This page will keep you up to date on what's going on with Ontario ACORN.
Fix Employement Insurance (EI)!
ACORN and Good Jobs Coalition Work to Protect Laid of Workers
Employment Insurance is a key piece of Canada's social safety net, and an important economic stabilizer. In past
recessions it has prevented deeper, longer recession and reduced the shock of job losses on working families and their
communities.
As this economic downturn continues, we have an EI system that is weaker than in previous recessions. Only 42% of
unemployed workers receive EI at any given time – Because fewer workers qualify and benefit weeks are reduced.
Now is the time to expand EI to protect workers, their families and vulnerable communities.
ACORN, along with the Good Jobs Coalition is calling on the Federal Government to introduce the following emergency measures:
1. 360 hours to qualify for EI benefits in all regions of Canada
2. Increase benefit duration to at least 50 weeks in all regions, and
Provide an additional year of “Special Extension” benefits if national unemployment exceeds 6.5% - paid from
federal general revenues.
Extend EI Part 1 benefits while a worker is in approved training.
3. Increase benefits to at least 60% of normal earnings, using workers’ 12 best weeks, and raise the
maximum. Suspend the allocation of severance pay. Eliminate the 2 week waiting period.
A LETTER ON BEHALF OF GARY CUTHBERT FROM ACORN HEAD OFFICE IN TORONTO ONTARIO
Budget for Housing: Build our Economy
Action Alert: Support Affordable Housing in the Budget and Stimulus Package
The Federal Government is announcing a budget and stimulus package on January 27th.
The time to act is now.
ACORN is calling for the budget / stimulus package to include $1.8 Billion for two housing initiatives. First, a national
affordable housing strategy to build new affordable housing, and secondly a national fund to provide resources to Provinces
and Municipalities to repair their existing social housing stock (as called for in the CCPA AFB, 2009).
This will accomplish three key goals: Creating new living wage jobs to stimulate the economy, improving the quality
of the existing social housing infrastructure and building much needed new affordable housing.
Currently, as many
as 1.5 million Canadians are experiencing core housing need, meaning that they are under-housed or face an unsustainable financial
burden to maintain their current housing situation (CMHC).
Ottawa ACORN Member at the Day of Action for a National Housing Strategy
Mold & Fungus Remediation Molds, mildews, and fungus can quickly reek havoc amoung moist areas of your home. We are trained
in effectively removing mold, mildew, and fungus by first finding the problem source, then quarentining the area to sanitize
it, and properly dispose of it. Mold should be treated with extra caution and by professionals due to its health risks. Handle
biohazard and toxic materials Clean and dispose of waste Repair and dry moisture problems Eliminate health risk Call Water
Restoration if you have: Concerned you might have a mold problem Mold/Mildew/Fungus Remediation Explained Molds are members
of the fungi family, and molds are the cause of most organic indoor air hazards. When used to describe stains and odors in
buildings, mildew is another word for mold. How can I tell if I have a mold problem? While all buildings contain some molds,
certain buildings are at risk for or probably contaminated with dangerous or dangerously high levels of mold spores. Unfortunately,
available mold test kits are unreliable, but there are mold-warning signs. Buildings with high humidity levels, damp basements,
large numbers of houseplants, damaged gutters that tend to back up or damaged shingles, are at greater risk for mold contamination.
More urgent indicators are leaks and leak stains, brown, yellow, black, or greenish-black stains, rotting wood, dusty air,
a musty odor, an odor of mildew, flaking wallpaper, peeling baseboard tape, and bulging or warped walls and ceilings. What
are the health risks? Trying to wish away those suspicious stains on the wall or the musty odor wafting from the ventilation
system could endanger your health and the health of everyone who enters your building. Indoor mold contamination is unhealthy
regardless of the type of mold involved, and even relatively harmless species of mold can aggravate allergies and respiratory
problems, so it is best to keep your building as free from all molds as possible. An odor of mildew means you are breathing
volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are toxins released by mold. Depending on the type of mold in your building and the
sensitivity of the people who enter your building, these VOCs can range from mostly harmless to lethal. Infants, children
and the elderly, asthma sufferers, and those with chronic health problems are most in danger from all molds and are more likely
to have sensitivities to the buildup of less harmful molds. What can I do to reduce mold contamination? Sometimes tossing
out moldy old pillows and sofa cushions, replacing suspicious-smelling carpets, and using bleach or white vinegar to clean
mold from garbage cans, appliances, and floors and tiles is all it takes to clear your air. Sometimes it takes biohazard suits,
special equipment, and a thorough understanding of building materials, molds, and effective, safe decontamination procedures.
How do I know I need a mold, mildew, and fungus remediation service? Contact a reputable and experienced mold, mildew, and
fungus remediation service if you have stained, warped, or bulging walls, blistering or peeling wallpaper, peeling baseboard
tape, leaks, or recent flooding. All of these indicate a high probability of potentially lethal molds growing inside your
walls, around pipes and ventilation ducts, and on rotting wood and drywall. Visible black mold is a well-known warning that
it"'"s time to call in professionals, since some black molds produce deadly toxins, and it is impossible to know which kind
of mold you are dealing with simply by looking Often mold causes health problems and building damage long before it becomes
visible to occupants. Some molds, including a small number of very dangerous molds, are odorless and difficult to spot due
to white or gray coloring. The first and only signs of contamination could be a sinus infection, asthma attacks, rashes, skin
or nail infections, eye irritation, fatigue, memory loss, or dizziness. If you or others in your building experience symptoms
that are unexplained or worsen in connection with your building, particularly symptoms such as irritability, confusion, and
memory loss, it is vital to contact professionals immediately. A handful of mold species can cause brain, lung, kidney, and
liver damage, cancer, infection, severe illness, and death. Signs of mold may indicate a problem lurking within your walls,
ceiling, or basement. Perhaps you have water leaking from the roof or a broken pipe, or steam condensing on a spore-friendly
surface. Mold damages buildings, and decontamination means the removal of the contaminated materials, so the longer you wait
the higher the cost of repairs. Rapid detection and response is good for your wallet and your health. So check the net or
your phonebook for mold mildew and fungus remediation service providers today.
UPDATE INFORMATION - 10/21/2008
Taking out pressboard windowsill and replacing Windowsill with painted plywood
still dose not rectify the health problem for occupant.
What is mold? Molds are forms of fungi found all year round both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors,
molds live in the soil, on plants, and on dead or decaying matter. Another common term for mold is mildew. Mold growth is
encouraged by warm and humid conditions, although it can grow during cold weather. There are thousands of species of mold
and they can be any color. Many times, mold can be detected by a musty odor. Most fungi, including molds, produce microscopic
cells called “spores” that spread easily through the air. Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths
(colonies) with the right conditions. All of us are exposed to fungal spores daily in the air we breathe.
How does mold get into a house or building? Most, if not all, of the mold found indoors comes from outdoor sources. It needs moisture
to grow and becomes a problem only where there is water damage, high humidity, or dampness. Common sources of indoor moisture
that cause mold problems include flooding, roof and plumbing leaks, damp basements or crawl spaces, or any moisture condensation
on cold surfaces. Bathroom showers and steam from cooking may also create problems if not well ventilated.
How can I prevent mold growth? Con-trolling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth.
Keeping susceptible areas in the home clean and dry is very important. Ventilate or use exhaust fans (vented to the outdoors)
to remove moisture where it accumulates, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. Clothes dryers should be
vented to the outside. Repair water leaks promptly, and either dry out and clean or replace water-damaged materials. Materials
that stay wet for more than 48 hours are likely to produce mold growth. Lowering humidity indoors helps prevent condensation
problems. To lower humidity during humid weather, use air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Proper exterior wall insulation
helps prevent condensation from forming inside during cold weather.
Can mold be toxic?Some molds produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. Airborne mycotoxins have not been
shown to cause health problems for occupants in residential or commercial buildings. The health effects of breathing mycotoxins
are not well understood and are currently under study. In rare cases, high or chronic airborne exposures, typically associated
with certain occupations like agricultural work, have been associated with illnesses. More is known about the health effects
of consuming moldy foods or feed containing mycotoxins than about the effects of breathing mycotoxins.
What is “black mold”?The news media often refer to “black mold” or “toxic black mold.”
It is usually associated with Stachybotrys chartarum, a type of greenish-black mold commonly associated with heavy water damage.
Not all molds that appear to be black are Stachybotrys. The known health effects from exposure to Stachybotrys are similar
to other common molds, but have been inconclusively associated with more severe health effects in some people.
Why are we concerned about mold? Small amounts of mold growth in workplaces or homes (such as mildew on a shower curtain)
are not a major concern. But no mold should be allowed to grow and multiply indoors. Large quantities of mold growth may cause
nuisance odors and health problems for some people. In addition, mold can damage building materials, finishes, and furnishings
and, in some cases, cause structural damage to wood.
How do molds affect people? Most people have no reaction when exposed to molds. Allergic reactions, similar to common
pollen or animal allergies, and irritation are the most common health effects for individuals sensitive to molds. Flu-like
symptoms and skin rash may occur. Molds may also aggravate asthma. In rare cases, fungal infections from building-associated
molds may occur in people with serious immune disease. Most symptoms are temporary and eliminated by correcting the mold problem.
Who is affected by exposure to mold?There is a wide variability in how people are affected by mold exposure. People who may
be affected more severely and quickly than others include:
Infants and children
Elderly people
Pregnant women
Individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies
and asthma
Persons with weakened immune systems (for example, chemotherapy
patients, organ or bone marrow transplant recipients, and people with HIV infections or autoimmune diseases)
Those with special health concerns should consult their doctor if they are concerned about
mold exposure. Symptoms that may seem to occur from mold exposure may be due to other causes, such as bacterial or viral infections
or other allergies.
What should I do if I see or smell mold in my home?The most important step is to identify and fix the moisture sources causing mold growth. For
small mold problems, use detergent and water to wash mold off hard surfaces, and dry completely. Replace moldy porous or absorbent
materials (such as ceiling tiles, wallboard, and carpeting). If you do not see mold growth but notice a musty odor, mold may
be growing behind water-damaged materials, such as walls, carpeting, or wallpaper. Persons cleaning mold should wear gloves,
eye protection, and a dust mask or respirator to protect against breathing airborne spores (an N95 dust mask or respirator
may be purchased in hardware stores). If you have health concerns, you should consult your doctor before doing any mold cleanup.
Should I test my home for mold?Probably not. Looking for evidence of water damage and visible mold growth should
be your first step. Testing for mold is expensive, and you should have a clear reason for doing so. In addition, there are
no standards for “acceptable” levels of mold in the indoor environment. When testing is done, it is usually to
compare the levels and types of mold spores found inside the home with those found outdoors. If you know you have a mold problem,
it is more important to spend time and resources getting rid of the mold and solving the moisture problem causing the moldy
conditions.
Who do I call to deal with extensive mold growth in a building?A professional experienced in mold evaluation and remediation, such as an industrial
hygienist, may need to be hired to address extensive mold growth in a building. It is important to correct large mold problems
as soon as possible by first fixing the source of the moisture problem and removing contaminated materials, then cleaning
the surfaces, and finally drying the area completely. If you use outside contractors or professionals, make sure they have
experience cleaning up mold. Check their references, and have them follow the recommendations and guidelines given in the
information resources at the end of this brochure.
Have you got loan sharks?
Tuesday Jan. 29th is Ontario's Provincial Day of Action to Regulate Payday Lending. Here are some ways you
can help win progressive legislation and support this great campaign;
What will it take for residents of Durham region to wake up to what is actually happening in our communities and why are there
are some residents in Pickering so oblivious to reality at hand what does it take for them to understand it is right in their
face.
ACORN celebrates another victory in fight to raise standards for tenants
Oct 30th 2007, Toronto ACORN hosted the ‘Nightmare on Bleecker Street’ rally highlighting the infestations
rampant in St. Jamestown.
“Under our lease agreements and the law, the landlords are to provide and maintain the rented premises fit for habitation.
Fit for habitation does not include cockroaches or any infestations. It is up to our landlords to be responsible and
rid our apartments of these infestations.” Eddie Lantz, leading member of St. Jamestown ACORN.
ACORN members won a commitment from Toronto Community Housing Corporation to develop a comprehensive plan for exterminations
in every TCHC building in St. Jamestown.
This highlights the ongoing need to bring a comprehensive system of landlord licensing to Toronto for both private and
public buildings.
Can we count on you to help win landlord licensing for the tenants of Toronto by taking action below or making
a financial contribution to support the campaign?
Vancouver - October 14, 2004: We’ve been working hard since getting ACORN Canada off the ground
in the summer and we’re looking forward to a very public official launch in the coming weeks with our first actions
and campaigns.
Our Toronto office is up and running with a group of organizers out every day in Toronto’s low and moderate-income
communities. Our Toronto members and their neighbours are concerned about a wide range of issues that seem only to have grown
more and more challenging over the last several years: racism, youth employment, education, affordable housing and predatory
lending are a few key priorities for our members. Our Toronto organizing staff is doing lots of listening to local leaders
and will soon be moving forward with our inaugural actions.
In Vancouver, we’ve just started hiring organizers and it will be a couple of months before they hit
the streets at the end of their training in the arts and sciences of life as ACORN organizers. With provincial and municipal
elections on the horizon in British Columbia, we’re looking forward to hitting the doors and hearing what Vancouver
and Lower Mainland citizens are most concerned about. With our unique approach to community organizing, we know that we will
be able to make an important contribution on a wide range of social and economic justice issues in the months and years to
come.
At the national level, we’ve been busy meeting with other organizations – looking for common ground
and sending the message that we’re keen to work with our friends and allies in the labour movement and in other progressive
organizations across the country. We’ve been very pleased at the reception from other organizations who have told us
that ACORN Canada’s entry onto stage is both welcome and long overdue.
The first major national issue that we’re working on is payday lending. When this business is unregulated,
as it is both in Ontario and in British Columbia, it’s probably more accurate to call it by its old fashioned name:
loan sharking.
Canada’s Criminal Code has very clear language about interest rates, stating that it is illegal to charge
annual interest over 60%. With that line in the sand, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the entire
industry is illegal as interest rates range from 350% to 900% depending on the company and the nature of your loan.
We’ve been meeting with governments across the country on this issue in an effort to rein in the abuses
of the payday lenders. Without tipping our hand, it’s safe to assume that we’ll have a lot more to say soon on
this unethical business and how to make sure that small loans are available to Canadians without crippling, illegal interest
rates
