1. Drugs, “Consumption and Treatment Centres” and finances
On October 17th, the federal government legalized cannabis. This Bulletin contains a FAQ and information about pardons versus for cannabis convictions.
November is financial literacy month. You can access credit counselling and resources around the city. Managing your money is very important because there are lots of ODSP and OW changes coming up. The provincial government will present changes on November 8th. You can act now to shape that policy.
The Ontario government announced “new” Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS)
“Consumption and Treatment Services” would replace the former Supervised Consumption Services and Overdose Prevention Site models. Existing sites could apply to continue operating under the planned new model.
Under the new model, each site would implement an ongoing monitoring and reporting plan, as well as adhere to a comprehensive enforcement and audit protocol. This would help review performance, provide measurable outcomes and ensure compliance.
The new model would continue to feature life-saving overdose prevention and harm reduction services, as well as a new focus on connecting people with treatment and rehabilitation services. More information
Check in with ISAC and our website on November 8th or 9th to find out about any changes in OW/ODSP.Bulletin asks: Did you have a good Halloween? Did you see people dressed as us? Do costumes of violent “psychos” or schizos affect the way we are seen and treated by everyday people? #MadnessIsNotACostume
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Intro: Drugs, “Consumption and Treatment Centres” and finances
Moments in C/S Bulletin History
Rights and News
Resources
Jobs
Key Free Events
Dignity and food and recovery – Quick Food BOOKLET
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Let us know about your events and important issues please at bulletin@soundtimes.com
Lana Frado: “It is our hope that the anti-stigma strategy proposed by the Commission focuses on the right of consumers and survivors to live free from discrimination. Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat and move to the back of the bus: she didn’t lend her face to a poster campaign. Gays, lesbians and gender minorities fought back against police brutality at Stonewall: they didn’t design a fridge magnet. Key to these movements for social justice was that any action taken was led by the people directly affected.
And in 2019: We still have Mental health weeks and days, rather than rights…
Are subway ads and awareness weeks steps to real inclusion and equity for survivors?
Do you think of yourself as part of a rights-seeking group? What effect do these ads and engagement strategies have on our struggles?
How do we create knowledge and is it listened too?
3. Rights, Advocacy
Submit your stories of advocacy and or photos and the Bulletin may share your actions!
Our postcard message this year, directed to the Prime Minister, will call for a plan that is strengthened, legislated, and fully-funded in Budget 2019. We do not want this opportunity lost!
Election Results, Representation, Priorities
As discussed in a previous edition of the Bulletin, Mayor Tory committed to mental health being a priority in Toronto. However, the details were not that clear. Are there things that you think he should focus on?
Accessibility and inclusion in city services.
Shelter provisions and food.
Affordable housing that is accessible to people living on ODSP.
Training for the police, emergency services to provide appropriate, respectful and effective services.
Toronto needs to raise taxes to maintain or fulfill promised services – Peter Wallace the former City Manager. In both the drafts and the final report, [City Manager] “Peter Wallace presented three hypothetical paths, saying it was up to council to choose a financial direction: cut services to save costs; maintain existing service levels while not proceeding with planned improvements; or invest in the plans and strategies already approved by council by raising revenues.” MORE at Soundtimes.com/bulletin
Keep up at //ocscannabisupdates.com/ More to come…
Do adults have the right to control what they put in their bodies? Not really. But good news for marijuana users. Cannabis possession and consumption in small quantities (30 grams or 4 plants) is now permitted for folks over 19. But the federal and provincial governments still control access and pricing. And cities in Ontario can outlaw consumption in their boundaries.
Liberal government to waive fee, waiting time for pot pardons
A future government could retract pardons for simple possession en masse by amending the Criminal Records Act—Benjamin Kates and Pam Hrick · for CBC News · Posted: Oct 29, 2018.
November 6th. This event is free of charge. Location: Ryerson Image Arts Building, 122 Bond St., Toronto, Room IMA 307 www.facebook.com/events/481484329001253/
November 8th Announcement by Ontario Government about changes to OW / ODSP.
100 Days: Take Action Before November 8!
The new Ontario government recently announced that they will reveal a new direction for social assistance, based in part on “compassion for people in need,” after a 100-day review.
The Fare Pass Presto card saves money: $2.00 per ride, 115.50 monthly pass. If you receive a transport allowance from OW or ODSP check with a worker before you apply for the pass so that you don’t have that subsidy cut from your cheque.
TIDES Service User Educator at CAMH[Job posting is presented FYI .We will have more discussion about (the challenges of) working inside CAMH in the next issue.]
November 10th LOW INCOME RETIREMENT PLANNING at 1 – 3:30 pm Malvern Branch, 30 Sewells Rd. Co-presented with Scarborough Community Renewal Organization
We will be playing at John Innes Community and Rec Centre, 150 Sherbourne St, Toronto. Mondays from 12-4:00.
ALL welcome you can come as an individual or a team. No expertise or fancy shoes required! Totally free. Find more information about the league on Facebook. You can also find highlights from the Homeless World Cup.
December 1, 2018 International Day of Persons with Disabilities Event (Official Government event)
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST Metro Hall, 55 John Street, Rooms 308-309, Toronto //www.eventbrite.ca/e/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-event-tickets-51555030484
Lots more newsletters
· Ontario Peer Development Initiative OPDI “News to go” //www.opdi.org/news-events/news
· Empowerment Council //www.empowermentcouncil.ca/
· Citizens With Disability Ontario (CWDO) //www.cwdo.org/
· Housing Action Now—Great resource on housing advocacy in Toronto //housingactionnowto.wordpress.com/
· The Advocate – A Government Affairs Advisory Newsletter, Ontario March of Dimes //www.marchofdimes.ca
Looking for Resources in the Regent Park and Moss Park area?
Check out the resource booklet prepared by Regent Park Community Health Centre. The booklet is meant to be printed and shared. Consider printing out a copy or two and sharing with friends. Could your area use one of these?
7. BOOKLET Special Bulletin Part 1! Food Access, Advocacy, Fun
We are building up resources for the food and mental health booklet. We want to include your project and ideas in future versions.
Please email us at bulletin@SoundTimes.com
You can contribute to the planning through this FOOD Survey.
Where we post even more information and resources.The Bulletin is free to receive.
All previous issues are available on our website: www.soundtimes.com/bulletin
The Bulletin is published on the 1st of every month
by Sound Times Support Services. Funding for this Consumer/Survivor initiative has been provided by the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).
Disclaimer:
The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the
Toronto Central LHIN, the Government of Ontario,
Sound Times Support Services Staff or Board Members.
Thanks: to survey participants, callers and emailers and the C/S Info Bulletin Team helping with the handoff. Go green; get The Bulletin by email! Bulletin@soundtimes.com
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Adventures in integrating mad people's knowledge into psychiatry curriculum In this presentation we will discuss: Centering Madness: a course prioritizing…
Regent Park Community Health Centre. The booklet is meant to be printed and shared. Consider printing out a copy or two and sharing with friends. Could your area use one of these?
