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Part of our work as New Democrats is to envision a better future and, crucially, the policies that will enable us to get there.
One way we do that is to submit policies to the federal NDP convention, where they are discussed by New Democrats from around the country and, if accepted, become part of the official NDP policy platform. With convention scheduled for April, our policy volunteers spent months compiling, researching, and writing policy proposals to submit. Then these policies were analyzed and debated by Etobicoke-Lakeshore members. And now, we are very proud to announce that our team has submitted thirty policy resolutions to the federal NDP! We submitted policies on the following subjects:
As a grassroots political party, it is our job to empower regular, working-class people and democratize our nation and our economy. A big part of how we do that is by contesting elections.
With both provincial elections scheduled for next year, and a federal one looming at any minute, we're working to ensure that we're ready to win by nominating a strong, progressive candidate for both levels in early 2021. With a strong, engaged volunteer base, we've delivered growth in vote share, donations, and every engagement metric for the past five years. We have a savvy and sophisticated technical operation, a committed and capable core team, and a strong base of grassroots funding. The bottom line: we are doing the work that it takes to win in Etobicoke-Lakeshore. As a result, several very strong candidates have already expressed interest in running for the NDP both provincially and federally here in Etobicoke-Lakeshore. We are very grateful for their interest and looking forward to hearing more from them. However, we are also a democratic organization. We do not make decisions of this importance behind closed doors. We want people to know they can be part of the process. Therefore, we are issuing a call to candidates to seek the nomination and represent Etobicoke-Lakeshore NDP in the next federal or provincial election. The nomination for either level is open to anyone who cares about building a better future and a grassroots movement together. Maybe you're thinking "I care, but I don't know enough to be an elected representative." We want to be very clear: your life experience is exactly enough to be a good representative. There are plenty of rich and powerful people in Parliament already. What we need more of is people like you - cashiers and baristas, electricians and custodians, activists and organizers. We're here to support you all the way. We know how to run elections and win. We can equip you to do so. All you need is heart, determination, and a dream of a better world. If you're interested finding out more, the first stage of the process is to reach out and let us know. From there, we'll answer your questions and equip you to take part in the nomination. This is democracy in action. We're looking forward to including you in it! Congratulations to our newly elected 2021 executive team!
Elected at our AGM on December 3rd, the team will carry forward the work of EL NDP through 2021. The team continued to grow, with fourteen members elected to leadership positions, including the following positions officially registered with Elections Ontario and Elections Canada. Co-President, Federal: Tim Ellis Co-President, Provincial: Bri Gardner Vice-President, Federal: David Jubenville Vice-President, Provincial: Nicole Yovanoff CFO: Melissa Graham Secretary: Jake Ford We're proud of the continued growth in our membership and our leadership, which is a reflection of the hard work and determination of the many people who make up the movement here in Etobicoke-Lakeshore. Together, our team will continue to work to not only win elections, but also to build a stronger community and a brighter future for all.
Every year, our Annual General Meeting is a place for us to gather, look back on the year behind us, and make our plans for the year ahead.
' Traditionally, we have this in a local legion hall or diner and make an event of it, with food and music and guest speakers. But this year, due to the pandemic, we're playing it safe, and we will be hosting this event online. So save the date and RSVP using the form below. We'll be welcoming guest speakers and other entertainment, as well as electing our leadership for 2021. Be a part of democracy in action - we'll see you there! Canadians believe that medicare is one of the foundations of our society and revere the New Democratic Party’s first federal leader as the driving force behind its introduction. But Tommy Douglas had a vision for medicare that is quite different from the system that ensures Canadians need not worry about hospital and doctor bills if they fall ill. He believed that the ultimate goal of a publicly funded healthcare system should be a system that works for the good health of Canadians of all ages – one that promotes wellness as much as it fights illness – from well-baby programs to nutritional health to counselling to community supports for elders. The COVID pandemic has thrown a harsh light on a truth that has long driven New Democrats’ fight for a very different approach to healthcare than we currently see in Ontario. Even though medicare reduces the financial barriers to healthcare, health outcomes are not the same for all. COVID has had a vastly more serious impact on Ontario’s neglected elderly, our poor, and on our racialized communities. A Toronto Star study graphically illustrated how persons of colour represented 83% of the recorded COVID cases in Toronto even though they make up only 50% of the city’s residents. Race, poverty, social class and gender identity are significant determinants of health. Healthcare that ensures the good health of all Canadians must go beyond treating illness. It must address the challenges of marginalized communities with more than declarations of good intentions – with programs and supports like early child and family services, adult learning, youth programs and harm reduction supports for communities and individuals most in need. In Ontario, it is the Community Health Centres that lead the way in providing these programs to communities and families in need. Doctors, nurse practitioners, dietitians, dental staff, chiropodists, counsellors, community mental health and health promotion professionals who provide high-quality, cost-effective care to local members in welcoming and inclusive settings where the focus is on promoting wellness as well as treating illness. But there are only 101 Community Health Centres to serve 14.7 million Ontarians. As the COVID pandemic continues to rage, the Ford government is reorganizing the delivery of healthcare in Ontario once more – replacing the health bureaucracy designed by the Liberals with another, more hospital-focused system that will move even further from the community-based wellness model of health delivery to a system increasingly focused on hospitals, physician-led decision-making and the treatment of illness. The current government’s health reform agenda ignores the social context of health that has been demonstrated so clearly in this pandemic. Whereas New Democrats believe government must direct appropriate healthcare resources to marginalized communities that have high needs, and Whereas Ontario’s Community Health Centres have a long and successful record of creating locally based services that include meaningful ways for people to have input into the services and programs they require, Therefore be it resolved that Ontario New Democrats are committed to a healthcare reform agenda that will:
This resolution was voted on and passed by a general meeting of the Etobicoke Lakeshore NDP on October 8th, 2020.
Recently, Etobicoke-Lakeshore NDP conducted a community survey and town hall to assess the impact of COVID-19 and to discuss how we can best build back better. Thank you to the nearly 100 people who participated in this process from South Etobicoke! And thank you to MPP Rima Berns-McGown for attending our town hall and taking our community input to the Ontario legislature. Our policy committee has put together a comprehensive report on the outcome. The full four-page report is available for free download here at this link (the file downloads as a Word document and is best viewed in that format). A sampling of the results are also shared below. We want to thank the volunteers of the policy committee for the thought, energy, and hard work that went into this months-long consultation process!   We were heartened to learn this morning that the Ontario government is considering a repeal of breed-specific legislation banning pitbulls and related dogs in our province. This legislation is based in superstition and fear, not evidence.
Indeed, since the 2005 ban went into effect, the number of dog bites suffered across Ontario has actually increased. The truth is simpler, though harder to legislate - dog aggression comes down to a mix of temperament and training, with the latter being the predominant factor. A well-trained dog, even if aggressive by nature, will refuse to attack; a poorly trained dog, even if gentle at heart, may still bite if provoked. Breed has nothing to do with this reality. At the same time, loving and compassionate dog owners are unfairly punished by breed specific bans. The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association estimates that as a result of this law, over 1,000 dogs have been put to the death having never bitten or attacked a soul. As New Democrats, we have always believed in evidence-based policy. We also believe that there is more that unites us than divides us, regardless of partisan affiliation. That is why we are respectfully calling on our MPP, Christine Hogarth, to work with her colleagues in the Progressive Conservatives and to reach across the aisle to our fellow New Democrats, in a united front to repeal this unnecessary and punitive ban. Are you ready to put an end to this ban and the needless slaughter of loving pets? Sign our petition here: https://www.elndp.ca/repeal-the-pitbull-ban.html *NOTE: This post was updated on Tuesday, August 13th to reflect the addition of the fundraiser position.*
Our organizing is grassroots and volunteer-led, as always. But as we head into the federal election campaign, we're looking to hire people to staff our campaign office full time during the election period. If you're passionate about building a better world by electing an NDP government, this is a great way to make a difference and get on-the-ground political experience! We are looking to hire a campaign manager and a volunteer organizer. Full details of the positions can be found in the linked statements of work below. We are also looking for a part-time fundraiser position; details can be found in the statement of work here. If you're interested in either position, please submit your cover letter and resume no later than 5 PM on Friday, August 16th. Interviews will be held on Sunday, August 18th, and a final decision will be issued shortly thereafter. All applicants will be contacted with the outcome. Submission details are contained in the linked statements of work: Campaign Manager statement of work Volunteer Organizer statement of work Fundraiser statement of work Questions may be directed to President@ELNDP.com Congratulations to Branko Gasperlin, who was acclaimed as the New Democratic candidate for Etobicoke-Lakeshore on Thursday, June 27th!  Branko Gasperlin earned undergraduate degrees in political science, and economics at York University, and graduate degree in War Studies at Royal Military College. He has business experience as a manager and as a training consultant. He developed leadership skills as a Canadian Armed Forces reserve officer. As an officer he deployed in operational tours to Bosnia, and Afghanistan.
His education, and work experiences has allowed him to manoeuvre complex environments with success. Branko’s core values centre on integrity, honesty, personal courage, and loyalty. Family is the bedrock of his success. He enjoys spending time with his wife (Anica), their daughter, and extended family and friends. Branko works hard, and he knows that Jagmeet Singh's New Deal For People delivers the change Canadians need as we face a climate crisis and an economy that all too often leaves people behind. Branko believes in open and transparent government and he runs his campaign the same way he'll run his MP office - with the door open and ready to hear from you. You can reach Branko at: e-mail: brankogasperlinNDP@gmail.com cell: 647-236-0940 |
AuthorTim Ellis is the Co-President of Etobicoke-Lakeshore NDP Archives
May 2021
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