Social Justice

Issues related to social injustices within the community

Recent Posts

National Housing Day draws attention to county’s efforts to address affordable housing and homelessness

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Two things related to affordable housing took place in the last week. First, phase one of the new Elgin Park housing units was opened. It is a step forward in a project to increase access to affordable rental housing. The second event was National Housing Day. People from across Northumberland gathered to strategize how accommodation issues are addressed locally. Continue Reading →

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Community canvas strives to meet concerns in east end, says police chief

Cobourg Police cars

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Crime in Cobourg is on the increase. Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf says that is true everywhere. An analysis of recent statistics shows calls for service are up. There were 14 assault charges laid in the past two months. Two of those involved officers being assaulted. Continue Reading →

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Workers should get more than $20 an hour to afford living in Northumberland, says group

Living Wage

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Currently, the minimum wage in Ontario is $16.55 per hour. But if you live in Northumberland County, that amount should be $20.60. That is what the Living Wage Network Ontario says. Recently, the Living Wage Network released its figures for 2023. It calculates how much it takes to live and work in one of 10 areas within Ontario. Continue Reading →

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Ryan inquest uncovers truths about violence against elderly women, says Cornerstone CEO

Ryan Inquest

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Earlier this week, the federal government announced spending $162 million over the next four years to implement a National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence in Ontario. The timing is not by chance. Nov. 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. November is Women Abuse Prevention Month. Continue Reading →

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Chief Simpson discusses fallout after revelations about Buffy St. Marie’s indigeneity

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A recent story challenging the Indigenous heritage of singer and songwriter Buffy St. Marie sent shockwaves through Canada. It distressed many people but also ignited a debate regarding what it means to be indigenous. In this interview, Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson will give his perspective. He will shed light on what it means to be Indigenous but also share how the Alderville community determines who is a member and who is not. Continue Reading →

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Local chapter of Council of Canadians raising awareness of universal pharmacare in Northumberland

Pharmacare pharmacy

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According to the federal government, one in five Canadians struggle to pay for prescription medicines. Three million people don’t fill prescriptions because they cannot afford it. One million Canadians will cut the amount they spend on essentials like food or heat to afford medicine. In the next few weeks, the federal government hopes to introduce a plan to cover the cost of prescriptions. Many, including the NDP, want to see a universal Pharmacare plan. Continue Reading →

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Alderville Chief shares a unique perspective on Orange Shirt Day 2023

Alderville residential schools

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On Sept. 30, many people will commemorate Orange Shirt Day. It is a time to reflect on the horrors of residential schools and to recommit to Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous people in our community and across the country. In this interview, you will hear from Taynar Simpson, chief of Alderville First Nation. He brings a different perspective. Continue Reading →

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School board chair addresses possible strike by teachers, gender identity and new curriculum

CR Gummow

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As students settle into school, the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board faces several challenges. The school board’s chair, Steve Russell, will address critical issues on today’s show. At the forefront is labour unrest. While negotiations continue, there is significant uncertainty. That is especially true for elementary teachers. Continue Reading →

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One person shares their story from inside the Cobourg encampment as events unfold

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Earlier this week, a group of people encamped at 600 William Street were removed from the site. County officials used the Trespass to Property Act to give 24-hours notice before a private security firm and the Cobourg Police would take action to clear the property. The site is owned by the county and houses offices for economic development, tourism and is a hub for ambulance services. County politicians approved the removal plan at a special meeting on September 5. Before any of this took place, two people intimately involved with the encampment provided their side of events. Continue Reading →

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A frontline worker adds perspective related to Cobourg encampment

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Last week, there were interviews with county officials. You have heard from a person who was living in the encampment. But what is it like from the perspective of an individual trying to support those living rough? Missy Mclean is a social worker for the Northumberland Legal Centre specializing in tenant issues. She is also a community organizer working on harm reduction for people struggling with addiction. Continue Reading →

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