This petition is designed to bring awareness to housing constraints within the Jane and Finch area, specifically The Grassways. We are not disputing the upsetting occurrences of relocation brought upon other communities who are facing - or have already been through - this experience; rather, we are trying to bring awareness to the situation on a micro level with hopes of later expanding into a larger platform. Most Ontarian's are aware of the rapid increase in the housing market however very little attention is brought to the areas that are being forced give up their homes to pave the way for new development. The new developments are problematic because they generally are very expensive and drive up the cost of living, making affordable housing accommodations inaccessible to residents. With this petition, we invite community members that are affected by the relocation to join our newly established "Grow Our Grassways" tenant board. Currently, there are no promises of return being established with residents of the Grassways because there is no development opportunity. However, we realize that once the units are emptied, that will change. Therefore, we demand that the City of Toronto and Toronto Community Housing consult our board and include us in consultations regarding the new development. We need to guarantee that the Grassways are memorialized by the city by honoring the long and rich history of the community. For example: the ‘Towards a Higher Journey Mural’ needs to be preserved, community arts (e.g. photograph series, youths arts and crafts, farewell BBQ) must be held to assist members in saying good-bye to their community, their family, and their friends. We have questions for the city that must be answered such as; what will happen to the recreational center and it’s after school programs? How will the new developments help the youth and families in the Jane and Finch area? Will we be displaced and disposed? A similar situation happened to the Regent Park community and we want to prevent it from happening to ours. Please sign our petition to help bring awareness to our crisis in order to prevent our families from losing their homes and hopefully to prevent other communities from being forced out of their neighborhoods as well. We want our government to live up to their promise of helping low-income families and neighborhoods. We want the government to keep their initial promise of reviving our neighborhood and not demolishing it. We need to GROW our Grassways not diminish it. Demands: -Establishment of a Grow Our Grassways tenant board to be consulted for the new development -Despite there being no current development opportunity, a Promise of Return must be established for current residents Community arts (ex. Photograph series, arts and crafts, farewell BBQ) must be held to give space for community members to say goodbye to their neighborhood, the Grassways -Towards A Higher Journey Mural (currently located on 7 Blue Grassway) must be preserved and have a space in any new development plan -The Grassways needs to be memorialized by the City, there is a long and rich history of community mobilization that must be archived and made accessible to the public

Kinder Morgan and their backers donated more than $771,000 to the BC Liberals, before Christy Clark approved their TransMountain pipeline. With an election just weeks away, the BC Liberals want the political donation scandal to end. If enough of us sign the open letter, we can force them to choose: Return Kinder Morgan's money, or watch this scandal continue to grow.

Howe Sound is magical. Visitors and locals alike are drawn here by its wild natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and the vibrant communities we call home. However, Howe Sound is under threat from Woodfibre LNG, which proposes to construct and operate a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility on the previous Woodfibre Pulp and Paper Mill site located approximately 7 km west-southwest of Squamish. Why is Woodfibre LNG a problem? The project is owned by Sukanto Tanoto, an Indonesian billionaire that has been found guilty of tax evasion and human rights violations. LNG tanker traffic puts Howe Sound residents, Vancouver residents, and Victoria residents at risk, and the potential conflict between recreational sailors and LNG tankers has not been adequately addressed. Increased local air pollution will affect human health, particularly the elderly and kids with asthma. Underwater noise and light pollution will affect salmon migration routes, herring, and marine mammals. Locally, Woodfibre LNG will create nearly double the greenhouse gas emissions of all of Squamish. Woodfibre LNG's local and upstream greenhouse gas emissions are equivalent to adding 170,000 cars to the road. If Woodfibre LNG goes ahead, it will result in 24 new fracking wells per year in northeast B.C. My Sea to Sky is aiming to double the number of signatures we have on the Howe Sound Declaration by March 31st, so we can make Woodfibre LNG a provincial election issue. Please sign the Howe Sound Declaration now and ask your friends and family to sign too.

The Order of Canada is the second highest honour in Canada. It recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to our nation. Not paying your taxes is a stunning gesture of dishonesty. It is equal to cheating. It’s cheating the nation that has honoured you, cheating other Canadians who carry the tax burden and it’s utterly despicable. It is not worthy of the Order of Canada. Please sign this petition to ask the Order of Canada’s Advisory Committee to recommend to our Governor General David Johnston that this honour be stripped from Vic De Zen. Do it for the little people that pay taxes.

LE FRANÇAIS SUIT Roghayeh “Mina” Azizi Mirmahaleh is a 60 year old human rights activist scheduled to be deported to Iran on February 28th and currently being held in a detention centre in Laval, Quebec. As a primary school teacher in Iran, Mirmahaleh campaigned for women’s rights, human rights and free elections. In the 1980s, she was imprisoned with her 11 month old daughter and tortured. In 1988 her husband Ebrahim was executed by the regime along with 20,000 other political prisoners. Throughout the next several years, Mirmahaleh struggled to live her life in Iran, under constant threat from the government. In 2012, Mirmahaleh came to Canada on a temporary visitors visa obtained by her daughter, a post-doctoral student at McGill University. She applied for refugee status in late 2013 when her visa expired. In 2015, she was found inadmissable. Since her arrival, she has taken part in weekly protests in Phillips Square opposing human rights abuses in Iran. These political actions would put her in further danger should she be deported. Despite this, the Canadian government has rejected her application for a pre-removal risk assessment, a process intended to ensure applicants are not deported to countries where they would face persecution. The government acknowledges her imprisonment and her husband’s execution but claims there is insufficient evidence that her life would be in danger upon her return to Iran. On the morning of February 21st, the day after Montreal was symbolically named a “sanctuary city”, Mirmahaleh’s community and supporters rallied in Montreal, demanding that the Canadian government reassess her refugee claim and stop her deportation to Iran, where she faces imprisonment, torture and execution. The rally was planned to correspond with Mirmahaleh’s meeting with the Canadian Border Service Agency in Montreal. During her meeting, Mirmahaleh was separated from her lawyer and daughter, arrested, and transported to a detention centre in Laval where she is currently being held. We are calling on Ahmed Hussen, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Refugees, Ralph Goodale, Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the immediate release of Mirmahaleh from the detention centre, and the cancellation of her deportation. ----------------------------------------- Roghayeh “Mina” Azizi Mirmahaleh a 60 ans et est une défenseure des droits humains. Pour le moment, elle est prévu d'être déportée en Iran le 28 février, et est détenue dans un centre de détention à Laval, Québec. Mirmahaleh était une enseignante à une école primaire en Iran, où elle a fait campagne pour les droits de la femme, les droits humains et les élections libres. Pendant les années 1980s, elle a été emprisonnée avec sa fillette de 11 mois, et torturée. En 1988, son mari, Ebrahim, a été exécuté, avec 20 000 autres prisonniers politiques, par le régime. Pendant les années qui ont suivi, le gouvernement était une menace constante pour Mirmahaleh, qui a luttais pour mener une vie en Iran. En 2012, Mirmahaleh est arrivée au Canada avec un visa de visiteur, obtenu par sa fille, une étudiante au postdoctorat à l'université de McGill. En 2013 elle a demandé le statut de réfugié, mais sa demande fût jugée irrecevable. Depuis son arrivée au Canada, elle a participé à des manifestations hebdomadaires contre les abus des droits humains en Iran, au Square Phillips. Ces actions politiques peuvent d'autant plus porter un grave préjudice à Mirmahaleh, si elle est déportée. Malgré tout cela, le gouvernement canadien a rejeté sa demande d'un examen des risques avant renvoi. Cet examen consiste à s'assurer que personne ne soit expulsée vers un pays où il/elle sera victime de persécution. Le gouvernement reconnaît l'emprisonnement de Mirmahaleh, ainsi que l'exécution de son mari, mais affirme toujours qu'il n'y a pas assez de preuve que sa vie soit en danger si elle devait retourner en Iran. Le matin du 21 février, Montréal a été nommé une « ville sanctuaire ». Le jour d'après, la communauté de Mirmahaleh et ses supporteurs on manifesté à Montréal, exigeant que le gouvernement canadien réévalue sa demande de statut de réfugié et qu'il arrête sa déportation en Iran, où elle sera emprisonnée, torturée et exécutée. La manifestation était planifiée de façon à correspondre à la rencontre de Mirmahaleh avec l'agence des services frontaliers du Canada à Montréal. Durant sa rencontre, Mirmahaleh a été séparée de son avocat et de sa fille, a été arrêtée et transportée dans un centre de détention à Laval, où elle est actuellement détenue. Nous appelons Ahmed Hussen, ministre de l’immigration, des réfugiés et de la citoyenneté, Ralph Goodale, ministre de la sécurité publique et de la protection civile, et premier ministre Justin Trudeau pour la libération immédiate de Mirmahaleh du centre de détention et pour l'annulation de sa déportation. ------------------------------ Press/Presse Mirmahaleh’s daughter fears for her mother’s life, should she be forced to return to Iran: http://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/mcgill-post-doc-student-fears-for-her-mothers-life-if-returned-to-iran On February 20th 2017, Amir Khadir of Quebec solidaire called a press conference, asking the federal government to stop Mirmahaleh’s deportation, saying, “It’s a matter of life and death.” http://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/amir-khadir-seeks-stay-of-deportation-for-iranian-woman Radio-Canada (CBC) reports on Mirmahaleh’s arrest on February 21st 2017: http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1018193/iranienne-demande-statut-roghayeh-azizi-arretee Journal Metro reports on Mirmahaleh’s arrest on February 21st 2017: http://journalmetro.com/actualites/montreal/1093391/la-dissidente-iranienne-roghayeh-azizi-mirmahaleh-arretee/ http://plus.lapresse.ca/screens/2e3603c0-087c-4ccf-832c-d7d679ee7e09%7C_0.html

In our clinical experiences we regularly see patients burdened by the cost of medicines and unable to fill their prescriptions. We know how aware of this you are from your medical practice too. We are shocked by how medication costs are determined in Canada. Canadian physicians, residents, and medical students expect healthcare policy in this country to be evidence-based, and we have placed our trust in you to do this. We have the evidence now that a National Pharmacare Strategy would be cost effective, eliminating a long standing barrier to implementation – the belief that a universal publicly funded pharmacare plan would be too expensive. The landmark 2015 article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal builds on an already robust literature base articulating the need for a National Pharmacare Strategy. The findings of this cost-benefit analysis are that universal public drug coverage would reduce total spending on prescription drugs in Canada by an estimated $7.3 billion [link to study]. Citizens need provincial and federal buy-in for a pan-Canadian solution. As you have said, we need to do things differently. We need to bargain more effectively and revisit our relationship with Big Pharma, not accepting price inflations that are then offloaded onto third party insurers and out of pocket payers. We need to purchase smarter through national bulk purchasing strategies in order to secure lower, more reasonable drug prices. We need to use the best available evidence under the guidance of objective academic drug detailing programs and harness our purchasing power to bring costs down. During the election, as doctors of tomorrow we sought federal leadership that would return to undertaking pan-Canadian healthcare responsibilities. We have new CMA leadership from a long-serving rural physician, Dr. Granger Avery who, at the Canada 2020 Summit on a new Health Accord reiterated the need for a National Pharmacare Strategy. The CMA has identified that Universal Pharmacare is an integral component of a high performing system that cannot be ignored; it is a tenet underpinning every area of healthcare and would have the most substantial impact of any changes made to our system. With the billions saved, funds could be redirected towards home care, care of the elderly, care of Indigenous populations, and comprehensive mental health services. Consistent with the universality and equitable accessibility promised by the Canada Health Act, a National Pharmacare Strategy would be the epitome of action to fulfill Prime Minister Trudeau’s words of establishing strong national unity. As you have said, the last time a doctor was the Minister of Health was perhaps nearly a century ago. We appreciate your efforts to take steps towards lowering costs that Canadians face for their medications. This includes working to install regulatory changes to the way drug prices are set in Canada, and working with the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board. It is actionable steps like this that will pave the way toward Universal Pharmacare in our future. Yet, in order to most effectively move towards a goal, it needs to be stated with clarity and conviction. The current medico-political climate is unique, Dr. Philpott. We have informed physicians in leadership roles with awareness of evidence, relationship-building capacities to forge new alliances, and abilities to mobilize changemakers. We need to be bold and “think big” to make real change happen. Thus, we urge you to draw on your courage, seize this critical time in our Canadian history and commit to a National Pharmacare Strategy. If you don’t, who will? #makecanadianuniversalmedicareuniversal Visit a recent CBC Fifth Estate episode on Canada's Drug Problem (http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/episodes/2016-2017/the-high-cost-of-phamaceuticals-canadas-drug-problem) and Minister Philpott's full interview (http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/blog/full-interview-with-minister-of-health-jane-philpott). See http://pharmacare2020.ca/ for additional information. Additional Reading: - Canada is the only country in the world that prides itself on universal healthcare, yet contradictorily does not have universal medication access. Canada has 19 publicly funded drug plans and over 1000 private insurance programs: a fragmented, non-equitable patchwork that leaves many uncovered. We spend 30% more on drugs than nations with Universal Pharmacare programs! - Canadians spend more than $700 US per capita for prescription, non-prescription, and personal health supplies, whereas the average per capita expenditure for OECD countries is $500. - In a recent Angus Reid Institute national survey nearly 1 in 4 Canadians did not take a prescribed medicine because she/he could not afford it. Food and shelter costs undermine medication costs when it comes to day-to-day survival. Inadequately treated chronic disease inevitably decompensates. Hospital admission for acute disease management then culminates in hefty inpatient costs. - Our generic drug prices are dependent on patented drug prices, established as the median of seven comparator OECD nations. This list includes the four places on the globe where drugs are most expensive. - Prices for the same medicines vary depending on province or territory of residence. In order to make drug prices more appealing to provincial and territorial governments, pharmaceutical companies artificially inflate prices to present the government with a “discount price,” whilst channeling the cost burden to third party insurers (10% higher costs compared to government costs) and most significantly to out of pocket purchasers, many of whom are the working poor. - Take the price of the common cholesterol medication, atorvastatin, which is cheapest in Ontario and costs 31 cents. Compare this to that same pill in New Zealand, which costs 2.6 cents!

On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be sitting down to meet with President Trump. I’m a mom, a highschool teacher and a Leadnow member. I started this open letter because I’m really worried that Trudeau won’t have the courage to stand up to Trump. Let’s urge Trudeau to set a courageous example for our children -- showing them how to stand up to bullies like Trump. Trudeau might ignore a letter from one teacher like me -- but if thousands of us add out names, we can get Trudeau’s attention and convince him to stand up to Trump on Monday Sources: [1] Donald Trump says he believes waterboarding works (BBC News). http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38753000 [2] A travel ban that descended into chaos, protests: What we know (CNN). http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/29/politics/immigration-crisis-what-we-know/ [3] Climate change denial in the Trump cabinet: where do his nominees stand? (The Guardian). https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/dec/15/trump-cabinet-climate-change-deniers

Govenor Palin has demonstrated a history of ignorance and intolerance to those social justice values and principals of diversity and acceptance so fundamentally held and defended by Canadians. Her representation in Canada would be a great disservice and likely weaken the long and valuable relationship held between Canada and the United States.

The political climate has changed and we can no longer sit idly by while this government accuses its democratic opposition of criminal acts. We've seen the damage this has done in the United States. We won't stand idly by and watch this travesty. Premier Christy Clark must fire the BC Liberal staffer who lied about this hack and apologize for her anti-democratic actions.

Chinatown is under siege. A proposed market rate development on 105 Keefer Street threatens the cultural and economic fabric of Chinatown. “Our Chinatown is being bought up by developers. What’s going to be left in Chinatown for people like me when the dust settles?” protested Ivy Su, a resident in the neighbourhood. Ms. Su’s concerns are real. Vancouver Chinatown was not-so-honoured to be designated a Top 10 Endangered Places List according to the National Trust for Canada. Intense market development pressure has pushed small businesses out and housing costs up. Chinatown is really under siege. And now, to add insult to injury, Beedie Group proposes desecrating the cultural heart of Vancouver Chinatown with a dominating luxury high rise development at 105 Keefer Street. How is the 105 Keefer site at the heart of Vancouver Chinatown? It is surrounded by the culturally significant Chinese-Canadian war veterans and railway workers monument, the Chinese Cultural Centre and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. The site is close to the National Historic Site where important heritage buildings such as the Chinese Benevolent Association and the Chinese Freemasons are located. A luxury market development at this site would violate/disrespect Chinatown's distinct character as well as the livelihoods of the people living here. Gentrification is already severely overrunning the entire Downtown Eastside and the plan by the Beedie Group to build a complex at 105 Keefer will only worsen this problem, which we and groups dedicated to saving Chinatown have been battling against for the past few years. On the contrary, Chinatown residents and organizations are proposing the site be used for low-income seniors housing and an intergenerational community space. Ms. Su offers a brighter future: “We hope that the government will purchase the land to provide housing for us so that we are not without homes”. Ms. Su continues, “We’ve seen Chinatown change so much over the past years, but the changes are overwhelmingly for the higher income people moving in. We need more developments that meet our needs for affordable housing and for spaces to socialize with each other.” We can’t afford to lose more of our precious Chinatown! (Photo Credits: Christina Lee)

WHEREAS the Election Act of British Columbia presently prohibits individuals under 18 from participating in the electoral process; WHEREAS early engagement in civic affairs is believed to lead to the establishment of a pattern of engagement that endures throughout life; WHEREAS the 2011 report of the Chief Electoral Officer of BC recognized that "The lowest voter registration rates are for young voters 18-24 years of age"; WHEREAS by the age of 15, BC residents are legally permitted to be employed on a full-time basis in accordance with the Employment Standards Act; WHEREAS by the age of 16, BC residents may apply for a license to operate a motor vehicle on a public highway; BE IT RESOLVED that the residents of British Columbia call upon the governing party to adopt as a policy that the age of eligibility to be an elector in future provincial elections be lowered from (18) to sixteen (16) years.

For years, Christy Clark’s government has been slashing education funding and delaying much-needed seismic upgrades. As a parent, it felt like the Vancouver School Board were the only elected representatives who were on our side and willing to fight for safe, fully-funded schools. The Vancouver School Board was planning to finally pass a balanced budget in a meeting tonight, in order to secure essential funding for seismic upgrades -- but incredibly, the Education Minister fired them before their meeting.[3] Now, the Vancouver School Board is essentially being run out of the Premier’s office, by an unelected political appointee. This could become a major scandal that will follow the BC government all the way to the ballot box in May’s provincial election, and they know it. It starts with a huge petition calling on Education Minister Mike Bernier to reverse this terrible decision. If you agree that firing the elected VSB trustees is an outrage, sign the urgent petition to Education Minister Mike Bernier now. Sources: [1] Vancouver School Board fired by B.C. education minister (CBC) http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-school-board-fired-1.3808674 [2] Former Vancouver School Board chair Mike Lombardi calls firing ‘outrageous’ http://globalnews.ca/news/3007688/b-c-education-minister-mike-bernier-set-to-address-vancouver-school-board-situation/ [3] Vancouver School Board to approve budget after months of delay, controversy (CBC) http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-school-board-intend-budget-approval-1.3808204