Public consultation for a new employment action plan for persons with disabilities

FREDERICTON (CNB) – The public is invited to dialogue sessions to provide input into the development of a new employment action plan for persons with disabilities.
Grand Falls-Drummond-Saint-André MLA Danny Soucy and employer representative Jonathan Davenport, of UPS Canada, are co-chairing the steering committee for the action plan. The objective is to have it ready by April.

The aim of the plan is to encourage more persons with disabilities to take advantage of post-secondary education opportunities and to participate in the labour force.

Public dialogue sessions will be held in several locations at the same time on both Jan. 11 and Jan. 18.  Written submissions will also be accepted until Jan. 20.

Following are the dates and places of the public dialogue sessions:

Jan. 11:

Bilingual sessions – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Jan. 24 if cancelled)
Simultaneous translation provided.

●    School District 5, 21 King St., Campbellton.

French-only sessions – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Jan. 24 if cancelled)

●    School District 1, 425 Champlain St., Dieppe.

●    School District 3, 298 Martin St., Edmundston.

●    School District 9, 3376 Principale St., Tracadie-Sheila.

●    School District 11, 10 Commerciale St. (Unit 2), Richibucto.

Jan. 18:

Bilingual sessions – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Jan. 25 if cancelled)
Simultaneous translation provided.

●    School District 8, Donaldson Room, 490 Woodward Ave., Saint John.

English-only sessions – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Jan. 25 if is cancelled)

●    School District 2, first floor, 1077 St. George Blvd., Moncton.

●    School District 16, first floor conference room, 78 Henderson St., Miramichi.

●    School District 18, Conference Room A, 1135 Prospect St., Fredericton. Use School District 18 entrance.

LINK:

●    Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons: www.gnb.ca/council

Society Act discussion paper invites feedback

VICTORIA – A new discussion paper on the Society Act invites discussion on the governance of B.C. societies and possible directions for reform.

The Province launched a review of the Society Act in 2009 to identify legislative obstacles that may be preventing societies from operating most effectively and to ensure continued protection of the public interest.

The first round of consultations invited stakeholder comments and received submissions from more than 200 individuals and organizations. The discussion paper puts forward a number of proposals based on the feedback received.

The proposals recognize the unique nature of societies and aim to balance societies’ need for flexibility with broader concerns of accountability and integrity. The discussion paper does not represent government policy, but is intended to encourage discussion and provide interested parties with the opportunity to comment on possible directions for reform to the Society Act.

The Society Act outlines the rules that govern B.C.’s more than 26,000 societies. Societies are non-profit corporations organized primarily for social purposes. They make valuable contributions to B.C.’s families and communities, ranging from small community-based organizations to large charitable foundations.

Legislation is targeted for 2013 at the earliest.

The official deadline for submissions is April 30, 2012.

To view the discussion paper or make a submission, visit http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/cep/fcsp/society_act_discussion.htm

Review of Youth Criminal Justice Act to be undertaken

FREDERICTON (CNB) – The provincial government has been notified by the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate that it will carry out a systemic review of services to young persons in New Brunswick in relation to the application of the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act. Christian Whalen, acting child and youth advocate, advised his intention to carry out this review in a letter to Attorney-General Marie-Claude Blais. “New Brunswick has much higher youth incarceration and charge rates than most other provinces in Canada,” said Whalen. “Other jurisdictions have seen youth incarceration rates decline since the inception of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, but New Brunswick has seen little progress.” In his letter to Blais, Whalen raised concerns that the provincial government, law enforcement, and the judiciary have yet to adopt many practices under the act that are intended to divert youth with complex needs from the criminal justice system. Concerns raised by Whalen include: ●    the lack of designated hospital facilities for mental-health assessments; ●    the lack of progress on the development of community youth justice committees; ●    underuse of family case conferences; ●    the absence of detailed guidelines for pre-charge screenings; and ●    the absence of a specialized youth criminal justice defence bar within the province. The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate has notified the following departments of the review and has asked them to provide relevant documents: ●    Social Development; ●    Education and Early Childhood Development; ●    Health; and ●    Public Safety. The RCMP, municipal police forces and the New Brunswick Legal Aid Commission will also be asked to aid in conducting the review. The review follows the Whalen’s recent submission to the House of Commons committee on justice and human rights that called on Parliament to suspend further consideration of the proposed amendments to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, contained in Bill C-10. That 10-page submission raised concerns about what the proposed changes could mean for youth in New Brunswick, and it highlighted six proposed amendments in the bill that appear to detract from the purpose of the act. “We all have an onus to ensure that young people engaged in youth criminal justice processes receive the best services and equal protection and benefit of the law,” said Whalen. “We also need to do a better job of using the act to find solutions at the family and community level that will keep our young people of the criminal justice system and away from a life of crime. That is how we will truly keep communities safe. “Putting families at the centre of the solution whenever we deal with youth with high-end needs is the most effective way of intervening. That is why we want to hear from New Brunswick youth with an experience with the Youth Criminal Justice Act and their families as this review unfolds.” Comments and questions about the Youth Criminal Justice Act may be submitted by e-mail to advocate-défenseur@gnb.ca. Whalen’s submission to the House of Commons standing committee on justice and human rights is online. LINK: ●    Office of the Child and Youth Advocate: www.gnb.ca/cyanb

Government Launches Review of the Registered Disability Savings Plan

The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today announced the launch of the Government of Canada’s review of the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).

Minister Flaherty made the announcement this morning at the Association pour l’intégration sociale d’Ottawa.

The Government is inviting stakeholders to comment on RDSPs to ensure that the plans are meeting the needs of Canadians with severe disabilities and their families. “It is important for those who benefit from these plans to give their input, so that RDSPs continue to accurately reflect and address their true needs,” said Minister Flaherty.

The RDSP is widely regarded as a major policy innovation and positive development in helping to ensure the long-term financial security of children with severe disabilities. The RDSP was introduced in Budget 2007 and became available in 2008. Budget 2008 announced that the program would be reviewed three years after plans became operational.

The review will seek input on a number of important topics that are crucial to the success of the RDSP. These include issues related to establishing plans, accessing plan savings, plan termination, and the administration of the RDSP program.

Individuals, families, groups representing Canadians with disabilities, financial institutions and experts in the field are encouraged to share their views on these and other relevant issues.

Comments can be sent to the Department of Finance at RDSP-REEI@fin.gc.ca or to the address below. The closing date for comments is December 16, 2011.

RDSP Review
Tax Policy Branch
Department of Finance
L’Esplanade Laurier
16th Floor, East Tower
140 O’Connor Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0G5
Facsimile: 613-943-5597

PRINCE ALBERT– Accessible dental health care for children will be delivered by an NDP government, announced Leader Dwain Lingenfelter today in Prince Albert.

Lingenfelter was joined by local candidates in unveiling the prevention-focused plan, which would cover all children aged five to 12.

“Childhood dental care is critical in promoting later overall health,” said Lingenfelter.  “Without access to a consistent dental care program, our children are at risk of tooth decay and more serious health problems.  Early years are critical years in dental and all health care.”

The program will cover basic preventive dental health care including check-ups, fluorides, sealants and basic fillings.  By working in partnership with the school system, the service will be efficient and accessible to all.

Lingenfelter said an NDP government will also work with private dentists to negotiate a fee-for-service arrangement for children who require larger fillings or more complex preventative treatments such as orthodontics.

“We need a healthier Saskatchewan.  Preventative children’s dental care is a foundation to a healthier future, and it’s the right thing to do,” said Lingenfelter.

Education and early childhood development is a government priority. In the interest of transparency, we want to ensure our stakeholders, parents and the general public have an opportunity to review the information and consider potential improvements to our education system.” – Jody Carr, Minister (see message)

Consultation: Education and Early Childhood Development

Members of the public are invited to read the Discussion Paper and submit ideas, comments and suggestions on ways the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development can manage departmental and school administration spending, including how best to re-allocate funding to support student achievement.

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Jody Carr recently attended sessions with anglophone and francophone stakeholders. When combined with the public consultation, the ideas and insights received will assist the department in developing its proposal for the 2011-2012 provincial budget.

The consultation is part of a government-wide renewal exercise designed to ensure the long-term affordability and sustainability of programs and services.

Deadline: October 31, 2011

The Department of Justice is working to improve and update the province’s family laws. The Department would like your feedback on proposed changes affecting the Maintenance and Custody Act and the Reciprocal Enforcement of Custody Orders Act. Discussion papers on both legislative proposals are provided below, along with other supporting information.

The Maintenance and Custody Act governs custody, access and maintenance where families are experiencing separation (where divorce proceedings have not been commenced or are not relevant). The Department is proposing to:

1. add factors for the court to consider when assessing the best interests of a child in custody and access matters, including whether there has been any family violence;
2. add factors for the court to consider when assessing the impact of family violence;
3. add the principle that a child should have as much contact with each parent as is consistent with the child’s best interests, subject to the court’s assessment of any family violence; and
4. clarify that grandparents are able to seek custody or access of a grandchild under this Act with the permission of the court.

The Reciprocal Enforcement of Custody Orders Act governs the recognition and enforcement of out-of-province custody and access orders and is an outdated statute. The Department is planning to repeal the Reciprocal Enforcement of Custody Orders Act and replace it with more modern legislation that will bring the province into line with other Canadian provinces and territories. The Department intends to replace it with the uniform Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, which is a uniform statute developed by the Uniform Law Conference of Canada and recommended for adoption by all provinces and territories in Canada.

We invite you to review the documents provided below and send us your feedback, electronically or in writing, by October 24, 2011.

Questions and feedback may be sent to:

Email: familylawfeedback@gov.ns.ca
Phone: 424-6094
Mail: Family Law Reform Project, Nova Scotia Department of Justice, 5151 Terminal Rd., P.O. Box 7, Halifax, B3J 2L6

Supporting Documents

• Current Maintenance and Custody Act
• Discussion Paper: “Updating our custody and access laws: proposed amendments to the Maintenance and Custody Act” (PDF)

• Current Reciprocal Enforcement of Custody Orders Act
• Discussion Paper: “Updating the law on out-of-province custody and access orders” (PDF)
• Reference: Uniform Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, Uniform Law Conference of Canada

To receive hard copies of any of the above materials, please call 424-6094 or send your request by email to familylawfeedback@gov.ns.ca

Province seeks feedback on poverty reduction discussion paper

Islanders are being asked to help shape a strategy to prevent and reduce poverty in Prince Edward Island, says Community Services, Seniors and Labour Minister Janice Sherry.

The provincial government released a detailed paper today with information on trends, impacts and programs, as well as questions for the public to consider when providing input on how to reduce poverty in Prince Edward Island.

“Together with the community, we have taken many measures to make life better for low-income Islanders,” said Minister Sherry. “Efforts that are making a difference across Prince Edward Island include enhanced child protection services and family violence prevention, minimum wage increases, social assistance increases, new housing units for seniors and persons living with disabilities, public transit, the George Coles Bursary and social assistance increases. This discussion paper will guide us as we continue our collective efforts to help Islanders in need.”

The discussion paper on a poverty reduction strategy contains sections on:

• Measures and definitions of poverty

• Poverty reduction strategies in Atlantic Canada and work to date in Prince Edward Island

• Patterns and trends in poverty in Prince Edward Island

• Profiles of high risk groups

• Impacts of poverty and a rationale for taking action

• Descriptions of the various programs and services that could form part of the strategy

• Consultation process and questions for public consideration

In response to major social and economic changes, and the resulting pressures placed on Canadians, a number of provinces have recently developed poverty reduction strategies. The Government of Prince Edward Island also sees the need for such a strategy, and committed in the November 2010 Speech from the Throne to “release a Poverty Reduction discussion paper that will begin the process, in consultation with Islanders, of examining further options to improve the well-being of Islanders who are vulnerable or in need.”

“The discussion paper will assist Government in working with Islanders, community organizations, and employers on how to prevent and reduce poverty across Prince Edward Island,” said Minister Sherry. “Throughout the summer and fall, we are seeking feedback from the public, concerned groups, and especially from Islanders who are living in poverty. After more public input, I expect government to release its Social Action Plan to reduce poverty in early 2012.”

To access the full-length and summary versions of Preventing and Reducing Poverty in Prince Edward Island: A Strategy for Engagement, visit www.peipovertystrategy.ca, e-mail peipovertystrategy@gov.pe.ca or phone 1-866-594-3777. Copies of the discussion paper are also available at Access PEI centres across the province and through many community organizations. Feedback can be provided online, or delivered in person or by mail to: Second Floor Jones Building, 11 Kent St. PO Box 2000, Charlottetown.

(TORONTO) – In response to the growing rate of overweight and obese children in Canada, Canada’s Ministers of Health today launched Our Health Our Future: A National Dialogue on Healthy Weights — a key step in identifying actions to curb childhood obesity and to promote healthy weights.

Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq (left) and
Nova Scotia Minister of Health and Wellness
Maureen MacDonald view a demonstration of the
online engagement site Our Health Our Future:
A National Dialogue on Healthy Weights

“Unhealthy weight is a significant public health concern that requires attention from many sectors of society,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health. “The Harper Government is helping to kick-start this national dialogue to help identify ways we can work together to promote and maintain healthy weights for children and youth. Everyone has a role to play in helping children and youth live a healthy life.”

“Complex and multiple factors contribute to childhood obesity,” said the Honourable Maureen MacDonald, Minister of Health and Wellness, Nova Scotia, and this year’s co-chair of the federal, provincial and territorial Health Ministers meeting. “Hearing from Canadians from different sectors of society will help us address the issues more effectively and build solutions together. Each voice, positive example and commitment can lead to healthier lifestyles.”

Through this initiative, governments across Canada are engaging Canada’s youth, parents and caregivers, and multiple sectors of society in a national conversation. Our Health Our Future includes a website, opportunities for online and in-person dialogue, and a national summit. The outcomes will contribute to a report and recommendations on collective actions for healthy weights for the meeting of federal, provincial and territorial Health Ministers in November 2011. As the first national dialogue of its kind, a broad and diverse group will come together to take collective action on this important health issue.

Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq engages
with children at the Metro Central YMCA,
Monday, March 7, 2011, in Toronto

Our Health Our Future will encourage discussions to address the factors that lead to obesity, and aim to identify solutions to this issue. Areas of discussion will include making our social and physical environments more supportive of physical activity and healthy eating, identifying and addressing obesity risks in children early, increasing access to nutritious foods and decreasing the marketing of foods and beverages high in fat, sugar and/or sodium to children.

The initiative also encourages individuals and organizations to commit to taking their own action to promote healthy weights. All Canadians, and especially youth, are encouraged to visit www.ourhealthourfuture.gc.ca to share their ideas on how we can work together to make the changes that will support healthy weights.

Our Health Our Future: A National Dialogue on Healthy Weights is a key step in implementing Curbing Childhood Obesity: A Federal, Provincial and Territorial Framework for Action on Healthy Weights, which was adopted by Ministers of Health and/or Health Promotion/Healthy Living in September 2010 and endorsed by Ministers responsible for Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation in February 2011. Through the Framework, Ministers agreed to make childhood obesity a collective priority, to champion this issue, and to coordinate joint and/or complementary actions within many areas of Canadian society to help create the conditions for healthy weights so that children have the healthiest possible start in life. The Framework is the first action resulting from the Declaration on Prevention and Promotion, also endorsed by Ministers, which recognizes that promoting health and preventing chronic disease, disability and injury is a shared responsibility and helps all Canadians live longer, healthier lives.