Social Justice

Issues related to social injustices within the community

Recent Posts

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

Personhood proposal for the Ganaraska River, plus details of the new $48.7 billion child welfare plan

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Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson and Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky are exploring the possibility of seeking personhood for the Ganaraska River. This is similar to the efforts to protect the Magpie River in Quebec. Simpson explains in this podcast that giving the river the status of a person under the law would provide better protection than what currently exists. While the talks are moving forward, this is the first time the initiative is being made public, and the implications are explained. This podcast also includes the details of a $47.8-billion child welfare agreement announced at the recent Assembly of First Nations meeting near Montreal. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Community, Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Environment, Politics, Social Justice

Request for building permits submitted to Cobourg as county pushes ahead on new shelter

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New Transition House

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Recently, a progress report regarding the new homeless shelter at 310 Division Street was provided to Northumberland County Council. At its June meeting, the council also received an update on its affordable housing and homeless strategy. Rebecca Carman, associate director of housing and homelessness for Northumberland County, will bring us up to speed on what is happening. The building permits for renovating the new shelter are submitted to the town’s building department. She will provide some timelines. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Emergency shelter, Homelessness, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Parents get daycare relief as Northumberland County adds 181 new spaces, says manager

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YMCA daycare

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Parents looking for childcare received big news recently. The county announced the creation of an additional 181 daycare spaces, which is significant given that more than 3,000 families are on waitlists. The new spaces will be in Port Hope, Warkworth, and the Northumberland Centre for Individual Studies in Cobourg. Yet Lesley Patterson, manager of the Early Year services program, said this is a step in the right direction. The county is working towards adding more than 404 spaces by 2026. Continue Reading →

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

Mother pleads with Brighton council to reduce speed limit after near fatal accident

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A distraught mother begged Brighton council to take action to lower the speed limit on County Road 2 in the east end near No Frills after a recent near-fatal accident involving her son. In an emotional presentation to politicians at the June 24 regular council meeting, Sarah BouDiab Nader described an incident on May 31 at nearly 9 a.m. as her son was preparing to board a school bus. As he stepped out, a truck sped by the bus, almost hitting him, she told council. Had it not been for her quick action of grabbing his coat and pulling him back, he would have died, she said, fighting back tears. Nader has three children. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Hyperlocal News, Local News, Brighton, Community, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Alderville Chief attends historic Anishinabek Nation meeting where traditional election revived

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Anishinabek Nation Chiefs-in-Assembly elected Linda Debassige as the Grand Council Chief

 

At a landmark meeting of the Anishinabek Nation earlier this month, members selected Linda Debassige as the new Grand Council Chief using a traditional stand-up vote for the first time in decades. Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson attended the meeting. He talks about this historic moment on the show, including the preparations, the nomination, and the final selection. He will also discuss the agenda items covered and the concerns raised during the meeting. Later, he will look ahead to a significant proposal he hopes to raise at another important meeting of chiefs. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Alderville, Anishinabek Nation, Community, Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Social Justice

New Northumberland United Way Executive Director checks in to share first six months on the job

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Day of Caring Northumberland United WAy

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

So many people are struggling. Food bank use is up. We are reminded daily about the lack of affordable housing and homelessness. Drugs and the opioid crisis are serious concerns. While many organizations and institutions struggle with these problems, one agency tries to help them all. Continue Reading →

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