NewsToGo
Issue #172 - February 29, 2008
1. Federal Budget Highlights: MHCC; Tax-Free Savings Accounts; and CPP
For mental health stakeholders, the highlight of last week’s budget was the announcement of funding for 5 cities to explore new solutions for persons with a mental health diagnosis and who are at risk for homelessness.
The press release from the Mental Health Commission of Canada can be found at:
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2008/26/c6240.html
Two other highlights that affect individuals and families on low and fixed incomes are noteworthy. One is the new Tax-Free Savings Account that allows up to $5,000 in tax-free savings each year. We have three articles that examine the fiscal impact on people of all incomes and the tax system itself:
http://www.thestar.com/News/FederalBudget/article/307741
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/308935
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/308937
You can also access a calculator to find out your savings:
http://www.budget.gc.ca/2008/mm/calc_e.html
Finally, it has been announced that in order to apply for CPP Disability Benefits, only valid contributions for 3 of the last 6 years will be required. Previously, 4 years out of 6 was needed:
http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=828150
Those eager to study the budget documents or to relive the Speech can find out more at this website:
http://www.budget.gc.ca/2008/home-accueil-eng.asp
2. Assistant Deputy Minister Hugh MacLeod Assumes New Posting
The ADM, Health System Accountability and Performance Division at the MOHLTC will be taking on a new responsibility as Associate Deputy Minister to the Premier at the Climate Change Secretariat.
3. Toronto Police Force Confrontations with Mentally Ill are Profiled
This article considers the latest fatal shooting, the family’s reaction, and the force’s response that progress has been made over the years to address this sensitive issue.
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/308105
4. CSI To Provide Integrated Peer Support Services Throughout South East LHIN
This new story states that a benefit of integration would be that consumers would be able to access the same service throughout this LHIN. Find out how Mental Health Support Network is doing this at:
http://www.intelligencer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=918784
5. Ministry’s “New Directions” Updates
The February 14th issue reports on the INFOweb which will be launched externally to stakeholders later in March. It will provide organizational charts, branch and division mandates, and staff contact information.
All recent issues can be accessed at:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/transition/newsletters.html
6. Rental Opportunity for Ontario Families (ROOF) Subsidy Program
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is giving yet another “shout-out” to the public about this first-come, first-served housing allowance program:
http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page4842.aspx
7. INTAR Conference in Toronto
The preliminary registration form and poster for the upcoming “International Recovery Perspectives: Action On Alternatives” conference (June 5 & 6) is attached. The conference is a collaborative effort between the Leadership Project and INTAR - the International Network Toward Alternatives and Recovery. The conference involves a stellar line-up of clinicians, activists and authors from Ireland, Germany, India, Ghana, England, Sweden, and the good old USA.
The conference registration charge is $300. There will be a discount for a number of consumers/survivors and there will be a reduced rate for employees of the consumer/survivor initiatives (CSIs). Unfortunately, there will be a limit to the number of discounts or bursaries that will be offered due to the 28 international guests/presenters. Please contact (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.
As with previous conferences, the Psychosium (June 4) will be a free pre-conference event for survivors/consumers, where they will get a chance to meet and hear survivor conference presenters. For more information, please contact (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
IRP Poster IRP Preliminary Registration Form
8. CMHA Toronto Job Opportunity
Please find the attached ad for a peer support specialist.
CMHA Toronto Peer Support Specialist
9. Antidepressants and Placebos Study
There has been wide-spread publicity about this research project which compared many studies and which has come to the conclusion that there is little difference in the effectiveness of antidepressants compared with placebos. For a full-coverage story and a direct link to the journal article (with comments by readers), please refer to:
http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371/journal.pmed.0050045
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The Staff of OPDI
NewsToGo is OPDI’s e-mail update providing timely and meaningful information to its stakeholders. The ideas expressed are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of OPDI. We welcome your submissions; please direct them to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Preference will be given to material which directly relates to OPDI member affiliates and issues of concern to consumer/survivors throughout Ontario. We reserve the right to edit the length and style of all materials submitted. The current and back issues of NewsToGo can be found at http://www.opdi.org/.
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