***
Monthly General Meeting
Wednesday November 14th, 7pm
At the PCAP office (#17 - 393 Water St)
ALL ARE WELCOME
***
Our General Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month at 7pm. We meet at our office at #17 - 393 Water Street.
We can provide childcare and help with transportation if you give us a call ahead of time.
Unfortunately, our office space is not accessible at this time (up a flight of stairs).
General Meetings are a great way to learn more about PCAP and how to get involved. It is your chance to hear about recent and upcoming events and to provide organizers with input and direction.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Mohawk Shawn Brant Faces Serious Jail Time
------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSECUTION SEEKS MINIMUM 12 YEARS OF FEDERAL PENITENTIARY TIME:
If Convicted, Mohawk Shawn Brant Faces Serious Jail Time
------------------------------------------------------------------
(October 16, 2007) On Friday, October 12th, Mohawk spokesperson Shawn Brant of Tyendinaga appeared in court to finalize the details of his impending trial.
Released on bail after spending two months in pre-trial custody, Shawn is currently facing a total of 9 charges in relation to two blockades, one in April 2007, and the other as part of the Aboriginal National Day of Action on June 29, 2007. Included in these charges are 6 "mischief" charges, which the Crown has elected to proceed on by indictment.
The Ottawa-based Crown, Robert Morrison, has indicated that he intends to seek a minimum of 2 years imprisonment per charge, for a minimum sentence of 12 years in a federal penitentiary.
Shawn's trial has been set for January 2009. He will continue to live under bail conditions that include a curfew, inability to leave the Province of Ontario, and a ban from attending any protest of any kind.
In the meantime, the reclamation of the quarry and the fight for the return of the Culbertson Tract to Mohawks of Tyendinaga – the land that lies at the heart of the recent blockades and actions – continues to hold strong. Tyendinaga Mohawks have long established a permanent presence on the former quarry site, with dozens of trailers and
families living on the land on a fulltime basis. People are currently making preparations for the winter.
The severity of the prison time openly being sought by the Crown indicates the punishment the Canadian state is prepared to inflict on First Nations people who struggle for their land and their communities.
Clearly, the gravity of this possible sentence is proof that Shawn is being singled out, in an effort by the colonial authorities to crush First Nations' resistance. The community of Tyendinaga has, through working to re-establish a longhouse, self-governance, and economic self-sufficiency, long been a thorn in the side of the Canadian state, and its project of oppression and genocide of First Nations peoples.
Asking for twelve years prison time is not about the blockades of this summer. It is about sending a loud message to First Nations people who are not interested in submitting to the exploitation of their lands and resources, nor the continued denigration and suffering of their communities.
Shawn is being made an example of, in a state response of fear and concern that First Nations resistance will continue, and will succeed in forcing the rest of this country's population to realize that long-standing crimes against the Mohawk community of Tyendinaga, and all other First Nations communities, must be righted.
-------------------------------
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
-------------------------------
1. CALL/FAX/EMAIL:
In September of this year, the international community adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, despite high-profile opposition from Canada and three other settler states - New Zealand, the United States and Australia. Article 26 of the UN declaration states: "Indigenous peoples have the right to the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired."
By voting against the Declaration, Canada clearly belies its on-going contempt, racism, and lack of will to negotiate in good faith with or atone for the genocidal crimes committed against the First Nations peoples of this land. Colonialism continues.
The criminalization and persecution of Shawn Brant, a Mohawk who has made great sacrifices to stand up for his community, his people, and his land, serves as a sharp and unacceptable example of this very colonial agenda.
Seeking to send Shawn to jail for the acts of resistance taken by his community is unacceptable. In turn, return of the Culberston Tract to the Mohawks of Tyendinaga is a crucial step in building a new relationship between First Nations peoples and the rest of Canada.
Write or call the Attorney General of Ontario, the Minister of Indian Affairs, and the Head Office of CN Rail, to call for the following:
We demand that:
1. Michael Bryant, Attorney General of Ontario drop the charges against Shawn Brant, who, if convicted, could face serious time in a federal penitentiary.
2. CN Rail abandon its multi-million dollar lawsuits against Shawn Brant, Jason Maracle, and Tara Green.
3. The Provincial and Federal governments return all lands that rightfully belong to the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and immediately cease exploitation of resources on those lands, thereby committing to negotiating land claims issues in good faith, and to honest governance for all Ontarians.
4. The Provincial and Federal Governments engage in meaningful dialogue to end the exploitation of First Nation lands and resources.
ADRESS YOUR DEMANDS TO THE FOLLOWING:
Michael Bryant,
Attorney General of Ontario
Ministry of the Attorney General
720 Bay St, 11th Flr
Toronto ON M5G 2K1
Tel : 416-326-4000
Fax : 416-326-4016
mbryant.mpp@liberal.ola.org
Chuck Strahl,
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal
Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Phone: (613) 992-2940
Fax: (613) 944-9376
ottawa@chuckstrahl.com
Canadian National Railway Company
935 de La Gauchetière Street West
Montreal, Quebec
H3B 2M9
Phone: 1-888-888-5909
contact@cn.ca
-------------------------------------------
2. MAKE A DONATION:
Shawn Brant faces a jury trial that will likely last 3-4 weeks. Although the two defence lawyers have generously donated their time free of charge, there are still significant costs associated with the defence. Travel and accommodation expenses will be incurred as the trial is being held in Napanee, over 200 km from Toronto. Expert witnesses need to be paid, transcripts and other documents must be obtained, and there are significant other expenses generated in mounting the defense for a lengthy and complex jury trial.
In addition to defending Shawn Brant, the campaign to have the quarry license revoked and the Culbertson Tract returned to the Mohawk community requires the maintenance of an effective presence over the winter at the reclaimed quarry site on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Doing this will put a substantial financial burden on the community. They will have to pay for winterization and equipping of the housing units, purchase of a diesel generator, fuel for heating, electricity and transport, additional clothing and food.
To cover the legal costs and to contribute to the winterization of the quarry site the Tyendinaga Support Committee has set a target of $40,000 for the Tyendinaga Legal Defence Fund. The money collected will be divided between legal costs incurred by Shawn Brant's counsel, and funds needed to winterize the quarry site in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
Shawn Brant must have adequately funded legal representation if he is to successfully defend himself against a very determined Crown Attorney who is set on making an example of him. To adequately prepare the case, defense counsel needs funds sooner rather than later. For example, expert witness reports cannot simply be secured at the last minute if the money happens to come in. Defence strategy is seriously impaired if we don't know what we're looking at in terms of incoming
funds and tailoring strategy. Thus far this embattled community, in the forefront of indigenous struggle, has received little financial support for their legal battle. So it is with a sense of urgency that we request you to act on this appeal as soon as possible.
All donations are valued and appreciated.
CHEQUES PAYABLE TO:
Tyendinaga Legal Defence Fund
c/o 10 Britain Street
Toronto, ON
M5A 1R6
---------------------------------------------------------
3. READ MORE:
RECENT BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Shawn Brant: Another case of Canada's political persecution of indigenous people (Justin Podur, September 19/07)
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=30&ItemID=13830
Free Shawn Brant: Toronto Event: August 29/07
VIDEO:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwQdz7dHeaQ
AUDIO:http://storywordspics.blogspot.com/2007/08/free-shawn-brant-meeting.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. GET INVOLVED:
If you are interested in finding out about organizing efforts to support the Mohawks of Tyendinaga, if you would like to work with the Tyendinaga Support Committee here in Toronto or people in other cities, or if you think your progressive union local, organization, school, or faith group would like to learn more about this struggle, please visit our website or contact:
Tyendinaga Support Committee:
http://www.ocap.ca/supporttmt.html
support.tmt@gmail.com
PROSECUTION SEEKS MINIMUM 12 YEARS OF FEDERAL PENITENTIARY TIME:
If Convicted, Mohawk Shawn Brant Faces Serious Jail Time
------------------------------------------------------------------
(October 16, 2007) On Friday, October 12th, Mohawk spokesperson Shawn Brant of Tyendinaga appeared in court to finalize the details of his impending trial.
Released on bail after spending two months in pre-trial custody, Shawn is currently facing a total of 9 charges in relation to two blockades, one in April 2007, and the other as part of the Aboriginal National Day of Action on June 29, 2007. Included in these charges are 6 "mischief" charges, which the Crown has elected to proceed on by indictment.
The Ottawa-based Crown, Robert Morrison, has indicated that he intends to seek a minimum of 2 years imprisonment per charge, for a minimum sentence of 12 years in a federal penitentiary.
Shawn's trial has been set for January 2009. He will continue to live under bail conditions that include a curfew, inability to leave the Province of Ontario, and a ban from attending any protest of any kind.
In the meantime, the reclamation of the quarry and the fight for the return of the Culbertson Tract to Mohawks of Tyendinaga – the land that lies at the heart of the recent blockades and actions – continues to hold strong. Tyendinaga Mohawks have long established a permanent presence on the former quarry site, with dozens of trailers and
families living on the land on a fulltime basis. People are currently making preparations for the winter.
The severity of the prison time openly being sought by the Crown indicates the punishment the Canadian state is prepared to inflict on First Nations people who struggle for their land and their communities.
Clearly, the gravity of this possible sentence is proof that Shawn is being singled out, in an effort by the colonial authorities to crush First Nations' resistance. The community of Tyendinaga has, through working to re-establish a longhouse, self-governance, and economic self-sufficiency, long been a thorn in the side of the Canadian state, and its project of oppression and genocide of First Nations peoples.
Asking for twelve years prison time is not about the blockades of this summer. It is about sending a loud message to First Nations people who are not interested in submitting to the exploitation of their lands and resources, nor the continued denigration and suffering of their communities.
Shawn is being made an example of, in a state response of fear and concern that First Nations resistance will continue, and will succeed in forcing the rest of this country's population to realize that long-standing crimes against the Mohawk community of Tyendinaga, and all other First Nations communities, must be righted.
-------------------------------
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
-------------------------------
1. CALL/FAX/EMAIL:
In September of this year, the international community adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, despite high-profile opposition from Canada and three other settler states - New Zealand, the United States and Australia. Article 26 of the UN declaration states: "Indigenous peoples have the right to the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired."
By voting against the Declaration, Canada clearly belies its on-going contempt, racism, and lack of will to negotiate in good faith with or atone for the genocidal crimes committed against the First Nations peoples of this land. Colonialism continues.
The criminalization and persecution of Shawn Brant, a Mohawk who has made great sacrifices to stand up for his community, his people, and his land, serves as a sharp and unacceptable example of this very colonial agenda.
Seeking to send Shawn to jail for the acts of resistance taken by his community is unacceptable. In turn, return of the Culberston Tract to the Mohawks of Tyendinaga is a crucial step in building a new relationship between First Nations peoples and the rest of Canada.
Write or call the Attorney General of Ontario, the Minister of Indian Affairs, and the Head Office of CN Rail, to call for the following:
We demand that:
1. Michael Bryant, Attorney General of Ontario drop the charges against Shawn Brant, who, if convicted, could face serious time in a federal penitentiary.
2. CN Rail abandon its multi-million dollar lawsuits against Shawn Brant, Jason Maracle, and Tara Green.
3. The Provincial and Federal governments return all lands that rightfully belong to the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and immediately cease exploitation of resources on those lands, thereby committing to negotiating land claims issues in good faith, and to honest governance for all Ontarians.
4. The Provincial and Federal Governments engage in meaningful dialogue to end the exploitation of First Nation lands and resources.
ADRESS YOUR DEMANDS TO THE FOLLOWING:
Michael Bryant,
Attorney General of Ontario
Ministry of the Attorney General
720 Bay St, 11th Flr
Toronto ON M5G 2K1
Tel : 416-326-4000
Fax : 416-326-4016
mbryant.mpp@liberal.ola.org
Chuck Strahl,
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal
Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Phone: (613) 992-2940
Fax: (613) 944-9376
ottawa@chuckstrahl.com
Canadian National Railway Company
935 de La Gauchetière Street West
Montreal, Quebec
H3B 2M9
Phone: 1-888-888-5909
contact@cn.ca
-------------------------------------------
2. MAKE A DONATION:
Shawn Brant faces a jury trial that will likely last 3-4 weeks. Although the two defence lawyers have generously donated their time free of charge, there are still significant costs associated with the defence. Travel and accommodation expenses will be incurred as the trial is being held in Napanee, over 200 km from Toronto. Expert witnesses need to be paid, transcripts and other documents must be obtained, and there are significant other expenses generated in mounting the defense for a lengthy and complex jury trial.
In addition to defending Shawn Brant, the campaign to have the quarry license revoked and the Culbertson Tract returned to the Mohawk community requires the maintenance of an effective presence over the winter at the reclaimed quarry site on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Doing this will put a substantial financial burden on the community. They will have to pay for winterization and equipping of the housing units, purchase of a diesel generator, fuel for heating, electricity and transport, additional clothing and food.
To cover the legal costs and to contribute to the winterization of the quarry site the Tyendinaga Support Committee has set a target of $40,000 for the Tyendinaga Legal Defence Fund. The money collected will be divided between legal costs incurred by Shawn Brant's counsel, and funds needed to winterize the quarry site in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
Shawn Brant must have adequately funded legal representation if he is to successfully defend himself against a very determined Crown Attorney who is set on making an example of him. To adequately prepare the case, defense counsel needs funds sooner rather than later. For example, expert witness reports cannot simply be secured at the last minute if the money happens to come in. Defence strategy is seriously impaired if we don't know what we're looking at in terms of incoming
funds and tailoring strategy. Thus far this embattled community, in the forefront of indigenous struggle, has received little financial support for their legal battle. So it is with a sense of urgency that we request you to act on this appeal as soon as possible.
All donations are valued and appreciated.
CHEQUES PAYABLE TO:
Tyendinaga Legal Defence Fund
c/o 10 Britain Street
Toronto, ON
M5A 1R6
---------------------------------------------------------
3. READ MORE:
RECENT BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Shawn Brant: Another case of Canada's political persecution of indigenous people (Justin Podur, September 19/07)
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=30&ItemID=13830
Free Shawn Brant: Toronto Event: August 29/07
VIDEO:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwQdz7dHeaQ
AUDIO:http://storywordspics.blogspot.com/2007/08/free-shawn-brant-meeting.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. GET INVOLVED:
If you are interested in finding out about organizing efforts to support the Mohawks of Tyendinaga, if you would like to work with the Tyendinaga Support Committee here in Toronto or people in other cities, or if you think your progressive union local, organization, school, or faith group would like to learn more about this struggle, please visit our website or contact:
Tyendinaga Support Committee:
http://www.ocap.ca/supporttmt.html
support.tmt@gmail.com
Northumberland Anti-Poverty Meeting
The Northumberland Community Legal Centre and the Northumberland Coalition Against Poverty invite you to attend our 5th Annual Justice Forum:
BUILDING A POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY
Thursday, October 25th
1:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Port Hope Health Unit, 200 Roseglen Road, east of Hwy # 401 and Hwy #28 interchange
PANEL MEMBERS
Jaqueline Maund, Co-ordinator, Campaign 2000
Wayne Samuelson, President, Ontario Federation of Labour
Cindy Buott, Mayor’s Anti Poverty Committee, Peterborough
Carl Ross, Manager, Income and Housing Services, County of Northumberland
Dr. Lynne Noseworthy, Medical Officer of Health, Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit
Sylvia Terpstra, Director of Education, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
Representative, Children’s Services Committee
RSVP to Northumberland Community Legal Centre
(905) 373-4464 or 1 800-850-7882
BUILDING A POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY
Thursday, October 25th
1:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Port Hope Health Unit, 200 Roseglen Road, east of Hwy # 401 and Hwy #28 interchange
PANEL MEMBERS
Jaqueline Maund, Co-ordinator, Campaign 2000
Wayne Samuelson, President, Ontario Federation of Labour
Cindy Buott, Mayor’s Anti Poverty Committee, Peterborough
Carl Ross, Manager, Income and Housing Services, County of Northumberland
Dr. Lynne Noseworthy, Medical Officer of Health, Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit
Sylvia Terpstra, Director of Education, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
Representative, Children’s Services Committee
RSVP to Northumberland Community Legal Centre
(905) 373-4464 or 1 800-850-7882
OCAP Perpetual Calendars For Sale
The OCAP Perpetual Calendar is on sale now at the PCAP office.
This beautiful compilation of art and history can be used year after year to mark important dates, birthdays, and anniversaries. It contains artwork by several celebrated political artists including Pete Colins, Shannon Muegge, Stefan Pilipa and others.
All revenue from this calendar goes back into the daily work of the organization, from casework and advocacy to large-scale mobilizations for dignity, housing, and economic justice for poor and oppressed people.
To make orders, e-mail pcap@riseup.net or call PCAP at 705-749-9694.
You can view the back cover and artwork of the calendar online at: http://www.ocap.ca/files/perpetualbackbig.jpg
Calendars are being sold at $20 each.
This beautiful compilation of art and history can be used year after year to mark important dates, birthdays, and anniversaries. It contains artwork by several celebrated political artists including Pete Colins, Shannon Muegge, Stefan Pilipa and others.
All revenue from this calendar goes back into the daily work of the organization, from casework and advocacy to large-scale mobilizations for dignity, housing, and economic justice for poor and oppressed people.
To make orders, e-mail pcap@riseup.net or call PCAP at 705-749-9694.
You can view the back cover and artwork of the calendar online at: http://www.ocap.ca/files/perpetualbackbig.jpg
Calendars are being sold at $20 each.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Peterborough's Emergency Shelter System - Time for Action!!
PCAP opposes the decision to award the Emergency Shelter Services Request For Proposal to Brock Mission and the YES Shelter!
On Monday October 22nd at 6:30 Peterborough City Council will make a decision on this recommendation - the recommendation report is available online at:
This link.
PCAP has reserved spots to speak to council on this issue. Join us at 5:00 p.m. at the PCAP office for discussion and strategizing about these issues. We will then head to City Hall at 6:00 to share a free meal, provided weekly by Food Not Bombs before attending the council meeting.
We support Peggy Shaugnessy's efforts to provide comprehensive emergency shelter services. Peggy has proven herself to be in solidarity with the poor while the Brock Mission has continually demonstrated mismanagement of finances and its inability to provide adequate services. The YES shelter is headed up by a man who was once the president of the Downtown Business Improvement Association, an organization that consistently runs poor-bashing, anti-youth, and anti-panhandling campaigns.
It's time to demand that the City put some of the most marginalized members of our community first - we need a warming room to open now! We need a fully funded shelter service for single women over the age of 24! We need laundry and shower facilities that are fully accessible to everyone who needs them! We need shelters that are clean, that don't overcrowd, and that have a proper budget for decent food so people aren't forced to eat crappy meals like pasta with cut up weiners and corn and no sauce!
On Monday October 22nd at 6:30 Peterborough City Council will make a decision on this recommendation - the recommendation report is available online at:
This link.
PCAP has reserved spots to speak to council on this issue. Join us at 5:00 p.m. at the PCAP office for discussion and strategizing about these issues. We will then head to City Hall at 6:00 to share a free meal, provided weekly by Food Not Bombs before attending the council meeting.
We support Peggy Shaugnessy's efforts to provide comprehensive emergency shelter services. Peggy has proven herself to be in solidarity with the poor while the Brock Mission has continually demonstrated mismanagement of finances and its inability to provide adequate services. The YES shelter is headed up by a man who was once the president of the Downtown Business Improvement Association, an organization that consistently runs poor-bashing, anti-youth, and anti-panhandling campaigns.
It's time to demand that the City put some of the most marginalized members of our community first - we need a warming room to open now! We need a fully funded shelter service for single women over the age of 24! We need laundry and shower facilities that are fully accessible to everyone who needs them! We need shelters that are clean, that don't overcrowd, and that have a proper budget for decent food so people aren't forced to eat crappy meals like pasta with cut up weiners and corn and no sauce!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Special Diet Clinic - Forms and Update
There is still room to register for the PCAP special diet clinic but spots are filling up quickly and there aren't many left.
All the details are available at the PCAP office and online at:
http://peterboroughcoalitionagainstpoverty.blogspot.com/2007/10/special-diet-clinic-in-peterborough.html
There are additional information sheets in the PCAP office for people who have registered.
Please let us know if you, or anyone you know, are having any problems getting a special diet application form from the welfare or disability office. Workers must give forms when they are requested. We can help you get the forms, no matter what
the difficulty is, so don't hesitate to get in touch.
All the details are available at the PCAP office and online at:
http://peterboroughcoalitionagainstpoverty.blogspot.com/2007/10/special-diet-clinic-in-peterborough.html
There are additional information sheets in the PCAP office for people who have registered.
Please let us know if you, or anyone you know, are having any problems getting a special diet application form from the welfare or disability office. Workers must give forms when they are requested. We can help you get the forms, no matter what
the difficulty is, so don't hesitate to get in touch.
Community Consultation: Discretionary Benefits Program Review - October 22
In addition to the community consultation about the discretionary benefits program for OW/ODSP on Monday Oct. 22 at 1:00 in the Public Library on Aylmer St. (see below for more details), PCAP will also be attending a morning session for 'agencies' and 'stakeholders.'
If you have ideas or input about how the discretionary benefits program could be improved, please let us know so we can raise your issues at the consultation meeting for agencies, or at the open afternoon meeting.
We will also be meeting at Noon at the PCAP office to hear back about the mornings session and to plan for the afternoon. We will provide some food for lunch. Please join us.
Please consider registering to attend the event even if you can't make it. We heard that they were thinking of cancelling the afternoon session for lack of interest and we want to make sure that OW/ODSP recipients have a chance to have their voices heard. Registration details are below.
PCAP: (705) 749-9694 or pcap@riseup.net. Office is open Mon-Fri, 1:00-3:00, #17 393 Water. St. (we're sorry to say that our office is up a flight of stairs).
--
OW and ODSP clients and other concerned members of the community are invited to a Social Services community consultations about the Ontario Works Discretionary Benefit Program, which is under review.
Monday, October 22 at 1:00 p.m. in the lower level at the Public Library.
The discretionarybenefits program provides benefits such as dental and vision care, recreation subsidies, emergency funding for heat and hydro deposits and disconnections, and more. Learn more about the program and have some input into its
future directions and how it can be improved.
Contact Laura Warne of Social Services at lwarne@peterborough.ca or 748-8830 ext 3201 for more information or to let her know that you plan on attending.
For more information or assistance about how to apply for discretionary benefits contact PCAP. You can also check out this easy to read description of the benefits at
http://www.incomesecurity.org/publications.html.
Under 'Public Education Materials' click on the 'OW/ODSP Benefits - October 2006' link.
PCAP will be attending this community consultation as we know Social Services could do more to increase awareness and access to these benefits.
If you have ideas or input about how the discretionary benefits program could be improved, please let us know so we can raise your issues at the consultation meeting for agencies, or at the open afternoon meeting.
We will also be meeting at Noon at the PCAP office to hear back about the mornings session and to plan for the afternoon. We will provide some food for lunch. Please join us.
Please consider registering to attend the event even if you can't make it. We heard that they were thinking of cancelling the afternoon session for lack of interest and we want to make sure that OW/ODSP recipients have a chance to have their voices heard. Registration details are below.
PCAP: (705) 749-9694 or pcap@riseup.net. Office is open Mon-Fri, 1:00-3:00, #17 393 Water. St. (we're sorry to say that our office is up a flight of stairs).
--
OW and ODSP clients and other concerned members of the community are invited to a Social Services community consultations about the Ontario Works Discretionary Benefit Program, which is under review.
Monday, October 22 at 1:00 p.m. in the lower level at the Public Library.
The discretionarybenefits program provides benefits such as dental and vision care, recreation subsidies, emergency funding for heat and hydro deposits and disconnections, and more. Learn more about the program and have some input into its
future directions and how it can be improved.
Contact Laura Warne of Social Services at lwarne@peterborough.ca or 748-8830 ext 3201 for more information or to let her know that you plan on attending.
For more information or assistance about how to apply for discretionary benefits contact PCAP. You can also check out this easy to read description of the benefits at
http://www.incomesecurity.org/publications.html.
Under 'Public Education Materials' click on the 'OW/ODSP Benefits - October 2006' link.
PCAP will be attending this community consultation as we know Social Services could do more to increase awareness and access to these benefits.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Appeal for Support
Dear PCAP Members and Friends,
Below is an appeal for assistance from a friend of PCAP's who is looking for help with her housing situation. Sylvie is seeking financial donations, somewhere to move her mobile home to, and someone who can move her mobile home for her. More details and her contact information are included in her personal letter below. Thank you for taking the time to read it.
Sylvie's case reminds us of the local face of Canada's national disaster - housing insecurity and homelessness. People in Ontario need living incomes to bridge the large gap between the cost of housing and the money available to pay for housing. In addition to improvements in emergency services, we need services and supports that help people become adequately rehoused and help them stay housed. We want more measures to prevent homelessness and housing insecurity. More affordable housing now!
---
My name is Sylvie Allaire; I live in the City of Kawartha Lakes. I am a single mother of a 14-year-old son. At the present time, I am in a dilemma; I have lived in my mobile home (12 X 64) on a farmer's lot for the past 10 years. I have been informed that I have to move my home; this is not a small task for a single parent with limited income, it is virtually impossible.
On Thursday, September 27, 2007 I was facing eviction, the decision at the landlord and tenant tribunal was in my favour. I was given til May to vacate the property. I'm looking for a trailer park that would have room for a mobile home, a Granny Flat on a farmers land, or land that would allow a mobile home. I feel that it would be in the best interest for my son as well as me to remain in the area in order for my son to continue his education at Fenelon Falls Public School and for me to continue with supports in the area.
My son has lived in this house since he is 4 years old and his friends from public school are in high school with him. He is planning to stay in school and learn a trade and the only way I can help him with his future is to be able to keep this house and support us.
I have gone to the politicians for assistance, only to be told there is no funding available and that the best option that I have is to go to my local church or A Place Called Home. These services only offer assistance once your homeless. I have applied for low income housing only to be told that there is a 3 to 5 years waiting period.
This situation has not only been stressful for me but for my son as well. I've made several attempts to find an alternative solution in order to resolve my predicament but I feel like I am getting nowhere. I have some friends and organization that are going to do some fundraising so I can move my mobile home. I'm also looking for a home moving company to give me a quote. If you would like to help I can be contacted at the following:
Email: allaire_sylvie@yahoo.ca
CIBC bank account: 01992 - 71-24430
Paypal account at www.paypal.com vilee_2000@yahoo.ca
Thank for taking the time to read this. Hope to hear from you soon.
Sylvie Allaire
Below is an appeal for assistance from a friend of PCAP's who is looking for help with her housing situation. Sylvie is seeking financial donations, somewhere to move her mobile home to, and someone who can move her mobile home for her. More details and her contact information are included in her personal letter below. Thank you for taking the time to read it.
Sylvie's case reminds us of the local face of Canada's national disaster - housing insecurity and homelessness. People in Ontario need living incomes to bridge the large gap between the cost of housing and the money available to pay for housing. In addition to improvements in emergency services, we need services and supports that help people become adequately rehoused and help them stay housed. We want more measures to prevent homelessness and housing insecurity. More affordable housing now!
---
My name is Sylvie Allaire; I live in the City of Kawartha Lakes. I am a single mother of a 14-year-old son. At the present time, I am in a dilemma; I have lived in my mobile home (12 X 64) on a farmer's lot for the past 10 years. I have been informed that I have to move my home; this is not a small task for a single parent with limited income, it is virtually impossible.
On Thursday, September 27, 2007 I was facing eviction, the decision at the landlord and tenant tribunal was in my favour. I was given til May to vacate the property. I'm looking for a trailer park that would have room for a mobile home, a Granny Flat on a farmers land, or land that would allow a mobile home. I feel that it would be in the best interest for my son as well as me to remain in the area in order for my son to continue his education at Fenelon Falls Public School and for me to continue with supports in the area.
My son has lived in this house since he is 4 years old and his friends from public school are in high school with him. He is planning to stay in school and learn a trade and the only way I can help him with his future is to be able to keep this house and support us.
I have gone to the politicians for assistance, only to be told there is no funding available and that the best option that I have is to go to my local church or A Place Called Home. These services only offer assistance once your homeless. I have applied for low income housing only to be told that there is a 3 to 5 years waiting period.
This situation has not only been stressful for me but for my son as well. I've made several attempts to find an alternative solution in order to resolve my predicament but I feel like I am getting nowhere. I have some friends and organization that are going to do some fundraising so I can move my mobile home. I'm also looking for a home moving company to give me a quote. If you would like to help I can be contacted at the following:
Email: allaire_sylvie@yahoo.ca
CIBC bank account: 01992 - 71-24430
Paypal account at www.paypal.com vilee_2000@yahoo.ca
Thank for taking the time to read this. Hope to hear from you soon.
Sylvie Allaire
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Special Diet Clinic in Peterborough - Register Now
Are you on welfare or disability? Have you heard of SPECIAL DIET MONEY? You could get extra money through the special diet allowance for you and your family! PCAP can help – register for our special diet clinic now!
The special diet benefit is a government provision that allows people on welfare and disability to receive funds for dietary needs when prescribed by a nurse or doctor. PCAP is an anti poverty organization that fights the government for what poor people need. We are NOT part of welfare and get no funding from the government.
PCAP is organizing a SPECIAL DIET CLINIC IN PETERBOROUGH on Friday October 19th from 12:00 – 3:00. A free meal will be served at Noon. We can assist with child care and transportation to the clinic – let us know ahead of time. You MUST PRE-REGISTER for this clinic.
Health professionals will be available to fill out the special diet forms for OW and ODSP recipients who have pre-registered. FIFTY SPOTS are being made available on a first come - first served basis. The fifty spots include children as well as adults so you should register as soon as possible if you want to ensure that you get a spot. TO PRE-REGISTER CONTACT SARAH AT PCAP@RISEUP.NET OR 749-9694 and leave your name along with the best way that we can reach you – phone number, email, address, usual hang out spots.
You must register yourself and every child in your family who you will be bringing with you to be assessed. Once registered, PCAP will give you the clinic's location. Only those who have pre-registered will be able to see a health professional. So please, don't invite relatives and friends to tag along. If they haven't pre-registered, there is absolutely NO chance that they will be seen.
But remember, attending the clinic is no guarantee that you will qualify for the maximum $250 Special Diet Allowance. Because of the strict criteria, the $250 maximum is hard to get and most people will probably qualify for less and some may not qualify for anything. THE CLINIC CAN GIVE NO ABSOLUTE GUARANTEE OF MONEY AT ALL. Nonetheless, the medical providers will do everything they can under the new regulations to get people money.
You will need to REQUEST A SPECIAL DIET FORM FROM YOUR WORKER for every member of your family attending the clinic and bring it with you on October 19th – only original forms are valid as photocopied forms are not accepted by the OW/ODSP office. Without this form, your application will NOT be accepted by Social Services. Your worker MUST give you a form if you ask for one.
We recommend that you bring along your health card and any copies of previous special diet forms that you have submitted to social services – this is only a recommendation as these items are not required to be seen by a health care provider at the clinic. A note for parents – your kids do not need to be physically present at the clinic as long as you have their medical history.
Contact PCAP for more info: pcap@riseup.net, (705) 749-9694
The special diet benefit is a government provision that allows people on welfare and disability to receive funds for dietary needs when prescribed by a nurse or doctor. PCAP is an anti poverty organization that fights the government for what poor people need. We are NOT part of welfare and get no funding from the government.
PCAP is organizing a SPECIAL DIET CLINIC IN PETERBOROUGH on Friday October 19th from 12:00 – 3:00. A free meal will be served at Noon. We can assist with child care and transportation to the clinic – let us know ahead of time. You MUST PRE-REGISTER for this clinic.
Health professionals will be available to fill out the special diet forms for OW and ODSP recipients who have pre-registered. FIFTY SPOTS are being made available on a first come - first served basis. The fifty spots include children as well as adults so you should register as soon as possible if you want to ensure that you get a spot. TO PRE-REGISTER CONTACT SARAH AT PCAP@RISEUP.NET OR 749-9694 and leave your name along with the best way that we can reach you – phone number, email, address, usual hang out spots.
You must register yourself and every child in your family who you will be bringing with you to be assessed. Once registered, PCAP will give you the clinic's location. Only those who have pre-registered will be able to see a health professional. So please, don't invite relatives and friends to tag along. If they haven't pre-registered, there is absolutely NO chance that they will be seen.
But remember, attending the clinic is no guarantee that you will qualify for the maximum $250 Special Diet Allowance. Because of the strict criteria, the $250 maximum is hard to get and most people will probably qualify for less and some may not qualify for anything. THE CLINIC CAN GIVE NO ABSOLUTE GUARANTEE OF MONEY AT ALL. Nonetheless, the medical providers will do everything they can under the new regulations to get people money.
You will need to REQUEST A SPECIAL DIET FORM FROM YOUR WORKER for every member of your family attending the clinic and bring it with you on October 19th – only original forms are valid as photocopied forms are not accepted by the OW/ODSP office. Without this form, your application will NOT be accepted by Social Services. Your worker MUST give you a form if you ask for one.
We recommend that you bring along your health card and any copies of previous special diet forms that you have submitted to social services – this is only a recommendation as these items are not required to be seen by a health care provider at the clinic. A note for parents – your kids do not need to be physically present at the clinic as long as you have their medical history.
Contact PCAP for more info: pcap@riseup.net, (705) 749-9694
Appeal for Support and More Info on Special Diet Clinics
The McGuinty Government cut the Special Diet Policy under which huge numbers were obtaining relief from poverty and hunger. The Liberals introduced a new policy, determined to shut down the OCAP initiated community clinics where thousands of poor people were obtaining the $250 a month the policy entitled them to. Over $40 million extra was paid out through the special diet to people on welfare and disability. Several months after the cut, the Liberal government raised over all assistance rates by 2%. With an additional 3% raise, this is still 35% short of what it would take for rates to be brought up to what they were before the Harris Government cuts.
In the year since the cut took place huge numbers of people have been robbed of the income they needed to eat properly and provide for their children. But the Special Diet Campaign has created a new sense of entitlement and a new feeling of hope for people which the government can't cut or revise. People are simply not ready to go back to the old choice between eating properly and paying the rent. Hundreds of poor people joined the fight for the right to decent income and Doctor’s offices and health centres have seen an ongoing flow of patients on welfare seeking any help they and their families might obtain under the food allowance. This initiative by poor people enabled progressive health providers to understand that the new Special Diet form, while it made things much harder, did not totally prevent the Policy from being used as a tool to protect the health of low income patients.
As soon as Health Providers Against Poverty (HPAP) came to the conclusion that Special Diet clinics were still an option, the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty enthusiastically started running them again. In October 2006 Round II of special diet clinics began. These special diet clinics are being organized under strict government regulations designed to block access to this money. The government failed.
Under ROUND II, thousands more people have since gone through the clinics. Some Welfare and ODSP offices have responded by trying to cheat people out of benefits
their own rules say should be available. Just as in 2005, we are having to confront the welfare bureaucracy and its political controllers to ensure that this abuse is prevented.
We face a government reaching the end of its term that has raised assistance rates by just 5% - an insulting fraction of what it would take for rates to be livable. We face government at each level that intentionally deny people the means to get by. But the government faces communities that refuse to go back to the old choices between dignity or rent. They face people who have joined the fight for a decent income, who are demanding it from their welfare workers, their city councillors and their MPPs. They face people willing to fight for what they deserve.
We are faced right now, as we have been for more than a decade, with 760,000 people living on welfare and disability; hungry, unable to get by on assistance with a government that refuses to raise overall assistance rates by any meaningful amount. In this context the special diet allows people money to provide for themselves. It also begins the recovery of the 40% we are owed by the government.
We are doing all we can to push back the limits of hunger and poverty. This is a Government that willfully inflicts misery and suffering on poor communities. It is a Government that needs to be fought.
We are appealing to all our allies to support us in this fight and to help us achieve as much as we possibly can through our present round of community clinics.
➢ If you are a health provider, contribute your time and skills to help out at a Special Diet Clinic.
➢ If you are a community agency or grassroots organization, endorse the special diet campaign
➢ If you can, contribute cash to help us ensure low income people can attend our clinics
➢ When welfare officialdom tries to deny people their legitimate benefits, we need to put pressure on them, through call-ins and public delegations. If you can help with this activity, let us know.
Contact PCAP at pcap@riseup.net or (705) 749-9694
Peterborough Organizations that Endorse the Special Diet Campaign:
Ontario Public Interest Research Group, Peterborough
PARN – Your Community AIDS Resource Network
Peterborough Coalition for Social Justice
Peterborough Social Planning Council
United Way of Peterborough and District
YWCA of Peterborough, Victoria and Haliburton
The Peterborough Board of Health and the Toronto Board of Health, along with many professional health organizations have also passed resolutions that support the campaign. Despite provincial cutbacks to the allowance, the campaign has been very successful, receiving much favorable media coverage.
Related Links of Interest:
http://ocap.ca/taxonomy/term/44
http://dawn.thot.net/special_diet_supplement.html
http://www.odspaction.ca/~new/drupal/node/37
http://www.rnao.org/Page.asp?PageID=122&ContentID=1482&SiteNodeID=327
http://peterboroughcoalitionagainstpoverty.blogspot.com/
In the year since the cut took place huge numbers of people have been robbed of the income they needed to eat properly and provide for their children. But the Special Diet Campaign has created a new sense of entitlement and a new feeling of hope for people which the government can't cut or revise. People are simply not ready to go back to the old choice between eating properly and paying the rent. Hundreds of poor people joined the fight for the right to decent income and Doctor’s offices and health centres have seen an ongoing flow of patients on welfare seeking any help they and their families might obtain under the food allowance. This initiative by poor people enabled progressive health providers to understand that the new Special Diet form, while it made things much harder, did not totally prevent the Policy from being used as a tool to protect the health of low income patients.
As soon as Health Providers Against Poverty (HPAP) came to the conclusion that Special Diet clinics were still an option, the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty enthusiastically started running them again. In October 2006 Round II of special diet clinics began. These special diet clinics are being organized under strict government regulations designed to block access to this money. The government failed.
Under ROUND II, thousands more people have since gone through the clinics. Some Welfare and ODSP offices have responded by trying to cheat people out of benefits
their own rules say should be available. Just as in 2005, we are having to confront the welfare bureaucracy and its political controllers to ensure that this abuse is prevented.
We face a government reaching the end of its term that has raised assistance rates by just 5% - an insulting fraction of what it would take for rates to be livable. We face government at each level that intentionally deny people the means to get by. But the government faces communities that refuse to go back to the old choices between dignity or rent. They face people who have joined the fight for a decent income, who are demanding it from their welfare workers, their city councillors and their MPPs. They face people willing to fight for what they deserve.
We are faced right now, as we have been for more than a decade, with 760,000 people living on welfare and disability; hungry, unable to get by on assistance with a government that refuses to raise overall assistance rates by any meaningful amount. In this context the special diet allows people money to provide for themselves. It also begins the recovery of the 40% we are owed by the government.
We are doing all we can to push back the limits of hunger and poverty. This is a Government that willfully inflicts misery and suffering on poor communities. It is a Government that needs to be fought.
We are appealing to all our allies to support us in this fight and to help us achieve as much as we possibly can through our present round of community clinics.
➢ If you are a health provider, contribute your time and skills to help out at a Special Diet Clinic.
➢ If you are a community agency or grassroots organization, endorse the special diet campaign
➢ If you can, contribute cash to help us ensure low income people can attend our clinics
➢ When welfare officialdom tries to deny people their legitimate benefits, we need to put pressure on them, through call-ins and public delegations. If you can help with this activity, let us know.
Contact PCAP at pcap@riseup.net or (705) 749-9694
Peterborough Organizations that Endorse the Special Diet Campaign:
Ontario Public Interest Research Group, Peterborough
PARN – Your Community AIDS Resource Network
Peterborough Coalition for Social Justice
Peterborough Social Planning Council
United Way of Peterborough and District
YWCA of Peterborough, Victoria and Haliburton
The Peterborough Board of Health and the Toronto Board of Health, along with many professional health organizations have also passed resolutions that support the campaign. Despite provincial cutbacks to the allowance, the campaign has been very successful, receiving much favorable media coverage.
Related Links of Interest:
http://ocap.ca/taxonomy/term/44
http://dawn.thot.net/special_diet_supplement.html
http://www.odspaction.ca/~new/drupal/node/37
http://www.rnao.org/Page.asp?PageID=122&ContentID=1482&SiteNodeID=327
http://peterboroughcoalitionagainstpoverty.blogspot.com/
How to Apply for Special Diet Money Without Attending the PCAP Clinic
WHAT IS THE SPECIAL DIET?
The special diet is $$ from the government for people on welfare or disability - you can get this money if a qualified health care provider says you need it. New regulations brought in by the Ontario Liberal government in November 2006 made the special diet very hard to get. In the last year thousands and thousands of people who were on the special diet lost all or most of their money under the new rules. The policy was changed after the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty and allied groups started telling people how to get the special diet and signing people up. Thousands and thousands of people then received the special diet and were finally able to survive. The government brought these changes in to stop us from getting the money we deserve for ourselves and our children. There are still ways to get money through the special diet. To find out how read on. Every time we get special diet money we are taking from the government some of what they owe the 760,000 people on assistance in Ontario. Every time we get the special diet money we have to be ready to fight for that money.
HOW TO APPLY FOR SPECIAL DIET MONEY WITHOUT ATTENDING A CLINIC:
Has your special diet allowance been cut? Have you seen the new forms and don't think you qualify for any extra money? Can't find a health professional that understands the impact of poverty on people's health and is willing to take the time to fill out the forms correctly? Didn’t register in time to make it to the Peterborough clinic? Don't despair. YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR MORE MONEY THAN YOU THINK. It's a matter of finding a health provider that understands how to interpret the new forms so you get the money you deserve.
Ask your worker for a special diet application form for you and each adult and child in your family. Your worker must give you these forms if you ask. Read through the conditions listed below and think about whether any of them apply to you. Contact PCAP to get a tip-sheet for your health care provider to help them complete your form. The tip-sheet was compiled by Health Providers Against Poverty and it provides specific directions about how to successfully complete the special diet forms. Bring the tip-sheet and your application form for health care providers to a good doctor/nurse practioner/dietician. Ask the doctor to carefully go through the form with you. Explain to the doctor how much you and your family receive on social assistance. Your doctor will need to check each box that applies to you and your family. Bring the completed forms to your worker. Make and keep a copy of your special diet forms and the date you handed them in. You should get your special diet money by the end of the month or within several weeks. IF YOU ARE DENIED CALL PCAP at 749-9694.
These are very COMMON CONDITIONS you can get special diet $ for:
- Constipation: $10 lots of people have this problem.
- Allergies (egg, wheat, soya) Think hard about any problems any of you may have after eating any of these things. Lots of people have allergies and don’t know it.
- Lactose intolerant: between $35 and $97. Very common problem among both children and adults there is no test for lactose intolerance
- High Cholesterol: $32 common among adults
- Chewing, teeth problems. $25 with a one time $75 to get a blender. If you have teeth or jaw problems that effect your chewing, this is for you. This includes children with baby teeth falling out.
- Blood pressure: $32 common among adults
- Anemia: $32 common in women and children
-Diabetes: $42. Lots of people develop this and have symptoms for a while before they get diagnosed.
The following HEALTH PROFESSIONALS can complete the Special Diet Allowance application form for you:
-Physician who is registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
-Registered Nurse in the Extended Class - RN(EC) who is registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario
-Registered Dietician who is registered with the College of Dieticians of Ontario
-Registered Midwife who is registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario or Traditional Aboriginal Midwife recognized and accredited by his or her Aboriginal community (Midwifes may only confirm that a special diet is required for the following medical conditions: Inadequate lactation to sustain breast feeding diet or breast-feeding is contraindicated, and for the Pregnancy Nutritional Allowance)
The special diet is $$ from the government for people on welfare or disability - you can get this money if a qualified health care provider says you need it. New regulations brought in by the Ontario Liberal government in November 2006 made the special diet very hard to get. In the last year thousands and thousands of people who were on the special diet lost all or most of their money under the new rules. The policy was changed after the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty and allied groups started telling people how to get the special diet and signing people up. Thousands and thousands of people then received the special diet and were finally able to survive. The government brought these changes in to stop us from getting the money we deserve for ourselves and our children. There are still ways to get money through the special diet. To find out how read on. Every time we get special diet money we are taking from the government some of what they owe the 760,000 people on assistance in Ontario. Every time we get the special diet money we have to be ready to fight for that money.
HOW TO APPLY FOR SPECIAL DIET MONEY WITHOUT ATTENDING A CLINIC:
Has your special diet allowance been cut? Have you seen the new forms and don't think you qualify for any extra money? Can't find a health professional that understands the impact of poverty on people's health and is willing to take the time to fill out the forms correctly? Didn’t register in time to make it to the Peterborough clinic? Don't despair. YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR MORE MONEY THAN YOU THINK. It's a matter of finding a health provider that understands how to interpret the new forms so you get the money you deserve.
Ask your worker for a special diet application form for you and each adult and child in your family. Your worker must give you these forms if you ask. Read through the conditions listed below and think about whether any of them apply to you. Contact PCAP to get a tip-sheet for your health care provider to help them complete your form. The tip-sheet was compiled by Health Providers Against Poverty and it provides specific directions about how to successfully complete the special diet forms. Bring the tip-sheet and your application form for health care providers to a good doctor/nurse practioner/dietician. Ask the doctor to carefully go through the form with you. Explain to the doctor how much you and your family receive on social assistance. Your doctor will need to check each box that applies to you and your family. Bring the completed forms to your worker. Make and keep a copy of your special diet forms and the date you handed them in. You should get your special diet money by the end of the month or within several weeks. IF YOU ARE DENIED CALL PCAP at 749-9694.
These are very COMMON CONDITIONS you can get special diet $ for:
- Constipation: $10 lots of people have this problem.
- Allergies (egg, wheat, soya) Think hard about any problems any of you may have after eating any of these things. Lots of people have allergies and don’t know it.
- Lactose intolerant: between $35 and $97. Very common problem among both children and adults there is no test for lactose intolerance
- High Cholesterol: $32 common among adults
- Chewing, teeth problems. $25 with a one time $75 to get a blender. If you have teeth or jaw problems that effect your chewing, this is for you. This includes children with baby teeth falling out.
- Blood pressure: $32 common among adults
- Anemia: $32 common in women and children
-Diabetes: $42. Lots of people develop this and have symptoms for a while before they get diagnosed.
The following HEALTH PROFESSIONALS can complete the Special Diet Allowance application form for you:
-Physician who is registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
-Registered Nurse in the Extended Class - RN(EC) who is registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario
-Registered Dietician who is registered with the College of Dieticians of Ontario
-Registered Midwife who is registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario or Traditional Aboriginal Midwife recognized and accredited by his or her Aboriginal community (Midwifes may only confirm that a special diet is required for the following medical conditions: Inadequate lactation to sustain breast feeding diet or breast-feeding is contraindicated, and for the Pregnancy Nutritional Allowance)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
