Keep Our Power Rally and March

On April 8^th Keep Hydro Public is joining Libby Keenan and many other residents from across the Province to demand for: Affordable, Accountable, and Publicly owned electricity!Our ask is simple: No more rebates. STOP THE SALE OF HYDRO ONE!The Ontario Liberal Government sold about 30% of Hydro One without a mandate. Just last week the Liberal MPPs also voted to continue the sale of Hydro One shares.  Privatization of public utility has been disastrous for the Province. Private Power costs more than Public Power. Let’s unite and tell the Liberal Government: we want to Keep Our Power, We want to Keep Hydro Public.WHEN: Saturday April 8 @ 1:00 p.m.  WHERE:  Assemble at Hydro One Headquarters (483 Bay St) between 11am to 1pm, then march to Queen’s Park at 1:00pm.

If you need further information please contact Doly Begum at doly@keephydropublic.ca or 647-998-3659 (cell).

Striking York University Food Service Workers Win $15 and Fairness

Alia Karim and David Bush

On Monday March 6th, striking York University food service workers, represented by Unite Here Local 75, voted to accept their new contract. The workers went on strike for and won a $15/hour starting wage and fair working conditions. Their victory paves the way for workers right across the province to achieve $15 and fairness.The workers won major improvements to their contract in the nearly three week strike. They will see an immediate bump in their starting wage from $12.21 per hour to $13.21, which will apply retroactively back to last September. There will be a further wage increase this coming September and by the end of the first year of the contract, the starting wage for all workers will be $15.The workers won improvements in contract language which will protect union work and breaks. They also achieved a significant victory by getting Aramark to fully cover the dental plan, which the company has never done for any of its workers in North America. By the end of the contract, all workers, both full-time and part-time, will be on the health and dental plan.The 160 Aramark food service workers at York University had been preparing for this round of contract negotiations since last year. The low pay, bullying, racial discrimination by management, and the poor working conditions bred widespread discontent amongst the workers. They built up the confidence to take on a powerful multinational corporation and the York University administration by marching on their boss, holding demonstrations, and organizing mass meetings with other food service workers across the GTA. Through months of organizing, the workers in the union were able to produce a 100 per cent strike ratification vote.On February 2, the food service workers walked off the job on a one-day strike, shutting down all Aramark locations at York University. The workers marched on campus, held multiple rallies, and demonstrated their strength to the employer and the administration.Workers then went on indefinite strike on February 16. They held a picket line at the main gate and organized two marches on campus a day. During York's reading week, which was on the second week of the strike, the union organized a week of actions downtown targeting the company. They were joined by the striking food service workers from UofT Scarborough (who are still on strike).

Something to Prove: Samuel Boakye's Story - Part 2

Continued from last month's edition of the Downsview Advocate, we conclude the story of Samuel Boakye's transition from a disinterested, tough-guy student into a caring and ambitious adult.--When half a year of boarding school in Ghana saw no strong improvement in Samuel's attitude or grades, he was sent to live at the large house shared by his two uncles and their families.  His father did not enroll him in school, so Samuel spent his time helping out with household chores, socializing with his family, and exploring Ghana.During his long walks through the city and countryside, Samuel began to really think about his future, and what sort of man he would become.  It was at this time, that Samuel overheard a conversation between his father and his uncles.  His father had brought Samuel's report card from boarding school and the three were discussing the next steps of Samuel's education.  Samuel's father was exasperated with his son, but what was most painful to hear was that his father had simply accepted that his son would not amount to anything.  Even worse, he seemed to find humour in it.Throughout his youth, Samuel always found it important to be popular and respected by his peers.  Why didn't the opinion of his family matter?  But that day it finally did, and it hit him like a sledge hammer.He did not confront them, but rather he made a silent promise to himself that when he was sent once again to school, that he would prove them all wrong and succeed.  In his own words, he was finally going to "try".While that conversation between his father and uncles helped awaken a desire to show the world that he could succeed in school, it was another event altogether that made him appreciate the opportunities of his own life.One evening, Samuel decided to take a bottle of Irish Cream from his uncle's liquor cabinet without asking for permission, and shared it with a friend.  The next day, Samuel overheard his uncle looking for the bottle to serve to guests that had visited the home, but Samuel remained silent on the matter.The very next morning, Samuel was awoken by his uncle who in turn accused him of stealing the bottle and threatened to tell the whole family.  Not wanting that embarrassment, Samuel confessed.As punishment, Samuel was taken to the lumber yards of his uncle's business and put to work for the next two weeks without pay or special treatment.  So there he worked, day after day in the sweltering summer heat, while sleeping away the nights in a small hotel room full of insects."Working there, I realized the blessings of my own life.  Of course, I knew what I had before but it never really dawned on me." Samuel reflected. "The guys there worked hard labour for $50 a month and actually appreciated the opportunity to work to feed their families."Samuel eventually returned to Canada as a new person.  He fulfilled his promise and is now completing his studies at the University of Toronto.  He continues to work in the field of youth mentorship, turning the lessons he learned in his youth into a great strength to push young people to succeed.Samuel's story proves that it is easy for us, as adults, to forget the pressures youth face.  It can even be easier to look at a younger person in the midst of their struggles and confusion, and to simply write them off as future fallen adults."I know what it means to be in the dark and to be naive and to not know what are you doing until the point of near self-destruction." says Samuel, "It is so sad to see a young person die because they had no chance to change."

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.”

- End  -

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

Downsview Tool Library has Moved

It is with a mix of emotions that the Toronto Tool Library has moved from its Downsview branch on February 28th. It's new location will be at 830 St. Clair West, just west of Christie Street. All memberships at the Downsview branch will still be active and tools can continue to be borrowed at the new location after March 25th.  If members would like to borrow tools between March 1st-March 25th, please visit one of it's other locations at 1499 Queen Street West or 1803 Danforth Avenue.

After 2 years in partnership with the Toronto Public Library the TTL decided to move to a larger and more visible location due to lower than anticipated membership sales and loans in the Downsview neighbourhood. "We would like to thank all of our members and volunteers as well as the Toronto Public Library for supporting our project and keeping our doors open, we couldn't have done this without you" said a spokesperson for the TTL.

If you have any questions about this move or your membership please contact Ryan at ryan@irbe.org.

New Real Estate Blog Designed to Help Consumers Better Understand the Industry: The Behar Group Realty Inc.

Real estate can be tricky, especially for those who are new to buying and selling, and feel as though they are lacking up to date information. Luckily, The Behar Group Realty Inc. Brokerage is here to make it easier and faster to acquire the help needed in order to make the right decisions. The company recently launched a blog focusing on commercial real estate that will be updated on a weekly basis. The blog will feature the most up to date stories and sites, making it easier for you to have all the facts at your fingertips."The real estate industry has been slow when it comes to adopting digital media and social media initiatives and we're hoping that our new blog will help to bring this fast-paced sector up to speed," said Greg Evans, The Behar Group Realty Inc., Brokerage, EVP.Weekly blog posts will share commentary and video interviews with TBG agents and other real estate experts within the industry. Previous posts describe the pop-up shop trend, commercial real estate’s drone use, and the parallels between communications agencies and real estate brokers.With almost 25 years in the business, The Behar Group Reality Inc., Brokerage is active in all levels of industrial, investment, and commercial real estate. TBG is now one of Toronto’s leading real estate brokers.For more information contact Jennifer Armel, TBG’s Communications & Marketing Coordinator, at jarmel@thebehargroup.com or 416-636-8898 ext. 248To visit the blog, please visit: www.behargroupbuzz.com

Mathan Makes Tax Season Less Taxing

**ADVERTORIAL**By: Giovanna Loureiro and Rhiannon Moller-TrotterIt’s that time of year. There you are, scrambling around your home looking through drawers, and sorting through endless piles in order to get your taxes done on time. No one likes dealing with it, except there is one man in Downsview who loves it, and wants to deal with it for you. With 29 years of experience at the same location, right next to Aizen Academy, Thava, who named the company after his son, Mathan, is excited to help community members get the best return.He tirelessly explains every detail of how individuals can maximize their benefits this tax season, so that one knows exactly how it all works. As soon as you walk into his office, you are greeted with a wide smile and a plethora of information. Unlike other tax services that seem to want you in and out, where you might leave more confused than when you had entered, Thava’s personal demeanor is a warm change, and any questions you have will be answered.Helping up to 5,000 clients a year, Thava not only works with Business and Income tax, he is a Mortgage Broker and Real Estate Broker as well. Having clients from all over Ontario and even some from the United States, Thava has an abundance of relevant knowledge where your money is concerned.Thava is offering a minimum of 15% off for community members who bring in a copy of THIS PAPER! He also offers 50% off to the self-employed or businesses during their first year working with him, and 25% off of their second year. You even get benefits if you refer multiple clients, which after meeting with Thava and receiving his services, you will be sure to do!As tax season approaches at the end of February, Thava wants to ensure that community members do not feel overwhelmed or scared to begin the process. He encourages showing up in the month of February so that clients may receive benefits more quickly, and states that the earlier one visits, the more time he will have to converse over any and all concerns that you might have. Even if you have not done your taxes in years, you may find that you are still eligible for refunds!Many people are not aware of deductions and benefits that can be claimed, but Thava is here to inform you of any and all ways that one can maximize their savings annually.Here are just a few things that you can claim on your taxes: daycare expenses, RRSP contribution, moving expenses, support payments and more -Thava can explain how all of them work and what you will get versus what you have spent.Thava’s Pre-Visit Checklist (Bring What Is Applicable/What You Have):RRSP InformationT4s, T4Es (all income slips from employment or unemployment)DividendsT4AOAS (Old Age Security)T4RIF (Retirement)RC-62 (Universal Child Tax)T4PS (Profit Sharing)Student Specific List:T4sT2202A (Tuition Payment)T4A (Scholarships, Bursaries, Grants, etc.)Remember, consultations with Thava are completely free. Come for advice and with questions, stay for the quality service. The earlier the better!Mathan Tax Services is located at 1290 Finch Avenue West, Unit #23. Reach Thava at www.mathantaxservices.com or 416-665-4756.

Media Release: Councillor Pasternak Strongly Opposes the Decision to Close the Urgent Care Centre at the Branson Ambulatory Care Centre

March 2, 2017Media Release: Councillor Pasternak Strongly Opposes the Decision to Close the Urgent Care Centre at the Branson Ambulatory Care Centre Toronto City Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 10, York Centre, strongly objects to the decision to close the Urgent Care Centre at the Branson Ambulatory Care Centre, 555 Finch Avenue West, in June 2017."It is extremely disappointing that the decision was made to close the Urgent Care Centre in June. This facility is an incredibly valuable resource for the local community that enables residents to receive care for urgent illnesses and injuries that are not life threatening. I am calling on the Premier and Minister of Health and Long Term Care to reconsider this decision," said Councillor Pasternak.The Branson Ambulatory Care Centre is one of North York General Hospital's three sites. In addition to the Urgent Care Centre, Branson also provides vital services for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment planning, mental health, medical imaging, cataract surgery and diabetes education programs. In 2015-16, the outpatient volume at the Branson Site was 68,693 with 21,858 visits to the Urgent Care Centre.North York General has determined that it will not be renewing its lease at the Branson Ambulatory Care Centre in 2019 as the Advent Corporation has extensive redevelopment plans for the site that will include a seniors’ living and care community."I would be of great benefit to the community for the Urgent Care Centre to remain open until the end of the facility's lease in 2019. We will work with any medical facility to activate this site and ensure its long-term sustainability," said Councillor Pasternak.- End  -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