‘It’s been quite a year and we’re celebrating with a session topic on a really HOT question that is on everyone’s mind. “Are You Outliving . . . → Read More: CARP Toronto Birthday Bash, May 17]]> The CARP TO2 Chapter (downtown Toronto) will celebrate its first anniversary at the
YMCA, 20 Grosvenor St. (Yonge and Wellesley), from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on Thu., May 17.

‘It’s been quite a year and we’re celebrating with a session topic on a really HOT question that is on everyone’s mind. “Are You Outliving Your Money?” We have “celebrity stars” joining us to give you helpful hints on how to live a “champagne lifestyle on a beer budget.”

‘Judy Steed and Ellen Roseman, both respected senior columnists with the Toronto Star, will be part of a panel on different aspects of living economically. Judy will talk about a passion of hers: a centralized housing registry so that a shared housing option is available for those of us who don’t have a lot of money or don’t want to live alone.  And Ellen will provide tips about getting discounts, couponing, and using student supervised discounted services for dental, hair, chiropractic, podiatry, and generally getting the biggest bang for your buck!

‘Caroline Dafoe, the founder and CEO of EpochHR and more, will talk about continuing to work well into retirement and the different kinds of jobs open to those who need to work to supplement their income. Whether it’s full-time or part-time, from your own home or going into an office, she will talk about filling in for maternity leaves, vacation leaves, disability leaves, and contract work opportunities.

‘PLUS, there will be a small trade show, food, door-prizes, and giveaways. Don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to come and meet other Toronto Chapter members and your Board!

‘We hope to see you at the Party! RSVP Sarah Beldick (416) 975-9168.  For more information contactus@carpto2.ca’

Recommended by OWN member Mary Hynes.

Join other international activists, scholars, community workers, NGO representatives, lawyers, and educators in learning about the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against . . . → Read More: One-Week Women’s Human Rights Education Institute, May 28 – June 1]]> Are you a women’s human rights defender? Do you want to increase your understanding of women’s human rights, and use the UN system to support your activism? 

Join other international activists, scholars, community workers, NGO representatives, lawyers, and educators in learning about the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) at the “CEDAW for Change” One-Week Women’s Human Rights Education Institute this May 28 – June 1, 2012, in Toronto, Canada.



The CEDAW for Change one-week institute is designed to cultivate a better understanding of the principles of non discrimination and equality as enshrined in CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women) and each State’s obligation to respect, protect and fulfill women’s human rights. Participants will be helped to frame whatever issues they are working on within a human rights framework from a gender perspective.
 
This session stresses the multiplicity of forms of discrimination women from diverse situations experience. During the week we will learn through activities focused around identity and interconnectedness, the complex nature of discrimination, the impact of culture and religion on women’s rights, and activism against discrimination. We will examine case studies that have come before the CEDAW committee and will explore ways in which CEDAW can be used to support local and national level activism through the submission of Shadow Reports by NGOs and through the CEDAW Optional Protocol.

  

We are happy to announce that the 2012 CEDAW for Change Institute will include ASL Interpretation. 
If you require ASL, please let us know when you apply. 

For full information and the online application form, see our website at: www.learnwhr.org. Tuition fee: $800 CAD ($500 student/unwaged).

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin launched a new systemic investigation on March 20 – into how the province monitors drivers with uncontrolled hypoglycemia.

The case of a driver who was in diabetic shock when he caused a crash that killed three people in Hamilton in 2009 raises . . . → Read More: Drivers with diabetes]]> OWN Chair Mary Hynes passes on this announcement:

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin launched a new systemic investigation on March 20 – into how the province monitors drivers with uncontrolled hypoglycemia.

The case of a driver who was in diabetic shock when he caused a crash that killed three people in Hamilton in 2009 raises serious questions about the Ministry of Transportation’s process of obtaining information about drivers with uncontrolled hypoglycemia and taking action when warranted, Mr. Marin said.  Family members of the accident victims brought the case forward to the Ombudsman.

There are approximately 1 million people with diabetes in Ontario.  According to some studies, up to 25% of those being treated with insulin could potentially experience hypoglycemic unawareness – the inability to recognize the warning signs of low blood sugar and potential impairment.

“Although most drivers who have diabetes are perfectly safe, the condition of uncontrolled hypoglycemia was deemed serious enough that Ontario and other provinces made it a reportable condition,” Mr. Marin said.  “But if that requirement doesn’t result in appropriate action by the Ministry, it is meaningless.  Our investigation will determine whether processes in place are adequate to protect public safety.”

Read the full press release here.

The Ombudsman asks anyone who has had experience with the issue contact his office at 1-800-263-1830 or via www.ombudsman.on.ca. The investigation is being conducted by the Special Ombudsman Response Team and is expected to take about six months.

Please join For Our Grandchildren to hear experts discuss the impending effects of climate change and to talk about how our actions can make a difference.

The first part of the event will be a Climate Change Forum, featuring expert speakers:

• The Honourable Glen Murray, . . . → Read More: “Sleepwalking to Catastrophe,” Sun., May 6]]>

Please join For Our Grandchildren to hear experts discuss the impending effects of climate change and to talk about how our actions can make a difference.

The first part of the event will be a Climate Change Forum, featuring expert speakers:

• The Honourable Glen Murray, Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities
• Alanna Mitchell, author of “Sea Sick”
• Stephen Scharper, Professor, Department of the Environment, University of Toronto
• Glenn McGillivray, Managing Director, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction

The second part will be a Community Town Hall Meeting, featuring a discussion of concrete actions that we can take as individuals and groups.  Participants who attend will network with each other, discuss the issues and develop a plan for action.

Sunday, May 6, 2012, 
2-5 pm (doors open at 1:30 pm)

Cameron Hall, Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
, 1585 Yonge Street (TTC:  St. Clair Station)

Space is limited, register now to reserve your spot. Recommended by OWN member Mary Hynes.

Entertaining, Informative, Inspiring . . . . . . → Read More: Back to the Future – Monday, May 14, Toronto City Hall]]> The Alliance of Seniors and the Older Canadians Network announces
their 19th Annual Free Public Forum Extravaganza:
Back to the Future – Real Alternatives to the New Austerity
Mon., May 14, 2012, 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Toronto City Hall, Council Chamber, 100 Queen Street West

Entertaining, Informative, Inspiring . . .  
Students / mature children & grandchildren are welcome — their welfare and standard of living are at stake, too !

Update, April 26: Details are now available — click here.