Dear Reader, I have not disappeared, though I am transforming. Long-time followers of my blog may know that this space has undergone several metamorphosizes over its lifetime. One of my earliest and most popular posts heralds back from 2009, The Invisible Backpack of Able-Bodied Privilege Checklist. It too has revised and changed over time, as … Continue reading The Story of Where I’ve Been
My Speech at the 2019 Toronto Women’s March
I’d like to start off with thanks. Thanks to the organizers for keeping this movement growing and strong, thanks to my fellow speakers, it’s an honour to be up here with you, and thanks to all of you (indicating audience) for being here today. I’ve only got so much time, so I just want to … Continue reading My Speech at the 2019 Toronto Women’s March
I’m a Front-line Social Worker, and I Do Not Support Ford’s Cuts
A response to "Ontario Welfare Reforms Welcome News". Dear Editor, I’m writing in response to the editorial posted on July 31, 2018 with regard to Ontario’s recent “welfare reforms”. As a front-line social worker, a former recipient of the Ontario Disability Support Program, and a current City Council candidate for Etobicoke-Lakeshore, I thought I might … Continue reading I’m a Front-line Social Worker, and I Do Not Support Ford’s Cuts
Together we can Stop Ford’s attack on Democracy
Hello, my name is Melissa Graham, I’m a candidate in Toronto municipal election this year, in Ward 6 Etobicoke-Lakeshore. The following statement is not just to address the amazing people following and supporting my campaign, but to my friends and family across Ontario. The Big Smoke is in trouble Ontario, and we need your support. … Continue reading Together we can Stop Ford’s attack on Democracy
The 8th Annual Toronto Disability Pride March
Save the Date: Saturday, September 22, 2018 Starting at Queens Park (111 Wellesley Street West) and marching to the School of Disability Studies at Ryerson (99 Gerrard Street East) from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Why we’re Marching: To bring recognition of the struggles and value of people with disabilities as we fight against ableism, sanism and other … Continue reading The 8th Annual Toronto Disability Pride March
What Just Happened Ontario?
My partner has been warning me about this for weeks, but I couldn’t let it in. Knowing people were angry, and believing they’d make this choice were very different things in my mind. I voted early and left for Newfoundland to visit family. The difference between a wealthy province like Ontario, and a province that’s … Continue reading What Just Happened Ontario?
Recognize the Right to Housing in Law
Canadians have been urging their governments to recognize housing as a human right for over a decade. Last year, the federal government introduced Canada’s National Housing Strategy and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that “housing rights are human rights”. Now public consultations on the National Housing Strategy’s human rights-based approach to housing are underway until June 2018. The Government of Canada wants to hear what you have to say about the key elements of a human rights-based approach to housing, the proposed approach to new legislation, and new concepts to be explored.
We believe that the federal government MUST recognize that housing is a human right in law. Canada signed international agreements that must be upheld. We need clear remedies to hold our government accountable to their promise. Without recognition of the right to housing in law, a human-rights based approach to housing is merely symbolic.
Click on this link to send…
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My Letter to Mayor Tory regarding Accessibility for the TTC in the 2018 Budget
Dear Mayor Tory, I write to you as a concerned citizen of Ward 6 Etobicoke-Lakeshore, and the City of Toronto, to request your support to continue with some accessible buses on the 501 streetcar line and other streetcar lines, and for shuttle bus service for major elevator disruptions, and that these items be reflected in … Continue reading My Letter to Mayor Tory regarding Accessibility for the TTC in the 2018 Budget
“Employment, employment, employment” and Ableism
I’m going to get right to the point here. An increased minimum wage is not harming disabled people. It is however doing a great job at highlighting the ableist and saneist bias that continues to exist within employment in Ontario and social services. When Bill 148 was still being debate, there were some who used … Continue reading “Employment, employment, employment” and Ableism
Canada responds to years of pressure from community advocates by recognizing housing as a human right
Reposted from Right to Housing.
ACTO and the Right to Housing Coalition applaud recognition of right to housing in National Housing Strategy
November 24, 2017 (TORONTO) — For over seven years, the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) and the Right to Housing Coalition – alongside housing advocates from across the country, including those with lived experience of homelessness – have pressed for a National Housing Strategy and the recognition in law of the right to housing. Those demands have finally been heard by the federal government in their announcement of a National Housing Strategy.
“The courts repeatedly blocked our efforts to have these rights recognized under existing laws. But the community organizing on the ground sent a loud message to the government that enough is enough,” says ACTO lawyer Tracy Heffernan, one of the legal counsel in the historic Charter challenge. “The fight isn’t over just yet. Until new legislation is adopted by…
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Sit Down, Fight Back 