Page 10 - Biz X Magazine - October 2015 Edition
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FRONTLINES
Vote To End Poverty Campaign


Launched in September 2015 from a living in poverty or the cost to the nation.
grassroots campaign in Windsor, the It is estimated that Canada spends
Vote to End Poverty initiative has gained $7.6 billion per year dealing with the issues
national exposure and support. The concept caused by poverty. Over 1.3 million children
was developed by the Windsor-Essex Local in Canada are right now living in poverty.
Poverty Reduction Strategy and has linked Research shows that spending $1 now on
with the Downtown Mission of Windsor this issue can save $9 later in costs, not to
(DMW) to encourage voters to ask their mention suffering.
candidates what their plan is to tackle “For more than 40 years, The Downtown
poverty in our community and country. Mission of Windsor has seen first-hand the
“Poverty needs to be at the forefront of indignities and shame of those who live in
political discussion as we move through the poverty and have served and advocated
election period,” states Ron Dunn, DMW for those struggling to survive,” Dunn
Executive Director. “One in seven people are passionately affirms. “In 2014, through our
struggling to keep a roof over their heads, outreach and programs, we provided 7,600 “The Downtown Mission of Windsor is proud to stand
put food on their tables and cover the most safe nights of accommodations, served over up for those in need, launching a campaign to start
basic necessities. In a country as rich as 145,000 meals, provided clothing to 5,800 a conversation seems the very least we could do,”
Canada, this is unacceptable.” and trained over 60 individuals and assisted says Ron Dunn, of the Downtown Mission of Windsor.
Photo courtesy of ArtisticImages.ca
Even though Canada has been asked them back into the workforce.”
to take action on poverty by the United Already, print ads, billboards, lawn signs Supporters are asked to use the hashtag
Nations, Senate and Committees of the and buttons have been seen popping up #VotetoEndPoverty on social media and
House of Commons, the federal government around Essex County with the campaign visit the website: VoteToEndPoverty.ca to get
has no plan to address the suffering of those catching on across Canadian communities. materials and participate locally.
New Rules Of The Road . . . Higher Fines A Win For Cyclist Safety In Ontario

New legislation impacting drivers and doors when street parking is critical to stop
cyclists, including higher fines for dooring unsuspecting cyclists from being injured.
cyclists, distracted driving and riding The one metre rule is also a welcome and
without lights, came into effect September 1, long awaited law.
2015 and are viewed as a significant win for “Most drivers are courteous and move
cyclist safety in Ontario. Photo courtesy of Lori Newton over for cyclists,” says Bike Friendly Chair
The Ministry of Transportation released Lori Newton, “but, there are still drivers
the set fine schedule for a variety of new who think it’s fun to hit the gas and come
rules of the road that impact people riding within inches of vulnerable cyclists.”
bicycles across Ontario. The changes include: This legislation will help stop this
• Dooring a cyclist: $365 set ine and three $110 set fine and no demerit points (cyclists dangerous behaviour.
demerit points are exempt from demerit point system) Windsor saw two cycling deaths, several
• Distracted driving: $490 set ine and This is great news for cyclists across the serious injuries and countless motorist/
three demerit points province. Bike Friendly Windsor Essex bicycle collisions this year. Bike Friendly
• Passing a cyclist: drivers must leave one (BikeFriendlyWindsorEssex.com) believes Windsor Essex is committed to continuing
metre when passing a cyclist or face a $110 this will go a long way to improving their work advocating for better local
set fine and two demerit points safety for cyclists on local roads. Training infrastructure, connected neighbourhoods
• Improper lighting of a bicycle: motorists to look before they open their car and for strong Vulnerable Road User laws.























10 BIZ X MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2015





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