Vigilance and enhanced police presence vital to protect Jewish and all targeted institutions, says Councillor James Pasternak

*Media Release provided by Councillor James Pasternak's office.*In light of recent threats to Jewish institutions in Toronto and beyond, Toronto City Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 10, York Centre, is calling for greater vigilance and resources from Toronto Police Service and enhanced investigative and preventative work by the RCMP and other security agencies.“Threats against our valued institutions such as community centres and schools are a gross violation of our ability to go about our daily lives in safety, freedom and live as Jews in Toronto.  It is vital that all sectors of society condemn these cowardly harassments and threats.  We are calling on Toronto Police Service and our federal and provincial law enforcement agencies to investigate the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” says Councillor James Pasternak.“Moreover, as a preventative measure, it is necessary to increase patrols, security and surveillance around targeted institutions to send a strong signal that we will take all measures necessary to protect freedom of religion, our personal safety and the social cohesion that Toronto is known for worldwide.”

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Councillor James Pasternak416-392-1371 | councillor_pasternak@toronto.cawww.jamespasternak.ca

Mental Health Support for Children and Youth in Downsview

From an early age we are taught how to recognize our emotions. To label them and give them a name — sadness, anger. We are taught how to regulate and control these emotions — stay calm, use your words. We are advised on coping strategies and given problem solving tools — take a deep breath, tell someone what is bothering you. Although we are taught all of these things, feelings are often dismissed. The stigma around mental illness is so hard to combat, especially when it is surrounding youth.Mental health is a murky subject, often tip-toed around and whispered about in hushed tones. We shy away from the topic of mental health because we don’t want to emphasize the situation or blow things out of proportion, however mental health needs to be talked about. It is important to not only recognize the signs of mental illness, but understand what good mental health means and what that looks like in relation to children and youth.Mental health is a state of well-being, it is not about being blissfully happy all of the time, nor is it characterized as being sad. Good mental health allows children to think clearly and cope with the normal stresses of life, developing both socially and mentally. Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that may affect one’s mood, thinking or behaviour. This includes depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, and many more.The Hincks-Dellcrest Early Years Centre is located on 1645 Sheppard Ave West and is one of three centres for youth located in Toronto. The Centre’s focus on providing prevention, early intervention, and treatment services to infants, children, and youth who live in local communities through programs such as, “the ABCs of Mental Health”. As Sandra, an employee at Hincks-Dellcrest Centre(HDC) explains, the Centre “gives families and youth tools on how to handle behaviour…we provide different kinds of services —starting with prevention.”Because there are some illnesses we cannot see, it is important to be aware and know where to access valuable resources, skills and training to enhance mental health competencies. The demand for children’s mental health services is increasing 10% each year^[1]. The centre has recently announced their intention to integrate with Sick Kids Hospital, providing specialized hospital and community-based mental health services for children and youth.97% of the HDC is run on donations and fundraisers within the community, because of this they focus heavily on providing drop-in and education programs, support, training and free parenting and group workshops. On Thursday March 30th, 6:30-8:00 pm the Centre will be holding a free workshop, “Raising Resilient Children”, further details and workshop listings are available online.Label the emotion, give it a name. Regulate and control these feelings. Use the coping strategies and problem solving tools. It is not a matter of achieving good mental health, rather it is a process of maintaining it.^[1] Children’s Mental Health Ontario

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

Access to Healthcare Services Is Everyone’s Problem

“Cancer patients have been complaining about the lack of parking all day”, the compassionate and understanding admin said to me as I arrived 30 minutes late for my appointment in the Cancer Clinic at the Humber River Regional Hospital.  I had arrived at the campus in time for my appointment but then found myself driving around from parking lot to parking lot, along with dozens of other cars carrying sick people to the hospital, only to discover that every single lot was completely full.  There was literally no patient parking anywhere on the multi-billion-dollar complex.  Again.  The same thing had happened on the day of my previous appointment.  I had paid $120 for a parking pass that was completely useless.  What was I going to do?As I exited the rear of the complex, I drove past three giant, passive-aggressive signs at the entrances of the three, large, half-full City of Toronto building parking lots that said, “PRIVATE PROPERTY!” and “NO HOSPITAL PARKING!” in bold red letters.  Clearly the city was aware of the problem.  Clearly the city felt it wasn’t its problem.  Driving back around to the front of the complex, I noticed a tow truck on stand-by, waiting like a vulture for a patient to become sick enough or desperate enough to leave an unattended vehicle.I drove North of the hospital until the city’s unnecessary “no parking signs” in the adjacent residential area ceased to bloom. I passed dozens of cars, many of which had parking tickets for daring to park on a city street near a hospital for too long.  The city was not only aware of the problem; it was also actively profiting from it through parking fines.  When I eventually found a legal place to park my vehicle, the walk back to the hospital took 20 minutes.  I’m able-bodied and in good health.  Most hospital patients cannot walk for 20 minutes to go to and from their chemotherapy sessions.  It’s unthinkable.The CEO of the Humber River Regional Hospital, Barb Collins, is very proud of the many awards it has received.  It’s unfortunate that none of these awards are related to the very real, lived, patient experiences that have repeatedly been brought to her attention, like this one.  Imagine the negative impact on the health of a cancer patient who has to deal with the frustration and expense of recovering a towed vehicle at the same time as chemotherapy, all because of “not my problem” finger pointing and poor planning for patient parking!  Perhaps if a “fewest patients’ cars towed” award were created the Hospital would actually address the problem and add it to its list of “achievements”, since awards, not patient care, seem to be the executive priority.

As hydro bills continue to climb, families in North York are suffering

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath met with numerous residents of 2901 Jane St. in North York to discuss the impact of skyrocketing hydro rates on their families. “Hydro rates are out of control in this province because of bad decisions made by the Liberal government to privatize more and more of our electricity system,” said Horwath. “Instead of looking after her friends on Bay Street, the Premier should take real steps to help families throughout the GTA by making hydro affordable.” Residents of 2901 Jane St.  told the NDP Leader about the challenges they are facing as retired people living on a fixed income. Even after switching to equal billing and receiving small rebates through the Ontario Electricity Support Program residents are still struggling, some going so far as to not cook or use electricity at all between 7am to 7pm. The residents of 2901 Jane St. are not unique in their struggles.  Hydro bills have been skyrocketing out of control for many Ontarians all across the province. “I hear stories like these regularly from people I visit,” said Horwath.  “Hydro rates are too high, they have been for a long time and Kathleen Wynne isn’t doing much about it.  In fact, she is making it worse by continuing to sell-off Hydro One which will drive rates even further up.” The NDP Leader urged the Liberal government to do the right thing and cancel her plan to sell-off Hydro One because it will only make electricity more expensive for families, businesses and community organizations in Ontario.

Love Ontario in Need of Cameras for Youth

Toronto not-for-profit facing severe shortage of photography equipment for youth in media programsLawrence Heights area not-for-profit, Leave Out Violence known as LOVE in the community, is facing a challenge: there are more youth than cameras for their Media Arts Program. Photography has long been at the centre of LOVE’s mission to change the lives of young people who have experienced violence in high priority neighbourhoods. Using the camera as a tool to document their lives and learn new skills, youth in LOVE’s Media Arts Program use cameras to view the world in different ways. Leave Out Violence Executive Director says “Media has great power in the lives of young people. It is a conduit to their world and a critical influencer of attitudes, behaviours and choices. Youth in LOVE are given the opportunity to find their voice and explore their world through the safe lens of a camera. They discover that what they communicate has impact on others and that their voice can change lives.”Leading up to Valentine’s Day, LOVE is launching a crowd funding campaign “Spread the LOVE” on the popular Go Fund Me platform. They hope to raise $5,000 to buy enough camera equipment for youth in programs today and for next year. For the past 20 years LOVE has provided local young people who have experienced violence the chance to explore and learn through photography and are asking for support to keep it going.Arts based service programs like this increasingly have less funding but increased numbers of participants seeking them out. With growing violence and isolation in Toronto communities, LOVE wants to make sure they can continue getting young people to go down the right path by being involved in positive activities. LOVE is asking supporters to contribute on their Go Fund Me page Spread the LOVE! Cameras for Youth and to help spread the word – and the love.For more information, please visit http://leaveoutviolence.org or contact the Ontario office at 416-785-8411.

California Sandwiches: A delicious gem in Downsview

Tucked away in an industrial mall at the north-west corner of Sheppard Ave. W. and Chesswood Drive is California Sandwiches where they make the best hot Italian veal sandwiches on this side of mama’s kitchen.It’s a family business that reaches back into the history of Toronto and the heart of little Italy.  In 1969 Christina and Giuseppe Papa opened a small grocery store at 244 Claremont Avenue between College St. and Dundas St. -a block away from where I grew up on Clinton Street. It was a typical mid-block grocery store that served the local neighbourhood.Their timing couldn’t have been worse.   The area’s first supermarket, the Power Store, had just opened on Bloor Street and as more people bought cars and refrigerators their shopping patterns changed.  The local mid-block grocery was dead.  With seven kids to feed they had to do something to survive.   The answer came out of Signora Papa’s kitchen.  It was hot juicy Italian veal sandwich with a ‘to die for’ Sunday sauce that nobody could resist.They began making the sandwiches at the rear of the store.  In the early days, Gina Severino, one of the five daughters (who now operates a California Sandwich shop in Woodbridge) remembers her brother hustling orders for sandwiches in pool rooms and at construction sites which she helped delivered on her bicycle.As the fame of the sandwiches spread, deliveries expanded with orders from as far away as the downtown area.  California Sandwiches became a favorite of many Bay Street law firms. Toronto Council often ordered them when the meetings extended through the dinner break.In 1993, two of the sisters, Mary and Yolanda open a second California Sandwich shop here in Downsview which has been dishing out sandwiches: veal, chicken, steak, smothered in mama’s sauce, onions cheese and mushrooms, since that time.Before she died, their mother made them promise that the business would never be franchised.  There are now 12 California Sandwich shops each one owned by a different member of the family.  Everyone has their own unique décor but what they all have in common is the family recipe and a devotion to quality.So how is a California sandwich different from any other sandwich?  Everything is made to order, fresh and from scratch.   It doesn’t sit there waiting for you like a burger in a fast food chain:  Each sandwich is made to your specs.  You can order your sandwiches hot (spicy), medium, or sweet with a side of olives, rush it to your table and wash it down with a bottle of pop or an ice cold beer. Enjoy!

Community Meeting on the Future of the Jane and Finch area

Dozens of community members from the area met at the former Regina Paget school site on Norfinch in early December to discuss the future of the area. The meeting was organized by Community Action Planning Group  - York West (CAPG), whose mandate is to influence the development of the area and its social environment.Many problems in the area can be traced to poor planning decisions from 20 or 30 years ago, such as poor transit connections, which are made more difficult because of the physical layout of the neighbourhood. The group organized a meeting to inform community members of community benefits that may be used in the near future and how these can help shape the Jane and Finch area.One of the biggest changes to the area will be the construction of the LRT along Finch, which is scheduled to see construction start in 2018-19. Not only will this create better transit for the area and clean up the roadways for drivers, but there are a number of other benefits for Jane and Finch. Participants at the meeting learned that there is a big push by an organization called Toronto Community Benefits Network(http://www.communitybenefits.ca/) to create local jobs out of it, but there are also other opportunities.Metrolinx, the agency that will be building the LRT and creating the jobs in the process, also needs to have a place to park all those new trains. They have chosen to buy and re-purpose the empty field north east of Jane and Finch next to the mall. CAPG and the local City Councillor, Anthony Perruzza, have worked to have the City set out a number of policies to create more than just a car house for the LRT. You can see the details of the City report on what these added community benefits could entail once approved here: http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2015.MM11.23For more information or to get involved email the group here: jf-capg@mail.com

Letters to the Editor

December 9, 2016Editor:Regarding your article of November 23, 2016 entitled ‘Humber River Regional (sic) Hospital: new site, same problems’… I thought I would share a few facts about the hospital with you.First, like all hospitals, not every single one of the more than 2,800 patients we treat on an average day leaves feeling completely satisfied with their experience. And while we work very hard to prevent that, no hospital has a 100% patient satisfaction score – no hospital.That’s why, among other available resources, we have a Patient Representative – someone dedicated to helping patients and family members voice their concerns to hospital leaders when they have them, ensuring they get information in a timely manner, and a forthright, timely response. Her work is reported through a Board Committee directly to the Board of Directors of the hospital – in effect, the community’s representatives. We take complaints about care and service very seriously.But there’s a reason why Humber received Accreditation Canada’s highest quality award, Accreditation with Exemplary Standing, in its last survey. In fact the hospital scored a 98.1% compliance rate with more than 2,000 Accreditation Standards; and a 100% compliance rating with all Accreditation Canada Required Organizational Practices.There’s a reason why visitors are coming to Humber from countries around the world – Brazil, China, the U.K; Australia; the U.S.A. and others. They are coming to learn, going home to emulate some of the amazing work going on at Humber.There’s a reason why in our October 2016 staff and physician survey, over 86% of the Humber team strongly agreed with this statement: “I would recommend this organization to friends and family who require care.” This was a completely confidential survey, by the way.There’s a reason why the independent National Research Corporation’s latest survey of Humber’s inpatients shows Humber scoring over 10% better than the average for GTA hospitals (81% vs. 73%). Again, this was a completely confidential survey.There’s a reason why our Emergency Department wait times until the first assessment by an ED physician is among the best in the province.There’s a reason why no Humber clinical area has had an infectious disease outbreak for over two years (and counting).There’s a reason why, on November 12th, a Humber physician was honoured at the Ontario Association of Gastroenterology (OAG) Gala Dinner with the OAG’s Distinguished Service Award.There’s a reason why, on November 18th, a Humber ICU nurse received the CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) Joan Lesmond IEN of the Year Award. The award is named to honour the late Dr. Joan Lesmond, a champion of diverse and inclusive nursing.There’s a reason why Humber River is the GTA hospital of choice for Queens University Medical School.There’s a reason why Humber is home to the first bariatric surgery program outside the USA to be certified by the American College of Surgeons.There’s a reason why Humber is home to the first robotic surgery program in any Canadian community hospital.And, yes, there’s a reason why Humber is home to North America’s first fully digital hospital.That reason is a simple one: the great men and women who work at our hospital are dedicated to the patients and families they care for, and are committed to the highest standards of care delivery. Every day.And every day we hear from patients and families grateful for the compassionate, professional, respectful care they receive at Humber River Hospital.Sincerely,(via email)Barbara CollinsPresident & CEOHumber River Hospital

Canada’s Role in Response to the Muslim Ban

Inaugurated less than two weeks ago, actions taken by newly elected US President, Donald Trump, has left many disturbed. People are unsure about their future, their safety and their families.On Friday, January 27th Trump signed an executive order blocking citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days. This order also suspends all refugees from seeking asylum in the United States for 120 days and barred Syrian refugees indeterminately, resulting in 100-200 people being detained at American airports -separated from their families and loved ones and being ‘sent home.’Many protests took place around the world and at airports in response to what is known as the #MuslimBan. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other activist groups filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of two detainees being held at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.New York Federal Judge, Ann M. Donnelly, blocked part of the ban over the weekend, stopping the government from deporting those who had already arrived in the United States.On Sunday morning, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement in compliance with court orders and Trump’s executive order leaving many in disarray. Hate only ensues hate and barring innocent people and those seeking safety in the name of terrorism only perpetrates a divide – bringing us back to the Cold War.Is Canada truly the peaceful neighbour?Often Canada is represented as the friendlier neighbour to the North. Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau takes selfies and pictures with pandas, so in comparison to the US, we are depicted as peaceful and welcoming.Contrary to Trump’s election promises, Trudeau promised for more Syrian refugees to be granted asylum in Canada. Trudeau promised to take 25 000 Syrian refugees by the end of 2015 during his campaign. However, he constantly pushed back the date of his promise and many refugees still face a backlog in their applications being processed. Thousands of Syrian refugees were privately sponsored. By the end of 2016, the Liberal Government went back on their promise in capping the number of privately sponsored Syrian refugees to 1000 in 2017.Trudeau started a #WelcomeToCanada hashtag in response to Trump’s executive order, with an old picture of himself with a young refugee. Again, Canada is portrayed as the friendlier neighbour, but political leadership needs to go beyond selfies and empty promises.• Syrian Refugees’ basic needs are not being met often ending up with frost-bites and little-to-no supports for settlement• PM Trudeau sold $15-billion of armoured vehicles to Saudi Arabia reminding of us of the US’ militant role in the Middle East• PM Trudeau has been inconsistent on the Temporary Foreign Worker program• Pulling on the heartstrings of Canadians, PM Trudeau focuses on Syrian refugees but not African asylum-seekers or others around the worldSadly, Canada is not immune to hate and Islamophobia. A horrific terrorist attack at a Quebec City mosque overnight left 6 people dead and 8 injured last night. People may feel like their hands are tied and they are unsure about what they can do. Here are some ways you can take action:1. Email your local MP to request the Emergency Debate that NDP MPP Jenny Kwan has called for http://www.ndp.ca/news/ndp-calls-emergency-debate-address-trump-immigration-ban2. Share this information:If anyone knows a Syrian, Iranian, Iraqi, Somali, Sudanese, or Yemeni green card holder who is stuck outside the US with tickets to return to IAD (Dulles Airport)--please contact Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg. He is the Director of the Immigrant Advocacy Program at the Legal Aid Center in Washington, DC.simon@justice4all.org703-778-34503. Call, email, visit or reach out to a friend or family member who is affected by Islamophobia to let them know you are here4. Say no to Islamophobia by joining a peaceful protest or a vigil in your neighbourhood https://www.facebook.com/events/407436779648169/5. Sign the Broadbent Institute Petition so that Canada can act now:http://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/travel_ban_petitionCheck out these articles for details:• https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/12/24/ottawas-new-cap-on-refugee-applications-upsets-sponsors.html• http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canada-must-stick-to-its-word-on-saudi-arms-deal-trudeau-says/article29981571/• https://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2016/08/24/trudeau-liberals-tiptoe-into-temporary-foreign-workers-minefield-walkom.html• http://time.com/4031569/migrant-crisis-europe-african-refugees/