Dear Colleagues,

As world leaders gather in Scotland for the UN Climate Change summit, we need to consider the deep interconnection between poverty and climate change.  “The impacts of climate change tend to be larger on more vulnerable populations and reinforce existing demographic inequities, highlighting an unfortunate commonality between climate change and COVID-19.” (Grey County Draft CCAP, pg. 25)

People with low income have very little savings and ability to adapt to increased costs of living. The newly proposed general minimum wage of $15.00/hr effective January 1st, 2022, raises the rate from $14.35 but it does not come close to paying a Living Wage. In 2019, Grey Bruce’s Living Wage was calculated at $18.39. People’s ability to relocate to secure jobs and affordable housing requires resources that many people with low income do not currently possess. People who are already affected by food insecurity, will find it even more difficult to put food on the table if climate change impacts food availability like the pandemic has.

The data collected by the Bruce Grey Food Insecurity Data Collection Hub (BruceGreyFood.com) reflects an increase in the number of people accessing community meal programs and food banks under the pandemic. But while the pandemic lockdown has lifted we have not seen a decrease in usage but rather numbers are increasing and new families are accessing these services.

“It is for that reason that as we continue to try and learn from this pandemic, we need to, at the same time, identify ways in which we can apply these learnings in the fight against climate change.” (Grey County Draft CCAP, pg. 25)

The Grey County Draft Climate Change Action Plan is now available for review and comment at Draft Climate Change Action Plan. County staff would welcome feedback on the draft CCAP.  Comments can be sent to the Planning Department at linda.swanston@grey.ca until November 5th, 2021. 

RECONCILIATION BEGINS WITH US

  • Land acknowledgements are an honest and historically accurate way to recognize the traditional First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit territories of a place.  According to Anishinaabe-kwe Wanda Nanibush, land acknowledgements have one goal, regardless of format: they commemorate Indigenous peoples’ principal kinship to the land. Nanibush says “they’re a starting place to a change in how the land is seen and talked about [and they] help redefine how people place themselves in relation to First Peoples.”
  • Treaties Recognition Week. November 1-7th, 2021. It is important to learn about treaties and the transfer/ownership of land as an important part of t of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. As well as understanding what it means to live on Unceded land. 
  • We need to recognize and respect Indigenous peoples’ inherent kinship beliefs when it comes to the land, especially since those beliefs were restricted for so long.
  • Learn more about the Treaty history of where we live at: https://www.saugeenojibwaynation.ca/treaty-history
  • We know Ontario would not exist without treaties. https://twitter.com/solmamakwa/status/1455123667168415745?s=27
  • Hear from Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environment Office video with Doran Ritchie sharing Harvesting & SON Rights. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4bky7svtxc

MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS SUPPORTS

  • Indigenous Trauma-informed Supports: The provincial government is investing over $36 million to support community-led mental health and addictions in Indigenous communities across the province. This funding will help ensure culturally appropriate and trauma-informed supports are readily available, including supports for Indian Residential School Survivors and their families.

HOUSING SUPPORTS/RESEARCH

  • Spark Housing Initiative, The Meeting Place will be hosting focus groups to gather qualitative data on the housing situation in the Northern Bruce Peninsula. For more information you can reach out to The Meeting Place at 519-596-2313 or info@tobermorymeetingplace.com

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS

  • Grey Bruce Virtual Job Fair:  November 23rd from 2-7 pm. Job seekers are encouraged to register early as spaces are limited. Register grey.ca 

DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & EQUITY

  • Grey Bruce Pride: have launched a Community Needs Assessment Survey.  They are asking people in the 2S-LGBTQQIAP+ community how they experience life in Grey Bruce and to suggest ways that you would like to see to make things better in the community. 

FOOD SECURITY SUPPORTS

  • Community Foundation Grey Bruce: announced its Fall Grants with a larger number awarded for food security programming such as expanding community gardens in Meaford, Owen Sound and Durham. As well as a new Community Closet and Pantry at the South East Grey Community Health Centre, and hot food programs or meal classes through the United Way of Bruce Grey, Safe ‘N Sound, Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre, and The Chesley Baptist Church Hot Meal Program.
  • Gateway Centre for Excellence in Rural Health: in partnership with Guelph University they are carrying out a study on food accessibility and insecurity among rural seniors in 4 counties: Huron Perth Bruce and Grey. 
  • Studies show that rural seniors face more significant challenges and are at a greater risk of food insecurity than their urban counterparts. Surveys will be completed by phone with seniors over 70. Please contact Casandra Bryant for any questions at: casandra@gatewayruralhealth.ca 

Stay well, Jill 

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