All members of Toronto City Council, Toronto District School Board Trustees, and Toronto Catholic District School Board Trustees have signed onto this statement and we are asking other politicians and residents to join in adding their name. If you would like more information contact: Toronto City Councillor Mike Layton [email protected] or (416) 392-4009. Elected Officials: Members of Toronto City Council Mayor John Tory, City of Toronto Paul Ainslie, Ward 43, Scarborough East Maria Augimeri, Ward 9, York Centre Ana Bailão, Ward 18, Davenport Michelle Berardinetti, Ward 35, Scarborough Southwest Jon Burnside, Ward 26, Don Valley West John Campbell, Ward 4, Etobicoke Centre Christin Carmichael Greb, Ward 16, Eglinton-Lawrence Shelley Carroll, Ward 33, Don Valley East Raymond Cho, Ward 42, Scarborough-Rouge River Josh Colle, Ward 15, Eglinton-Lawrence Gary Crawford, Ward 36, Scarborough Southwest Joe Cressy, Ward 20, Trinity-Spadina Vincent Crisanti, Ward 1, Etobicoke North Janet Davis, Ward 31, Beaches-East York Glenn De Baeremaeker, Ward 38, Scarborough Centre Justin Di Ciano, Ward 5, Etobicoke Lakeshore Frank Di Giorgio, Ward 12, York South-Weston Sarah Doucette, Ward 13, Parkdale-High Park John Filion, Ward 23, Willowdale Paula Fletcher, Ward 30, Toronto-Danforth Rob Ford, Ward 2, Etobicoke North Mary Fragedakis, Ward 29, Toronto-Danforth Mark Grimes, Ward 6, Etobicoke-Lakeshore Stephen Holyday, Ward 3, Etobicoke Centre Jim Karygiannis, Ward 39, Scarborough-Agincourt Norm Kelly, Ward 40, Scarborough-Agincourt Mike Layton, Ward 19, Trinity-Spadina Chin Lee, Ward 41, Scarborough-Rouge River Giorgio Mammoliti, Ward 7, York West Josh Matlow, Ward 22, St. Paul's Pam McConnell, Ward 28, Toronto Centre-Rosedale Mary-Margaret McMahon, Ward 32, Beaches-East York Joe Mihevc, Ward 21, St. Paul's Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ward 34, Don Valley East Ron Moeser, Ward 44, Scarborough East Frances Nunziata, Ward 11, York South-Weston Cesar Palacio, Ward 17, Davenport James Pasternak, Ward 10, York Centre Gord Perks, Ward 14, Parkdale-High Park Anthony Perruzza, Ward 8, York West Jaye Robinson, Ward 25, Don Valley West David Shiner, Ward 24, Willowdale Michael Thompson, Ward 37, Scarborough Centre Kristyn Wong-Tam, Ward 27, Toronto Centre-Rosedale Members of the Toronto District School Board Chair Robin Pilkey, Toronto District School Board Sammy Al Rubaie, Student Trustee Jennifer Arp, Ward 8, Eglinton-Lawrence Alexander Brown, Ward 12, Willowdale Sheila Cary-Meagher, Ward 16, Beaches-East York Jerry Chadwick, Ward 22, Scarborough-East Hamima Fattah, Student Trustee Michael Ford, Ward 1, Etobicoke North Tiffany Ford, Ward 4, York West Gerri Gershon, Ward 13, Don Valley West Chris Glover, Ward 2, Etobicoke Centre Pamela Gough, Ward 3, Etobicoke-Lakeshore Parthi Kandaval, Ward 18, Scarborough Southwest Howard Kaplan, Ward 5, York Centre Shelley Laskin, Ward 11, St. Paul's Ken Lister, Ward 17, Don Valley East Ausma Malik, Ward 10, Trinity-Spadina David Smith, Ward 19, Scarborough Centre Marit Stiles, Ward 9, Davenport Jennifer Story, Ward 15, Toronto-Danforth Chris Tonks, Ward 6, York South-Weston Sheila Ward, Ward 14, Toronto Centre-Rosedale Manna Wong, Ward 20, Scarborough-Agincourt Members of the Toronto Catholic District School Board Chair Michael Del Grande, Toronto Catholic District School Board Ann Andrachuk, Ward 2, Etobicoke Patrizia Bottoni, Ward 4, North York Nancy Crawford, Ward 12, Scarborough Frank D'Amico, Ward 6, York Jo-Ann Davis, Ward 9, Toronto Karina Dubrovskaya, Student Trustee Allison Gacad, Student Trustee Angela Kennedy, Ward 11, East York/Toronto Joseph Martino, Ward 1, Etobicoke Sal Piccininni, Ward 3, North York Barbara Poplawksi, Ward 10, Toronto Maria Rizzo, Ward 5, North York Gary Tanuan, Ward 8, Scarborough

Canadians living with HIV are vulnerable to prosecution based on the current law concerning HIV non-disclosure. Indeed, people living with HIV are being unjustly prosecuted for aggravated sexual assault even when there is almost no risk of transmitting the virus, for example, when a condom is used properly or when a person has an undetectable viral load. We call on Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice, to take the steps necessary to bring a halt to such prosecutions. Among the options we suggest be considered are: -in co-operation with the appropriate provincial attorneys-general, issuing a simple directive to Crown prosecutors across the country to cease such prosecutions; -sponsoring as Government business a motion in the House of Commons declaring the House never intended – and is opposed to – the use of the relevant sections of the Criminal Code regarding sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault in cases arising from HIV non-disclosure; -sponsoring amendments to the Criminal Code’s sections 265, 271 and 273 that would preclude such prosecutions on the basis of HIV non-disclosure; or, -such other measures as the Minister believes would result in the ending of such prosecutions. Act with us in support of Canadians living with HIV. Join our call to the Minister of Justice to amend Canada’s Criminal Code and bring a halt to prosecutions for sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault based on HIV-non-disclosure.

Aboriginal women are 3 times more likely to experience violence than white women. Current data on violence against Aboriginal women only includes cases under the jurisdiction of the RCMP (eg. missing and murdered women) and ignores women who experience violence but live. This data also doesn't distinguish between Inuit, First Nations, and Metis women. A fully transparent public inquiry is necessary to define the scope of this violence, and is the first step in implementing policy to make the world safer for these women. This inquiry will be the first step in making Canada a safer place for all women.

The construction of a private residence at Grace Islet in Ganges Harbour off Salt Spring Island is resulting in the desecration of a First Nations burial ground; archaeological evidence confirms the presence of rock cairns and human remains at the site, consistent with the oral testimony of elders of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Hul'qumi'num Nations, and; the Government of British Columbia through its Minister has the authority under the Heritage Conservation Act, Section 20 (1) (a) to acquire property to protect First Nations heritage sites;

Today, large numbers of heavily armed RCMP officers used pepper spray, tear gas, dogs and rubber bullets on a peaceful Mi’kmaq blockade in New Brunswick. [1][2] The blockade was set up to protest an unpopular shale gas fracking plan that threatens the region’s water supply.[3] The RCMP’s intervention tipped the protest into chaos with dozens arrested and several RCMP vehicles burnt. Elsipogtog Chief Arren Sock was in talks with New Brunswick Premier David Alward to find a resolution before the RCMP intervened this morning. People across Canada are losing faith in our democratic process, and deeply concerned about the way our governments are refusing to negotiate in good faith and on a nation-to-nation basis with First Nations. At this crucial moment in our country’s history, violent RCMP interventions in peaceful First Nations protests could set us back by decades. Please sign this petition calling on RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson to commit that the RCMP will not use violence and excessive force against peaceful First Nations protests. P.S. Solidarity actions are taking place in 45 communities across Canada - see here for details: http://www.wearepowershift.ca/stand_with_elsipogtog_actions or http://www.idlenomore.ca/45_elsipogotg_anti_fracking_solidarity_actions Sources: [1] APTN report http://aptn.ca/pages/news/2013/10/17/crown-land-belongs-to-the-government-not-to-fcking-natives/ [2] RCMP clash with Mi’kmaq fracking protestors: Who provoked whom? http://commonsensecanadian.ca/rcmp-clash-mikmaq-fracking-protestors-provoked/ [3] Elsipogtog First Nation announces major land reclamation in ongoing anti-fracking struggle http://tworowtimes.com/news/national/frack-elsipogtog-first-nation-announces-major-land-reclamation-ongoing-anti-fracking-struggle/ [4] Photo credit: Ossie Michelin, APTN

Right now, Calgary-based Infinito Gold is suing the Costa Rican government for over $1 billion because Costa Rica rejected Infinito’s plan to build an open-pit gold mine in a pristine tropical forest. Over 75 per cent of Costa Ricans are against the proposed mine, and in 2011, Costa Rica banned all open-pit metal mining in the country.[1,2] Instead of respecting Costa Rica's democratic decision to reject this project, Infinito is using lawsuits and intimidation to get its way. It already tried to get a judge dismissed who might not be favourable to the project, and sued two Costa Rican university professors for critical comments about the project.[5] Now Infinito is trying to sue Costa Rica in secret courts.[3] Infinito Gold doesn’t care what Costa Ricans think, but with its shareholder meeting just weeks away, we have a key opportunity now to force management to come clean about its shameful bullying to the company’s shareholders - a massive dose of public pressure will force Infinito to drop its lawsuit for good. Sign our petition now to Infinito Gold: Drop your billion dollar suit against Costa Rica! CEO John Morgan expected the mine would be fully operational by 2009, but on three separate occasions, the Supreme Court of Costa Rica has firmly said “no” to Infinito, denying permission to proceed with its project.[3,6] But instead of accepting the law and respecting the popular will of Costa Ricans, Infinito’s lawyers are seeking over $1-billion from Costa Rica through investor-state arbitration under the Canada-Costa Rica Bilateral Investment Treaty. Infinito has caused $10 million in damages to 300 hectares of pristine rainforest because it proceeded to clear-cut forests to build its mine without proper authorization. Costa Ricans want reparations from Infinito for unlawful environmental damages.[4] Infinito is a bully, plain and simple. And the behavior of Canadian companies abroad reflects on us. Costa Ricans are protesting a Canadian company for failing to respect them, their efforts at environmental protection and their courts. That’s why we are calling on Canadians to come together, ahead of Infinito’s shareholder meeting, to tell this Canadian company to do the right thing and back down. Sign our petition now demanding Infinito Gold respect the will of the vast majority of Costa Ricans, stop its legal intimidation of the people and government of Costa Rica, abide by consecutive Supreme Court rulings against the Crucitas mine and immediately drop its lawsuit. Over 100,000 members of the Leadnow.ca community have already come together to oppose the Canada-China FIPPA deal, which would allow China's companies to sue our government, just like Infinito is now suing Costa Rica. We are capable of amazing things when we come together. Join us in telling Infinito to drop its outrageous suit now. Sources: 1. Canadian mining company Infinito seeks to extort $1 billion from Costa Rica. Mining Watch. October 10, 2013. http://www.miningwatch.ca/news/canadian-mining-company-infinito-gold-seeks-extort-1-billion-costa-rica Calgary-based mining company suing Costa Rica for more than $1 billion. Global News, October 4, 2013. http://globalnews.ca/news/883756/calgary-based-mining-company-suing-costa-rica-for-more-than-1-billion/ 2. Canadian mining company Infinito seeks to extort $1 billion from Costa Rica. Mining Watch. October 10, 2013. http://www.miningwatch.ca/news/canadian-mining-company-infinito-gold-seeks-extort-1-billion-costa-rica 3. Groups warn Infinito Gold re: continued threats against Costa Rica over Crucitas gold project. Mining Watch. April 16, 2013. http://www.miningwatch.ca/news/groups-warn-infinito-gold-re-continued-threats-against-costa-rica-over-crucitas-gold-project 4. Letter to Infinito re: arbitration against Costa Rica. April 16, 2013. http://www.miningwatch.ca/sites/www.miningwatch.ca/files/letter_to_infinito_re_arbitration_threat_against_cr_2013-04-16.pdf 5. All that Glitters. Corporate Knights. October 3, 2013. http://www.corporateknights.com/article/all-glitters?page=5 6. Infinite Possibilities in Costa Rica. Metals News. October 16, 2008. http://www.metalsnews.com/Metals+News/MetalsNews/Dr.+Allen+Alper+and+Jill+Cueni-Cohen/FEATURED48296/John+R+Morgan+President+CEO++Director+Infinito+Gold.htm

Since October 7, the loss of innocent lives has reached alarming numbers. We continue to watch with profound grief as the death toll steadily climbs: over 18,000 lives have been claimed to date in Gaza, over 1,200 lives have been claimed to date in Israel, and over 260 lives have been claimed to date in the West Bank. Within our own country, we have witnessed an upsurge in hate crimes and violent attacks targeting Jewish and Muslim individuals. Neither a humanitarian pause nor a 4-day truce is enough to stop more innocent loss of life. It is unequivocally clear that an immediate and permanent ceasefire is needed. Canada has demonstrated efforts towards acknowledging past injustices, seeking truth, and fostering reconciliation through its recognition of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In a similar vein, our advocacy for a ceasefire in Gaza exemplifies our commitment to justice, peace, and the protection of innocent lives, irrespective of geopolitical boundaries. The Canadian federal government has not supported the international call for a ceasefire. It falls upon Canadian municipalities, both large and small, to add their voices to this critical matter. Already, some municipalities have called on the Canadian government to support a permanent ceasefire. The more decision-makers who add their voices, the greater the pressure on the federal government. Tofino is a renowned tourist destination that attracts over 600,000 visitors annually from across Canada and the world. As such, Tofino holds significant recognition both domestically and internationally. Our voice as a municipality carries weight in shaping public opinion and can encourage other municipalities and representatives to follow suit in urging the federal government to take decisive action.

The Federal Government needs to act now by declaring a State of Emergency and transferring adequate funding to Indigenous communities and Indigenous housing and service providers to address the housing crisis.

Sudbury is facing an overdose crisis: Since 2018 there has been a 346% increase in opioid overdose deaths in Sudbury compared to 60% in Ontario. 112 Sudbury and Manitoulin residents died from an opioid-related overdose in 2022, that’s an average of 9 people a month. The Spot saves lives: In 2023, Minoogawbi, La Place, The Spot had almost 1,000 visits and reversed all 15 overdoses that happened on site, saving lives. Drug checking services for substances like fentanyl were used dozens of times in 2023 alone, preventing the risk of overdose. But the organization is handcuffed, not able to operate a downtown location and having restrictive hours. With funding it could see upwards of 50 people a day and ultimately save more lives. We can’t wait: We have been waiting years and have heard nothing. Unless action is taken now, this essential organization will close its doors December 31st, 2023 or sooner. Sign the petition to save the Spot and save lives… before it’s too late.

“There is no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation” ... Quote by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. No politician or government official should have the right to interfere in the private sexual lives of consenting adults who choose to participate in and partake in sex work.

If the police are above the law we are all dammed.

Hospital CEOs hold a significant amount of sway with the government — and for the most part they don't hear from the public. Right now, most hospital CEOs haven't rejected Ford's privatization plans. In fact, a couple of them have actually spoken out in support of it. But they haven't heard from the community their hospital serves.