snow clearing

a hot topic ? oh yes …

For 30 years I have been puzzling about how the devious establishment managed to pass a by-law that is so incredibly unfair to homeowners .. and worse yet .. that some people have been silent about that !!!

I decided in 2018 that I am going to do something about this … so .. in January I registered to make a presentation to Kitchener city council’s budget meeting, and followed it with another in June of the same year when, after wasting six months of staff paid time to  “studying” and “report” …they came up with an even more ridiculous suggestion of spending $750,000 on a “pilot project”, a hefty sum that could have been used as seed money for a one time purchase of the equipment to be immediately put to use for the upcoming winter .. so before I open the discussion, let me share the two presentation …

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January 15 2018

Mr Mayor, City of Kitchener Councillors, ladies and gentleman,

Good evening,

In this meeting when council discusses budgets, projects and upkeep of the city – all of them important and commendable endeavours and efforts we are very appreciative and grateful for –

Sadly, in our zeal to save money, the city has neglected to address a grievous wrong that should never have existed in the first place.

I am talking of the arbitrary sentence of hard labour (with no parole in sight) imposed upon homeowners . . . under threat of severe penalties . . . to shovel, scrape packed snow or ice on city owned sidewalks and the huge mounts resulting from what the plows dump at the entrance of our driveways … all in harsh, severe freezing weather conditions ..

This cannot be called a normal civic duty by any standard .. such an injustice and wrong should not be allowed to stand on any excuse, including money, especially in a large, rich city such as Kitchener.

This bylaw may have been necessary some time in the past, but with the wide tax base we have today, and especially with the newer and much cheaper technology available for sidewalk snow removal, there is no excuse for allowing a grievous wrong to continue. Modern snow removal machines do the job easily and at unbelievably high speeds. In exactly ten minutes one of those machines can finish the sidewalk going all around an average-sized crescent. That is one man, on one machine, sparing dozens of homeowners a lot of trouble, discomfort, pain, inconvenience, and even illness, injury or worse yet, a heart attack.

The idea of telling a homeowner if they can’t do it themselves they’re on their own and have to work out an alternative, or pay others to have it done, or buy a machine to do it, or any of that, is just more injustice and an unfair burden on their shoulders and should be crossed out of any solution.

The city and council very kindly work hard to afford better programs, more facilities and more activities especially for seniors, so why not add one more crucial service – that is to say – have the professionals do the job as it should be done?

Those who go out to do this arduous work on behalf of the city, risk life & limb or severe injuries for us every time they are out there . . . even though they did not voluntarily sign up for it . . . a forced, unpaid labour imposed indiscriminately upon the shoulders of innocent homeowners without their consent, regardless of their own bodies’ abilities – the old and young, the frail and able-bodied, the sick and well alike.

The premise is deeply flawed from its roots. It is a blatant travesty, and though we
worry about the pedestrian’s right to walk on cleared sidewalks, that is not a homeowners problem, and should never have been.

Human beings and justice should be primary elements of the discussions that go on among this venerable council that represents the people of this city. Until this matter is brought to a satisfactory conclusion we cannot call ourselves a civilized community by any other measure. We may have very high tech companies locating in our city, we may have the truly wonderful LRT, we can have all other kinds of perks and attractions, but we can never call ourselves civilized with that kind of travesty going on every winter.

We are certainly grateful and thankful to the mayor, council, and city staff for making our city well worth being proud of, but sadly that is marred by the inhumanity of an archaic unjust bylaw which has no place in such a city. Canadian winters dictate that this be considered a high priority on city budget

I am sure that once you realise the extent of wrong involved, you will take it upon yourselves to find the best solutions possible.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity, and though there is so much more that can be said on this topic, I am limited to 5 minutes, so please allow me to answer any questions now or later

Gehan Sabry

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June 25 2018

Mr Mayor, City of Kitchener Councillors, ladies and gentleman,

Good evening,

In my previous presentation to the budget committee in January of this year, I expressed what many feel about the unfortunate and unfair situation that has historically been imposed on homeowners to clear sidewalks that are owned by the city and should therefore be the city’s responsibility.

I am talking about the arbitrary sentence of forced, unpaid hard labour (with no parole in sight) imposed indiscriminately on innocent homeowners – without their consent regardless of their abilities (physical or financial) – old or young, frail or fit, sick or well alike.

The premise is deeply flawed from its roots, and until this blatant travesty is resolved without further delay, we cannot call ourselves a civilized community by any measure

The Canadian reality is that it snows in winter, and continuing to drag the issue is outrageous . . . pilot projects or months of preparing staff reports at this point should be viewed as redundant and a further waste of resources.

At university (half a century ago) one of my professor said and I quote “the best way to kill any project or idea is to give it to a committee” and how true this has been proven to be !!
I am sure that once you realise the extent of wrong involved, you will take it upon yourselves to find the best solutions possible. The city always manages to find funds when it has to or wants to . . . a case in point is the most recent example of how the city adjusted to the new provincial minimum wage.

Therefore objections based on cost, or, even mentioning an increase in taxes is adding insult to injury. So is imposing fines !

There are other cities in Canada that clear snow for the community as part of municipal operations expenses covered by EXISTING taxes. The city already clears sidewalks in the city centres and at parks. Wouldn’t take much more to keep pushing the sidewalk plows and clear everyone’s sidewalk especially with the newer and much cheaper technology available . . . in exactly 10 minutes one of those machines can finish the sidewalk of an average sized crescent – that is one man, on one machine, sparing DOZENS of homeowners a lot of discomfort, pain, inconvenience, even illness, injury or worse yet .. a heart attack . . . that is to say .. Have the professionals do the job as it should be done BY THOSE WHO SHOULD BE DOING IT!

Snow removal on residential sidewalks is the responsibility of our city, no ifs or buts about it!

So although we worry about pedestrians and strollers rights to access cleared sidewalks, that is NOT a homeowner’s problem, and should never have been.

Human beings and justice should be primary elements of the discussions that go on among this venerable council who represent the people, all the people

Thank you for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to answering any of your questions

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the following are varying points of view and exchanges about the issue .. I will include the names where the dialogue was public, but will mask the names when the conversation was private

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Too slow on snow
Opinion Jul 19, 2018 Waterloo Region Record

Kitchener backs away from pricey snow clearing trial — June 27

Given that having walkways free of snow and ice (and obstructions in the other three seasons) is a human right, it stands to reason that the 24-hour time frame for clearing is not reasonable or acceptable. In order to be in any way meaningful, walkways must be cleared of snow and ice in a timely manner and maintained as such. When snowing, a pass at least every hour on every walkway would ensure safe conditions. The city has unlimited resources, and should use them to obtain the necessary staff and equipment to achieve this goal. A dollar value cannot be placed on the health and safety of the population. The notion that a 24-hour time frame for clearing is anywhere near effective is a mere token, indicating surrender to the vocal masses and is abdicating responsibility for the well-being of the population.

Ken Sowa
Kitchener

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Gehan AF D Sabry
for the past 30 years I have been puzzling over how and when the local authorities managed to con home owners into clearing the sidewalks for them in addition to what the city plows dump on the driveway .. while there is a simple gadget that attaches to the plow to clear that away … this is Canada and in winter it snows, and as the city is obligated to clear the roads, it is MORE obligated to clear its sidewalks for its pedestrians … instead I found that they had pitted pedestrians against homeowners … and the cheek of it .. they further imposed a penalty … lifetime sentence of free labour with no parole in sight !!!….. disgraceful doesn’t even begin to describe it … especially that with the advancement of technology, clearing an average crescent wouldn’t take more than 10 minutes .. one piece of equipment, one person !!! does that answer your question? oh .. and of course now they are scaring people by threatening to raise property taxes .. when in fact they should have been doing the work themselves a long time ago !!!

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2018 October 6 fb exchange re bylaw w Gregory Heenan

Gregory A. Heenan
Question for ALL CANDIDATES what will you do to get bylaw enforcement out of the office and on the streets It is not my job to call their attention to violators. Would you encourage / propose a enforcement person for EACH of the10 wards or one for every two (5)

Gehan AF D Sabry
Gregory .. I am not a candidate …but I sincerely hope you are not referring to snow clearing …because that is one by-law that violates every homeowners human right … and the fight over it is far from over!!

Alan Balažic
Can you elaborate Gehan? I’m not clear about what right you’re speaking of?

Gehan AF D Sabry
Alan Balažic – for the past 30 years I have been puzzling over how and when the local authorities managed to con home owners into clearing the city owned sidewalks for them in addition to what the city plows dump on the driveway .. while there is a simple gadget that attaches to the plow to clear that away … this is Canada and in winter it snows, and as the city is obligated to clear the roads, it is MORE obligated to clear its sidewalks for its pedestrians … instead I found that they had pitted pedestrians against homeowners … and the cheek of it .. they further imposed a penalty … lifetime sentence of free labour with no parole in sight !!!….. disgraceful doesn’t even begin to describe it … especially that with the advancement of technology, clearing an average crescent wouldn’t take more than 10 minutes .. one piece of equipment, one person !!! does that answer your question? oh .. and of course now they are scaring people by threatening to raise property taxes .. when in fact they should have been doing the work themselves a long time ago !!!

Gregory A Heenan
Gehan AF D Sabry – I NEVER said a flake about snow ….. general bylaws and property standards that is why I capitalized the direction of the question to CANDIDATES but it seems that not Christine Michaud nor Wes nor Florence nor either of the other CANDIDATES have it on their agendas

Aurie Botosan
There is SO much I could enlighten some on this issue as a private snow removal contractorbut as a Canadian who has endured many cold, snowy and dreary winters it’s what we do .. shovel our fair share !!! And then cozy up to a fire and watch our beloved Leafs lose on a Saturday night . Just think of the associated costs facilitating your suggestions $$

Gehan AF D Sabry
Aurie, the city can subcontract the work to you and other private snow removal contractors … I am not against private contractors, in fact at my work, we do have that agreement in place .. there is still plenty of work … but to impose it upon homeowners is a travesty .. unforgivable when it also comes with a fine if not done!!! The cost rhetoric they cook up is also unacceptable . the city has an obligation that it has been shirking for too long …

Aurie Botosan
Does the snow contractor at your place of work shovel the snow between your parked cars ?

Gehan AF D Sabry
Aurie Botosan we do not park overnight .. and if I am working late I go outside and move my car …

Aurie Botosan
Gehan AF D Sabry point I’m making is expectations of a service have to meet the allotted budget. Enjoy your Thanksgiving

Gregory A. Heenan
Aurie Botosan Gehan AF D Sabry HOW DID THIS BECOME A SNOW ISSUE NOT THE ORIGINAL point ….. looks like we need to get the school board trustees to approach a literacy concern I am now getting or maybe Doug Ford has an opinion on THAT too

Gehan AF D Sabry
Gregory .. I was responding to Alan Balažic who asked me to elaborate on my comment to you re by-laws .. there is absolutely no need for you to be dictatorial and muzzle the conversation just because you had something different in mind .. this site is about elections .. and elections revolve around CITIZENS not candidates .. we select .. we challenge .. and we decide .. that is democracy
Gregory A Heenan .. your post was about by-laws!!!!!! who now needs literacy .. if you wanted it to be specific you should have formed your sentence accordingly !!!!!

Gehan AF D Sabry
snow clearing is a
CITY OBLIGATION
.. not an excuse to raise taxes

Jamie Diebolt
If the City was responsible to plough all sidewalks they would have to increase staff and increase spending for more machinery/maintenance to do the work or hire contractors. Where do you think the money to do this would come from? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out

Gehan AF D Sabry
Jamie, the equipment will be a one time purchase that would probably have been covered by their ridiculous and thankfully withdrawn “study and pilot project” of 750,000 … and if they operated on an efficient budget like all other companies have to do .. instead of having to rely / fall back on the public trough, it would be extremely easy to do … without scaring people into thinking that the only way is to raise taxes and continue to commit a travesty against homeowners …

Alex Lobakov
Jamie Diebolt – I used to live in King City and the city was responsible for plowing sidewalks. And guess what?
Property tax rate was LOWER than they charge in Kitchener. What gives?

Chris Feeney
How do you really feel though…

Gehan AF D Sabry
Chris, about what?

Carol Daniels
You could move to a neighborhood with no sidewalks… Problem solved

Gehan AF D Sabry
Carol Daniels .. what is wrong is wrong … I should not have to shovel snow or mow a lawn that the city claims to own .. and therefore I also should not have to move myself just because you say so!! I pay my property taxes and deserve to be served as in all civilized societies where human rights are respected … I am not a tool of free labour to be pushed around and be threatened by penalties… and it is not a ‘problem’ it is a travesty being committed against homeowners ..

Carol Daniels
Wow. So angry! I said “could” which is in the passive voice. It was a idea, not a command.

Gehan AF D Sabry
you might want to consider how our rights are being abused as homeowners .. and when they get away with one thing they will spread to more .. so careful what you wish for

Carol Daniels
Gehan AF D Sabry – and what did I wish for?

Gehan AF D Sabry
Carol Daniels – you wished me gone to solve my problem .. which to me is an attitude that lacks compassion and trivializes my what you call “problem”

Carol Daniels
Gehan AF D Sabry – I didn’t mean to wish you away. I apologize if I hurt your feelings. You are correct that there are ways to keep the plowed stuff off the driveways off the sidewalk. I find it’s just too easy for people and agencies not to care. I’m just surprised that neighborhoods with no sidewalks aren’t more prevalent. As to th Boulevards, I’m sure that’s done so that certain services can be attended to without homeowners giving workers issues about trespassing, etc. I don’t think that can be helped

Gehan AF D Sabry
no problem .. Carol … I have made several presentations to the current council, and that is why I hope to counter the divisiveness and the pitting pedestrians against home owners and also to prove that a one time purchase of equipment would be more fiscally responsible instead of the six months salaries and staff time that culminated in a “report” suggesting a pilot project that would have cost $750,000 which I said should be used against the purchase of the equipment .. obviously private contractors think they will lose out .. when in fact this is an opportunity for them to step in and do the job .. even more efficiently! New technology indicates that an average crescent would take 10 minutes to clear .. one man one piece of equipment … in Sweden for example they realized that pedestrians are even more of a priority than the roads so they start by clearing them first .. without a single thought of using homeowners as slaves ..

Sara Lane
I like your point, im just not sure it’s a battle we can win. I don’t mind to shovel the sidewalk Infront of my house. I told myself long ago that if I was ever lucky enough to own my own home I’d remember that when I had to cut my lawn or shovel my driveway. Puts it in perspective when I don’t feel like doing it

Agata Majerski
If nobody says anything then there is no “battle” and the city wins every time. I have no problems clearing the sidewalks, but I always think of those injured and elderly that pay taxes and still have to do it.
If the city owns the sidewalk, then the city should clear it

Sara Lane
Yep but that point also begs the question are they going to cut the boulevard in front of your place too? Because that’ll be their argument that if they do snow because it’s their property than someone will want them to do the grass infront of houses as well

Gehan AF D Sabry
Sara Lane, whatever their argument, the slavery and abuse of homeowner’s time and efforts has got to stop and at no additional cost to homeowners because it was a travesty to begin with .. that point was been clearly explained to them .. I actually even accused them of being cheeky for still talking about by-law enforcement and increasing fines on something that violates my human right as a homeowner and should never happen in a society that calls itself civilized

Agata Majerski
Sara Lane well, the cut the garbage pick up to every two weeks now and limit on number of of bags. I don’t see cut on taxes, just on the service. Use the savings to do the sidewalks…

Sara Lane
Sara and 65 others joined Doon South Community Group within the last two weeks. Give them a warm welcome into your community!
I get the every two weeks. It’s to push the green boxes into use. Well, that’s part of it. It was implemented but not received well. And we need to start doing more for the garbage issue as a whole

Gehan AF D Sabry
Agata Majerski – I like your point about using the savings .. and it even prompts me to say … learn to do things more efficiently … without always depending on dipping into the public purse for more taxes

Carol Daniels
Is there a budget item with the city to clear residential sidewalks?

Gehan AF D Sabry
yes Carol, they are half way to acknowledging their responsibility but keep scaring people about property taxes .. and although many people have even been willing to pay more … my position is that it is long overdue that they step up and correct their slavery and abuse of homeowners and that they are very crafty at finding funds when they want to .. they had already wasted six months of staff salaries to come up with a report that suggested they run a pilot project at a cost of $750,000 to which I replied that that was a redundant study and a waste of money and that the 750,000 should go towards a one time purchase of equipment and to stop dragging the issue ..

Warren Schnurr
The equipment may cost $750K but you also need to pay people to operate that equipment, it’s not as cut and dry as you think. Also, the norm for municipalites all over North America is that homeowners shovel the sidewalks and mow the grass on the municipal-owned boulevard. Sidewalk plowing is offered in some places but it is not in the majority of cities. It’s not slavery, it’s a normal part of living in an urban area in society

Sara Lane
I was cringing at the slavery term too. If I wrote that in some other groups I’d be lamb basted. I’m not ok with that term for this…

Gehan AF D Sabry
Sara Lane – but that is exactly what it is and that is what I said to city council .. it is public record .. why do you cringe when someone states the truth … if you are not clear how it is slavery .. I am more than happy to elaborate …

Sara Lane
Ugh nope. It’s an opinion

Gehan AF D Sabry
Sara Lane – I am surprised that the term offends you but the action it describes doesn’t

Sara Lane
You’re going to turn a lot of folks off with your argument using it. You go though, if you can change things all the power to you. If you need any signatures etc I would add mine

Gehan AF D Sabry
Sara Lane – thank you Sara I truly appreciate this and I just might need the signatures ..

Gehan AF D Sabry
I beg to differ Warren .. and btw it is not across the board many cities have realized how uncivilized it was to treat homeowners as free labour and have resumed their responsibility, and Warren, when something is wrong it is wrong … just because it has been allowed to continue in the past is no reason for it not to be remedied … as I explained earlier …new technology indicates that an average crescent would take 10 minutes to clear .. one man one piece of equipment … and again as I said …in Sweden for example they realized that pedestrians are even more of a priority than the roads so they start by clearing them first .. without a single thought of using homeowners as slaves ..

Warren Schnurr
I don’t agree that is wrong, it’s fiscally prudent. There are many concerns that need to be addressed before the city goes and decides to just plow all the sidewalks…
1) There will be a substantial cost each year for the city to plow all the sidewalks. Do we, as taxpayers and voters want the city to prioritize sidewalk plowing over fixing roads and utilities or funding libraries and community centres?
2) What happens when the city budgets a certain amount for snow removal and the budget gets blown if we have a bad winter? Where does the money come from to cover the overrun?
3) If the city plows damage anyones property while plowing how does the city handle that? Who pays? How does the city insure against that and prevent lawsuits?
We democratically elect the people who make the decisions to plow the sidewalks or not to plow the sidewalks, they’re not our ‘masters’ they’re our representatives. If sidewalk plowing is such an issue we would have candidates running on that platform for the election this month. To date I haven’t even seen this register on the political radar.
People buy homes in this area knowing what their responsibilities are in terms of snow removal etc., they are not forced into buying that home and if they don’t want to shovel snow don’t buy a home here

Cory Janzen
Agree Warren Schnurr – there are far greater issues than this in our city…if It bothers you so much hire a neighbour’s kid to clear your driveway – creates jobs, keeps them off Fortnite for a while, and will be WAY cheaper than paying the City to manage it

Gehan AF D Sabry
Cory Janzen – your remark reflects total inconsideration for the free labour that is imposed on homeowners, the jobs should be created by the city … or else I will send my bills for all the hours I have to spend clearing their sidewalk in the winter and mowing their portion of the front lawn in the summer .. it isn’t about what is cheaper .. it is about what is civilized !!!!

Gehan AF D Sabry
Warren Schnurr – let’s take your points one by one:
1) There will be a substantial cost each year for the city to plow all the sidewalks. Do we, as taxpayers and voters want the city to prioritize sidewalk plowing over fixing roads and utilities or funding libraries and community centres?
* the city tax base has exponentially multiplied over the years so has technological advancement such that it is now very time and cost efficient .. with responsible budgeting it could and should assume its responsibility of minding its own properties .. such as the sidewalks and the gadget that attaches to the plows to clear what it dumps on my private driveway!!

2) What happens when the city budgets a certain amount for snow removal and the budget gets blown if we have a bad winter? Where does the money come from to cover the overrun?
* ask them how they managed to come up with a million dollars to cover the minimum wage increase that the province imposed this year

3) If the city plows damage anyone’s property while plowing how does the city handle that? Who pays? How does the city insure against that and prevent lawsuits?
* what do you suggest I should do if my husband dies of a heart attack while he has to do the free slave work on behalf of the city?

We democratically elect the people who make the decisions to plow the sidewalks or not to plow the sidewalks, they’re not our ‘masters’ they’re our representatives. If sidewalk plowing is such an issue we would have candidates running on that platform for the election this month. To date I haven’t even seen this register on the political radar.
* in a democracy WE THE PEOPLE tell the candidates what to run on .. HELLO !!

People buy homes in this area knowing what their responsibilities are in terms of snow removal etc., they are not forced into buying that home and if they don’t want to shovel snow don’t buy a home here
* it really is beyond your jurisdiction to tell me where to buy a home .. and .. it is well within my right to demand a resolve to this most uncivilized by-law!!!

Ruby Weber
You are so right, but how can we change it.

Gehan AF D Sabry
thank you Ruby, I have made several presentations to the current council, and that is why I hope to counter the divisiveness and the pitting pedestrians against home owners and also to prove that a one time purchase of equipment would be more fiscally responsible instead of the six months salaries and staff time that culminated in a “report” suggesting a pilot project that would have cost $750,000 which I said should be used against the purchase of the equipment .. obviously private contractors think they will lose out .. when in fact this is an opportunity for them to step in and do the job .. obviously more efficiently! New technology indicates that an average crescent would take 10 minutes to clear .. one man one piece of equipment …

Sam Meilach
And if you don’t clear the sidewalk they’ll fine you

Gregory A Heenan
if implemented (I think it should) Taxes will be immediately increased and then the screaming will be loud

Gehan AF D Sabry
Gregory, that was exactly what I objected to in my presentation to city council earlier this year … that it is bad enough that they had gotten away with taking advantage of homeowners for so long and should neither increase taxes or dare to mention fines any more!!!

Gregory A. Heenan
and HOW is that funded ? No transfer funding from province or region. Must be paid for and not everyone HAS A SIDEWALK some are without drive so plugged drive is not a worry.

Gehan AF D Sabry
Gregory A Heenan – when the province implemented the increase in minimum wage .. I asked … how is the city managing that .. the reply .. oh we managed!!!

June Connors
Perhaps if developers were not given “corporate welfare” (constant waiving of development fees owed to city/regional coffers)these savings could be used to benefit residents by clearing city sidewalks and keeping tax increases reasonable

Mike Franck
If developers aren’t given incentives (Corporate Welfare), they will simply go where incentives are offered; they will pay ongoing taxes, and hire people to operate their business’ (some of whom will be happy for new job opportunities & being able to afford a sidewalk to shovel). Just sayin’

June Connors
Mike Franck – respect your opinion but disagree and say let them go…just sayin

Gehan AF D Sabry
Mike Franck – is that all you can think of … money !!!! never mind the uncivilized bylaw that has been encroaching on every home owner’s human right to a normal life without having to slave for the city to do its sidewalk clearing for it!!!

Mike Franck
Gehan AF D Sabry – it is really kind of funny (read sad) for you to attack my observation so personally; if you don’t have a source of income, you’re unlikely to have a sidewalk to worry about shoveling. Besides, are you not complaining about having to pay for the cost to have someone else shovel your sidewalk? That kind of equates to thinking about money – n’est pas?

Gehan AF D Sabry
Mike Franck .. non pas du tout!!! I attack the idea and the line of thinking that you have put forward … where it is all about money … I am presenting an instance of a blatant human rights violation, and your line of thought only went to breaking it down to dollars and cents and developers ..

June Connors
Unless something has changed last time I checked the City owns both sidewalks and boulevards

Gehan AF D Sabry
yes thank you June!!!

June Connors
Gehan AF D Sabry.- I try to stick with the facts Gehan. Truth is the city has us clearing their sidewalks and maintaining their boulevards. If we do not do this they fine us. Although compliant I don’t call this “freedom.” Perhaps, someday this will change but not holding my breath waiting. Happy thanksgiving to you and yours

Gehan AF D Sabry
happy thanksgiving to you too June … it is nice to talk to someone who exchanges with civility!!!

Gregory A. Heenan
You MUST be trying to run for office but I find no mention of you at any level … odd usually individuals with such strong feelings as to THINK it is a ‘BLATANT HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION” would be the take action type of person … our MP is just that tried every way to get her son’s service dog allowed in school and then ran to try to change from within …. the test program is on so let’s see how that shakes out … heck we may all have to take garbage to the dump to get the money to clear some walks or maybe like some states it is a user fee base where if not paid your fire fee they will sit and watch your hones burn as they did in Tennessee

Gehan AF D Sabry
I would not even consider running … I am an activist I operate from an independent place … but activist I am … and I have already made two presentation to the current council and spoken to many about it .. this is not going away … you side track in your comments .. and you seem to be submissive to what “they” will decide … without realizing that residents need to be LISTENED TO and responded to .. not be pushed about by a handful of people .. remember the definition of democracy ..???

Gregory A Heenan
Mike Franck – I guess people need to be educated that we are given or allowed to live in a free system but free means “at a cost” in an example in the U S healthcare comes with a cost but to a high percentage …… ah never mind Gehan AF D Sabry may …..oh yeah she is an ACTIVIST not a politician

Gehan AF D Sabry
so Gregory A Heenan and Mike Franck .. you think USA is a model to follow !!! God help us!!! here I am talking about the rights of homeowners as citizens who pay their taxes – where an archaic by-law has been upheld by using divisive methods of pitting homeowners (who are also pedestrians) against pedestrians … just so that the city can shirk its responsibility of clearing ITS OWN sidewalks … talking about human rights of citizens in a supposedly civilized society .. yet you are too concerned about cost … so again God help us!!!

Kitchener ward 4 election 2018

Gehan AF D Sabry – I put the question to the 2018 candidates for Kitchener Ward 4:
Florence Carbray Christine Michaud Wes Hill Julie Batista Goncalves Geary Upneet Sasha Sidhu ?

Wes Hill
Hi Gehan AF D Sabry! That is one big topic! — and definitely one people can get seriously passionate about. Could you narrow it down a bit? What is your biggest concern about snow clearing in the city?

Gehan AF D Sabry
thank you Wes for asking … and yes it has been a great concern and a topic very much discussed .. I have a long and a short version for the reply .. and I did not want to influence your response … would you give me your thoughts first .. I will be happy to debate you on it

Christine Michaud
Hello Gehan. This is a hot topic specifically amongst seniors and those with physical disabilities. I don’t believe this issue is going to go away and I expect it will be discussed at council again. As a starting point I would like to see what the tax payer would have to absorb for different options then go from there

Gehan AF D Sabry
thank you Christine for your reply

Christine Michaud
Gehan AF D Sabry – my pleasure

Florence Carbray
This is a passionate issue! Thanks for the question. People who want to get around our city should be able to do so independently, safely and with dignity. It shouldn’t matter if they are walking, cycling, pushing strollers, or using a wheelchair, Getting to where you are going (to transit, work, school, and stores, anywhere) should not be a challenge. The biggest accessibility and mobility issue for citizens in Kitchener is during the winter months when not all sidewalks are kept clear of snow and ice, and accessible. The City Bylaw (Chapter 687) Article 1 DUTY OF OWNER indicates that every owner or occupant of a building … shall clear away and remove the snow and ice from sidewalks … within 24 hours. These sidewalks are city sidewalks, and not always cleared properly by homeowners. Bylaw enforcement is based on citizen complaints; that means a neighbour has to complain about a neighbour who does not clear the ice and snow off the sidewalks to get it taken care of. There are some who believe that the City should be responsible for clearing snow and ice from all city sidewalks. The issue of snow clearing city sidewalks will be on the agenda for the new Council, and if elected as Councillor, I will listen to residents, and be the voice of Ward 4

Gehan AF D Sabry
thank you Florence for your reply .. and as I have been saying .. this issue is focal for me .. and will not go away … many people support my stand on it .. it is public knowledge that I made two presentations to the current council and will continue to do what it takes until it is resolved

Mike Steinborn: Here’s an FYI from the City of Kitchener website. I did not know about this!
Neighbourhood-shared snow blower program
Get money to put towards a new snow blower for your neighbourhood. The city has grant funding for up to 10 neighbhourhood snow blowers. Each snow blower is to be shared by residents living in the same neighbourhood to keep their sidewalks, driveways and walkways clear. Interested Kitchener residents can apply online to receive up to $500 towards the purchase of a new snow blower.
The Neighbourhood Shared Snow Blower program is a neighbourhood led effort. We’ll provide you with a grant to help fund the purchase of a shared snowblower. The resident group is responsible for taking full ownership of the snow blower. This includes ensuring shared and equal access among the group, safe storage, operation, ongoing maintenance and required repairs.
The deadline to apply online is Oct. 26, 2018.

Shelly Lynn
So do you have to give the city names and addresses of your neighbors who are agreeing to this? Anyone can say they’ll do this but in turn keep the snowblower to themselves 🙁

Mike Steinborn
Probably. I haven’t looked at the application form but there’s probably something in there to prevent this program from being abused 🙂

Shelly Lynn
Mike Steinborn – I’ll give the city a call in the morning and get more info. We are on old Huron rd and I’m positive most of our street would appreciate this if we get snow this year

Mike Steinborn
Shelly Lynn – Check out this link: https://darrenk.blitzen.com/…/Neighbourhood-Shared-Snow…

Stacey Arnold
Yes you have to give them names. I’m not sure what the “length” of agreement is or what happens if someone moves? There’s a little more info here-
https://darrenk.blitzen.com/…/Neighbourhood-Shared-Snow…
I think in theory it’s a good idea; but it almost seems like they’re focusing on residents who can clear some of the city’s clearing areas as well

Mike Steinborn
Of course, there’s nothing preventing a group of neighbours getting together to buy a snowblower on their own 🙂 Or someone who already has one to share theirs (something I’ve done after heavy snowfalls, which tend to be rare).

Gehan AF D Sabry
a deflective attempt to hold on to the archaic by-law that enslaves home-owners …

Yvette Maria Charbonneau
why not be part of the solution and figure it out to make it better for all instead of griping .. this is a potential solution to help neighbours including helping a senior neighbour who might not possibly be able to do it anymore sheesh

Gehan AF D Sabry
Yvette Maria Charbonneau … first I AM A SENIOR .. second .. I resent your language .. I do not gripe when I seek to correct a horrible injustice that you all seem to be brainwashed about … and if this deflective attempt was a solution I would have been happy about it .. but it is not .. it is a sorry cheap tranquilizer ..

Yvette Maria Charbonneau
I see your ranting as griping take offense all you want your not a part of the solution .. nor are you OFFERING a solution .. so still you are part of the problem

Gehan AF D Sabry
Yvette Maria Charbonneau – and you ARE the problem .. since you allow yourself to be herded by a handful of politicians

Yvette Maria Charbonneau
ha ha ha thank you so much for your entertainment value today
Mike Steinborn – I personally think that what you found is truly an amazing idea to get neighbours together to help one another and even be a bit more neighbourly bravo !

Kelly Sparks Farquhar
Wow ok a no vote – see ya

Gehan AF D Sabry
Kelly – I am not running for a vote .. ha ha

Kelly Sparks Farquhar
Gehan AF D Sabry – well you don’t seem very neighbourly or willing to try to help the situation

Gehan AF D Sabry
this is NOT a solution … this is a cheap cheap tranquilizer to drown attempts to demand our human right and defend ourselves as citizens in a supposedly civilized society .. which .. judging by how aggressive you lot are … is not quite that!!!

Shelly Lynn
Gehan AF D Sabry – maybe you should state your address or the area you live in so people who do want to make us of these snowblowers can be sure not to blow your driveway out in the midst of a snowstorm!

Yvette Maria Charbonneau
Gehan AF D Sabry – and yet you still have done nothing to offer a solution have you ?

Gehan AF D Sabry
Shelley and Lynn .. I have not experienced such venomous behaviour in a while … so below me to respond!

Shelly Lynn
Gehan AF D Sabry – you’re response doesn’t make sense. However, I do not understand how such a thing can be turned into something bad???!!! Nobody is forcing you to join in

Kelly Sparks Farquhar
Gehan AF D Sabry – thought you were running for a spot to represent pioneer park and Doon? If so you won’t get a vote from me

Gehan AF D Sabry
no Kelly I do not run for politics .. I have better things to do .. and I would never ask for your vote anyway!!

Kelly Sparks Farquhar
Do you even live in our community? Most of us are pretty nice and easy to get along with! Anyway hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and October fest! Cheers

Gehan AF D Sabry
Kelly Sparks Farquhar – happy thanksgiving to you too .. you could have fooled me about that nice and easy … but to answer your question .. yes I have lived in this wonderful community for 30 years and counting .. I was a member of the DPPCA since we had the grand opening of the community centre and I volunteered there on many programs … so .. shame on you lot for jumping at my throat like ths …

Kelly Sparks Farquhar
Gehan AF D Sabry – I don’t jump anywhere for anyone! I just hope all us dooners can get along is all! Have a great evening “neighbour”
Oh and sorry I was totally mistaken with you running because I have seen your name tied with a top runner! Please accept my apologies for that!

Gehan AF D Sabry
Kelly Sparks Farquhar – water under the bridge Kelly .. Florence had been my next door neighbour since I moved here 30 years ago, she welcomed me and made me part of the DPPCA and the board while the community centre was being built … I respect her very much

Kelly Sparks Farquhar
Gehan AF D Sabry that is awesome! Can not wait to see the “new” community centre

Gehan AF D Sabry
Kelly Sparks Farquhar – indeed .. all three of my kids grew up with the existing one .. now maybe my grandkids will enjoy the new one??

Kelly Sparks Farquhar
Gehan AF D Sabry- my kids did as well! Now hoping the same for my three granddaughters! See more in common than either of us thought!

Gehan AF D Sabry
Kelly Sparks Farquhar – we may even know each other by sight .. you never know !

Kelly Sparks Farquhar
Gehan AF D Sabry – true I worked at our Zehrs for 14 years lol. And my son will be 30 and daughter will be 29 in November

Gehan AF D Sabry
I look forward to meeting you .. we definitely crossed paths many times over the years !!!

Mike Franck
Well, you have the opportunity to change Council in a couple of weeks. For my part, I live in a Condo & have to pay for the services you seem to think should be free. (and I’d rather not be paying for yours)

Gehan AF D Sabry
Mike Franck- that is precisely the point I made to council … that the city should be ashamed of themselves for even mentioning raising taxes when they should have been taking responsibility for their own sidewalks from the start anyway .. and not even think of talking about fines and penalties .. Kitchener has grown exponentially and the tax base as well as technological advancements could easily afford what I am attempting to hold them accountable for … if they act fiscally, and efficiently … and stop wasting time (six months worth of staff time) just to come up with the idea of running a redundant pilot project at a cost of $750,000 which could have paid for the one time purchase of equipment … they came up with a million dollars just like that when the province raised the minimum wage …!!!!

Mike Franck
My humble apologies for having mistaken this for a Forum that considered different views. Your clearly follow City Hall far more closely than I; therefore, how dare I comment! Good night (& out)

my presentation January 15 2018 …

Sam Meilach
Good speech. I would add that as homeowners we have to make sure the sidewalks aren’t slippery. So when they’re icy we have to out lots of salt (if it’s too hard to scrape with a shovel). And yet they keep telling us not to use salt because it’s bad for the environment. But if we don’t they’ll impose a fine for have slippery sidewalks

Gehan AF D Sabry
yes Sam I totally agree .. .. btw I made a second presentation in June .. I would be happy to share if you are interested

Gehan AF D Sabry
it is a gross violation of homeowners human rights to clear snow on city sidewalks

Rod Pegg
It is the Kitchener bylaw to do so …. even without the penalty, we have traditionally always done this for our neighbourhoods … now with the mobility scooters and senior walkers out there on blustery days, I thought the city was already studying the winter sidewalk issue

Alysia Watkins
We get your point…can we leave it be? Kinda tired of hearing about this daily on this page

Gehan AF D Sabry
and I am tired of having to be abused and enslaved .. so sorry that my REAL problem makes you tired!!!!!

Pamela Fraser
Having to shovel sidewalks is not a REAL problem

Jeannie Brown Watt
Gehan AF D Sabry – please tell me how you feel abused and enslaved. Honestly, I am grateful to be living in this wonderful country. I believe that there are certainly more countries that have more serious issues of abusing and enslaving their people. Give it a rest, please!

Gehan AF D Sabry
if you don’t get it .. it is useless to engage with you … so sorry!

Jeannie Brown Watt
Gehan AF D Sabry – no need to be sorry. Please enlighten me on how we are abused and enslaved.

Gehan AF D Sabry
you don’t get it .. if someone has an issue .. you need to treat that concern with respect, if you don’t have that problem, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a problem .. I am finding Alysia and Pamela very insensitive

Gehan AF D Sabry
Jeannie Brown Watt – this has nothing to do with countries … we do live in the best country in the world .. but it only stays that way by being kept respectful of people

Jeannie Brown Watt
Gehan AF D Sabry – you are not answering my question. Again, please enlighten me on how we are abused and enslaved. I have no idea who Alysia and Pamela are. Do not tell me I don’t get it. Answer the question so I can “get it”

Gehan AF D Sabry
check my other post .. I did share my presentation to city hall in January .. and in June .. or even go to the council minutes .. it should be there .. I explained it all .. and guess what … there are many more like me who feel the same way

Andrew Leyes
Gehan AF D Sabry – give us the presentation here. Doesn’t seem like you even understand what you’re talking about. You keep spinning in circles around nothing

Alysia Watkins
Gehan AF D Sabry – not being insensitive I actually happen to agree with you on this topic but I also don’t need to see it brought up daily on my feed

Logan Macinnis
You’re going about this all wrong. I also agree that the city should be responsible but If you think that posting in this group is going to help your “real problem” then you’re delusional. All you are doing is wasting your time and the time of those who have to see this BS on a daily basis

Gehan AF D Sabry
Logan Macinnis Logan .. I am getting a lesson is how insensitive and uncaring my neighbours are … I have already made several presentations to city council and have taken the ‘democratic’ route, but when I see them now coming up with this ingenious idea of bribing people and tranquilizing the issue .. it concerns me very much…

Logan Macinnis
Gehan AF D Sabry – it shouldn’t, they haven’t changed the rules…it has been this way. You absolutely signed up for any local bylaws when you moved to the area…I’m sure a neighbor would help you clear snow if that’s a personal problem that you have but don’t make it a problem for all of us…you’re the only one I see complaining on this issue

Gehan AF D Sabry
Rod Pegg, yes Rod, but they are offering a tranquilizer of snowblower sharing program instead of solving the root problem and moving fast to rectify the injustice imposed on homeowners ..

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
How is giving a community a gift of easy snow removal a bad thing? When did we stop taking pride in, and maintaining, our own corner of the world? My family, my neighbours, my other communities, would often just take turns clearing our driveways, those of neighbours with one parent and small kids, the elderly, the sick, etc. Including our sidewalks, because we did not wish to see anyone in our community slip or fall. We do not need more service, we need more community engagement and action. Just as this snowblower encourages

Gehan AF D Sabry
Sarah Tonin Kennedy – the key word is .. the sidewalk is city property .. I take much pride is every inch of my property … and we have wonderful relations with all our neighbours .. this is not a social issue .. please try to understand … this is about the city having tricked homeowners into doing its work for it, and now got more emboldened by imposing fines on us for something they should be doing, and went further by pitting pedestrians, strollers and wheelchairs against homeowners .. well homeowners are also the pedestrians, strollers, and wheelchairs .. we did not sign up for this free labour and it is something that we should never have been forced to do … sidewalks are city property .. they did not even allow us to replace a dead tree on the outside grass area … saying “do not touch it .. this is city property” .. so you tell me!

Colleen Erin
Gehan AF D Sabry – homeowners boulevards are also city property – is cutting the grass on the boulevard also an issue?

Gehan AF D Sabry
Colleen .. yes it is .. and I did mention it at one of my presentations to council .. I did say “if this is your property, why am I shovelling it and why am I mowing your grass for you”

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
Count me as one who doesn’t get it then. I am one of those people who look for solutions, and it seems you may be the opposite. Not likely we will come to any middle ground here. Where do you live? If I volunteer to clear the sidewalk out front your house will you be happy?

Rod Pegg
I like the snowblower plan … a healthy way to get neighbours out together and get some satisfaction bettering their neighbourhood

Gehan AF D Sabry
no one is asking you to stop your neighbourly togetherness, you are free to go out and share and shovel and do as you please, but it needs to be established and understood that it is not the job of a homeowner to do free work on city owned sidewalks .. I did not sign up for this ..and I object to the by-law, and find that imposing a fine is adding insult to injury

Rod Pegg
Okay

Gehan AF D Sabry
as for healthy .. I beg to differ … I have major back problems, and my husband has had a quadruple by-pass yet he has to stress in the middle of the night and maybe get another heart attack because he is being abused by the system

Rod Pegg
Neither one you should shovel snow … agreed

Gehan AF D Sabry
Rod Pegg – thank you Rod, I am being ridiculed by some here who think it is a fun thing ..

Rod Pegg
I’m surprised that a close neighbour hasn’t stepped in to help you out when there’s a winter storm … I help out a few of mine for a thank you wave & a smile

Gehan AF D Sabry
Rod Pegg – we do have wonderful neighbours and we have pot lucks and gatherings and all sorts of neighbourly activities .. I am not discussing social relations .. I am discussing a situation that has been unfair for too long .. it has been puzzling me for years now how this by-law came to be .. I had voiced it all along … two wrongs do not make a right …

Kelly Jackman
Maybe it’s time to buy a condo…to use the words ‘abused and enslaved’ in regards to shoveling snow is an insult to those who are truly abused and enslaved.

Gehan AF D Sabry
Kelly Jackman .. NO .. it is time the city steps up to its responsibility of clearing its own sidewalks .. I shouldn’t have to … never should have … I never signed up for it .. in a civilized country … our rights should be respected …

Kelly Jackman
When you moved to the city did they clear the side walks for you? No they did not, so now that your personal circumstances have changed the city you live in should accommodate you??? There are other places you can live that will clear your snow, there are companies you can hire to clear your snow, or you can move because YOUR personal circumstances have changed. I am not ridiculing you I am disagreeing with you

Nerina Avelleira
agree with Kelly’s first message – I came from condo world and you are at the mercy of 3 – 5 people

Gehan AF D Sabry
Kelly Jackman, it has nothing to do with my personal situation .. and you are clearly being brainwashed by the excuses the city offers in order to continue to shirk its responsibilities .. this issue has been bothering me for many years … and I had voiced my concerns quite often over the years …

Andrew Leyes
The government should wash my work clothes as they take taxes off my cheque. I’m tired after 40+ hr work weeks..

Gehan AF D Sabry
Andrew Leyes – you get paid for your work … I am being forced to do slave FREE labour to clear their sidewalk for them .. in return for which I hear : if you don’t do it we will fine you … how cheeky and disrespectful!!!

Jeannie Brown Watt
Why is this an issue now? If you’ve lived here for 30 years – it hasn’t changed. How cheeky and disrespectful for you to say it is “slave” labour. Perhaps you need to stop portraying as a victim and provide a solution. The City is providing a solution – be happy about it

Rod Pegg
We don’t usually argue on our neighbourhood page …

Kelli Kuzyk
Debate is fine if it is respectful. I love the solution the City has put forth but also understand that some people should not be moving heavy snow. There should be a sign up for those who need or want the help. Neighbors helping neighbors. Community spirit at its finest. There are 2 things I don’t want
1. Increased taxes to the City to cover the cost of removing our snow although I do agree that there are some areas that need faster help to remove the snow
2. I don’t want the risk of torn up grass to then have to repair in the Spring because someone didn’t care enough to do the job well. For my home I would want to opt out and do it ourselves. We already help out other neighbors as well.

Wasylyk Greg
Maybe move into a condo then, tired of hearing this daily. Take this problem you have to someone that might actually do something and keep it off of here. It’s getting very old!

Kirstan Howells
Is your only solution for the city to do it for you? Where will the money for that come from? Taxes? Reduce other services? They offered a temporary solution while they look into other solutions. Maybe partner with your neighbour and take turns shoveling. I think many people agree with what you are saying, but how you are saying it is going to get you no where. The city won’t listen and your neighbors won’t want to hear it any more

Gehan AF D Sabry
Kirstan .. well .. I have been doing it FOR THEM for 30 years and counting !!!! the city manages to come up with millions in no time when it wants to .. waiving the “raise taxes” threat is just another tool they are using to alienate people from the idea .. they are offering temporary tranquilizers .. the money they are dishing out now for the snowblowers could well be utilized towards working towards a one time purchase of necessary equipment to start taking their responsibility seriously towards clearing their own sidewalks

Erica DeFrane
Please stop using “abused” and “enslaved.” It’s very offensive

Mukul Verma
I 100% agree

Gehan AF D Sabry
Erica, what do you call being forced into FREE forced labour for the past 30 years ..

Erica DeFrane
I call it a FIRST WORLD PROBLEM.
People are actually being abused daily.
People are actually enslaved right now.
Using this inflammatory language is an insult to actual victims.
I understand you’re angry, and feel this is unjust. You have a right to be upset by what you feel is unfair.
Just stop using terms that diminish the people who actually are suffering because of real abuse and slavery. Why is that so difficult?
And for the record, I can’t shovel my own snow due to health reasons, and I live on my own. I hire someone to do it or my neighbour helps me out. I understand your frustration however I would never call it “slavery.”

Gehan AF D Sabry
Erica, so you object to a word, but not the concept of what it is? being forced to do something for free that the city is supposed to do for itself .. is called abuse and slavery .. any which way you look at it .. you are making me reach out for a dictionary .. give me a sec here ..:”a person held in servitude .. who has lost control of himself and is dominated by by something or someone …. and they give the example of alcoholism and drug addiction as well .. so it is not only a political issue .. I am a writer and a human rights activist, and I know how to use words .. the problem is people do not understand

Erica DeFrane
Gehan, I have an English degree. I understand just fine.
You just refuse to change how you are phrasing it, which means you are trying to be as inflammatory as possible.
I said clearly in my comment that agree that you are entitled to your feelings on the subject.
In the current political climate when the world is actually talking loudly about traumatic abuse and deep running racism stemming from slavery using this type of language is irresponsible and only serves to upset people further. It’s not going to help you win people over to supporting your cause.
It’s not me who isn’t understanding, it’s you. But it’s your decision, I’m going to block you so I don’t have to read it anymore if you decide to continue in this manner. It’s offensive. If you don’t understand why that’s the case the we have nothing to discuss

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
Gehan AF D Sabry – I will even come clear your sidewalk in a t-rex costume lol It is a beautiful day in beautiful Doon, try to find things to celebrate rather than problems, I promise it will make you smile

Kristy Grothen
As an admin for several groups, perhaps an admin for this group could turn off commenting? Just a suggestion. All the points have been made, and honestly I love being in the group but don’t need the overflowing notifications, as I imagine most everyone feels that way. Just my two cents

Laura Em-Oh
I’m not sure what part about this you don’t understand. Part of living in a city and owning a home means you have to follow the bylaws of said city. If someone falls down on the sidewalk in front of your home due to the ice and gets injured, both you AND the city can get sued. It is your responsibility as a homeowner to ensure your property is looked after so people won’t get injured. If you don’t like it, perhaps it’s time for you to get a condo or move to an apartment. You’ve made your point. Many people do not agree with you. It is unnecessary and frankly annoying to keep posting about this daily. There are more pressing issues happening in our city/province/country/world

Gehan AF D Sabry
Laura Em-Oh .. and I would have gladly supported your issues if you had respected mine … however .. I have discovered that I am surrounded by quite a few insensitive selfish bullies … and Laura, just because THEY TOLD YOU SO … and somehow slipped an outrageous by-law doesn’t mean it is right or that one should just be herded along . . key word again .. “your property” … the SIDEWALK IS NOT MY PROPERTY .. omg!!!

Laura Em-Oh
You really should speak to a lawyer about this so you can clearly understand why you have to look after the sidewalk and boulevard. Because you do not want to listen to anyone else

Gehan AF D Sabry
Laura Em-Oh – by laws are made to be challenged and changed .. I do not need a lawyer .. all you need to do is stop being brainwashed by the city

Laura Em-Oh
didn’t want people to personally attack you and then you call me brainwashed. If you want people to take you seriously, you should look back on how you responded to everyone on this thread

Gehan AF D Sabry
Laura Em-Oh – that is really rich coming from one who tells me to seek professional help

Laura Em-Oh
Gehan AF D Sabry Excuse me? When did I say that?

Gehan AF D Sabry
Laura Em-Oh scroll back .. I am not making this up

Laura Em-Oh
Gehan – someone named Logan said that to you. My name is Laura. Perhaps you need to scroll back and look a bit more carefully before throwing accusations around at people

Gehan AF D Sabry
my sincere apologies Laura, my mistake

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
People not agreeing with you is not bullying. Please, stop taking terms reserved for serious matters, and applying them to to your pet peeve

Erica DeFrane
How are you being bullied? I asked you politely to change your terminology and other people have asked you the same and you have refused. Asking you to change offensive wording is not bullying. By making things so heated you are losing the support of people you may have had otherwise, it’s not people bullying you.

Laura Em-Oh
My disagreeing with your point of view is not bullying you. I’m giving you information. You do not want to listen to anyone and keep using offensive terms. I don’t care if you do or do not support my ideas. Facts are facts

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
FACT Shoveling a sidewalk is not a human rights violation. FACT Stating that fact is not bullying

Gehan AF D Sabry
Sarah Tonin Kennedy – FACT .. free forced labour of clearing city owned sidewalks is a violation of my rights as a home owner and as a human being .. FACT disagreeing with me is no problem .. but opting to muzzle me is bullying!

Logan Macinnis
Seek professional help Gehan…you need it and we can’t help you

Gehan AF D Sabry
Logan Macinnis … and so starts the personal insults .. wow ..

Logan Macinnis
Not a personal insult at all…Interesting that you view it as one though.

Gehan AF D Sabry
Logan Macinnis – what’s interesting is that you had no meaningful contribution and resorted to attacking .. I have been in the public domain for too long to be affected by your technique

Logan Macinnis
This whole thread doesn’t contain a “meaningful contribution” get over yourself and find something useful to do with your time

Gehan AF D Sabry
Logan Macinnis – if you had something useful to do, maybe my interests wouldn’t have been your concern in the first place … I advocate for what is right .. that is what I do …

Yvette Maria Charbonneau
imagine how bad its going to get when it actually is snowing !! we are in a bit of a heat wave right now and this post has been repeated in every community group at least 3 times now lol hold on folks its going to be a rough winter with this one I think lol

Gehan AF D Sabry
you are not funny, you are insensitive

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
No, if someone put a muzzle on you that would be assault. Being asked to please stop referring to a household chore as a human rights violation is just an example of good sense. If you honestly believe that this is violating your human rights, then this community group is not your solution. Please handle your concerns appropriately and contact a lawyer. I am certain with this case you will have your pick of lawyers volunteering to help protect you

Gehan AF D Sabry
Sarah Tonin Kennedy – it is not a household chore .. the sidewalk is NOT MY PROPERTY

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
OK, call a lawyer. Let me know what they say, I’ll wait…..

Gehan AF D Sabry
Sarah Tonin Kennedy – I do not think it is your place to tell me what to do ..

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
You have a problem, that you have voiced repeatedly. Clearly your current methods are not resolving anything. If I were forced into human slavery do you know what I would do? Alert the people who could help, such as the police or a lawyer. So, we can not help you with this (despite my repeated offers to just shovel your sidewalk for you). As opposed to repeating yourself like a broken Chatty Cathy, go on to the next step in solving your problem. You say this is a human rights violation, I can’t be certain it is not, so seems logical to call a lawyer (who can be certain) and go from there. What on earth do you have to gain from continuing on here? What is the end goal for you?

Laura Em-Oh
Gehan I offered that a suggestion below because I honestly think a lawyer is the only person who can clearly explain to you your rights in this situation. It wasn’t meant to belittle you. I studied the law, but am not a lawyer therefore I don’t feel like I have enough knowledge on this topic to fully explain this issue to you. But someone who does this for a living most likely does

Gehan AF D Sabry
Laura Em-Oh – Laura, lawyers implement the laws, what I am discussing is CHANGING the by-law .. because it is in violation of my rights .. as a human being and as a homeowner… I know my rights very well .. and I am really disappointed by the number of people who want to succumb to what is being done to them .. this great country is built on democracy and justice .. the fact that it has been accepted by so many and not challenged by those who agree with me .. is because the city has been waiving the “raise taxes” and using arbitrary measures like increasing fines

Laura Em-Oh
There is no way the city can afford to have enough human power to clear sidewalks in a quick and efficient manner. This is why it must be done by the homeowner. When a snow event happens they can barely get the roads cleared quickly enough. The city would go bankrupt with the amount of money it would cost to do this. It makes fiscal and general common sense to have the homeowner clear the snow in front of your own property so people can walk by without falling, wheelchairs can get through, etc

Zack Merry
The city barely plows the snow and you expect them to do a decent job shovelling sidewalks??

Gehan AF D Sabry
that is precisely why they should be held to account and made to perform their duties fiscally and effectively

Gehan AF D Sabry
Laura Em-Oh .. that is exactly the misinformation that is being circulated .. I have challenged it .. this city has grown and its tax based multiplied, so did technology … there are solutions .. but you are not being told about them

Laura Em-Oh
I used to live in a city where they did clear the sidewalks. It was never done very quickly and got axed because it was too much money. As well, properties were damaged by it (grass and gardens ripped up when they didn’t stay on the sidewalk)

Gehan AF D Sabry
Laura Em-Oh – it is a city responsibility .. so they need to do it and do it properly .. failing that ..they need to change their ways .. we have the right to expect that!!!

Logan Macinnis
Gehan AF D Sabry – why do you expect perfection from our city? Do you have any idea how much it would cost for the city to keep every sidewalk clear of snow every time it snows? It would be astronomical. I think you are expecting too much

Gehan AF D Sabry
Logan Macinnis – they are already working towards the solution .. and rather than waste 6 months of staff time to “study” and come up with a redundant pilot project that would have cost $750,000 for a pilot project .. my presentation in June 2018 suggested that money go towards a one time purchase of equipment in order to move ahead, technology right now is such that an average crescent requires a maximum of 10 minutes .. that is one man one piece of equipment … it also creates jobs both for the individuals and for subcontractors … . they have the money, they now need to start acting fiscally responsible and perform their long shirked duty .. dangling the snowblower share idea right now is a tranquilizer not a solution …or hiring more by-law enforces against what is already a travesty and a violation of our rights is WRONG ..

Logan Macinnis
But it’s not a “one time purchase” all of the machines purchased need regular maintenance, gas, drivers etc… and while it does create more jobs, they are government jobs paid for by our tax dollars. This means that they will have to take funding from elsewhere. Perhaps we should fire a few more nurses or teachers so we can have our sidewalks cleared?

Gehan AF D Sabry
Logan Macinnis – no you should fire more high paid bureaucrats ..

Logan Macinnis
So you’re suggesting that the high paid bureaucrats fire some of the high paid bureaucrats? Yeah I’m sure that will happen!

Gehan AF D Sabry
Logan Macinnis – our tax dollars already provide a very sufficient budget, they managed overnight to provide the ONE MILLION extra dollars to cover the minimum wage increase when the province dictated it .. so .. I see no excuse for continuing with the charade about sidewalks

Logan Macinnis
Gehan AF D Sabry – they didn’t have to prepare “overnight” as they knew about the increase months in advance and had time to prepare, just like business owners did, and even if they get more money to spread around (and they likely will with Cannabis legalization next week) it will likely go to more important things than the sidewalks. Hiring more nurses, teachers, police, fixing the roads etc…

Gehan AF D Sabry
Logan Macinnis – funding for nurses and teachers is PROVINCIAL not municipal, and by overnight I meant .. they did not threaten to raise taxes over it..

Logan Macinnis
Gehan AF D Sabry – because they didn’t have to…because they spent time preparing. And I understand that nurses & teachers are paid through the municipal branch but at the end of the day it all just our tax dollars

Gehan AF D Sabry
Logan Macinnis – they re-allocated from their existing budget, what I meant was there wasn’t a hoo ha about it … because they can’t mess with the province .. our tax dollars are not being used in a fiscally responsible way … some bureaucrats act as though it is their own money to waste

Logan Macinnis
Gehan AF D Sabry sounds like that’s the issue that needs to be tackled! Please name one point in time where the government was fiscally responsible with tax dollars. And even if you find one there will still be 50% of the population that disagrees. You are seeking perfection in a system that is built to be divided…it’s an impossible task

Logan Macinnis
And even if you find one there will still be 50% of the population that disagrees. You are seeking perfection in a system that is built to be divided…it’s an impossible task

Gehan AF D Sabry
I can only try Logan ..

Logan Macinnis
Gehan AF D Sabry – at the end of the day I just hope everyone is living their happiest life, and if that’s dedicating 30 years to get your sidewalks cleared…all power to ya! Good luck!!

Gehan AF D Sabry
Logan Macinnis – no I actually have been doing other work .. I am a human rights activist on many issues

Logan Macinnis
Gehan AF D Sabry – t hat’s great! I hope you end up creating change some day!

Rod Pegg
Proven again … an argument can never be won on Facebook … the dog and I are going for a walk in the woods on this beauty day … turning off notifications to me for this post

Gehan AF D Sabry
Rod Pegg, enjoy your walk .. and of courses it is your choice .. but maybe one day you will have an issue that you are passionate about … hope you get the support you will need

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
Question for you Gehan AF D Sabry…. I live in a home that my father in law and his father jointly own. It is their home, their responsibility. Despite paying rent, I am required to shovel the steps and driveway, as I am the healthiest in the home most days. Do you think I should pursue action against my father in law and his father for not clearing their own property? It is an honest question, and I would very much appreciate a direct answer.

Gehan AF D Sabry
Sarah tonin Kennedy .. no Sarah … my honest answer is .. where family is concerned one does not use logic, one makes every effort to be supportive .. that obviously does not apply to my argument with the city .. no apples and oranges

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
What support do you want though? This is the confusing part. Even if you succeeded in getting every single member of this group to agree with you, how would that change the issue you are so passionate about? Do you understand why people are encouraging you to take the correct steps? There is literally nothing to be gained from hammering on the same point. Help me connect the dots, what are you trying to accomplish?

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
I did not ask you to relate it to your issue. I asked you if you think that scenario is a human rights violation and if I would be in a position to pursue action?

Gehan AF D Sabry
Sarah Tonin Kennedy I personally hold family in high regard, and don’t hold back wherever I can in such situation .. you asked for my perspective ..

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
For the third time…. Would I be in a legal position to pursue action against them? That is the question.

Gehan AF D Sabry
Sarah Tonin Kennedy – I answered you TWICE .. I do not apply legal anything where family is concerned

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
Ok. The homeowners of the home I rent, forget they are family. Now what? Direct answer, I asked so kindly for a direct answer

Gehan AF D Sabry
Sarah Tonin Kennedy – depends what contract or agreement you committed to … so again .. I will remind you .. I did not sign up for the free labour they imposed on me nor accept the insult of imposing a fine … that is just me!!!

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
Gehan AF D Sabry – thank you, that is the clearest you have made yourself (to me) about your concern. I would suggest, again, that speaking with a lawyer is your best approach to finding some degree of resolution. I am still really struggling to sort out what you are hoping the outcome would be of having everyone here agree with you? I am assuming your end goal is to have the by-law changed, so I am trying to offer suggestions that may actually lead to your end goal

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
What support do you want though? This is the confusing part. Even if you succeeded in getting every single member of this group to agree with you, how would that change the issue you are so passionate about? Do you understand why people are encouraging you to take the correct steps? There is literally nothing to be gained from hammering on the same point. Help me connect the dots, what are you trying to accomplish? (question repeated from above, as I truly would like to see some resolution to this issue)

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
What support do you want though? This is the confusing part. Even if you succeeded in getting every single member of this group to agree with you, how would that change the issue you are so passionate about? Do you understand why people are encouraging you to take the correct steps? There is literally nothing to be gained from hammering on the same point. Help me connect the dots, what are you trying to accomplish? (repeated question from above, as I am truly trying to find a way to help resolve this issue for you)

Gehan AF D Sabry
Sarah Tonin Kennedy – the by-law change requires our representatives to council … the law-makers .. hopefully .. to realize how wrong that archaic by-law was and to correct it .. no lawyer is required for this … it is political activism … and I have been working on that … and I am getting to hear the public opinion .. and I will tell you .. so far the supporters of my view are far more than those who here have attempted to suppress me … whether because they do not understand their rights or because they have been conditioned to obey blindly .. and this had been a very interesting exercise!!!

Sarah Tonin Kennedy
Ok, that makes some sense to me. I am all for activism, whether I agree or not, I will always defend your right to have your say. May I suggest you start a separate group in relation to your activism? I am feeling that you may find a lot more support that way, and perhaps your end goal will be able to pick up some momentum. Time spent arguing with those who don’t agree is simply time wasted when it comes to activism. Find your like minded group, and get busy with a plan. Good luck ✌

Gehan AF D Sabry
Sarah Tonin Kennedy – on the contrary .. this is a learning experience I am testing the waters .. in fact I learn more from those who raise counter arguments …

Mike Steinborn
It looks to me like both parties are attempting to address the same issue but from different perspectives that may actually be complementary rather than opposed to each other. Helping our neighbours with snow removal, whether on our own or via the city’s snowblower program, addresses the issue now and perhaps even for the foreseeable future. What Gehan is proposing is also a viable solution but one that will certainly take much more time to achieve, provided the City can ever be convinced. Same battle, different fronts. I also agree that we’ve probably had adequate representation of the positions and I will at this point turn off further commenting on this post. FYI individual members can personally turn off further notifications for any post they wish simply by clicking on the 3 dots at the top right corner of the original post and selecting “Turn off notifications for this post”

on messenger:
~~~~~~~~~~
HI Mike, I appreciate your closing remarks on my post … since you say you closed comments I am messaging you … I have already been making great progress and strides on this issue with the current council .. my concern is that I may lose that support on the next council .. depending who gets elected .. especially that offering the snowblower share program seems to me .. as I called it .. a tranquilizer not a solution … so thanks!

Gehan AF D Sabry
Wes Hill Upneet Sasha Sidhu SECOND CALL .. I am still hoping to hear from you on this issue .. thanks

Wes Hill
Hi Gehan. Since last we messaged one another, I’ve been looking into the concerns you’ve raised, as well as the feedback you have received — specifically related to sidewalks in winter.

Currently, our city has over 1,100 km of city sidewalks, and maintains about 200 km across the city, with property owners responsible for the section of sidewalk fronting their properties. The city is test-piloting year round maintenance on the trails (something I’m all for continuing), but I know you’d like to see the city take over maintaining sidewalks citywide. I can’t think of a single person that wouldn’t like to see the city take over sidewalk snow removal so it isn’t an unreasonable view by any stretch.

So let’s take a look at a neighbouring city that does provide the service just for comparison. ( I chose Guelph because a family member lives there in a neighbourhood similar to Pioneer Park & Doon communities)

The City of Guelph, according to their website “clears snow from 660 kilometres of sidewalk, 180 crosswalks, crossings, steps, walkways, and 590 bus stops throughout the city.
Sidewalks are prioritized based on pedestrian traffic volume and proximity to high use facilities, such as schools, hospitals, and public buildings.”

The page goes on to say:

“In Guelph, there are nine zones for snow plowing and sanding, which are prioritized into two classifications:

High priority sidewalks – serviced first after four centimetres of snow accumulates.

Residential sidewalks– serviced after eight centimetres of snow accumulates.

Clearing the ice and snow from the sidewalk in front of your home or business will make it safer for everyone. Keeping sidewalks free of snow and ice is important for everyone’s safety, particularly the elderly, children and people with disabilities.”

As I mentioned, I have a family member who has lived in Guelph for almost 15 years, in a long established neighbourhood with predominantly 50 foot lots, and in close proximity to a bus stop on well used bus route.

She tells me that a typically, residential streets, can take a week or more before the sidewalks see any city workers. Clearing snow within 24 hrs by residents is still a requirement. Bylaw enforcement is spotty at best, only enforced if complaints are lodged. Dog walking in the winter is impossible thanks to snow and ice build up. She is actually pretty annoyed over the poor cost-benefit of Guelph’s snow removal services. She and her husband MUST own an SUV in order to get off their own street most days through the winter.

Keeping our sidewalks walkable year round is a serious challenge. If we want people to walk, bike and ride transit — we are going to have to do a lot better than we are right now.

It comes down to how we can make that happen efficiently and cost effectively. I know this isn’t the ‘yes I will fight for it at all costs’ answer you’d like, but I will commit to doing everything I can to improve snow removal services in our city

Gehan AF D Sabry
Wes Hill – I very much appreciate your response as well as the time and interest you took in looking into the issue … while we were out talking to residents on the weekend … one person said he found a city vehicle parked in a quiet place with the city employees FAST ASLEEP inside .. he took a photo and sent it along to the city .. he never got a single response or REACTION !! … I tell you this because everyone is being coerced or brainwashed into thinking that if the city does the work it will be an additional cost that they are scaring everyone into believing will result in increased taxes .. and that I TOTALLY TOTALLY refuse … they should clean up their own act and perform as efficiently as the rest of us have to .. as you and everyone who read my comments (on other posts) know .. this for me is the most paramount issue … I have been puzzling over it for the past 30 years and finally found the time to take it on … so I am not wanting to wait for pilot projects and staff reports and all the rest of the bureaucratic nonsense …. it is an abominable travesty that needs immediate fixing … I will add .. and I find it unacceptable that they even dare mention fines let alone increasing them .. one current councillor said that “they found that doing so minimizes the uncleared sidewalks” .. that literally made my blood pressure shoot sky high … I am a resident as well as a pedestrian and was for many years a stroller user and our family are all cyclers … and our tax dollars should serve us all … I have been doing FREE hard labour on behalf of the city for far too long!

************************************************************************************************

Arabian Nights

advance notice … this is coming in the fall

a cultural extravaganza

films and documentaries, panel discussions,

theatre, music, song, dance,

visual art, crafts, information booths . . .

from around the Arab World and locally …

Mutual Respect – restoring common ground

Mutual Respect – restoring common ground

As my family celebrates our 30th year of being Canadian, I am deeply disturbed by the set back that we are currently experiencing; the gap that has been widening among the members of our wonderful and historically nurturing community, the atmosphere of divisiveness, the fearmongering about ‘other’, the sense of entitlement, the hate . . . and yes . . . the racism . . . and in how fellow Canadians regard each other, treat each other and feel towards each other.

In the past, I had felt a certain uneasiness about ‘imposing’ behaviours on people . . . such as political correctness, and although “multiculturalism” surely had short term benefits in curbing some of those attitudes, I always worried that over-sensitizing would only send those with insecurity about defining Canadian identity and values, and their resentment of the unknowns, into hiding below the surface and denial of their true emotions. The idea of equity, diversity, anti racism and all the different names we gave it was a good start, but it should have been supported by a plan and a list of measurable objectives . . . to address the core problem and gradually building on the goodness in every person . . . I call it Mutual Respect.

That may have been what prompted me, in 1991, to launch Cross Cultures magazine … a safe space for exchange of information towards promoting mutual respect through knowledge and better understanding of the different cultures and faiths of Canada.

It is all about knowing each other, you always hear someone say “I know a Muslim”, or, “I know a ….”, once that barrier is overcome, people see the ‘other’ as a human and the labels get dropped.

This brings me to my current campaign … I am very excited about the Mutual Respect project. Our approach covers culture / ethnicity; faith / belief; male-female parameters; gender self identification; discrepancies in social status (education / income / poverty); changing attitudes with regard to authority (politicians / civil service) etc.

The current population of this Region is over 500,000 (in 2016 it was 535,154) who have come to Turtle Island from many countries of diverse cultural backgrounds and faith beliefs, and have so far managed to enjoy a fairly safe and caring community in spite of the turmoil that is happening in the world around us and the rise of white supremacy.

To maintain and nurture this neighbourliness and live together in harmony and mutual respect we, at Cross Cultures, feel an urgent need to exert a renewed effort to sustain and build on those good foundations.

There is growing support for this project from many levels – individuals, educators and academic institutions, ethnic and faith communities and grassroots organizations.

As a first step towards a more open discussion on the Mutual Respect, a prototype of a plaque with the theme
of the indigenous medicine wheel / four directions and the wording:

Our Region embraces
MUTUAL RESPECT
we are proud of our diversity
and are stronger for it

was unveiled during our 17th annual commemoration of the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination at the Kitchener City Hall. This has evolved into a monument / rock not a plaque to match its natural surroundings and is being designed by local indigenous artists and will eventually be installed at the entrance of Kitchener’s Victoria Park somewhere around the Clock Tower.

This Mutual Respect project will involve a concerted effort such as interactive roundtable discussions, town hall events, etc. and depending on the audience we are engaging, it may require full or half day seminars.

In addition to the publication, Cross Cultures have organized the region’s annual commemoration of the U N International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination for several decades now.

As well as regularly facilitating roundtable, interactive dialogue series, town hall gatherings, panels, debates and events … to discuss a wide range of topics in a very sincere, frank, inclusive, intellectual informative -while mutually respectful – atmosphere, towards dispelling the misinformation and the myths surrounding “other”.

We also partnered with various entities in the community over the years to have a SeasonS of Light where each faith, spirituality, religion … shared the light in their particular path, and we made a special point of holding this in December which is, among other occasions, Christmas. I am not familiar with too many people who want to call it a holiday .. I used to say “I have yet to meet”, but one year I got an email setting me straight that the writer of the email objects .. but we all know that he is in the rare minority.

Another bi-annual Gala brings together in one room heroes from every field, there are no awards, we honour contributions from all, and we just have a happy festivity.

Cross Cultures have been doing all this in print and in the community since 1991 and are well positioned to facilitate open minded discussions on mutual respect.

In order for this to be meaningful and effective, the dialogue should start at the grassroots, whereby all are heard and included.

Please help us lead your group in this conversation

respectfully,

Gehan AF D Sabry

love thy neighbour … 2017 iftar

2017 love thy neighbour IFTAR

an opportunity for muslims and non muslims to mingle and enjoy a relaxed social gathering

because in the end we all identify as CANADIAN ..

please encourage your colleagues and neighbours to join you …

an opportunity to show support to the Muslim community that is currently very much misunderstood ..

 … there will be no speeches the idea here is to encourage everyone to socialize and mingle

the ‘iftar’ will be an all Halal meal, in addition to some specials of Ramadan . . .

for example  .. fava beans are a must every night of Ramadan no matter  how elaborate the food is ..

also a middle eastern dessert

and qamar el din (dried apricot juice)

and Karkadeh which is a wild flower tea (served cold since we are not in winter)

breaking of the fast is at sundown ..  that on Friday will be at 8:58

if you have any dietary restrictions .. please let us know NOW

ADVANCE reservations ONLY please .. we need to know the exact numbers prior to the event

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~

looking forward to hearing from you

Hero Gala 2016

2016-hero-gala

here is an opportunity to enjoy the Golf’s Steak House &
Seafood restaurant’s amazing ballroom, their delicious food and
40 years of experience in hospitality


live band, ballroom dance show by Fred Astaire team

door prizes and so much more …

an evening of HERO recognition

we do not single out anyone, it is not a competition

we celebrate everyone in the room

novel idea .. YOU BET!

it is about honouring sung and unsung heroes …

a deserving person in your life … a celebration of all good work

a member of your staff, a colleague, a volunteer, a student, teacher a boss even

5:00 – 5:30 arrival, registration, seating etc

5:30 – 6:30 reception, mingling, networking (cash bar)

6:30 – 7:30 sit down dinner

7:30 onwards lots of celebrating and fun ..

for sponsorship opportunity and other details email us at

crosscultures@bellnet.ca

 

 

Canada’s 149 th Anniversary

Anicka Christine Bakos
is a University of Waterloo graduate with interests in writing, editing and helping Canadian newcomers learn English

Each year on Canada Day special citizenship ceremonies take place throughout the country.‭ ‬I like to take‭ ‬the opportunity each year to reflect upon my experience growing up in‭ ‬Canada.‭ ‬I‭’‬m sure most of us would agree that we live in one of the best places in the world.‭

It‭’‬s no surprise that earlier this year the University of Pennsylvania‭’‬s Wharton School of business and BAV Consulting ranked Canada as the second-best country in the world from among sixty nations in a survey released at the World Economic Forum in Davos,‭ ‬Switzerland.‭ ‬And I think Canada‭’‬s former Governor General the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson would wholeheartedly agree with the survey results.

Recently I had the opportunity to hear the former governor general speak at a lecture at the University of Waterloo.‭ ‬Having arrived from Hong Kong as a refugee at the age of three,‭ ‬Clarkson related some of her own experiences growing up in Canada and reflected on why multiculturalism works so well in this country.‭ ‬Like many of us,‭ ‬she reminisced about being uprooted,‭ ‬coming to a new country and having to‭ ‬“learn new things and new habits”‬.

Clarkson believes that the process of belonging to a new country is an important one.‭ ‬She explained that‭ ‬“When we talk about belonging we have to think of what we belong to,‭ ‬and we can‭’‬t belong unless there is something to belong to.‭ ‬You have to be able to belong,‭ ‬but you also have to be able to criticize,‭ ‬to disagree,‭ ‬and that is fundamental to belonging”‬.

Clarkson believes that Canada has significantly changed for the better.‭ ‬She described Canada as a‭ ‬“white,‭ ‬fairly racist country‭”‬ back in‭ ‬1942‭ ‬where‭ ‬“laws were enacted…‭ ‬to discourage any kind of immigration from China‭”‬ adding that‭ ‬“parts of Canada were intensely racist”‬.

Many of us forget that in fact overt discrimination remained a part of the official Canadian immigration policy up until the latter half of the twentieth century.‭ ‬In‭ ‬1962,‭ ‬new immigration regulations were finally introduced eliminating overt racial discrimination and establishing skills as the main criteria for determining admissibility rather than race or national origin.‭ ‬But it was not until Canada‭’‬s adoption of multiculturalism as an official policy in‭ ‬1971‭ ‬that the cultural diversity of Canadian immigrants began to be promoted as an integral part of the Canadian identity.‭ ‬Clarkson agreed that over the years Canada has become‭ ‬“very good at welcoming people,‭ ‬welcoming refugees,‭ ‬introducing people to new languages‭ [‬and at‭] ‬settlement”‬.

But according to Clarkson,‭ ‬we as a country need to strive to become even better.‭ ‬Clarkson argued that‭ ‬“We also have to feel that all human beings are equal.‭ ‬That everybody is a human being and there is no human being who is more human than any other‭”‬ adding that‭ ‬“That‭’‬s something we have to really internalize because I think it is something that underlies a lot of problems that we face today”‬.

The former governor general described Canada today as‭ ‬“a society…‭ ‬that creates a lateral trust among all equals because we are all equals as human beings,‭ ‬and it’s a key element of our democracy‭”‬ adding that‭ ‬“I think that we have a society that is like a kind of great friendship”‬. She went on to say that‭ “‬It’s very important to know that in order to belong you don’t have to agree with everything,‭ ‬and you don’t have to agree with each other or your leaders.‭ ‬When you come here and you become a citizen you have to say,‭ ‬you know,‭ ‬everything that’s happened in this country up until now I accept and I am part of it now”.

Asked how she coped in her new country in times of difficulty,‭ ‬Clarkson replied,‭ ‬“You look for mentors,‭ ‬you look for people who are going to help you,‭ ‬and that’s what makes me believe so strongly in the public education system‭”‬ adding that‭ ‬“Public education is the single most important thing that we have going for us as an immigrant nation.‭ ‬If we don’t have strong public education we can’t make our values known‭; ‬that is the most important thing”.

Clarkson concluded by reminding her audience,‭ ‬“We have to learn to live in a society of belonging with the levels of discomfort,‭ ‬the difference it brings.‭ ‬Living with that level of discomfort shows sophistication of human activity which differentiates us with what we call the bad side of tribalism.‭ ‬We have to understand that we’ve already created in this country a really remarkable thing”‬.

So as we celebrate Canada‭’‬s‭ ‬149th birthday,‭ ‬let‭’‬s all help to make this the best country in the world‭!

Happy Canada Day‭!

UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2016

UN International Day for the

Elimination of Racial Discrimination

annual commemoration organized by Cross Cultures magazine

for the Waterloo Region

Free Public event
Thursday March 31 2016
at
Kitchener City Hall

an open invitation to the entire community to participate and attend …

with THREE entirely different but equally thrilling segments

9:00 am – 1:30 pm
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
8:30 arrivals

9:00 Elder Jean Becker leads indigenous opening prayer
followed by
O’Canada with Cross Cultures signature presentation ..
&
dignitary greetings * panel discussions, speakers, presentations (multimedia etc), information booths, displays …

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2 – 6 pm
Politics vs Religion
if that topic interests you but you are not from WR .. we can arrange to skype

discussions around this year’s theme:

~ ~ ~
6:30
PEACE CONCERT

. . . this annual general arts and culture extravaganza encompasses the broader sense of the word culture !
song, dance, instrument, drama, poetry, visual art & photography display, CD & DVD etc

there are many hidden talents in each group and we would love to hear from them and invite them

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
for those who have not joined us over the years:

Cross Cultures has been organizing Waterloo Region’s full day FREE event to commemorate the

UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

for educators, students, organizations and the general public ..

PS
since March 21st this year falls on the Monday back from March Break and holy Easter week
the consensus has been that we go with March 31st instead

UN International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination

is observed annually on 21 March. On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid pass laws

niemoller silence 5 x 3 5 JPEG

UN International Day for the

Elimination of Racial Discrimination

annual commemoration organized by Cross Cultures magazine

for the Waterloo Region

Free Public event

at Kitchener City Hall

March 21 has been declared the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

and in the 1990s it was being commemorated by the ‘then’ Race Relations Committee of Kitchener Waterloo, of which Cross Cultures magazine was a member. When that committee was de-funded, we took it upon ourselves to continue that important work and Cross Cultures has been commemorating this international day annually

March 21 is also the first day of Spring and renewal, and for some, like myself, it used to be Mothers’ Day
and
it is also Eid Nawrooz for many others ….

The following demonstrate the wide range of topics and issues that were discussed over the years:

an interactive day of community bridging, education, art and fun!

with something for everyone -with THREE entirely different but equally thrilling segments
9:00 am – 1:30 pm
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

panel discussions, speakers, presentations (multimedia etc), information booths, displays, noon and …

PEACE CONCERT
this annual general arts and culture extravaganza encompasses the broader sense of the word culture !
song, dance, instrument, drama, poetry, visual art & photography display, CD & DVD etc

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Thursday March 21 2002

theme
HARMONY & PEACE

10:45 am
Official Opening Ceremonies –

FLAG SONG singing and drumming

MC Gehan Sabry introducing Aboriginal Elder Millie Falconer

a thanksgiving prayer in the Mohawk language

followed by
O’ Canada
Cross Cultures signature format where youth from different cultures each say one line in their language,
then everyone sings joins in the English and French O’Canada
(symbolism: no matter what our origins, we come together for Canada)

11:00 am
welcome and introduction by co-host City of Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr
dignitary greetings –
* The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario His Honour James K Bartleman
* The Ontario Human Rights Chief Commissioner Keith Norton
* Ken Seiling – Regional Chair
* Lynne Woolstencroft – Mayor of Waterloo
* Doug Craig – Mayor of Cambridge
* Michael Mann – Deputy Chief of Police

11:30 am
Aboriginal Drumming and Dancing

11:45 am
Youth presentations

Noon
Lunch and free browsing of community information booths

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
concurrently
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

1:00 pm
Panel Discussion and Public Dialogue, moderated by Gehan Sabry with panelists:

* His Honour James K Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
* Keith Norton – Chief Commissioner, The Ontario Human Rights
* Augie Fleras – Professor, Race Relations, Sociology, University of Waterloo
* Barbara Pressman – President, Holocaust Education Committee
* Rachel Wilson – Aboriginal Youth
* Sarah Lawendy – Canadian Muslim Youth
* Narina Nagra – Chair WPIRG

1:00 pm
Racism Workshop
* Shaku Ahluwalia discussing the film “For Angela” and other video documentaries
* Tori Machado – exploring suggestions for combatting racism in the community

special editor’s note:
I was greatly humbled when my fifteen page presentation of past events and about Cross Cultures persuaded His Honour The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Mr James K Bartleman, to make the City of Kitchener his choice (out of eight other cities) as his first official visit, and even ecstatic when His Honour expressed a wish to actively participate as one of the panelists

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Friday March 21 2003

theme
RACISM

9:00 am
Native Elder Opening Prayer – Jean Becker

9:10 am
O’Canada

opening remarks:
Cross Cultures editor: Gehan Sabry

welcome by co-host City of Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr
dignitary greetings

9:30 am
panel discussion

Darrol Bryant – Professor, UW
How I discovered my own racism, and dealt with it
The American Civil Rights (late 60’s early 70’s) Vietnam War

Augie Fleras – Professor, UW
Racial Profiling

Rob Davis – WRPS Const
How Should the Police deal with the increasing diversity in our community

Narina Nagra –
Identity and fostering anti-racism education and awareness through grassroots organizations and activism

Edwin Laryea –
Harnessing the Rainbow of Diversity, embrace it and make it work for you,
Strategies for Youth Empowerment

Barbara Pressman –
activism in anti-racism and anti-oppression and especially violence against women and children

Abhi Ahluwalia –
Can One Person Make a Difference?

followed by Town Hall discussion

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Tuesday March 23 2004

9:00 am
Native Elder Opening Prayer – Jean Becker

9:10 am
O’Canada

opening remarks:
Cross Cultures editor: Gehan Sabry

welcome by co-host City of Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr
dignitary greetings

9:30 am
“Meditation and Yoga” and Sari demonstrations session
Professor Raj Dubey & Mrs Shanta Dubey

10:00 am
Mania Kay – shares her story of Holocaust Survival

11:00 am
“They lied to you in school”
film & discussion with Sparrow Rose & Jean Becker

noon
“Piece of the Rock” & “Stand by Me”
Professor Carol Ann Weaver

“O’Siem” (Susan Aglucark) presented by students of Sunnyside School

Mandippal & Friends band – Jacob Hespeler Secondary School

browsing the booths and lunch

1:00 pm
Racial Profiling
Panel and Presentation

– Augie Fleras – Professor, Race Relations, University of Waterloo
– Rob Davis- Const. Community Relations, Waterloo Regional Police Services
– Ted Shaw and Kevin Carr – Ontario Human Rights Commission
– Shafiq Hudda – Imam, Islamic Humanitarian Services

3:00 pm
* Islam on Hijab – Sara Lawendy
* Racism & Human Values – Laila Bigelli
* Interfaith – Alaa el Sayed
* Women Equality and Gender – Professor Alicja Muszynski

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
concurrently:
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

4:00 pm
Palestinian-Israeli
panel and public dialogue moderated by Edwin W D Laryea

* Randa Farah – Assistant Professor, Anthropology, University of Western Ontario
* John English – Professor & Executive Director of Centre for International Governance & Innovation (CIGI)
* Michael Lynk – Professor, UWO, formerly with UN Refugee & Human Rights in the Middle East
* Simon Adler – “What Should be the Canadian Perspective”
* Barry Kay – Professor, Political Science, Wilfrid Laurier University

4:00 pm
Falungong – Zhenhua He

4:45 pm
“Racism” a Steel Band workshop
Joe Lovell

5:30 pm
Race, Scientific Racism & Racial anti Semitism – Professor Jack Pasternak, University of Waterloo

7:00 pm
“Together Not Each Alone”
Equality of Employment Opportunity

* Professor Ken Westhues, Sociology, University of Waterloo
* Neil Murray – Human Resources and Labour Relations, University of Waterloo
* Marlene Kramer – New Canadian Program, a new Canadian job search experience
* David Vickery – The Working Centre

8:00 pm
“Is Elimination of Racial Discrimination Inevitable” a Baha’i perspective – Karen Ransom
“Baha’i Youth Perspective on Racial Unity” – Ken Lum

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Monday March 21 2005

theme:
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

9:00 am
Native Elder Prayer

9:10 am
O’Canada

opening remarks:
Cross Cultures editor: Gehan Sabry

welcome by co-host City of Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr
dignitary greetings

9:30 am
Students Interact with dignitaries, Browse Booths & Mingle

10:00 am
Armenian Genocide
Aris Babikian
National President – Armenian National Committee of Canada

11:00 am
Video re: Armenian Genocide
Genocides, Wars, Atrocities – St. Mary’s High School Students:
“There will be more Peace, Fairness and Freedom” – Sunnyside Public School

noon
Rap song: “The Reason” Afshin Jafari, BrandonNorris-Lue, Michael Odhiambo
Poem: “The Same Inside” Kimberly Luu
Mandippal Jandu Jacob Hespeler Secondary School

1:00 pm
Waterloo Regional Police Services
Recruitment by Kelly Gibson & Sgt Greg Fiss
Police & Public by Const. Rob Davis, Community Relations, Waterloo Regional Police

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
concurrently:
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

3:00 pm
Reverse Job Fair – New Canadian Program

3:00 pm
Holocaust Survivor Story – Mania Kay

5:00 pm
Early Canada Days
Judy Greenwood_Speers

5:15 pm
Zonta’s Global Efforts
Joan Westcott

5:30 pm
Eid Norooz – Baha’is on Racism – Badi Woldemariam
Flowers of One Garden
flowers: Shilan Woldemariam, Sama Allah_Karam, Hanan Jaberi, Anna Jaberi, Sanam Rezaei, Sarina Sabet * gardeners: Soran Sabet, Aaron Morgulis
short story: How Easily we can compromise Unita Ahdifard
Poem on racism – Shilan Woldemeriam
songs on Tsunami – video presentations

6:30 pm
Gender & Sexuality Across the Cultures
Prof Harriett Lyons & Barbara Pressman

7:30 pm
Immigrant Women Empowerment
Saadiya Gassim & Fartun Kanyare

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Tuesday March 21 2006

theme
ABORIGINAL PEOPLES OF THIS LAND

8:30 am
Official Opening – Elder Native Prayer

8:40 am
O’Canada

opening remarks:
Cross Cultures editor: Gehan Sabry

welcome by co-host City of Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr
dignitary greetings

9:00 am
Aboriginal Students Association University of Waterloo – panel
“Stereotyping … Identity … Diversity”
Dialogue with all attendees

11:00 am
2 x 30 min Video(s) titles such as: “They Lied To You In School”
discussion

noon
Entertainment & Browsing booths & Filling In Passports

2:00 pm
International Skills Fair +++++ Network +++++
Businesses meet extraordinary New Canadian professionals
Explore International opportunities
Speakers and Discussions addressing topics such as:
Employers satisfied with hiring New Canadian Professionals
Obstacles and Barriers faced by Foreign Educated / Trained Professionals
Issues around Diversity, Racism, Equity in Employment
Self Made Successful Business Immigrants

5:00 pm
Cultural Component

6:00 pm
Keeping You In Mind – Marcela Elizondo
photography exhibit / meet the artist Reception

6:30 pm
Silent Auction

7:00 pm
Peace Concert dedicated to Tibet

Guest Speakers:
* Lama Karma Phuntsok
* Professor Darol Bryant of Renison College
* Jean Becker, Aboriginal Services Coordinator at St Paul’s College

Musicians and Singers:
* Good Hearted Woman Singers
* John McKinley’s Band de Jour
* Sarah Gropp
* Organic Groove Collective
* Frets & Ivories (Special Guests)
* Lisbeth Haddad
* The Opportunities
* Sandy Jrup
* Keith Thom

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Wednesday March 21 2007

theme
CANADIANS OF AFRICAN HERITAGE

theme
RACISM

9:00 am
Native Elder Opening Prayer – Jean Becker

9:10 am
O’Canada

opening remarks:
Cross Cultures editor: Gehan Sabry

welcome by co-host City of Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr
dignitary greetings

9:30 am
“Racism is a learned behaviour”
Florence Juma

“Being the change”
workshop
Me Magic- Satyam & Freedom Malhotra

“Darfur”
Nancy Bernhardt – Amnesty International

MINI FILM FESTIVAL
all dealing with youth issues and social justice:

the festival will run two hours then repeat itself
Mela’s Lunch – 10 min
A young girl is mistreated in a new school just because she looks different
It’s in Everyone of Us – 5 min
Song and still photos about belonging
The Silent Shout – 10 min
Animation about landmines
New Moves – 20 min
Orientation video for newcomers to Canada
Inuit Games – 23 min
A teenager from southern Canada finds his athletic ability tested when participating in traditional Inuit games
A Simple Water Pump – 12 min
Canadian schoolchildren fundraise to purchase water pumps for villages in India
Plus there will be a lot of 2-5 minute surprise “shorts”

N O O N H O U R C O N C E R T
MANDIPAL JANDU
also
Sr & Jr ABLE Class Students
A R Kaufman Public School
Music from
Women of the World International-Dalom Kids and Splash – Ndincdeni

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Friday March 28, 2008

since the actual day (March 21) coincides to be Good Friday, we have re-scheduled to the following Friday to allow for schools to settle back after Easter and March Break

theme
MUTUAL RESPECT

8:30 am
arrival, registration and free mingling “casual reception with light refreshments”

9:00 am
we ALWAYS start the day with a Native Elder prayer – Jean Becker

followed by
O Canada
(Cross Cultures’ signature format is to invite students to say a line
in one of the languages, then we all sing O Canada together in English)

opening remarks:
Cross Cultures editor: Gehan Sabry

welcome by co-host City of Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr
dignitary greetings

9:30
Chief of Police Matthew Torigian
will speak to the students and everyone present about this year’s theme
– this will be an interactive session

10 am
Wanda Cakebread – a retired World Relgions Catholic Board teacher
will provide experiences and insights into the reality of “Mutual Respect” in our daily lives
be prepared to interact with others present

11 am
St Gregory’s Guitar Club students will delight us
while we browse the information booths

11:30 am
Rukhsana Khan
This presentation features her book “The Roses in my Carpet”
based on the story of her Afghan refugee foster child.
The story illustrates the life of a young boy living with loss and terror-filled
memories where time is measured by the next bucket of water,
the next portion of bread, and the next call to prayer. Despite overwhelming
obstacles, the young boy longs for freedom, independence and safety.
It’s when life is at its most fragile that the strength to endure grows
out of need but the strength to dream comes from within
Rukhsana uses humour to deal with such serious subjects as child
sponsorship and poverty. The presentation includes a visual tour of the
refugee camp she visited in Peshawar, Pakistan.

12:30 pm
Noon Hour concert

2:00 pm
Gebrehiwot (Gebre) Berihun – Intercultural Health Worker
will present a workshop showing a 20 minute video
about the history of the social construction of race
and have a discussion about
how white and colour people can work towards the elimination of racism

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
concurrently
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

3:00 pm
Freedom of Speech
discussions in the Council Chambers

will include :
Macleans article by Mark Steyn – Prophet Mohamed Cartoons, CBC’s Cross Country by Rex Murphy etc
and the important role and mandate of the Human Rights Commissions

panelists:

* BARBARA HALL
Barbara Hall was appointed Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human
Rights Commission in November 2005, after 40 years as a community
worker, lawyer and municipal politician. She served three terms as a
city councillor, and as Toronto’s mayor from 1994 to 1997. From 1998 to
2002 she headed the federal government’s National Strategy on Community
Safety and Crime Prevention. Ms. Hall also practised criminal and
family law, was a member of the Ontario Health Ministry’s Health
Results Team, and lectured nationally and internationally on urban and
social issues. She has a strong record of bringing diverse groups
together to build healthy communities.

* HESHAM SABRY
Hesham has university degrees in mechanical engineering, psychology and
anthropology, with thesis on anti-Semitism. Hesham writes about the
complex issues that face Muslims and Islam in
the west, as well as about political issues involving Muslim and Arab
nations in the world. He also co-hosts the radio show Islam Faith &
Cultures on Faith FM 94.3. Hesham has long been an advocate of peace
and harmony among religions and peoples.
Many of Hesham’s writings are published as letters or opinions
in various newspapers and magazines in Canada, and around the world.
Hesham is also a public speaker on the topic of Muslims and Islam in
the west and is proficient in Arabic, English, and French, and gets by
in German. Hesham was fortunate enough to be born into a multi-faith,
multi-cultural, multi-national community in a suburb of Cairo, Egypt,
that brought together people from different faiths, races and nations.
During his extensive travels, he made a point of visiting a Nazi
concentration camp in Germany, near Munich – Dachau – where large
numbers of the six million Jews killed by the Nazis were deliberately
exterminated. Hesham served for two years on the Readers’ Advisory
Board of a mainstream Canadian newspaper

* MUNIR SAMI
Current Pen Canada President- One of the largest Canadian and
International organizations on Freedom of Expression.
Actively works for promotion of literature, culture, freedom of
expression, and pluralism
The summary of his position is that Racial Discrimination leads to
curtailment of Free Expression and vice versa.
Affiliations: Board member and Chair of Writers in Exile committee –
Pen Canada, President – Rasikarts, a group dedicated to the excellence
in South Asian theater in Canada, Secretary – Writers Forum,
a literary group of South Asian Canadians , and past secretary
of Mulsim Canadian congress

* KHURRUM AWAN
Khurrum is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School
and the University of Waterloo. While at law school he represented
the interests of the Canadian Muslim community before various
legislative committees including the Senate Committee on the
Anti-Terrorism Legislation, and the Parliamentary Committee
on Citizenship and Immigration. He also worked as a law student
at the Parkdale Community Legal Clinic (PCLC),
assisting low-income residents of the Parkdale community
in the labour and employment law area.
He is one of four law-students who filed human rights complaints
against Maclean’s Magazine for its refusal to publish a response
to its article “The Future Belongs to Islam”

3:00 pm
in the upper level Rotunda

EAST WEST JOB FAIR
where employers seeking the exquisite and unique skills and languages
of new Canadians and foreign trained professionals could network

6:00 pm
Bridging the Gap productions
“WE give out a ‘magic formula’ for healthy relationships
to all those who attend. It’s fun filled, with live songs”
(Enlightenment Through Entertainment)
about promoting healthy marital relationships
why do people fall in and out of love

As the afternoon and evening unfold, we enjoy more culture and art, wrapping up with a

7:00 pm
PEACE CONCERT

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Friday March 27th 2009

we ALWAYS start the day with an Elder Aboriginal prayer – Jean Becker

followed by
O’Canada

opening remarks:
Cross Cultures editor: Gehan Sabry

welcome by co-host City of Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr
dignitary greetings

* Chief of Police MATT TORIGIAN speaks to the youth

* Personal experience of discrimination
Rowan Sohbi
Aruba Khurshid
2 students from Sunnyside School

* Racial Discrimination issues
Chloe Calendar & Lisbeth Haddad of Skylark
(empowering motivational speakers, singers, performers)
Chloe Callender and Lisbeth Haddad are motivational educational facilitators.
As Skylark they provide interactive presentations and workshops, engaging
participants in activities aimed at freeing them from cultural and racial bias.

It is frightening to think of more of us growing up to continue negative
stereotyping and hatred of “others”. Guided by a spirit of unity and mutual
respect and utilizing innovative creative methods, Skylark is energised and
filled with new hope each time we share our knowledge, experience and
understanding

then we will open the floor for discussion

NOON CONCERT
Eastwood Collegiate Institute
Islamic School of Cambridge
St Michael’s Secondary School
Mrs King’s School

browsing the booths
brown bag lunch (lunch is not provided)

4 pm
in the Council Chambers

* Defining and understanding HATE CRIME:
and the responsibility of the entire community to strive to eliminate it

Sgt Gerald Nugent – Hate Crime Extremist Investigative Team

also sharing a few words on the Francis Pitia case will be
Detective Roy Felder, and the president of the South Sudanese community

This is beneficial for professional development and awareness around cultural issues,
contributing to the well-being of our youth and the community in general
“Certificate of Completion” available upon request

short break
video
interactive discussion

7:00 pm
back in the Rotunda

PEACE CONCERT

* Grand Philharmonic Children’s Choir

* Waterloo Regional Police Band

* Starlight Steel Band

* Malachi & the Music

* Mrs King’s School
Vanessa Witt
Taylor Jasztrab
Maya Deutschlander
Crystal Dorscht
Pareesa Bina
Sam Martinello

* Barry Shainbaum
singer, guitarist, photographer

* Mandippal
acoustic, pop rock

* Mark Evans
guitar accompanied songs

* Michelle & Sam
easy feeling songs

Derek Sabry
Keyboard

Garima
drumming

2yLite The Titan
rapper

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Friday March 26 2010

8:30
Native Elder Opening Prayer – Jean Becker

followed by
O’Canada

opening remarks:
Cross Cultures editor: Gehan Sabry

welcome by co-host City of Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr
dignitary greetings

9:00 am
Youth Empowerment
Matthew Torigian, Chief of Police

9:30 am
NEVER AGAIN Remembering HOW & WHY
Barbara Pressman

10:30 am
AFRICAN storyteller
Rev Florence A Juma

11:00 am
Social Awareness of Human Trafficking of Women & Children
St Michael’s School

11:45 am
Amnesty International
presentation by Anita and Larry Nickerson

N O O N C O N C E R T
TALENTS from various schools

bring your own lunch & browse the booths

1:00 pm
in the council chambers

CHILD LABOUR
discussion led by Graham Baechler – Sunnyside Public School

1:40 pm
YOUTH for HUMAN RIGHTS
‘The Story of Human Rights’ video presentation

1:50 pm
YOUTH VIOLENCE
a group of WAYVE students are initiating this … all welcome!!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
concurrently
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

3:00 pm
* Democracy
Anti-Racism, Dignity & RESPECT
can we be honest about how well we are doing?
an interactive dialogue … Twn Hall …

3:00 pm
* REACH an open GLOBE
a mini Trade Fare
in the Upper Level Rotunda

6:00 pm
PEACE CONCERT & A R T E X H I B I T S

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Wednesday March 23 2011

theme
CANADIANS OF AFRICAN DESCENT
the theme does not exclude addressing other issues and current concerns

Native Elder Opening Prayer – Jean Becker
since we all live on Native / Aboriginal / First Nations … land we start with an elder prayer then . . .

followed by
– O’CANADA – a signature activity of Cross Cultures’ is to have a male and female – of several ethnic and linguistic backgrounds – say or sing a line in another language (must be coordinated with me to avoid duplication) and then EVERYONE joins in English – symbolism: whatever ancestry … we all pledge allegiance to Canada

opening remarks:
Cross Cultures editor: Gehan Sabry

welcome by co-host City of Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr
dignitary greetings

9:00 am
“The Stages of Genocide”
Natanael Mateus Ruiz

10:00 am
“Race vs the Human Genetic Tree”
Rev Dr Clifford Blake
guest speaker

The biggest stumbling to the elimination of racial discrimination is lack of knowledge about races. Hear some startling scientific facts that will push back the veils and create better understanding of each other.

1. Are humans divided by races. Is the term race a psychological and social construct – does it have any scientific basis?

2. Modern DNA research reconstructed where human populations originated and traced the path by which they spread throughout the world.

3. DNA?

4. Learn about a human genetic tree which researchers have constructed and its root and branches.

5. So what about skin colour and other differences in human appearance and traits?

6. Which ethnic group is at the root of the human genetic tree? The results of the research reveal this information.

7. How close are the root and branches of the human tree?

8. Some important questions for us:
a. What personal adjustments to our belief systems have to be made in order to absorb these findings?
b. How do these findings affect our understanding and respect for each other?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
student and other presentations

including
slide show of several visits to Africa
by Cathy MacLellan

Fair Vote Canada
by Anita Nicherson

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
N O O N C O N C E R T
… we prefer to unwind after a serious morning .. so we ask schools to contribute with artistic talents – song, music (individual and group), drama skits, monologues … dance expressions, ….. etc
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

afternoon feature . . .
D E B A T E

“How can we create a fair and just society?

this discussion will be led by Graham Baechler
(Sunnyside School)

* DOCUMENTARY
The Story of Human Rights
presented by Angela Ilasi
The purpose of Youth for Human Rights International is to teach youth about human rights, specifically the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and inspire them to become advocates for tolerance and peace. Their most recent resource for this objective is a short documentary called “The Story of Human Rights”. This compelling documentary is currently being used by educators, police, human rights organizations and groups all across Canada and the world to educate children and adults on the Universal Declaration on Human Rights”

The day continues
… and students and teachers are welcome to stay or return with family and friends

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
that would have been the rest of the program, but unfortunately it was a heavy storm day and we had to conclude at that point .. rescheduling for April 8th .. see further below ..
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

interactive DIALOGUE
3:00 pm . . . community sharing

5:00 pm
panel:
* Hon Karen Redman
* Cathy MacLellan
* Prof Debra Chapman
* Prof Peter Eglin
* Peter Thurley

discussion topics:

* DEMOCRACY / HUMAN RIGHTS
…. as viewed by the west
(is the European and North American model satisfactory),
and in places such as Egypt and other countries of the Middle East for example where people are ready to sacrifice everything for their freedom to vote and speak and think

* POVERTY

* BUREAUCRACY
within a democracy and under dictatorships

* SENIORS
their value, wisdom and how we should nurture them

~ ~ ~ ~
Egypt’s fifth Nobel for the youth of Tahrir Square

Barack Obama:
We must educate our children to become like young Egyptian people

Britain’s Prime Minister:
We must consider teaching the Egyptian revolution in schools

CNN:
For the first time, we see people make a revolution and then clean the streets afterwards

Prime Minister of Italy:
There is nothing new in Egypt. Egyptians are making history as usual

Stoltenberg, Prime Minister of Norway:
Today we are all Egyptians

Austrian President Heinz Fischer:
The people of Egypt, are the greatest people of earth; and they deserve a Nobel Prize for Peace

P E A C E C O N C E R T

6:00 pm

KW Children’s Drama Workshop
Improv Performance Troupe
Kenneth Lefebvre – instructor
Payton LeConte
Tess Hudson
Eric Ellis
Kyle Claeys
Carter Heer
Audrey White
Rachel Loewen
Kassandra Loewen

6:30 pm
Andy Griffith
acoustic folk rock singer / songwriter who writes from gut feeling and personal experiences

6:50 pm
“El Sombrero Azul, Danzas y Cultura”
in English
“The Blue Hut, dance and culture”
dance to Folklore music as well as Modern music from El Salvador,
with 10 dancers and 4 support staff
and a group of teenage dancers for Merengue and Cumbia

EL SOMBRERO AZUL started their performances in July 2010
and have already been to Ottawa, Stratford Festival, Brantford, in additoin to numerous presentations in K-W

Eliseo Martell
Mayte Wiebe
Jocelyn Henriquez
Shannalee Brown
Vilma Guzman
Juona Paunoiu
&
Sonia Navas – Instructor
Amely Henriquez – Assistant

7:00 pm
Al Carter band
Al Carter is a KW Blues performer, he plays unique versions of old favourites we’re sure you’ll enjoy – a three piece band

7:30 pm
KW Children’s Drama Workshop
a Registered Non-Profit Charitable teaching theatre school for children and youth 3-16 years of age, that provides opportunities for today’s youth to grow healthy self esteems & confidence while learning and performing in theatre arts through acting & improv classes, workshops in stage fighting, dance and how to audition and full scale productions of plays, musicals, pantomimes, comedies etc. solely for children & youth in the region
At KWCDW the children and youth truly take the lead! Believe…. Belong……BECOME!
Belle (5:07)
Capri (3:00)
Human Again (2:58)
Flames of Paris (2:30)
Be Our Guest (3:24)

Renaissance School of the Arts
Melanie April Fries & Deanne Bingleman – instructors / choreographers
Katie Borths
Lily Villenvue
Savannah Brewer
Sophia Gracan

Drama
Joy Garofalo, Deanne Bingleman, Chelan Fuller – Instructor team for this presentation
Mikaila Beach
Sarah Hughes
Franny Moser
Rachel Parent
Payton LeConte
Marley Sullivan

Anjuli Dutta
Joya Dutta
Taylor Ottmann
Amber Owens Hughes
Olivia Schaefer
Daniel Protedger
Gabrielle Feldmann
Rosy Qubrosi
Ruby Qubrosi
Mary Adams
Charlie Brohman

8:00 pm

Jenikz
Humanitarian pop / rock singer songwriter
and her 5 piece band

8:20 pm
Down Hips “Bellydonnas”
bellydance performance
Down Hips is the largest bellydance studio in the K-W area, and a welcoming place for women of all ages, shapes & sizes! Classes are fun and accepting, with attention to proper technique to provide a strong foundation for ambitious students who want to challenge themselves, and for those who want to dance for pure recreation. The studio is home of the dance troupe the Down Hips “Bellydonnas”, which is usually a group of 10 women, brought together by their love of bellydance, friendship and their excitement for performance. The Bellydonnas dance to share their joy with both the bellydance community and beyond

8:40 pm
Mike Neeb
Lonliest Monks
4 original songs
5 piece roots reggae band, combining local talent with Zimbabwean influences

9:00 pm
El Sombrero Azul second – dance

9:10 pm
Anjael & Friends or ….”Anjael-the man with the blue face”
his style of playing guitar is most unusual. An exponent of an esoteric spiritual school termed ‘Rooh-Ani’ Anjael plays Neo Flamenco Sambra style, fusing traditional Mid Eastern with Spanish Flamenco and western Jazz Rock with powerful vocals

10:15 pm
Mark Evans
Mark is a singer, songwriter and enjoys playing different instruments in different genres to entertain. He loves all the arts and hopes that the world will see how music and art are a communication medium that crosses all boundries to touch people in a positive way and can be shared to build a global community

Far From Rich
Richard Garvey solo

Teodor Rosca
composer, guitar player and singer about peace

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

April 8 2011

3:00 pm
panelists:

* Debra Chapman
Professor of Political Science, Global Studies, WLU

* Peter Eglin
Professor of Sociology, WLU

discussion topics:
* DEMOCRACY / HUMAN RIGHTS
…. as viewed by the west
(is the European and North American model satisfactory),
and in places such as Egypt and other countries of the Middle East for example where people are ready to sacrifice everything for their freedom to vote and speak and think

5:00 pm
interactive DIALOGUE . . . community sharing

6:50 pm
“El Sombrero Azul, Danzas y Cultura”
in English
“The Blue Hut, dance and culture”
dance to Folklore music as well as Modern music from El Salvador,
with 10 dancers and 4 support staff
and a group of teenage dancers for Merengue and Cumbia
EL SOMBRERO AZUL started their performances in July 2010
and have already been to Ottawa, Stratford Festival, Brantford, in additoin to numerous presentations in K-W

7:00 pm
Al Carter band
Al Carter is a KW Blues performer, he plays unique versions of old favourites we’re sure you’ll enjoy – a three piece band

9:00 pm
El Sombrero Azul second – dance

9:10 pm
Anjael & Friends or ….”Anjael-the man with the blue face”
His style of playing guitar is most unusual. An exponent of an esoteric spiritual school termed ‘Rooh-Ani’ Anjael plays Neo Flamenco Sambra style, fusing traditional Mid Eastern with Spanish Flamenco and western Jazz Rock with powerful vocals

10:15 pm
Mark Evans
Mark is a singer, songwriter and enjoys playing different instruments in different genres to entertain. He loves all the arts and hopes that the world will see how music and art are a communication medium that crosses all boundries to touch people in a positive way and can be shared to build a global community

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Wednesday March 21 2012

8:30 am
Jean Becker
First Nations Elder – opening prayer

followed by
* O’Canada
* dignitary greetings

* words to the students from
Mayor Brenda Halloran
and
Chief of Police Matt Torigian

9:00 am
Jean Becker
First Nations Elder
speaking about Aboriginal issues

9:30 am
WLU Aboriginal Students Association
presentation and ongoing workshop on craft making

10:00 am
Graham Baechler from Sunnyside PS
conducts a very vibrant interactive dialogue focusing on the question
“How do we create a fair and just society?”
issues concerning human rights, social justice, and valuing our diversity
will be at the heart of the discussion.
Participants will be encouraged to think about how individuals can effect large scale, positive change in our world

12 noon CONCERT
Aboriginal Drumming
and numerous talents from Cambridge Islamic School

1:00 pm
COLOUR ME
documentary and discussion
a documentary film that will change the way you think about race,
it follows motivational speaker Anthony McLean into the ethnically explosive city of Brampton, Ontario – where he is forced to critically examine his own identity while mentoring six youth grappling with theirs

3:00 pm
Citizenship & Immigration
Hon Jim Karygiannis
Liberal Critic – Multiculturalism & Citizenship
Citizenship & Immigration Standing Committee member
&
Byron Williston
GPC candidate for Kitchener-Centre

community interactive dialogue followed by a panel discussion
all points of view are welcome,
let’s open the dialogue, hear each other
hopefully reach a better understanding
and recognize that the common ground that binds us is:
CANADA and being Canadian (wherever we once came from!)

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Thursday March 21 2013

theme
ABORIGINAL ISSUES

we are starting later than every year … and hope the weather holds ….

9:30 elder prayer
by Jean Becker

followed by O Canada & dignitary greetings

10 am
Paper Wars:
Oral History vs Colonial Records when determining Algonquin Identity

by Heather Majaury – is mixed blood Algonquin Omamawinini Anishinaabekwe who grew up in the Ottawa Valley part of the traditional territory of the Original Omamawinini Anishinaabeg now known as Algonquin

11 am
several short presentations by:
*students of the Islamic School of Cambridge
*Sayed Alam on Racism against Native Rohingya
* Nick Shrubsole – Indigenous Spirituality
and open interactive discussions

NOON free browse etc

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Friday March 21 2014

theme this year is APARTHEID…
the history of the day originated in South Africa, and with the passing of Madiba
discussing his struggle, the kind of man he was and his leadership

presentations on racial issues
local and global human rights of refugees
women & children in troubled areas around the world

a Noon Concert and an evening Peace Concert

a panel discussion on APARTHEID

8:45
Elder Jean Becker – indigenous prayer
O’ Canada
dignitary greetings

9:30 am
Heather Majaury
(Algonquin Nation) is a singer actor, playwright, theatre director, workshop facilitator, and public educator who specializes in theatre for social change that encourages intercultural dialogue and personal reflection on issues of current and public concern. She is currently developing a one woman show called “This is My Drum” which she hopes to present and tour in 2015. She believes one way to take action toward liberation is to reclaim the art of play. Something that younger people are already experts at. So all she really does is copy the experts

10:30 am
Eney Oyual
will be speaking about her story coming to Canada and the difficulty of being a newcomer and the struggle of adapting to a new place, about difficulties with language barriers, ignorance, and racism, then she will shed some light on the genocide in South Sudan, and the challenges in the UN Camps and Compounds from her experience as a refugee, and her project around raising funds to support the children in the UN Camps in South Sudan. Eney is in her fifth year at Monsignor Doyle catholic Secondary School she is18 years old and feels that she contributes to her community quite a bit. Eney is of the ethnic Nuer Nation in South Sudan. Her future plans are to become a children’s psychiatrist and work in war torn countries to rehabilitate children who have experienced emotional turmoil at the hands of war and disaster

11:30 am
“Disrupt the World with Dance”
To truly eliminate racism and discrimination we must call people to question and deconstruct their current ways of thinking. Therefore, we have created a piece which films the Monsignor Doyle Dance Crew dancing in conventional spaces throughout our school community. This disruption is meant to break patterns and routines of thinking and acting to call attention to issues of racism and discrimination. Furthermore, the dancers are dancing in areas of the community that are important to them. This is meant to remind us of the powerful connection we have with our community and the environment and to connect our First Nations brothers and sisters. One theme of Native Spirituality we discussed as a dance collective and strongly identified with is the connection between the human spirit and the environment / community. Calling attention to this theme reinforces our need to embrace different communities, cultures and environments to view the earth as a whole rather than in parts. Finally, we have chosen our dance choreography and song by Ed Sheeran called “Give Me Love” to interweave the film together. This piece reminds us that healing comes out of love. If we, as human beings, can embrace love then we will move toward reconciliation of body, mind, soul, community and earth. The answer is love…..“Give me Love”
Teacher/Creative Concept: LaureenDamaren

N O O N      C O N C E R T

Mino Ode Kwewak N’gamowak – Good Hearted Women Singers
An Aboriginal Women’s Drum Group

12:30 pm
Youth for Human Rights award winning presentation

1:00 pm
Anwar Arkani
a Rohingya by race and Burmese by birth, at present living in Kitchener and active in awareness campaign for gross human rights violation issues in Burma

2:00 pm
“Subliminal Messages in the Media: Racial Profiling and Stereotyping”
WLU students workshop presentation on race and the media

3:30 pm
Racism and Conflict
ABS Association of Black Students at Laurier workshop
The Association of Black Student students is a continuously growing student run organization that acts as a resource and service center for the community. Its aim is to create a safe environment for students to connect and lean about issues concerning the African diaspora within the Laurier community, and throughout history. Their mission is to share the values of Solidarity, Empowerment, and Progress. Through their actions and events, the Association hopes others will come to embrace these values in their day to day lives. Let me know if you need anything else

the afternoon is an extravaganza of rich culture and art
. . a can’t miss line up of cultural, spiritual, artistic wonder!

6 pm concurrently:

*****************************
PEACE CONCERT in the Rotunda
*****************************

6:00 pm
Rhythms of Steel
Carol Taylor, Wendell Claxton, Lisbeth Haddad and Karren Asumang – a newly formed group of 4 musicians with Lisbeth Haddad on tenor pan, guitar and vocals, Wendell Claxton on double seconds, Carol Taylor on guitar pans and Karren Asumang on the djembe. They are all originally from the Caribbean except for Karren who is from Ghana, West Africa

6:45 pm
Samantha Estoesta
two poems of spoken word
Samantha Estoesta is the current Executive Director of Laurier Students Public Interest Group and a future graduate at Royal Roads University of Intercultural Communications! Samantha is a social justice purveyor and an inspiration to many

7:00 pm
Time Continuum
performs music that spans centuries of different types of music from medieval to modern times -including jazz, blues, rock, new age, classical, country, and pop
David Peterson plays lead guitar, fiddle, mandolin and acoustic guitar and has been performing with Suzanne Glaser who sings and plays the Celtic harp and keyboards since the early ’80s.
Recently, David and Suzanne have hooked up with local musicians John Long on keyboards, Dennis Pahanic on drums, Paul Cooper on bass and Boris Pahanic on guitar

8:00 pm
Mark Evans
Canoe Eye View Band

8:30 pm
Chambers Band

also at 6pm in the Council Chambers
********************************************
i n t e r a c t i v e PANEL DISCUSSION on Apartheid
********************************************
~ definition
~ historic and global examples
~ impact on women and children
~ Madiba’s personality in unifying and forgiving (i e Nelson Mandela)

each panelist will give a 5-7 minute perspective and then dialogue with the audience and the other panelists .. not Q&A

*David Heap with GazaArk (skyping from London, ON)
David is Associate Professor of French and Linguistics at the University of Western Ontario, and father of two. David has participated in the 2009-2010 Gaza Freedom March. A Steering Committee member withe Canadian Boat to Gaza, since the campaign began in 2010, he was on board the Tahrir when it was stopped by the Greek authorities in July 2011, and again in November 2011 when captured by the Israeli navy. Deported to Canada after six days in Israeli prison, he also joined the Swedish ship Estelle to Gaza for part of its voyage in September 2012, representing the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and he visited Gaza in October 2012 with a group of linguist colleagues (including Chomsky). He has been speaking about both previous Freedom Flotilla voyages and the current Gaza Ark campaign to challenge the blockade from Palestine in the spring of 2014

* Lisa Yellow-Quill
Blue Thunderbird Woman
bringing the Indigenous perspective
Osha-wiscoe Binehsi-kwe is known as Lisa Yellow-Quill, and her Ndoodem is Pihzew. She is a Nehiyaw-eskwew, Dakota-wiayaa and Nekaway-kwe, registered to Treaty 1 Territory: Long Plain First Nation located in southern Manitoba — She has many years of experience providing advocacy, support and counseling to girls, women and families living with multiple-barriers, oppressions, and experiences of violence both in crisis situations and in complex long-term processes. Her non-violent anti-oppression work in Vancouver, BC gives her a strong foundational understanding and analysis of future, current and historical implications to healthy and wholistic life span development and socioeconomic sustainability for Indigenous people, particularly Turtle Island’s Original Girls and Women living in marginalised colonial circumstances. This foundation has supported her ability to be a noted spokesperson on behalf of Turtle Island’s Murdered and Missing Girls and Women. Lisa contributes her own sustainability in the anti-colonial movement to her understanding of her role as Pipe Carrier, Sundancer, Keeper of several Ceremonies, and Woman. Lisa is a BSW graduate and is currently a Master of Social Work Aboriginal Field of Study student at WLU, graduating in June 2014 as a Wholistic Practitioner

* Alla Darwish, PhD
originally from the city of Nablus in Palestine.
His family in Nablus are current owners of olive and fig farms in the outskirts of the city.
Alla grew up mostly in Port-Rowan, Ontario, Canada. Living on a small apple farm.
He attended the University of Waterloo for his Bachelor degree in Biochemistry and PhD in Medicinal Chemistry.
Alla worked as a post-doctoral fellow at McMaster University in the field of Nuclear Medicine for two years.
Currently, he is a scientist at the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization in the discovery department.
His research involves developing new imaging and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals for cancer. Alla Darwish’s personal ideology is “equality for all regardless where you live”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Saturday March 21 2015

10:00 am
opening ceremony

followed by
“SPEAKERS’ CORNER”

1:00 pm
* i n t e r a c t i v e p a n e l d i s c u s s i o n
(not Q & A)
on
FREEDOM of speech, thought, religion …

each panelist will give a 5-7 minute perspective and then dialogue with the audience and the other panelists
~ definition of freedom
~ religious cartoons
~ distinction between freedom of speech and hate speech
~ historic and global examples
~ impact on minorities
~ Bill C-51

* Munir Pervaiz
is a writer and activist, he has been the former board member and Chair of Writers in Exile committee at PEN Canada. and is currently the
– secretary of Writers Forum Canada,
– director of Progressive Writers Association Canada, and
– President of Muslim Canadian Congress
He writes a weekly Op-Ed for Urdu Times and also blogs at Huffington Post
and he is also a recipient of Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for service to Canada

* Jay Chagnon
A visible presence in the Waterloo Region Arts community since 2007, Jay was co-host of Rogers “daytime” with Susan Cook-Scheerer for three seasons. Since that time, he has continued to work as a host in residence for
The Idea Exchange’s “Friday Night Art Live, Grand River Shows” and Emcee:
The Total Woman Show
and
The Food & Drink Show
Jay is a graduate of The Ontario College of Art & Design from the Drawing and Painting program

* Jane Richard
will speak to the freedom theme from the perspective of Personhood for the pre-born and how it relates to historical human rights struggles through race, gender and age. Jane is a former teacher and business woman that has worked with the KW Right to Life organization for over 20 years. Jane is president KW Right to Life – a nonprofit charity for 42 years in the Waterloo Region, an Educational Prolife Resource Center serving the Community in areas of Counseling, Presentations, Exhibits and a Reference Library on all Life issues: Prenatal Development, Abortion, Infanticide, Euthanasia, Reproductive Technology and Chastity please check the table display – that has TV presentations and literature along with someone to discuss these issues

* Anwar Shah Arkani
is a lifelong activist and human rights defender for Rohingya people. He has served in different organizations since 1984. He left his country of origin, Burma, in 1984 when Rohingya lost their citizenship rights in their ancestral land after the 1982 Citizenship Law was enacted. Anwar spent about five years in Bangladesh and later managed to go to Thailand where he spent the next ten years as an illegal immigrant. In 1998 Anwar was resettled in Canada as a government sponsored refugee. Shortly after he was also awarded a scholarship by the United State Information Agency [for Burmese Students] to study at the Indiana University. He graduated with Bachelor of Science in December 2002. He returned to Canada in 2003. In 2006-7 Anwar rescued and helped thousands of stranded Rohingya at the Thai-Burma border, who were caught by Thai authorities while fleeing from Burma to Thailand and Malaysia using fishing boats through the Bay of Bengal. Anwar was invited by NGOs to talk at the United Nations, Geneva, about the Rohingya’s plights; first time in March 2009 at the UNHRC, and the second time in April 2009 at Durban Review Conference, UN Geneva. Anwar is the founder and president of the Rohingya Association of Canada. He has been helping the newly resettled Rohingya in Kitchener since their arrival in 2007. He has been a frequent speaker at Public Schools and Settlement Agencies in K-W area about Rohingya’s background, live in the refugee camps in Bangladesh and their plights in Burma. He has also been working tirelessly in creating awareness among Canadians about Rohingya’s plights, and a frequent speaker at conferences related to Rohingya’s current issue. He works as an IT professional in Waterloo for a living

Norm Klassen
(d.phil. University of Oxford) is Associate Professor and past Chair of English at St Jerome’s University, Waterloo, Ontario. The author of a book on Chaucer and another on incarnational humanism, he recently returned from a sabbatical spent in London, England, where he worked on a book with the provisional title Chaucer’s Tyranny-Resistant Fellowship of the Imagination. He lives in Hamilton with his wife and youngest son. Two other sons are away at university

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Thursday March 31 2016

8:30 am
arrivals

9:00 am
Opening Ceremonies:
· Elder Jean Becker leads indigenous opening prayer
· followed by O’Canada, in English and in French with Daniel Kelley & two other students
· Dignitaries bringing greetings
student trustees bringing greetings from WCDSB
Karen Hakim
Sebastian Monsalve

9:30 am
Harold Albrecht on Politics and Faith

9:40 am
Catherine Fife, MPP for Kitchener Waterloo

10:00 am
Break: students browse the displays

10:15 am
Musical presentation:
4 min song of peace or a play on peace (Grade 7 or 8 class)

10:30 am
Empowerment Talk
Carla Beharry
a proud Inter-Cultural Canadian, born and raised with a Guyanese Father, and a British Mother. Carla began mentoring women and girls in Guyana and Belize, 13 years ago. Her work abroad encompasses teaching sexual health & HIV education, leading women’s empowerment groups, and encouraging women to have a voice in standing up to end domestic violence. Most recently, Carla started her own mentorship group, Girls in the World, designed for teen girls in Canada to have a space to discuss gender, identity, race, self-confidence and self-worth. The groups are lead with the intention of supporting teens in rising up against discrimination, while cultivating courage, kindness, and compassion.

Carla’s talk will be an interactive forum for teens. All attendees will be given an opportunity to ask anonymous questions about culture, race, identity, and equality. We will work together, as a group to create clarity, and will work within the belief that educating children and teens, holding space for honest questions, and honouring our diverse, multicultural world is the only path to true freedom and liberation for all beings

11:00 am
Student Senate will lead a panel discussion WCDSB

Politics vs Religion, The Challenges to promoting Peace and the need for Equity
(Sebastian is organizing the Student Senate for this, along with Karen Hakim)

Sebastian Monsalve (Student Trustee and Facilitator of the panel discussion)
Justin Temple
Ben Cook
Rajpreet Sidhu
Joshua Vito

11:30 am
Lunch
students will eat their lunches in the rotunda
· Cultural food sampling from different restaurants available for students. We need student volunteers to call places, and Gehan will help them with how to do this. She is willing to come to the school to meet with students to get them started (and sign volunteer hour forms for those who wish to participate either for the food or for other capacities)

12:00 am
Lincoln Heights students WRDSB
8 students have prepared short speeches of their opinions on this years theme Politics vs religion

12:20 am
Politics vs Religion
panel Resurrection students
PowerPoint on Racism & Peace
Jonathan Stern
is also an Ambassador for Camp Micah, and will also talk about Camp Micah which is a really wonderful Social Justice Camp available for students

and
Blue scarf campaign for Peace

1:00 am
Greetings from Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Kitchener

1:10 am
Islamic School students presentations

1:30 am
morning wrap up activity
Game: Join the Dots, Resurrection lead this activity

2:00 am
Politics vs Religion
panel

* Professor Norman Klassen
The Western Separation of Religion and Politics: A Paradox of Christian Humanism . . . building on his comments from last year’s discussion about the medieval Christian poet Geoffrey Chaucer: that his vision is for the togetherness of a pilgrimaging community. He gives a picture of what it means to recognize endless depths in one another: a responsibility to stay in dialogue with them. This year Professor Klassen builds on that with reference to another Christian writer, the influential novelist Marilynne Robinson. She likewise starts from the idea that “people are images of God” and ends with democracy as “the inevitable consequence of this kind of religious humanism”. Professor Klassen will ponder the effectiveness of these two writers as writers, precisely because they recognize the importance of freedom both for their characters and their readers. So freedom, including political freedom, is paradoxically bound up with a religious vision that has developed in the West as Christian humanism

* Doug Thomas
president – Secular Connexion Séculière
Good without gods ∞ Moral sans dieux
Secular Connexion Séculière, a national organization that acts as a communication nexus for secular humanists, advocates for secular humanist rights in Canada, and speaks out for persecuted atheists around the world
Doug Thomas on the Subject of Politics vs Religion:
He sees the concept of “politics vs religion” as an unfortunate idea that implies that they cannot co-exist and that one must somehow supersede the other. Doug promotes the idea that democratic governments must avoid interference at the systemic level by religions, but that individuals should be able to bring their religious beliefs to the table as long as they do not insist on imposing their religion on other believers or on non-believers. At the same time, laws should avoid impeding the expression of personal belief or non-belief by individuals. The gold standard should be the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the case law developed from it by the Supreme Court of Canada

* Michael Clifton
is a founding partner in the law firm, Clifton Kok LLP, serves in the local lay ministry of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a member of the Steering Committee of Interfaith Grand River, and has been active in the community as a concert producer and founder of the Strummerfest rock music festival. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy from UW, is a husband, father and grandfather. Michael will speak on the point that we ought not to seek to muzzle our politicians in regard to their religious convictions, nor expect them to compromise them for the benefit of the secular state; that religion and faith play a crucial role in the character of individuals and can only be either ignored or suppressed to our collective and individual detriment

* Bob Jonkman
co chair
Fair Vote Canada Waterloo Region Chapter
Bob has been advocating for electoral reform since the 2007 Ontario referendum on Proportional Representation. Bob would like to see a voting system based on Proportional Representation at all levels of government. In today’s panel discussion Bob will focus on how Proportional Representation isn’t only for political parties, but also for ethnic, religious and gender diversity

* Muhammad Afzal Mirza
Missionary, Representing Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canada
speaker and learned scholar of world religions. Takes keen interest in youth welfare. Regularly hosts a live phone-in radio program explaining contemporary Islamic issues. Graduated from the Ahmadiyya Islamic University in 1976. Worked as an Islamic Missionary in various cities in Pakistan, USA and now in Canada. Former Vice President of the Institute of Islamic Studies in Toronto. Presented at numerous interfaith forums throughout Canada

3:00 pm
WLU Diversity Team presentations
The Diversity and Equity Office at Wilfrid Laurier University will begin by providing an overview of the e(RACE)r Summit held on March 21, 2016. This will be followed by a dialogue session based on key themes discussed during the Summit:
1) Racism and (systemic) spaces
2) Root Causes
3)Limitations to anti-racism work
The presentation will end with some 3 success stories that will demonstrate that we can be the change we seek
We have a PowerPoint Presentation so if we can have a projector ready to use that would be great!

3:30 pm
Brenda Halloran
speaking to a group of students about politics, their responsibilities, answer questions etc

4:00 pm
Hate Crimes Prevention Project
Coalition of Muslim Women
Sarah Shafiq
a unique grass roots project based in the Region of Waterloo, aiming to education Muslim women on how to recognize, respond and resolve a hate crime or incident. Some details on how the goal had to be modified from victim support after an incident to educating the importance of reporting the incident to police and documenting it

4:30 pm
Fair Vote Canada Waterloo Region Chapter
Bob Jonkman – showing slides and expanding on Proportional Representation

5:00 pm
Colleen Sargeant James
speaking about our conscious / unconscious bias and how that feeds into racism and discrimination, providing some examples, with engagement from the audience

Colleen is the co-founder and CEO of Divonify, She works with businesses to provide holistic solutions that meet global diversity and inclusion benchmarks. Colleen is committed to helping empower businesses to establish diversity and inclusion best practices and creating a corporate culture of authenticity and inclusiveness. Colleen is a dedicated member of the community, she has over ten years experience working in public administration and the not-for-profit sector. She is an active member of Zonta International, a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. Colleen acts as an advisor to the University of Waterloo Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity and a mentor to undergraduates at the University of Toronto. Colleen is a Past President of the Board of Directors for Focus for Ethnic women, a local non-profit organization that helps settle new Canadian women into the community. Colleen writes a regular blog that specializes in diversity and inclusion awareness and is a graduate of the University of Toronto

5:30 pm
Jane Richard
KW Right to Life is an educational pro-life non profit charity, one of hundreds of like organizations across Canada. We promote the value of human Life from conception to natural death. Sketch of talk content about 10 minutes followed by discussion from the floor: Following the preamble of the Canadian Bill of Rights, the protection of moral and spiritual values based on the supremacy of God – the dignity and worth of the human person and the position of the family – time honoured – changing to a secular approach where people become their own moral agent – legally allowing abortion and assisted suicide on demand. – the implications on individuals and Canadian society

6:30 pm
PEACE CONCERT

* Marhee Clifton
is a graduate of the WLU bachelor of music program and a teacher in the Waterloo Region District School Board. She has been performing in choirs (notably the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, and the Grand Philharmonic Choir and Chamber Choir ) and as a soloist for more than 20 years. She also conducts choirs for children and adults, in the public school system, in connection with the Kodaly music festival, and for her church. Marhee is currently the Stake Music Chair and choir director for the Kitchener Ontario Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Marhee will be joined by Karen McLeod, also a member of the Grand Philharmonic Choir who has performed in various venues as a soloist and ensemble member

* Mark Evans and the band
CANOES EYE VIEW

* 2yLite Tha Titan is a Palestinian-Canadian rapper and producer who stands for social equality and freedom among all people. He has been making music for a total of 16 years and has 4 CDs released with performances in several cities in Canada. He will be performing some of his latest music from his soon to be released album “Evolve Or Dissolve”
p.s. if you are wondering, my name is pronounced Twilight The Titan

there are many hidden talents in each group and we would love to hear from them and invite them

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Tuesday, March 21 2017

“our home ON native land”
8:45 am
opening ceremony
Elder Jean Becker
&
O’Canada
dignitaries bringing greetings

theme for this year:
“our home ON native land”
* speakers
*multimedia presentations
* interactive discussions
* essays on related topics
* booths

* Inspector Mike Haffner
is the WRPS Executive Officer to the Chief and is there on behalf of the Chief – will give acknowledgement of our indigenous peoples land

* hate crime presentation
WRPS
Kristin Little is an extremely valuable civilian member of our police service. She is an Open Source Analyst with the Hate Crime and Extremism Investigative Team. She monitors social media for 15 different police services in Ontario. She will be talking about hate crimes and the different types, hate incidents, why people commit hate crimes, types of extremism and the importance of reporting hate crimes

She Smiles
a poem by Madiha Syed

“our home ON native land”

* are indigenous people history and culture being taught in your school ? If so, by whom ?

* where are you getting your information from?

* what do you need to inform yourself ?

* what is your extent of awareness, your experience, your interaction with indigenous people and in what capacity ?

* Narsiesse
a First Nation writer, director, and filmmaker will open up about THE WINEMAKER film series and discuss some elements of the film’s origins that cover many of his passions, including First Nation mythos. Narsiesse will show phase one of THE WINEMAKER film series, then will share various artwork created by artists from around the world, who were inspired by THE WINEMAKER imagery and many of its First Nation themes and symbols. An interactive discussion and an opportunity to speak with Narsiesse and other members of THE WINEMAKER cast follows

* 2 videos
“Home To Me” & “Outsiders”
two lovely music videos done my First Nations, Metis and Inuit students in Canada
followed by group discussion (led by Marianna Worth & Tammy Webster)

* presentations by
Islamic School of Cambridge
& others

*Unity banner
. . . to include all students signing

* closing remarks

bring your own lunch
schools usually attend from the morning till approximately 2 pm when they need to return to their respective schools
however . . . students are welcome to stay and attend .. but at their own responsibility or accompanied by their own adults

afternoon session
2 – 7 pm
we continue with
more speakers & interactive dialogue

discussions around
discrimination against “other”
the emerging / surfacing biases and fear of unknowns

2 pm
the different labels attached to Muslim women
Fauzia Mazhar

2:15 pm
skypeing with
Wendy Goldsmith
a social worker and mother of three from London Ontario
As a social worker she has worked with many marginalized and traumatized individuals, families and communities and began her work in Palestine after Operation ‘Cast Lead’ and saw through photos and direct accounts of the horror and devastation inflicted by Israel on Gaza. Wendy is a member of the steering committee of Canada Boat to Gaza, a representative at Freedom Flotilla Coalition and on the Media team for the Women’s Boat to Gaza. Wendy recently returned from Barcelona, Spain, Ajaccio, Corsica and Messina, Sicily where she participated in the sailing of the Zaytouna

2:30 pm
The Political Meaning of Teaching Introductory Psychology to Indigenous Students
Dr. Richard Walsh
a retired professor of psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University, where he specialized in community psychology and in the history, philosophy, and ethics of psychology. He is the lead author of the 2014 book, A Critical History and Philosophy of Psychology, published by Cambridge University Press. In 1999 he received Laurier’s outstanding teaching award.
Richard is an active member of a local faith community; he sings in its choir and in Inshallah, the local interfaith choir
Richard was the Green Party candidate for Waterloo in the 2015 federal election. He serves as critic for mental health in the Green Party of Canada Shadow Cabinet. He is also the critic for poverty reduction in the Green Party of Ontario Shadow Cabinet
Locally, he is a founding member of the Alliance Against Poverty

3 pm
Bridges to Belonging
Cameron Dearlove – executive director
& Carmen Sutherland – community relations
“Bridges to Belonging’s vision for “a Waterloo Region where everyone belongs- where we value meaningful relationships, honour choices and dreams, and celebrate the uniqueness of each person”. How do we get there? How does inclusion and belonging interact, and how are they different? How can you build bridges to belonging in your community?”

3:45 pm
Wasai Rahimi
current president of the Afghan Association of Waterloo Region
was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and for over 22 years has served with numerous non-profit organizations,
here in Canada and overseas and has been living in Kitchener for the past 14 years
~ he is serving at the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee, at the City of Kitchener
~ he is representing Kitchener residence at the Safety-Kleen Public Liaison Committee
~ he is a Board member of Bridges to Belonging Waterloo Region
~ he is founder and Executive Director of iHelp International
~ ~ ~
B A -Kabul University
diploma – Conestoga College in Electrical Engineering Technology where he also studied Civil Engineering and Management

4 pm
The Laurier Friendship Dinners
brought forty Laurier students, fourteen Syrian newcomer families and 40 community members together for a series of celebratory, welcoming dinners in the fall of 2016. Come and listen to a group of students, Syrian newcomers and community members share what they learned about refugee realities and building cross cultural friendships through this initiative in which students and community members collaborated through family visits, menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking Syrian feasts and celebrating together

Syrian refugees – newcomers – integration
. . . the existing homelessness & poverty

the concerns of a community split between prioritizing:
* addressing the existing poverty and homelessness
vs
being sensitive to fellow human suffering
* hospitable
vs
suspicious
* resentful of the funding allocated to accommodating and integrating refugees
vs
contributions and benefits to the economy of bringing newcomers
and whatever more comes up in the discussions

5:00 pm
“Political Policies for Indigenous Peoples”
resolutions passed by the Green Party at last year’s Special General Meeting
Bob Jonkman

5:15 pm
The Disconnect
Dimitri Lascaris is a lawyer, activist and journalist. He is the former justice critic in the shadow cabinet of the Green Party of Canada. In 2012, he was named by Canadian Lawyer Magazine as one of the 25 most influential lawyers in Canada, and in 2013, Canadian Business Magazine named him one of the 50 most influential persons in Canadian business. He is currently a board member and correspondent of The Real News Network, based in Baltimore, Maryland
Dimitri will discuss the disconnect between Canadian public opinion and the Canadian government’s unqualified support for the government of Israel.
The International Court of Justice has held unanimously that Israel’s settlements constitute a grave breach of international law. Virtually the entire international community, including Canada’s government, agrees with this assessment. Yet the Canadian government continues to support Israel lavishly. A new poll leaves no doubt that Canadians do not agree with its government’s approach to Israel. Why does this disconnect exist?

6:00 pm
Mino Ode Kwewak N’gamowak
(Good Hearted Women Singers)

Mino Ode Kwewak N’gamowak (Good Hearted Women Singers) are an Indigenous and non-Indigenous women’s drum circle following the teachings of Community Elder Jean Becker and led by Songkeeper, Kelly Laurila. Our outreach and singing in public has much to do with building positive relations with Settler peoples. Although Canada is in a process of reconciliation, colonization and assimilation policies still permeate the lives of many Indigenous peoples today. In addition the water, mother earth and our environment need everyone’s help. We believe that building relationships with one another can help us understand one another and work towards the good of all peoples

All My Relations
Kelly Laurila
Songkeeper

Songs our drum circle will sing:
Nibe – We ask for respect, gratitude and love for the water. respect you, we thank you, we love you
(Song created by Anishinabe woman, Josephine Mandamim)
Humma (Ulali. A lullabye to comfort in difficult times)
Friendship (Mohawk Friendship song. We extend our welcome and friendship to all of you)
Seven Grandfathers (love, respect, truth, honesty, humility, courage, wisdom). For reconciliation.

Kip Carpenter
~ I am from Ontario and grew up along the mazina’iga-ziibi/Missinihe-ziibi (credit river) and the springs of the Naadaw-zaaga-ziibi (nottawasaga river). As far as I know my ancestors are of Irish and English decent. I have relatives from Pimicikamak Cree Nation, known as Cross Lake, and other connections to the original people of Turtle Island. My given name is Kip Matthew Carpenter ~
“The first time he met Mino Ode Kwewak N’gamowak it was a true honour to offer a poetic blessing to these Good Hearted Women. Having been born on Turtle Island it is deeply humbling for him to be able to express support in anyway possible for the international day to end racism. Much of his time has been spent in what is now known as Ontario and if there is ever a chance such as this to express and pray for more progress or healing, it is with deep gratitude he offers much more than his words. He will and does listen. He hopes semaa will keep him strong as he offers this same blessing again to all today. Acknowledging this land was taken in broken treaties, his support to the best of his ability is freely offered, he currently lives in Guelph and his given name is Kip Carpenter”
G’chi miigewetch, Kip

6:00 pm
* PEACE VIGIL & PEACE concert
and the visual artists extravaganza …

Brenda Lewis
is a professional musician – Jazz Soul & Roots vocalist
publicist and human rights advocate
longtime Guelph resident she was most recently featured in The Jazz Room’s celebrated concert series in Uptown Waterloo
and currently performs with some of Canada’s finest musicians, including Margaret Stowe, Tony Quarrington, Jeff Bird, John Zadro and Gayle Ackroyd in this region, Toronto and across Ontario in acclaimed venues and festivals
Her CDs have been played on CBC, BBC and Jazz.FM and her new jazz release “Far & Near” (her third) is quickly garnering critical praise

Rhythms in Steel
“Rhythms in Steel” have been playing for about 3 years as a six piece acoustic Steelband in Waterloo Region. Band members include
Lisbeth Haddad on the tenor pan and vocalist
Murchison Callender on the tenor pan
Wendell Claxton on double seconds
Carol Taylor on the guitar pan
Karen Asumang and Chloe Callender on percussion
The band’s repertoire has a Caribbean flavour of reggae, soca, calypso and folk songs of the Caribbean
They perform at Parties, Churches, Retirement homes, Schools, Community Festivals and Fundraising Events for Charities

Dance Performance
by students from the African UBUNTU kids club

Acoustic Steel
is a six member acoustic steel band. The musicians are
Carol Taylor on first pan (melody)
Cheryl Dietrich on double seconds (harmony)
Rob Hartung on cello (bass)
Sam Ogilvie on electric bass
Dick Smith and Kerren Asumang on djembe
The band started playing together seven years ago and play a diverse selection of songs suited to the unique sound of the Steel drum and rhythms of the Caribbean. Events at which the band has been invited to play include
Community Festivals, Charitable Fundraising Events, Weddings, private parties and Corporate functions

Brenda Hodge
Sylver Dragon
* demo on how to do a memory bracelet . . . they are fun and fairly quick
* poem

Canoes Eye View
Mark Evens has been one of the loyal participants
will be performing as a three piece this year

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Wednesday, March 21 2018

mark your calendars … and check in with us for further details as the schedule of the day develops

we welcome:

* presenters – speakers, panels, artists (for the Peace Concert)

* documentaries followed by discussion

* display booths – for profit, non profit, individuals, ethnic organizations, artists …

* attendees

please contact me at your earliest convenience … we already have some amazing surprises this year!

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Thursday March 21 2019

starting 8:45 am

join us for CROSS CULTURES magazine’s

18th annual

commemoration for the entire Waterloo Region

of the

UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

at Kitchener City Hall

open to everyone

Cambridge FoodBank will be accepting donations

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morning

focus on students from . . . public, Catholic and private schools

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8:30     Arrive

8:45    Indigenous Prayer

elder Jean Becker

followed by
O Canada sung by a First Nations group Asani, a circle of First Nations and Metis singers

9:00     Dignitaries greetings

L G message

9:15    International Students from Resurrection speaking about their experiences coming to Canada as a refugee

10:00    Resurrection students Panel discussion

10:20    Break

10:30    Activity lead by Monsignor Doyle … and others

11:00    Lunch (students bring their own lunches to eat in forum)

11:30    Islamic School of Cambridge – 2 nasheeds, a poem and recitation

11:50    Tawheed Musa -Cameron Heights – presentation and interactive discussion:

“What if the world was born blind? The individuals conceived in the 20th century were the last to be born with eyes. From there on, God created all future generations without the gift of vision. How would we live? How would we eat? It’d be easy to sleep. But how would we enjoy the simplest things like seeing our favourite artist in concert or hitting McDonald’s late at night with our crew? How would we even know exactly what we looked like? With a continuation of this conception, eventually, there’d come a point in time where the last sighted person passes and the world is left to question what to do next. How would survival be possible? Open your eyes. If you “judge” a person by the tone of voice, creative choice in words, manners, personality, and without the extra features we include to our list of standards because of what we see, I wonder who our companions and real friends would be”

12:35    Carla Beharry on Youth Identity

an engaging and interactive storytelling session. We’ll use guided prompts to share our favourite pieces of our own personal cultures, and will get curious about listening and learning about the cultures of our friends and classmates. This session will be guided with the intention of building equity and inclusivity in our schools and communities, and to cultivate a sense of courage and empowerment in all youth

1:20    closing remarks

1:30    On the bus

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afternoon

. . . in a healthy democracy (which is not the same as having elections) citizens have an obligation to discuss politics and what their politicians are up to and hold them accountable … remember “use it or lose it”?? … in fact, in my humble opinion, the low voter turnout is a direct result of that very idea of not discussing politics … as for religion .. if people learn to listen with respect, a lot of barriers could be transcended by open and frank discussions

SHOULDN’T WE BE TALKING ABOUT THIS ?

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2:00

Self – Love and Inclusivity

by Carla Beharry

How do we maintain the special cultural traditions of our birth country, while also embracing a new land, and a new environment? In order to fully feel grounded and balanced in a new community, it is necessary that we first cultivate a deep level of self-love and self-worth, and that we become very aware of the values that we need to hang onto, as we integrate into a new home. It is only from a place of connection to our own values, can we start to reach out, and connect with new friends and new communities. An interactive talk, with Carla Beharry to encourage deep listening, respect and inclusivity across all cultures in our community

Carla Beharry is a proud Inter-Cultural Canadian, born and raised with a Guyanese Father, and a British Mother.  Carla began mentoring women and girls in Guyana, Belize, and Trinidad & Tobago, 16 years ago.   Her work abroad encompasses teaching sexual health & HIV education, as well as leading empowerment and resilience groups for women and girls, focused on encouraging women to share their stories about overcoming trauma, hardship, sexual violence, and loss

Carla is the founder of The WOKE Women’s Movement, and the Stories of Resilience & Challenge in WOKE Women Speaking Events, and the WOKE Girls Empowerment Sessions, designed to give women a space to discuss gender, identity, race, self-confidence and self-worth. The groups are lead with the intention of supporting women in rising up against discrimination, while cultivating courage, kindness, compassion, and resilience. Carla can be found online at:

https://www.infiniteoceans.com or on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/carla.beharry/

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3:00

Getting to know each other through our stories & experiences

by Selda Sezen

What is happening now in Turkey: Where is the country heading to just before the Municipal elections on March 31

by Engin Sezen

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4:00

open interactive roundtable discussions about a very important topic:

A N T I :

Islam, Judaism, Semitism, Zionism, etc

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Racism & Bigotry

by Majid alSayegh

Our world has seen a significant increase in tensions across boundaries of religion, ethnicity, and politics. What roles do bigotry, prejudice and race play in fueling hatred and violence? What can we do to reduce tensions? What can we do to confront those who promote fear and hatred? Majid Alsayegh will discuss approaches to intercultural and interfaith dialogue that have been proven effective in transforming individuals from all walks of life

Majid Alsayegh was born and raised in Mosul, Iraq, he chairs the Board of Delaware Valley University, and chairs the Board of the Dialogue Institute, a non-profit that teaches the skills of dialogue and critical thinking, empowering leaders from around the world to sustain transformative relationships across lines of religion and culture. Majid also serves on the national Muslim Jewish Advisory Council, a bi-partisan group of business, political and religious leaders who are working to address hate crimes and protect religious freedom. He is a co-founder, and chairman emeritus of Intercultural Journeys. Majid lives on a farm outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he raises Arabian horses.  Majid is the founder of Alta Management, LLC, which oversees design and construction of major capital projects in the public and private sectors such as the Judicial Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Penguins arena, and the new Family Court in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Defining anti Semitism, Judaism and Zionism
by Robert Fantina
is an author and activist for peace and international human rights
A U.S. citizen, he moved to Canada following the 2004 presidential election. Mr Fantina resides near Toronto, Ontario
He has written about military desertion from the United States in his book Desertion and the American Soldier, and has also written about the impact that war has on individuals, in his novel, Look Not Unto the Morrow, a Vietnam-era, anti-war story
His writing appears regularly on Counterpunch.orgWarisacrime.org, and other sites
his bookEssays on Palestine‘ can be found on Amazon:

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and there will be other participants connecting electronically from out of town

if you would like to join in … please contact me

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evening

peace concert and arts and culture extravaganza

Ahmadiyya Jamaat children Choir

spoken word:

Husnia Barakzay

singing – solo & choir including:

Manar Naeem
Oud
moved recently from Syria. Studying Physics at Wilfrid Laurier university
Manar has been playing the Oud for about 12 years
is currently teaching Oud at the Canadian Arabic Conservatory in Mississauga
and running a program to teach Arabic music for newcomer children at KW area

Omar A Samad
performing Arabic mawwal and songs
Omar migrated from Lebanon in 2005
he is active in the community through performing with the Levant Dabkeh Group
and volunteering with City of Kitchener and other community and political organizations

Levant   DABKEH   group

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artist displays

and more …

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open invitation to all artists

. . . music, drama, spoken word / poetry, dance, visual

… and crafts, fashion show ???

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CROSS CULTURES has been working on a MUTUAL RESPECT campaign

and last year we unveiled the prototype for what we hope will be completed by March 21st for a monument to be placed at the clock tower entrance of Victoria Park ..

this event is always a work in progress, and we would love to hear from you !

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Cambridge Food Bank most needed items Jan 2019 MINE crv 6x4 5 JPEG

-- 
Gehan D. Sabry
Editor / Publisher
Cross Cultures magazine (since 1991)
email: crosscultures@bellnet.ca


r o u n d t a b l e interactive discussion series

Cross Cultures magazine continues to promote

mutual respect

let’s enjoy a cooked meal and discuss different topics in this

r o u n d t a b l e interactive discussion / dialogue series

~ the venue will be at a south of Kitchener restaurant – a private room
(register to find out location and cost)

if you wish to join us please pre-register:
crosscultures@bellnet.ca
– as we need to know the numbers IN ADVANCE

meal consists of:
* soup or salad
* hot entree ~ dietary requirements available
* dessert
* coffee

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Monday December 19 2011

It’s Christmas . . . not holiday !!

Let’s mutually respect what is sacred for each of us, and recognize political correctness – applied thoughtlessly – as the divisive, very ill-conceived process that it is

At the same time politics should have no place in one’s personal life
(case in point: what just happened in Gatineau, Quebec)

Tuesday January 24 2012

Secular vs Civil Law

* what happens when religious beliefs collide with civil and / or human rights

* in Canada we are so fortunate to have the freedom to practice whatever faith, tradition, spirituality we choose … and from time to time we are faced with issues that need to be addressed . . . do we understand Sharia Law, can we distinguish between what is an Honour Killing and what is Domestic Violence?

* how much is culture and how much is religion?

* this is a struggle that is not unique to Islam

Tuesday October 13 2015

Niqab or no Niqab ?

the niqab is back in the spotlights after the federal court dismissed the government’s appeal regarding citizenship ceremonies ..

* the Canadian way ??
* the ongoing debate about the niqab being a religious requirement
* the legal perspective
* the Charter of Rights & Freedoms / Constitution
* the current government’s approach to minorities

Tuesday September 27 2016

Canadian Values . . .

* Canadian way ??
* Charter of Rights & Freedoms / Constitution
* our values in regards to FIRST NATIONS rights
* our values in regards to newcomers

* academic freedom
* the legal perspective
* the different levels of governments’ approach to our freedoms

Wednesday September 20 2017
starts @ 5:30 pm

victimhood   vs   female empowerment

victimhood jpg

* the existing situation as you see it ?
* identifying the obstacles ? are they systemic, cultural ??
* steps necessary to move forward ?
* identify, suggest, recommend plan of action ?