The last month has been extremely busy for our council. The election has generated a tremendous amount of interest in the community. The council has been an active participant in the rebirth of the Kingston Action Network. (K.A.N.) We also participated in the Kingston Area Health Coalition, which produced an effective visual using 271 pillowcases to demonstrate the hospital bed loss in our community. The pillowcases were showcased at the OCHU demonstration at KGH, the Health Care all-candidates meeting at St. Lawrence College and finally at the demonstration at the Harris campaign stop at Mino's Village in Kingston.
We assisted the K.A.N. with the Hotel Dieu Hospital food blitz for the Partner's in Mission Foodbank. K.A.N. also canvassed the north side of Kingston to stress the importance of voting against the Harris Tories. The council has been fortunate to have Natalie Mehra our community liaison, organize these successful events.
On May 31st Peter Boyle, Natalie Mehra, Ruth Warner and Debbie Wells went on a road trip with a "Message in a Bottle" street theatre presentation at Tory candidates campaign offices in Kingston, Belleville, Oshawa, and at Queen's Park. The media gave excellent coverage as the issue of mandatory drug testing for social service recipients was highlighted. Natalie, Ruth and Debbie explained how the Tories are violating the Human Rights of 700,000 Ontarians and again our thanks go to each of them.
Our council hosted a well-attended all-candidates meeting at the Steelworkers Hall. Gavin Anderson did a great job of moderating, starting on time and ending on time. He kept the candidates focused and entertained the most questions of all the debates during the election campaign. We say thanks for a job well done.
The results of the election are truly disappointing from my perspective. The struggle for social justice will continue as we brace for another hailstorm of attacks against worker's rights, those living in poverty and youth. The Harris government will certainly continue to reward the wealthiest of this province at the expense of the most vulnerable. Ontario in my view has clearly become a mean spirited place in which to live.
Our workfare appeal went to the Adjudicator on June 2nd and we are hopeful of a positive reply. Again Natalie deserves our thanks for articulating a very sound argument against the municipality of the City of Kingston.
Betty Burkitt continues to contact area locals updating our community directory on a continuing basis. We will hopefully reap the rewards of her efforts in the fall. The council was successful in securing a summer student. Laura Van Alphen will be our special project coordinator, working with the Labour Day committee to create the best Labour Day of the century. Please join me in welcoming Laura to tonight's meeting. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help out please let us know during tonight's meeting.
Labours' Voice in the Community taped two more shows today. The first show featured Bill Murnighan from the research department of the CAW. Bill was the person who put together the KDLC labour history exhibit which toured the local high schools in Kingston. The second show featured Natalie Mehra who informed the program about the current events from the Kingston Action Network and other social issues affecting the Kingston area.
As the council does not meet again until September, please have a well-deserved, safe and enjoyable summer. When we reconvene in the Fall I am certain there will be no shortage of issues for the council to engage.
As always,
In solidarity,
Charlie Stock
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