Social Justice

Issues related to social injustices within the community

Recent Posts

International film festival portrays issues facing working people at Cobourg library in December

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CANADIAN LABOUR FILM FESTIVAL

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The Canadian Labour International Film Festival will be held in Northumberland in December at the Cobourg Library. Admission is free. Organizer Derek Blackadder says the festival is an opportunity for the public to watch films from around the world that speak to the issues facing working people. He is quick to emphasize these movies are not necessarily about unions. Instead, they represent the struggles and issues many people face in their jobs. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Arts, Community, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

In Their Words: County reaches deal spending more than $500,000 to meet shelter bylaw

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New Transition House

Northumberland County and the town of Cobourg reached a deal earlier this week that will allow the county to open its warming room at 310 Division Street. This In Their Words shares the open session where council finalized its direction. Most of the meeting was in closed session due to the legal nature of the information. The open session was short, just over five minutes. County council dropped its plan to appeal the Emergency Care Establishment bylaw. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, In Their Words, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

In The Words: County politicians debate next steps to open shelter, plus approve $40,000 for hotel rooms

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Sign encampment

The debate at Northumberland County council:

The debate over spending $40,000 to house unsheltered people:

Once more, county staff were directed to negotiate a settlement over the outstanding issues related to Cobourg’s Emergency Care Establishment bylaw at a five-hour meeting on Oct. 29 . They were given five days to get it done. Following a series of deputations, multiple motions were presented in an effort to settle what the county should do to get its license from the town. Multiple factors were placing pressure on politicians to move forward. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, In Their Words, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice, Transition House

County CAO explains recent developments regarding emergency shelter and encampment

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Northumberland County council

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The emergency shelter’s warming room at 310 Division Street was supposed to open on October 18. Instead, politicians are grappling with what to do. The county wants four exemptions to the town’s Emergency Care Establishment bylaw. When no one could agree at last week’s county council meeting, it was decided to go to a hearing to resolve the outstanding issues. In the meantime, people are living unsheltered, and the weather is getting colder. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Homelessness, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Simpson calls on Ontario minister to return artifacts after years of poor storage and neglect

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Indigenous artifact

The podcast:

Boxes full of artifacts like arrowheads, tools, and other items are stacked up in a number of Ontario facilities. There are items dating back to 800 BC. The storage of some items unearthed by archaeologists is left to the archaeologists themselves. An open letter addressed to the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism calls on them to take action, especially when Indigenous communities try to retrieve those artifacts. Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson is one of the letter’s signatories. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Alderville, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day, Politics, Social Justice

Retired head of Green Wood Coalition reflects on more than 30 years of community building

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David Sheffield

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

More than 30 years ago, David Sheffield attended a potluck dinner at Green Wood Towers in Port Hope. The meal changed his life. He went on to create the Green Wood Coalition, a non-profit aimed at helping those who lived on the margins in the community. Slowly, it would gain attention. There would be challenges but also successes. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Tragic death leads to debate about opioids within Alderville community, says chief

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Opioids

The show (full interview):

International Overdose Awareness Day was last week. A tragic death caused by a drug overdose took place in Alderville recently. It was a reminder that no community is immune. First Nations people are seven times more likely to die of a drug overdose as compared to non-First Nations people, according to a recent study done by the Chiefs of Ontario. It is an organization representing 133 First Nations in the province. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Alderville, Community, Northumberland County, Opioids, Politics, Social Justice

Alderville member and new Southeast Regional Chief Marsha Smoke shares roles, responsibilities, and life

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MARSHA SMOKE

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Marsha Smoke is a quiet, humble individual who lives in Alderville. When you meet her, she is soft-spoken, listens intently, and chooses her words with great care. Marsha Smoke is also the new Southeast Regional Chief for the Anishinabek Nation. Northumberland is part of the area she serves. Smoke is a longtime advocate of Indigenous rights dating back decades. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Alderville, Community, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Cobourg Police officers getting special training to better help troubled veterans

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Homeless veteran

Veterans who are unsheltered and coming into contact with Cobourg police officers could get some unexpected help after the launch of a new program recently. The Military Veteran Wellness Program announced on Aug. 20 will train frontline officers to identify those who are unsheltered or facing a mental health crisis. Officers will have the necessary awareness to better recognize those veterans in trouble. Then, it gives the officers the skills to build rapport with the person and a formal path to helping the veteran access essential social services delivered through existing agencies. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Cobourg Police, Community, Homelessness, Northumberland County, Social Justice

County residents encouraged to support food banks and reduce food waste

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Fare Share Food Bank

Northumberland County council wants residents to make a special effort to help those who cannot afford food during September. It wants people to participate in various ways over the 30 days to support local food banks and food security programs and reduce food waste. Council approved the initiative at its meeting earlier this month when it proclaimed Hunger Action Month. The suggestion came from Jennifer Glover, the Ontario Works manager for the county, at the Social Services Committee in July. She told committee members the project was supported in the past, involving several events that groups and individuals can participate in over the month. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Community, Food Bank, Food Insecurity, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice