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Archive for January, 2024

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January 19, 2024

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The Dire Need for Free HPV Vaccination in Ontario

The Dire Need for Free HPV Vaccination in Ontario 0

The Canadian Cancer Society’s alarming data reveals that in 2023, around 1,550 Canadian women faced cervical cancer, with about 400 deaths. This silent yet deadly disease, primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), can be largely prevented through vaccination. However, Ontario lags behind other provinces in providing accessible and affordable HPV vaccines.

The “Make HPV Vaccine Free for Me” campaign, started by Gillian Cameron, emphasizes the need for Ontario to offer free HPV vaccination to young adults. This move is not just a health initiative but a moral obligation. Dr. Gilla Shapiro from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre supports this, highlighting the necessity for accessible immunization programs to effectively prevent HPV-related cancers.

Providing free HPV vaccines goes beyond healthcare, it’s the ethical way to safeguard lives and preserve the emotional well-being of individuals and communities. It’s time for Ontario to recognize the importance of this vaccine and make it freely available.

SWON Public Affairs is proud to play an important role in the “Make HPV Vaccine Free for Me” campaign.

January 18, 2024

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President Kirsten Krose Recognized by Canadian Small Business Magazine

President Kirsten Krose Recognized by Canadian Small Business Magazine 0

SWON Public Affairs is proud to announce that our President and Founder, Kirsten Krose, received national recognition from the Canadian Small Business Magazine!

 

Kirsten stands out for her extensive experience in government relations and strategic communications. Under her leadership, SWON Public Affairs has accomplished impactful campaigns to bridge diverse sectors and influence public policy through efficient advocacy and stakeholder engagement. These include securing a significant contract with a major health organization, facilitating a partnership between a top tech firm and government, and improving the public image of a local environmental group.

 

Kirsten has proven herself as a dedicated leader and a key player in southwestern Ontario public affairs. Congratulations Kirsten!

January 3, 2024

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January Newsletter

January Newsletter 0

Lessons in Public Affairs: Public Participation Matters:

Government budgets are more than financial plans; they are powerful tools that shape a nation’s course of development. Public participation in this process is essential for transparency, accountability, and ensuring the representation of diverse citizen needs. Public involvement establishes transparency by allowing citizens to understand fund allocation. This engagement fosters trust and credibility, creating a direct line of communication between the government and its citizens. Inclusivity is key, considering the varied perspectives of society. Involving the public in budget discussions taps into this diversity, ensuring policies and allocations reflect the broader interests of the population. Public participation facilitates informed decision-making, with citizens offering insights into the real-world impact of budget decisions. This knowledge contributes to more effective policies, aligning government spending with actual community needs. Beyond a democratic ideal, public involvement creates a sense of ownership and responsibility, fostering a stronger connection between the government and the governed. Efficient resource allocation is enabled by public participation, identifying and prioritizing critical areas of investment. Understanding citizen requirements allows governments to allocate resources effectively, directing funds towards projects that genuinely benefit the community. In conclusion, public participation in government budgets is crucial for effective governance, enhancing transparency, inclusivity, and informed decision-making. As nations strive for equitable and sustainable development, the active involvement of the public in the budgeting process remains essential for responsible and responsive governance.

Federal Financial Outlook: Canada’s Housing Action Plan with a Local Impact:

Canada’s Housing Action Plan addresses the current housing affordability crisis, acknowledging that the dream of home ownership is increasingly elusive for many Canadians due to soaring costs. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates a need for 3.5 million additional homes by 2030 to restore affordability. The federal government is spearheading a national effort to address this challenge, with current investments leading to record housing starts in major cities. The federal investment in housing has increased by $9 billion compared to 2013-14, and measures are being taken to incentivize rental housing construction, protect renters, and facilitate homeownership. A collaborative approach involving federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, along with various stakeholders, is emphasized to meet the housing demand. The government is committed to ongoing efforts to accelerate housing construction, reduce prices, and encourages all levels of government to contribute to building more homes swiftly. One of the investments from the federal government is the $4 billion Housing Accelerator Fund to help cut red tape and fast-track the creations of 100,000 new homes across Canada. The federal government signed an agreements with London, Ontario to deliver $74 million in federal funding, allowing for high-density development without the need for re-zoning, allowing for up to four units to be built on a single property in low-density neighbourhoods, disposal of city-owned land for more development, and creating partnerships with non-profit housing providers to build more affordable homes.

Let’s Talk Budget 2024:

Let’s talk Budget 2024 is the federal government’s engagement process for Pre-budget talks. Pre-budget talks are a chance for people all over Canada to voice their thoughts on how the government can create an economy that benefits everyone. What matters most to you? What issues do you think we’ll face in the future? You can be part of the discussion by filling out our short questionnaire. The questionnaire will be open until February 9, 2024. If you have more to say, you can also send in a detailed submission. Canadians are also encouraged to share their ideas and comments directly with the Department of Finance. Find out more at www.letstalkbudget24.ca.

Ontario Government Introduces New Laws Here’s What You Need to Know:

Childcare Safe-Arrival Rules: Effective January 1, 2024, all childcare operators in Ontario are required to develop policies outlining steps to closely monitor when a child does not arrive or is not picked up as expected. Aimed at preventing tragic incidents of young children left inadvertently in hot cars, these changes bring safe-arrival systems, already in place in schools, to childcare settings.

Penalties for Inappropriate Access to Health Information: Beginning on New Year’s Day, Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner can impose fines on individuals or organizations that inappropriately access or share a patient’s personal health information. This measure aims to enhance protection and privacy for patients by deterring unauthorized access to their sensitive health data.

Tow-Truck Industry Regulations: New regulations in the tow-truck industry, effective January 1, include granting customers specific rights. Customers now have the right to provide consent for towing, determine the destination of the towed vehicle, access their vehicle afterward, and have clear rights regarding invoices and payments. The province will also take over the tow-truck licensing regime from municipalities, mandating certification for all towing operators and vehicle storage companies.

Additions to Invasive Species List: Ontario is adding several organisms, including killer shrimp, most crayfish, and specific plants like the tree of heaven, to the invasive species list.

Occupational Health and Safety Act Updates: The Occupational Health and Safety Act is being updated to enhance safety for crane operators on construction sites.

Two new regulations coming into effect will focus on proper crane installation and regular inspection and maintenance.

Alcohol Purchase Across Provincial Borders: Ontario is extending rules governing the purchase of alcohol across provincial borders until January 1, 2026. Consumers will be allowed to buy alcohol directly from businesses in other provinces, facilitating greater flexibility in alcohol purchases.

City of London Municipal Budget Has Been Released, Now It’s Your Turn for Input:

Earlier in 2023, City Council approved the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan for the city, with the following areas of focus: Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Housing and Homelessness Wellbeing and Safety Safe London for Women, Girls, and Gender-Diverse and Trans People Economic Growth, Culture, and Prosperity Mobility and Transportation Climate Action and Sustainable Growth Well-Run City The 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget includes $5.3 billion in operating expenditures funded through $3.3 billion in property taxes and $2.0 billion in non-tax revenues. These figures represent the base budget to maintain existing service levels and equate to a 4.9% average annual increase to property taxes. The budget contains 87 business cases, 13 of which are legislative changes, 72 are additional investments and 2 are strategic disinvestments. The city is preparing to host a Budget Open House as well as a series of Public Participation Meetings and is also accepting public input on business cases virtually until January 29. The Budget Open House (no formal presentation) will include details specific to the 2024 to 2027 Multi-Year Budget. Pre-registration is not required. The Budget Open House is scheduled for January 10, 2024, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Committee Room #1, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 300 Dufferin Avenue. The budget team will be hosting multiple pop-up information boots around London throughout January to speak with residents about the budget. Attending a public participation meeting plays a pivotal role in fostering transparency, community involvement, and informed decision-making. Please visit this website to attend a Public Participation Meeting Pop-Up near you: https://getinvolved.london.ca/budget.

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