TOMORROW: #SAFELEARNORNORETURN ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

York Communities for Public Education's poignant #SafeLearnOrNoReturn Roundtable Discussion is tomorrow, Tuesday, November 24th from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. It will be broadcast live on theirFacebook page!

Join our Co-Chair Shameela Shakeel, NDP Education Critic Marit Stiles, COVID-19 Biostatistician Ryan Imgrund, YCDSB teacher Karen Ebanks, and YRDSB student Palwashah Ali for a discussion on learning and teaching during the pandemic.

The event will touch upon several important topics including student mental health, equity concerns, safety measures, class sizes, response strategy, and more.

Date: Tuesday, November 24th

Time: 7:00 to 8:30pm,

Where: YCFPE Facebook page 

TOMORROW: WHAT DOES A JUST TRANSITION LOOK LIKE IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC?

The Environmental Governance Lab invites you to join the panel discussion for the third webinar on just transition amidst the pandemic featuring our President! The pandemic has exposed the impact that everyday inequality has on vulnerable communities, and their limited capacities to respond to major shocks in terrifying detail. Our panelists will discuss how a just transition to a low carbon future can address these inequalities to make decarbonization a sustainable process that enhances justice, equity, and anti-racism. Panelists include:

- Donna Ashamock, Community Organizer and Steering Committee Member at Indigenous Climate Action.
- Nadége Compaoré, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto.
- John Cartwright, President of the Toronto & York Region Labour Council

Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2020

Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

WEDNESDAY: CALLING FOR A NATIONAL ACTION PLAN ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It is also the start of 16 Days of Activism on to end Gender-Based Violence. The rates of gender-based violence were high before the pandemic: on average, every six days, a woman is killed by her intimate partner in Canada. Social isolation measures may mean that abusers are in closer proximity and other people aren’t around to see the signs of violence and intervene.

Whether it’s intimate partner abuse, sexual exploitation or assault, cyber-violence, or stalking, it’s an issue that impacts all of us. It costs the lives of women and girls. It costs the Canadian economy billions every year. While all women are at risk, some face much higher levels of violence including Indigenous women, young women, women living with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+.

Join Canadian Labour to talk about what a National Action Plan on GBV should look like and how we can make it happen.

WE’RE HIRING: LABOUR COUNCIL ORGANIZER

We are seeking an organizer to work as part of the leadership and staff team in a dynamic and fast-paced organization that is responding to a changing economy and new political realities in Canada’s largest urban centre. Responsibilities will include working with the Labour Council President and staff on all aspects of the Council’s work in both Toronto and York Region, including political action, building union strength, the development of networks of union activists around key campaign goals, and other duties as assigned.

Applications will be accepted until 12:00 noon, Wednesday, November 25th, 2020.

DEC 1: DIGITAL RALLY TO KEEP TRANSIT MOVING

Across the country, transit agencies are on the brink of collapsing or being forced to cut service routes and jobs because of the impacts of COVID-19. Public transit isn’t just about how we can get from one place to another. It’s about accessibility and disability; bridging divides between urban, suburban and rural transportation; policing, racism and migrant justice; workers’ rights; austerity cuts and privatization of public services; public health in a time of pandemic; Indigenous rights; social injustice; and the climate crisis.

We’ll hear from grassroots organizers about these important intersections and the work that’s happening in many communities to build a just recovery and a GND for public transit, as well as how people can get involved. Speakers include:

- John Di Nino (ATU Canada)
- Zainab Hussein (TTC Riders)
- Sony Rai (Sustainable Vaughan)
- Laura Kruse (Free Transit Edmonton)
- Nick Kynoch (Guelph Transit Worker, member of ATU 1189)

Hosted by The Council of Canadians.

SPOTLIGHT ON... THE UNITED WAY  

Every week, we will bring you a snapshot of an initiative or organization doing great work within our labour community. 

The United Way of Greater Toronto is our movements charity of choice. Labour Council was a founding member at its inception in the 1950s and we are proud of our continued commitment over six decades later. United Way Greater Toronto sustains a vital social safety net across Peel, Toronto and York Region. Their network of 280 agencies sustains a vital social safety net that provides more than 2 million social services annually and is the largest investor in social services in the GTA, second only to government. In addition to combating issues such as poverty, homelessness, mental health and social, economic and racial inequity, 60 new agencies have been mobilized for the first time during the pandemic. This network will be an essential part of our region’s recovery for weeks, months and even years to come.

“When the pandemic finally passes, we don’t want to look back and say, ‘What’s happened to our city and our region? Where has the social infrastructure gone? Where was I when this place I love needed me to step up? Having the civic courage to support the vulnerable provides wonderful answers to these questions: Our city is thriving. Social infrastructure is stronger than ever. And I made a difference.” - UWGT president and CEO Daniele Zanotti