Earlier this month the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) released the report Under Suspicion: Research and Consultation Report on Racial Profiling in Ontario. It is chockful of personal examples of how racial profiling tears at the soul of those profiled, reinforces the sense of otherness that many who are racialized experience, and undermines the social cohesion we so desperately need if this Canadian political project of diversity and inclusion is to be a success.
Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Service successfully concluded Dixonlicious 2017 onMarch 29. Now in its third year, the culinary event features top local restaurants, chefs and caterers. The event raises funds for Dixon Hall’s food programs which provide the city’s most vulnerable populations with healthy meals, including Meals on Wheels, Homeless Shelters, Out of the Cold, Children + Youth March Break and Summer Camps.
OCASI is proud to report that over the next few weeks, Debbie Douglas - Executive Director will be recognized by different groups, for her work in championing equity for diverse communities.
OCASI recommended mandatory data collection, including for the health sector, in its comments on Bill 114 – An Act to provide for anti-racism measures. The legislation is to embed the Ontario Anti-Racism Directorate in law, creating a framework for continued work to promote equity for racialized groups across the province.
The OCASI Professional Development Conference is Back! This year's conference takes place on October 11th- 12th 2017 at the Westin Prince Hotel and will be open to frontline workers, coordinators and managers in the Immigrant and Refugee Serving Sector. Stay tuned for more details - Felicia Christmas, Conference Coordinator.
Economic Security of Women
OCASI together with Colour of Poverty – Colour of Change recommends mandatory provincial employment equity, and permanent resident status for all migrant workers. The recommendations were made in the joint brief to the Standing Committee on Status of Women, for its study on the economic security of women in Canada.
The Immigrant Insight Scholars (IIS) initiative launched by Access Alliance is a paid and mentored fellowship program for internationally educated researchers/analysts (e.g., epidemiologists, qualitative researchers, statisticians, evaluation experts) to utilize and strengthen their skills, and develop the local experience, track record, and professional network needed to transition to a successful career as a researchers/analyst in Canada.
Under suspicion: Research and consultation report on racial profiling in Ontario, a new Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) report on racial profiling was released earlier in May. It calls for the collection of race-based and other data to better understand racial disparities in areas such as policing. The OHRC is committing to various actions to address and prevent racial profiling.
Take action today to shape the outcome of the Changing Workplaces Review. Discussions are reportedly underway at the Ontario cabinet to decide how far to take the package of reforms spearheaded by Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn. The campaign asks you to take $15 minutes now to call, email (or even visit) your MPP. (To find your MPP,click here.)
Thought leaders from across Canada gathered on May 10 for a roundtable discussion on reconciliation within a Canadian multicultural context. Moderated by Candy Palmater, thought leaders also discussed the findings of the National Narrative on Reconciliation Survey Report.
Youth Employment Services (YES) has produced a package of resources and tools for Employment Specialists to better serve youth with mental health issues. Topics include basic mental health, how to best adapt employment service practices to fit the needs of youth living with mental illness, and how to prepare youth living with mental health issues for new employment.
With half its population born outside of Canada, Toronto is probably the world's most diverse city. The World in Ten Blocks is a documentary film and interactive web experience that explores the diversity of Toronto’s Bloorcourt neighbourhood through the stories of its immigrant small business owners. Their stories reveal both the challenges and rewards of immigration and entrepreneurship.
