Presentation on “Code of Ethics and the Discipline Process” for Early Childhood Educators Ontario

May 27th, 2013 by Iler Campbell

On Saturday, May 25, 2103, Paula Boutis gave a presentation at the 2013 conference for the Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario on the “Code of Ethics and the Discipline Process” (pdf).

In 2007, Early Childhood Educators were recognized as members of a profession. With that, came the obligation to self‑regulate the membership. In 2011, the profession established a Code of Ethics. Paula’s presentation gave an overview of how the standards of the profession are enforced and what members can expect during a complaint investigation and discipline process.

Co-op housing eviction reform bill passes 2nd reading

May 22nd, 2013 by Celia Chandler

As PC MPP Peter Shurman noted at Queen’s Park on May 14, 2013, Bill 14, which will reform the evictions process for co-operative housing, took a whopping 15 hours and 36 minutes of debate time in the Ontario Legislative Assembly, but the bill has finally moved to the Legislative Assembly committee for fine‑tuning.   CHF representatives were there and I’m sure will continue to be there throughout to make sure that the sector’s goals are met.

We’re watching this Bill’s progress carefully so that we’re prepared to help our co‑op clients make the transition from one eviction system to another.

In the meantime, we’re working hard with our co‑op clients when they make difficult decisions to evict members who are not meeting the community standard of behaviour.  Our experience at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) tells us that the same issues will apply when co‑ops are under their umbrella:  LTB decision‑makers must weigh issues of fairness and human rights in the same way that Superior Court justices do.   Removing someone’s housing is a decision no‑one ‑‑ from Co‑op Board members to landlords and to decision‑makers ‑‑ wants to make.  We applaud the careful attention that all of these groups must and do give.

Progress in the fight against jets on Toronto’s waterfront

May 9th, 2013 by Iler Campbell

Tuesday was a good day for NoJetsTo, a grassroots organization fighting against Porter Airline’s plan to fly jets our to Toronto’s island airport. Although city council voted in favour of proceeding with a study of the proposed expansion, it also approved four motions which together severely constrain the scope of this study. Together, these motions, which aim to hold Porter to its word and to protect the right of private pilots to use the airport, make the success of the expansion much less likely. Read more on NoJetsTo’s blog.

Brian Iler is Chair of CommunityAIR, a supporting organization of NoJetsTO.

Iler Campbell and AIS, Inc. relationship strengthens

April 30th, 2013 by Iler Campbell

Since 1972, AIS has provided accommodation, information and support to people in Toronto affected by mental health challenges, substance abuse and the trauma associated with homelessness.  Take at look at the AIS website to see some of its great work. Iler Campbell LLP is proud to be a part of AIS’ circle of service providers, providing real estate and corporate/commercial advice to the organization for approximately 15 years.  Together with AIS, we are pleased to announce that one of our associates, Celia Chandler, is volunteering her personal time as a member of the Board of Directors of AIS.  Celia has a growing interest in issues related to housing and mental health and looks forward to broadening her understanding in this new role.   

Free Talk! Board Governance: Roles & Responsibilities

April 29th, 2013 by Iler Campbell

Join the GTA Co‑op Network for this free talk by Paula Boutis
6:30PM Tuesday May 14 at Harvest Noon Cafe + Co-op.

If you’re on the board of a co-op, considering it, or just curious, you’re sure to gain some valuable information!

This talk will review the relevant legislation governing co‑operative governance, the roles of the directors & officers, and their obligations, including potential liabilities that arise when you are a director or officer of a Board.

Here’s the event listing on facebook. No RSVP or registration is required — just show up! This event is also an *optional potluck* so please bring something to share with the group if you have time! Finger-food is preferable. Join us afterwards for a drink, or just to socialize at the GSU Pub — just below Harvest Noon!

Why Canada needs more community power

April 25th, 2013 by Brian Iler

Given the scientific consensus that wind turbines are not dangerous to human health, as opponents have claimed, it is time to shift focus to a real issue: fixing wind energy policy to increase community power in Canada.

After extensive research and investigation, in Canada and globally, the consensus in the scientific community is that there is no direct causal link between wind turbines and adverse health effects. Scientists agree that the noise emitted by wind turbines ‑- the chief source of alleged health effects -‑ is basically indistinguishable from normal background sounds we experience in everyday life, whether we live in an urban or rural area.

Read more on rabble.ca