Certificate of Recognition – Tyler Weir
Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis and Councillor Brian Van Tilborg awarded Tyler Weir of Brantford, with the Schulich Builders Scholarship for Skilled Trades.
The scholarship for $20,000 is Canada’s largest skilled trade scholarship program with over 300,000 applicants and 1,000 awarded.
“Tyler’s remarkable achievements serve as a source of inspiration for the youth of Brantford, demonstrating the vast possibilities and opportunities that are open to those in our country who dedicate themselves to a chosen career path,” said Davis.
The Schulich Builders Scholarship and offers Weir an opportunity to pursue his education at Mohawk College for the one-year heating, refrigeration and A/C techniques program.
Domestic Violence Month
City of Brantford council recognizes the month of November as “Domestic Violence Month.”
Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, is a widespread form of gender-based violence and refers to multiple forms of harm (including physical, verbal, emotional, sexual and economic control) caused by a current or former intimate partner or spouse.
The World Heath Organization (WHO) identifies domestic violence as a major global public health concern impacting millions of people worldwide of all genders, ages, socioeconomic, racial, educational, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.
Domestic Violence month was created to call for enhanced prevention strategies as to strengthen intervention efforts including public resources to support law enforcement, prosecution, victim advocacy, secure shelters, batterer’s intervention, other support services, and policy development.
Dress Purple Day
The City of Brantford has declared October 27, 2023, as “Dress Purple Day.”
Dress Purple day was created to increase awareness of the supports and services offered throughout the community, and Child and Family Services of Grand Erie invites the City of Brantford to dress in purple on October 17, 2023.
Child and Family Services of Grand Erie and then entire Brantford community shares the responsibility of protecting, nurturing, educating and guiding all children, youth and their families to show they are valued.
Hindu Heritage Month
City of Brantford council recognizes the month of November as “Hindu Heritage Month.”
Brantford is home to a vibrant community that includes a significant Hindu population.
The Hindu population has made valuable contributions to the city and the country including culturally, socially, economically and educationally.
Hindu Heritage Month was created to encourage all residents to learn and educate through engaging in activities to promote the understanding and appreciation of the above contributions. The month provides an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the rich traditions, values and teachings of the Hindu culture.
Review of Mandatory Treatment Programs, Correction Facilities and Legislation
Brantford city council has unanimously voted to approve a request that asks the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care to review the Mental Health Act (1990) and the Health Care Consent Act to determine different options for effective and compassionate mandatory treatment for individuals struggling with mental health, addiction and those experiencing homelessness who cannot receive proper care through non-mandatory treatment regimes.
The request also includes a that this review include a comprehensive consultation with the Association of Municipalities or Ontario.
As well, city council requests that the Ministry of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Relations create an institutions similar to Brantford’s former Burtch Institution to provide necessary deterrence and accountability for crime within the community.
A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Honourable Doug Downey, Attorney General, the Honourable Stan Cho, the Minister of Long Term Care, the Honourable Sylvia Jones, Minister of Health and the Minster of Health and Long-Term Care, the Honourable Dominic Leblanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Relations, AMO, OBCM, MP and MPP.
Linda Koster, who has of Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, a Masters in family therapy, a certification in chemical dependency and mediation, and has completed a hands-on internship, as well as worked in a chemical dependency unit at St. Joseph’s hospital in California, said that she has seen many people return to a happy and productive life after mandatory treatment programs.
“In my experience there was a very good success rate of recovery with proper treatment and training. There is a great need for rehab in mandatory facilities as our streets in all cities are filled with drug and mental issues,” she said. “Things will get worse without proper care. Addiction is a difficult situation to deal with for many people and they are not always willing to go for help voluntarily. Those with mental health issues can function very well with medication and effective treatment in a mental health facility.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
