Roughly 16% of couples in Canada experience infertility. This number has doubled since the 1980s. Furthermore, the costs of fertility treatments can be prohibitively expensive. For example, fertility treatment for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) can cost between $15,000 to $23,000 (plus $2,000-$7,000 for medications). Currently, the majority of Canadian provinces do NOT offer funding for fertility treatments. And without funding, treatments become impossible to afford for many Canadians. Thus, we are leaving them with the unfortunate reality of never getting to become parents. ... MORE INFORMATION “In a country where about one in six Canadian couples experiences infertility, this poses a financial barrier for many.” - CBC “Canada is often lauded for its universal health-care system. But no comprehensive coverage exists for assisted fertility treatments, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF).” - CBC “Roughly 16% (or 1 in 6) couples in Canada experience infertility. This number has doubled since the 1980s.” - Public Health Agency of Canada “IVF can cost between $15,000 to $23,000 (excluding costs of medications) depending on the level of intervention necessary. Medications are not covered by OHIP.” - Hannam Fertility Clinic “... infertility treatment causes high stress and puts a large burden on people's emotions and relationships.” - CBC “... it can cause severe emotional distress and affect someone's long-term well-being. “"Some people perceive suffering from infertility as like having cancer," he said, adding it's important to have networks of support.”” - CBC “Treatment coverage currently exists in only four provinces and varies significantly. Ontario provides funding to cover the first round of IVF. Manitoba offers a tax credit and New Brunswick has a grant to help cover partial costs. Quebec previously covered three rounds of IVF, but rolled back its coverage in November 2015 to a refundable tax credit. The remaining nine provinces and territories have no coverage.” - CBC “‘Fortunately we had the resources to do that,’ said Montgomery, ‘That also kind of felt unfair because I felt, well okay, that's great for us, but what about all those other couples out there that don't have equity to leverage to do this or investments that they can cash out on?’ - CBC “..."That's what I can afford. I'm not willing to go into debt for this process.” - CBC “...having a standard, publicly funded system across provinces would improve the safety and quality of IVF services and lower health-care costs in the long run.” "I think that one of the fundamental benefits of having something that is uniform, that is national, is that every individual Canadian and IVF patient is going to be treated similarly and have access to the same kind of treatment," - CBC “Canada does not have universal coverage for assisted fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization...” - CBC “Dr. Anthony Cheung, a Vancouver-based fertility specialist, said fertility needs to be more integrated in the public health system, adding that treatments are covered in Australia and many European countries.” - CBC Ottawa Fertility Clinic the costs for treatments are - example

This government is politicizing the distribution of vaccines to low-income and needy people. They are using it to gain votes in the next election. This is wrong.

Many low-income people use Dollar stores and budget stores that have been left off a list of "essential" goods during COVID in favor of rich area stores. This is discriminatory and will make more people get sick and die - especially in areas hard hit by COVID 19.

You do business in our community. It is on you to invest in the future of our community, and of our planet, not profit from its destruction. This November, the COP26 UN climate conference in Glasgow will see governments up their ambition on climate action, and the institutions in their respective countries must do the same. Long-term commitments to zero out emissions are vital, but so are the short- and medium-term actions necessary to keep warming under 1.5°C. As one of the world's biggest bankers of climate chaos, you have an outsize responsibility to take immediate action.

A mining company is applying to drill for Gold in Grassy Narrows Territory against Grassy Narrows’ will. This could lead to a dangerous gold mine that would compound the harm that mercury, clearcut logging, hydro dams and residential schools have already done to Grassy Narrows’ lives, lands, and way of life. This violation of Grassy Narrows’ Land Declaration is an important threat to Grassy Narrows’ self-determination, rights and culture. Tell Minister Rickford to deny Trillium Gold’s permit to drill at the Leo Project, and withdraw Grassy Narrows Territory from mining activity. Sign our petition calling on Minister Rickford to withdraw all Grassy Territory form mining and mineral exploration now!

Plus que jamais la destruction de ce milieu est un non-sens pour plusieurs raisons : · Parce que le site visé par ce développement abrite au moins une espèce protégée par la Loi sur les espèces menacées et vulnérables. · Parce que malgré des demandes de citoyens visant à s’assurer que le projet soit basé sur des études récentes, à notre connaissance, les dernières études environnementales effectuées datent de 2012 ; · Parce que ce boisé situé en bordure d’une réserve naturelle agit comme zone tampon du Mont Saint-Bruno. Ce parc de la SEPAQ est sous pression, avec plus d’un million de visiteurs par année. Il est reconnu qu’une plus grande surface de conservation contribuera à sa santé à long terme ; · Pour éviter de créer une cicatrice permanente entre 3 zones protégées : 1) Une Réserve Naturelle au Sud ; 2) Un terrain fédéral qui est l’habitat d’espèces animales en péril, dont la rainette faux-grillon à l’Est et 3) Une zone de conservation appartenant à la ville de Sainte-Julie et menant à l’entrée du parc de la SEPAQ à l’Ouest ; · Par cohérence avec la Politique de l’arbre de la Ville de Sainte-Julie qui mentionne la participation au développement des corridors forestiers ; · Parce que la conception du projet implique la construction d’un deuxième accès pour les services d’urgence, ce qui représente encore plus de déboisement et de destruction de milieux naturels riches en biodiversité ; · Parce que ce projet implique du dynamitage dans le roc, une activité hautement intrusive et destructrice ; · Parce que près de la moitié des quinze (15) résidences de prestige se retrouveraient à moins de 600 mètres de la carrière ce qui ne respecte pas la distance minimale exigée lors de l’installation de nouvelles carrières. · Parce que la ville reconnaît que les coûts sont un défi pour ce projet de quinze (15) maisons, d’un seul côté de rue, qui pourrait s’échelonner sur des décennies pour se réaliser pleinement ; · Pour protéger la santé et le bien-être de nos communautés au lieu de quinze (15) futures résidences de prestige. Pourquoi faut-il agir maintenant ? Depuis trop longtemps, l'aménagement des villes en Montérégie a été planifié de manière non durable, c’est-à-dire au détriment des milieux naturels qui sont aujourd’hui de plus en plus reconnus comme des infrastructures vertes qui rendent d’importants services écosystémiques. Chaque signature recueillie ajoute du poids à nos démarches et démontre la volonté des citoyens pour une préservation saine et nécessaire de nos espaces verts, et plus spécifiquement celui du versant Sainte-Julie du mont Saint-Bruno. En signant, vous ajoutez votre voix pour la préservation, pour la conservation et pour la protection de la nature. Parce que la nature n’a pas de voix si nous ne la défendons pas.

Metrolinx is currently building a fourth GO Train track which is threatening the Williamson Park Ravine in Toronto’s East End. The construction will result in a loss of 300 trees, many of which are over 100 years old. Biodiversity in Toronto is becoming scarce and we cannot allow Metrolinx to destroy what little we have left. Going forward, Metrolinx should consider planting new trees in public spaces throughout Toronto to replace the ones they've destroyed and are currently destroying. Although Metrolinx has claimed they will be replanting for destroying the Williamson Park Ravine, let’s make sure they continue to replant for every environment they ruin in the future.

So they can protect themselves from the third wave of COVID19.

On March 28th City Councillor Stephen Andrew tweeted "I do not believe there is a 'rape culture' in Victoria." We wonder why then 1 in 3 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. We wonder why then it is the collective, normalized experience of women to live in fear of rape. We wonder why it is that 80% of women/girls who are sexually assaulted know the perpetrator. Stephen Andrew's assertion that there is no "rape culture" in Victoria exposes a deeply problematic mindset that has no place on city council. The way Stephen Andrew denied rape culture and minimized women’s voices and experiences to defend men’s behaviour is the very definition of rape culture. What's worse is that Stephen Andrew denied the exisitenace of rape culture in response to the Survivors Story Project: https://www.instagram.com/survivorstoriesproject/ A community that have supported survivors and given them a platform to bravely come forward and share their credible stories of traumatic rape and sexual assault which have resulted in the recent termination of at least four men in the real estate industry. These women have found some justice where other avenues have failed. Stephen Andrew undermines this community of support and the bravery of these women coming forward by referring to them, in his 'apology' tweet, as 'justice by mob' that 'isn't good enough'. We think Stephen Andrew isn't 'good enough' to represent the City of Victoria. Stephen Andrew doesn't seem to know or care that less than 5% of sexual assaults are reported to police or that ⅔ of survivors report NOT having confidence in the criminal justice system. Most victims of sexualized violence, regardless of gender, do not report for fear they won't be believed. Stephen Andrews public statements further discredit and dismiss those who have the strength to come forward. Stephen Andrew deleted his tweet ONLY because of the public backlash he faced and in an act of reputational damage control he took to the media to say HE would lead a 'task force on sexual abuse'. We are unmoved by Stephen Andrews claims that he was "awakened" in the span of 24 hours. We do not want someone who just hours before did NOT believe survivors to take a leadership role in determining the path forward. Clearly Stephen Andrews reversal is politically calculated. Clearly Stephen Andrew doesn't not understand the damage he has done and how many will remain silent because of his words. Stephen Andrew has proven he knows nothing of the realities women and survivors face or the prevalence of sexualized violence. He has proven that he has no understanding of the current system that absolutely deters reporting. He has proven that he has zero regard for survivors' truths. Apologies are not enough. We are calling on him to resign. It is long overdue that Victoria council address rape culture in our city by advancing its 2019-2022 Strategic Plan goal to "explore ways to end sexual harassment and assault in Victoria" but THEY MUST DO MORE. We don't need a task force, we need an action plan. We need it immediately and we need it to centre the voices and experiences of survivors. We, the community, believe survivors and we NEED our city council to, too.

The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) is fuelling the flames of the climate crisis by investing in the massive expansion of a UK-based airport on treasured greenbelt land. [1] OTPP is one of Canada’s biggest pension funds, and currently owns 100% of Bristol airport. They’re planning to add around 10,400 flights, millions more passengers, and thousands of parking spaces. Local residents, teachers, environmental activists, and even Conservative politicians are speaking out. Last year, renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg joined student protestors as they rallied against the airport expansion. [2] The airport expansion is a carbon bomb: increasing emissions by over 60 per cent to at least 1.6 million tonnes a year. [3] Nearly 10,000 residents have written letters in opposition to the planned expansion and the majority of local politicians and councils have voted against it. While momentum is growing for the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan to abandon the Bristol airport expansion, a flood of local pressure right here in Ontario—led by teachers, students, and people across the province—could convince OTPP to hit the brakes on the climate-killing project. Add your name now. [1] https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/ontario-pension-bristol-airport-climate-change_ca_604a19dbc5b65bed87d8cb99 [2] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/22/greta-thunberg-visit-bristol-youth-climate-protest [3] See [1]

The COVID-19 crisis has revealed that swift emergency action and systemic change in the long-term public interest is both necessary and possible. The United Nations has reported that the destruction of nature is the root cause of present and future global pandemics, and the Government of Canada acknowledges that the climate and ecological emergency will contribute to worsening public health crises, including the further spread of infectious diseases. Climate change is rapidly outpacing scientific predictions, and the world is fast approaching tipping points that threaten abrupt and irreversible heating and biodiversity loss. Biodiversity loss and species extinction threaten human food systems. The climate crisis is predicted to lead to catastrophic economic losses and worsening political instability, affecting the most marginalized communities first and foremost. The people of Canada should be able to directly participate in the environmental, economic, social and political decisions which affect their lives and those of future generations. Citizens’ assemblies are representative, democratic instruments well-suited to overcoming political deadlock and addressing complex problems. Citizens’ assemblies produce evidence-based public judgment, and are not equivalent to other forms of public consultation, such as town halls or referendums, which rely solely on the collection of public opinion. Other G7 countries, such as France and the United Kingdom, have created national citizens’ assemblies on climate policy. So has the state of Washington. Since there exists a pre-qualified vendor of record with the Government of Canada, with expertise in the design and delivery of citizens’ assemblies (MASS LBP, masslbp.com), there is no reason for Canada not to do the same.

Dear Mr. Lecce, For families, the first and foremost benefit of the Learn@Home program was protection from the COVID-19 virus. But as this year progressed it became apparent that children enrolled in virtual learning have experienced myriad unexpected additional benefits BEYOND health and safety: - Decreased anxiety as a result of ZERO bullying, exclusion, cliques, etc. - Increased 1:1 time with educators - Greater efficiency in work completion, and therefore increased satisfaction - Increased outdoor time - Decreased sense of competition with classmates - Decreased illness from common cold/flu - Increased connectedness between parents and teachers - Enhanced academic performance in literally every area: math, literacy, science (students finally “getting” concepts that previously eluded them) - Quieter learning environment has decreased excess stimulation and increased concentration power - Uninterrupted learning time - Meeting more like-minded friends than in bricks-and-mortar - Increased confidence and overall happiness, a “lightness” of spirit - Flexibility of scheduling - Less stress, greater fulfillment, increased self-confidence Children who have dealt with severe bullying at bricks-and-mortar school have finally been able to relax, blossom, and exude joy in a new environment. For parents and kids alike, this is the GIFT of a lifetime. We are also aware, having spoken to L@H Principals, that there is ample data to illustrate that the remote environment has improved academic performance. Children previously plagued by behavioural challenges, or with complex IEP needs, are now thriving. As you can imagine, L@H parents facing the termination of this schooling option are appalled and deeply saddened on behalf of our children. During an otherwise traumatic time, L@H has provided our children with unwavering stability, ample social opportunities, improved academic performance, and enhanced self-confidence. With larger, more urban school boards continuing the program, rural students are being placed at a distinct disadvantage in having this learning option stripped from them. We urge you to do what's right and ENSURE EQUAL ACCESS to this program across the province. L@H has benefits that extend beyond health and safety and should therefore be upheld past the pandemic's end. Please help us support the students for whom this program has “cracked the code” of what a perfect learning environment looks like for them. Sincerely, Ontario Parents