Can you Live on $610 a month? Welfare Fact Sheet from Raise the Rates
At the end of May 2011 Raise the Rates launched the ‘MLA Welfare Challenge’. This challenged one or more of BC MLAs to live on welfare for a month to gain real life experience of living on welfare. For the month of January, 2012, Jagrup Brar (MLA Surrey Fleetwood) will live on the single person’s welfare rate of $610 for everything.
Raise the Rates’ experience is that people cannot live a healthy life on welfare. A key part of any poverty reduction strategy, a policy aim that all BC MLAs say they support, is raising welfare. This fact sheet provides information on the position of people on welfare in BC in November 2011.
Poverty reduction plan makes sense in Nanaimo
According to Kim Slater:
Here's what we still know about the province: the child poverty rate in B.C. has reached 12% again and is the highest in Canada for the eighth consecutive year; the overall poverty rate in B.C. is the highest in Canada with more than half a million people living in poverty in 2009; and single mothers, aboriginal people and people with disabilities have historically been some of the most susceptible to poverty, but are now accompanied by more and more other groups.
Here's what we know about Nanaimo: more than 5,000 residents used food banks in Nanaimo this Christmas; there were 695 shelter "stays" in Nanaimo just between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31; there are seven (of 16) census areas in Nanaimo where more than 10% of families have members living in poverty (two areas have more than 20%); and the majority of other residents struggling under the weight of poverty tend to fly under the public radar, but are suffering nonetheless and falling farther and farther behind.
Brar's welfare challenge: heartbreaking and eye-opening
With Jagrup Brar's time on welfare coming to an end he has called the challenge “a very, very eye-opening, heartbreaking experience.”
He has met with many individuals and organizations dealing with poverty including FLAW, The Front Line Advocacy Workers who told him how difficult it is for their clients to deal with the rules around welfare and other programs, especially those dealing with multiple challenges including mental health issues or cognitive challenges.
Prisoners' Legal Services looking for Health Care/Human Rights Legal Advocate
Prisoners’ Legal Services, in conjunction with the John Howard Society of the Fraser Valley (“JHSFV”) is hiring a full time health care/human rights legal advocate. This position is funded by the Vancouver Foundation for a term of one year.
This position is primarily conducted via telephone, fax and email from our office in Abbotsford, and sometimes requires travel to various prisons. The advocate has a great deal of contact with prisoners, prison administrators and parole authorities. The advocate will also liaise regularly with prison in-reach workers from JHSFV.
Strong research and writing skills and an interest in oral advocacy are essential. Familiarity with administrative and/or human rights law is an asset.
Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in law.
The successful candidate will have the ability and desire to work with prisoners in a respectful and non-judgemental manner.
The health care/human rights legal advocate position involves providing advice, advocacy and/or legal representation to prisoners regarding systemic human rights and medical issues at the institutional level. This position also includes litigation support, intake, initial assessment of medical and human rights complaints, pre-litigation written submissions, and may involve personal representation at institutional hearings.
Karen Slaughter
Acting Executive Director
Prisoners' Legal Services
201-33241 Walsh Avenue
Abbotsford, BC
Fax: 604-853-1038
Email: karens [at] wcpjs [dot] org
Please note, this position is located in Abbotsford and some travel to institutions may be necessary. Successful applicant must have own transportation.
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Justice Education Society looking for Communications Coordinator
Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package and generous pension
Reporting to the Communications and Web Manager, the Communications Coordinator develops fresh, brand-consistent web and print content. The purpose of these activities is to communicate the Justice Education Society's (JES) brand, resources and programs to key stakeholders and the public, and drive online traffic to the Society's websites.
The Communications Coordinator is responsible for contributing to the Society's many projects and publications -- often simultaneously. The position requires strong writing and organization skills.
The Communications Coordinator also desktop publishes many of the Society's publications, sits on committees/working groups and supports web initiatives.
Required Qualifications
• 2+ years of marketing/communications experience, preferably in an environment where the Internet and other technologies were a focus.
• Hands-on style and a 'can-do' attitude, willing to get involved in all aspects of the job. Able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate with the JES Communications and Web Manager to implement JES marketing/communications campaigns as required.
• Ability to develop an in-depth understanding of JES' varied client base and work to translate that understanding into targeted marketing/communication messages.
• Strong creative writing and editing skills. Ability to effectively translate academic or legal information into clear, plain language copy without sacrificing style. Ability to write for different audiences and different mediums.
• Supervisory and relationship management experience. Ability to oversee teams and delegate as needed. Ability to build strong relationships with the media, vendors and executive level stakeholders.
• Project management experience and a proven ability to multi-task.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills. Entrepreneurial style. Team player. Confident speaker. Ability to work on multiple unrelated tasks with little supervision.
• Understanding of, or eagerness to learn about, the legal world and public legal education.
Education & Skills
Publications
• Managing the development and production of JES publications such as the newsletter, program & resources guide, brochures, annual report, PowerPoint presentations, and more.
• Writing and editing copy on many subjects for websites, magazines, fundraising letters, teachers' guides, speeches and more.
• Ensuring publications and staff-created communications pieces meet JES branding standards.
• Working closely with graphic designers, copy editors, printers, students, volunteers and more as required to make sure projects are completed on time and budget.
• Maintaining an accurate inventory of the Society's publications and coordinating distribution of the publications.
• Coordinating print runs of new and existing publications and resources.
Web
• Writing and editing website content and then using content management software to publish it online.
• Managing and regularly updating the Society's Twitter, Facebook and YouTube accounts.
• Updating JES websites in a timely manner and ensuring communications materials are available online.
Please email resume, cover letter and a sample of your writing to Careers [at] JusticeEducation [dot] ca. Please state "Communications Coordinator" in email subject line. No phone calls please. We thank all those interested for their time and care in submitting applications but regret that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Justice Education Society creates innovative programs and resources that improve access to British Columbia's justice system. To date, the Society has produced over 50 legal publications, 30 websites, more than 70 instructional videos, and has introduced over one million students to BC's courts.
The Society's programs and resources serve the general public, teachers, youth, persons with disabilities, Aboriginals and immigrants in British Columbia and throughout Canada. These services help individuals better understand how our justice system works and how to resolve their legal matters. In addition, the Society's International Program manages many projects worldwide that strengthen countries' justice systems.
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BCCPD Multilingual Resources
The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities now have some of their most requested publications on self-help, CPP, disability benefits, and health available in Traditional Chinese and Punjabi.
Council of Senior Citizens Organizations of BC
COSCO is the largest federation of seniors' organizations in the Province of British Columbia, representing seniors for over 50 years. COSCO directors and members collaborate with others in a common cause including the BC Centre for Policy Alternatives, the BC Health Coalition, The British Columbia Public Interest Advocacy Centre and the National Pensioners and Senior Citizens' Federation.
Vancouver Forum: End Child Poverty Now
British Columbiahas had the worst child poverty rate inCanadafor eight consecutive years and yet does not have a poverty reduction plan. To learn more about this issue, please attend this forum.
Panelists:
- Dr. Barbara Fitzgerald, Pediatrician, RICHER Initiative UBC
- Carrie Gelson, Teacher (grade 2/3),SeymourSchool
- Dr. Clyde Hertzman, Director, Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) UBC
- Seth Klein, BC Director of Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives,
- Co-chair, BC Poverty Reduction Coalition
- Janey Lee, Teacher (kindergarten),Thunderbird Elementary School
- Andrea Lemire, Director, Society for Children and Youth of BC
- Adrienne Montani, Provincial Coordinator for First Call, BC Child and Youth Coalition
- Scott Vandeloo, Youth and Family Worker, Macdonald School
Registration: 6:30pm
Contact: Frances Grunberg, 604.323.5099 or fgrunberg [at] langara [dot] bc [dot] ca
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21st Annual Feb 14th Women’s Memorial March
The first women’s memorial march was held in 1991 in response to the murder of a Coast Salish woman on Powell Street in Vancouver. Her name is not spoken today out of respect for the wishes of her family. Out of this sense of hopelessness and anger came an annual march on Valentine’s Day to express compassion, community, and caring for all women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Unceded Coast Salish Territories. Twenty one years later, the women’s memorial march continues to honour the lives of missing and murdered women.
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Getting by on social assistance
BC Coalition of People with Disabilities' Robin Loxton has written an article in Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal on the various benefits available to people who are on Persons with Disability (PWD) benefits, some recent changes in the income assistance system, and has some suggestions on how mental health consumers can make the best of their situation.
BC Centre For Elder Advocacy and Support looking for Support Group Coordinator
Commensurate with experience
The Support Group Coordinator is responsible for the delivery of the “Building Community Bridges: Outreach to At Risk Older Women Project.”
The project is funded by the Domestic Violence Prevention Response Fund 2011 of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. The project involves the establishment of 6 support groups (for older women age 50+) in seniors housing complexes in Vancouver, Surrey and Richmond. 10 workshops will be delivered to each of the support groups. The workshops will cover discussions and presentations on elder abuse, domestic violence, safety and security, information about the law, coordinated community responses to elder abuse and domestic violence, and other community and government resources for older adults. At the end of the project a manual will be produced describing the project with a step-by-step guide to establishing other support groups.
The successful candidate will have:
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of training and experience in victim services or with older adults,
- Experience in project coordination and delivery, particularly in organizing support groups and facilitating workshops,
- Knowledge and understanding of elder abuse including the Adult Guardianship legislation,
- Understanding of domestic violence and the justice system, particularly the Violence Against Women in Intimate Relationships (VAWIR) policy,
- Knowledge of networks of community and government resources and supports for older adults,
- Strong organizational skills combined with leadership, team building and interpersonal skills.
- Strong presentation and facilitation skills, including excellent report writing,
- Experience in volunteer recruitment, coordination and training,
- Computer skills in Windows and Outlook, and
- Knowledge of a second language would be desirable but not necessary
- Organize 6 support groups for older women (age 50+) and facilitate and deliver 10 workshops for each of the support groups to be facilitated in 6 senior residences and Assisted Living facilities.
- Lead in the selection of the 6 agencies that will host the support groups and coordinate ongoing project activities with these host agencies, including advertisement and recruitment of support group participants, etc.
- Coordinate with agencies such as police/RCMP, senior serving agencies, women’s centre/transition house, etc who can provide speakers for the workshops.
- Incorporate and compile a workshop curriculum and volunteer training kit from existing materials and resources.
- Ensure that at the end of the 10 workshop sessions:
- each support group will have a group coordinator who will continue the group on an ongoing basis with support from BC CEAS,
- a network for mutual support between the 6 support group coordinators and the support groups will be established,
- that two senior volunteers assigned to each support group will be adequately trained to carry on as the contact person to liaise between the support group and BC CEAS,
- Provide and maintain a record of information as required by the funder to support the final report and evaluation of the project.
- Prepare and submit a final step-by-step guide to establish other support groups.
Volunteer Supervision:
Director, Social Advocacy and Outreach Programs
BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support
370-1199 West Pender Street
Vancouver BC V5T 2P6
FAX: 604-437-1929
info [at] bcceas [dot] ca
By 5 p.m. January 25, 2012
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BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association is seeking a new Program Director
FIPA is a non-partisan, non-profit society established in 1991 to promote and defend freedom of information and privacy rights in Canada. Our goal is to empower citizens by increasing their access to information and their control over their own personal information. We serve a wide variety of individuals and organizations through public education, public assistance, research, and law reform.
Contact Information:
Hiring Committee
BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association
Email: fipa [at] fipa [dot] bc [dot] ca
For more information visit: http://www.fipa.bc.ca
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Three days into the new year, the richest CEO's had already made the average Canadian salary
According to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) by noon on January 3rd, the first official working day of the year, Canada's Elite 100 CEOs (the 100 highest paid CEOs of companies listed in the TSX Index) had already pocketed $44,366. It takes the Average Joe an entire year, working full-time, to make that same amount.
Check out CCPA's report and their interactive tool to see how much you have made this year compared to the richest 100.
BC Poverty Reduction Coalition has a new website
BC Poverty Reduction Coalition works towards introducting a bold and comprehensive poverty reduction plan in BC
Check out their new website.
Surrey MLA starts month on welfare
When Raise the Rates challenged any BC MLA to live on welfare for one month, only one MLA took up the call. Surrey NDP MLA Jagrup Brar started his one month on welfare on January 1st with a backpack and two quarters. He will be challenged to find a place to live and survive on $610 a month, the income assistance amount designated for a single person who is expected to work. He plans on spending half the month in Surrey and the other half in a single room in the Downtown Eastside. You can follow his journey on http://mlaonwelfare.com/.
Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission Free 3-Course Holiday Ham Dinner
3-Course Holiday Meal
Traditional Ham Dinner
Gifts to take home!
All are welcome. Just bring your appetite!
Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission
Michelle Porter
902-405-HOME (4663)
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Working and still poor? It doesn’t add up!
From the Homeless Hub:
30,000 Hamiltonians are working and still living in poverty. How is this possible? It used to be that if someone was having a tough time making ends meet, the simple answer was "get a job". However, it has become increasingly difficult to find employment with adequate wages to lift workers above the poverty line.
As a starting point to reverse some of these trends, living wage policies have been adopted in 140 cities in the United States. The 2012 Summer Olympics in London will be the first international games where all employees will be paid a living wage. With two new cities in B.C. adopting living wage policies, the living wage movement in Canada is gaining momentum.
BCPIAC hiring staff lawyer
The British Columbia Public Interest Advocacy Centre (BCPIAC) is a not-for-profit, social justice law firm located in Vancouver. BCPIAC’s mission is to advance the interests of individuals and/or groups that are generally unrepresented or underrepresented in issues of major public concern. BCPIAC is seeking an experienced lawyer to fill a one-year term position. There is a strong possibility the term will be extended.
BCPIAC’s work focuses on regulatory, environmental justice, anti-poverty and anti-oppression work before British Columbia’s courts and tribunals. Regulatory work involves intervening before the BC Utilities Commission on electricity, natural gas and ICBC matters on behalf of low and fixed income residential ratepayers. BCPIAC’s social justice work focuses on effecting systemic change through human rights and ombudsperson complaints, judicial reviews, litigation, negotiation, and public education. The successful candidate will be required to practice in all areas of BCPIAC’s work. Please refer to our website for more detail about our regulatory and anti-poverty/anti-oppression case work (http://www.bcpiac.com).
- Eligible to practice law in British Columbia;
- 3 or more years of experience practicing regulatory, administrative, and/or constitutional law. Litigation experience necessary;
- Experience advocating with supportive community organizations on behalf of or working with individuals who experience poverty or other forms of marginalization; and
- Knowledge of and commitment to principles of anti-oppression.
Applications should include a resume and references as well as a cover letter outlining any relevant work or life experience that relate to BCPIAC’s work. A writing sample will be requested when interviews are scheduled.
Applications are due by January 2, 2012 and interviews will be conducted between January 11th and 17th.
Starting Date: February 2012
Please send applications to:
Attention: Sozan Savehilaghi
BC Public Interest Advocacy Centre
208 – 1090 West Pender Street
Coast Salish Territory
Vancouver, BC V6C 1B4
Email: support [at] bcpiac [dot] com
Fax: 604-682-7896
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Calgary Workers’ Resource Centre (CWRC) - Case Worker
$29.41/hour, with working conditions and benefits as per collective agreement with
CUPE 4731
The CWRC has an opportunity for a full-time Case Worker with its Enhanced Vulnerable Worker Support Project (beginning in January 2012).
This position reports to the Centre Director.
Funding for this position is confirmed until December 31, 2012. Extensions beyond that date are dependent on the renewal of funding.
CWRC is an equal opportunity employer. Persons from diverse groups are encouraged to apply.
We wish to thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. This competition may be used to fill future vacancies. For more information on the CWRC, please visit www.calgaryworkers.org.
• A post secondary degree in social work, labour studies, sociology, law or related field OR a combination of relevant education and experience.
• Familiarity with and demonstrated ability to accurately interpret employment-related legislation and policy (e.g., Employment Standards Code, Employment Insurance Act, Alberta Human Rights Act, Workers’ Compensation Act, Canada Pension Plan disability legislation)
• Experience or demonstrated potential to effectively represent clients before administrative tribunals (e.g., Employment Insurance appeal hearings) and in conciliation meetings (e.g., through the Alberta Human Rights Commission complaint resolution process)
• Strong English written and verbal communication skills are required
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills
• Experience working effectively with people from a broad range of ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds, with sensitivity to diversity of income, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation and immigration status.
• Experience working effectively with persons who have language barriers.
• Understanding of, and commitment to, labour and social justice.
• Superior verbal and written English communication skills are required.
• Excellent case management and organizational skills.
• Excellent inter-personal skills, and ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.
• Strong conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Available to work flexible hours, including the occasional evening or weekend.
• Help individual clients understand their employment-related rights and entitlements under the Alberta Employment Standards Code, Employment Insurance Act, Alberta Human Rights Act, Workers’ Compensation Act, Canada Pension Plan disability benefits, employer short/long term disability benefits, and the Alberta Fair Trading Act (Employment Agency Regulation).
• When appropriate, help clients submit claims, complaints and appeals related to the above legislations and benefit programs to the relevant government department or organization.
• Represent clients at EI and CPP disability appeal hearings, and in meetings with Employment Standards, the Alberta Human Rights Commission, and other organizations as required (e.g., employer, union).
• With the client’s written permission, write letters to health care professionals on the client’s behalf when the client needs a medical certificate for Employment Insurance sickness or other disability benefits and has language barriers or other challenges to communication.
• Refer clients to other programs in the community when their needs fall beyond the mandate and skills of the CWRC.
• Collaborate with CWRC community partners to deliver mutually agreed upon services (e.g., employment rights clinics at off-site locations).
• Participate on inter-agency committees, as required.
• Collaborate with other CWRC staff on client data entry and follow-ups.
Please submit a cover letter and resume by e-mail (preferred – please send as MS Word document or as PDF), fax or regular mail in confidence to:
Xavier Cattarinich
Interim Director
Calgary Workers’ Resource Centre
2002, 1st Ave. NW
Calgary AB
T2N 0B3
Fax: (403) 264-8117
Email: cwrc5 [at] telus [dot] net
No phone calls or inquiries, please.
The Calgary Workers’ Resource Centre (CWRC) is a not-for-profit organization that helps Calgarians understand and access their benefits and entitlements under a variety of employment-related legislations in Alberta (the Alberta Employment Standards Code, Employment Insurance Act, Alberta Human Rights Act, Workers’ Compensation Act, Canada Pension Plan and employer short/long term disability benefits).
The CWRC’s clients primarily come from vulnerable populations, including new immigrants and Temporary Foreign Workers (many with language barriers and/or limited literacy in English), persons with disabilities, unemployed/underemployed workers, youth and Aboriginal workers.
The Calgary Workers’ Resource Centre
2002, 1st Ave NW,
Calgary, Alberta
T2N 0B3
Tel: 403.264.8100 Fax: 403.264.8117
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Poverty Free Ontario
An Ontario free of poverty will be reflected in healthy, inclusive communities with a place of dignity for everyone and the essential conditions of well-being for all. The mission of Poverty Free Ontario is to eliminate divided communities in which large numbers of adults and children live in chronic states of material hardship, poor health and social exclusion. Poverty Free Ontario is an initiative of the Social Planning Network of Ontario.
Halifax Homeless Memorial
St. Patrick's Church, Halifax, will be hosting this year's Homeless Memorial. Attached is a pdf of the poster - please send it out to your own networks.
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Your Legal Rights
Your Legal Rights is a website of legal information for people in Ontario. This site has free, practical, and easy-to-find legal information produced by hundreds of organizations across Ontario and is a project of CLEO.
Inequality in Canada rising
Canada's income inequality is at a record high according to a new report, Divided We Stand Why Inequality Keeps Rising by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD released a report today looking at the rise of inequality in countries around the world. The report looks at widening wage gaps and the increase in household income inequality over the last three decades even when countries were going through periods of sustained economic and economic growth.
Poverty Law Advocate
$21.93 to start.
A full benefits package is available for full time employees. A prorated benefit package is available for qualified part time employees.
Poverty Law Advocate – Paralegal, North Shore Community Legal Advocacy Program Full time or part time
* Post secondary education in social sciences, law, counseling or criminology
* Legal or paralegal training and experience, especially in poverty law
* Knowledge of and experience with the justice system
* Interest and background in variety of areas of law, particularly regarding people living in poverty
* Aptitude for working effectively with disadvantaged clients including: those with mental, cognitive and physical disabilities; those with low income; those whose first language is not English or who have literacy problems; victims of abuse; seniors
* Strong communications skills including ability to identify hidden issues
* Awareness of and sensitivity towards cultural influences in the diverse North Shore community
* Alternative dispute resolution training an asset
* Ability to work within NSCR mission statement and policies
* Knowledge of local community resources (or how to find them)
* Interest in public legal education
* Good English with fluency in a second language an asset
* Ability to work independently, take initiative and also function as part of a team
* Willingness to accept supervision
* Strong record keeping and administrative skills including ability to keep reliable and accurate notes of client and other case contacts
* Ability to manage confidential information in accordance with Law Society and NSCR standards
* Computer literacy – including Word and Excel
* A criminal records check will be required
1. PROVIDE COMMUNITY LAW SERVICES TO INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS
* Provide legal information on poverty law issues to people in need
* Consult with supervising lawyer on regular basis for advice on case management
* Interview clients by phone or in person and identify their legal issue(s)
* Facilitate their access to other community resources as appropriate
* Assess legal merits of case and identify and research law relevant to client issues
* Offer clients knowledgeable and prompt legal information and procedural guidance to assist them with prioritizing options
* Prepare and provide self help materials as appropriate
* When needed and within limits of available time, negotiate on clients’ behalf with other parties such as landlords and government agencies
* Write letters and legal submissions on clients’ behalf
* Attend hearings and meetings to present clients’ cases
* Prepare witnesses if needed
2. PUBLIC LEGAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
* Prepare and facilitate public legal education workshops for the North Shore community to complement existing services already provided by NSCR staff
* Liaise with and assess needs of community groups
* Participate in community development projects such as conferences or forums on poverty law as time permits
By email to li [dot] boesen [at] nscr [dot] bc [dot] ca
Fax to North Shore Community Resources at 604-985-0645
Mail to:
North Shore Community Resources
#201 Capilano Mall – 935 Marine Drive
North Vancouver, BC, V7P 1S3
Please indicate whether you are interested in full or part time. Only those applicants that are shortlisted for interviews will be contacted.
People's Law School Legal @ Lunch: Landlord & Tenant Law
A representative from the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre will give a presentation on your rights and responsiblities as a landlord.
Legal @ Lunch events are brown bag seminars held at the People’s Law School. Plain language facilitators and, or legal professionals present 45 minute sessions on legal topics of public interest. For more information about our events, visit PLS Events or contact: Kathryn McCart - Email or 604.331.5400
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Surrey MLA accepts challenge to live on welfare for one month
Jagrup Brar, MLA Surrey Fleetwood, has accepted the MLA Welfare Challenge to live on the welfare rate of $610 for a month. He will start on January 1, 2012, spending part of the month in Surrey and part in Vancouver.
“We’re delighted that Jagrup has agreed to live on $610 for the month of January,” said Jean Swanson of Raise the Rates, a BC coalition that wants governments to reduce and end poverty.
“We are confident that his experience will help the public understand that welfare rates are too low to live on and that politicians will act to tackle poverty.”
Last May, Raise the Rates challenged all BC MLAs and both leaders to live on the welfare rate for a single person who is expected to look for work. Since then, Raise the Rates has been searching for an MLA to take up the challenge, and working with Brar to arrange the practicalities of taking the Challenge. Raise the Rates acknowledges and appreciates Jagrup Brar’s commitment in agreeing to live for a month on $610.
Jagrup Brar will directly experience living for a month on $610 for everything, the impossibility of making ends meet, and the many other difficulties of life on welfare. Raise the Rates and a number of Surrey partners will work together to provide support and advice. They will organize meetings to ensure that Brar has a valuable and insightful experience, learning first-hand about poverty, inequality and ‘being on welfare’.
PROVINCIAL ADVOCATE for BCACDI – The British Columbia Association of Child Development and Intervention
Association Information BCACDI is a provincial non-profit organization which provides advocacy, communication networking, research and education to about 30 member agencies throughout B.C. and the Yukon. BCACDI is recognized as the voice for children and youth with special needs and their families and for the member agencies providing services. Member agencies provide diagnostic, developmental, intervention and support services for children and youth with special needs and their families. For more information is on the association website at www.bcacdi.org.
A strong team player, excellent organizational skills, communication skills, a cheerful attitude and the ability to multi-task are imperative.
Skill Set At least 10 years of experience as a senior manager in the health, social services or public sectors.
A Master’s degree in business, public or health services administration.
Experience in working with and advocating for services with government officials.
Leadership abilities and experience in working with member agencies.
Experience working with a non-profit board of directors.
Able to provide advice and consultation support to the association, the board of directors and member agencies on communications with government officials both elected and civil servants at all levels of government.
Able to advise and strategize with board members and member agencies to ensure unified messages are delivered at provincial and regional meetings on behalf of the association.
Demonstrated ability to support engagement of membership in the development and implementation of the association’s strategic planning. Able to independently or assist in writing communications, position papers and other publications related to the business and advocacy of the association.
Highly developed interpersonal skills; demonstrated presentation skills.
Key Responsibilities include advocacy for services including written and oral briefings, presentations and press releases, membership and board of director support, government relationships and membership promotion and development.
Considered an Asset:
Demonstrated knowledge of children and youth with special needs and their families. Demonstrated knowledge of services for children and youth with special needs and their families. Other Attributes Ability to maintain confidentiality, as well as tact and diplomacy Demonstrated ability to work independently, meet timelines and budgets Energetic and ethical approach to work.
Please forward your cover letter, resume and a list of three references to Paul Axelson, President BCACDI by email to pjaxel [at] telus [dot] net.
Include within your application expected remuneration and how key responsibilities listed above can be met in a part time contract position involving approximately 17 hours per week.
Applications must be received by November 30th 2011. Thank you for your interest in this position. Please note that only those candidates considered for interviews will be contacted.
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Campaign 2000 releases the New Report Card on Child & Family Poverty in Canada
November 2011 marks 22 years since the House of Commons adopted an all-party resolution to end child poverty in Canada. Today, Campaign 2000 has released its 20th National Report Card on Child/Family Poverty.
Community Event - Stories of Strength: Perspectives on Mental Well-Being
Doors open at 6:30pm; Event begins at 7:00pm
St. Andrew’s Wesley Church – Main Entrance
1022 Nelson Street, Downtown Vancouver, BC
- What is mental wellbeing?
- How can I support mental wellbeing in myself, my family, in my work, and in my community?
Explore answers to these questions with *Dr. Gabor Mate*, local physician and best-selling author, *Melanie Rose*, comedian and Stand up For Mental Health alumni, and *Dr. John Raeburn*, Adjunct Professor at the Auckland University of Technology.
This public event is open to all and will provide the opportunity to discuss mental well-being and to share ideas and thoughts on how mental health is a resource for everyday living. This free event is co-hosted by the Public Health Association of British Columbia, BC Mental Health & Addiction Services, and the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Log on to your Facebook account, visit the Stories of Strength Facebook Event Link and invite your Facebook friends to attend and join in on our conversation about mental wellness.
RSVP appreciated: education [at] phabc [dot] org .
Visit www.phabc.org to find out more about the 2011 PHABC Conference held in affiliation with this event.
