Dufferin Finch BIA – New Growth Is Coming to the Area

 The Dufferin Finch Business Improvement Area represents the area bounded by Sheppard Avenue, Keele Street, Steeles Ave and Dufferin Street. It is a remarkable organization with 2,500 businesses employing over 32,000 people. The BIA has been in operation since May 2014 and is already having a strong positive impact. It is well on the way to improving the lives of those who make a living here as well as the lives of the residential neighbourhoods to its east and west.The importance of this area has not been obvious in the past. Successful businesses worked individually and the advantages of working together were not exploited. This has all changed thanks to the visionary leadership of the local City of Toronto Councillor, Anthony Perruzza and the members of the Dufferin Finch BIA Board of Directors.The Dufferin Finch BIA provides practically everything needed to carry on life. Here you can find ergonomically and attractive workplace furniture at Teknion, a wide array of medical and recreational facilities at the Champagne Centre, nutritious foods through retail outlets and wholesalers such as Fiera Foods, lawyers, building contractors, real estate brokers, packaging companies such as Luv2Pak‎, fuels, cars, clothing and almost anything else you can think of.The Dufferin Finch BIA's importance has always been facilitated by a well-developed and easily accessible system of local roads, arterial roads and highways (Allen Road, Hwy 400, and Hwy 401).All three orders of government have provided basic public transit and soon we will see significant improvements through the Finch West LRT with its Keele Street terminus and the new GO Station close to the Chesswood and Sheppard intersection, provided by Metrolinx. The TTC's University-Spadina Subway Extension to York University will greatly improve speeds and comfort for riders as well. Importantly, these new connections will transform the area into a hub for commuters and will attract new investment into the area.There is much going on within the Dufferin Finch BIA area and its surroundings. It is well worth taking notice and appreciating.For more information: http://dufferinfinchbia.ca/index.htmlEditor: Joe Pantalone

UCMAS Mental Math Program offered in Downsview

 Inspired by his niece and nephew in Montreal being taken “to a whole new level” on a visit to Montreal, Thava brought home the Universal Concept in Mental Arithmetic System program  commonly known as UCMAS. In the previous Downsview Advocate edition, we introduced. Mathan Thava, Program Director from Aizen Academy, located at Keele and Finch. The goal of Aizen Academy is to provide children from diverse backgrounds with exposure to an array of tutoring services as well as arts-based and physical activity programs including yoga, karate, hip hop, classical dance, chess and vocals. Thava is proud to announce to the Downsview community, the launch of the UCMAS program at Aizen Academy. “I wouldn’t simply call it a math program,” states Thava, rather it is an “Abacus-based mental math program.” Students use the visual component of their brain, rather than just the logical component, helping them enhance their memory, strengthening the left and right hemispheres of the brain. And after a while, children “can perform these kinds of calculations [higher level addition, subtraction, multiplication, division] without having the physical Abacus in front of them.” With over 5000 accredited UCMAS programs worldwide, Aizen Academy launched program 59 of 60 in Canada, and is currently the only UCMAS program in North York. Thava has seen, beyond children learning how to do the high-level calculations in the head, an increased level of confidence when approaching learning, “and that is the highest value added they can get.” As for parents, Thava states, “parents are blown away that their kids are able to do calculations at age 4-6 faster than they can!” Beyond the initial fascination with children’s ability to grasp this high-level thinking, the long term affects are tremendous – increasing their short and long term memory, enhancing analytical skills, and truly learning how to pay attention, without solely having a teacher or parent over their shoulder reminding them to do so. As a firm believer of providing children these enriching opportunities, Thava offers discounts and reasonable rates to parents and families. Though UCMAS is mainly available to children age 4-13, Aizen Academy is also home to those between ages 3 – 23. Call or email Mathan Thava directly for more information on how to sign your child up in the UCMAS program.For more information on the UCMAS program or Aizen Academy:www.ucmas.cawww.aizenacademy.comaizenacademy@gmail.comMathan Thava, Program Director647-990-0864416-665-4756

Challenging “Carding” in Toronto: A Matter of Canadian Rights and Freedoms

By Desmond Miller

Few stories have gained as much media attention lately as the ongoing developments around the Toronto Police Services practice of “carding”. To focus on some of the main issues, and gain some clarity, I spoke with activist and Osgoode Hall law-student Knia Singh, who recently launched a legal challenge to the practice of carding on the basis that it violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Desmond Miller: For those who do not know, what is “carding”?

Knia Singh: Carding is the random, targeted stopping of people, who are not involved in criminal activity but are asked by police to provide personal information (for example, their name and address). That information is then placed in a police database.

DM: How did you become involved in speaking out against carding?

KS: I first became involved in speaking about carding in September 2013 when I, and a friend, Chris Williams, were featured in a story in the Toronto Star. I had no criminal record but when I filed a Freedom of Information request [with the Toronto Police] I received a fifty-page file. Ten pages was information gathered from contact cards. Much of the information was incorrect, such as my height and weight, even my place of birth, which was listed as “Jamaica” despite the fact that I was born in Canada. I am innocent, yet I have a record.

DM: What do citizens need to know about carding and why is it an important issue?

KS: Innocent people should never be stopped and intimidated or made to feel like they are forced to answer questions. The practice of carding could lead to a false charge and further complications in police interactions. Furthermore, it is important, in a free society, for Canadians to not have their rights violated. Carding violates Charter rights sections 7, 8, 9 and 15. And, it is targeted racial profiling that has a disproportionate effect on Black and Brown people.

DM: How can the practice of carding be challenged?

KS: If a citizen is stopped by police, it is important for them to know their rights and be polite and cooperative – even if their rights are being violated. Being rude could lead to other problems. If a citizen is carded, they can file a Freedom of Information request, challenge the information that police have and/or make police complaints.

DM: What do you think about the most recent developments regarding carding?

KS: Some positive steps forward have been made, including Mayor John Tory’s change in his stance on carding and the institution of the April 2014 policy (on carding), which limits some Charter rights violations. I am disappointed that this took so long and that (former Police Chief Bill) Blair did not put in this policy. I am also glad that the province (of Ontario) is stepping in and is developing a policy on carding and street checks.

What are your experiences with carding? E-mail us your stories at :

info@downsviewadvocate.ca

Inspiring Valedictorian Speech

Taejah Noble, a recent graduate of Elia Middle School delivered a moving speech to the 2014-2015 graduating class.

Congratulations class 2014-2015. Sometimes, the greatest relief you can get from a valedictorian speech, is when it is over. Quoted by your very own Taejah Noble, but I want that you will get at least something from this speech. Good afternoon,distinguished guests, principal Mr Yafeo,vice principle, Mrs Silvera, other staff members, visitors, parents, and of course my fellow graduates. I would like to start off by thanking the valedictorian committee for nominating me; it is such an honor and a privilege to be here. Wow, all of you graduates sitting before me are looking so lovely and well dressed. Visitors and Staff can you please join me in giving a big round of applause for our graduates. May I add, I am partly surprised to see some of you guys with your pants actually at your waist, one of the evident reasons why graduation is a special event.We all have a story, which includes a plot, a problem, and a solution. We all have a self-written book that's always being updated until we die. This book contains chapters and with our graduation tonight, we are closing a chapter. We are closing a chapter, but not the book because it is still the beginning and not the end. Now that we have established this chapter, I'm here to bring you anticipation, motivation, and preparation for the next chapter along with reminiscing and missing this one.Wow, look how much we have grown, we came from three recesses to one and from cubbies to lockers. If you really think about it, time has zoomed by like Usain Bolt . In our three years at Elia, they're like a cycle.We have our summer break and then after summer break we tend to forget what we have learned. That cycle has been repeated for the three years. Remember, in kindergarten reciting our ABC'S was one of our top priorities and we still use it now while utilizing a dictionary. This just shows that everything we learn and experience we bring with us in different ways. The excitement, awkwardness, adapting and fear on the first day of grade 6 we will bring yet again in grade 9, starting from the bottom all over again. We have grown as individuals, although with some of us, our height doesn't really show it. Who can remember the firstday of kindergarten where some of our parents were crying a river and some of us were the opposite, saying 'goodbye' with such ease. That confidence has been used in other areas of our development. That is, adapting to change while using what we already learned.I think one of the two most unforgettable memories at Elia is the first day and the last day. This is because we have our starting point and our finishing point; of course, in between we have our little milestones with several obstacles. How about those times we were learning something in class and questioned to ourselves 'when will this ever help me in life?' with a sigh and for others who were always intrigued. Who could forget the countless times we actually didn't want to come to school, both teachers and students or, for others who have always enjoyed coming to school. Those days where we would consistently watch the clock, thinking we could make the bell ring faster or, when a favorite class of ours was too short to enjoy. Then there is anxiety for some of us taking a test we studied for five minutes ago, or the anxiety of completing that test on time and stumbling upon a tricky question. I don't think there were any classes with Mrs. Ricketts where my name wasn't mistaken for Tajay instead of saying Taejah. When it comes to laughter, I cannot forget the countless outbursts from Mr. Spencer's weird remarks and I know I am not the only one. I absolutely cannot forget Mrs. Silvera's closing line for the morning announcements, which I would always try to attempt. Memories play a big role in our lives and sometimes make us happy when we need uplifting. I want all of you to think of your favorite memory through this year or people who have helped to create that memory. Now, I want you to keep that memory instilled in you and when hard days come along, retrieve that memory.I have a question for my fellow graduates; raise your hand if any of you sometimes felt like you came to school by force and not by choice? Well, for those of you who feel that way, that is common in the working world as well. Of course we have a long way to go before that, but I want you all to take something from this speech and bring it with you no matter where you are in your chapters. As words of motivation, success is great, but being unhappy and successful will not sustain. Robin Williams is an excellent example. I am saying this because we are still in the beginning of our book and are able to prepare for the end. As you excel and have the opportunity to choose the profession that you like, go ahead. Go ahead, so it does not feel like school all over again.I think one of the common mistakes some valedictorians make, is unrealistic anticipation. This means that the picture painted is just too hard to duplicate. I'm not going to bring your hopes up and predict that your future will be as smooth sailing because that is far from reality. As individuals we will all experience an inevitable change that varies for all of us. However, what is important is how we choose to handle it. This comes back to our story and we are all the main characters in our books. Some characters excel with minimal disruptions, others have so many disruptions and still manage to excel, but what is important among these characters? Excelling, something we are all capable of doing, but some of us fail to do. If that is any of you today, I ask that when you continue your story, you will find what helps you excel, and use it to your advantage of excelling until the end. In reality, I'll be blunt with you, life sucks sometimes, we are all going to go through hardships and have bad days, but in any story which main character doesn't? Therefore, do not focus on the inevitability of change, but on the capability of handling it.I would like to take this time to commend my fellow graduates and acknowledge those who have helped usget here. I would like to say thank you to my classmates, who have always helped me when I did not understand the work. How could I ever forget the parents, thank you all for helping your children excel in school as it is a hard job sometimes. I would like to thank all the teachers for helping us with our work and being so dedicated. You have provided us with many opportunities to learn and grew socially and academically special. Thank you for planning the trip to Montreal. Let's hear a shoutout from those who went. Of course, I would like to thank all my friends for creating unforgettable memories. Congratulations to all the students who have won an award today. I commend those of you who have done extracurricular activities such as robotics, sports, leadership, student council, performing arts, eco club, math enrichment, and anything else that I have not listed. Thank you to my other fellow graduates for sitting through my speech, it is greatly appreciated. Thank you to the administration for organizing this. There are many things that all of you have achieved throughout this year, so excellent job.Sometimes many of us considered school as a dungeon. However, there is something so strong about Elia, that even if the doors of this "dungeon" were open, I wouldn't escape, which may be different for others. Itis quite contradicting because I would always be the first one escaping to leave at the end of the day and I’m pretty sure my classmates are witnesses. Besides the foregoing, no matter the hardships and struggles experienced in this unique school, Elia has furnished and equipped my peers and I for an opportunity of a lifetime. It certainly catered to our development in a thorough way. We could never forget Elia, no matter what we thought of this school sometimes. I hope that when we all leave here, we will remember the things that have molded us as students and made us smile. Don't forget to thank the people who have helped you and made you smile, as you never know when you will see them again. Even though we have completed a chapter, this is just the beginning of a new in our chapter lives and we have the capability of handling our story until the end. It is in fact, the beginning and not the end. As I conclude this speech, I want to leave you all with an anonymous quote.. "In life we do things. Some we wish we had never done. Some we wish we could replay a million times in our head. But they all make us who we are, and in the end they shape every detail about us. If we were to reverse any of them we wouldn't be the person we are. So just live, make mistakes, have wonderful memories, but never second guess who you are, where you have been, and most importantly where it is you're going."

Ontario Government Cancels Program that Assisted Unemployed get Back to Work

By Joy Lewis

On May 15, 2015, the Ministry of Training and Colleges announced it was discontinuing the Ontario Self-Employment Benefits Program (OSEB).

After 22 years of providing unemployed Ontarians with an opportunity to get back on their feet and create their own business success, it was decided that government funding was to be targeted to those who needed it most.

Essentially, OSEB Program is a proven curriculum, with many success stories, where individuals could develop their own businesses if they were able to pass program eligibility criteria, which included demonstrating business viability and preparing a business plan. If they passed this stage, they would be invited into the program where they could continue to collect their Employment Insurance for the 42-week duration of the program.

The OSEB Program was administered by business coaches at Job Skills, a non-profit organization thoroughly “dedicated to enhancing people’s capacity to participate in the labour market, thereby contributing to the economic and social viability of our community”.

After sitting in on a session, I witnessed the passion that these coaches possessed to enable their clients’ return to the workforce. Any person who has been out of work is aware of the emotions that can run through your mind. I saw participants of the program being presented with well thought out lessons designed to build confidence and skills for success. This program was not easy, I was told, and there was a minimum of 35 hours weekly that participants were required to put in.

I spoke with Catherine Turner, Director of Business Service Programs at OSEB for her comments on the cancellation of the program.

Ms. Turner has been involved with the program since 1997 and well-qualified to say that OSEB has been a long-standing, successful program which targets vulnerable people in our society.

She stated that Job Skills was shocked to hear of the Ministry’s decision to shut the program down. When I asked her about the program’s eligibility criteria, she stated that there was a diligent assessment application process was designed to ensure that those applicants that qualified for the program understood the requirements, possessed the skills and had the necessary amount of capital to complete the program and take their business plan to market.

She has seen the program produce successful entrepreneurs in fields that did not exist previously. “The entrepreneurs of today were the future of our economy and this segment does not exist anymore”.

In fact close to 70% of OSEB participants are still involved in their businesses five years later after completion of the program and more than 90% have completed the program.

When I asked Ms. Turner if she thought the program would ever be reinstated, she optimistically said, “Never say never. Programs change”.

With the cut of this program, it seems quite ironic that those who devoted themselves to unemployed individuals may soon be in the same position.

E-mail us your thoughts about the OSEB cuts

info@downsviewadvocate.ca