Sept 16, 2013
Vancouver Sun – Jim Lee
Vancouver mayor and police chief say ‘alarming trend’ of violent attacks signals mental health crisis – B.C. not ready to create new institution for mentally ill
Both city officials are looking for a 300 bed secure facility on the grounds that the streets are experiencing new levels of violence. Health Minister Terry Lake says that they still need to do some basic street level work. http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Mental+health+problems+Vancouver+crisis+mayor+police+chief/8909307/story.html Related article: Globe and Mail – Andrea Woo Vancouver mental health crisis demands resources, Robertson says http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/vancouver-mental-health-crisis-demands-resources-robertson-says/article14311755/
Winnipeg Free Press – Mary Agnes Welch
Then and now — what’s changed in 25 years
The Aboriginal Justice Initiative is 25 years old and prompts the Free Press to ask what has changed. The commentary looks at poverty, education, unemployment, health, housing and incarceration then and now. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/then-and-now—-whats-changed-in-25-years-223729501.html Related article: Winnipeg Free Press – Mary Agnes Welch 25 years after the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry began, much of its promise has yet to be realized http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/slow-road-to-justice-223729431.html
Maytree Foundation – Ratna Omidvar
Train immigrants and build social capital
What refreshing advice for people awash in conflict over what religious symbols on public officials are OK and what are offensive! Ratna has three specific examples in this speech: bridging, paid internships and community agencies filling gaps. http://maytree.com/blog/2013/09/train-immigrants-and-build-social-capital/ Full text of Speech: http://maytree.com/speeches/connecting-immigrants-to-employment-canadian-ideas-at-work.html (downloadable in pdf)
Vancouver Sun – Stephen Hume
Does income inequality imperil the economy and society?
On a tour of BC, Reich draws comparison between the social upheaval of the Great Depression and the social strife found now in the growing income inequality. Professor of public policy at the University of California, Berkeley, a former secretary of labour with the Clinton administration, Reich says that though the depression ended in 2009, the impact has not ended nor will it. http://www.vancouversun.com/business/2035/Stephen+Hume+Does+income+inequality+imperil+economy+society/8909006/story.html#ixzz2f4K1CxV0 Related article: Democracy Now! Amy Goodman Inequality for All: Robert Reich Warns Record Income Gap Is Undermining Our Democracy http://www.democracynow.org/2013/9/13/inequality_for_all_robert_reich_warns (Link is a video interview with Reich and Democracy Now! Full transcript of the interview is also available.)
Kitchener-Waterloo – AUCUNS (Academic Council on the United Nations System October 17-19, 2013
Speakers include: 1997 Nobel Peace Laureate Jody Williams (International Campaign to Ban Landmines), James Orbinski (Global Health Governance), George Roter (Engineers Without Borders), Rhoda Howard-Hassmann (Canada Research Chair, International Human Rights), Sylvia McAdam (Idle No More), Deborah Ellis (author – Teachers Professional Development strand), and Howard Zehr (Eastern Mennonite University – Mediation/Restorative Justice pre-conference session. A student session will operate as well. http://acuns.org/peace-and-justice-studies-association-annual-conference/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=peace-and-justice-studies-association-annual-conference For registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OllZYJ846-c2Rbs1SteMb6vXTnHxs2HaZm34fpf9pZQ/viewform
WHSV Radio (Harrisonburg, VA) – Bob Corso
1on1: Restorative Justice with Howard Zehr
The grandfather of RJ has a five minute radio interview with Corso and offers a succinct explanation of RJ and how it works. Zehr is founder of the Eastern Mennonite University RJ department. http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/1on1-Restorative-Justice-with-Howard-Zehr-223660821.html
Boston University – School of Public Health – Michael Siegel
New Research Shows Link between Rates of Gun Ownership and Homicides
This latest studies directly challenges the NRA claim that more guns mean fewer homicides. The research shows that states with higher gun ownership rates, in fact, do have higher rates of homicide. The 30 year study in all 50 states found a “robust correlation.” http://www.bu.edu/news/2013/09/13/new-research-shows-link-between-rates-of-gun-ownership-and-homicides/
Washington Post – Jill Craig, Associated Press
Girl commits suicide after cyber-bullying
After a prolonged period of cyberbullying, 12 year old Rebecca Ann Sedwick wrote a note and jumped off an abandoned cement factory tower. 15 girls are under investigation for contributing to the cyberbullying. http://www.washingtonpost.com/posttv/national/girl-commits-suicide-after-cyber-bullying/2013/09/13/1964be13-6ea6-4ed1-a152-6c3ad8e26c96_video.html?tid=pm_national Related article: Columbus Dispatch – Tamara Lush Florida girl was bullied for months before suicide http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/national_world/2013/09/13/cyberbullying-probed-in-florida-girls-apparent-suicide.html
Sudbury Star (ON) – Editorial
Taser fundraising a worthwhile initiative to improve safety
The editorial reviews the use of force by the Sudbury police and suggests the community embrace a fund raising to purchase of 40 tasers for its 150 officers following the provincial permission (without funding) to equip front line officers. http://www.thesudburystar.com/2013/09/14/pov-taser-fundraising-a-worthwhile-initiative-to-improve-safety
Chronicle Herald – Frances Willick
Fairness Express driving to close income gap
The reports on income inequality have suggested that the impact is more severe in Atlantic Canada than elsewhere. The National Union of Public and General Employees have started an effort in Dartmouth with the theme “Only Fair is Fair. Income Inequality Isn’t!” The big green bus with the lettering will tour all of Atlantic Canada. http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1154202-fairness-express-driving-to-close-income-gap