|
|
Dear CFUW Ontario Council Members
Welcome to News From Ontario Council for the D&D issue containing reports from the September 27th Standing Committees meetings. Also included are Ontario Council updates. We invite your comments. |
|
|
September 27, 2014
Standing Committees Reports
|
|
|
Plenary Presentation
Speaker: Barb MacQuarrie, Community Director of the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children (CREVAWC)
Topic: Domestic Violence in the Workplace:
Make It Our Business
Research over the last 7-8 years has provided evidence to support Ontario's Health and Safety Act Bill 168, which holds all employers responsible for the safety of all their employees should an employee be the victim or the perpetrator of domestic violence, an act that always finds its way into the workplace.
Despite growing evidence of risk to victims of domestic violence from Canada and abroad, employers are not aware of their obligation and/or are not complying with the Act. In Ontario, 229 cases resulting in 328 deaths were brought forward to the coroner between 2002 and 2013 in Ontario. Suicides of the perpetrators following the murders of their victims accounted for some of the additional 99 deaths.
To better equip employers with necessary skills and tools, CREVAWC developed a framework "Make It Our Business" and has begun to engage employers and social organizations, making them aware, offering training and delivering quality grass-root driven service to local businesses. http://www.learningtoendabuse.ca/
The "Make It Our Business" framework http://makeitourbusiness.com/ is based on the Power and Control Wheel (Ellen Pence)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9dZOgr78eE]. This wheel shows that the tactics or patterns of domestic violence are all day, every day, and not cyclical as previously believed. www.powerandcontrolfilm.com.
Ellen Pence's research showed that male perpetrators of domestic violence somehow felt "entitled" to control their victim. They also believed that their violent response had been provoked rather than premeditated. http://www.ncdsv.org/publications_wheel.html
Employers have a legal responsibility to show compliance with Bill 168 with:
- Policies and plan in place to support employee victim and other employees
- Corrective Actions made known and practiced in the workplace. The strategy is to interrupt isolation of victim = SNCit (See it, Name it, Check it), to be supportive, not judgemental and to ask questions without stigmatization, and to support improvement of any performance issues.
- Charges can be laid against employer if there is an incident without documentation of compliance.
Cheryl Ambrose and Linda Gill
Chairs: Status of Women and Human Rights
|
|
Status of Women &
Human Rights Committee
Speaker: Barb MacQuarrie
Topic: Domestic Violence in the Workplace: Make It Our Business
Evidence and Strategies
Barb MacQuarrie provided a more in-depth review of the past research, highlighted current results and spoke to future research directions. The emphasis was on evidence and strategies. Her afternoon ppt link showing the statistics will be posted.
Current results for Canada were obtained from 8000 surveys completed within the Canadian Labour Congress [3 million members]. 75% of survey takers were unionized with data collected between December 6, 2013 and June 6, 2014. Analysis is just beginning.
Since the inception of the current research, and because domestic violence is recognized as an international issue, a global research group has been formed, the DV@WorkNet Partnership Project. The ppt highlights comparative data. DV@Worknet http://www.learningtoendabuse.ca/impact-domestic-violence-workers-and-workplace
What is driving policy and program change?
1. Economic costs assessed in the Canadian and New Zealand research have motivated government and businesses to address this issue sooner rather than later.
2. Legislative frameworks are in place and unions are including 'domestic violence in the workplace' within their bargaining agreements.
3. Victims and offenders may cause workplace accidents [20% have self-declared that they almost caused an accident.
4. It is being duly noted that addressing this issue is not just up to business, the private sector but involves all sectors.
Possible Action to be considered by CFUW Ontario Council
- CREVAWC/Barb MacQuarrie will release current Canadian Research prior to Dec 6th.
- CREVAWC/Barb MacQuarrie is able to offer "train the trainer sessions" at no cost [1-2 day session] so that the awareness campaign can be a grass-roots, community driven, sustainable resource.
- Support research of DV@WorkNet Partnership Project
- CFUW can lobby all levels of government and stakeholder leadership.
- Promote CREVAWC's Neighbours, Friends and Families Initiative http://www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca/
- Promote CREVAWC's It's Not Right [for older adults] http://itsnotright.ca/
Cheryl Ambrose and Linda Gill
Chairs, Status of Women and Human Rights
|
| Legislation Committee
Speaker: June Macdonald, Fair Vote Canada Council
Topic: Proportional Representation: Make Every Vote Count
Following up on the September 2013 topic presented by Michelle Chibba, Information and Privacy Commissioner's Office of Ontario, the status of Bill C-13, Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, was updated. It passed second reading and was 'in committee' with the StandingCommittee on Justice and Human Rights. Since our meeting, it has now moved on, so the final vote is pending. There is ongoing criticism that this bill is more about Internet surveillance, a privacy concern, than dealing with cyber bullying. To follow up on the March presentations by CAMH staff working on the Ontario Service Collaboratives, the annual report was circulated. Due to the election results, funding continues. For the status of these projects, which focus on transitions among health, social services, education and justice systems for those experiencing mental illness and/or addiction, check out the website: http://servicecollaboratives.ca/.
Proportional Representation: Make Every Vote Count!
June Macdonald, of Fair Vote Canada National Council, sporting a scarf once belonging to Doris Anderson and a T-shirt with the message 'Well behaved women rarely make history.' informed and inspired us for more than an hour. Proportional voting is a challenging concept as there are many models. There was lively discussion and we appreciated June's knowledge and clarity. What drives her passion for proportional representation (PR), also referred to as fair voting, is the outcome: better representation in our government of women and minorities.
It is important to note that Fair Vote Canada, like CFUW, is nonpartisan. June refers to it as multi partisan. People from all political parties are welcome. In our 'First Past the Post' (FPTP) election method, a party supported by the minority of the population can control the legislature. PR promotes government through coalition which is foreign to Canadians and seems to generate negativity. However, with coalition there is more diversity and cooperation and elections are less adversarial. It is interesting that June noted that no new countries are adopting our system. Also, in PR systems, the government is more likely to go full term.
Some interesting facts:
Canada ranks 55th in the world for the number of women in government, and we have hit a glass ceiling with no improvement over the past 10 years. The UK ranks 65th and the US, 85th. All three are FPTP systems. According to the UN, government requires at least 33% representation by women to have women's voices heard. Canada has 20% - 25% compared to Sweden at 45%, Norway and The Netherlands at 40% and Rwanda at 66%. Some systems reserve a percentage of seats for women. In conclusion, under our current system, our federal and provincial governments lack a critical proportion of women to represent our voices.
What happened in Ontario?
Many of us were disappointed in Ontario's first attempt at changing the electoral system. June provided some factors: the $500,000 the government set aside for public education on the PR model was never spent; the Toronto Star reporting was very negative and inaccurate; there was not enough time for public education. In general, the will just wasn't there. There was an interesting discussion about this. How do you build enthusiasm and educate the public about a new PR system? We thought the use of YouTube videos could be helpful.
Fair Vote Canada does not officially endorse any particular PR. There are many models but a popular one is the Mixed Member Proportional system whereby one votes for both a riding representative and a party. The party then selects from a pre-prepared list. June also commented on ranked ballots which many think are more democratic. However, outcomes vary little from FPTP. The Fair Vote Canada website has a wealth of information to support arguments and advocacy efforts for PR. Check it out at: http://www.fairvote.ca. June specifically recommended reading the Law Commission of Canada Report on Electoral Reform (2004), found through Fair Vote Canada's website - see Resources, Further Reading, and the Ontario Citizens' Assembly Report that can be found on its website, http://www.citizensassembly.gov.on.ca/. CFUW does not have policy yet to support advocacy efforts but this is something that can go on our 'Wish List', or better still, our 'To Do' list.
Sheila Lacroix
Chair, Legislation
|
|
Education Committee
Speaker: Dr. Doug Hart, Institutional Researcher (Retired) at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto, Co-Investigator for the 18th OISE Survey
Topic: 18th Annual OISE Survey of Educational Issues: Public Attitudes Toward Education in Ontario in 2012
Dr. Doug Hart presented key findings and patterns from the 18th OISE Survey of Educational Issues: Public Attitudes Toward Education in Ontario in 2012. Dr. Hart reviewed the history of the survey, which was first administered in 1978, focussing on key areas with significant long-term data: Satisfaction with Schools and Support for Increased Funding, the Importance of Post Secondary Education, Equity of Outcomes and Assessment.
Generally as the public is more satisfied with schools, there is less willingness to increase funding. When there is dissatisfaction, for example during cut-backs in the Harris years, increased spending is supported by more people in order to improve schools and the educational system across the province. Overall, public satisfaction with the school system as a whole, and with the job teachers are doing are at record highs, according to the 2012 OISE Survey.
There is clear opinion that economic disadvantage is linked to poorer educational outcomes, but only a small minority felt that Black students face disadvantages in education, and about half felt that Aboriginal students had an educational disadvantage in comparison to White students. The public has increasingly come to see the advantage post-secondary graduates have over high school graduates in avoiding unemployment, but economic challenges have shifted opinions over time. Higher education is perceived as providing increased opportunities but not necessarily a straight line to appropriate or secure employment. Support for restricting program access in line with job prospects is supported by only about a third of respondents, but public opinion agrees that we are not able to "educate ourselves out of economic problems".
Provincial Assessment (EQAO) is believed to provide good information, particularly at the high school level, but respondents do not want these tests to replace teacher created assessments as the basis for grading students. There is more support at the high school level to assess all students than at elementary, where a representative sampling has support as an alternative.
The OISE survey is done in person and by telephone (in future this may become electronic), randomized within Ontario to people 18 years and older. While a breakdown of opinion has been examined by age, gender, enthnicity, self-identified status, political affiliation, parental status, income and occupation, background has consistently made less difference to responses than expected. The 19th survey will be undertaken in the next few months, completed within eight to ten weeks, and released two to three months after.
Access to the 18th OISE Survey of Educational Issues: Public Attitudes Towards Education in Ontario in 2012:
http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/oise/About_OISE/18thOISEsurvey_20120910.html
Kathy Wosnick
Chair, Education |
|
Ontario Council Advocacy
Poverty Reduction Strategy 2014
The Ontario government recently announced a renewed poverty reduction strategy "Realizing our Potential", building on its first five-year strategy called "Breaking the Cycle". Although the first strategy did not meet its goal of reducing child poverty in Ontario by 25% in 5 years, significant progress was made during a period of economic recession. Investments by the Province of Ontario lifted 47,000 children and their families out of poverty and kept numerous other families from falling into poverty.
By situating the strategy within the Treasury Board, headed by Minister Deb Matthews, the province has acknowledged the importance of the role of government in responding to this issue. The strategy sets bold new goals to continue social assistance reform, end homelessness and expand dental and health benefits to all low income children. There is a focus on providing training and employment supports intended to help low income people find better jobs. These goals, if achieved, will do much to enhance opportunity for many Ontarians.
Most of the initiatives outlined in the strategy focus on prevention, which if successful will have future payoffs. However, there is a failure to recognize that many people need help now. Despite raising the minimum wage and social assistance rates and promises of future indexing to inflation both remain at levels well below the income needed to ensure a healthy life. Failure to recognize the inadequacy of these income supports will continue to make it difficult if not impossible for many to escape poverty and to obtain the skills needed to build a better life.
Offering training and employment support may help some low income Ontarians find better jobs. However the greatest job growth has been in the service sector. In order for people to leave social assistance to take on many of the available low wage, precarious jobs they will need additional supports such as dental and health benefits and access to affordable child care. The poverty reduction strategy lacks a long term vision for child care that will be necessary to ensure that the cost or lack of availability is not a barrier to participation in paid employment.
Ontario Council is preparing a detailed response to the Poverty Reduction Strategy based on our input into the consultation process held in the summer of 2013.
Teresa McKeemon
Poverty Reduction Working Group
Election Challenge by CFUW Southport
Voter Participation Challenge
THE CHALLENGE:
Have 100% of your CFUW membership turn out to vote in the upcoming 2014 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
Challenge a neighbouring club or your whole region!
Our Democracy is counting on you!
|
|
Invitation to Ontario East Regional Fall Gathering
The Belleville and District Club is very excited to be hosting this year's Fall Gathering for Ontario East.
The event takes place on Saturday, October 25, 2014 from 9:00 - 3:00 at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 516 Victoria Ave. Belleville.
The theme for the day is "From Words to Action, Effective Advocacy".
Guest speakers will cover topics such as the missing and murdered aboriginal women, a local shelter for women and student journalists and their placement projects.
Further details and registration information are available on the website:
cfuwbelleville.com
Susan Pine
Chair, Fall Gathering Committee
Come out to the Toronto Zoomer Show October
25 - 26, 2014 at the Direct Energy Bldg, CNE Toronto
Zoomer is a branch of CARP that has a partnership with CFUW National.
ZoomerMedia Ltd is a global leader in creating information, entertainment and experiences uniquely designed to serve the world's largest and most affluent generation-the 45 plus.
The Clubs of Ontario Central have booth #117 at the 2014 Toronto Zoomer Show. We have secured a free booth as a non-profit organization.
Our purpose is to raise the profile of CFUW and interest women in joining the organization's local Clubs. Ontario Central has thirteen Clubs from Etobicoke to Barrie to Port Hope and Cobourg.
Central Regional Director Pat Joyce and UWC North York Past President Diane Johns have organized the October 25-26 event.
Thanks to all the Clubs sending volunteers to staff the booth and inform visitors of CFUW and the work of the Clubs.
|
|
Ontario East Regional Fall Gathering
hosted by CFUW Belleville
Date: October 25, 2014
Theme: From Words to Action: Effective Advocacy
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
516 Victoria Ave, Belleville, ON K8N 4N5
613- 969-1257
Registration: 9am to 10am
Closing announcements 3pm.
Cost: $40, early bird. $45 after Saturday October 18th
|
| Find more information about Regional Gatherings at: cfuwontcouncil.ca |
|
2015 Standing Committees Meetings
January 24, 2015
March 14, 2015
|
|
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
SAVE THE DATE NOW!
CFUW Ontario Council
Annual General Meeting 2015
May 29 - 30, 2015
Hosted by CFUW Ottawa
Theme: Defying the Odds - One Step at a Time
Keynote Speaker:
Sue Holloway, 3x Olympic medal winner,
presenter at conferences around
the world on Fitness, Wellness, Overcoming Adversity
Hilton Garden Inn - Ottawa Airport
2400 Alert Road
Ottawa, Ontario, K1V 1S
Phone 613-288-9001
|
|
|
|
|
