Downsview is my home. This is why a few years ago I worked with other neighbours in the community to create The Downsview Advocate. As one of the places that helped to shape me, Downsview has a special place in my life. I have a history in this place. Black History Month reminds us that we have a shared history and that part of that shared story still shapes us today. We celebrate the history of our black predecessors in February and hope to learn a bit more about who we are in that process. Downsview’s black history is still alive!We often forget some of the progress that were made in recent times. Until the 1950’s and 1960’s, you could not practice certain professions as a black person in Ontario, such as driving a taxi or being a nurse.Much of the overt discrimination that used to occur has changed, even as we continue to struggle as a society with many other forms of discrimination. The road towards equity in our society has taken many turns and continues to this day. For most of the early black immigrants in Downsview, the everyday struggle to find a new life in a new country doubled up with the unique experience of being black in Canada.Most of the residential buildings in Downsview were constructed in the 1960’s and 1970’s, and there are still many neighbours living in the area whose history in Downsview dates back to that time. I can remember my grandmother, Nana Lynn, who came to Canada in the 1960’s, telling me how difficult it was to find the basic food she grew up with (they used to give away oxtail for free sometimes if you could find it!). A simple trip to the supermarket could be an adventure as she and her generation struggled with the cultural shock they experienced, as well as the shock of their new neighbours! She tells me that once on the College streetcar, a little girl asked her why her skin was different, to her mother’s mortification. She explained that some people are different and that she was born that way. The child’s mother was relieved that my Nana was patient enough to explain that to her, but we can only imagine how many times that moment was relived.Many of the black women from the Caribbean that came to Canada in the 1960’s as domestic workers struggled with barriers and lack of opportunities. Some of them settled well and were able to create homes for their families. Others struggled to find footing in their new country. In February, we remember their histories and struggles and hope to make the path towards a more equitable society in Canada easier for the next generation.
Government fails to bring auto insurance prices down
Insurance rates in Downsview are the highest in all of Ontario. The government has allowed insurance companies to charge more depending on the location of the driver which has hurt communities like ours. In general Ontario has the highest insurance rates within Canada, giving our area one of the highest in all of Canada.The Ontario Liberals promised to keep insurance rates under control, time and time again, but have failed this promise. They have significantly missed their goal of cutting rates by 15 per cent by August 2015 and continue to get further and further away from that goal. After Premier Kathleen Wynne was unable to meet her promise she referred to the 15 per cent goal as a “stretch goal”, we cannot trust this government to follow through with their promises.In April a report by Ontario's auto insurance advisor said that Ontario had the most expensive auto insurance premiums in Canada even though we have one of the lowest rates of accidents and fatalities. The average insurance premium in Ontario is $1,458 which is over 50 per cent higher than the average of all other Canadian jurisdictions.We need a fairer system that charges people the same amount for the same type of vehicle wherever you live in Ontario. It is not fair that one of the least fortunate areas pays the most for car insurance, while also driving less expensive cars. The car insurance companies have been making significant profits because they benefit from an unfair system that the government has set up, in 2015 there were profits of almost $2 billion dollars in Canada.How does an auto insurance company determine your individual rate?Auto insurance companies employ specialized statisticians called actuaries who assess the level of risk of each new prospective client. Risk means the likelihood that a client will file a claim and the presumed amount of a claim. The higher the expected risk, the higher the premium. The best client is the individual that pays and pays but never files a claim.What factors are used to determine your rate?Actuaries use a number of factors to determine your level of risk including:· the age and type of car you drive· the level of coverage and amount of your deductible· your driving record (including prior claims and traffic offences)· the number of kilometres you drive· demographic information such as your age, gender and marital status· where you liveWho regulates auto insurance companies?The activities of auto insurance companies are regulated by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario or FSCO, an arm's length agency of Ontario's Ministry of Finance. Auto insurance companies are expected to abide by the rules of the Auto Insurance Act 1990. When calculating and raising rates, insurers provide detailed information to FSCO for approval.The Ontario Liberals have allowed a system that benefits their rich friends in the insurance companies and from much wealthier areas of the province. I want to put a stop to this practice and create a better system that will make insurance rates cheaper
Community Spotlight: Against All Odds (part 1)
Samuel Boakye was on a downward trajectory in his middle and early high school years. Today, he attends the University of Toronto and runs a non-profit program that exposes marginalized youth to experiences in the field of construction.Samuel moved into local community housing at age 10, his mother struggling to raise three children after her husband had left her some years ago."At my old school, I was a popular, energetic and playful kid." says Samuel, "When I moved, it was like I dropped rank and had to ascend again. There were many terms like 'teacher's pet' that would deter you from taking a positive role and become a target of bullying."Samuel reflected on his feelings of isolation and being bullied when he first arrived. His priority in school was his social status and he reached the top of that food chain as a tough kid with little interest in his studies.The transition to high school meant starting from the bottom once more. Samuel had few thoughts of the future and his focus was on fun and the respect of his peers. It was a time of frequent fights, trips to the principal's office and school suspensions.Samuel speaks of his mother's feelings about him during those years, "I think she had accepted I would never be the smart kid at school. At best, she hoped I would make it through school and find any job I could." By grade 10, Samuel's mother came to believe that her son's only chance of redemption might lie elsewhere; she made the hard decision to send her son to live with his father in Ghana.At the time, Samuel was extremely resentful of her plan to send him to his father. He plotted mischief he would unleash upon his arrival but when he faced his father once more in the flesh, all his plans melted away. "The moment I saw him again it was back to the drill sergeant and cadet." says Samuel with a grin.Samuel's father was a successful businessman back in Ghana, managing and owning over a dozen pharmacies. His father demanded discipline of his son but had no time to administer it so he sent Samuel to a boarding school where he would live on campus and under strict rules and supervision. At this new school, Samuel observed something that was incredibly surprising: some of the coolest and toughest kids also were the most academically involved. This was in stark contrast to the youth culture he was used to, which he described as idolizing mediocrity and apathy towards studies.Despite this realization, Samuel continued feeling resentment and disinterest in his studies. Half a year passed and Samuel's grades continued to be poor, so his exasperated father took him out of school and sent him to live with his two uncles. It was during this time with his uncles that two defining moments happened in Samuel's life, setting him on a path of reflection and ultimately redemption...to be continued next month
At-risk youth in Jane and Finch face an unhappy Christmas
What started in the 90s as an organization that tackled alcohol and drug abuse expanded to tackle other problems using a community-based approach. However, it soon became obvious that poverty was a major contributing factor to a major problem in the community.Officially, PEACH (Promoting Education and Community Health) developed an anti-poverty mandate and worked to promote community economic development. This was still not enough, as there were existing systemic barriers that promoted poverty in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood. Lack of access to mental and physical health resources were thus identified as symptoms and causes of poverty. In addition, youths who were suspended from school or dropped out were at high risk of engaging in crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and had very little opportunity for economic advancement.A more holistic approach to addressing poverty was needed and PEACH adapted in order to better serve its community. Community problems require a strong community to address them and PEACH implemented programs like Rhyme N Reason, a music studio to help youths and residents express themselves through music; the Digital Innovation Hub, the only place in the Jane and Finch area that offers free programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to youth; and the Moms Group, a group for mothers to network, share experiences, and attend programs for health and self-sustainability.To help at-risk youth, the School Away From School (SAS) program was created to help youth who either dropped out or were suspended a chance to earn the credits they needed to graduate. Youth are referred through the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board and receive help from PEACH’s teachers and child and youth workers to give them the life skills to aid them into transitioning back into the regular education system. They attend classes at PEACH and receive a healthy nutritious meal cooked at the on-site kitchen by the school’s chef. The classes are not just meant to earn them credits but also to educate them on things like how to manage a monthly budget or how to prepare healthy meals.The SAS program has been funded by sponsors such as the Rogers Youth Fund, the Youth Challenge Fund, and an assortment of family foundations through the Toronto Foundation. However, PEACH received word that funders like Rogers were withdrawing their money, leaving the organization with a significant funding shortfall.PEACH has $70 000 of monthly operating costs and if they are not able to meet it they will be forced to close SAS by December 23rd and other programs in the new year. PEACH staff have been furiously applying for funding and have even started a GoFundMe campaign to raise this money. If they are unsuccessful, at-risk youth in Jane and Finch face a very unhappy Christmas.For more information visit: http://peachyouth.org/
Local Trustee in “Hot Water” over Alleged Breach in Code of Conduct
Toronto District School Board Trustee, Tiffany Ford, is in “hot water” according to a Toronto Star article.The article published on October 1st disclosed two separate incidents: one, where she allegedly used her title as a school board trustee to sell water from a company she owned called “Smarty Pants Water” and a second one related to a local student award she organized in her role as Trustee.The Star published a copy of the press release in question where the following title is read as a headline “Toronto School Board Trustee Launches Innovative Product to Increase Children’s Water Consumption: Smarty Pants Water.” The article goes on to describe that the use of her title to promote her personal business was allegedly in violation of the code of conduct that guides Trustees on the Board. They also quote a TDSB spokesperson stating that Ford had breached the code of conduct.Tiffany Ford denies that a breach in the code of conduct has occurred and has since demanded and received an apology from TDSB staff. In a statement published on social media on October 3rd, she says that according to the code of conduct “the board of trustees are required to conduct an inquiry and with that make a determination. This process has not occurred and has not been initiated by any Trustee of the board”. She also states that “I hold myself to high ethical standards and principles. With that, I have never used my Trustee office, resources, or taxpayers dollars to promote my personal business ventures.” She goes on further to demand a retraction from The Star and an apology from the TDSB spokesperson.The Advocate reached out to Ford to get a statement for the local community. She referred our inquiries to the same published statement, for which we have included links at the bottom of the article.The Toronto Star published a follow up article titled: “TDSB apologizes to trustee Tiffany Ford after saying she violated the code of conduct.” The article published in late October details that the TDSB spokesperson now states that only its integrity commissioner, not board staff, can determine when its code of conduct has been violated. John Malloy, TDSB director of education, wrote, in a letter to Ford, dated Friday, October 21st “I incorrectly instructed staff to confirm that your actions were in violation of the TDSB Member Code of Conduct.”Trustee Tiffany Ford has accepted John Malloy’s apology and has asked the integrity commissioner to confirm what “she can, and cannot, put her title on.”In their own voices:The Toronto Star article:https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/10/01/toronto-school-trustee-used-her-title-to-promote-her-own-business.htmlTiffany Ford statement: https://www.scribd.com/document/326235763/Statement-by-TDSB-Trustee-Tiffany-FordThe Toronto Star follow up article: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/10/24/tdsb-apologizes-to-trustee-tiffany-ford-after-saying-she-violated-code-of-conduct.html
A Community Initiative Comes to Life at the New Driftwood Parkette Playground
On August 13th over 200 volunteers came together at Driftwood Parkette (359 Driftwood Ave.) for the one-day build of a new playground.The playground is a result of a partnership between Councillor Anthony Perruzza’s office, the City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation department, local residents, and organizations.Celia Smith, a local resident and community activist was deeply involved with the project from the beginning. Celia explained that through her work with Action for Neighbourhood Change she consistently heard community members asking for better play spaces for children.In 2015 Celia decided to reach out to Councillor Perruzza’s office, and soon after, a partnership to obtain funding began with Parks, Forestry and Recreation. Part of the initial process involved Celia and the tenant group at 415 Driftwood collecting signatures of support.An application for funding was successful and the city joined forces with Foresters Financial, and KaBOOM! to construct the new playground. KaBOOM! is a non-profit based in the U.S. dedicated to improving the lives of children by creating great places for them to play. Foresters Financial and KaBOOM! partnered to generously provide funding for the new playground. In the last decade their partnership has resulted in the construction of over 130 playgrounds across Canada and the U.S.The consultation process began with children from Shoreham Public school participating in a design day event. “The students were so excited about having an input on the design that they didn’t want to put the markers down. It gave them a great sense of pride to create the drawings” said Hanan Mohamed, who works with Councillor Perruzza.Following the design day, local residents participated in a consultation to decide on the playground equipment based on the children’s drawings. It is great to see that many of the children’s ideas have come to life in the playground through the form of rock climbing walls, slides, spring toys, picnic tables (with game tops to play chess or checkers), and accessible swings.Councillor Perruzza explained that "this project demonstrates what can be accomplished when the City partners with businesses to make Toronto's green spaces more livable," and is looking forward to how the "neighbourhood will benefit greatly from this new playground for years to come."Celia recalls the one-day build with great enthusiasm, “it was amazing! I’ve worked on so many projects, but have never seen anything like this one. There were over 200 people helping and it was so well organized.” In regards to what this meant to the children and youth in the neighbourhood, Celia mentions that, “this really helped them learn valuable skills and it is good to see them enjoying the playground. The kids would roll down the hill before, so it shows how necessary this playground was. It also helps parents because they can take their kids to a safe place to play and they know exactly where their kids are.”The Driftwood Parkette playground is an inspiring example of what communities can achieve when they work together.
One Community, One Voice: A local leaders journey in uniting her community
A leader is a person who recognizes the needs of their community, and motivates, inspires and empowers a group of people to unite in order to make changes in a community. A leader does this, by advocating on behalf of those who are without a voice, and also by giving the people of their community the opportunity to actively participate and influence decisions that affect them.
Amanda Coombs, is our community spotlight leader of the month. She is a Tenant Rep, who advocates on behalf of the people who live at 4400 Jane St. Amanda was elected tenant rep after only 6 months of residency. Since she was elected, Amanda has gone above and beyond to be the voice of her community. Shortly after being elected, Amanda acquired funding and opened the once closed gym in her building, and began teaching fitness and healthy living classes. She also began assisting residents with obtaining employment by posting jobs on the buildings community bulletin board.
Amanda made it her responsibility to advocate and protect the basic rights of the people living in her building by assisting the residents in her building who are facing eviction in writing letters of appeal on their behalf. Amanda has also started an organization called Peoples Pantry, which focuses on providing fresh produce and educating people about healthier lifestyle choices. The residents of 4400 Jane St. know that when it really counts Amanda will come through for them.
Noticing the barriers between getting a good quality education and having access to employment opportunities, Amanda, started her own non-profit called “Back 2 Basickz.” Back 2 Basickz is a not for profit organization that helps youth get their GED, while also assisting them in securing employment in their field of interest. Amanda has done all of this by actively applying for grants and canvasing for donations and she does it all on a voluntary basis.
She also volunteers at the local soup kitchen, facilitating community workshops and assisting in children’s programs.Amanda cites her son as an inspiration for the work she does in her community and her work reflects her commitment to ensuring that every child is given an equal opportunity to be successful. When Amanda’s term as tenant rep concludes, she plans to run for MP.
We acknowledge Amanda for all of her contributions to our community and we wish her luck in all her future pursuits.
The truth behind Line 9 in Downsview
Line 9 is part of the controversial Energy East Pipeline and runs from Sarnia to Montreal.
Entering Downsview from a point near Eglinton and Hwy 427, Line 9 runs north-east to north of Hwy 400 and Finch Ave. Then it runs east through metro.
Line 9 is a quarter inch thick steel pipe over 40 years old, originally built for natural gas. It carries a toxic carcinogenic, corrosive and explosive mix of crude oil, imported diluents and benzene. The newly revised "Line Rules and Regulations Tariff" passed and will also allow transportation of a substance known as "dilbit." Unprocessed, bitumen is a solid and cannot flow in pipelines, bitumen will be mixed with another fossil fuel product called "diluent" -which is imported into Canada. This mix is what makes dilbit and is toxic to the human central nervous system.
In 2015, while government representatives at the critical Paris Climate Conference were all declaring their support for ending fossil fuel usage to save our planet, Canada through Energy East's Line 9 began adding 32 million tons of CO2 per year to the atmosphere.
Enbridge cite studies tells us Line 9 is safe from corrosive elements. Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, found that between 2007 and 2010 pipelines carrying dilbit had a spill-rate three times higher than pipelines carrying conventional crude.
Oil sand products have a higher sulfur and a higher acidic content than conventional crude oil and those properties could explain its increased corrosive nature. According to CTV's W5, there have been at least 35 spills associated with the pipeline. Some of these haven’t even been reported to the communities they affect and parts of Line 9 have been exempted from the hydrostatic testing required in other sections.
What would a spill near Lake Ontario mean for the water supply of millions of people? What are the risks for York University students and Downsview residents living right on top of the pipe?
"Social licence is more important than ever. Government may be able to issue permits. But only communities can grant permission,” said Justin Trudeau on pipelines and energy projects. That's strange…I do not recall anyone asking us for pipeline permission.
As part of Toronto's 2014 submission to the National Energy Board, an excerpt from the Supreme Court of Canada stated that "municipalities are trustees of the environment", and that as the level of government "being closest to the people, should be empowered to exceed, not lower, the national norms". This was part of a precedent-setting 2001 decision in favour of municipalities’ taking control of their cities.
Torontonians are being forced to risk their safety in order to support out of province jobs in a fading planet killing fossil fuel era. As Stanford's professor Mark Z. Jacobson tells us: renewable energy can completely replace fossil fuels and their CO2. Only the politics of entrenched interests is in the way.Canada could commit to becoming a leader in clean energy and be a part of a Green Marshall Plan currently being advocated for the planet.
There is no amount of regulation, legislation or consultation that will 100% guarantee a pipeline disaster just won't happen.
Call your Mayor, your city council member and your MP. Stop Line 9!
This is called weeding with a wrench
Poetry:
This is called weeding with a wrench.
Bored between conflict here and diamond there,
I dug myself out of the trench;
This is my uprising, like the poor man’s revolt;
Against the hunger and these crooks, squeezing me in my right turns like bolts;
But I should slow down; Take a seat and relax my crown;
It seems-stress can sew fear and loathing;
Clothing for those who oppose;
I’ve been holding back, anger and tears that made my eyes glow;
In the dark I sat, with things on my mind like a hat;
I write it down to cure my frown;
One line at a time like a needle pulling thread;
Scribble scrabble;
Then the ink settles and they marvel;
Our trendy society, do you follow her singular thoughts that she breeds;
Swear to abide by them before I could proceed;
From truths to absolutes she had me crammed;
Sweet Plasma Jam!
I over flowed, grim to the brim;
So I write to take off some, like a trim;
On all five corners of my head;
Quietly hairs fall, and I don’t wait to drop my weight;
Not at all;
Spit it all out I say, it is bad what we ate;
Was it not my body’s need of bread, I would never bother with her dread;
Otherwise I would just be; and my words free;
Out on the sea, there; where no one censors or gets taxed;
But I am in on civilized land, where the majority is walked on like sand;
Careless steps repeated by only a few;
By morning dew and things look new;
This is my chance;
I’m open for a change to be;
Strange at first, the look of things in range;
Rover rolls over clover;
The envious greens;
All eyes on me, and mine on your money;
Rhymes in my sight are bright, all the time, not only when it is sunny;
Weeding through life’s humors, which are not always funny.
2015 Federal Election Results
Liberals keep seat in Humber River Black Creek
Incumbent Judy Sgro won her sixth election as Federal MP for the old riding of York West, now called Humber River Black Creek.
Liberals make gains in York Centre
Incumbent Mark Adler (Bottom left) lost his seat in the last Federal election to first time candidate Michael Levitt (top Left). The election was close, as the incumbent received a healthy 44% of the vote, but still lost to Mr. Levitt at 47%.