Poverty Awareness in York Region

ISARC Coming to York Region

The YR ISARC Social Audit team is pleased to announce the addition of Charles Beer as a Rapporteur, joining previously announced Daisy Wai and John Rogers in assisting in the duties of the role. Rapporteurs listen to participants and stories from those living on low income and provide observational reports afterwards. With the audit growing in the number of participants, coinciding with Mr. Beer returning from abroad and being available, the team decided he was too valuable an asset to pass-up.


Charles Beer is currently a Principal with Counsel Public Affairs located in Toronto. Counsel provides strategic advice to a wide range of public and private sector clients as well as to the non-profit sector.

From October 2003 until September 2004 Charles served as Chief of Staff to the Honourable George Smitherman, Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long Term Care. From May 1998 to July 2003 he was the President and CEO of the Canadian Executive Service Organization.CESO’s purpose is to transfer Canadian expertise to both private and public sector organizations in developing nations, in emerging market economics of Europe and the former Soviet Union and in Canadian Aboriginal communities.

Prior to joining CESO, Charles spent 23 years in the Ontario government, serving from 1987 to 1995, as a member of the provincial parliament. During this time, he was Minister of Community and Social Services and Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs.

He was also Chair, parliamentary assistant or critic for a number of ministries and legislative committees and served in senior positions in ministries relating to citizenship, culture and recreation, intergovernmental affairs, and treasury and economics, and was executive director of the office of the leader of the official opposition from 1977 to 1981 among other experience. He currently sits on the boards related to health and education.

The York Region ISARC social audit is being Co-Convened by Yvonne Kelly of the York Region Food Network and Tom Pearson, Chairman of the Poverty Action for Change Coalition who have formed a diverse collaborative team from community agencies, concerned individuals, and those living in poverty. The audit will hear from those in poverty, those working in the field and politicians; and present a focused report to take forward to Queens Park.

For more information regarding the social audit visit: ISARC, Poverty Action for Change Coalition PACC web site or York Region Food Network.


Immediate release: April 16 – Update to previous release – RE: Charles Beer Added


ISARC Social Audit York Region - Event Date: Tues April 20 2010

Locations: 1 Atkinson St Richmond Hill, 510 Penrose St Newmarket

9AM – 1PM R Hill – NO MEDIA – 9AM – 6:30 PM Newmarket – MEDIA after 6pm only.

Please note a local MEDIA REPORT will be released at a date after the audit.

3rd Rapporteur added as Popularity of Social Audit Increases