Innovative! That was the comment heard from candidates at the Kitchener Centre election event hosted by the Social Planning Council and its Poverty Free K-W partners at Mary's Place. This is often the reaction we get when political candidates, instead of being shown to a head table to prepare for the gauntlet of questions to be thrown at them, we invite them to sit with their constituents to discuss important issues in our community. What a difference from the traditional debate. How refreshing! At the Kitchener Centre round tables on May 28th, we talked about income, housing, health, employment, transportation, energy, taxes, public services and meaningful participation. Below, you can read the summary of the discussion that took place at the tables, as well as see the presentations made by the candidates in response to the issues raised.
Kitchener Centre All Candidates May28
Balancing High Tech-High Touch, 47 Annual Meeting
Relationship building, both face-to-face and on line, seems to be even more important as we get deeper into a digital age. Join our members and guests as we explore the balance between "High Touch & High Tech" in our daily work. 47 Annual General Assembly of the Social Planning Council will be held on June 18th at the Hawk's Nest, Student Centre at Wilfrid Laurier University 75 University Avenue West in Waterloo.
Passion for Social Change and Innovation
Four nominated youth-led project and four SparKW winners ready to take action: BeYOUtiful, Spread the Love, Hugs for Hygiene and The Music Room. The incredible flow of ideas and energy proved again that youth are concerned with social issues. At 6 table talks held on May 13 at EPYC 2014 about poverty, the participants were unanimous that poverty elimination has to be a priority for both the education system and the governments.
Waterloo Region Settlement Services Directory Launch- June 4, 2014
The launch of the new Waterloo Region Settlement Services online directory is happening on:
Wed. June 4, 2014 at The Family Centre
65 Hanson Ave, Kitchener, 1:30– 4:00 pm
We welcome agency staff and their clients to come and tour the new online directory, get a copy of the Everfresh Direct Links to support newcomers in your agency and give your feedback on your information needs. Refreshments provided.
RSVP to Maria at 519-579-1096 Ext *3009 or maria@waterlooregion.org
All-Candidate Sessions Provincial Election 2014
The Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo and its partners are pleased to invite you to the following all-candidates sessions for the June 12th provincial election. These are NOT traditional debates. In a participatory format, candidates will join in round table discussions with community members and will afterwards each be invited to give an individual presentation on the issues raised at table discussions.
New Kitchener Neighbourhoods Grant!
The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee is making one year cash grants for one time projects, initiatives or events that support inclusion and/or belonging within Kitchener neighbourhoods. Maximum of $2,000 per proposal for one time initiatives with ties to established community organizations and $500 for individuals or informal group! Read more on eligibility and criteria. April 1st deadline has been extended and grants are accepted on an ongoing basis in the first year!
Julia Spencer receives Social Action and Justice Award
We have sponsored the Social Action and Justice Award again this year! Malcolm Waisman, our Board Director, presented the Award to Julia Spencer who has already made great impact on life in her community. We are proud to share her story and inspire youth and adults!
Message to the Candidates in Provincial Elections
Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo and its partners in Poverty Free Kitchener-Waterloo have been participating in multiple pre-budget consultations from January to March 2014 and have carefully reviewed the proposed government Budget. We have found that some of the suggestions made by our local and province wide anti-poverty networks have been heard and reflected in the budget proposal:
- Austerity is not to way to provide prosperity and security for Ontarians
- Recognition that investment in social assistance contributes to economic growth
- Income inequality needs to be addressed in Ontario
- Development of the new Poverty Reduction Strategy in partnership with local organizations and local communities
Reduction of poverty for children and adults and the trend of increase in social assistance rates and minimum wage are among the gains in dialogue with MPPs of different political stripes all around the province and we would expect all parties to support these directions.
May Edition of thE-Neighbour is out!
Neighbourhood Improvement Grants are making difference in Kitchener Neighbourhoods! You can make a difference too with the increased investment of $21,000! Mark you calender for the Festival Finale on November 2nd in the Kitchener City Hall and be there to have a chance to win. Choosing among 19 Jane's Walks this weekend, you might get many ideas how to improve your neighbourhood! Don't forget to register all your Earth Month Clean-ups and huge thank you all for the shiny green spaces you uncovered this spring in Kitchener!
Changes to the Fair Elections Act Proposal
Changes to the Fair Elections Act proposal arrive as a major back-down on vouching, closing the fundraising loophole and Elections Canada appointing poll supervisors. There are still important concerns, such as ID still being needed with vouching and voter information cards would be accepted as ID,
the gap in Elections Canada investigative powers and the Elections Canada commissioner still moving over to the office of the Public Prosecution. We wish to thank Peggy Nash, Mathieu Doucet and Sharon Sommerville for their participation in the educational panel on April 23rd. See the photos from the event and the report from Fair Vote Waterloo Region Chapter.
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