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A meeting with Joyce Savoline...
Their report...
MEETING WITH JOYCE SAVOLINE
Jane Stephen, Eleanor Christie and Marianne Singh-Waraich met with Joyce for fifty
minutes on February 8th 2011. We dealt with a list of issues.
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Child Care
Since last year there has been no change in the number of spaces or funding. We
addressed the issue of before and after school care which she did not respond to.
She was concerned re the private providers and felt that the wealthier children
would benefit the most. The latter is incorrect as the programme was set up to
benefit low income children so all children would have an equal start in grade
one. This issue is under platform discussion.
- Poverty
Affordable housing was discussed. She stated that there was a huge amount of
rental housing available. With regards to social housing she thought the private
rental market should be subsidized and there should not be ghettos.
- Women’s Issues
No increase has occurred in funding women’s shelters. Sylvia Jones, the
community and social services critic advocates for this. Joyce was aware that the
shelters are full over capacity. There has been some movement in the issue of
sexual harassment particularly from the teacher’s federation. Pay equity has not
budged—still 70%.
- Home Care
Joyce thinks that the LHIN’S should be abolished, has no faith in them, believes
too much money is going to non-front line care and that there is no community or
user input. She did not say what they should be replaced by other than praising
the previous health councils. She agreed with what we said re home care.
- Food Safety
She was not knowledgeable in this area other than to say municipalities enforce
the provincial regulations.
- Student Debt
Since last year there has been no change in student grants and loans particularly
for part- time students.
- JBMH
She is opposed to the city taxpayers having to pay 60 million $ to the hospital
fund. The new CEO is doing an excellent job. The five year plan is now ten
years and JBMH should be included in the next ten year plan. She believes her
role is to just ask the odd question.
- Resolutions
Copies were given to her of the Chrysotile Asbestos and Funding of Aboriginal
Education resolutions which address the provinces.
- Aboriginal Affairs
Joyce stated that nothing is being done in Aboriginal Education but it is our
understanding that the Ministry of Education has increased their budget. She said
that the Conservative critic Toby Barrett is working hard to raise the Caledonia
issue. Tim Hudak and Barrett have visited Caledonia many times.
- COPE
Originally the new highway issue was put away for 20 years but recently the
Municipal Affairs and Housing Ministries sent a letter with a map attached which
included a new highway. Local bureaucrats were requested to attach this to their
official plan. Joyce doesn’t believe that the QEW should be expanded anymore.
Hudak is concerned re the Niagara/Hamilton route and believes there is a need for
an economic roadway but hasn’t committed to a specific route. Ted Chudleigh
previously promoted the route travel from Highway 6 to the 401. We were told
that Toby Barrett and Jerry Ouellette were the environment critics.
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A letter to Mike Wallace....
about a recent government decision to discontinue funding to volunteer teachers who provide
educational programs in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean countries.
Mr. M. Wallace MP
209-777 Guelph Line
Burlington, ON
L7R 3N905 639 5757
Dear Mr. Wallace
It was a shock to learn that the Conservative Government has severed a partnership program with the
Canadian Teachers' Federation which has sent volunteer teachers abroad for more than 50 years.
This program has helped local teachers deliver quality education by training teachers to achieve
the Millennium Development Goals, by leading projects designed to meet the goals of education
for all children, and by providing professional development. This act will jeopardize the
education of more than 2 million students in developing countries. In the past this program
has received a glowing review from CIDA.|
I would like an honest explanation of the rejection and to be directed
to CIDA'S application, decision and all related documents.
I would urge you to intervene and ask your government to reverse the decision by CIDA
which has rejected participation in this major overseas initiative. Canada has a global
image of delivering quality public education. Let us continue to deliver this quality educational
program in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean countries. Our reputation is at stake.
Sincerely,
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