Latest news with #JamieWest
CTV News
02-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Rallies held in Northern Ont. opposing Bill 5
Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual Protests were held at Queen's Park and accross northern Ontario on Monday opposing Bill 5. In Sudbury, dozens attended a rally outside MPP Jamie West's office, organized by Citizens' Climate Lobby Greater Sudbury in conjunction with Coalition for a Liveable Sudbury. Sud - Bill 5 - Rally Dozens attended a rally outside MPP Jamie West's office in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on June 2, 2025, to voice their opposition to Bill 5. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News Northern Ontario) 'This bill is allegedly supposed to protect us, but it is going to override many protections that people have fought hard over the years to have legislated to make sure that development occurs in a way that is good for the planet and good for the people,' said Cathy Orlando, national director of Citizens' Climate Lobby. Signs were placed outside West's office, followed by speeches. West was unable to attend the demonstration, but his staff circulated a petition opposing Bill 5 for attendees to sign. The bill, meant to speed up mining projects, has drawn criticism from Indigenous groups and environmental advocates. 'We experienced this years ago with our forestry, they had the SSL licensing, and to me, it's the same concept where the government wants to take our land as priorities for their goals without consulting the people that need to be consulted,' said Vivian Naponse from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation. 'We've done a lot of consultation, documents with various levels of government and it seems to go unheard. So, it's sad that we have to do these protests to make our voices heard.' Sud - Bill 5 - Rally Dozens attended a rally outside MPP Jamie West's office in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on June 2, 2025, to voice their opposition to Bill 5. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News Northern Ontario) Health advocates also concerned Health-care professionals were also in attendance. Dr. Elaine Blacklock, a pediatrician who has lived in northern Ontario since 2002, said she has concerns about the bill from a health-care perspective. 'If we go backwards in terms of air pollution and other kinds of pollution, if we do more damage – even more damage to our biodiversity – that's going to be really bad for human health going forward,' she said. 'Canada still isn't meeting the World Health Organization's targets for air pollution levels. If we start saying that our provincial government can just push a button and suddenly all of those environmental regulations that have helped to improve our air quality don't mean anything anymore in whatever region they choose, then we're going to go backwards.' Dr. Richard Denton, a family physician and former mayor of Kirkland Lake, said he believes mining can be done in an environmentally friendly way, pointing to advancements in technology. 'Bill 5 is going to make it more difficult to look after the health of my patients in terms of affecting the Endangered Species Act. It's going against that. It is not helping Indigenous people,' he said. 'As a former mayor of Kirkland Lake, I'm all in favour of mining. Companies like Epiroc, etc., are now bringing in electric coal mining. I think that government can regulate mines to be much more environmentally sustainable.' Ontario Minister of Economic Development responds In an interview Friday, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli said he supports Bill 5. 'Bill 5 is all about making development happen quicker in Ontario,' he said. 'We're in an economic war with the United States. We have something they need – minerals. But it takes 15 years right now to open a mine. It shouldn't take more than two. And so that's our goal.' Fedeli said if the bill is passed, there will be consultations with Indigenous groups. 'All of the Indigenous rights are protected. The duty to consult has never been altered,' he said. 'It is what we intend to do. We've just put in the budget a $3-billion First Nation fund so they can be part of the growth, part of – they can have ownership in the projects that we're going ahead with.' A rally was also held outside Fedeli's office on Monday.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
OFL Commemorates First Official Injured Workers' Day and Demands Recognition Be Met with Justice
TORONTO, June 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- One year after celebrating the successful second reading of the Injured Workers' Day Bill, the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) proudly stands today with injured workers, community groups, allies, ONDP Leader Marit Stiles, and ONDP MPP and Shadow Minister for Labour, Mining, and Energy, Jamie West to mark the first officially recognized Injured Workers' Day in Ontario. 'For over four decades, injured workers have fought to be seen, heard, and protected,' said Laura Walton, OFL President. 'Today, we can proudly say their fight is recognized in law, but the work to fix a broken workers' compensation system is far from done.' In Toronto, injured workers and allies gathered at Queen's Park for a rally featuring speeches from injured workers, MPP Jamie West, and supporters. Rallies also took place in London, Oshawa, Peterborough, Thunder Bay, and Windsor, led by the Ontario Network of Injured Workers' Groups (ONIWG). Jamie West added the collective effort behind the legislation: 'Whenever I'm congratulated for passing 'my bill,' I remind people this is really 'our bill'. I tabled Bill 118: Injured Workers Day Act, but it wouldn't have existed without the injured worker groups who made it clear that June 1 had never been officially recognized by the province.' In April 2024, the OFL partnered with ONIWG and launched the Injured Workers' Bill of Rights, outlining a bold, worker-driven platform for justice. Today, the OFL's Injured Workers Committee continues to push for those urgent and unmet demands which include, full and fair compensation, an end to deeming, equitable healthcare access, and strong protections for migrant and precarious workers. David Newberry from Injured Workers Community Legal Clinic added, 'This year's official proclamation of 'Injured Workers' Day' by the legislature is very exciting and deeply meaningful, but it needs to be followed up with meaningful action that makes a material difference in the lives of the workers who lost their health at work and are struggling in poverty and pain.' The OFL and its allies will continue the fight to transform Ontario's workers' compensation system, because recognition alone is not justice. No worker should be punished or neglected for being injured at work. Media Contact:Jenny SellathuraiDirector of Communications, Ontario Federation of Labourjsellathurai@ | 416-894-3456 cj/COPE343Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
OFL: Ontario Workers Call on Ford Government to Pass Heat Protection Legislation as Summer Approaches
TORONTO, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Ontario braces for another summer of extreme heat, workers and labour leaders are calling on the Ford government to take immediate action to protect workers from the deadly impacts of heat stress in the workplace. On Thursday, May 29, the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), alongside Ontario NDP MPP Peter Tabuns and frontline workers, will hold a press conference at Queen's Park to demand immediate implementation of the Heat Stress Act, a Private Members' Bill that would establish enforceable heat protection standards for workers across Ontario. The bill is co-sponsored by MPP Peter Tabuns (ONDP Critic for Climate Action), MPP Jamie West (ONDP Labour Critic), MPP Lise Vaugeois (ONDP Critic for WSIB and Injured Workers), and MPP Chandra Pasma (ONDP Education Critic). The OFL launched the Heat Is On campaign in May 2024 to highlight the growing dangers of extreme heat in Ontario workplaces. Despite mounting evidence and widespread support from Ontarians, the Ford government has failed to act. WHEN: Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. WHERE: Queen's Park – Media Studio111 Wellesley St W, Toronto, ON M7A 1A2 SPEAKERS: Laura Walton, President, Ontario Federation of Labour Peter Tabuns, Ontario NDP MPP, Official Opposition Critic for Climate Action Domenic Maugeri, Toronto Civic Employees Union, CUPE 416 Also attending the press conference will be MPPs Vaugeois and Pasma, underscoring strong support from the Ontario NDP Caucus. Media are strongly encouraged to attend. Interview opportunities will be available following the press conference. Media Contact: Jenny SellathuraiDirector of CommunicationsOntario Federation of Labourjsellathurai@ | 416-894-3456 cj/COPE343Sign in to access your portfolio
CBS News
15-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Ceiling collapse forces woman out of her West View apartment
A ceiling collapse has forced a renter out of her apartment in West View. According to the renter, Jamie West, property management told her it was a top priority to get this addressed. Weeks later, she just wants out of her lease. West moved into her West View apartment at the corner of Princeton and Center avenues on March 1. Then on April 20, she noticed her kitchen ceiling sagging. "We were afraid to budge it. It looked like it was gonna fall," West said. West took pictures and sent them to her property manager. She told West to reach out to the fire department. They found holes and cracks in the wood above the drop ceiling, according to West. "He goes, 'Ma'am, I urge you to pack a bag. We are deeming this unsafe to live here, and you need to go,'" West said. West started living with a friend not too far away, but she's afraid to go back. Her brother, who has disabilities, comes over to visit, and West is worried about what could happen. "I want him to be able to come over and enjoy the outside with me, to feel comfortable in my home," West said. According to West, her property management is not consistent with responses. The answer she is receiving is that they are looking for a contractor. Currently, her apartment's power is still out. "They keep saying the electric can go back on. But if that's the case, why can't it go back on?" West said about her situation. West just wants to move out and move on. She worries about the potential for mold, and some of the wood breaks off when she touches it. "I'll be out of your hair. You do what you've got to do, and I'll be on my way to finding a new place to live," she said. KDKA reached out to the number West provided for her property manager. According to county records, the building is owned by Hillvale Properties LLC.
CTV News
11-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
‘Grateful Grads' event in Sudbury provides free prom attire, photo ops
A look at Closet Share's graduation boutique setup at the nonprofit's warehouse on Mackenzie Street in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on May 10, 2025. Dozens of Grade 8 and Grade 12 students in Greater Sudbury left Closet Share's warehouse on Saturday beaming in free graduation attire, thanks to the nonprofit's first-ever Graduation Event. The occasion, designed to remove financial barriers for students, provided full outfits – from suits and dresses to shoes and accessories – all at no cost. Closet Share - Grad exterior The exterior of Closet Share decorated for its Graduation Event on May 10, 2025. (Dan Bertrand/CTV News Northern Ontario) Held at Closet Share's McKenzie Street location, the boutique-style event featured fitting rooms, on-site seamstresses for alterations, a corsage and boutonnière station, and a themed photo booth where graduates could snap 'I said Yes to the Dress/Suit' pictures. Cupcakes and refreshments added to the festive atmosphere. 'Graduation is a huge milestone, and every student deserves to look and feel amazing on their big day,' said Sudbury MPP Jamie West in a social media post ahead of the event. He praised the initiative for both supporting youth and diverting clothing from landfills. Sudbury MP Jamie West visiting Closet Share Sudbury MP Jamie West visiting Closet Share in April 2025. (Google Photos/Closet Share) A grassroots solution with big impact Founded in 2022 by Melissa Porter, Closet Share began as a small effort to help a family who lost their home in a fire. What started in Porter's garage has since grown into a thriving nonprofit, distributing over 10,000 clothing items to organizations and individuals in need. 'Just to see the joy on the man's face and how appreciated we were – that day was the day we launched Closet Share,' Porter said, speaking to CTV News at the event. 'It was just supposed to be a hobby, but it quickly grew into this amazing nonprofit.' Melissa Porter Closet Share's founder and CEO Melissa Porter speaks with CTV News during the organization's graduation event on May 10, 2025. (Dan Bertrand/CTV News Northern Ontario) Now operating from a dedicated warehouse, the organization has fulfilled 2,000 orders since January alone. Porter emphasized that their goal is to become a central hub for free and affordable clothing, partnering with local groups like the Sudbury Women's Centre, which contributed leftover prom attire to Saturday's event. Personal connections drive this mission For Porter, the graduation event held deep personal significance. During a speech at Queen's Park earlier this week, West shared her story: 'I was once in the system and didn't have the opportunity to graduate,' Porter had told him. 'Providing students with a dignified, joyful, and stress-free graduation experience means everything to me.' Jamie West - Queens Park - May 7, 2025 Jamie West speaking about Closet Share and their graduation event at Queen's Park in Toronto, Ont., on May 7, 2025. (Jamie West/Facebook) That sentiment resonated with volunteers like Amanda Goudreau, who is actually the non-profit's volunteer coordinator. She joined the organization six months ago while struggling with depression. 'I decided to do something and try to help my community,' Goudreau said. 'The most rewarding parts are helping people who are in need – whether it's after a fire, a flood, or just needing clothes. I've also met amazing volunteers from all over the world here.' Amanda Goudreau Closet Share's volunteer coordinator Amanda Goudreau speaks with CTV News during the organization's graduation event on May 10, 2025. (Dan Bertrand/CTV News Northern Ontario) Community leaders applaud initiative Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre called the event a 'fantastic' community effort. Paul Lefebvre - closet share Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre poses with Closet Share founder and CEO Melissa Porter at the nonprofit organization's first annual graduation event on May 10, 2025. (Dan Bertrand/CTV News Northern Ontario) 'Melissa and the team at Closet Share are hosting a graduation party today … they have a huge selection of free graduation clothes available for Grade 8 and 12 students. What an excellent community initiative,' he said. Closet Share - Grad Poster Closet Share Graduation Event poster. (Supplied/Closet Share) Closet Share's model also addresses environmental concerns by recycling and repurposing textiles that might otherwise end up in landfills. Porter noted that even worn-out donations are recycled, and the organization relies on second-hand washing machines – a constant need due to heavy use. What's next for Closet Share? With Saturday's success, Porter said the boutique setup will remain available for students who missed the event, and another grad session may be planned soon. Closet Share boutique A look at the photoboth setup at Closet Share as part of it boutique for its Graduation Event on May 10, 2025. (Dan Bertrand/CTV News Northern Ontario) The organization hopes to continue adding to its network of community partners to expand its reach. Porter said they are hoping to work with the community in order to have industrial washing machines on site to speed up preparing new inventory for their website and shop. Many helped already Volunteers will share final numbers on how many students were outfitted with CTV News over the coming weeks. Closet Share Grad Event - Clothes Some of the prom attire being given away to Grade 8 and Grade 12 students by Closet Share in Greater Sudbury, Ont. (Dan Bertrand/CTV News Northern Ontario) For now, the focus remains on celebrating Sudbury's graduates – one free outfit at a time. 'We're here to celebrate their success,' Goudreau said. 'And to make sure everyone has the chance to shine.'
