Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
ACLA writes editorial to Toronto Star
Re: Why I’m voting against MMP
Sept. 28, 2007
Dear Editor,
The Asian Canadian Labour Alliance (ACLA) and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) believe that a “more dynamic, forward looking analysis” as suggested by the Toronto Star columnist, Ian Urquhart, ought to have given him comfort with an electoral system (MMP) that would give political representation to ideas with significant support in the population. Further, on mature reflection his democratic sensibilities may lead him to distance himself from our current first-past-the-post (FPTP) voting system that manufactures one-party majority governments without at least 50% + 1 of the popular vote. If the electorate does not give even a razor thin majority of its votes to one party, it may instinctively desire a coalition of parties to form a government. A majority-coalition government under the proposed Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system may more broadly represent the policy preferences and priorities of a majority of Ontarians as opposed to a one-party majority government with a plurality of the vote, for example, 45% of the votes.
Ian seems fearful of the potential political power of racialized voters who make up over 19% of the province’s population. There were less than 9% racialized MPPs in the recent legislative session at Queen’s Park. Over 43% of racialized Ontarians live in the city of Toronto. This demographic reality is not proportionately reflected in the racial identity of the political representatives who are elected from this highly racialized city. Based on the experience of many countries with the MMP system, racialized minorities, women, and other excluded groups are better represented in the legislative bodies than under FPTP. With the fairer MMP electoral system, this bloc of racialized votes will no longer be taken for granted, and treated like second class citizens.
Jenny Ahn, Co-President of ACLA and Ajamu Nangwaya, 2nd Vice-President, CBTU
Sept. 28, 2007
Dear Editor,
The Asian Canadian Labour Alliance (ACLA) and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) believe that a “more dynamic, forward looking analysis” as suggested by the Toronto Star columnist, Ian Urquhart, ought to have given him comfort with an electoral system (MMP) that would give political representation to ideas with significant support in the population. Further, on mature reflection his democratic sensibilities may lead him to distance himself from our current first-past-the-post (FPTP) voting system that manufactures one-party majority governments without at least 50% + 1 of the popular vote. If the electorate does not give even a razor thin majority of its votes to one party, it may instinctively desire a coalition of parties to form a government. A majority-coalition government under the proposed Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system may more broadly represent the policy preferences and priorities of a majority of Ontarians as opposed to a one-party majority government with a plurality of the vote, for example, 45% of the votes.
Ian seems fearful of the potential political power of racialized voters who make up over 19% of the province’s population. There were less than 9% racialized MPPs in the recent legislative session at Queen’s Park. Over 43% of racialized Ontarians live in the city of Toronto. This demographic reality is not proportionately reflected in the racial identity of the political representatives who are elected from this highly racialized city. Based on the experience of many countries with the MMP system, racialized minorities, women, and other excluded groups are better represented in the legislative bodies than under FPTP. With the fairer MMP electoral system, this bloc of racialized votes will no longer be taken for granted, and treated like second class citizens.
Jenny Ahn, Co-President of ACLA and Ajamu Nangwaya, 2nd Vice-President, CBTU
Friday, September 28, 2007
Ethno-Racial Labour groups endorse MMP
Electoral Reform is Integral to Address Needs of
Racialized Communities
WHO: Asian Canadian Labour Alliance and Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
WHAT: Press conference endorsing Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMP)
WHERE: 215 Spadina Avenue
WHEN: Thursday September 27, 2007 @ 10:00 a.m
(Toronto) The Asian Canadian Labour Alliance and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Ontario’s two largest ethno-racial labour organizations, are announcing their support for Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMP). Joining them are the Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Office and Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants. Electoral Reform is seen as a necessary step to increase representation from racialized communities in the provincial legislature.
“We need to ensure that voices from our communities are heard, too many decisions are being undertaken with little consultation or input from the communities most impacted” says Ajamu Nangwaya from the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU).
“Its time that all four political parties in Ontario to take the issue of representation of racial minorities seriously” adds Jenny Ahn from the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance (ACLA), “for too long they have ignored our voices; MMP will provide us with the opportunity to hold politicians accountable both through direct democracy as well as challenging who political parties choose as candidates on their ‘party slates’” continues Jenny Ahn from ACLA.
The press conference is being held to announce their rationale for supporting MMP and what steps the organizations will be undertaking to raise awareness of MMP.
Speakers include:
Jenny Ahn, Asian Canadian Labour Alliance
Ajamu Nangwaya, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
Amy Casipullai, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants
Karen Sun, Chinese Canadian National Council, Toronto Office
For more information:
Chris Ramsaroop (647.834.4932),
Amy Casipullai (416.322.4950 x 239)
Ajamu Nangwaya anangwaya@hotmail.com
http://asiancanadianlabouralliance.blogspot.com; and the CBTU’s website http://www.cbtu.ca/
Racialized Communities
WHO: Asian Canadian Labour Alliance and Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
WHAT: Press conference endorsing Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMP)
WHERE: 215 Spadina Avenue
WHEN: Thursday September 27, 2007 @ 10:00 a.m
(Toronto) The Asian Canadian Labour Alliance and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Ontario’s two largest ethno-racial labour organizations, are announcing their support for Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMP). Joining them are the Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Office and Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants. Electoral Reform is seen as a necessary step to increase representation from racialized communities in the provincial legislature.
“We need to ensure that voices from our communities are heard, too many decisions are being undertaken with little consultation or input from the communities most impacted” says Ajamu Nangwaya from the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU).
“Its time that all four political parties in Ontario to take the issue of representation of racial minorities seriously” adds Jenny Ahn from the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance (ACLA), “for too long they have ignored our voices; MMP will provide us with the opportunity to hold politicians accountable both through direct democracy as well as challenging who political parties choose as candidates on their ‘party slates’” continues Jenny Ahn from ACLA.
The press conference is being held to announce their rationale for supporting MMP and what steps the organizations will be undertaking to raise awareness of MMP.
Speakers include:
Jenny Ahn, Asian Canadian Labour Alliance
Ajamu Nangwaya, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
Amy Casipullai, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants
Karen Sun, Chinese Canadian National Council, Toronto Office
For more information:
Chris Ramsaroop (647.834.4932),
Amy Casipullai (416.322.4950 x 239)
Ajamu Nangwaya anangwaya@hotmail.com
http://asiancanadianlabouralliance.blogspot.com; and the CBTU’s website http://www.cbtu.ca/
MMP Debate - Friday September 28, 7pm
Major Pundits and Politicos to Debate Electoral Referendum in Toronto*
The Queen's University Centre for the Study of Democracy is staging a major referendum debate on Friday September 28th at 7pm at the MaRS Complex in Toronto.
The National Post's political affairs columnist Andrew Coyne and former Ontario minister Marilyn Churley will make the case for adopting the new Mixed Member Proportional electoral system proposed by Ontario's Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform.
They will square off against Toronto Sun Queen's Park columnist Christina Blizzard and former Ontario minister Charles Harnick who will defend Ontario's existing First-Past-The-Post electoral system.
The debate will be hosted by the Centre's director Thomas Axworthy and will include introductory remarks by George Thomson, Chair of the Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform.
Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis.
*Media inquiries:*
Peter MacLeod
Research director, Democratic futures
Centre for the Study of Democracy
School of Policy Studies
Queen's University
416.833.3194
macleod@theplanningdesk.com
The Queen's University Centre for the Study of Democracy is staging a major referendum debate on Friday September 28th at 7pm at the MaRS Complex in Toronto.
The National Post's political affairs columnist Andrew Coyne and former Ontario minister Marilyn Churley will make the case for adopting the new Mixed Member Proportional electoral system proposed by Ontario's Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform.
They will square off against Toronto Sun Queen's Park columnist Christina Blizzard and former Ontario minister Charles Harnick who will defend Ontario's existing First-Past-The-Post electoral system.
The debate will be hosted by the Centre's director Thomas Axworthy and will include introductory remarks by George Thomson, Chair of the Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform.
Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis.
*Media inquiries:*
Peter MacLeod
Research director, Democratic futures
Centre for the Study of Democracy
School of Policy Studies
Queen's University
416.833.3194
macleod@theplanningdesk.com
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Joint Discussion on the proposed Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system
The Asian Canadian Labour Alliance (ACLA) and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Joint Discussion on the proposed Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system
The Ontario Provincial Election is fast approaching on October 10, this coming election will also mark a historical day for all Ontario voters. Please come out and join us for an afternoon of discussion around this fall’s referendum on Ontario ’s provincial voting system.
· What does the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system mean for racialized workers and our communities?
· Will Mixed Member Proportional Representation translate into better representation and economic betterment for our communities?
· What are the drawbacks and opportunities for implementing a new voting system?
· How do we tie this referendum vote to our strategy for the Provincial election?
· What significance will this referendum bring to future elections?
Sunday, September 9, 2007
CAW Local 40
720 Spadina Ave. (1 block south of Bloor St .)
2:00pm – 5:00pm
If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Wall at 416-537-6532 ext.2215 or Anna Liu at (416) 839-5763.
The Ontario Provincial Election is fast approaching on October 10, this coming election will also mark a historical day for all Ontario voters. Please come out and join us for an afternoon of discussion around this fall’s referendum on Ontario ’s provincial voting system.
· What does the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system mean for racialized workers and our communities?
· Will Mixed Member Proportional Representation translate into better representation and economic betterment for our communities?
· What are the drawbacks and opportunities for implementing a new voting system?
· How do we tie this referendum vote to our strategy for the Provincial election?
· What significance will this referendum bring to future elections?
Sunday, September 9, 2007
CAW Local 40
720 Spadina Ave. (1 block south of Bloor St .)
2:00pm – 5:00pm
If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Wall at 416-537-6532 ext.2215 or Anna Liu at (416) 839-5763.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
New member joins
Elizabeth Ha of MPAC has joined ACLA. She Vice-chair of OPSEU's Workers of Colour Caucus.
This is a photo from the caucus webpage at: OPSEU website
Their mandate is "to provide representation and support to our brothers, sisters and youth of colour to participate in the future of our union." For more information contact OPSEU’s equity unit: sroe@opseu.org (1-800-268-7376 x 790); Caucus Chair: Peter Thompson at thompspe@mpac.ca (1-877-517-7408 Ext. 218); Caucus Vice-chair: Elizabeth Ha at elizabethhaha@yahoo.com (1-877-517-7408 Ext. 245).
This is a photo from the caucus webpage at: OPSEU website
Their mandate is "to provide representation and support to our brothers, sisters and youth of colour to participate in the future of our union." For more information contact OPSEU’s equity unit: sroe@opseu.org (1-800-268-7376 x 790); Caucus Chair: Peter Thompson at thompspe@mpac.ca (1-877-517-7408 Ext. 218); Caucus Vice-chair: Elizabeth Ha at elizabethhaha@yahoo.com (1-877-517-7408 Ext. 245).
CCNC-TO AGM
CCNCTO's Annual General Meeting: "A Living Wage for a Prosperous Community" with special guest speakers, Cheri DiNovo and Rowena Santos (Saturday March 31, 2007). The AGM was very well attended this year and a new board was successfully elected. Those in attendance included many ACLA members.
ACLA members in attendence: Mike Ma, Victoria Shen, Gloria David, and Frank Saptel.
The new 2007-08 CCNC-TO board members.
Doug Hum (ACLA member) attends the CCNC-TO AGM.
This member has dutifully attended the last 10 consecutive AGMs!!!
Phillip Tsui with special guest speakers, Cheri DiNovo and Rowena Santos.
ACLA members in attendence: Mike Ma, Victoria Shen, Gloria David, and Frank Saptel.
The new 2007-08 CCNC-TO board members.
Doug Hum (ACLA member) attends the CCNC-TO AGM.
This member has dutifully attended the last 10 consecutive AGMs!!!
Phillip Tsui with special guest speakers, Cheri DiNovo and Rowena Santos.
Friday, March 30, 2007
ACLA endorses: May Day of Action for Status for All
Saturday, May 5
12pm
Bloor and Christie (Christie Pitts Park)
*********************************************
No One Is Illegal-Toronto calls on all allies and supporters to endorse and help organise towards the next May Day of Action for Status for All on Saturday, May 5th.
Last May, millions of immigrants and allies across North America took to the streets to demand justice for immigrants and refugees and status for all. In Toronto, workers, students, trade unionists, activists and members of faith communities among others participated in a series of strong and vibrant immigrant rights demonstrations including the May 27th National Day of Action for Status for All.
Anti-Scab Bill C-257 is defeated.
"Disgusting," say Vancouver Elementary Teachers to the defeat of Bill C-257
VANCOUVER, March 22 /CNW/ - "I'm sorry to hear that Bill C-257 was defeated in the House of Commons," says Glen Hansman, President of the Vancouver Elementary School Teachers' Association.
Bill C-257 was a federal bill to ban the use of scabs in labour disputes that fall under federal jurisdiction. It was defeated Wednesday in the House of Commons by a vote of 177 - 122, after already being previously approved in principle on second reading.
"It's disgusting that a federal bill like this would be defeated, and that Stephane Dion sided with Stephen Harper to make it happen," says Glen Hansman. "Bill C-257 mirrors laws already in existance in Quebec and British Columbia to protect workers jobs and collective bargaining rights."
"Thank you to the NDP MPs and other MPs that supported this Bill," says Glen Hansman. "Hopefully it won't be the last we see of it, and that the fear-mongering by big business won't override worker's rights."
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