Roundtable underway…

     Feb 27, 2015

 Ottawa Citizen – Mark Kennedy
Roundtable on violence against aboriginal women begins with plea from families 

The Roundtable on murdered and missing Aboriginal women begins this morning in Ottawa.  The meeting had its origins in a previous meeting of provincial premiers and the article outlines the attendees and the agenda, including the expected participation of Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Kellie Leitch, Minster for the Status of Women.   http://ottawacitizen.com/news/politics/violence-against-indigenous-women-whats-expected-at-fridays-meeting   Related article: Toronto Star – Carol Goar   Small victory for aboriginal women    http://www.thestar.com/opinion/columnists/2015/02/26/small-victory-for-aboriginal-women-goar.html  Related article: Globe and Mail – Gloria Galloway and Katheryn Blaze Carlson   Tories suggest missing aboriginal women related to domestic violence http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tories-suggest-missing-aboriginal-women-related-to-domestic-violence/article23222654/   Related article: Globe and Mail – Gloria Galloway and Katheryn Blaze Carlson   Aboriginal women express frustration with Ottawa for focus on domestic violence   http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/aboriginal-women-express-frustration-with-ottawa-for-focus-on-domestic-violence/article23225615/    Related article:  Globe and Mail – Editorial (Feb. 27, 2015)  Not enough data, not enough answers, on missing indigenous women    http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/editorials/not-enough-data-not-enough-answers-on-missing-indigenous-women/article23220510/?from=23222654

 CBC News – Louise Elliott
Bill C-51 defies key rulings on security certificates, lawyers say – Anti-terrorism bill muddies waters on disclosure rules for non-citizens

No full disclosure when CSIS argues inadmissibility on a security certificate, only what CSIS feels is germane to the certificate.  Immigration lawyer Lorne Waldman who has gotten rulings from the SCC on what must be revealed thinks that C-51 is in violation of those same rulings.  Says Waldman:  “It (C-51) will significantly alter the balance and the fairness of the procedure, a balance the Supreme Court has been very careful to craft.”  http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/bill-c-51-defies-key-rulings-on-security-certificates-lawyers-say-1.2973772   Related article:  CBC News – Laura Payton   Anti-terrorism bill C-51 ‘dangerous’ legislation, 100 academics say – Conservatives proposed bill under fire for giving sweeping powers, no enhanced oversight    http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/anti-terrorism-bill-c-51-dangerous-legislation-100-academics-say-1.2975233    Related article: Toronto Star – Alex Boutilier   Tories use majority to limit study of terror bill to eight days   http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/02/26/tories-use-majority-to-limit-study-of-terror-bill-to-eight-days.html    Related article:  Blue Line News Week:  Anti-terror act risks creating ‘grey area’ with RCMP    http://blueline.ca/uploads/issue/pdf/571/BLNW_2015-02-27.pdf

 Toronto Star – Sara Mojtehedzadeh
Toronto now Canada’s inequality capital, United Way study shows 

Toronto, according to the latest United Way report, is leading the country in the growth rate around income disparity – widening at double the national rate.  The study says that “income inequality in Toronto ballooned by 31 per cent between 1980 and 2005, the most drastic increase of any major Canadian city. On average, the gap across the country grew by 14 per cent… Drawing on a growing body of research on income disparity, the report warns Toronto’s growing divide could dampen social mobility, weaken community bonds and undermine economic stability.”    http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/02/27/toronto-now-canadas-inequality-capital-united-way-study-shows.html

 Tampa Bay Times (FL) – John Romano
Smarter, not tougher, drug sentences 

Romano bemoans the failure to come to wisdom from three years ago when the Florida governor failed to act on a proposal to release non-violent drug offenders who had served half their sentence and completed a drug program.  “Yet, three years later, Florida is still one of the worst places in America to get arrested for drug possession because you’ll stay in jail longer with less opportunity for rehab… It’s time for lawmakers to revisit the idea of being smarter rather tougher.”   http://www.tampabay.com/news/perspective/romano-smarter-not-tougher-drug-sentences/2219314

 Digital Journal – Tim Sandle
Mental readiness strategies revealed for Canadian police  

Police across the country are recognizing the special impact of first responders and the mental health issues that police officers being with them to the job.  Police from across Canada gathered this week in Mississauga to examine best practices and strategies to implement good psychological health among the members.  Leaders called for “all police services across Canada to ensure that a clear and coherent mental wellness strategy is in place…”   http://www.digitaljournal.com/life/health/canadian-conference-on-mental-readiness-advises-police-officers/article/426517#ixzz3SyZVvowW   Related article:  CHCH TV News –  Discussing mental health for Police and first responders   http://www.chch.com/discussing-mental-health-police-first-responders/