These 'future' patronage appointments, unprecedented in Canadian history, will entrench within the new government the worst tendencies of the Conservative party — secrecy, hyper-partisanship, an incredible disregard for science and evidence-based policy, etc. — that voters so fiercely rejected. Take, for example, the case of the National Energy Board (NEB), which regulates the construction of pipelines and the import of oil and natural gas. Because of Harper’s future appointments, Prime Minister Trudeau will not be able to replace any temporary members of the NEB until 2018, or any permanent members until 2020. Given Harper’s record on the environment and his history of dismantling environmental protections, this move should be seen as nothing less than an attempt to undermine the Liberal promise to take action on climate change and reduce greenhouse emissions. This is a slimy move, even for Harper. Opposition parties and top government officials are calling on the Liberal government to cancel these future appointments immediately. [2][3] Let’s join them and let Harper know once and for all that Canada has moved on. --------- [1] Doomed Harper government made 49 “future” patronage appointments. iPolitics. http://ipolitics.ca/2015/11/23/doomed-harper-government-made-49-future-patronage-appointments/ [2] Cancel Harper’s “future appointments”: Boulerice. iPolitics. http://ipolitics.ca/2015/11/23/cancel-harpers-future-appointments-boulerice/ [3] Disband National Energy Board to deal with Harper’s appointments: Collenette. iPolitics. http://ipolitics.ca/2015/11/24/disband-national-energy-board-to-deal-with-harpers-appointments-collenette/

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

Seniors and all those Canadians dependant on indexed pensions are falling way behind. In the last 10 yrs the CPI is up 20.7% but wheat is up 33.3%, beef is up 55.9%, housing is up 81.2%.oil is up 41.5%(after the bubble burst) and copper is up 69.8%. (see chart in Bullion Buzz 2015-11-11). It hurts us and it hurts the economy because if we don't have the mpney we can't spend it.

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.

Limiting global warming to 2°C will require deep cuts in global emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. As a wealthy, industrialized nation, Canada has a special responsibility to lead in this area. But the window for action is closing, and the Paris Climate Change Summit this December ("COP21") may be the last chance for an international agreement in time to avert the crisis. Canada must lead the way.

Statistics Canada is "on the cusp" of launching the 2016 census, but unless Justin Trudeau moves quickly, we could miss a vital chance to restore the Long Form Census and start to undo some of the damage done by Stephen Harper. The long-form census is a vital piece of Canada's ability to make decisions based on evidence, rather than ideology. It takes place only every 5 years, and is next scheduled for 2016. It’s an enormous logistical operation that takes many months of planning. Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper cancelled the long form census in 2010 as part of his wide-reaching attacks on science and evidence. Experts say there is time to reinstate it for 2016, but Justin Trudeau will have to move fast to make it possible and issue an immediate "order in council" once he takes office. Justin Trudeau can start to reverse the damage, but he has to act now: "Issuing an immediate order in council “is the only way to implement the long form in time for the census six months from now,” they said. “This must be one of the first moves made ​​by the Liberal government of Mr. Trudeau. It would mark a clear break with the previous government and ensure that future social policies can be made on scientific grounds rather than ideological dogmatism.” [1] We missed one long-form census under Harper, let's not miss another. Please sign this petition today, to let Justin Trudeau know that Canadians believe in evidence based decision making, and that reinstating the long form census is essential! Thank you. [1] Globe and Mail: Long-form census could be reinstated for 2016, experts say http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/long-form-census-could-be-reinstated-for-2016-survey-experts-say/article26922071/

The FPTP system is a hindrance to democracy. For example, a non-Conservative living in a very Conservative-leaning riding essentially has two options: don't vote (thus contributing to voter apathy, which weakens democracy) or move to a place where there are more like-minded people (thus encouraging a more divided society, as we see in the U.S.). With a Preferential Ballot system, as Trudeau proposed in his campaign, voters rank the candidates (ie: 1, 2, 3, 4) on their ballots, thus accurately reflecting their views. Strategic Voting is never necessary, and candidates are forced to appeal to ALL voters, not just their traditional support base (because it's not enough to just have many #1 votes, you also want to make sure you don't have too many #4s). The alienating 'wedge-tactics' used by Harper would be entirely ineffective in such a system.

It will give more rights to corporations than Canadians.

Now, after years of funding cuts by the Conservative government, the CBC has announced that it is selling off all of its property and real estate across Canada. From Halifax to Vancouver, not a single office space will remain under the ownership of the CBC. The Canadian Media Guild, CBC’s main union, is arguing that Canada’s public broadcaster is in danger of making “irreversible” cuts, threatening CBC’s role as a leading producer of original Canadian programming. [1] The bad news started in 2011, when the Conservatives announced that the CBC budget would be cut by $115 million. Since 2008, 2,800 jobs have been lost, and another 1,600 will be cut by 2016.[2] But there is still hope. The NDP, the Liberals, and the Green Party have all promised to restore funding to the CBC if elected. We’re calling on CBC management to cancel the sell-off, while we work to elect a new government that will affirm and respect CBC’s mandate. If we get 10,000 signatures, we will deliver this message to Marc Y. Lapierre, the CBC’s executive director of real estate services. Sources: [1] Media union raises alarm over CBC real estate sell off plans http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/media-union-raises-alarm-over-cbc-real-estate-sell-off-plans/article26506165/ [2] CBC Budget cut by 115 million over three years http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/cbc-budget-cut-by-115m-over-3-years-1.1147096

Would it be right, if we put a price on the heads of the people that profit from and participate in this so called "sport."?

Joignez votre voix à l’Appel pour une stratégie nationale en matière de logement Le Canada est aux prises avec une crise du logement majeure. Même les Nations Unies considèrent la situation du logement et de l’itinérance au Canada comme une « crise nationale » [1]. De la population étudiante, aux personnes retraitées et aux familles à faible revenu, des millions de personnes souffrent parce qu’elles n’ont pas les moyens de se procurer un logement convenable. En tant qu’infirmières, nous sommes témoins du lien entre le logement inadéquat et les problèmes de santé. Nous avons vu le logement insalubre et l’itinérance mener au stress, à la malnutrition, à la perturbation du développement de la petite enfance, aux maladies chroniques et au décès prématuré. En tant qu’infirmières, nous savons que la crise du logement est une crise de la santé. Nos gouvernements ont créé cette crise. En 1993, le gouvernement fédéral a démantelé notre programme national en matière de logement. En conséquence, au cours des 20 dernières années plus de 100 000 logements abordables n’ont pas été construits [1]. Les provinces et les municipalités, désormais responsables du logement social, n’ont jamais comblé les lacunes. Depuis 1990, la population canadienne a augmenté de 30 %, mais l’investissement annuel national destiné au logement a connu une diminution de plus de 46 % [2]. La crise ne fait qu’empirer. Aujourd’hui, la crise est généralisée. Chaque année, plus de 235 000 personnes au Canada vivent un épisode d’itinérance. Cependant, l’itinérance ne représente que la pointe de l’iceberg. À présent, un ménage sur cinq a de la difficulté à composer avec le coût du logement et n’a pas les moyens de payer le loyer et les nécessités comme les aliments, les médicaments, le transport et l’énergie [2]. En même temps, le manque de logements abordables laisse des centaines de milliers de personnes mal logées attendre sur des listes d’attente provinciales. Mais il n’y a pas que la question du coût du logement. Des centaines de milliers de personnes au Canada vivent dans des conditions de logement non sécuritaires et insalubres. La réalité quotidienne pour beaucoup de personnes vivant dans des logements locatifs inclut le surpeuplement, les moisissures, les infestations et une plomberie défectueuse. La crise du logement vécue par de nombreuses collectivités des Premières Nations est aggravée par les crises tout aussi affligeantes du manque d’eau potable et du coût élevé des aliments. Nous pouvons et nous devons faire mieux. Nous pouvons agir. En 1998, des municipalités et des groupes communautaires à travers le Canada ont déclaré que l’itinérance est un désastre national et ont demandé au gouvernement fédéral d’agir. Certains refuges pour sans-abri et des services additionnels ont été acquis, mais nous n’avons toujours pas de stratégie nationale en matière de logement. Nous devons continuer d’exercer des pressions sur nos gouvernements. Le logement sûr et abordable est un droit humain. En tant qu’infirmières, nous revendiquons une stratégie nationale en matière de logement. Pouvons-nous compter sur votre appui? Nous vous invitons à signer et à diffuser notre pétition nationale et notre Appel pour une stratégie nationale en matière de logement. Cordialement, Cathy Crowe, inf. aut., BAAN, M. Éd. Infirmière de la rue et intervenante en matière d’itinérance et de logement. Cofondatrice du Toronto Disaster Relief Committee. Auteure de « Dying for a Home. Homeless Activists Speak Out ». Jessica Hales, M.Sc.Inf., IP-Soins primaires Infirmière qui fournit des soins de santé primaires aux personnes en situation d’itinérance ou dont le logement est précaire. Intervenante en matière d’itinérance et de logement. Avec le soutien de : COUNCIL OF CANADIANS, UNIFOR, CANADIAN UNION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, CANADIAN FEDERATION OF NURSES UNIONS, CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRES, KAIROS CANADA, ABORIGINAL NURSES ASSOCIATION OF CANADA, EDMONTON COALITION ON HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS, ONTARIO NURSES ASSOCIATION, CUPE ONTARIO, ONTARIO COALITION AGAINST POVERTY, AIDS ACTION NOW, REGISTERED PRACTICAL NURSES ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO, SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL OF WINNIPEG, RIGHT TO HOUSING WINNIPEG, ALLIANCE TO END HOMELESSNESS OTTAWA, CANADIAN UNITARIANS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION- OTTAWA BRANCH, ADVOCACY CENTRE FOR TENANTS ONTARIO, NIAGARA POVERTY REDUCTION NETWORK, NURSE PRACTITIONER ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA, REGISTERED NURSES ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO, BLACK LIVES MATTER- TORONTO, DR. ALEX ABRAMOVICH, PROFESSOR DAVID ALPER, JOHN ANDRAS, MAUDE BARLOW, PROFESSOR AKUA BENJAMIN, PROFESSOR WESLEY CRICHLOW, DR. RITIKA GOEL, PROFESSOR DAVID HULCHANSKI, MICHELE LANDSBERG, TIM MCCASKELL, EMILY PARADIS, ALAN REDWAY, JUDY REBICK, DR. JOHN ROOK, SHELLEY SAYWELL, LINDA HASLAM-STROUD

Join the Call for a National Housing Strategy Canada is in the midst of a major housing crisis. Even the United Nations has called the state of housing and homelessness in Canada a ‘national emergency’ [1]. From students to retirees to middle and low-income families, millions of people suffer because they cannot afford suitable housing. As nurses, we witness the link between inadequate housing and ill health. We have seen poor housing and homelessness cause stress, malnourishment, impaired early childhood development, chronic illness and premature death. As nurses, we know that a housing crisis is a health crisis. Our governments have created this crisis In 1993, the federal government dismantled our national housing program. As a result, over 100,000 affordable housing units were not built during the last 20 years [1]. The provinces and municipalities, now saddled with responsibility for social housing, have never filled the gap. Since 1990, Canada’s population has increased by 30%, yet the annual national investment in housing has declined by over 46% [2]. The crisis has only worsened. Today the crisis is widespread Every year over 235,000 people in Canada experience an episode of homelessness. Homelessness though is the tip of the iceberg. Currently, one in five households struggles with the cost of housing and cannot afford both a home and necessities like groceries, medication, transportation and energy [2]. Meanwhile, the deficit in affordable housing has left hundreds of thousands of inadequately housed people stuck on provincial wait lists. Cost of housing is not the only issue. Hundreds of thousands of Canadians live in unsafe and unhealthy housing conditions. The daily reality for many people living in rental housing includes overcrowding, mold, infestations and faulty plumbing. The housing crisis many First Nations communities experience is exacerbated by the equally dire emergencies of unsafe drinking water and high food costs. We can and must do better. We can take action In 1998, municipalities and community groups across Canada declared homelessness a national disaster and asked the federal government to take action. Some homeless shelters and additional services were gained, but we still don't have a national housing strategy. We must continue to pressure our governments. Safe, affordable housing is a human right As nurses, we call for a national housing strategy. Will you join us? Please sign and share our national petition and Call for a National Housing Strategy. Sincerely, Cathy Crowe, RN, BAAN, MEd- Street Nurse and advocate on homelessness and housing. Co-founder of the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee. Author of ‘Dying for a Home. Homeless Activists Speak Out’. Jessica Hales, MN, NP-PHC- Nurse who provides primary healthcare to people who are homeless or precariously housed. Advocate on homelessness and housing. Early Supporters: ORGANIZATIONS: COUNCIL OF CANADIANS, UNIFOR, CANADIAN UNION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, CANADIAN FEDERATION OF NURSES UNIONS, CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRES, KAIROS CANADA, ABORIGINAL NURSES ASSOCIATION OF CANADA, EDMONTON COALITION ON HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS, ONTARIO NURSES ASSOCIATION, CUPE ONTARIO, ONTARIO COALITION AGAINST POVERTY, AIDS ACTION NOW, REGISTERED PRACTICAL NURSES ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO, SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL OF WINNIPEG, RIGHT TO HOUSING WINNIPEG, ALLIANCE TO END HOMELESSNESS OTTAWA, CANADIAN UNITARIANS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION- OTTAWA BRANCH, ADVOCACY CENTRE FOR TENANTS ONTARIO, NIAGARA POVERTY REDUCTION NETWORK, NURSE PRACTITIONER ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA, REGISTERED NURSES ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO, BLACK LIVES MATTER- TORONTO INDIVIDUALS: DR. ALEX ABRAMOVICH, PROFESSOR DAVID ALPER, JOHN ANDRAS, MAUDE BARLOW, PROFESSOR AKUA BENJAMIN, PROFESSOR WESLEY CRICHLOW, DR. RITIKA GOEL, PROFESSOR DAVID HULCHANSKI, MICHELE LANDSBERG, TIM MCCASKELL, EMILY PARADIS, ALAN REDWAY, JUDY REBICK, DR. JOHN ROOK, SHELLEY SAYWELL, LINDA HASLAM-STROUD Footnotes 1.OHCHR. (2007, November, 1). United Nations expert on adequate housing calls for immediate attention to tackle national housing crisis in Canada. United Nations Human Rights. http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=4822&LangID=E 2. Stephen Gaetz, Tanya Gulliver, & Tim Richter (2014). The State of Homelessness in Canada: 2014. Toronto: The Homeless Hub Press. http://www.homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/SOHC2014.pdf