New report shows government is failing Ontario’s poorest
December 4 2012
QUEEN’S PARK – NDP Poverty Critic Cheri DiNovo said today’s poverty reduction progress report by the 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction shows that recent actions – and inaction – by the Liberal government are hurting the poorest Ontarians and putting poverty reduction targets in doubt.
“This report is clear: in the last two years the McGuinty government has effectively abandoned its commitment to poverty reduction,” said DiNovo, MPP for Parkdale – High Park. “From freezing the minimum wage, to allowing social assistance rates to fall deeper below the poverty line, to cutting homelessness prevention programs, this government has failed Ontarians in need.”
“There is a lot this government could be doing. In fact, the report supports a number of policies championed by the NDP, including a liveable minimum wage, adequate income supports, and investments in child care and affordable housing,” said DiNovo.
DiNovo said the report is a clear call to all parties to get back to Queen’s Park and work together to reduce and eliminate poverty.
“Especially on the heels of last month’s report from the government’s Commission on Social Assistance, today’s report demonstrates the need for the province to get back on track with poverty reduction. Dalton McGuinty should recall the Legislature so MPPs can get back to work addressing these very issues facing Ontario families,” said DiNovo.
Cheri marks Transgender Day of Remembrance
QUEEN’S PARK – Today marks the first Transgender Day of Remembrance since Bill 33 -Toby’s Act was passed.
NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo, co-author of Toby’s Act said, “Today we commemorate all deaths caused by transphobia – both external and internal.”
Toby Dancer, trans person and artist, died of an overdose and inspired the name of Toby’s Act, which adds ‘gender identity’ and ‘gender expression’ to the Ontario Human Rights Code. It was passed by the Ontario Legislature in spring of 2012.
“Our hearts go out to all who have lost and loved this day and pray that transphobia will become an aberration of the past,” said DiNovo.
Tribute To Toby’s Act
Cheri named Grand Marshal for 2012 Pride Toronto Parade
Parkdale-High Park MPP Cheri DiNovo has been named as a Grand Marshal in this year’s Pride Parade inTorontoin honour of for a lifetime of work.
“I am proudly accepting the role of Grand Marshal at Pride Toronto and look forward to leading the march alongside everyone who has played their part in the campaign for LGBTQ equality inOntario,” said DiNovo.
Forty years ago Cheri was the only woman to be a part of the “gay” rights demonstration and demands on Parliament Hill, the first of its kind inCanada. In 2001 Cheri performed the first legalized same sex marriage following Rev. Dr. Brent Hawke’s lead. In 2005 Cheri won the LAMBDA award inWashingtonDCfor spirituality and religion. The honour was bestowed because of her work in the trans community.
“This has been a momentous year for equal rights in our province, and Pride will be the prefect opportunity for the LGBTQ community, allies and visitors from across the world to come together as we celebrate our achievements and the march toward greater equality.”
This year in a historic first after tabling the bill four previous times Cheri’s Bill Toby’s Act adding gender identity and gender expression to the Ontario Human Rights Code was finally passed.
Cheri being honoured as the Grand Marshal for Pride Toronto 2012 at the Pride Toronto Opening Night Gala.
Cheri at the Habitiat for Humanity Ground Breaking for 96 Ritchie Ave.
Cheri gave an opening devotion at the ground breaking for 96 Ritchie Ave. You can watch it here:
Clean Trains Now Sign Campaign
With the introduction of MPP Jonah Schein’s private members bill to electrify the air rail link, the campaign for clean trains is getting a lot of attention again. To help put pressure on the government please take a clean train sign for your lawn. E-mail info@cheridinovo.ca to request one.
Cheri Hosts Girls Government Press Conference At Queen’s Park
Cheri Questioning the Health Minister over the ORNGE Scandal
LGBTQ Catholic students on the importance of GSAs and limitations of Respecting Difference
DIRECT ENERGY DROPS WATER-HEATER PENALTY CHARGE
Many people have been calling and emailing our office in anger and frustration about Direct Energy’s recent plans to start charging customers exorbitant cancellation fees for hot water heater rentals if they did not opt-out by a certain date.
We agreed with you– this certainly felt like borderline negative-option billing, and we spoke out about it, as did you. Direct Energy was flooded with phone calls and emails about this issue, and media outlets across the country reflected your –and our– frustration.
Congratulations! Yesterday, Direct Energy backed down from their plans and have withdrawn the new contract terms.
It was your activism that led to this triumph, and Cheri and her staff were so glad to help out.
Direct drops water-heater penalty charge
TAX CHANGES — Ontario Trillium Tax Credit
Due to the pressure put by MPP Cheri DiNovo and other NDP MPPs on the government regarding the new rules to the Ontario Tax Credits, which have taken many Ontarians by surprise. Minister Duncan in an answer during Question Period indicated that the government will bring forward regulatory changes to the legislation. This legislation would order to give people the choice to either have their Ontario tax credits in a lump sum payment or in the proposed 12-month installments.
Community Office: 2849 Dundas Street West | 416 763-5630 | Email: dinovoc-co@ndp.on.ca
Drummond Report Hits Ontario
The Drummond Report on public service came out this week, and the results are in: the report ignores the full picture when it comes to balancing Ontario’s books.
Proposals unveiled include abandoning full-day kindergarten, raising hydro bills by 10% and putting less focus on creating jobs.
There are a lot of areas in this report that trouble me, and I’m sure they trouble you, too. For example:
- Poverty costs Ontario $13 Billion per year, and accounts for 20% of health care costs, yet this is not addressed.
- Child care was largely not addressed, yet returns for governments that have invested in a provincial affordable child-care program (such as Quebec) have seen returns that have exceeded the initial investment, making the programs self-investing.
- Ontario’s affordable housing crisis was ignored, yet every $1.00 invested in housing sees returns of $1.50.
I urge you to contact Premier Dalton McGuinty and Finance Minister Dwight Duncan and let them know how you feel about the Drummond report.
Cheri, Councillor Mike Layton and Councillor Gord Perks at the MUZIK event for the Parkdale Community Food Bank.
Cheri reads to children for Literacy Day 2012.
Cheri attends a meeting at White Eagle Seniors Residence.
Upcoming Events
DID YOU KNOW?
Cheri DiNovo has a Facebook fan page! I’ve reached my friend limit on my “friend” page, but you can join me on my fan page here: https://www.facebook.com/
S
I look forward to seeing you there!
ALSO: Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter: @CheriDiNovo
February 1, 2012
Privatization, casino are no future for Ontario Place: NDP
Queen’s Park – NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo said the McGuinty government’s lack of clarity about the future of Ontario Place raises serious questions, amid concerns that the historic landmark could be turned into a downtown casino or condo development.
“Ontarians want an affordable and fun place for the whole family to visit,” said DiNovo. “Let’s focus on the safe bets, like rewarding businesses that create jobs, making life more affordable, and strengthening health care.”
“What the government should be focusing on is working with the other parties to find ways to manage the provincial budget. Not shut down a historic landmark,” said DiNovo.
At a press conference today, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan and Tourism Minister Michael Chan would not rule out options for Ontario Place, such as a casino or selling the land and condo development.
“There’s little question that the aging Ontario Place needs our attention,” said DiNovo. “But the site should be a place for families to spend time together. The Liberals need to come clean with the public on what they’re up to.”
-30-
Hon. John Gerretsen MPP
Ministry of the Attorney General
McMurtry-Scott Building
720 Bay Street, 11th Floor
Toronto, ON
M7A 2S9 January 23, 2012
Dear Hon. Minister Gerretsen,
Ontario Human Rights Review
In late August of last year, theOntariogovernment appointed Mr. Andrew Pinto to conduct the review of the human rights system in this province as mandated by the Human Rights Code Amendment Act.
It has come to my attention that concerns about the scope and process of the review have been communicated in writing to Mr. Pinto by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance (AODAA) and the Metro Toronto Chinese & Southeast Asian Legal Clinic.
They are concerned that the review, as currently designed is not abiding by the Terms of Reference set out in Section 57 of the Human Rights Code Amendment Act.
Specifically, they argue that the questions being posed in the consultation paper for the Review will not solicit the necessary information to fully explore “the implementation and effectiveness” of reforms, as the Review is mandated to do. The current questions solicit input only from individuals and fail to adequately consider and explore issues of systemic discrimination.
Second, these groups are concerned that there are significant barriers to participation in the review by individuals who first language is neither English nor French. They urge Mr. Pinto to post a translation of the consultation paper in languages other than English and French, and to provide interpretation services for the public hearings.
As Minister responsible, I ask that you look in to this matter, and make a determination as to whether the consultation design, as proposed by Mr. Pinto, does in fact fulfill the requirements under the Terms of Reference for the review.
I urge you not to allow public consultations to begin until these outstanding concerns have been explored and resolved.
I have attached copies of the letters with my letter. I am urging you to carefully consider their letters and respond to their concerns in order to make the review fair and inclusive.
Regards,
Cheri DiNovo MPP
MPP for Parkdale-High Park
Cheri recently participated in Literacy Day activities at 4 different centres across the riding.
The Real Answer to TTC problems is Provincial Funding
December 8, 2011
QUEEN’S PARK – Parkdale High Park MPP Cheri DiNovo is calling for the provincial government to step up for Toronto and fund the TTC.
“The real answer to problem of TTC is provincial government funding” says DiNovo. Ontario ended the 50-50 share of transit operating costs in 1998. This has left many transit riders paying more for transit than those in other jurisdictions.
“Providing reliable support for transit by uploading 50% of the operating costs in exchange for freezing fares makes transit more affordable” DiNovo continued.
Good public transit is vital for a healthy city. To ensure Toronto has a good transit system, the TTC must be kept affordable and properly funded and the Province must pay its fair share.
- 30 -
Flickr
YouTube