How to Build Rights-Respecting Democracies After the Dictator Falls

by Human Rights Watch, Feb. 1, 2013:

LONDON – The euphoria of the Arab Spring has given way to the sobering challenge of creating rights-respecting democracies, Human Rights Watch said today in issuing its World Report 2013. The willingness of new governments to respect rights will determine whether those uprisings give birth to genuine democracy or simply spawn authoritarianism in new forms.

In the 665-page report, its 23rd annual review of human rights practices around the globe, Human Rights Watch summarizes major issues in more than 90 countries.

by Sierra Club Canada | Feb 1, 2013:

The follow statement originated from the January 31, 2013 meeting of the Board of Directors of Sierra Club Canada:

“Sierra Club Canada is an independent body that sets its own priorities and policies.

Sierra Club Canada recognizes that the climate is rapidly approaching a tipping point that demands immediate and significant action if we are to avoid a global catastrophe.

by Canadian Institute of Health Information, Jan. 31, 2013:

Once hospitalized for a heart attack, Aboriginal peoples in Canada are likely to have similar health outcomes as others in this country, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). Even so, getting such care continues to be a challenge.

by The Chiefs of Ontario, Jan. 31, 2013

TORONTO - Yesterday the Ontario Superior Court published a decision which made clear the federal government`s obligation to turn over its archival records on Indian Residential Schools to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada.

“The First Nations in Ontario welcome this decision and expect the federal government to provide all documents necessary to assist the TRC to complete its mandate,“ stated Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy.

A Canadian Association of Social Work Education (CASWE) and Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) joint statement supporting the aspirations of Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island and their aspirations, currently being articulated by #IdleNoMore.

by CASWE  and CASW, Jan. 31, 2013:

As social work educators and practitioners the members of the Canadian Association of Social Work Education (CASWE) and Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) applaud the endeavours of the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island, as exemplified in the Idle No More Movement, to bring attention to recent legislative changes contained in Bill C45.

by Obert Madondo | The Canadian Progressive, Feb. 1, 2013:

WHO?

My picks for The Ugly Canadian(s) today are these three male, middle-aged, white, anti-women’s rights Harper Conservative MPs: Maurice Vellacott (Saskatoon-Wanuskwein); Wladyslaw Lizon (Mississauga East-Cooksville); and Leon Benoit (Vegreville-Wainwright).

by UNICEF Canada | Jan 16, 2013:

TORONTO – UNICEF is urging Canadians to support its emergency appeal for Syrian children as extreme weather conditions including heavy rain, snow and freezing temperatures has greatly worsened the situation for millions of Syrian children and their families.

“The region has recorded the coldest temperatures in ten years putting more than 2 million displaced or refugee children at severe risk,” says UNICEF Canada President and CEO David Morley. “We are urging Canadians to once again show their generosity and support our work reaching these families who have already lost so much and are now struggling to survive a frigid winter.”

by Algonquin Nation Secretariat And Programs and Services

Ottawa, Jan. 22, 2013 – The Algonquin communities of Timiskaming, Wolf Lake, and Eagle Village today announce their assertion of Aboriginal rights and title to their traditional territories. The purpose of the announcement is to put other governments on notice, and to establish a firm basis for an effective consultation and accommodation process regarding developments that impact on their rights.

By Canadian Union of Public Employees  (CUPE) | Jan. 30, 2013:

Tension and merger pains tied to amalgamating two area child welfare agencies will intensify next week unless labour turmoil is avoided this weekend, warn front line workers at Family and Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville in Ontario.

Determined to strengthen programs while servicing a geographic area the size of Prince Edward Island, residential counsellors and child protection and administrative workers at the agency, are using the levers available to them in new contract talks to maintain a safe and healthy workplace. Keeping caseloads manageable to ensure adequate time to effectively protect children and youth from neglect and abuse is a priority.

More than 200 community living workers in the Kootenays and Salmon Arm to go on strike starting on Thursday, January 31. 

by CUPE British Columbia | Jan. 30, 2013:

VANCOUVER, B.C. - Community Living workers who support people with developmental disabilities at agencies in Trail, Castlegar, Creston, and Salmon Arm will be on strike on Thursday, January 31. Workers in Cranbrook will take strike action on Friday, February 1.