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Meet our candidate prospects, Farheen Alim and Jason Baryluk, and help us choose a candidate as we head into a crucial election to unseat Ford's destructive government On Thursday, December 2nd, at 7 PM the Etobicoke-Lakeshore NDP will be meeting virtually to conduct our annual general meeting and to choose our candidate for the 2022 provincial election. Every year, our AGM offers a chance to look back on our accomplishments over the past 12 months, and to plan for the future. We also elect our leadership team who will guide our local chapter in the year to come. This year, we're also making a critical decision as to who will carry our banner forward in the race to unseat Ford's government and his representative here in Etobicoke Lakeshore. In 2018, going head to head with a PC wave and a Liberal cabinet minister, we nonetheless came just a few percent short of winning the seat. It was an incredible turnout - and it reflects the years of hard work and organizing that this group has done. It also means that we are by far the best positioned to capture this seat from Ford's PCs and deliver a more progressive government in Ontario. And the person we nominate will have a huge role to play in ensuring that we do just that. It's a big decision. Fortunately, we've got two incredible people to choose from. RSVP for our AGM and nomination meeting using this link, then read on to meet our candidate prospects! The event begins at 7 PM, and will feature guest appearances by ONDP Leader Andrea Horwath and Education Critic Marit Stiles. Members in good standing of EL NDP will be given ballots in advance via email, and the results will be announced at the meeting. Both of our candidate prospects will be hosting opportunities to meet them in advance of the vote - stay tuned for details about those events.  Farheen Alim (she/her)Farheen has been a public school teacher since 2014, working at the frontlines to support the next generation’s success and well-being. In her work, she respects and cares deeply about her diverse students and their families, doing her utmost to build positive relationships, meet unique needs, and nurture inclusion in her school community. Farheen has also seen firsthand the devastation caused by the Ford government’s cuts to the public sector and mismanaged pandemic response, having experienced job insecurity and the challenges of working in a COVID “hot spot” area. She has consistently been a vocal champion for greater funding and accessibility in public institutions because she believes that no one should have their potential limited by circumstances out of their control. Outside of work, Farheen works tirelessly to support neighbours in need, recognizing that caring for the most vulnerable in our communities benefits everyone. She has volunteered at vaccination clinics and Green Toronto tree planting events, assisted with refugee applications, and supported countless local charity initiatives. She has also been involved as a member of the Political Action Committee with OSSTF D-19, Peel Regional Labour Council, and Etobicoke-Lakeshore NDP. Farheen holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Politics from Queen's University, and a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. She is always interested in learning more about how she can better serve her community. Farheen can be found on social media and online at the following links:  Jason Baryluk (he/him)Jason Baryluk is seeking the nomination to be the Ontario NDP candidate in Etobicoke-Lakeshore.
Jason has deep roots in the riding. His family immigrated from Poland to our riding in the 60s and still reside here. He is a graduate of York University and Seneca College where he studied and graduated with honours in Advocacy. Jason has worked for New Democrats on Parliament Hill and at Queen's Park; focusing on indigenous support, mental health, and Long-Term Care. Following his work in politics Jason has been working as an advocate for Ontario's college students. Jason can be found on the following social media platforms:
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 On August 6th, members of the Etobicoke-Lakeshore NDP nominated Sasha Kane to be our federal nominee. Sasha is a lifelong resident of Etobicoke-Lakeshore, a proud member of and advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and a committed progressive.
During her acceptance speech, Sasha highlighted reconciliation with Indigenous nations, the need for solutions to the affordable housing crisis, and urgent action on climate change as top priorities for her. As our MP, she will work to deliver on these and other priorities for Etobicoke-Lakeshore. If you're ready to help elect a bold progressive champion to represent us in Ottawa, click here to get involved! UPDATE: These listings have been closed. Thank you for your interest!
Our organizing is grassroots and volunteer-led, as always. But with rumours flying about an upcoming federal election campaign, we're looking to hire people to staff our campaign 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. If you're interested in either position, please submit your cover letter and resume (submission details are included in the statements of work). This is an early election call and we are seeking to move very quickly to fill these roles. Applications will be considered immediately upon receipt and we will seek to conduct interviews as quickly as possible. We anticipate making a decision no later than August 4th, 2021. Campaign Manager statement of work Volunteer Organizer statement of work
Last week, Doug Ford kicked off a big-money marketing campaign. The goal: to deflect from his record of failure and deflect the blame.
But Ontarians know the truth. Ford and his MPPs ignored medical advice. They ignored their own scientists models predicting a disastrous third wave, leaving essential workers unprotected as the virus mutated. And they ignored our seniors, leaving thousands to die brutally and alone in long term care homes. They can spend all the money they want on high-priced ad campaigns. We won't forget. We've put together a video record of just a handful of Doug's failures, to counter his ad blitz. Already viewed over ten thousand times on Twitter, our video is making sure that Doug's ad campaign is as big a failure as his COVID response. Watch it below, then share it to ensure people remember the truth. Ad text is transcribed below.
Transcription:
[Melancholy music plays throughout the ad] Image: three people in masks. Text: We did our part. Image: Premier Ford and MPP Christine Hogarth. Text: They failed theirs. Image: A senior citizen sits in a rocking chair, gazing out a window and appearing lonely. Text: Thousands dead and abandoned in long-term care. Image: A person in hazmat suit cleaning an empty playground. Text: Playgrounds closed; big businesses open. Image: Worker in a warehouse with a clipboard taking inventory of rows of boxes. Text: Paid sick days insufficient and a year too late. Image: Scientists in lab coats talking to each other. Text: Doctors and scientists ignored while Ontarians died. Image: Closeup of a child's tear-stricken worried face. Text: They want you to forget their failures. But we won't. Image: Premier Ford and MPP Christine Hogarth. Text: Ford and Hogarth failed. Ontario paid the price. Image: EL NDP logo. Text: This message approved and paid for by Etobicoke Lakeshore NDP. Building a better future together. 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!   |
AuthorTim Ellis is the Co-President of Etobicoke-Lakeshore NDP Archives
November 2021
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