Poverty Awareness in York Region

I know about the Christmas voucher that the Salvation Army gives out but does anyone know of others. I was hoping to attend a couple of the Christmas dinners that are hosted at York Region churches, community dinners what not. It would be nice if we could compile a list here of places for low-income people to go during the holidays.  Do the food banks give out extra food for seasonal supplies?  Maybe a place to get a few small gifts like toiletries etc. Fred Joly

PACC's Vice-Chair (scooter) Kristine Carbis and Social Audit Co-Author Yvonne Kelly helped present and lead discussions This fellow is located a block from the social assistance reviewers' office

Mike Balkwell makes a point to Co- Commissioner Lankin via teleconference call

2 Bloor St W home to the Social Assistance Review Commissioners' office

Before I get to the meat and potatoes (for those who can afford them!) I'd like to mention that I had the unique opportunity to address a (Lutheran) church group called 'Slices of Justice" along with my Co-author Yvonne Kelly (York Region Food Network) of Behind The Masks testimonials from those marginalized by income - York Region's first ever social audit and a feather in our cap if you will...At any rate the social audit means nothing if it is not made available through these types of channels, especially since the audit was completed with direction from ISARC (Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition) which advised us on our hosting of it and how it was conducted. I won't go too far into it but suffice to say it took a good 6 months of my time to complete (with others) and includes input from over 24 people living on the margins, as well as participation from about 35 agencies and 20 politicians...The presentation, similar to another I attended at Trinity United a week previous, was well received with attendees staying right to the end eager to ask questions and engage in discussion......The point I do push home at these events however are the facts such as dignity means providing for one's own self not from hand outs...Oh and they served pie...home made rhubarb..Mmmmm in slices too! Symbolic of their "Slices of Justice" I'm sure..Ha.. Ironically a chronically homeless 50 something man whom we'd given some paid work to through our " House of Hope" program having him help paint a new affordable housing complex, dropped in at the end...he had pie too.

Next up a trip to Toronto for myself and other "Put Food in the Budget" campaign members to meet with Social Assistance Review Commissioners Frances Lankin and Munir Sheikh. Embarrassingly when I first announced I'd be attending a meeting with them I mistakenly called Frances Lankin Boris Laskin - a famous judge I believe..Ha..At any rate I got both the name and sex correct today even though Ms. Lankin unexpectedly joined us all by conference call while her co-commissioner and staff, as well as our four PFIB members which included Nadia Edwards, Susan Bender and Director Mike Balkwill attended in-house. Our strategy was simple as each of us was assigned a portion of the presentation to make, followed by scripted questions to the commissioners making specific requests. The fact that Frances Lankin, our main ally we'd thought was not in the room physically could not deter us from making an impact because let's face it - from my experience we were not likely to walk out with many promises.

We started well with introductions made around the table and then Nadia opened the presentation with a call for the $100 healthy food supplement with a grass roots entry that made for an easy sedge-way to my bit as my portion came up following Nadia's. I picked up from her theme of the dire straits / need people are in right now and that that sense of urgency seems to be missing from the puzzle and a $100 healthy food supplement added to social assistance and odsp recipients cheques was the fastest and most widely accepted ( and most humane option on any option tables I've heard) way to make change with an immediate impact. Municipalities, churches and all sorts had already endorsed this, and surely 9,000 " Do The Math" surveys the public has done with most finding it takes $1300 plus a month to survive - when some get $592 - means something? Surely Rocket Scientists were not needed for any government review to see rates must go up? However we respect the integrity of the commission and process, and did not have overly high expectations at any rate going in.

Frances Lankin opened by saying for the record and the integrity of their review they could not at present say whether they endorsed the Healthy Food Supplement or not however prior to becoming one of the commissioners for the revue is already on record as endorsing it!! Of course the fact they wouldn't publicly endorse it now was not unanticipated, however the Commissioner's previous endorsement was a twist for me. Go figure...but we can't use that or they'd appear biased so...I guess it's times like these that a rock and a hard place come to mind! Ha! At any rate the discussion went on and we made our asks - Namely - Will you do the math? Will you publicly endorse the $100 Healthy Food Supplement and would you consider trying the "Do The Math Diet"?

In the end we got commitments to do the math - and Frances Lankin again has already done it - but not to publish results - that they'd have to get back to us on. Why? That's my question..too late now.Ha. I did manage to ask them to commit to Eating the math diet and got no commitment from either although Commissioner Lankin mentioned having done previous "food-bank" types of diets through various trials means.

Commissioner Munir Sheikh was a little more reserved but very articulate, and when he did speak chose his words carefully. Likely a good choice for a commissioner, if not decidedly optimistic that they will be listened to in the end. Some will remember him as the man who quit the census over the ending of the mandatory long form. You have to respect a man who stands up for his principles that's for sure. He is that second commissioner, not so in tune as Lankin with these issues perhaps and somewhat absorbed I thought with a "working poor" link, and as well both Commissioners seemed semi-consumed by the prospect of a housing benefit...to which I replied that I knew people already getting social housing and they still couldn't afford to put food on their tables, so that alone( a housing benefit) doesn't cut it..I cited a senior who recently attended the provincial budget lock up with me who has social housing and is a war vet and unable still to feed himself a month. I told them I thought there was something inherently wrong with a system that already gave every benefit its going to yet he can't feed himself.....still they persisted down this line but we reiterated again the wide spread support for the benefit and saw no reason that it should interfere with a long term overhaul of the system, but that short term this would help all people most in need right NOW!

In the end and reading between the lines a bit over the past several months of my dealings with this, I'm thinking it's a sexier sell for the government to sell "working poor" benefits ( like a housing benefit) that may also include some welfare recipients than assisting those most in need, most of whom have not chosen this life of misery in poverty which our governing good brothers and sisters don't often seem to get. Just like selling poverty reduction to the public on helping children ( poverty reduction strategy) , now by helping those hard "working poor" they will be doing their "sexy"thing again...and this will of course (sub text here) put everyone in line ...Sure will - the soup line...and Minister Broten's and Campbell's soup will be supervising at this rate! More on this wacky statement later..

Or maybe Nadia had it right in referring to the rent subsidies that the SA reviewers seem to be being steered towards , " Maybe it should be called a landlord subsidy, they are the ones that will benefit". Hmmm..I wonder how many behind this 'strategy" angle are themselves landlords?
Sad to note that Jackie from 25 in 5 crossed the floor ...more $ perhaps?..NO!!
Sadder note..upon arriving back in Newmarket from my trip downtown I dropped my cell phone as I got to Newmarket and the bus ran over it destroying it..and my contacts...Ahhhh!

Here is an interesting video I took during an invite only prov gov announcement and some funny add ons! Enjoy!


Tom Pearson

Don't forget to get out and vote. Even if you're not sure who to vote for vote anyway. Any vote for anyone is a vote against someone so get over and vote today!


This message brought to you by PACC a non-partisan group dedicated to Making York Region the Best place for ALL residents!

Watch for me tonight Election news coverage on Rogers 10 now at 10:45 PM...unfortunately they switched my panel time to accommodate someone else...any issue you'd like me to raise that is federally connected let me know!

Tom Pearson
http://www.povertyacc.com/

Tom-a-Talk

This message is brought to you in part by the Tea Brewhaha Party of Canada.

The remaining part is available under the freedom of information act should you wish.

This message about the aforementioned message brought to you by the

Tea Brewhaha Party of Canada……Tea Brewhaha for all your party needs!

It should really come as no surprise that the NDP, and to a lesser extent the Green Party, are making a dent in the pre-election strategists theories…As some of you who have followed my blogs may know I have mentioned months and months back that Ignatief had better get out there and start branding himself because people just don’t know him enough or feel familiar enough with him (to prove a point I’m not even sure I’ve spelt his name correctly)…sure he started hitting the trail during the election but way, way too late…people already know and like Jack Layton, he’s a familiar and thus increasingly trusted face and as my astrology acquainted says, “He’s and cancer and actually does care”. Not that I take stock in astrological advice however I don’t discount the idea that he may actually care whereas Stephen Harper smiles sardonically and says little, using short answers like, “That’s just not true”.

That seems to be the element people are most disillusioned with, you can talk to your politician and it may seem as if their mind is elsewhere or they’re throwing back a rehearsed party line, but Layton seems to be able to convey a message that he’s listening and that he has some intelligent alternatives that resonate with all Canadians…and he has a platform that cares about and is inclusive of every day people and with more and more in dire straits financially or on the brink or knowing someone affected by a job loss, along with an aging population as well as a surging popularity in blue collar Quebec and Atlantic Canada suddenly they’ve thrust themselves into the mix like never before. The knock always is that the party is too left leaning…but in this day and age of “coalition” possibilities which would force parties in a sense to ‘collaborate’ in order to function, who knows? It’s actually possible Layton could be placed in as Prime Minister by the Governor General should the right conditions come to be. Yup then our 1st lady would be foreign born too. Wouldn’t that be egg on the faces of Bloc’s Gilles and Iggy who seem to like to toss at him that he’d never have a chance to be Prime Minister. In hindsight these comments from the two at their televised debate showed they were both scared of the NDP. As for Harper it might teach him not too be too smug and arrogant next time.

Locally I got a chance to hear the candidates debate – unfortunately no NDP rep could make it for me to critique – however I did get the sense people were looking for an alternative that night despite the heckling I received when asking incumbent Conservative MP Lois Brown (from obvious supporters section) why her office hadn’t replied to our request for a debate focusing on social issues…It actually took the Green party to bring some of the debate’s focus onto issues that more and more are affecting Canadians - in fact local candidate Vanessa Long stole the final show for the final statement if you ask me…Canadians are concerned about issues like poverty reduction, employment insurance benefits increases, skilled(green) jobs, national daycare, old age pensions, etc as these are issues that more and more Canadians are affected by and why I believe there is a surge in support for parties that include all Canadians – truly include them - and not with shell games and fancy talk that fools the general public but affects the most vulnerable most often and only speaks of inclusivity.

The Liberal candidate Kyle Petersen in fairness at the debate I attended did very well as he was knowledgeable and actually garnered the most applause from the packed hall during debate points, but to read the polls you have to wonder why the lag and again I come back to the fact that people just are not comfortable enough yet with the liberal leader.. He may indeed be the right guy but he needed to get out and brand himself so people could get comfortable with the idea and he has failed to do that.. and frankly he sounds like a politician…The Liberals should also have been using Justin Trudeau to brand themselves way, way more and remind people of the “tradition” of the party..

So alas I think what the polls may be reflecting is that Canadians are looking for a safe, secure, comfortable, and caring place…the question is do you think any of the parties can really deliver this? Me Neither..alas what to do?...Oh..I know….I just remembered I started an alternative mock Party!!!!

I urge you all to join the Tea Brewhaha Party of Canada today on Facebook.
Act now and you can become absolutely anything in any position within the Party..Hey?!! Whattaya Gonna do! Ha!

Join us May 5 to kick off a new movement called ‘Poverty Free Ontario”

povertyacc@gmail.com
tp

I got heckled (obviously by Conservative supporters sitting in a bunch) because I dared ask during question period (after first informing everyone that the Conservatives were the only ones who didn't agree or even respond to a debate focusing on social issues) who it was that didn't care about these people, was it her personally or was she just following the party line from Harper?..For this I was heckled to "sit down" that it was rude etc. Personally I think it's rude when someone doesn't respond to your inquiry, especially someone elected to hear your concerns and those we represent. Every other party did. It felt like they were a hired goon squad at the ready for anyone dissing them and if i didn't have a thicker skin i might have felt intimidated. No one seems to like/want the truth in politics except the people..well..too bad. Next time we go in numbers together and heckle back need be. I encourage everyone to attend all debates locally in YR and ask questions about housing, national daycare, poverty reduction efforts, unemployment ins, health care, seniors pensions and other issues that Lois brown and the her response was that these are all a provincial and municipal responsibility - wherein every other part sees it differently. They want to build jails but don't realize by helping these areas they'll reduce prisoner and health needs and costs.


This is Canada, not Conservativille or Harper Town. They( governing parties) have to listen to us even if they don't agree because they are supposed to be representing the people's wants in the house not the parties first, and this is the fundamental change needed. If they don't think that a national poverty line or strategy or housing strategy is their responsibility then lets talk about it and see what WE the people want...and we can start with the truth...Lois brown claimed that 100% of the jobs lost during the recession have been returned. Really? Then why an increase of 28% in food bank users in York Region if we have all these jobs back and funny I don't see all the local manufacturers up and running again. More crock talk.

I believe PACC's next focus should include Senate reform - meaning we want to change parliament so that the peoples voices are better represented as opposed to having to accept the various oddball policies and directions government takes without our will behind it - usually something THEY want but not necessarily WE or the majority of people want and this needs to change. It can be done through what is called senate reform and we should ask MP's who supports it as an election issue.

Tom Pearson
http://www.povertyacc.com/

Are we living in a police state? Why are they building jails without call for any? I'm beginning to wonder.


Yesterday I set out in the AM by transit(some know I shed my vehicles shortly after accepting the PACC Chair) to pick up meds for my son - a new prescription that the doctor made clear needed to be taken as soon as he wakes up.

I got on the bus and was given a transfer. Transfers / fare info states the riders are entitled to 2 hours for transferring and when taking a system where connecting buses often run HOURLY every minute counts so when the driver tried to estimate my transfer forward 15 mins instead of back 15 it irked me and I asked for a transfer that gave me the full time advertised.

The driver then began a diatribe that she didn't have to, and if I didn't like it to call York Region transit, so I did while standing there. At the exact same time she began calling a supervisor I think. As my stop came up I stepped off and she said "my supervisors coming and you can speak with them" and I relayed that I didn't need her supervisor since I was now on hold to speak with their office.

I then spoke to someone and told them the same thing -" I don't care how you guys estimate your times but you cannot take time away from people because you advertise 2 hours transfer times and on a system running every hour , often late and costing more than the TTC which runs every few minutes, YRT riders need every minute and shouldn't have to go through a hassle to get it.

I left it at that, and went about my shopping, picked up my sons medication and some groceries and a Road hockey sign left roadside that I'd collected and made my way back to the stop for the return ride home but as I stepped on the same driver said you can't ride "my" bus. I hadn't said one word to her just showed the transfer and sat down.

"Really?" I asked incredulously, " Well I'm not getting off I need to get home".

"That's fine, my supervisor is coming." She seemed real determined throughout to have this "supervisor" get involved so now she'd get her chance I guess. She was also already running 10 minutes late on an hourly route. It would have been much easier I'd thought to give the full time like every other driver has done in the past, and this was two days in a row that she'd tried to short me and so of course I spoke up - for everyone's rights.

There is nothing quite like actually being a cog in the "system" to know how people on the ground level are being treated and it isn't pretty. First they change VIVA by adding a "goon squad" of security cops which were never needed / seen just a couple years ago. I wonder how much it costs to pay them? Why the goon squad? Mostly because people can't resist getting warm in winter at bus stations and now the VIVA allows people to just walk on to supposedly "improve service". Really? There was nothing wrong with the old system. Young kids are now becoming 'criminalized" for taking a chance getting on with no money and ruining their credit ratings for life and anyone who's ever been homeless will tell you it's awfully tough to say no to walking in / on somewhere warm in winter. It's like dangling a glass of cold water to someone in a desert when someone is freezing but this system that allows for no payment but a "trust" system policed by security goons and allows for no interaction with drivers anymore and I guess employs cops. Oh and the money from fines collected is what is used for the VICTIMS of CRIME fund. Hmmm..interesting isn't it, a system that relies on the poorest people (those who can't afford bus fare) to pay this fund - This is absolutely OUTRAGEOUS! Maybe tell the YRT boss and Regional governors this isn't the states (he was recruited from Boston transit)

Back to my story. So the supervisor comes and says she'll give me a ride home and I hop into her van. By this time its getting late, I'm worried my son is up, and happening on a Thursday I had food and supplies also that had to be distributed to some in need, so I was happy to get going...but wait..I get partway home and the supervisor receives another call and tells me her supervisors would like to also speak with me and could she bring me back to the stop again.At that point I told her look I don't have time to speak with anyone anymore and to just take me home, but no, she said she had to return there so we pull up and two transit police await.Ha. Unbelievable. The supervisor jumped out to have a word with them, likely informing them I had a valid point, but they still were bound by procedure I suppose.

So the goons asked me to step out of the van because the "needed" to speak with me.

I replied that that was nice but i don't "need" to speak with anyone and needed to get home right now with the medication for my son.

The goons - well the main goon - then informed me in a harsh tone that depending on my conversation with him will determine whether I leave on my own or with them.

"Really?" I said flabbergasted and raising my tone to match his, " I don't think so. I guarantee you I won't be going anywhere with you since I haven't done anything other than ask for what you guys advertise..and if I do speak with you which I don't plan to at this point it will be because I choose to. I never threatened anyone or even call anyone a name, all I asked for was a transfer that gave me the full time you advertise and instead I'm going through all this crap. You want to arrest me? "Well go ahead then", and I dropped my bags, removed my coat and put my hands behind my back. "Go ahead". I was very pissed by now but reserved considering.

They humbled out and backed off of their tough- guy stances after that, but what if...what if...just like the protests in Toronto where your rights were suspended for "the good of the country"..I suppose them arresting me would be for the good of the system.

Suddenly someone from our Food drive called as I stood there and I told him to come get me and then I left the goons to mull over their important jobs of hassling people for complaining about their rights (as far as I'm concerned). " Just out of curiosity why wouldn't you want to show ID" the less aggressive transit-copper said to me after I refused them. " because I don't have to", I replied, "I'm a rights guy and I've done nothing wrong, and I just want to go home because I'm sure by now my son is up and his doctor was very clear that it was to be taken immediately when he awakes and you guys are wasting my time as I've already phoned all this in".

Later on that NIGHT someone calls me again in regards to it and I told them I'd spent enough of my day on this issue and didn't plan to spend another minute, before saying goodbye.

Last month at Toronto Union station as I awaited a transfer to head out to assist an elderly person being neglected by our system I decide to video someone making a presentation about the history of the old station and was descended upon by transit police and aggressively asked to destroy it..." technically you can't video out the window of the train coming into town" they told me..Really!...that story for another day..

I will continue to speak out as long as I'm able because I've been through it all and if they want to arrest me and throw me in to solitary confinement go ahead because frankly its worth fighting for at this point.

Don't let ANYONE dictate your rights people and speak out about any small variance of your rights because we are slowly becoming a police state unless we all speak out!

Tom Pearson
http://www.povertyacc.com/

Dear MP Brown,


We are interested to organize a candidates debate that focuses on social issues and hope you are willing to participate.

We are looking into a location at the historic "Quaker House" in Newmarket as we feel it fits the theme and would in addition attract the media's creative thinkers - tying in social issues to the election locally with more prominence. Barring that, a suitable spot will be found.

We are also awaiting word from Liberal candidate Kyle Petterson and others on their willingness to participate and at that time we will ask for a list of 3-4 dates / times when candidates are available.

This is an opportunity to address critical issues like daycare, poverty, income (supports), the elderly / vets treatment, newcomers etc, and show the media and affected voters, including increasing numbers of low income seniors, that you care about their concerns too.

Please let us know.

Tom Pearson
Chairman, Poverty Action for Change Coalition
http://www.povertyacc.com/
289-221-0928 direct

SPNO members and anti-poverty colleagues across Ontario


The Social Planning Network of Ontario (SPNO) asks that you hold the date of Thursday, May 5 for an all-day meeting in Toronto (venue to be determined) to discuss how to make poverty eradication an issue in the upcoming provincial election in Ontario in October of this year.

SPNO is conducting a series of community events across the province to present the Poverty Free Ontario initiative (summary attached) and to discuss what must be done now and in the term of the next provincial government to eliminate poverty in Ontario by 2020.

Marvyn Novick and Peter Clutterbuck bring this discussion to community groups on behalf of the SPNO. The first two sessions were held in Oakville on March 8, sponsored by Poverty Free Halton and Community Development Halton and in Cambridge on March 18 sponsored by the Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North Dumfries.

The current Poverty Free Ontario community meeting schedule is attached. SPNO is open to receiving invitations from additional communities in the time slots available for April-May-June.

SPNO would like, however, to invite several leaders from communities across the province (including people with the lived experience of poverty) and provincial leaders from other sectors (e.g. health, education, faith, labour, civic, etc.) to our all-day meeting on Thursday, May 5 to discuss:

Perspectives on a poverty eradication policy agenda for Ontario;

Strategies for making poverty eradication a provincial election issue this year; and

Cross-community and cross-sectoral action in the upcoming provincial election campaign

The full agenda for the day on May 5 is now in preparation and will be sent to you soon. We wish, however, to get a sense of the interest in participating in this day. Please so indicate your community’s or sector’s interest by responding to Peter Clutterbuck at pclutterbuck@spno.ca and further details will be provided.

Peter C.
Social Planning Network of Ontario

Tel. (416) 653-7947 Cell (416) 738-3228
FAX (416) 653-4532

The new flyers are in for the 7th Annual Youth Road Hockey Challenge. This year's event will be held on Main Street in Newmarket.

This should be what you have for PACC's info - its on the home page now -


P.A.C.C.
"Making York Region The Best Place to Raise all Families"

A grassroots community group which began as a coupling of the "Pay the Rent & Feed the Kids Program" and the "Ontario Disabilities Support Program Action Coalition" (York Region Chapter). Most PACC members and supporters have lived experience with low income issues. PACCers are anti-poverty advocates based in York Region Ontario, Canada, whose members work cooperatively within the community and sectors, to educate, find solutions, and seek to minimize (the effects of) poverty amongst our most vulnerable.

PACC's mandate is, "To raise community awareness of poverty and the income security issues facing marginalized York Region residents through research, public education, and initiatives that effect change".

PACC has become the voice of those on low income supports in York Region and welcomes anyone with a passion to make a difference. Paccers get involved through numerous related and self imposed initiatives driven by the issues brought forth directly - from those living on the margins.

Most recently, in 2010, PACC acted as host group for ISARC's YR social audit which PACC successfully lobbied to get for the 1st time in YR history. In early 2011 YR Council endorsed in principle the themes and recommendations of the resulting YR report - ' Behind The Masks - testimonials from those marginalized by income".

Other key PACC to YR initiatives include:

Oct 17 - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty link
http://www.povertyacc.com/GetInvolved

PACC is also an acting "Make Poverty History" Chapter for York Region and you may see our web page at
http://www.makepovertyhistory.ca/en/groups/newmarket

Link to the Friendly Neighbourhood Youth Road-hockey Challenge
http://www.povertyacc.com/GetInvolved

Do The Math! - Ontario - wide action -
http://www.dothemath.thestop.org/

Operation Sparrow link - kids programs
www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved

PACC has generated and provided source information for numerous media stories from national to local coverage providing local residents and shelters / support groups unmatched free publicity. Some news articles have won awards.

PACC has created its own media and " Channel" on youtube - povertyacc - with breathtakingly informative and informative self produced docu-style video media with hits now reaching into the thousands in a few short months.

Join us today. We don't talk a good game - we are one!

povertyacc@gmail.com
Tom Pearson
http://www.povertyacc.com/

Dear Editor,


For a column with such a catchy headline - "Research shows poor schools a concept worth trying", you'd think writer Moira Macdonald would have done some. Did she/they examine the "poor ' school experiment with "poor" kids already done right here in Canada / Toronto area after WW2? No need to study a U.S. model, as you can't get better than already having done it right here.

To quote someone who lived through the "poor" school experiment, " Of my peers at the camp school (this person was able to transfer) a few continued their education but most quit school at 16 and eventually found jobs.Some married young and many ended up in Regent Park." He further stated, rubbing elbows with middle class kids made him realize the importance of finishing high school. " I would have cringed in embarrassment as an adolescent if I had been recommended to attend the "poor school"( like proposed now).
...And what of the "research". There is no proof 'poor" kids in Canada move overly frequently once settled.In fact if they are lucky enough to find an affordable place they are apt to stay longer term. So make more affordable home options, but don't segregate their children.Some are hungry you say? Well then continue to add in-school lunch programs for all, no need to stigmatize to achieve that, and supporting live-able rates for minimum wage earners and stay at home parents might help as well. Invest in our education system by spending more time with kids with issues perhaps, but segregate them?

The writer needs to look beyond Toronto as well, as many towns and cities have schools commonly attended by all "classes". Ever heard the phrase, " If you you want to be a success hang around successful people?"..but when it comes to low income families' kids we suspend this?..Hmmm...

Niagara based their model on an American school model? No offense but we do not have the level of poverty here that the states allow and with a completely different social safety net system, nor does Canada have a pronounced " cycle of poverty" the writer so haphazardly uses as a throw-in buzz phrase before reaching her non-supported smug concluding statement meant to bolster her opinion that it's an experiment worth trying",

" All of this should be about what works for the students. Not what adults may find theologically offensive". She's right. Except as the actual proof above shows - based on actual usage in Canada and not theory - that stigmitization and segregation ends up being the result - not more university grads. No need to "experiment" with people's esteem again - or send her kids to it then if it's such a wonderful idea.

The only difference between the after WW2 school and today's prposal is that there was no white elephant in the room, as everyone knew then that they wanted to keep the "riff-raff" away from their kids...bad influences and all of course...and I wonder if that is playing a part here. I sure hope not. Beware the wolf in sheeps clothing.

Tom Pearson
Chairman, Poverty Action for Change Coalition
Newmarket Ont
289-221-0928

York Region homeless family is receiving help from the community. This is the third part to the story that has appeared on the York Region web site. Check out Offers Stream in for Homeless

Newspaper stories of York region homeless father and son, thanks to : YorkRegion Newmarket Era-Banner.


Homeless father, son struggle - Edward Oxtoby and his son battle the odds, story by Chris Traber.
Father, son urban survivalists - Part 2 of the York Region newspaper article

Want more?

- The provincial interfaith social assistance reform coalition audit entitled, Behind the Masks, testimonials of those marginalized by income was presented to the province Dec. 1
- For information and to request audit copies, visit povertyacc.com or isarc.ca
- On Jan. 19 the York Region Social Audit will be presented to the York Region Community&Health Services committee.

Wow...where to begin..the story in the YRMG's papers has certainly generated a tremendous amount of ....well..interest, compassion, offers, outrage, ideas, discussion, honesty, awareness, exposure.... and many calls from (outraged) people outside the usual voices representing possibly another bridge we've crossed, through compassion, as it seems to have touched across fences. Many have asked how they could volunteer and I'm steering them to support the opening up of a place where these guys can live longer term with some supports to step out of the margins. Especially now while the fire is hot.

At the end of the day most of the numerous calls received have been positive with generous offers from everything from blankets, to a room, to a loft, to a future job, to someone calling a union rep for them, to food, a place on their couch...but as yet what they really need - a place for them both together but I think something may be in the works..stay tuned! Meantime I taped this interview and YRMG will likely get awarded although the report is not completely factual.

The guys are somewhat embarrassed by the attention and by nature humble so I appreciate those coming across them don't pepper them with questions etc as if they want to share with anyone they will.

In other news, we are looking at Thursday eve for our next PACC meeting - likely 6:30 - 8:pm location to be determined.

Agenda will include: March Break Youth Road hockey tourney

Social audit presentation to Region - Jan 19 - idea to also hold a "release" in foyer following as many people as possible attend.

Do The Math strategy update - Provincial Poverty Strategy day in Toronto - Jan 28 - transportation / food paid..

PACC possible participation in new centre for low income dwellings at green Lane and Leslie Sts former crosslinks building and has been used as a type of group home / residence over the years. Edward wants to help make it happen and live there ultimately as well!

I will not be around tomorrow as i will be attending a provincial put food in the Budget campaign meeting..focussing on the next steps of "Do the Math"....Kristine will be happy to assist anyone while gone!

Tom out!
http://www.povertyacc.com/

Reminder! ISARC provincial social audit release Party Thursday Dec 2 all welcome .. media release at Queens park (pre-registered ISARC insiders only) Dec 1. Tom Pearson will speak Re: York Regions involvement.

Kids for Kotlands Concert – Tues Nov 30! featuring Singer / Songwriter sensation Glenn Marais – Raising $1,000,000 for an orphanage with kids whose parents all died of AIDS/HIV - tickets - http://www.onrichmondhill.com/events.php?id=6804

The Regional Municipality of York and the Community Partnership Council for York Region’s Local Immigration Partnership initiative are developing a “made-in- York Region” strategy that will help new immigrants integrate socially and economically and to contribute to the overall quality of life for all York Region residents. Newcomers and long-term residents, organizations and agencies across York Region to complete the Community Online Survey and have your say at www.yorkwelcome.ca! The survey is available between November 15 to 30, 2010. The survey is quick and can be completed in English, Chinese, French, Italian, Korean, Persian (Farsi), Russian and Tamil.

25in5 - In a report marking the second anniversary of the province’s poverty reduction promise, the 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction says recession has put even more heat on the Ontario government to put its commitment on the front burner. Campaign 2000 released a report that indicated child poverty in Ontario has risen and continues to rise - an unacceptable 15% of children in our province still live in poverty. We cannot understand why, 2 years into the government's so-called poverty reduction strategy, the poverty rate rose. Clearly, more action is necessary and fast!
“The 2008-09 recession hit Ontarians hard, plunging many into poverty and making it more challenging for those already in deep poverty to climb out,” says Greg deGroot-Maggetti, co-chair of 25 in 5.“The post-recession reality is that many Ontarians need help getting back on their feet, with additional supports, training, education and job opportunities.

Job opportunities: 1st one is with Heart & Stroke who’s community person was promoted. This change will take effect the end of January, allowing plenty of time to recruit, train and orient my replacement here in York Region. The job posting is attached (1 year contract). Please feel free to forward it to anyone you feel may be qualified and interested. http://www.heartandstroke.on.ca/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=pvI3IeNWJwE&b=3581667&ct=8887143

Also..ISARC is looking for an Executive Director send resume / info to info@isarc.ca

And finally: a learning / collaboration opportunity -

Dear Tom, It’s no small irony that just when the need for innovation and new ideas has never been greater, the time and resources needed for professional development seem to be shrinking. At Tamarack, part of our mandate is to fuel your continued learning through our free tele-learning opportunities and monthly Engage! e-magazine as well as our face-to-face learning events. We hope you’ll take advantage of the upcoming opportunities in the month ahead.

On December 9th, join us as Yves Lévesque, director of Vivre St. Michel en santé hosts an interview with Anne Roberge, director of poverty reduction policy for the ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale. They will be speaking about the Government of Quebec’s Action Plan for solidarity and social inclusion 2010-2015. Announced in July 2010, this action plan foresees investing seven billion dollars over five years, and is the second plan to combat poverty and social exclusion in Quebec. To register please visit the Event Listing section of the Tamarack website here (tamarack@tamarackcommunity.ca).

http://www.povertyacc.com/

Hi everyone. I hope all's well as can be! Well I made a complete fool of myself while trying to get to see Don Cherry from "Coach's Corner" to endorse our event when he was in town on Friday but alas even dressed as the icon I was too late with a line-up stretching way far. I did leave our flyer about the March break road hockey tourney though ... ha ... "And Everythink else!" Also attended the Green Party's Aurora kick off and NDP Richmond Hill / Thornhill riding events on the same night; got drenched but managed to convey some of PACCs concerns with them and both groups seemed welcoming. I also presented both local Chapters with a copy of the YR Social audit that we co-produced.

Speaking of which.Thursday DEC 2 at 6-8PM ISARC will be hosting a release party for the Ontario-wide version of the audit at Holy Trinity Anglican Church at the Eaton Centre complex. Come out for food & celebration! Woooo! Rides being arranged.

Nov 30 at Richmond Hill's Performing Arts Centre you can support the building of an orphanage in Africa by attending childhood friend Glen Marais' concert as they look to raise $1,000,000; tickets info below. Glen's a phenomenal talent as any attending Oct 17 can attest to. http://www.onrichmondhill.com/events.php?id=6804

The hunger report is out! To access the HungerCount press release, report and video please go to http://smr.newswire.ca/en/food-banks-canada/hungercount-study

The Forum for Children youth and Families is another forum we've been participating in..I'm sending an attachment along to keep you all informed. We are currently evaluating the value in this planning group. Input is welcome.

Pic of most of the Put Food In The Budgets " Do The Math Rally Team" that went to Green Barns in Toronto

I also encourage everyone wanting to stay informed to check the website regularly and become a FACE-BOOK friend to Poverty Action for Change Coalition!
Tom out!

Howdy! Hope all’s well!...lots to inform about so please read below

1st up a big thanks to http://www.sweetloveable.com/today-is-world-day-to-end-extreme-poverty-of-canadians-update/ for the pics posted thus far http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2259567360&v=photos&ref=ts

Anyone else with any.. please submit.

Apparently this journalist (link below) is anti-native and speaking in Aurora…shall we attend? Anyone wish to? http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/statica/2010/10/activism-communiqué-call-action-anti-native-journalist-christie-blatc

Nov 15– Field Trip - Put Food In the Budget / Do The Math Rally!! – Join groups from across Ontario at the Green Barns Toronto – rides arranged..possibly a bus for those attending! See attached…anyone wishing to perform a song!!..let me know!

ISARC Provincial - Nov 18 religious leaders forum / or isarc - $40 for those wishing to attend.

Dec 1st Queens Park ISARC Provincial audit book launch at Queens Park Media Centre – morning – contains excerpts from YR’s audit!

Next!!..This sent us by a local NDP organizer – “Richmond Hill and Thornhill NDP are hosting a fund raising reception with Andrea Horwath as guest speaker on Nov. 16. at the McConaghie Centre charging $25 a ticket with many people donating more. I have several people who have donated and cannot attend and they have expressed their desire to sponsor some tickets for people on fixed incomes. There is no one more deserving than those who give their time and energies to PACC. I have 2 tickets for you and I would really be pleased if you could attend. There will be a speech by Andrea, but then she will mingle with the crowd and everyone will have an opportunity for a personal talk with her. Please contact me if you can come.” I contacted him and said we are non-partisan (neutral) but may wish to attend as I feel they are showing gratitude for PACC keeping the onus on government in their absence (of representation). It’s a compliment we all share…anyone want to go?

Do the Math – next meeting Dec 15th 1:30pm at Penrose -

Request for board members – Operation Sparrow – anyone interested to sit on the board of Operation Sparrow (www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved)? Let me know..great opportunity for experience .

Request for PACC as recipient organization from Spotlight Theatre School for all our work in the community – any objections?

More pics from Oct 17 on the PACC face book page http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2259567360&v=photos&ref=ts as well as our website www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved

Next PACC meeting Wed Nov 10 at 1pm…location to be announced!

A reminder there is a "Do The Math" group meeting ( Put food in the Budget Campaign ) today at 10:00 am at the Inn from the Cold building - 510 Penrose st Newmarket.


Also Fri Sept 17 at Fairy lake Park there will be a short PACC meeting at 6:30 pm followed by a "stand-up" call at 7pm-7:30 where we'll accept signatures/stand pledge against poverty which will be added to names around the world for (to pressure) the UN leaders who meet this month. ...and Sat Sept 18 from 9 AM-1:30pm we have a booth at the Newmarket Farmers market to accept pledges and promote Oct 17. All supporters welcome to participate - entertainers, face-painters etc also welcome!

I met with the Y.R. Commissioner yesterday in regards to the ISARC social audit which we presented them the 1st copies of. The meeting scheduled for an hour went 2/1/2 hrs! Very productive... More later on this. Tomorrow to meet with Debra Kelly of YR media group re: social audit. Those who participated and wish to, may get a chance to be profiled by them.

Below radio interview I did yesterday for airing today at noon on 93.3fm.

Instructions for accessing archived CFMU 93.3 disRespect interviews:
- point your web browser to http://radio4all.net/
- enter key word(s) in the search field near top right of home page (e.g., "disRespect")
- search through found list for the show you are looking for and click on it
- from here there are several choices, though what I do is click on the PODCAST button, then right-click on the mp3 filename to get a popup menu from which you can select to "Download Linked File As...", or alternatively select another option
- another way to access the audio file is to not click on that PODCAST button and instead click on the download button near the bottom right of the page (the button that is a white triangle in a red circle)

Tom out
www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved

On Aug 18 2010 I met with The Honourable Bryon Wilfert MP from Richmond Hill on behalf of Campaign 2000 ( http://www.campaign2000.ca/ ). I was to be meeting him with another who relies on wheel-trans to get around. When trying to book a ride, this person was told there were no rides available at that time because those early times are taken up by those who need medications, thus she could not go. I mention this because it's another way those in poverty and reliant on public wheel-transport (in YR) are often left out - such as in this case.


At any rate we met Aug 18 just the two of us(no assistant) and had a good discussion. I also received a letter the other day from his office following up on our meeting reiterating his positions..

I was impressed by his candor and knowledge. Having been a longtime municipal politician his local knowledge was also good.He knew that 3 and 1/2 million people lived in poverty in Canada - seemed to have a grasp on poverty nationally as well.

The MP supports a pan-Canadian conference on poverty ( and a national poverty reduction strategy with measurable outcomes) which would include all levels of government and hear from those in poverty. He supports income supplements and a $10 national minimum wage and indexing it to the cost of living.

He mentioned only 4.6% of a billion $'s alotted for fixing housing has been accessed to date and only 1.9% of $400 million for low income seniors housing and only .1% of 75 million for helping house those with disabilities.

MP Wilfert spoke of investing - not spending - mentioning that the only 12% of infrastructure spending actually created jobs.

He feels that the bill C-545 and C-304 are private members bills and are "feelgood" bills .

He supports pension reform, pan-Canadian learning approach including early childhood, aboriginal, workforce literacy for newcomers and access to higher education and training.

His letter to me concluded by saying he looks forward to working with me on this issue in the future...let's hope he means it.

Tom Pearson
Chairman, Poverty Action for Change Coalition
Make Poverty History YR
http://www.povertyacc.com/

For all you "summer workers" who are using the season's slower pace to make plans for the coming year, we are happy to offer a range of great learning opportunities to expand and deepen your thinking.

At 12:00 ET on Thursday August 26th, the next installment of our Vibrant Communities Provincial Poverty Reduction Strategies Series continues with a closer look at All Aboard: Manitoba's Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion Strategy. In May 2009, Manitoba became the sixth province in Canada to unveil a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy. On this call, Eric Leviten-Reid will interview Jan Forster, Executive Director of the Policy and Planning Branch of Manitoba Family Services and Consumer Affairs who co-chairs the province's cross-departmental working group responsible for this strategy. Jan will speak about Manitoba's approach to poverty reduction and the progress they have made to date.

Our final call in the Vibrant Communities Provincial Poverty Reduction Strategies Series will be held on Thursday September 23rd at 12:00 ET when Mark Cabaj speaks with Sherri Torjman, Vice President of the Caledon Institute of Social Policy. Sherri will summarize the substantive elements and process highlights of the various provincial poverty reduction strategies and discuss the important role that communities can continue to play in advancing and monitoring them.

Only a handful of spots remain for the 2010 Communities Collaborating Institute - Tamarack's signature, week-long learning event. You can learn more about the event's thought leaders and workshops on the CCI webpage. Please contact Leisa Nichol by email or by phone at 519-885-5155 to inquire about registering for any remaining spaces.

Please don't forget to visit our updated Friends & Partner Events for a listing of more learning opportunities. And, be sure to subscribe to Engage! Tamarack's monthly e-magazine for the latest on collaboration and community engagement.

We look forward to continuing to learn with you,

The Tamarack Team
Tamarack - An Institute for Community Engagement
5 Father David Bauer Drive, Suite 106
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 6M2
Tel: (519) 885-5155
Fax: (519) 885-4454
E-mail: tamarack@tamarackcommunity.ca
Web: http://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/