June 23, 2006 Highlights
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On this page:
- Funding Announced for School Libraries
- Learning to Age 18 Legislation goes to Committee
- Media Campaign against Domestic Violence Launched
- Legislature Commemorates National Aboriginal Day
June 22 was the final day of the Legislature’s spring session. MPPs return to their constituencies until the Legislature reconvenes on September 25, 2006. The summer will also be spent with all parties gearing up for the provincial election set for October 4, 2007. A number of MPPs will be devoting several days this summer to Committee hearings for five separate government bills.
1. Funding Announced for School Libraries
Education Minister Sandra Pupatello followed release of the grants to school boards with a series of issue-specific announcements to highlight key aspects of the funding for the next school year.
On June 16, the Minister issued a news release to draw attention to the additional funding for school libraries. The government is increasing funding for school libraries by $15 million. The additional funding will support the purchase of library books, computer software, and other resources for libraries in elementary and secondary school libraries.
The grants do not increase the number of teacher-librarians supporting elementary or secondary schools.
2. Learning to Age 18 Legislation goes to Committee
Bill 52, the legislation that proposes to raise the compulsory age for school attendance from 16 to 18 and to potentially withhold driver’s licences from individuals under the age of 18 who are not in compliance with the school attendance requirement, passed Second Reading on June 22.
The bill was referred to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly for hearings over the summer.
3. Media Campaign against Domestic Violence Launched
On June 22, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues, Sandra Pupatello, announced the government was launching a public education campaign on domestic violence.
The campaign will include two English and French public service ads as well as print materials and a website designated to the issue. Campaign products are being specifically developed by and for aboriginal peoples. A community kit is being developed so that organizations can use the materials in workshops and community meetings.
In speaking to the resource material, Minister Pupatello stressed that: “The information that’s available in all of the brochures, in all the material, is equally available and appropriate for gay and lesbian relationships. To access the resources, click on this website link: www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.on.ca
In responding to the announcement, PC MPP Laurie Scott (Haliburton-Victoria-Brock) reminded the Minister of the government commitment to provide $1 million to the transitional and housing support program starting in April 2006. She said she had yet to see the announcement for this commitment.
NDP MPP Andrea Horwath acknowledged the importance of public education on the issue of domestic violence, but echoed the call for funding for transitional housing and called for better enforcement of peace bonds and for action on a number of the recommendations that have flowed from inquests related to wife assault.
4. Legislature Commemorates National Aboriginal Day
On June 21, spokespersons from all three parties made statements in the Legislature to commemorate National Aboriginal Day. Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs Dave Ramsay stated that the day
“is a day for Ontarians to learn more about the rich culture and history of aboriginal peoples in Ontario. Aboriginal peoples have always been a diverse and vital presence in the culture and social fabric of our province. This important day provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge with gratitude the unique contributions of First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples to Ontario and to Canada.”
He pointed to the current situation in Caledonia as an example of longstanding issues for aboriginal peoples being left unresolved. He pointed to the progress being made at both the national and provincial levels with respect to efforts to close the socio-economic gap that exists between aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities. In this context, he mentioned the establishment of the Northern Table that is working, with active support of First Nations, to establish a viable economic base in Ontario’s far north.
In his remarks, NDP Leader Howard Hampton underlined that there is not always agreement on how best to further economic development in communities where there are significant First Nations communities. He pointed to the people from the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug community who had walked 2,000 kilometers to Queen’s Park to protest the mining exploration on their traditional lands.
For more information go to www.ontla.on.ca