues, but sides with Ford's plan to cut Council to 25 seats C

Jim Karygiannis Can be infuriating on some issues, but helpful on garbage privatization 39 Scarborough Agincourt and keeping public holidays for retail workers. C-

Norm Kelly Mostly known for his twitter performances, he has shown no leadership 40 Scarborough Agincourt on Council this term. F

Chin Lee Has a mixed voting record. A fiscal conservative, but would listen to 41 Scarborough arguments on public services. Left to run in provincial election. D

Neethan Shan Has demonstrated real leadership in bringing diversity issues to 42 4 Scarborough Rouge River Council, solid vote on labour and public services since elected. A

Paul Ainslie Sides with Mayor's agenda on most issues, generally supports 43 Scarborough East privatization. F

Jim Hart A recent appointee due to the death of Ron Moeser, he has generally 44 Scarborough East been neutral on council. D LABOURACTION 11 A PEOPLE’S GUIDE TO NAFTA

The governments of North America are deep into a process of renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement. Since it was signed, NAFTA has • Put workers and their rights at the been instrumental, along with heart of a new agreement. other policies, in increasing wealth • Promote and protect public services. inequality, job insecurity, wage • Include strong provisions to protect stagnation and the creation of the environment and natural a precarious work force. It has resources. weakened public services and led to • Maintain the right to regulate in the lower regulatory standards. Canada public interest. has been sued numerous times by • Remove the energy chapter and American corporations under Chapter cancel the proportional energy 11 over public policy that interferes sharing provision. with their potential profits. • Remove all references to water. The Council of Canadians vigorously • Maintain and expand the exemption for culture. opposed NAFTA and its predecessor, the Canada-U.S. Free Trade • Protect Canada’s supply management system. Agreement. It recommends that Canadians only support a new trade • Protect and enhance Indigenous rights. agreement for North America if it will: • Remove Chapter 11. Find out more at Canadians.org Keep Up The Fight For Pharmacare

The Canadian Labour Congress is continuing to organize to win universal pharmacare. Canada is the only industrialized country with a public healthcare system that does NOT have pharmacre. • 24 percent of respondents in • The Ford Conservatives are reducing Ontario said they or someone else the recent partial Pharmacare in their household hadn’t taken program that would have covered medication as prescribed because prescription drug costs for anyone they couldn’t afford to. under the age of 25. • Today, public spending in Ontario Everyone should have equal access covers less than half the cost of to the prescription drugs they need prescription medicine. regardless of where they live. It’s time • An estimated one in three of the for a universal prescription drug plan. province’s 6,923,200 workers – Help win pharmacare by talking to 2,307,733 – don’t have health benefits. your family and friends, and filling out the online survey for the newly • Ontario’s Drug Benefit covers seniors, but they still pay an appointed Advisory Council on annual deductible of $100, and Pharmacare – go to www.letstalkhealth.ca co-payments of $6.11 on every prescription. To find out more, go to aplanforeveryone.ca 12 SUMMER | 2018 And The Rich Get Richer

Canada’s wealthiest family dynasties are 4,400 times richer than Not only do these families control vast the average Canadian family and much more likely to keep that amounts of wealth, but their members money in the family than they were two decades ago. are also disproportionately likely to be among the highest-paid CEOs in Canada’s Wealthy 87 saw their net Canada. worth grow by an average of 37% “Canada is the only country in the between in four years to $3 billion a G7 without an inheritance, estate family, while middle class Canadian or gift tax on tremendous family families saw their net worth grow by wealth,” says the study’s author David only 16% over the same period; Macdonald. “Instituting an estate tax The Wealthy 87 now own 4,448 and eliminating tax preferences for times as much wealth as the Canadian capital gains and dividend income average, and have as much wealth as could go a long way to curbing the 12 million Canadians combined ($259 tendency of Canada’s tax system A new study by the Canadian Centre billion) to heighten socially, politically and for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). Born Inheritance is a bigger factor for economically harmful levels of wealth To Win: Wealth concentration in today’s Wealthy 87, with 53% of concentration in Canada.” Canada since 1999, compares the wealthy families having passed their net worth of Canada’s 87 wealthiest wealth down at least one generation Policyalternatives.ca resident families (the Wealthy 87) to compared to 45% in 1999; average families. Retail Workers Deserve Statutory Holidays!! Unifor Local 414 members led the campaign in Peel Region to opening retail stores 364 days of the prevent changes to their Holiday Shopping by-law. year. With municipal elections fast Just as Toronto did, Peel Region held unanimously in favour of saving stat approaching now is the time to put public consultations and allowed holidays. the pressure on those who are running delegations at all their regional Had York regional councillors listened for York city council, to overturn the council meetings leading up to the to the retail workers affected by the Holiday shopping by-law and give staff report and final vote. Every change the outcome could have been back the 9 statutory holidays retail two weeks workers spoke in front different. Instead they chose a fast line workers deserve. of regional councillors to have their approach stories told, And they were powerful. which only Single parents, who would have issues heard the getting child care, families where business both parents work retail and rarely side; they get to have a meal together because of never had their work schedules, a grandmother a chance who works in retail who is afraid for to see the the future of her grandchildren and full picture knows how devastating the loss of and the face Sunday already had, and the effect of people on the family unit. Just as in Toronto, affected by Peel Regional councillors voted LABOURACTION 13 ANOTHER TORONTO TRAGEDY On Sunday July 22nd After the shootings on Danzig Street and their parents, investing in strong Torontonians were shocked to in 2012. Labour Council was deeply community services, and addressing learn of the horrific shooting involved in an effort to bring together systemic barriers faced by racialized and people from all walks of life to fashion spree on Danforth Avenue that marginalized communities. While these a strategy to tackle gun violence and may not have averted the mental health killed two innocent victims and its root causes. That effort built on the crisis or motive of the shooter on the wounded thirteen others. learnings from experts as well as people Danforth, they are important elements on the front lines. It included calling Our thoughts go out to the victims in dealing with the bigger crisis of gun for stronger gun control, as access to of this tragic event and their families violence. guns is a basic factor in the scale of and loved ones. We thank the first We know there is no one action that harm which can be inflicted on others. responders and the bystanders who Recently it has come to light that since will solve the problem of gun violence. came to help the victims. This is not the federal government scrapped the It has claimed too many innocent the first such incident that deserves gun registry and associated controls, the victims in every part of the city. But we universal condemnation, nor sadly will number of firearms imported legally into can start immediately by demanding it be the last. Canada has skyrocketed. This is simply that the Federal government restore As each tragedy strikes, we will all be unacceptable. all restrictions on gun purchase and registration, and bringing a complete faced with a responsibility to search for Six years ago we sent every ban to handguns and assault weapons solutions while showing resilience as a elected official in greater Toronto a into effect. And we must continue to society. It is vital that our response starts comprehensive list of recommendations pressure politicians at every level of with embracing our common humanity to address the complex nature of and building social solidarity rather than the roots of youth violence. Those government to follow through with the division. Peace, love and compassion are recommendations put forward a hopeful policies and programs that will change the themes of the vigils and local events vision for Toronto with a focus on the dynamics that lead to young men held since that day to begin the healing three main areas: the desperate need picking up a gun and pulling the trigger. in the community. for good jobs for both young people Riding The Underground Freedom Train

On July 31st, hundreds turned out for Toronto’s 6th annual Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train ride. Organized by A Different Booklist on Bathurst Street, the event marked the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire on August 1st, 1834. Between 1628 and the early 1800s, approximately 3000 people of African origin came to Canada and most were held as slaves. In 1793, the Parliament of Upper Canada (now Ontario) passed the first act to limit slavery in the British Empire. Ontario became a destination for those fleeing slavery in the United States via the “underground railroad.” Finally the British Parliament's Emancipation Act abolished slavery in all parts of the Empire in 1834. The Freedom Train Ride is a celebration to acknowledge the long struggle for racial justice in our province.

adifferentbooklist.com 14 SUMMER | 2018 Indigenous & Workers of Colour Conference 2018

Travelling from as far as Sault Ste Marie, London and Montreal, union workers came together for the Labour Council’s annual Indigenous and Workers of Colour Conference on June 16, 2018. The conference theme was “Decolonizing Corridors of Power, Privilege & Politics” and for the second time IBEW Local 353 was the location host opening their training centre to accommodate over 200 conference attendees.

The Conference was chaired by Equity Green, who narrated a powerful story were presented by representatives of Committee co-chairs Joy Davis and of the racist incidents he experienced OPSEU’s Indigenous Circle, Asian Mark Brown and opened by John in his home town, starting with Canadian Labour Alliance (ACLA), Cartwright, Labour Council President. childhood and culminating in a recent Canadian Black Trade Unionists Cartwright spoke about the need profiling by police as he waited for a (CBTU). Workshops were titled We are for unions to commit to increasing bus in his own neighbourhood. He the Union, Municipal Elections from a diversity amongst their leadership and succinctly connected issues of race Racialized and Indigenous Perspective, staff, and to ensure that doors are open and class in calling for a movement to Building Allyship, Addressing to workers of colour to access good build social and economic justice. Systemic Racism in the Labour Movement and Indigenous Realities. jobs. The afternoon keynote was by Federal The conference theme of A powerful panel entitled “#MeToo: A NDP leader Jagmeet Singh who spoke “Decolonizing Corridors of Power, racialized & indigenous perspective” of his own journey to becoming a Privilege & Politics” was chosen to was anchored by Maggie Cywink, leader of a national political party. recognize the need to build effective provincial advisor on the Missing The conference attendees lined up solidarity in the labour movement, to and Murdered Indigenous Women patiently to ask questions on a wide create activists and leaders who will and Girls Inquiry, ACTRA lawyer variety of issues covering the Truth & challenge the rising tide of hate and Victoria Shen and Andria Babbington Reconciliation Commission, the NDP’s conservative politics that undermines of UNITEHERE Local 75. The panel commitment to climate action and worker rights. The response in was facilitated by Equity Committee strategies to address systemic racism. registration and full participation on member Danica Izzard from OSSTF Following the keynote, the the day is clear indication that union Toronto. participants had their choice of members from diverse sectors are The morning keynote was delivered workshops covering a wide range committed to building a strong and by Hamilton City Councillor Matthew of topics. Some of the workshops vibrant labour movement. LABOURACTION 15 TRADELINX: Opening Doors To Good Jobs Before she started her construction training, Laura was working LEC started the program (then called as a cleaner and responsible for looking after her younger sibling. I’m Eglinton) to provide an entry into the trades for diverse youth facing She had a driver’s license but no car. At the training course she is barriers to employment. Many have taking now, she finds the pace of the lessons is easy to follow and gone on to work in residential or ICI is planning her future. At 21, Laura has a clear goal – she wants construction, and some on the Eglinton to become a drywall finisher and member of the Painters Union. Crosstown Light Rail Transit line. Work on the line has come under the auspices to come by than when he was in high of the Community Benefit Framework school. He has also decided he wants to negotiated with by the do drywall finishing. Construction Craft Toronto Community Benefits Network. Worker is his second choice. TradeLinx is funded by the City of Both of these TradeLinx participants Toronto Employment and Social will finish their 12 week pre-apprentice Services. The United Ways’ Career training at the beginning of August, Navigator provides addition staffing and move into further training as a to provide wrap around supports for participants during the program as well union apprentice. They will join over as after. Curriculum includes essential a hundred other graduates of the Eighteen year old Abdinasir was waking job skills, math with hands-on training up every day to play video games. He program since the Labour Education that includes certifications through the has Grade 10 education but got drawn Centre (a project of the Toronto & York Workers Health and Safety Centre, and into the youth justice system. After Region Labour Council) founded the some on-site experience. Each class starting the pre-apprenticeship program program in 2015. The placement rate of visits trades training centres to help he is enjoying the hands-on work. He TradeLinx participants in the unionized them understand the depth of union also finds the math skills much easier trades is over 90% provided training. Hello!? Can Anybody Help Me? The Toronto Public Library (TPL) is conducting a pilot project Several to “test” the idea of staffless libraries. The idea is to extend open libraries in the United hours of many, if not all, 100 library branches in Toronto. The States and test begins early September at two of TPL’s smallest branches, Europe Todmorden and Swansea. If “successful,” (as determined by TPL have been management), the project will be expanded system wide. experimenting with staffless During the new open hours, there will world’s best. Haley is alarmed by the libraries. But guarding against problems be no library workers onsite to assist potentially unintended consequences such as drug use, patron safety and patrons and safeguard library assets. In of unsupervised access to public assets, others has proven to be costly. response, the union, the Toronto Public worth hundreds of millions of dollars, “When two people start arguing about Library Workers’ Union (TPLWU, CUPE not to mention the personal safety of who has the right to use one of the 4948), is planning a public education users, particularly students and seniors. library’s computers, who’s going to campaign highlighting the problems “So many things could go wrong in a intervene? If someone is hurt, how long with shedding library workers, despite staffless library,” says Haley. “We have will it take for someone to notice and get the rapidly growing demand for the problems even when there is staff on help?” services they provide. duty - problems with theft, harassment, Stay tuned for news on the union TPLWU President, Brendan Haley, and disputes among patrons. On top campaign and how you can help prevent has worked for TPL over 40 years of this, there is an increasing demand this attack on one of Toronto’s most and knows every nook and cranny by patrons for the information and popular, and important public services. of the Toronto library system, which advice that library workers are uniquely is widely regarded as one on the qualified to give.” THE ABUSE OF POWER BEGINS Conservatives ran the province. This the Fords ran City Hall. They scrapped move is driven not by a pursuit of transit plans and cut services, savings. It is about restoring backroom outsourced jobs and targeted libraries deals by wealthy powerbrokers - for closure. We now see how that same reducing accountability so they can chaos will be imposed from Doug profit from the resources of our cities. Ford at Queen’s Park. Ford ran and Behind it will be a drive to privatize lost his bid to be Mayor. For many this services and sell off public assets. surprise attack smacks of a revenge agenda on Toronto progressives as well And so the abuse of as key opponents like Patrick Brown. power begins. Without malice as the motive, any Nobody should believe that the politician acting with integrity would Premier Ford’s bombshell Conservatives will stop at Bill 5 – and take time to consult the people and change the boundaries for the next announcement that he will no one knows who will be the next election. hijack the Toronto election target. Within hours they announced cuts to social assistance rates and an Last time the Conservatives took over and unilaterally slash Council abrupt end to the pilot project on this province they dumped billions representation is a deeply minimum income. We are seeing of costs on the property taxpayers. disturbing indication of how how a Trump-style leadership would It took years to recover – in fact we Ontario will be run over the operate – with complete disregard for are still paying for those destructive next four years. justice. Whether it is around schools, decisions that were masked by simple healthcare, pensions or labour rights slogans and mean-spirited ideology. With no notice and no consultation, - it is guaranteed that in the next four Crumbling schools, cancelled transit Doug Ford has decided to cut the years all of us will find ourselves in lines, increased poverty and boarded Council to 25 seats from the current a fight, defending things we have up housing are the legacy of that number of 47. If he applied the assumed were secure and fair. experience. We cannot afford four same formula of one Councillor per more years of chaos in Toronto or provincial riding elsewhere, city The people of Toronto saw nothing Ontario. councils would be obliterated. But but chaos and global ridicule when these deep cut are only aimed at Toronto. In York Region, Peel, Niagara and Muskoka, he is cancelling the direct elections of the Council Chairs – the most powerful politician in each Region. A politician interfering in elections that are already underway is unprecedented in Canadian history. It shows the same contempt for democracy that marked the Mike Harris regime the last time

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