What Needs to Happen

On January 17th, 2024, United Way of Elgin Middlesex presented a thought-provoking meeting, launching their campaign to petition the Ontario government to double provincial social assistance in our province. A cross- section of London citizens attended the presentation at the Wolf Performance Hall to hear a panel who are well versed in present social issues surrounding poverty and homelessness.

The panel endorsed United Way’s recommendation to double Ontario’s social assistance and bring people above the official poverty line.

The presenters reminded us that we cannot condone the homelessness and hunger that has become part of our beautiful province. It is unconscionable that a single person on Ontario Works receives only $733 a month for rent and basic needs. This is an amount that has been frozen by the provincial government for the past 5 years.

In London, Ontario, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment unit is $1,364 per month.  Meanwhile, United Way points out that the poverty line in Ontario is $2,302 per month. What remains evident is our province needs to double Ontario’s social assistance rates to come closer for singles and families to have shelter and live as valued humans.

Looking at the above facts, what needs to happen? We may add our voices by writing to Premier Doug Ford and your local MPP calling for the doubling of Ontario’s social assistance in the upcoming provincial budget 2024-2025.

Next Steps: Letters and emails must be received in Toronto by Feb. 29, 2024. It is time to ensure that everyone has access to a dignified, livable income. You can endorse the United Way recommendation here or contact Doug Ford via the Office of the Premier website here or here. Or send a letter to: Premier’s Office, Room 281 Legislative Building, Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON M7A 1A1

-Sister Jean Moylan, CSJ

Image: Unsplash/krakenimages 

Worth Losing Sleep Over

I just finished reading “The Circus Train “ by Canadian novelist, Amita Parikh. Her debut novel earned her instant recognition as Toronto Star’s pick as best historical fiction of 2022. “The Circus Train” is a captivating read that kept me up until midnight intent on finishing the last seventy-eight pages.

Not wanting to be a spoiler, I offer the following general comments hoping to spark your reading curiosity. “The Circus Train” introduces us to the daily workings of the travelling circus, World of Wonders, and the daily life of a circus troupe travelling through Europe in the 1930s and 40s on a specially converted steam train. As a sideline, the tale reveals polio therapy in its infancy.

The plot revolves around three main characters, Lena, Theo, and Alexandre. Lena Papadopoulos, the central character, is a young polio survivor. Theo, a renowned illusionist in the circus is the overprotective father of Lena. Alexandre is a young orphan runaway. Alexandre’s Jewish identity within the circus milieu is protected. With Theo’s encouragement, Alexandre becomes Lena’s best friend and supporter.

The story skillfully intertwines the threads of circus life, father-daughter relationships, war time dilemmas, bonds of friendship, secrets, and true forgiveness born of understanding.

I present to you a delightful reading experience!

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

A Winter Snowstorm

Here is what people were saying a few weeks ago, “I guess we will have a green Christmas in 2023. “I don’t mind a little snow from time to time”. “Crops do better when the land has had a winter blanket of snow”.  “I am just glad I don’t have to shovel the stuff.  “These mild days point to climate change, for sure”.

What a surprise when a winter snowstorm rolled into Southwestern Ontario on January 12th.  People pulled on their winter coats and headed for refuge at home.

Darkness fell and a mixture of rain and snow pelted icy windows. I awoke after midnight to the sound of sirens rescuing people who refused to reduce speed.  Later, thumps and bumps signaled that snowplows were clearing roads and driveways. Indeed, it seemed to have the makings of an old-fashioned winter storm.

As I awoke in the semi-darkness and prepared for the day, the storm and wind   abated, but rain was making slush of everything. No doubt, planes would be grounded. I worried that my brother and sister-in-law might be enroute already from Cuba where they had fled Canada in search of sunshine.

In contrast to the present, our country was once a land of ice and snow from early November until late March. We were hearty people brandishing snow shovels and clad in sturdy boots, heavy coats, warm mittens, and bright winter scarves. A favourite pastime was reminiscing around the fireplace about the arduousness of living in Canada through fierce snowstorms.

I was a young teacher in London when a giant storm ripped through the area. I had managed to make it to school and was preparing for class when a telephone call alerted me that my sister, who was close to giving birth, was being transferred by ambulance from a small town an hour’s drive north to an awaiting physician at a hospital in our city. The stormy trip took much over the usual hour before arriving at its destination. I will never forget worrying my way through my teaching as the storm choked the roads and blinded city drivers. Finally, I received a call that a beautiful baby girl had arrived in the early afternoon of January 26th. Soon after the birth, the new father arrived at the hospital as the roads closed behind him. What followed was seven stormy days before safe travelling was restored and the little family headed for home. People had been stranded far and wide and newspapers proclaimed the calamity of the great snowstorm of January 1971. Now that’s an old-fashioned snowstorm!

-Sister Jean Moylan, CSJ