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OSSTF Equity update—December 2021

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Anti-Racism and Equity Training through Account #2018:

Account 2018 was established as a result of a Strategic Action Plan initiative approved at the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Assembly (AMPA) 2021. This account has a three-year mandate ending in June 2024. Its purpose is to provide funding to support Anti-Racism and Equity Training for Districts and Bargaining Units.

OSSTF/FEESO is committed to dismantling racism, oppression, and systemic barriers within the Federation. We are engaged in several activities as per the Action Plan to Support Equity and Anti-Oppression. A few of the completed and ongoing actions are found below.

Via OSSTF Update (Originally posted November 11, 2021)

Completed actions:

  • October 2020—Development of Addressing Anti-Black Racism and Allyship Workshops, written by OSSTF/FEESO members, including those that self-identify as Black/African Black/Caribbean Black and Racialized. These workshops will be available in the fall of 2021.
  • June 2021—An anti-racism and equity training provincial account was approved at The Annual Meeting of the Provincial Assembly (AMPA).
  • August 2021—Anti-racism training was provided to Bargaining Unit presidents at the inaugural OSSTF/FEESO Presidents’ Symposium 2021.
  • August 2021—The survey to delegates and alternates who attended The Annual Meeting of the Provincial Assembly for OSSTF/FEESO in the last four years to examine the barriers members face when navigating the Rules of Order that govern meeting was issued. This survey will close on Monday, September 20, 2021.
  • September 2021—A targeted call out to members who self-identify as Black/African Black/Caribbean Black, First Nations, Métis, Inuit (FNMI), Francophone, 2SLGBTQI+, Person Living with a Disability, Racialized, and/or women to join the OSSTF/FEESO Parliamentary Speaker Bank has been issued.
  • September 2021—The Black Persons and Persons of Colour Advisory Work Group members-at-large complement has been temporarily increased from 10 to 25 members-at-large for the 2021–2022 school year.

Actions in progress:

  • The use of focus groups, one-on-one interviews and Town Halls centred around dismantling anti-Black racism within OSSTF/FEESO (August 2021–ongoing)
  • The development of an OSSTF/FEESO Black Educators’ Network (August 2021–December 2021)
  • An evaluation of OSSTF/FEESO Rules of Order using a multi-pronged approach which includes an in-depth literature review, qualitative interviews, and a survey (June 2021–January 2022)
  • Review of the OSSTF/FEESO Equity Statement using an equity lens (September 2021)
  • The review of the terms of reference for the proposed OSSTF/FEESO Disrupting Anti-Black Racism Committee to the Provincial Executive by the in-house equity team, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) coordinator, and advisory work groups/committees in preparation for a report and recommendations to be presented at AMPA 2022 (September 2021–January 2022)
  • Review of the survey results issued to delegates and alternates who attended The Annual Meeting of the Provincial Assembly for OSSTF/FEESO in the last four years (October 2021–November 2021)
  • The issuance of a call out to members who self-identify as Black to be a presenter for the OSSTF/FEESO Addressing Anti-Black Racism workshop (October 2021)
  • The issuance of a Member Census to determine the demographic composition of the membership (December 2021)

Ongoing commitments:

  • Amplify Black voices/authors in OSSTF/FEESO online publications.
    Education Forum
  • Incorporate Black lived experiences and expertise in a variety of OSSTF/FEESO professional workshops and conferences.
  • Creating connections and sharing resources between the Dismantling Black Racism Officers and Trainers in Districts and Bargaining Units with the Provincial Office.
  • The development of partnerships and relationships with Black community organizations.
  • Investment in Black-Owned Businesses.

Via OSSTF Update (Originally posted September 15, 2021).

Laura Mae Lindo

Kitchener Centre MPP introduces bill to fight racism in schools

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Laura Mae Lindo says bill would define racism in legislation, because ‘when you define it, then it is real’

Paula Duhatschek · CBC News · Posted: Dec 03, 2021 5:00 AM ET | Last Updated: 10 hours ago

Kitchener Centre NDP MPP Laura Mae Lindo introduced a bill Thursday that aims to fight racism at all levels of the education system, from kindergarten to post-secondary. 

The Racial Equity in the Education System Act amends a number of existing acts that apply to the education system, from the Education Act to the Ontario College of Teachers Act, to include the definitions of racism and anti-racism. 

“Those definitions, as menial as they might seem, are actually major steps toward taking seriously the realities of racism within our education system,” said Lindo at a Zoom press conference. 

She said defining these terms in legislation allows everyone to get on the same page about what racism is, and what must be done to change it. 

“When you define it, then it is real.” 

Lindo’s bill would also: 

  • Require school boards and post-secondary institutions to create racial equity plans and review them regularly. 
  • Require professional development in racial equity for teachers and staff. 
  • Require boards to provide programs, resources and support for students, teachers and staff that have been targeted by or witnessed acts of racism. 
  • Set out penalties for those who disrupt school or class by using racist language or engaging in racist activities. 

Alpine school incident speaks to broader problem: Lindo

Lindo said a recent incident at Alpine Public School in Kitchener points to the need for “systemic solutions” around racism and inequality. 

A teacher has now been criminally charged after allegedly disciplining two children by taping them with masking tape. 

The father of one of the children told CBC K-W he was concerned race was a factor in the incident. 

Lindo said while that particular situation attracted a lot of attention, it likely speaks to a broader problem. 

“The reality is that something like that doesn’t happen unless a number of smaller instances of racial violence and lack of care for racialized students were allowed to go either noticed and and met with silence or fully unnoticed because these things are norm,” she said. 

Speaking at the same press conference, Teneile Warren, equity and inclusion officer for the Waterloo Region District School Board, said they support the bill. 

“We need legislative support in order to advance the work that is already taking place in our school systems,” said Warren. 

“We cannot continue to place the responsibility solely at the feet of teachers.”

Province says changes underway

In response to questions from CBC K-W, a spokesperson for Education Minister Stephen Lecce said the province has already given an expedited directive to school boards to collect race-based data, and required all school boards to undergo an “equity board improvement plan.” 

“We know there is more to do,” said Caitlin Clark, who said the province has also moved to de-stream education in Grade 9. 

“That is why we introduced mandatory anti-racism training for all education staff, introduced curriculum changes to counter discrimination and promote inclusivity, and it is why we strengthened sanctions against staff for racist actions or behaviour.”

Still, Lindo said she’s concerned that without defining terms like “racism” in legislation, different boards will end up using different language and produce data that can’t be properly compared. 

“Instead of doing that, why don’t we take a step back, put a very clear vision into the universe of what racial equity in education in particular looks like, and then ensure that the language and the tools are available for everybody so that they can all be working together,” she said.

As publish at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/kitchener-centre-mpp-introduces-bill-to-fight-racism-in-schools-1.6271617?fbclid=IwAR0UmsUDK_obCSZzYfmo72mOHSeQO2NO4Aq-Qz7PCurXG-NuE9MaDZBTWD4

Women’s Advocate Program

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OSSTF/FEESO created the Women’s Advocate program in 2020 to provide support to members of OSSTF/FEESO who were either experiencing domestic violence at home or who knew someone experiencing domestic violence.

Women’s Advocates have been jointly trained by OSSTF/FEESO and the University of Western Ontario’s Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women.

As a Women’s Advocate, we can provide you with much needed confidential support to help you navigate the complicated search to find help when you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence. Whether you need help to find housing resources, shelters or supportive counsellors for your or your children, Advocates, like me, are here to help.

We can also provide you with assistance when dealing with your union representatives and employer. We are not a counsellors, but we can provide you with information on how to find a counsellor or a domestic violence worker in your community. We can also help you understand what types of leaves or assistance are available from your employer and your union.

To contact your local Women’s Advocate, Jennifer Williams, please email 4women@wlusa.ca.  All communication will be held in confidence except when a duty to report is required.

Image courtesy of: https://www.pngitem.com/middle/iRmwimR_purple-awareness-ribbon-png-photos-domestic-violence-awareness/

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How to maintain a vehicle you don’t drive often [via OTIP]

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From decreasing your commute to putting your car in storage for the season, there are plenty of reasons why you might not be driving your vehicle as often as you used to. But don’t let it sit collecting dust — follow these steps to maintain your car and keep it ready to hit the road!

Learn more at https://otipinsurance.com/article128.

Fuel-burning appliances should be inspected annually: Waterloo Fire Rescue

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That’s part of their message ahead Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, which is the first week of November

Ontario’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs from November 1-7, and Waterloo Fire Rescue reminds you to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) in your home by getting all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually. 

“In Ontario, more than 65% of injuries and deaths from CO occur in the home,” says Fire Chief Richard Hepditch. “We want to make sure everyone is safe from CO. Get all fuel-burning appliances inspected by a registered contractor.” Visit www.cosafety.ca to find a registered contractor near you. 

Waterloo Fire Rescue also reminds you to install CO alarms in your home if you have a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage. Fuel-burning appliances can include furnaces, hot water heaters, gas or wood fireplaces, portable fuel-burning heaters and generators, barbeques, stoves and vehicles. 

“You must have a working CO alarm adjacent to each sleeping area if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage as per the Ontario Fire Code,” adds Hepditch. “For added protection, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of the home according to manufacturer’s instructions.” 

If you live in a condo or apartment building with a service room, CO alarms must be installed in the service room and adjacent to each sleeping area of all homes above, below and beside the service room. In condo or apartment buildings that have a garage, CO alarms must be installed adjacent to each sleeping area of all homes above, below and beside the garage.

What is CO?

  • CO is known as the silent killer because it is an invisible, tasteless and odourless gas that can be deadly.
  • CO is produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil or wood do not burn completely in fuel-burning appliances and devices such as furnaces, gas or wood fireplaces, hot water heaters, stoves, barbeques, portable fuel-burning heaters and generators and vehicles.

Prevent CO in your home:

  • Ensure fuel-burning appliances, chimneys and vents are cleaned and inspected annually. Visit www.cosafety.ca to find a registered contractor near you.
  • Check that all outside appliance vents are not blocked.
  • Gas and charcoal barbeques should only be used outside, away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings. Never use barbeques inside garages, even if the garage doors are open.
  • Portable fuel-burning generators should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from windows, doors, vents and other building openings.
  • Ensure all portable fuel-burning heaters are vented properly, according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
  • Open the flu before using a fireplace for adequate ventilation.
  • Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor inside a garage, even if the garage doors are open. Always remove a vehicle from the garage immediately after starting it.

Know the symptoms of CO:

  • Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, as well as confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and death.
  • If your CO alarm sounds, and you or other occupants suffer from symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the home immediately. Then call 9-1-1 or your local emergency services number from outside the building.
  • If your CO alarm sounds and no one is suffering from symptoms of CO poisoning, check to see if the battery needs replacing, or the alarm has reached its end-of-life before calling 9-1-1.

Know the sound of your CO alarm:

  • Your CO alarm sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds.
  • Don’t be confused by the sound of your CO alarm’s low-battery warning. Follow your CO alarm manufacturer’s instructions so you know the difference between the low-battery warning, the end-of-life warning, and the alarm alerting you to the presence of CO in your home.

For more CO safety tips, please visit www.cosafety.ca .For additional information about fire and life safety, please visit the Waterloo Fire Rescue website at waterloo.ca/fire or our Twitter page @Waterloo_Fire.

Via Kitchener CityNews

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B.C. Human Rights Tribunal tosses complaints against Henry, Horgan over COVID vaccine card

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Tribunal says “large volume” of complaints and inquiries have also been thrown out

The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal has tossed two complaints aimed at B.C.’s provincial health officer and Premier over the provincial COVID-19 vaccine card.

Typically, the tribunal does not publish screening decisions, which are made to determine if a complaint can be heard. However, due to receiving a “large volume” of inquiries and complaints alleging that the vaccine card is discriminatory, it was determined to be in the public interest, according to tribunal documents.

The first complaint was filed against Dr. Bonnie Henry, alleging that the proof of vaccination program discriminated against the claimant on the basis of disability. The complainant claimed to have asthma and a case of pneumonia as a child. The claimant also stated that he “does not want your experimental vaccine”.

Ultimately, his complaint was tossed because he failed to establish a connection between having asthma and not being fully vaccinated. The U.S.-based Allergy and Asthma Network said it is safe for people with asthma to get a COVID-19 vaccination, as they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its ingredients.

The second complaint was filed against Premier John Horgan, alleging the vaccine card amounted to discrimination on the grounds of political belief.

Human Rights Tribunal chair Emily Ohler wrote that political belief is only a ground of discrimination in relation to employment, employment advertisements and membership in employment-related organizations like unions.

The complainant filed her complaint on behalf of not only herself but a class of “people who are opposed to being forced into getting the COVID‐19 vaccination and getting our basic human rights and freedoms stripped from us.”

While Ohler agreed that a genuinely held belief opposing government rules regarding vaccination could be a political belief within the Human Rights Code, “I stress that protection from discrimination based on political belief does not exempt a person from following provincial health orders or rules.”

Ohler dismissed the complaint as it failed to prove how political opposition to the vaccine card adversely impacted the claimant’s employment and referred only to the announcement of the B.C. vaccine card, not any orders requiring employees in certain professions to be vaccinated.

Veronica Martisius of the BC Civil Liberties Association told Black PRess Media that there has been a rise in people who “mistakenly” believe their human rights are being violated by public health orders.

“Simply feeling oppressed by the government because you’ve been asked to wear a mask in a store or provide proof of vaccination to access non-essential services isn’t an acceptable human rights complaint under B.C. Human Rights Code,” she said.

Meanwhile, people with a disability that prevents them from wearing a face mask have a right to reasonable accommodation.

“Reasonable accommodation may include serving a customer outside or providing an online delivery service. If reasonable accommodation is not provided to someone with a disability, that may amount to discrimination.”

The Office of the Human Rights Commissioner — a separate entity from the Human Rights Tribunal which exists to provide education, advocacy and policy around the B.C. Human Rights Code — said they have received more than 1,000 phone calls and over 4,000 emails related to the B.C. vaccine card since Aug. 28.

B.C. Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender said in a statement to Black Press Media that while she understands how people feel the vaccine card is a violation of their rights and that medical exemptions are a vital accommodation, she does not believe the program violates human rights.

“A person who chooses not to get vaccinated as a matter of personal preference — especially where that choice is based on misinformation or misunderstandings of scientific information — does not have grounds for a human rights complaint.”

Via Kelowna Capital News.

Do you need additional insurance when you host a party at your home? [via OTIP]

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Many people enjoy getting together with friends, family and colleagues for a backyard BBQ or holiday party. As options for public venues are limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, more Canadians may be turning to hosting smaller gatherings at their home that comply with their local COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing and gathering size. However, throwing a party at home brings liability risk to the host. If you are hosting a small gathering, it’s a good idea to review the risks involved and ensure you have the insurance coverage you need.

To learn more, visit www.otipinsurance.com/article77

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What’s Up WLUSA: October

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With September at our backs, October is a great time to think about Professional Development. Check out how you can access WLUSA PD funding.

October is Laurier’s United Way Campaign Month. Stay tuned for more information and how you can support United Way Waterloo Region Communities!

Laurier’s Music at Noon series returns to in-person and online audiences. Beginning October 7, the program is able to welcome 50 audience members (first-come, first-served) into the Maureen Forrester Recital Hall. Audience members must be current Wilfrid Laurier University students, contract academic faculty, faculty or staff and present their OneCard ID to Performance Facilities Staff.

Staff and managers from all campuses are invited to register for the Intercultural Certificate, offered in collaboration between Laurier International, the Centre for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management. Registration is open until Monday, Oct. 18 and limited seats are available. All modules are being delivered remotely.

Key October Dates:

October 11: Thanksgiving Holiday; no classes.

October 12 to 15: Fall Reading Week.

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Protect yourself against insurance fraud [via OTIP]

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Simply put, the impact of fraud on the car insurance industry is staggering. It’s easy to dismiss insurance fraud as something that will never impact you, but in reality, it ends up costing insurers $1.6 billion each year. These costs ultimately are paid for by the insurance company and the policyholders – many of which are completely innocent.1 Can you believe that on average, $236 of your annual car insurance premium goes towards paying for the illegal activities of fraudsters?1 Being informed and learning how to recognize fraud is one way to help reduce these costs.

Learn more at https://www.otipinsurance.com/article122.

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Laurier Support and Resources for Sexual Violence Survivors

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The recent news coverage of incidents of sexual violence has been distressing to many, especially those who have experienced sexual violence themselves. Sexual violence is a pervasive, societal problem and a substantial problem at universities across Canada.

Laurier takes the needs of survivors of sexual violence extremely seriously and is committed to doing everything possible to support survivors, as outlined in the university’s Prevention of Sexual Violence Policy and Procedures. The university provides education and awareness initiatives that change attitudes and reduce the prevalence of gendered and sexual violence.

“Laurier is committed to fostering a culture of consent where gendered and sexual violence is unacceptable and is not tolerated in any form,” says Sarah Scanlon, manager of sexual violence response in Laurier’s Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management. “We are also focused on both building our collective bystander skills to recognize and intervene in gendered- violence when we witness it and supporting survivors with compassion and respect. People impacted by gender-based violence deserve safety, solidarity, and support.”

Laurier’s Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management is available to provide support to all members of the Laurier community who have been impacted by gendered or sexual violence, both on and off campus, including through:

  • Safety planning
  • Referrals to counselling and medical services
  • Trauma-informed care resources
  • Academic and campus accommodations
  • Helping survivors understand and navigate the on- and off-campus reporting and complaint options available
  • Helping to navigate systems and resources within the university and the broader community
  • Supporting communications between the survivor and the university
  • Providing advocacy within university systems and legal systems
  • Understanding limits to confidentiality

If you have been impacted by sexual violence, you are not alone and there are many resources available to you at Laurier and in the community. Every formal complaint received by the university is investigated. All sexual violence cases are confidential.

All services are available in person, over the phone or through email. Find out more on the Gendered and Sexual Violence Prevention and Support website or email svinfo@wlu.ca.

The Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management will be offering weekly drop-in support sessions for survivors of sexual violence; workshops focusing on healing from sexual trauma; and programming specifically for survivors from the LGBTQ2S+ and Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities. Visit the Education and Events page and follow Consent is Golden on social media for more information (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook).

Laurier regularly reviews and updates its Prevention of Sexual Violence Policy and Procedures and the programs and services it offers to prevent and address sexual violence on campus through the Gendered and Sexual Violence Task Force, launched in 2014. The task force includes action groups on gendered and sexual violence response and education and a student advisory committee.

RESOURCES AND SUPPORTS:

Laurier’s Gendered and Sexual Violence Prevention and Supports:

Crisis lines:

Sexual Assault Support and Crisis Lines:

  • Waterloo: 519.741.8633
  • Brantford: 519.751.3471

Here 24/7 crisis support and referrals:

Support Service for Male Survivors of Sexual Assault:

  • 1.888.887.0015

Trans Lifeline (staffed by transgender people for transgender people):

  • 1.877.330.6366

Counselling:

The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region:

  • 519.741.8633

In an emergency:

  • Call 911

Special Constable Services:

  • Waterloo: 519.885.3333 (external phones) or x3333 (on-campus phones)

Via wlu.ca.

Contact

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Phone: (519) 884-0710 x2952
Email: wlusaadmin@wlu.ca

Office hours:
Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


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