Community News
A triumphant win against the WSIB’s practice of ending compensation to migrants
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
Migrant workers in Canada have faced various issues over the years, and these issues vary depending on the specific program, or sector in which they are employed. Migrant workers, particularly those in low-skilled or seasonal jobs, are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse by unscrupulous employers. These exploitations include wage theft, substandard working conditions, and violations of labor rights. They often face inadequate and substandard housing conditions provided by their employers, and this can include overcrowded housing, poor sanitation, and inadequate access to basic amenities.
Many migrant workers come to Canada through programs, which are designed to address labor shortages in certain industries. However, these programs often tie workers to specific employers, limiting their ability to switch jobs and making them more dependent on their employers. This leaves workers at risk of exploitation and abuse, and many migrant workers fear deportation if they report workplace violations or seek help from authorities. It is sad because it deters them from addressing their concerns or pursuing legal remedies.
The Canadian government has claimed to address some of these issues by implementing policy changes, increasing inspections of workplaces, and providing more protections for migrant workers. However, for some reason, even with the so-called government interventions, challenges persist, and advocacy groups and labor unions continue to push for further reforms to improve the rights and conditions of migrant workers in Canada.
In the latest fight for migrant farmworkers, advocacy groups have long called the WSIB’s practice of ending compensation to migrants outrageous, xenophobic, and deeply unjust. Last week, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal agreed.
“It’s been a long time coming and a rough road for us migrant workers when we pick up an injury and cannot come back or work and provide for our families. Justice served by the Tribunal can help other workers so that they don’t go through what we’ve been through. We’ve been treated very dishonestly by WSIB,” says Leroy Thomas, a migrant worker, who has bravely come forward about his experiences here in Canada.
As a participant on the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP), Leroy left his young family in Jamaica to work the fields in Ontario for up to eight months a year. In 2017, he suffered a permanent back injury that ended his 16-year career in Ontario.
The WSIB knew that Leroy could not come back to work in Ontario with his injury but cut his benefits as if he could. They told Thomas that, if he could still work in Ontario, he could restore his income with his disability by getting a job as a parking lot attendant. It ended his Loss of Earnings compensation shortly after his injury as if he was working that job.
The WSIB’s practice forced Leroy, and injured migrant workers like him, into poverty with no realistic way of restoring their income in Jamaica with their injuries. Leroy then started to organize with Justice for Migrant Workers and Injured Workers Action for Justice to press the WSIB for changes. He also appealed his case with three other injured migrant workers.
IAVGO Community Legal Clinic have come forward to represent Leroy Thomas and other workers in the appeal. IAVGO is a legal clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario and fights for the rights of injured workers, including migrant and precarious workers.
This work was done with the support of Justice for Migrant Workers (J4MW) and Injured Workers Action for Justice (IWA4J). J4MW is a volunteer-based, grassroots organization based in Ontario and BC that promotes the rights of migrant workers both locally and transnationally. IWA4J is a group of injured workers and their supporters fighting for respect and fairness from the WSIB.
“The WSIB’s failure to apply the law to migrant workers is rooted in the xenophobic and a racist belief that injured migrant workers are disposable and their injuries are not worthy of compensation. This ruling unequivocally tells WSIB that they are wrong,” says Chris Ramsaroop, from Justice for Migrant Workers.
The Tribunal ruled that WSIB has been illegally reducing compensation of racialized injured migrant workers for decades. The victory is part of a long struggle by farmworkers and their advocates for justice for migrant workers injured in Ontario’s workplaces.
In an extensive ruling that took official notice of the institutional racism that migrant farm workers face, the Tribunal determined that the WSIB’s practice of ending compensation to migrant farm workers was illegal, and reinstated Loss of Earnings compensation to a group of four permanently injured migrant workers from Jamaica.
The ruling stems from a WSIB practice that reduces partially injured migrant workers’ Loss of Earnings benefits after 12 weeks by pretending they can earn income from suitable work in Ontario even though such work is not available to injured migrants.
In their landmark decision, the Tribunal said that WSIB must provide meaningful retraining and/or compensation based on the individual circumstances and labour market realities that migrant workers face in their home countries. In doing so, it determined that migrant workers are entitled to the same interpretation of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act as other Ontario workers.
Community News
Reports have been coming out that there were five major missteps by the Harris Campaign
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
It was interesting to see how involved the world became with the American elections, one that was fraught with: controversy, propaganda, and indeed, the aftermath of the 2024 election almost looked like it was from a bygone era. This is the first presidential election in at least a decade when pretty much everyone on the losing side has reached the fifth stage of grief: acceptance. What makes what’s happening this year so interesting isn’t just the comparison to 2020 – it’s also the comparison to 2016, when a different Democrat lost, and there were mass protests in the streets.
This year, it seems that men had more to say about their reasons for voting the way they voted. Men have long been a decisive force in presidential contests, and exit polls from the last election showed: race, ethnicity, and marital status were particularly important factors:
- Race: 60% of White males voted for Trump, compared to only 37% supporting Harris.
- Ethnicity: Hispanic men favored Trump over Harris, by a 55% to 43% margin.
- Marital Status: Among married men, 60% supported Trump and 38% favored Harris.
Reports have been coming out that contributing to these numbers were five major missteps by the Harris campaign:
Absurd parodies: In early October, a group of Kamala supporters released its “Man Enough” video that was widely ridiculed for being the: “Mount Everest of Unintentional Comedy,” “The Most Self-Sabotaging Political Ad Ever,” and an “Attempt to gain votes by insulting the people it’s courting.”
Failure to Address Male Concerns: Men are concerned about disparities in the areas of men’s health, shared parenting, domestic violence, false allegations, and fatherhood, but Kamala Harris did not address any of these. In October, Harris did propose an “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men,” but her pitch was seen as a last-gasp effort to shore up a faltering campaign.
Misogyny: Democratic operatives have a habit of accusing men of “misogyny,” but the Pew Research Center reported that sexism actually was working in favour of Kamala Harris. Among registered voters, 40% said Harris’ gender would help her in the November election, while only 30% believed Harris’s sex would hurt her chances. The remaining 30% said sex would not make much difference.
Manosphere: The “manosphere” is another area of alarm for Democrats. On October 30th, 2024, National Public Radio did a broadcast that began, “The manosphere is a sprawling online ecosystem aimed at disgruntled men.” The show provided a series of unverifiable examples of the dreaded “manosphere,” expressing horror that it is becoming harder to shame men into conformity with the feminist narrative.
Propaganda: Two weeks before the election, former first lady Michelle Obama issued this over-the-top warning to men: “To anyone out there thinking about sitting out this election or voting for Donald Trump, or a third-party candidate, because you’re fed up, let me warn you. Your rage does not exist in a vacuum. If we don’t get this election right, your wife, your daughter, your mother, we as women will become collateral damage for your rage.”
It appears that men did not feel that they had their voices heard in this election, especially by Kamala Harris. Reportedly, despite Kamala Harris’ claims about seeking to connect with the male electorate, her campaign became a risible case study in how to alienate a critical segment of the American population.
Readers, what do you think of these claims? Are they out of pocket?
REFERENCES:
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/obama-harris-outreach-black-men-rcna175297
https://fiamengofile.substack.com/p/the-man-enough-ad-actually-men-have
Beyond the Campaign Rhetoric: ICMB Urges Candidates to Address Five Issues Facing Men
Community News
Brampton On Stage presents Kirk Diamond featuring Ammoye: A night of enchantment and empowerment
BY PAUL JUNOR
It was an evening filled with energy, joy, and empowerment at the Rose Theatre on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, as the legendary Kirk Diamond and the dynamic Ammoye took the stage for an unforgettable night of music and celebration. The crowd was swept away by the infectious rhythms, dazzling performances, and heartfelt messages of love, unity, and self-expression.
The evening kicked off with a powerful performance from Ammoye, an artist hailed as a beacon of empowerment and a self-declared social rebel. Known for uniting voices in a musical journey of justice, unity, and love, Ammoye’s performance was an electrifying start to the night. The audience was immediately drawn in by her commanding stage presence and energetic blend of genres, which showcased her versatility as both a singer and dancer.
Ammoye’s set was a celebration of her musical talent and her commitment to spreading positive, empowering messages. Her performance of “Shooting (Stop the War),” a song she regularly performs at festivals across Canada, resonated deeply with the audience. Additionally, she shared a song from her album written during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a deeply personal reflection on her spiritual journey. Having just returned from a spiritual retreat, Ammoye shared her renewed sense of energy and purpose with the crowd, encouraging everyone to never let anyone stifle their gifts. “Do not ignore the power of your soul,” she urged, reminding the audience of the importance of self-expression, especially for Black women.
Throughout her performance, Ammoye also shared personal anecdotes from her musical journey, reflecting on how far she’s come and how dreams can become reality. “I didn’t know my dreams would come true,” she said, encouraging the audience to hold on to their own aspirations. “If you have a dream in your heart, it can come through.”
After Ammoye’s high-energy and uplifting performance, the audience eagerly awaited the arrival of the night’s headliner: Kirk Diamond, the three-time Juno Award-winning reggae artist. As Kirk prepared for his set, the night took an unexpected and heartwarming turn. MPP Charmaine Williams, the Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity for the Province of Ontario, made a surprise appearance to present Kirk with a certificate recognizing the official renaming of Shields Park to Kirk Diamond Park—a fitting tribute to the Brampton-based artist’s contributions to his community and the world of music.
Kirk’s performance was a masterclass in musical authenticity and emotion. Known for his deep and reflective lyrics, Kirk performed “Deh Yah,” a song that explores the challenges of staying true to oneself in unfamiliar or uncomfortable spaces. The audience was moved by his heartfelt delivery and powerful storytelling.
A native of Spanish Town, Jamaica, Kirk Diamond has been delighting audiences since 2010. With three Juno Awards and six nominations under his belt, his music continues to inspire and motivate listeners across the globe. Kirk’s commitment to using music as a platform for empowerment was evident throughout his performance. “When I do music, I do it from the heart,” he said, and it was clear that his passion and authenticity were felt by everyone in the room. “Music is the only thing that unites 100% of people—it’s not religion, it’s not politics,” he added, emphasizing the power of music to transcend boundaries.
The night concluded with a special moment when a choir from Balmoral Middle School in Brampton joined Kirk on stage for a collaborative performance. The connection between the artist and the local community was palpable, and the audience was moved by the display of unity and talent. As the show wrapped up, Kirk invited the principal of Cheyne Middle School to the stage, acknowledging the special connection he has with the school, where his daughter attends.
From start to finish, the night was a celebration of music, community, and empowerment, leaving the audience with a sense of inspiration and unity. Kirk Diamond and Ammoye’s performances were not just entertainment; they were a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity, self-expression, and the transformative power of music.
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
You, yes you, are amongst a montage of people who interact with various public services. It is the parent enrolling their child in school, a senior citizen receiving a pension check, a small business owner consulting with a government advisor.
In the heart of our communities, a powerful force works tirelessly, ensuring the smooth functioning of our society. These are the public servants, the dedicated individuals who form the backbone of Canada. From the classrooms where young minds are nurtured to the hospitals that heal the sick, public servants are the lifeblood of our communities. They provide essential services that enrich our lives and strengthen the fabric of our society.
Recent reports suggest that many public service roles are at risk of becoming obsolete. This trend, if left unchecked, could have devastating consequences for our communities.
I received an email from the Public Service Alliance of Canada, one of Canada’s largest unions, that represents nearly 230,000 workers in every province and territory in Canada, including more than 180,000 federal public service workers. The email was to raise serious concerns about the federal government’s plans to reduce government spending by cutting public service jobs delivering critical services to regular people.
It was reported that without prior consultation, the government unilaterally announced their plans to cut costs across the federal public service during a briefing with unions on the Refocusing Government Spending Initiative on November 7th, 2024.
“We’ve seen this horror movie before –– and it always ends badly for families across the country,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President. “Make no mistake ––– everyday people always pay the price when public services are cut.”
The 2023 budget outlined $15 billion in cuts to programs and services over the next four years, with another $3 billion in spending reductions announced in last year’s Fall Economic Statement.
“The last time we saw blanket public service cuts under the Harper government, there were grave impacts to the services Canada depends on – from food inspection to border security and employment insurance,” said President DeSousa. “With so many families struggling today, this is not the time to claw back critical programs and cut jobs.”
President DeSousa does have a valid point; as technology advances and societal needs evolve, the role of public servants is more critical than ever. They are the ones who bridge the digital divide, ensuring that everyone has access to essential services. They are the ones who protect our vulnerable populations and advocate for social justice.
When the cuts were first announced in 2022, Mona Fortier, Treasury Board President at the time, said the government would find six billion in savings by increasing remote work and selling off real estate.
Last year, Treasury Board President Anita Anand promised workers wouldn’t be asked to do more with less and that there would be no job losses. Then we heard that 5,000 jobs would be reduced through natural attrition.
Now, there is a very different story. Reportedly, the government is now widening the net, looking to cut term and casual employees, and opening the door for departments to slash permanent employees through Workforce Adjustment.
Federal departments have been assigned specific budget reduction targets in salary line items. PSAC is insisting that unions must be consulted while these targets are reviewed. These targets, protected under Cabinet privilege, will remain confidential until they are made public in June 2025.
“Workers and families are waiting in limbo. People who benefit from critical programs won’t know if the services they depend on will be cut.” said President DeSousa. “Public service workers won’t know if they’ll have jobs by next summer – if they can renew their mortgage, start a family, or pay their student loans.”
“You can’t have it both ways. You can’t find billions in cuts without slashing the important services people depend on. PSAC will be fighting back against these public service cuts and protecting workers caught in the crossfire.”
Support Public Service. Support Our Communities. Our hope stands in the community. Utilize this knowledge to start advocating for yourselves, for your families, for your home.
REFERENCES:
Reports have been coming out that there were five major missteps by the Harris Campaign
Brampton On Stage presents Kirk Diamond featuring Ammoye: A night of enchantment and empowerment
Canadian Public Service Workers won’t know if they’ll have jobs by next summer
At face value, eliminating taxes on goods is a positive thing for most people; Is it though?
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