Social Justice

Issues related to social injustices within the community

Recent Posts

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

County official praises cooperation with town over decision not to pursue a formal agreement

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New Transition House

 

By Robert Washburn

Northumberland County praised a decision by Cobourg council to not seek a formal agreement over the proposed new emergency shelter for 310 Division Street Thursday. Lisa Horne, Northumberland County Director of Community and Social Services, said in a prepared statement the county is looking forward to further cooperation. “The ongoing collaboration between local government and community agencies to deliver these vital services reflects our shared commitment to the well-being of our community and ensuring high-quality care for vulnerable community members,” she said. Cobourg council unanimously decided not to enter into a formal agreement with Northumberland County regarding a proposed new emergency shelter at 310 Division Street at a special council meeting Wednesday. Instead, it will rely on its existing Emergency Care Establishment bylaw to regulate the new facility. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, #Cobourg, Cobourg Council, Community, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

County staff proposal for 60 new affordable units for a property in Colborne goes before committee

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123 King Street East, Colborne

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The demand for rental housing in Northumberland is apparent, as vacancy rates are barely one percent. So, it may be good news when a proposal to build four three-storey buildings in Colborne goes before the Social Services Committee next week. The proposal will see 60 affordable apartments at 123 King Street, 38 more units than the 22 currently on-site.* The units will be a mix of rent-geared-to-income and market-value units. More importantly, it will be suitable for families and singles. In this interview, two officials from Northumberland County will preview the proposal and explain how it fits into the community’s overall housing strategy and how the public can become involved. Continue Reading →

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

Mayor explains public conduct policy as council grapples with interactions between staff, politicians and residents

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The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

If you go into many retail outlets or any place that provides customer service, you will see signs warning people about rude behaviour. It appears some people forget their manners. At a recent Cramahe Township council meeting, staff and politicians grappled with bad behaviour. It is one of a host of municipalities struggling to set boundaries for interactions between the community and the people who serve it. Council introduced a public conduct policy at the behest of the Ontario Ombudsman. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Cramahe Township, Democracy, Politics, Social Justice

Cobourg resident shares journey from quiet taxpayer to vocal critic of stormwater fees

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The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Earlier this week, images of the flooding in Toronto filled the news. A torrential rainstorm overwhelmed the sewer system, causing massive power outages, closing major roads, and costing millions to the city, businesses, and homeowners. It is also a vivid example of stormwater management, which is the ability of municipal infrastructure to remove water when it rains or snow melts. Cobourg is embroiled in a controversial change to how it funds that infrastructure. In this interview, you will meet one of many critics of the proposed system. Continue Reading →

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