According to the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit, which is responsible for the area where I live, there were 132 opioid-related deaths in 2020 and 175 in 2021. Through the first six months of 2022, a total of 66 opioid-related deaths were reported. Emergency room visits for opioid poisonings also spiked, with ERs in Simcoe and Muskoka recording 814 opioid-related cases in 2021. Through the first six months of 2022, there were 264 ER visits. My 28 year old son never made it to an ER. He died before an ambulance arrived. The fentanyl he took led to an unintended overdose, like it has for too many others across our country. I don't want any more parents to suffer this devastating loss. Please help me and other grieving parents by signing my petition to urge all levels of government to work together to end this crisis. It literally is a matter of life and death.

Ford just announced he's directing public money toward private surgery clinics. This means that a number of OHIP-funded procedures will be moved out of public hospitals into for-profit facilities. [1] Ford's actions are only worsening the healthcare crisis. He ignored health care workers, capped public servants' wages, failed to implement paid sick days, and started privatizing more services — with devastating consequences. [2-4] He's underspent on healthcare by a whopping $900 million and today's announcement will only divert more resources away from an already underfunded healthcare system in crisis. [5,6] Doctors and major healthcare unions are ringing the alarm bells about the adverse effects this move will have on our public healthcare system — warning us all that this will hurt access to health care and the services we receive. [7,8] If we can tap into the outrage and get loud and organized right now against Ford's dangerous move towards privatizing health care, it could force him to backtrack. Add your name demanding that the Ford government doesn't direct public money to private surgery clinics. Sources: [1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ford-jones-health-surgeries-private-clinics-1.6715117<br> [2] https://cupe.ca/decision-overturn-bill-124-affirms-ontario-workers-rights-are-human-rights<br> [3] https://tod.ontariondp.ca/news/ford-conservatives-have-voted-no-paid-sick-days-25-times-2021<br> [4] https://www.thespec.com/opinion/contributors/2022/05/23/remember-why-our-seniors-died-in-long-term-care-homes.html<br> [5] https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2022/11/29/doug-ford-government-spent-35b-less-than-expected-in-first-half-of-2022-23-budget-watchdog-finds.html?rf<br> [6] https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/10/24/2540327/0/en/Ontario-Hospital-Crisis-Province-Wide-and-By-Community.html<br> [7] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-doug-ford-private-clinics-health-care-1.6712444<br> [8] https://www.ona.org/news-posts/20230116-private-clinics-risk/<br>

Cell phone use is no longer a luxury---it is a necessity. There is no logic answer for why Canadian rates are so out line---when such lower rates are available just across the American border!

"Libs of TikTok" is a very large social media account run by Chaya Raichik - and she also maintains a store through Ottawa-based Shopify. Rather than try to describe Raichik and her work, let's just review her own words and news coverage: - She has openly described herself as a "stochastic terrorist" on her Twitter profile. [1] - On Tucker Carlson's show, she said: "The LGBTQ community has become this cult" and "they brainwash people to join". She went on to say "It's unlike anything we've ever seen I think. It's extremely poisonous." Prompted by Carlson to explain why, she said - and I want to stress that I have copied the quote here in its entirety and verbatim - "I think they're evil. And sometimes we try to break it down a lot, we discuss why this is happening, what's happening and whatever, and I think sometimes the simplest answer is, like, they're just evil. They're bad people. They're just evil people. And they want to groom kids. They're recruiting." [2] - She made national headlines after her account shared false information about gender-affirming care at Boston Children's hospital, which then received a massive volume of hate mail, threatening phone calls, and a bomb threat. This followed earlier incidents where her account tweeted about a children's hospital in Nebraska which hosted an information booth at a Pride event, and another instance where the account tweeted about a children's hospital in Pittsburgh which had created an informational video about puberty blockers - in both cases, these tweets were followed by waves of harassment directed to those hospitals accounts, and received comments such as "Pedophiles" and "We will destroy you". [3] The "pedophiles" comment may refer to Raichik's constant use of the word "grooming" to imply that any time LGBTQ+ people are in any way visible to children, they are "grooming" those children to become LGBTQ+. The Anti-Defamation League has explained that this is a false and malicious narrative, with the term "groomer" weaponized to equate LGBTQ+ people with pedophiles and demonize them. [4] It is this weaponized, malicious term which adorns all of the products that Raichik sells through Shopify. [5] Shopify has a clear policy against stores that promote hate, under which it has removed stores and products from groups like Proud Boys, QAnon, even former President Trump. [6] Raichik isn't slipping under the radar, though; Shopify is well aware of her account, and has indicated that it won't withdraw her store, and accepts businesses "with various worldviews". [7] However, the founder of Check My Ads, an adtech disinformation watchdog, has reported that multiple sources have indicated to her that the COO of Shopify, Kaz Nejatian, was personally stepping in to protect certain Spotify accounts. [8] Nejatian is no stranger to right-wing politics; he was formerly a staffer in Immigration Minister (and later Alberta Premier) Jason Kenney's office. [9] He is also one of the original board members of the True North Centre for Public Policy, a digital media platform which partnered with Rebel Media to take the Trudeau government to court, and whose Editor-In-Chief is Candice Malcom - Nejatian's spouse. [10] Despite the above reporting, we can't know the real reason Shopify continues to allow Raichik to sell her merchandise prominently labeled with a term that the ADL reports is used explicitly to demonize the LGBTQ+ community, and which the ADL also confirms leads to targeted violence and harassment (harassment and bullying are against the Shopify Acceptable Use Policy, as is promoting or condoning hate or violence against people based on gender, sexual orientation, or "other forms of discriminatory intolerance". What we can know is this: Chaya Raichik openly calls the LGBTQ+ community "evil people". We know she uses her very large platform to spread demonstrably false information about the LGBTQ+ community. We know that when she does, targeted harassment and threats have been shown to follow. And we know that Shopify is providing her with the means to make money from her actions. It's time for Shopify to make up their minds. Either they lose Raichik's business - or they lose ours. Sign the petition calling on Shopify to end their business relationship with Raichik and close her store. On March 1st, we will deliver the petition to Shopify and give them one month to close the account. If they do not do so by March 31st - International Transgender Day of Visibility - we will launch a nationwide boycott campaign, targeting Shopify and its top customers. Raichik is based in the US. Maybe she thinks that using a Canadian company helps insulate her from responses by her US-based critics. Maybe she's right. But this is *our* turf. And in the Canada we work towards, hate is not a for-profit enterprise. We will not stand aside while the LGBTQ+ community is under attack. It starts by signing your name. It ends by taking Raichik's store off of Shopify - and rising up, together, for decency, dignity, and solidarity. [1] https://xtramagazine.com/culture/shopify-selling-hate-libs-of-tiktok-241436 [2] https://twitter.com/Esqueer_/status/1607741993089892353?s=20&t=MhqVf1QRma__2Nfw35P9ig [3] https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/internet/boston-childrens-hospital-warns-employees-far-right-online-harassment-rcna43376 [4] https://www.adl.org/resources/blog/what-grooming-truth-behind-dangerous-bigoted-lie-targeting-lgbtq-community [5] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/lgbtq-activists-libs-of-tik-tok-shopify-1.6662359 [6] See 5 [7] See 5 [8] https://twitter.com/nandoodles/status/1596271991694278656?s=20&t=5-3_0G-f1iEvwk0lNCZgXw [9] https://dailyhive.com/calgary/premier-kenneys-e-commerce-posts-spark-online-backlash [10] https://pressprogress.ca/right-wing-media-outlet-accredited-for-leaders-debate-is-also-registered-as-a-charity-for-immigrants/

Some of the drugs currently in short supply are crucial for maintaining the health of Canadians. Parents who have searched pharmacy aisles unsuccessfully for medication to bring down their child's fever know how serious this situation is. One of the drugs I use to control my moderately severe case of restless legs, ropinirole, can't be obtained in Canada now. My doctor has prescribed a similar drug, pramipexole, which most Canadians on ropinirole will now be taking. How long will it take before there's a short supply of this drug too? This drug is also used to decrease the symptoms of Parkinson Disease. These drugs are needed not only for quality of life, but are essential in ensuring I and many others can sleep at night. It doesn't take many days without sleep before people become psychotic and then die. Prime Minister Trudeau has likened the drug shortages to a shortage of oranges, clearly having no understanding of the seriousness of the situation. This shortage is turning Canada into a third world country. It's critical that Canada do something about it!

We all deserve to lead happy fulfilling lives and none of us should have to worry about our most basic needs. Canada is a very rich country, yet some of our most vulnerable citizens cannot afford some of the most basic necessities of life. A large number of people on ODSP cannot afford to regularly eat and have to make devastating choices each month like whether to pay rent/utilities or to buy groceries. A shocking number of people on ODSP are homeless. We could choose to take care of the most vulnerable now and it should be an easy choice. Recipients of CERB got $2000 a month. Odsp should be at least equal to what CERB was. Let's not sweep this issue under the rug any longer. It's an atrocity that Canadian prisoners are better looked after than those with disabilities. Let's take action today and raise ODSP recipients out of poverty.

Bill 39 is a provincial bill that gives Mayor Tory the ability to pass motions with just 1/3 of the Council - a power of minority rule that is an affront to every instinct of democracy. [1] The bill has united the political spectrum in condemnation - even conservative pundits have called it an affront to democracy. [2] On Wednesday, December 14th, Mayor John Tory told a reporter that "nobody" talks to him about Bill 39. [3] Toronto is facing a numerous issues, from lack of affordable housing to transit overcrowding and more - but upending democracy is no solution. It's time to talk to Mayor Tory about Bill 39. Use this form to send Mayor Tory an email telling him that you care about democracy in Toronto, and that he should defend it - by joining the Mayor of Ottawa in committing to never use Bill 39's autocratic powers. [4] [1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ford-government-s-bill-39-is-against-the-basic-democratic-instinct-1.6656706 [2] https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/lilley-ford-governments-bill-39-an-affront-to-democracy [3] https://twitter.com/JoshMatlow/status/1603218063503294464?s=20&t=LLuJCI6crlWRyoXSAUWocg [4] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-strong-mayor-bill-39-passes-1.6678864

Why it's important? Jobs, Culture, Foreign entities benefiting from our tax dollars. We must act NOW: The Senate is currently reviewing Bill C-11 and as early as tomorrow they will be debating amendment C.1.f. What is concerning about this amendment is that it will create a two tier system of Canadian content requiring the Canadian broadcasters to make content as they always have using a “maximum” and “predominant” use of Canadians while requiring the foreign streamers to only use the “greatest practicable” amount of Canadians when making Canadian content. The unions have been fighting this for weeks and continue to fight against the clause today but no progress has been made. As we all know from the studios’ well-established practices in the Canadian production service industry their idea of a “practicable” standard for hiring Canadians in key creative positions has been to not hire them at all. The overwhelming majority of the thousands of director, writer, actor, key creative and producer jobs have gone to permitted foreigners. One can only assume the Liberal government is either willing to commit to the loss of Canadian jobs in creative leadership to foreigners, or that they are too heavily influenced by the foreign media companies to act.

This issue was brought to my attention when learning that my Uncle Ken, who is living off of ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) due to his chronic disability of Multiple Sclerosis, cannot access affordable internet. Unfortunately, there is a significant lack of affordable internet options for those on ODSP or other similar provincial support programs across Canada.  For those who are already at a disadvantage, not being able to afford the internet leaves them more isolated and exacerbates their vulnerability. To access virtual programs and services in the community, internet service is required. The people who need these services the most are the ones who cannot afford to participate. The safety and well-being of recipients and their families rests on their ability to access information, connect with loved ones, attend support programs virtually, as well as attend medical and other necessary appointments. There are peer support, social programs and counseling services currently offered virtually and these are a lifeline to those who live alone and suffer a disability. As the pandemic has shown us, access to the internet is essential and a human right. At a time when MAID is free but the cost of living is so high, equitable access to services is essential if we are to value the lives of our most vulnerable.

On November 24th, Tesla expanded it's beta test of "full self-driving" software to everyone in North America. [1] Just hours later, a six-car pileup on the Bay Bridge was caused by a Tesla suddenly stopping; two people were hospitalized. [2] Tesla's misleadingly named "full self-driving" feature - which is not full self-driving at all, but rather requires human override at all times - is still in beta testing, meaning it is *not* market ready. In fact, the US Department of Justice is investigating Tesla over its misleading claims. [3] And now everyone in Toronto is an unknowing participant in Elon Musk's safety trials. Tesla previously forbid "full self-driving" within Toronto because it would not recognize streetcars picking up or dropping off passengers. When asked by the CBC how this flaw had been fixed, Tesla did not provide an answer. [4] Recent tests in October also showed that Tesla's falsely-named "full self-driving" will not recognize school busses with stop signs extended and will drive around them, even when children are crossing the street. [5] Toronto streets are already too dangerous for pedestrians, transit riders, cyclists, and drivers alike. Elon Musk is free to test out his "full self-driving" software - but he needs to do it on closed courses, or places where people have consciously opted-in to be participants. We did not sign up to be Elon Musk's guinea pigs. It's time to ban Tesla's "full self-driving" until it completes the relevant beta testing and can demonstrate a safety record that actually makes our streets safer. [1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/tesla-driverless-technology-downtown-toronto-1.6662340 [2] https://www.ktvu.com/news/multi-car-crashes-disrupt-thanksgiving-day-travel-on-bay-bridges [3] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/teslas-full-self-driving-beta-now-available-all-n-america-musk-says-2022-11-24/ [4] See 1 [5] https://dawnproject.com/tests-reveal-that-tesla-fsd-will-drive-around-stopped-school-buses/

How we treat wildlife, all animals matters. Going forward, we should learn to respect wildlife, let them be and help them if so inclined. This has never been an issue before and really should not be one now. Feeding wildlife is harmless and there is no reason that supports banning it, and many that support not banning it. This bylaw also discriminates against the low income, marginalized and those with disability who find peace and pleasure in feeding wildlife. They can't afford much in life, why take this simple pleasure from them?

Doug Ford lied. Last month he tabled a piece of legislation — Bill 23 — to eviscerate our pristine Greenbelt, breaking his promise to leave it alone. [1] This bill is an attack on the environment and democracy — all under the guise of expanding housing. [2] Bill 23 would allow Ford to take 7,400 acres of farmland and natural areas and strip environmental protections that protect wildlife, keep our drinking water safe, guard wetlands, and ensure flood protection. [3] To pave over our Greenbelt, Ford is undermining the planning power of municipalities, forgoing requirements for public meetings and overriding the ability of communities to appeal decisions. [4] And housing experts and advocates have been clear: with a focus on making money, the bill will actually limit the ability to build new affordable rental housing and jeopardize the affordable housing that exists. [5,6] All the while, corporate land developers are set to profit big from this plan. [7] Public outrage is growing — and there’s still time to stop this Bill from going through. Will you sign this petition to help show mass public support and demand Bill 23 is stopped? Sources: [1] https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/11/04/ontario-backtracks-on-greenbelt-pledge-with-plan-to-allow-housing-on-7400-acres.html [2] https://ontarionature.org/bill-23-what-you-need-to-know-blog/ [3] https://www.nationalobserver.com/2022/11/10/opinion/sacrificing-ontario-scarce-green-space-sprawl-giant-mistake [4] see 2 [5] https://acorncanada.org/take_action/doug-fords-bill-23-destroys-existing-affordable-housing-builds-more-luxury-condos-scrap-it-now/ [6] https://uwaterloo.ca/news/media/q-and-experts-more-homes-built-faster-act-or-bill-23 [7] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/gta-developers-own-greenbelt-land-swap-1.6648273