Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1987-04-22, Page 12Page 12—CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1987 equality Teachersquesti�n today million dollar grant from the provincial government will be used to pay legal costs. Another example of systemic discrimina- tion is the law governing terms of employ- ment of domestic workers. Many are ex- ploited, and are often in a position where they can't complain. Again, although the law sounds neutral, 98 per cent of domestics are women. LEAF, which was set up to raise money to litigate cases establishing women's .rights, hopes to intercede on behalf of these women by using a surrogate plaintiff. To illustrate the complexities of equality, Ms. Greaves brought up the Justine Blaney case. LEAF backed the young girl's court challenge of the Amateur Hockey Associa- tion's refusal to let a girl play on a boys' hockey team. That issue is still unresolved, and we sent back to the Human Rights Com- mission of Ontario to see if it violates the Charter. Ms. Greaves said she realizes this is a minefield: if Justine wins, and all amateur sports are open to both sexes, what will hap- pen to women's hockey? She emphasized the implications for the Federation of Women Teachers Association of Ontario. She believes that because of the historic and physiological differences between men and women, women teachers need to maintain a separate organization while working toward equality of pay and opportunity. "We must think carefully about what we want to preserve," she cautioned. Ms. Greaves listed some of the modern pioneers in the fight for equality. Included STANLEY TWP. — "What is equality, and what do we mean when we say we want it?" That was the question posed by guest speaker Laura Greaves to the members of the Huron Federation of Women Teachers and their guests, the female employees and municipal representatives of the Huron County Board of Education, at the teachers third annual celebration of the Charter off Rights held in the Stanley Complex. Ms. Greaves, voted the outstanding woman of 1986 by the London Jlmior Chamber of Commerce, aper}ed her ex- perience , as an executive IN the board of directors of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women to give 'some of the background necessary to provide an inform- ed answer to her question. Although the. road to equality seems to be three steps forward and two back, that is still one step forward each time, Ms. Greaves pointed out. Even seeming defeats can be turned around. The sudden cancellat- tion by the Trudeau government of a woman's conference on the constitution spurred the formation of the NAC the largest grassroots women's rights lobby in the country. Clause 28 of the Charter, guaranteeing equality to all regardless of gender, reflected the work of a second conference on the constitution set up by these women. Governments asked for three years to tidy up their laws after section 15 was passed in 1982 giving men and women equality under and before the law, but discriminatory laws remained on the books. LEAF ( Legal, -Educational and Action Fund) has been testing some of these. Ms. Greaves said the battle now is not against overt discrimination against women. That is easily recognizable, but sub- tle, systemic discrimination is now being uncovered. One example is Ontario's "spouse in the house" rule requiring reci- pients of family benefits to live as single persons. Though this does not look like discrimination, almost all family benefit recipients are women. LEAF announced last fall it was going to charge the govern- ment with discrimination, but delayed when the Ministry of Community and Social Ser- vices promised to amend the law. The "sex inspectors" were taken off the job recently, but the legislation remains. LEAF is going ahead with its plans to in- itiate legal action. Ironically, part of a was Lucy Richardson, who organized military wives to challenge regulations that discriminated against spouses and female members of the forces. Irene Murdoch lost her court case for an equitable property settlement after divorc- ing her rancher husband in the days before the protection of the Charter and the family law reform act. One of the first cases LEAF backed was a challenge by Stella Bliss in a Yukon court to retain her maiden name after marriage. She lost the case, but won in her battle to be awarded costs. "Stella and Irene paid for our mobiliza- tion, and I don't think we can forget that," Ms. Greaves said. Ms. Greaves advised her audience to decide what they want and why they want it ( which she admitted was easier said than done) then work to get it translated into law. Ms. Greaves said those most in need are least able to finance litigation, and least likely to initiate court action. She said the Charter is here for our benefit, LEAF is here to initiate court action, and govern- ments are the main funders of this litigation which is always against them. Ms. Greaves suggested that women become more aware, and screw up their courage and be a plaintiff when they en- counter discrimination. "We can't forget our history, and how long it took to get this far. We can't let up pressure on the courts to win one more yard - or metre - of equality," was Ms. Greaves call to action. Awards banquet coming up HOLMESVILLE - Extraordinary people - that is who will be honoured at the Second Annual Excellence in Education Awards Banquet at the Goderich Township Hall on April 29. The Awards evening is co- sponsored by the Huron County Board of Education and District 45 of the Ontario Secondary School Teacher's Federation. Students, teachers •and community representatives who have been nominated for their special contributions to each of the secondary schools in Huron County will be recognized. The idea of acknowledging individuals for their contribution to the excellence in educa- tion began at last year's banquet. About 200 peonle warn in al' tend anra Twanty-thrnn students were presented with framed cer- tificates and Excellence in Education pens before their parents and the community. Eleven teachers from the six secondary schools were honoured for their contribu- tions to the school environment beyond the classroom and for Federation and com- munity involvement. Finally, six communi- ty representatives were recognized for their contributions, which ranged from donating many volumes for a school's library to assisting in music programs. Members of the public are invited to at- tend this year's awards banquet. Tickets may be purchased at your local high school from the principal for $10.00 each. ATTENTION: NON-PROFIT HOUSING ORGANIZATIONS Create no.n-profit housing nyour commumty Applications are due May15. Meeting Ontario's housing needs. As first advertised last January, applications are heing accepted for the development of 6,700 new non profit housing Units across Ontario. Construct ion of these units will begin in 1988. Interested groups should apply now as the May 15th deadline for frrPlirninary applications is fast approaching. The Government of Canada through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Housing, will he cost sharing assistance directed to needy households. NTarket units will he fully funded by the Prov ince of Ontario. The program is open to all municipal non profit. private non profit and non profit co operative organizations. Local community organizations wishing to sponsor non profit housing projects can apply for government grants to cover the costs of establishing non profit housing corporations. Affordable housing for those in need. This program helps non-profit agencies to create affordable housing for households in need of housing assistance. These include families, senior citizens or physically, developmentally and psychiatrically handicapped persons able to live independently. In addition, some of the units will he specifically targetted to low income singles. Call now for complete details. Organizations wishing to spon- sor such housing projects must suhmit their prolirninar/ appli cations by May l;>. 1987. For more information and application packages, contact your nearest Regional Office of the Ministry of Housing as soon as possible. Canaua Ontario Sauthem Office 55 Hess St S Hamilton Ontario I RP 4R8 '4161521.7500 or dial 0 and ask for Zenith 20450 Regional Offices of the Ministry of Housing Eastern Office 1150 Morrison fir 2nd Fir Ottawa Ontario K 21 ssq 16131820-0305 or dial toll-free 1 R00 267 6108 Northwestern 0ffice 435 .lames St S Thunder Bay Ontario P 1c 5G6 807 475.1465 Or deal toll-free 1 800.465-5015 Southwestern Office 380 Wellington St Some 1100 I ondnn Ontario NSA 585 5101 670.7110 or dial toll-free 1 800 265 4733 Northam 0ffice 1191 I ansmq Ave Sudbury Ontario P3A 4C4 7051560-6350 or dial roll -free 1 800 461 tigo Central Office 4950 vonge St 4th Fir Toronto Ontario M2N 6K1 4161225.1211 or dial '0and ask for Zenith 20450 At the Londesboro and District Lions Club's 10th anniversary dinner, life memberships were awarded to (left), President Howard Cartwright, Second Vice -President Dave Overboe and Tail Twister Ron Nesbitt (front). (Anne Narejko photo) The Londesboro and District Lions Club marked their 10th anniversary with a dinner and awards ceremony at the Clinton Legion on April 16. For the third time in the club's history, they won the District A-9 Bulletin Award. Presenting the plaque to editor Alt Airdrie is District Governor Gord Rimmer (right). IAnne Narejko photo) . ESCORTED G SCANDINAVIAN ARTIC CIRCLE TO U R WITH BAUER TRAVEL SERVICE & GLOBUS GATEWAY Departure from Seaforth & Area July 2-21, 1987 (20 Days) HIGHLIGHTING FINLAND and NORWAY plus SWEDEN and DENMARK Included features • Services of professional tour director; frrsr class hotels. return airfare from Toronto; most meals: airport transfers. departure taxes: comprehensive insurance, return bus transport Seaforth and area - Toronto COMPLETE 341000 TOUR PRICE CAN. DOLLARS Seats on this'special tour are limited Per Person (Double occupancy) BAUER TRAVEL SERVICE 1 Main Street, SEAFORTH 519-527-1237 Out-of-town Gall Collect tsl