Choice for Childcare

Life and times of a non-working dependent eh!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

NUPGE - Does not support review of Employment Equity

NUPGE press release


'The government needs to be doing more to ensure diversity throughout its workforce.'

Ottawa - (28 July 2010) - The Harper government's decision to kill the long Canadian census form is linked to a new attack the Conservatives on employment equity.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) says data required to make employment equity a reality is gathered from census information that the Tories are planning to kill.

The Conservatives launched a "review" of employment equity after disclosing that they planned to kill the long-form census.

“The government claims to support diversity but its (announcement) implies the opposite,” says PSAC. “It reinforces the misconception that equal opportunity is threatened by employment equity measures and that employment equity hiring policies are not based on merit.”

The purpose of employment equity is to ensure equal access to jobs for all and to make sure that workplaces reflect the diversity of the Canadian population.

The Employment Equity Act and the Public Service Employment Act already require all hiring to be based on merit and qualifications.

Less than 2% of job competitions in the federal public service are designated for equity group members and managers have to justify the use of these designations with data showing large gaps in their workforce representation.

“In fact, the government needs to be doing more to ensure diversity throughout its workforce,” the union argues.


A recent Senate Committee on Human Rights report says the federal public service is not keeping up with the private sector in terms of hiring a diverse workforce.

According to the report, “As the largest employer in the country, the federal public service should be representative of the public it serves, and should be providing leadership for businesses in other sectors rather than struggling to be representative enough for an increasingly diverse population.”

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE

For more go HERE


Here is another Press Release the media did not pick up on:

A review of hiring policies in the federal public service is needed

TORONTO, July 26 /CNW/ - The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) shares the opinion that a review of the rules surrounding employment equity policies in public service hiring would be beneficial, and supports the commitment to the principles of equality, equity, fairness and merit which underlie the Employment Equity Act. The Act, proclaimed in 1986, was designed to advance the representation and promotion of historically disadvantaged groups -- women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities -- in the federal public service and in federally regulated industries. Notionally, its purpose was to level the playing field so that all employment candidates would enjoy equality of opportunity in terms of access to qualifications and access to employment prospects.

"It is important to understand the purpose of the review, which is to create a public service that reflects the diversity of Canada, and to ensure that all Canadians have an equal opportunity to work for the federal public service on a meritorious basis, regardless of race or ethnicity", said Dr. Ayman Al-Yassini, CRRF Executive Director. "This would entail regular review and update of hiring procedures, retention policies and promotion strategies to optimize every opportunity to meet the objectives of fair and equitable representation, and consistent interpretation and application of the Act's provisions and principles," Al-Yassini added.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms sets out equality as a cornerstone of Canadian law and legislation. The Canadian Race Relations Foundation is of the opinion that any review of public service hiring policies needs to look at the removal of all barriers towards an equitable hiring strategy and a culture of equity, with the objective of making our institutions a true reflection of Canadian society.

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) was founded as part of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement to shed light on the causes and manifestations of racism, to play a leading role in the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and to bring about a more harmonious Canada. The CRRF has registered charitable status and has Special NGO Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

For more go HERE

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Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Morgan Freeman on Black History Month















I think Morgan Freeman has a big point. When my name was in the media they were declaring me as a "WHITE WOMAN" and I was uncomfortable with that. My color didn't matter but the hiring practices of the Federal Government showed it did.

I am who I am, does it really matter what color I am?

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Monday, July 26, 2010

Globe and Mail show 79% for reviewing Employment Equity

Published on Friday, Jul. 23, 2010 4:23AM EDT Last updated on Monday, Jul. 26, 2010 3:20PM EDT
Do you think a government job-application process that restricts some jobs to one or more of the four groups targeted by Canada’s employment-equity policy should be reviewed?


79% 7734 votes
Yes

votes21% 2047 votes
No





Also today in the Globe and Mail:


Senator who fought for employment equity defends Tories
Senator Donald Oliver is seen at Wroxton College in Britain.

Senator Donald Oliver is seen at Wroxton College in Britain. Jim Ross for The Globe and Mail

Progress has been made, Donald Oliver says, but we haven’t done enough to help visible minorities achieve workplace equality

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* Morning Buzz: Grits awake to 'racist' fallout and prescription drug advice
* Tories take aim at employment equity
* John Ibbitson: Placating the Tory faithful

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Joe Friesen

From Monday's Globe and Mail Published on Monday, Jul. 26, 2010 3:24AM EDT Last updated on Monday, Jul. 26, 2010 1:59PM EDT

Last week, the Conservative government announced a review of employment-equity policies in response to a woman who complained that she had applied for a job only to be told it was reserved for aboriginal and visible-minority applicants. The move was criticized by Opposition and labour groups.

Conservative Senator Donald Oliver has worked tirelessly for the cause of employment equity. He says progress has been made, but there's still a long way to go, particularly for visible minorities. Of the four groups targeted by employment-equity legislation, visible minorities are the only group whose representation in the federal public service falls below its level of availability in the work force.

Some might suggest we've done enough at this point to help visible minorities and the other targeted groups – women, aboriginal people and people with disabilities – achieve equity in the work place. Have we?

We have definitely not done enough. There's an awful lot more to be done for all four targeted groups, particularly visible minorities. Of the four groups, visible minorities are at the bottom of the heap.

Why do you think that is?

I think it's because of racism. I think it's because of discrimination. I think it's because of barriers that are ethnic based.


Read more go HERE

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Sunday, July 25, 2010

This boy needs our help, bring him home to Canada!












Cody LeCompte facebook page HERE
search for Bring Cody Lecompte Home
This page has been online for almost 48Hours. We have gained the attention of almost 1600 members. Many of you have shared your feelings, some of you have given and offered even more support. The world is listening, our job is not done, Bring Cody Home.









Ontario teen stuck in Cuba, indefinitely:


19-year-old Cody LeCompte has been stuck in Cuba since April while he awaits trail.

View Larger Image


CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Tue. Jun. 29 2010 10:11 PM ET

An Ontario teen will be stuck in Cuba indefinitely after Cuban authorities ordered him to stand trial for a traffic accident his family says was not his fault.

Cody LeCompte of Simcoe, Ont., was on vacation with his mother in April when the two decided to rent a car. On April 29, LeCompte was at the wheel, his mother in the passenger seat and a cousin and his fiancée in the back when the car was hit by a dump truck.

The 19-year-old was cut on his hands and feet and sustained broken fingers, fractured ribs and collarbone and internal bruising, says his mother, Danette LeCompte.

Danette and the cousin also sustained minor injuries, while the fourth passenger had to have part of her liver removed. She has since recovered.

When the pair tried to return home at the end of their holiday, they were informed by their Sunwing travel agent that Cody would have to remain in Cuba while authorities determined whether to charge him.

Two months later, Cody is still in the country, and while the family was informed by their travel agent that he will face a trial, they have no idea when it will begin or what charges he faces.

"We were hit, our party were the ones that were injured, so in no way was it my son's fault," Danette LeCompte told CTV News.

Danette has spent thousands of dollars on telephone bills, a lawyer and hotel rooms -- she stayed in Cuba for four-and-a-half weeks with her son before being forced to return home to work. She must now take a leave of absence from her job in order to return to Cuba to be with Cody.

"It's like a bad dream that I think I'm going to wake up from, but it's still here," she said.

Danette LeCompte says after speaking to consular officials immediately after the accident, she heard nothing from Canadian authorities until her son's story started getting media attention.

Foreign Affairs issued a statement insisting it is helping the family and is monitoring Cody's case, but it cannot interfere in the judicial process of a foreign country. The department also pointed to a warning on its website against driving in Cuba, citing hazardous driving conditions with few signs and crowded roadways.

"Traffic accidents are a frequent cause of arrest and detention of Canadians in Cuba," the warning says. "Accidents resulting in death or injury are treated as crimes, and the onus is on the driver to prove innocence. Regardless of the nature of the accident, it can take five months to a year for a case to go to trial. In most cases, the driver will not be allowed to leave Cuba until the trial has taken place."

Liberal MP Dan McTeague says the government should do more to speed up Cody's case.

"It's not in the interest of either country to have these long, drawn-out cases that at the end of the day leave Canadians with the belief they ought to choose another destination," McTeague said.

LeCompte says all she wants is information from Canadian officials about what is happening to her son and what they are doing to help. "We just want some answers."

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Friday, July 23, 2010

Brian Lilley, best writer and best person for the job














Brian Lilley


OTTAWA - It has been a hectic couple of days for Sara Landriault.

Ever since the stay-at-home mother told QMI Agency that she was blocked from applying for a job because of her race the phone has not stopped ringing. But rather than job offers, the calls have mostly been from the media.

Landriault estimates that she has been done more than 30 media interviews since Wednesday, and while she likes the attention her issue is getting it doesn’t make her feel better.

“The situation has just left me feeling let down,” Landriault told QMI. “I can’t believe this is happening in 2010.”

Asked to react to the opposition parties, specifically Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, supporting the idea that people can be blocked from jobs because of their race, Landriault sighed.

“I think that’s only the leaders saying that because they are in opposition. If they really feel like that then I’d like them to explain to my children why they won’t get a job one day because they are white.”

Landriault hardly finished her thought before another media request for an interview came in.

She said the constant requests have left her exhausted and strapped for time.

“At the end of the day, I still need to find a job,” Landriault said.

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I have applied for an Ontario job, and application has been processed

Just to keep all of you up to date, I wanted to let you know I am still applying for jobs so far none of them have bounced back saying "your race not allowed".

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It has been a long racial week

Hello everyone,


Sorry I could not blog this week as it was happening but I was and still am exhausted!

The week started off like that last few weeks, me desperately looking for a job. My children are in full time school now and I need to pay back 9 years worth of debt that kept me home during the day with the children.

As I was applying on the Federal government website a pop up came up and told me I did not meet the criteria because in fact I was white.

This was brought to your attention below when I ranted on my blog about it, and then retired for the night.
The next day Brian Lilley called me and asked if he could do a story on it. Hearing from Brian Lilley again was nice because we had not talked for a while since I pulled back from advocating.

Brief History on Advocating:

In 2004 a group of women got together and rallied against Paul Martin (PM) because he was ignoring any parent who did not use daycare.
This was a full discrimination on all parents and we decided to do something about it.
Since then we have had $100 a month for children under 6 and a $2000 tax credit for children under 18 without discrimination.
With those issues coming about I decided to go after my main issue which was and still is INCOME SPLITTING.
Pensioners did receive Income Splitting and now it was time to move it in for families.

To this day I still fight for Income Splitting and every chance I get I mention it to a Minister and even on the day the Prime Minister invited us for a picture I brought it up to him.


Just to let most of you know I am not a Conservative, Liberal, NDP or even Green Party I am just me.

Many think being a blogging Tory makes you a Conservative, it does not. I applied to be a Liberal and NDP Blogger but I was flatly refused because of my views on Childcare.

back to the racism......

In the middle of the week the phones were ringing off the hook from media trying to get my story. I took as many interviews as I could but this was really taking a chunk out of my family time. Then I decided only a couple of interviews a day and at one point I went to the CBC studio just so it would not interfere with my kids routine. My children are immune to media now because of my years advocating. There had already been a CTV camera in my home and the phone just would not stop ringing, even with me the phone-a-holic there are limits!

Everybody asked the same questions though,

What happened..... basically it came down to I was white, I could not get the job because I was white.

My answers were always the same,

The color of your skin or race should not stop you from applying or getting a job no matter what color or race you are.

It does seem that a few bloggers are calling me "little white princess" and "white middleclass" but for the most part people are sending me warm letters and letting me know that it is racism.
In some of these letters people are telling me that they are not white, and they still agree with me.


It is almost the end of the week and I did get a call from Stockwell Day, which was very nice of him to call in person.
I do know Brian Lilley was discussing the issue with Jason Kenney and more Conservative MP's but I had not heard anything.
On the Lowell Green show Jason Kenney did call in and thank Lowell for bringing this issue up. A few days because Lowell had found the same problem on the Federal Governments website and started a discussion on it.
In the summer I do not listen to Lowell because my children are home and well as we all know Lowell he will make the calmest person stress out!


There is one more thing I do want to ad though.


A lot of men are emailing me and saying "welcome to our world", for years they have been pushed out because they are 'white males'.

We have all seen the ads in the government jobs, and know they were discriminated against but why have the media not gone bonkers over it like they did with my case.




Here is a thought of the day for you,


I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a
nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by
the content of their character.

Martin Luther King Jr.

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Monday, July 19, 2010

Dicrimination is bad in Canada, unless it is because you are white?

I was looking for jobs in the Federal Government job site and this is what I bumped in to.







Requirements

Either you have not completed the identified requirements or you do not meet the identified requirements.

You must complete the requirements before you can submit your application.

If you do not meet the requirements, you will not be able to submit your application and you should not continue further in this process.
Job Opportunity Requirements
Administrative Assistant Is limited to Aboriginal persons, Visible Minority Persons


Who Can Apply:

Useful Information

Applicants must meet at least the first requirement:

* Open to: Members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, visible minorities
* Persons residing in Canada and Canadian citizens residing abroad.

Please note:
An Aboriginal person is a North American Indian or a member of a First Nation, Métis or Inuit. North American Indians or members of a First Nation include treaty, status or registered Indians, as well as non-status and non-registered Indians.

A person in a visible minority group is someone (other than an Aboriginal person as defined above) who is non-white in colour/race, regardless of place of birth. The visible minority group includes: Black, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, South Asian-East Indian (including Indian from India; Bangladeshi; Pakistani; East Indian from Guyana, Trinidad, East Africa; etc.), Southeast Asian (including Burmese; Cambodian; Laotian; Thai; Vietnamese; etc.) non-white West Asian, North African or Arab (including Egyptian; Libyan; Lebanese; etc.), non-white Latin American (including indigenous persons from Central and South America, etc.), person of mixed origin (with one parent in one of the visible minority groups listed above), other visible minority group.




I am not racist, and could not care less what color or race anyone is. The best candidate should receive the job, not the one who is a higher minority. No job should ask you your color, race, or ethnic background and basing that on if you can apply or not is DISCRIMINATION.

NO ABORIGINAL
NO CHINESE
NO AFRICAN AMERICAN
NO CAUCASIAN

All equals DISCRIMINATION



Update:


Woman denied government job because of race

By BRIAN LILLEY, Parliamentary Bureau

Last Updated: July 20, 2010 5:35pm



OTTAWA - A stay-at-home mother trying to re-enter the workforce after nine years away says she can’t understand why the federal government would stop her from applying for a job simply because she is white.

Sara Landriault, a sometime family activist, says that with her kids in school full time she decided to start looking for work outside of the home.

While surfing on the federal government job website, Landriault says she found a position at Citizenship and Immigration Canada she felt she was qualified for but was blocked from submitting her resume because she was not an aboriginal or visible minority.

“I was flabbergasted,” Landriault said in a telephone interview from her home in Kemptville, Ont., just south of Ottawa. “It was insane. I’m white, so I can’t do it?”




I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

Martin Luther King, Jr.




Here is another position from


Canada Revenue Agency
Notice of Job Opportunity
Selection Process Number: 2010-9379-ONT-1214-9020
Advertisement Number: 00009379


Aboriginal Tax Officer Apprentice, Hamilton Tax Services Office, English
Permanent / Anticipatory

Salary range:
$ 47,576 to $ 53,548 annually

Who can apply:
Open to Aboriginal persons who have graduated or expect to graduate from an accredited post-secondary institution (please see 'EDUCATION' section below) by July 31, 2010 and who reside within a 150 km radius of the Hamilton Tax Service Office.

Preference may be given to candidates who are mobile and willing to relocate within the Ontario Region at the conclusion of this Apprenticeship Program.

Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens/Permanent Residents (Landed Immigrants). Proof of Citizenship/Permanent Residents (Landed Immigrants) will be required.

Final date for receipt of applications:
July 31, 2010 11:30 PM Eastern Time


General Information
As defined in the Employment Equity Act, an Aboriginal person is a North American Indian or a member of a First Nation, a Métis, or an Inuk. North American Indians or members of a First Nation include status, treaty, or registered Indians, as well as non-status and non-registered Indians.

In order to be given consideration in this selection process, candidates must self-identify as Aboriginal persons (as per the definition above) when completing the on-line application.

Please note that all testing and interviews will be in the Hamilton Area. Any costs incurred for travel, relocation, testing, interviews or appointments will be the responsibility of the applicant.

Candidates are expected to make themselves available during this timeframe for interviews and testing. If you fail to present yourself at any scheduled testing session or interview session, you will be deemed to have withdrawn from the process. Please note that there will be no rescheduling of the tests.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is committed to employment equity and continues to strive for a representative work force. Employment equity is an essential component of the CRA's human resources management practices and an integral part of the way we do business. For more information about Employment Equity in the CRA and the four designated Employment Equity groups, please visit the following link http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/crrs/wrkng/qty-eng.html

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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

National Arts, is it really worth the money?













I took my oldest daughter to see the National Arts Gallery in Ottawa yesterday. Apparently I read the admission for the National Arts Museum instead of the Gallery, the Museum was 'pay what you can afford' and the Gallery was '$9 or $15' for which Arts display you wanted to see.
We chose the cheaper one, and we spent $9 too much!


There was art painted on canvas with black on one side and lighter black on the other, adding plenty of scribbles with ink that looked like a 2 year old did it.


The biggest flop was





A million dollars this is worth!

Maybe you should take your children here and explain to them how not to be like government and waste their money.














There were plus sides to the art though,
















The Inuit art really caught my attention, as well as the international art.



My learning experience from going to the Art Gallery was,

Art is truly in the eye of the beholder!

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