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

With an election scheduled for this fall, we're proud to have three strong nominees competing to be our candidate. We'll be voting to select our candidate on June 27th - but in the meantime, get to know our three nominees below! 

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.
e-mail: brankogasperlinNDP@gmail.com
cell: 647-236-0940

Melissa Graham is a advocate for social justice, public speaker, writer, researcher, and community organizer. She is also a recipient of an Ontario Volunteer Service Award for 2018.

Melissa is also the founder and one of the key organizers for the Toronto Disability Pride March, which began in October 2011. She is an activist involved in  issues throughout Ontario and has written for publications such as Abilities magazine and The Monitor. She holds a Master of Social Work with a concentration in social justice.

My name is Lubomyra (Luba) Senkiw. I am a multigenerational former resident of Alderwood. My grandparents lived in Mimico briefly before settling the family in Alderwood. My brother and I attended the local Catholic schools. We graduated from Father John Redmond C.S.S. I completed Practical Nursing at Humber College and Hons. Bachelor of Social Work at Ryerson University. I am a social justice advocate with a preference of mental health advocacy. I want to bring mental health services back to our riding!

Thank you,
Luba Senkiw

On March 28th, Etobicoke-Lakeshore NDP hosted a general meeting of the membership to discuss policy resolutions that we will pass forward to the Ontario NDP policy convention in June. 

The meeting was well-attended, filling the East room at the Assembly Hall, and lively, with wide-ranging discussion, debate, and deliberation. It was democracy in action. 

ELNDP members discussed an array of policy initiatives, including the abolition of solitary confinement, recognition of non-binary persons in ONDP policy, and mandatory inclusionary zoning across Ontario. To read the full text of all nine resolutions, click through to the meeting minutes here.

We also selected our Provincial Council delegates, who will represent us at Ontario NDP provincial council (which meets three to four times a year).

Finally, we selected many of our delegates to the upcoming Ontario NDP policy convention. We are allocated 11 delegates to convention, and we filled eight of those spots during the meeting. Convention occurs on June 14th through 16th of this year, in Hamilton. We will be inviting our members to fill the remaining spots and we are looking forward to sending a full-strength contingent to the convention in June!

The meeting is a reflection of the continued energy and activism of the Etobicoke-Lakeshore NDP, which has continued to organize to take on Doug Ford in Ontario while building a stronger community right here at home.

I am very excited to announce that Jagmeet Singh will be joining us for our annual fundraising dinner on Friday, December 7th, at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Long Branch! 

Tickets are available, and as always we ensure that they are sold on a sliding cost scale so that financial barriers never prevent people who wish to attend from being part of it.

Your ticket includes dinner and desert; a cash bar is also available.

Click here to RSVP!