The Women’s Press Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.
Issue 23 • February & March 2014 • Published by the Immigrant Women’s Centre
Together, we rise against violence
rise and dance! 12 noon at gore park onebillionhamilton.tumblr.com
/onebillionhamilton
11:30 a.m. we meet, 12 Noon we RISE at Gore park.
all welcome! Meeting points: • • • • •
Immigrant women’s centre at 8 Main St. East & 182 Rebecca St. Women’s centre of hamilton at 100 Main St. East YWCA Hamilton & sacha at 75 macnab st. south jackson square at James North & King St. West Good Shepherd women’s Services at 30 pearl St. north
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In this issue: • Dissecting the politics of jokes • Financial literacy advances women • Getting women in STEM fields • Women in theatre: Where are they?
Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices. Issue 23 • Feb. & Mar. 2014 • A1
The Women’s Press
Politics Of Jokes
Sexism within politics and the politics of sexist humour By Ismaël Traoré Sexism manifests in various ways. Many point to specific policies and overt historical examples when defining sexism. However, subtle sexism is a constant part of our lives, yet it lies hidden because in many ways it is part of our culture and much worse, this type of sexism is often unintended, suggests research by Janet Swim, Robyn Mallet, and Charles Stangor. An example of subtle sexism was seen during a London PC town hall meeting in September 2013. Ontario PC delegate Rob Cheshire referred to NDP Leader Andrea Horwath as “the great pumpkin”— alluding to the NDP’s color and the
leader’s weight. More people laughed rather than booed and Ontario Tory Leader Tim Hudak failed to reprove Cheshire. Sue-Ann Levy of Sun News called the remark “misogynistic.” Cheshire apologized but refuted any intentions of sexism. In fact, he retorted, “Just because you’re a woman, you can’t accept the truth? Come on!” His intention, he said, was simply to insert humour. Jokes are not innocent and inconsequential. Sexist jokes allow the expression of insult in a
THE WOMEN’S PRESS ISSUE 23 February/March 2014 Editor-In-Chief: Ines Rios Photographers: Alyssa Lai, Radha S. Menon, Jon Lim, John Lauener Managing Editors: Alyssa Lai, Laura Gamez Design & Layout: Alyssa Lai Copy Editors: Alyssa Lai, Cassandra Roach, Ines Rios, Laura Gamez, Nabila El-Ahmed Writers: Alyssa Lai, Beatrice Ekoko, Elenita Ranas, Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council’s Housing working group, Ismaël Traoré, Josee Oliphant, Kerry Cranston, Laura Gamez, Omneya (Mony) Shohayeb, Sinthu Srikanthan, Tanya Bailey, Tricia Basso Please send feedback, press releases and submissions to: Alyssa Lai at alai@IWCHamilton.ca
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disguised and refutable form, Netina Tan, a McMaster University reinforcing inequities linguistically professor specializing in politics and and thus ideologically justifying the gender added, “For women leaders, superiority of it is about their one group over their “For women leaders, it is glasses, another. As gender hair, their body; about their glasses, their their physical stereotypes are perpetuated, appearance. hair, their body; their status differences We tend to physical appearance. are reinforced. characterize Sexist jokes are female politicians We tend to characterize manifestations of in a sexual light.” female politicians in a sexist language and Feminist sexual light.” hence ideological blog Madam sexism. Premier has been Cheshire’s joke in particular speaks keeping track of the sexist comments to the cultural comfort with public that common citizens aim at Canada’s surveillance, evaluation and comments female premiers through social media upon women’s bodies. and other online platforms. As the
blog shows, Andrea Horwath, Christy play a part in reproducing material Clark, Michelle Obama, Sarah Palin, gender inequity in politics, added Bird. Hilary Clinton, Michelle Rempel, “Even when women are elected, Megan Leslie, they do not get as Kathleen Wynne, much ministerial “Subtle and/or covert and countless portfolios or if they sexism may play a part do they get family other female politicians have social in reproducing material portfolios, all been targets of portfolios, health gender inequity in sexism. and environmental McMaster portfolios. But they politics...” associate professor do not get finance, Karen Bird said that women in Canadian external affairs, national defense, or politics face a similar issue. justice—all these are men.” “We certainly do not care about the With municipal elections coming appearance of men, whether he’s in an in October, examining how blatant, ill-fitting suit or has a bad hair day it has overt and subtle sexism manifest in the no impact on his ideas,” she said. political community can help voters Subtle and/or covert sexism may understand its implications.
The Immigrant Women’s Centre offers pre-employment training to newcomers and Internationally Trained Professionals, designed to help you understand the job search process from the very beginning.
HAMILTON CENTRAL 8 Main St E Suite 101 P: 905-529-5209
WEST MOUNTAIN 1119 Fennell Ave E #236 P: 905-387-1100
DOWNTOWN NORTH 182 Rebecca St P: 905-525-9676
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Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices. Issue 23 • Feb. & Mar. 2014 • A2
Financing a future
How financial literacy advances women By Laura Gamez
Financial literacy for newcomers working full-time for wages that don’t even and immigrants is becoming extremely reach the poverty line.” important as banks across Canada continue “We believe in giving people the tools to grow and offer more services, explains to meet their financial goals and ultimately Hana Trabelski, a Tunisian immigrant and their personal goals. Certainly, new former graduate of the Financial Literacy immigrants are a vulnerable population program at the Immigrant Women’s Centre. who need that extra guidance so that they According to the Canadian Bankers can make informed choices with their Association, there are over 80 banks finances,” says Elizabeth Mulholland, chief operating in Canada. At least 40 of them executive officer of SEDI. offer different financial products and SEDI, a charitable, not-for-profit services. Meanwhile, a study by Statistics organization, has partnered up with Canada shows that in 2010 to 2011 alone, government and financial institutions like employment among core-aged immigrants TD Canada Trust to fund over 144 projects rose by 4.3 percent meaning an increase across the country. Some of the projects in available finances amongst immigrant focus on research, while others are aimed families. at offering financial While one-timeliteracy programs “...recent immigrants visits to the bank to low income and are the only group where vulnerable populations may help many clear up basic financing low income women have a in Canada. questions, it may “We understand not be the case for a lower median income than that during this new immigrant, since economic times low income men.” navigating a completely everyone is looking to different and new banking system whilst find solutions to help the economy. We just learning financial management can be a try to find innovative ways to do this with daunting task. as little cost as possible, and we have found “I was used to going to the bank and literacy programs are great in helping lowthe teller would do everything for me, from income families achieve financial stability,” budgeting my income to simple banking. says Mulholland. When I came here I was overwhelmed, For Seunghye Yang, a South Korean everything was so different and with so immigrant, the financial literacy program many options,” was more than just says Trabelski. a tool to help in her “When new students or “After the [financial other people I know come to finances; it was a tool literacy] course, to help her adjust to I can understand me for questions, I can safely Canada. what to do with answer them and help them in “When I came my money. In this here, I was very lonely. any way they need.” economy, even When I saw the course, something as small I knew I had to take as $10 is so important to save and now I it. Not only to learn about managing my know how to use correctly.” finances and using the bank but also to learn Trabelski graduated from the Financial more about Canada,” says Yang. She is now Literacy program in 2013 and is now using a Masters Student at McMaster University the skills she learned in the workshops to and works part-time at Columbia College, manage her own cake business. helping international students adjust to the “It is small now. Just selling to the city. people I know, but I love to do it,” says “Everything I learned in financial Trabelski. “At least, now I know how I can literacy has helped me help others. When use my money.” new students or She is one of “We believe in giving people other people I the 420 immigrant the tools to meet their financial know come to me women who have for questions, I can goals and ultimately their benefited from the safely answer them Financial Literacy and help them in personal goals.” program at the centre any way they need.” since 2009. The program was originally Managing every last cent well may funded during its first three years by mean a world of a difference for newcomers, Status of Women Canada and by the Social especially if they are women. Yang notes, and Enterprise Development Innovations “Financial literacy program, empowered organization (SEDI), which was formed to me. So much, I cannot even tell you. I wish meet the growing need amongst vulnerable everyone could get a chance to take it.” populations in Canada who needed The Financial Literacy program was a six-week financial assistance. workshop that supports newcomer women However, assistance for immigrant in developing their capacity, knowledge and women is still needed. In 2012, 257,887 confidence to set and achieve financial goals, immigrants became permanent residents make informed financial decisions and respond in Canada. Recent census show that more to changing financial circumstances. than two-thirds of Canada’s population Visit iwc-financialliteracy.tumblr.com growth over the last decade has come from immigration. While in Hamilton, a 2010 study by the Social Planning and Research council showed that “recent immigrants are the only group where low income women have a lower median income than low income Funded by SEDI (Social and Enterprise men[…]with almost one quarter of women Development Innovations).
Hana Trabelski is planning to use the financial literacy skills she learned in her own cake business. (Photo: Alyssa Lai/The Women’s Press)
Seunghye Yang says having financial literacy helps her adjust to Canada. (Photo: Alyssa Lai/The Women’s Press)
Women in Hamilton, Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices. Issue 23 • Feb. & Mar. 2014 • A3 Issue 16 • May & June 2012 • p.4
The Women’s Press
Letter from the Editor One in three women on the planet will be raped or beaten in her lifetime. That is one billion women. On February 14 at 12 Noon, Gore Park, all of Hamilton will unite to rise and “break the chain” of violence against women and girls. As part of the
global One Billion Rising campaign, the event is a call to action, demanding an end to violence against women and girls. But this call goes beyond just the vision to end violence. There are systemic barriers for women to fully participate in Canadian society, be it in theatre, in politics or in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. In this issue of The Women’s Press, we discuss these challenges and suggest how we, as a society, can help create environments of equity.
One way to do so is to continue running skill-based programming, such as financial literacy, which offers essential knowledge for women to equip themselves and advance in the working world. Having role models in male-dominated fields will also validate women’s involvement in them — and there is no shortage of interest in STEM fields. Because seeing is believing, it is important for women, in particular women of colour, to be represented adequately and respectfully in the arts or in sports. As Denyse Karn, of
Nightwood Theatre explains, “If you are writing, you are writing from your place.” Creating opportunities for women to participate in the arts would broaden one’s view of the world and ultimately, of Canadian society. The question then becomes: Will you rise for women? Cheers to Hamilton, Ines Rios, Executive Director Immigrant Women’s Centre 8 Main Street East, Suite 101 Hamilton, ON (905) 529-5209
Opinion: How can women advance in science and technology?
“...the root of the problem is at the very belief that there is a lack of interest from young women.” Photo: Jon Lim (jonlim.ca) for Ladies Learning Code Toronto
By Tanya Bailey Science and technology has commonly been a male dominated industry. However, perceptions have gradually altered into a vision of women who run “ tech “ start up businesses and women who are switching to a futuristic world of science. This new frontier is very powerful because usually women’s strides go unnoticed and/or are almost hidden in these sectors. That is until great programs like The Immigrating Women In Science and Technology start to unify and build in the field. The organization’s mission is to build a community where women can communicate, shape their experiences and build alliances with like minded colleagues. Located in Vancouver, B.C., the goal of this innovative group includes networking, mentorship and collective brainstorming. That is great for Vancouver, but what about Hamilton? Is there a support network for women in science and technology? In Steeltown, there is the Women In Technology Hamilton group. Their mission is to build a membership thats
engages, creates and shares experiences in having more female mentors in in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. engineering and the sciences, which Afterall, the growth of women in the in turn can help young women better industry is slow and gradual. In a visualize their future in those fields. 2009 study by Statistics Canada found Speaking at the 2012 TEDx Youth in that 33% percent of working Canadian Toronto, Panek called for women to take women are risks to participate employed in “...the answer lies in having and be innovative Natural Science, in science, more female mentors in Engineering and technology and engineering and in the Mathematics engineering fields. sectors as cited in sciences, which in turn can A Calgarya CBC Hamilton born robotic help young women better article. operator and visualize their future in In the a e r o s p a c e same article, engineer, Panek is those fields.” CBC Hamilton currently involved reported that McMaster University in an e-mentorship program with students that graduated from CanWIT and the Cybermentor Program. Computing and Software Engineering This program pairs girls in junior high graduate programs equalled 23 females and high school with women working to 89 males in 2010. Within the same in the tech industry for advice and year, 140 females versus, 143 males questions via email. enrolled in the Computer Engineering In an interview with Yonge Street field. online magazine, Panek says that the So why are young women not students have been very receptive with attracted or not registering in these this program because they can ask fields of study? questions and get advice from female To Natalie Panek the answer lies role models in the field.
Brandi Churchmen, who directs Cybermentor told Yonge Street that he believes the main goal of this venture is to “encourage women to keep their options open in the Math and Science fields.” Echoing Churchmen’s beliefs, founder of Women in Technology Hamilton, Shanta Nathwani told CBC Hamilton that her mission is to focus on the outreach training of young women who are curious about this field and encourage a passion for this profession. Nathwani is fully aware that is a maledominated field. However in her opinion, the root of the problem is at the very belief that there is a lack of interest from young women. Finding innovative ways to empower women in our communities to get involved in STEM fields is a gradual process. But what is essential is for women to make great strides in those fields within our community.
The Women’s Press
Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices. Issue 23 • Feb. & Mar. 2014 • A4
How to file:
Guide to filing your taxes By Elenita Ranas
New to Canada and having some mind-boggling questions about filing your taxes? Tax filing can mean money in your wallet as opposed to an out-of pocket sad affair. For those filing their taxes for the first time or would like to learn more, here is a how-to guide to do that effectively.
Who needs to file an income tax return? Any income accumulated from other countries or within Canada, regardless of age, is generally taxable. While there are some exceptions, it is advisable to file your income tax return even if you have no income or have low income. You may be eligible for benefits such as Child Tax Benefits, Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credits or more. If you are a dependent who will turn 19 this year, file your return at least a year before your 19th birthday to receive GST credits. If you are a full-time or part-time student, you can use your tuition fees and book expenses toward your taxes.
“If you are a fulltime or part-time student, you can use your tuition fees and book expenses toward your taxes.”
How to file your tax return? Gather all your tax records to do your return, including all relevant and eligible deductions, tax credits and transfers considered. A higher income could mean a more complex tax profile. You may need to seek additional help. If you need to save more on your taxes, save more towards your RRSP contribution. The deadline for contributing to an RRSP for the 2013 tax year is on March 3, 2014. If you prefer not to seek external help, you would be better off using computerized tax preparation softwares certified by the Canada Revenue Agency. Tax softwares will help you do your income tax with quick and accurate calculations. However, each software may vary from capacities; some may recognize savings in one area but miss others. Each software is different and may not be the best option if this is your first year filing taxes in Canada. If you are not ready to do your own taxes do look into the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) clinics generally offered by community organizations between February and April each year at various locations across Canada. Since 1971, Canada Revenue Agency has partnered with volunteer organizations to prepare income tax and benefit returns for eligible individuals who are not able to prepare their income tax by themselves. This ensures that all taxpayers have equal access to the tax system. Check your eligibility to see if you are a taxpayer with simple tax situations, newcomer to Canada, no income or low income individuals, families or student.
“Tax softwares will all help do your income tax with quick and accurate calculations.”
When to file? While you have until April 30 to file your taxes, it would be best to file your tax return at the earliest convenience. Your tax software should also allow you to send your return online as online filing qualifies you to earlier processing of payments from Canada Revenue Agency. For every year, have a tax folder where you can file your yearly Notice of Assessment. Add in plastic sleeves to help sort your pay cheques, RRSP contributions and expenses. This process would be easier if you have already sorted them all along. Always save and use receipts for medical expenses, donations, rent, transit passes, tuition fees, caregiver amounts, arts and sports for dependents. For those who have been employed you would have to watch out for your T or R slips (T4/T4E/RL-6 etc.) by February each year. Keep tabs of your RRSP statements, interest on approved provincial and federal student loan statements and interest on bank deposits and investments. These are a few of the most frequent tax items. If you do not know how to read your tax papers simply gather and bring them to your tax preparer.
“Keep tab of your RRSP statements, interest on approved provincial and federal student loan statements, interest on bank deposits and investments.”
Is McMaster University School of Labour Studies for you? School of Labour Studies Degree Programs Interested in a university degree? McMaster School of Labour Studies, Canada’s premier Labour Studies Program, offers BA and MA degrees. Our courses are relevant to the changing worlds of contemporary work. Adult students are especially welcome. You can enrol part-time or full-time. We have both evening and daytime classes. Courses include: • Labour Law • Work and Racism • Gender, Sexuality and Work • Work: Dangerous to Your Health? • Unions in Action
Certificate in Labour Studies
McMaster University Labour Studies Certificate Programs are created with the needs of adults in mind. Our courses are taught in a supportive small group learning environment. Courses include: • Unions and Politics • Social Justice • Labour and the Arts • Labour History • Current Issues
Interested? Call 905.525.9140 ext. 24692 or ext. 27723 Hamilton, Ontario, Canada For more information visit:
www.labourstudies.mcmaster.ca
- Continue on A7 Photo by Joel Duff, courtesy of the Ontario Federation of Labour
Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices. Issue 23 • Feb. & Mar. 2014 • A5
The Women’s Press
Advancing in Canada
Language and skills-based programs for newcomers
Women from all walks of life participating an IWC workshop (Photo: Alyssa Lai/The Women’s Press)
By Omneya (Mony)Shohayeb Once a school principal in Dominica, her country of origin, Adelina Detouche found herself a student once again. The roles reversed, a feeling of déjà vu from her school years lingered. But when the facilitator of the class started talking, it was about nothing that she had learnt before. “Moving from a country where I resided all my life to another that is different in all respects can be frightening, but the experience I gained from attending made all the difference in the world,” said Detouche, referring to how this experience supports her cultural integration in her new home. Detouche who came to Canada in July 2013, is currently a participant of the Women of Action Program and a graduate of the Leading and Learning Program at the Immigrant Women’s Centre (IWC) in Hamilton. Both skills development programs offer resources, training and opportunities to create and implement projects to enhance their communities.
“...I began to access with confidence the various services available in the community and above all enjoy the friendships that I developed.” Despite the emotional and communicational benefits to newcomers, the financial reality often forces many to balance between putting in the time and work to make ends meet. The debate that arises is very much one of the chicken or the egg. These courses can help newcomers land better jobs related to their fields, through skills enhancement, language improvement and job search technique training. But many newcomers cannot wait long without a job that pays the bills, often resorting to taking on jobs below their skill level that take away from their study time. Essentially, this forces them to skip classes or if all else fails, they are sometimes unable to continue in the programs; an issue that policy makers and fund granters need to keep in mind when considering newcomer challenges. “The course was quite useful since it helped me understand the work environment in Canada. I personally am fortunate that I didn’t face the financial challenges that many do, since I came to Canada sponsored by my husband,” said Lysandra Maldonado a newcomer who took a full course at
Mohawk College. “But I know some cases, I had to work part time after course hours in jobs not related to their professional fields while studying and struggling to support themselves and their families.” “What we do is that we try to give advice to newcomers, to help them see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Elizabeth Sadler, coordinator of newcomer programs at Mohawk College says. “We train people to be themselves more than anything, polishing up communication skills, developing personality, enhancing cultural understanding and increasing motivation.” These programs have grown in magnitude and scope since they started in the early 1980s, when language training blossomed in Canada. Mohawk College’s English as a Second Language department offers a myriad of brochures and programs from Enhanced Language Training to language programs for youth. Eligibility is usually determined on language benchmark tests and most of the time accepts permanent residents of Canada, refugees, and
“...the experience I gained from attending made all the difference in the world.” protected persons at no charge. Each program is constructed based on a need analysis study in areas where large numbers of newcomers have settled. Moreover some courses offer extended services such as childcare, which may be particularly useful to newcomer women with young children. Others offer transportation support or are offered in the afternoon to cater to those who depend on daytime jobs for financial support. “I always think of it as a full experience rather than merely a course,” added Amany Masoud, a graduate of Mohawk College and now a volunteer at the IWC. Meanwhile Detouche, the principal in student’s shoes, is now working on her career as a writer. She explained, “The courses made settling in Canada very easy, helping me learn my way around. I began to access with confidence the various services available in the community and above all enjoy the friendships that I developed.”
The Women’s Press
Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices. Issue 23 • Feb. & Mar. 2014 • A6
Women in theatre
Invisible on stage and behind the scenes
Ghost Train Riders debuted in the 2013 Hamilton Fringe Festival (Photo: Radha S. Menon)
The Washing Machine, a play by Red Betty Theatre (Photo: Radha S. Menon)
By Sinthu Srikanthan & Alyssa Lai When it comes to women in theatre, Denyse Karn has a opportunities to see inside what they are not used to seeing,” few choice words. said Menon, who has written other plays with a South East “There is complacency that there is equity, but it’s not Asian focus including Ganga’s Ganja and Ghost Train Riders, there,” said Karn, managing director of Toronto’s Nightwood featured at the 2012 and 2013 Hamilton Fringe Festival Theatre. While there have been some respectively. improvements, the gender gap in theatre Menon talks about the current “… if you are writing, stateWhile continues, Karn said. of affairs in theatre, Judian Shardlow, you are writing from Women’s inequality is a significant who co-founded the Half the Sky Theatre, issue in Canadian theatre. In a 2008 says the barriers go way back. Founded in report titled Equity in Canadian Theatre: 1982, Half the Sky Theatre emerged out of The Women’s Initiative, the Professional a weekend workshop which consisted of a Association of Canadian Theatres found that women make reading of an 1800 medical text on menopause. up only 29 percent of artistic directors, 36 percent of working The group addressed a wide range of issues including directors and 29 percent of produced playwrights. This abortion, breast cancer, disability, mental health, poverty disparity means fewer women are cast for shows, the report and more. Funds raised from performances went toward suggests. the Women’s Centre, Elizabeth Fry Society and the Sexual Moreover, there is significant gap in the number Assault Centre (SACHA), all organizations in Hamilton that of women’s stories on stage. Karn believes the theatre support women. community needs to make more Half the Sky Theatre has not room for female playwrights and produced a play since 2007 but “It has to do with a lot of directors. “Plays by women will hopes the group will Ganga’s Ganja explores relationship cultural invisibility. We do not Shardlow have more women in the cast … get back on stage to tell stories between two sisters see ourselves.” if you are writing, you are writing important to senior women. (Photo: Radha S. Menon) from your place.” In 2012, theatre essayist Lauren Gunderson wrote that women make up 70 per cent of the audience in Canadian theatre. Karn suggests that women tell artistic directors that “it would have been good if it was a show about me or written by me.” All of Nightwood Theatre’s directors are women, said Karn. For playwright Radha S. Menon, this kind of support is essential. She founded Red Betty Theatre to focus on women and South East Asian theatre. “It has to do with a lot of cultural invisibility. We do not see ourselves,” said Menon, referring to women and mainstream theatre. To fill that void, Menon decided to tell stories that reflect her heritage and shed light on experiences faced by women of colour. Her first play in Canada, The Washing Machine, tells the story of an Anglo-Indian woman who returns home to India after the death of her husband and children. She has to deal with her past and heritage. The play was a finalist for the Woodward International Playwriting Prize and was seen at the 2012 Toronto Fringe Festival. Menon said she wrote the play with the Canadian multicultural society in mind. Nightwood Theatre’s latest play, Free Outgoing, confronts sexuality and safety in the digital age “I write with the hope that my work will give people (Photo: John Lauener)
Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices. Issue 23 11 •• Feb. May & & Mar. June2014 2011••A7 p.8 Issue
The Women’s Press
Your list to begin filing your individual tax return Continued from A4
Deadline for filing: April 30 Have a sample record of income and deductions from sources (but not limited to the following) such as: Income: • Payroll and other income - T4 slip • Employment Insurance - T4E slip • Pension, retirement, and other CPP Income Benefits - T4A slips • Investment income and other income - T5 slips
Deductions: • RRSP Contributions • Medical expenses • Public transit passes • Donations, political contributions • Caregiver expenses • Arts and sports • Education expenses and student loans • Investment tax credits
Other info as applicable: • Social Insurance Number • Record of income from other countries • Date of entry to Canada • Notice of Assessment prior year
Q&A with Patti Turnbull
Women in renewable energy: Experiences from the field By Beatrice Ekoko What is it like to be a woman working actively in the renewable energy sector? Patti Turnbull would know. An Accounts Sales Manager at the Mississaugabased RESCo Energy, Turnbull has built some of Canada’s largest and most innovative rooftop solar projects. She is a founding member and board member of the Hamilton Association for Renewable Energy (HARE). Beatrice Ekoko, of Environment Hamilton, asks Turnbull more about her job, the challenges and opportunities available in the field.
“I learned about the need for structural engineering, good solar design (things like shading and angle of panels), construction timelines and financial models.” Patti Turnbull at work inspecting a roof (Photo: Supplied by Patti Turnbull)
Tell me more about your job.
As an Account Sales Manager, I am responsible for bringing in new business and managing relationships with existing clients. My tasks range from negotiating price on projects, negotiating contract terms (often doing markups on contracts before final review with RESCo’s legal team), managing receivables with existing clients and overall making sure the client is happy. I also help train junior staff to ensure they understand how a deal goes together and identifying risk in a project or contract terms.
How long have you been working in the renewable energy sector? Since 2007, when I’d got back from California where I was working in the footwear industry.
starting to blossom in Ontario. I identified the beginnings of a shift in the culture in Ontario. Ontario had recently introduced a Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program (RESOP) for wind and solar and there were both federal and provincial incentives for Solar Thermal Hot Water projects. The momentum seemed to be there. Within a month of returning to Ontario, I was working in the solar thermal hot water industry as a coordinator.
“Coming from footwear, doing project development was a totally different experience, so it was new. But business relationships and customer service skills were transferable.”
What made you decide to enter this That was quick! How did you do it? sector? It was renewable energy or law school. I was accepted to law school but I wanted to come back to Canada. I felt that I needed a new challenge. Instead, I decided to get into a fairly new industry that was
Luck. Timing. Gumption! I got a break! At first, I targeted a number of groups and did informational interviews with some of them. I even offered to work for free to get experience. I wanted
to get my foot in the door. Like any good job seeker I harassed the heck out of everybody. Then an opportunity popped up. I was recruited into a company manufacturing Solar Thermal Hot Water. They were starting a new commercial/industrial division around installation. I took it, even though it wasn’t necessarily my ideal job. My goal was to learn about how a project was “put together.” I wanted to learn about what was important to consider before a rooftop project could be approved. I learned about the need for structural engineering, good solar design (things like shading and angle of panels), construction timelines and financial models. These were things that were important in any solar rooftop project be it solar thermal hot water or photovoltaics.
Was it a steep learning curve?
Coming from footwear, doing project development was a totally different experience, so it was new. But business relationships and customer service skills were transferable. -Continued on A8-
The Women’s Press - Continued from A7 I had to learn how you put this stuff on a roof, what the different team members did and solar design ...but if you had the wherewithal, there was opportunity.
are already blessed with plenty of hydro, like BC and some provinces may not have as good as a solar resource as others – but places like Calgary, for example, have an excellent solar resource!
What is the potential of other energy Do you think that, you would have been sources besides wind and solar? Farm bio-gas has high potential. It’s a more able to get into the industry without a complicated energy source, you don’t have a free background in renewable energy? energy source like the sun or the wind. You either Yes and no. It’s a more mature industry. It’s stabilizing: tariff rates are going down, domestic content has disappeared. As a new person entering the industry, it will be tough. However, there are lots of programs out there that teach good solar design and maintenance. RESCo also hires electricians for installation and maintenance work, engineers for design work (Electrical, Mechanical and Structural), project managers and coordinators to manage projects and if you have a knack for sales there are always opportunities.
What is the trend in other provinces?
Other provinces are dipping their toes in, but nobody has put forward anything like we have in Ontario yet. I think Ontario has had a lot of challenges putting this program into place and a lot of critics, but eventually we are going to have to look at renewable sources of energy on a larger scale throughout Canada. Of course some provinces
produce your own energy source – for example the manure from your livestock, or scrap organic material left over from your harvest, or you purchase your energy source, for example the leftover food waste from a grocery store. I even met one farmer who purchased dry dog food from “Learn about it. a manufacturer because it could Ask questions. Take not be sold to the advantage of those public. You also need offers to meet with the right recipe people already in the of ingredients to industry, be diligent.” ensure the generator is operating efficiently. It seems the Ministries of Agriculture and Energy are supportive of this technology here in Ontario. There is also the first ever biogas Renewable Energy Cooperative in Ontario. It’s called Zooshare.
Want to get WiREd? Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) was founded last year by renewable energy business development professionals Joanna Osawe and Rebecca Black of Black Current Marketing. WiRE aims to expand the involvement of professional women in all segments of renewable energy industry segments through educational field trips, monthly networking meetings, and communications and engagement initiatives. As the co-founders point out, “As women working in the electricity field, we see day to day how women are underrepresented in this sector compared to the national workplace average. We identified the need for a networking platform for women to connect, share resources, and learn from other professionals in the energy sector. It’s all about capacity building in a fun, productive environment!” For more information, visit www.WomenInRenewableEnergy.ca
Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices. Issue 23 • Feb. & Mar. 2014 • A8
What is the future of renewable energy?
We can’t be reliant on government programs for renewable energy to be economically viable. Government programs are meant to be a primer for an industry. We see that in Ontario where the original RESOP program and subsequent Feed In Tariff (FIT) program have established a market for renewable energy and also established a lot of expertise. With these two things, the price of projects from when I entered the market in 2007 has decreased dramatically. So what people need to understand about renewable energy is 1. It will be economically viable 2. A cultural shift will happen where we as responsible citizens will demand it. We’re not there yet, and we’re still not working collaboratively between provinces or federally.
Any advice for women entering the sector?
My advice is the same for every person entering a new market. Learn about it. Ask questions. Take advantage of those offers to meet with people already in the industry, be diligent. As for women – don’t believe because you’re a women you don’t belong – that’s such an old-fashioned idea. There’s as much opportunity for women in this industry as there is for men.
Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices. Issue 23 • Feb. & Mar. 2014 • A9
The Women’s Press
Book review
Women in Sports Is there a problem with portrayal? By Tricia Basso
The Immortal Life Henrietta Lacks
of
by Rebecca Skloot Review by Kerry Cranston
In 1951, a thirty one year old woman named Henrietta Lacks was experiencing pain following the birth of her fifth child. Because of racial segregation in her city, Baltimore, Maryland, there was only one hospital in proximity to Henrietta’s home that accepted patients of colour. That hospital was Johns Hopkins and Henrietta Lacks sought treatment there. The eight months that followed, as Henrietta Lacks struggled to fight a very aggressive cervical cancer spreading throughout her body, would prove to be a turning point, not only for one young family, but also to the world of medical research and ethics. During her cancer treatment, samples of Lacks’ healthy and cancerous cells were taken, without her consent, and given, without her permission to a researcher at Johns Hopkins. At the time such a procedure was commonplace. Those cells, later known as HeLa, would prove to be the first “immortal cells” ever discovered. Award winning science writer, Rebecca Skloot explains in this captivating work of non-fiction, that scientists had been trying to keep human cells alive in culture for decades without success, Henrietta “...Rebecca Skloot has until Lacks’ cells were tested. Her cells written a compelling reproduced were different: they an entire generation story about race, class, every twenty-four hours, indefinitely. the advancement of Life of Henrietta The Immortal Lacks offers a clear, and science and the need informative thorough analysis of the science involved for medical ethics.” in discovering the immortal cell. As well, it offers numerous medical information advances that happened as a direct result of the use of her cells for research including: polio vaccinations, chemotherapy, and gene mapping while also giving insight into the legal battle for patients’ rights that stemmed from the use of Henrietta’s cells without her knowledge. Drawing on thousands of hours of interviews with scientists, lawyers, ethicists, journalists and members of the Lacks family, as well as, medical documents, archival photos and journals, Rebecca Skloot has written a compelling story about race, class, the advancement of science and the need for medical ethics. But the heart of the story is Henrietta Lacks herself. While her cells were being sent to laboratories around the world, Henrietta remained unknown to most outside her immediate social and familial circles. Her unwitting contribution to science was, for many years, hidden from her family who continued to live in poverty, unable to afford medical care while her HeLa cells helped pharmaceutical companies earn millions of dollars. We learn about Henrietta’s life and her influence on her children, husband, friends and family and the bravery she showed in the face of an agonizing death. In writing the book author Rebecca Skloot befriended members of the Lacks family and learned how they discovered of the existence of the HeLa cells only after a British documentary on the subject was released in the 1970s. She has succeeded in giving voice to the Lacks family, whose own story was silenced for so long due to racism, poverty and the shocking indifference of the medical establishment.
The highly anticipated 2014 Winter Olympics will bring together some of the world’s best athletes. Yet, visual media project images of a more homogenized athlete; and this athlete is typically white. Women and more specifically women of colour, are severely underrepresented and underestimated. Strength and ability are merely second to beauty and sex-appeal. When you type ‘women in the winter Olympics’ on Google’s search bar, one of the top hits include “Hottest Female Athletes at the 2014 Winter Olympics,” wherein 31 athletes were listed. And of those 31 athletes, only three “Women and more were women of colour: two Asian women specifically women of and a Black woman. “In general, women of colour in mass colour, are severely mediated representations of winter sport are rare, and their supposed exoticism or underrepresented is noticeable in media and underestimated. hyper-athleticism discourses. This acts as an oftentimes subtle Strength and ability form of racism,” said a McMaster professor Karen McGarry, whose area of research are merely second includes sports and sexual representation. to beauty and sexYet, Olympic ice hockey player Julie Chu has overcome these seemingly appeal.” insurmountable challenges faced by women in sports, by adhering to her childhood belief that, “girls can play hockey too.” During her childhood years, Julie realized that she wanted to do more than figure skating. She observed and enjoyed the camaraderie and dynamism of hockey, expressing her interest in the sport. This lends credence to another one of Chu’s most famous remarks “…I always say, hockey found me.” Today Chu is a key member and assistant captain of National Hockey Team USA. She has also won silver medals at the Olympic Games in 2002 and 2010 and a Bronze in 2006, recording “Winters sports are 40 goals and 83 assists in 150 games with Team USA. These, amongst other inspiring governed by white, easily surpass Julie’s European and upper achievements induction into the ‘Hottest Female Athletes class notions of at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games,’ hall of fame. aesthetics, bodily Visual media is capable of creating comportment, idealized versions of white people, and people of colour. A 2012 study on costume, musical perceptions of people of colour and white selection, etc.” people by the University of Michigan’s Department of Psychology reinforces this concern. Participants in the study thought of white women when they were asked to think of the overarching category of a ‘woman.’ The study concludes that in contemporary society, visual media primarily reflect the idealized white woman, with the focus on attractiveness and weight regulation. These women are usually portrayed as fit, universally attractive, sexually available and are either placed in dependent or submissive roles. McGarry also shared a similar “Women of colour sentiment. “Winter sports are who have sought to governed by white, European and challenge the dominant upper class notions of aesthetics, aesthetics of the sport bodily comportment, costume, musical selection, etc. Women of colour who (such as Surya Bonaly) have sought to challenge the dominant aesthetics of the sport (such as Surya have historically been have historically been exoticized exoticized or penalized Bonaly) or penalized in some way.” in some way.” Chu’s message of perseverance, strength and the joy of having fun in sports should be the message that resonates for women in the field. Despite the gendered social context within the world of sports, Julie remains loyal to a message that everyone can relate to: “You are capable of more than you think.”
The Women’s Press
Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices. Issue 23 • Feb. & Mar. 2014 • A10
A case for declaring Sanctuary City How are women affected? By Josee Oliphant, Sanctuary City researcher In February 2013, Toronto declared itself a Sanctuary City, confirming its dedication to providing services without fear to all of its residents. A year later, the Hamilton Sanctuary City Coalition is now looking to do the same here. On February 10, the coalition will present this initiative to the Emergency and Community Services Committee at City Hall. If it is passed, there will be a City Council vote on the issue on Feb 12. For women, whose vulnerability is heightened due to lack of access to essential services, will bring positive change. A woman who is being sponsored to Canada by her partner and experiencing a situation of violence or manipulation could have a fear of accessing police services, due to an overwhelming fear of deportation and the possibility of losing sponsorship status or her children. Women with precarious status are not only more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, but also to poverty, social isolation, unemployment, and unstable and poor living conditions, as noted by a 2011 study on undocumented immigrants in Canada by Lilian Magalhaes, Chirstine Carrasco, and Dense Gastaldo.
What is a Sanctuary City?
A Sanctuary City is a city where all residents, regardless of their immigration status, can access city services without fear of refusal, or oppression, detention or deportation The Hamilton Sanctuary City Coalition strives to declare the City of Hamilton a Sanctuary City by asking City Council to implement access without fear policies in order to make Hamilton a more accessible and welcoming city for all its members, regardless of their immigration status.
What has been happening in Hamilton?
In May 2013, the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic held a public information session at the Hamilton Public Library in order to inform citizens about the potential of a Sanctuary City in our communities and invited community members and organizations interested in supporting the cause. About 50 people attended the session. From there, the Hamilton Sanctuary City Coalition was formed. Comprising of 15 active members, the coalition has since held a community forum in November, bringing together a variety of informed speakers and community members, who expressed the importance of protecting all residents and making Hamilton a welcoming place for all.
Who does this issue affect?
‘Undocumented’ is the term most commonly used to define those without full legal immigration status in Canada. However the terms ‘precarious status’, ‘non-status migrant’ or ‘resident without full status’, are more accurate as they demonstrate that the majority have documents and are known to authorities. They may not have a legal immigration status. Scholars Goldring, Berinstein and Bernhad in their 2009 study on precarious immigrant status argue that the context of immigration in Canada is confusing and often leaves people with “less than full migratory status” and uncertainty. Echoing that point, University of Toronto Social Work professor Rupaleem Bhuyan points out that approximately 1 in 34 people reside without full status in Canada. Bhuyan notes in a study in 2012, that this shapes service delivery for women fleeing abuse.
How are women with a precarious status affected?
Often women believe that they have to rely on a third party, like an employer, for their access to the immigration process and their economic livelihood, as is the case with live in nannies, personal caregivers and seasonal workers, who often leave behind children in their home countries to support their families
economically. It is important that women with a precarious status no longer fear accessing essential services and can reach out to the appropriate resources. All residents of Hamilton contribute to making the city and its many communities what they are and should therefore have access to the same municipal services. Allowing everyone to access services equally fosters community development and allows the residents of Hamilton to define where they live.
Take action
Come to the Hamilton City Hall (Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 71 Main Street West) Emergency and Community Services Committee at 1:30 pm on Monday, February 10th 2014 to support delegates that are speaking in support of this initiative. If this initiative moves past this initial meeting, the final vote with City Council will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at City Hall. Join the coalition to help make Hamilton a Sanctuary City and to help take political action regarding immigration policies in Canada. To learn more, contact sanctuaryhamilton@gmail.com.
Bridging the gap: Meeting housing needs of newcomers in Hamilton Republished from Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council’s (HIPC) report, The Housing Needs of Newcomers in Hamilton with files from Renée Wetselaar, social planner at Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton (SPRC) Housing is a foundational element in a household’s social, health and economic well-being. Housing that is unaffordable or of poor quality creates challenges that could have a negative impact on the wellness of individuals within the household. Each year, Canada welcomes approximately 250,000 newcomers into the country and housing is a top priority upon arrival. While most immigrants have few problems securing housing, a subset – recently arrived refugees in particular – is at greater risk of living in unacceptable housing conditions. Newcomers also face barriers such as language, insufficient knowledge of the housing system and services, lack of credit history, discrimination, and income that impact their ability to access housing. In Hamilton, where approximately 3,500 newcomers are welcomed annually, the housing situation mirrors national findings as described above; but, there is no comprehensive data source that details the unique housing challenges of Hamilton’s newcomers. Recent immigrants and diverse
ethno cultural communities in Hamilton experience a disproportionate amount of poverty. According to the 2006 Census, Hamilton has a higher rate of poverty for these communities in comparison with many other urban centres in Ontario with 51% of immigrants and 34% of persons of colour having incomes below LICO (low income cutoff) (SPRC, 2009). The 2006 census shows that newcomers to Hamilton have a higher percentage than average when it comes to spending more than 50% of their income on rent. With newcomers representing a higher percentage in renter groups versus homeownership, one can determine that this population may also then face a higher proportion of issues associated with renting such as not having their core housing needs met (i.e. adequacy, suitability and affordability). The housing needs of newcomers are being addressed by the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council’s Housing Working Group. This group consists of representatives from:
• Housing Services Division, City of Hamilton • Housing Help Centre of Hamilton • Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton • Affordable Housing Flagship • Hamilton Community Legal Clinic • Good Shepherd Family Centre • Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation • Service Canada The HIPC Housing working group has been collaborating for two years now, achieving the following benchmarks: • Increase newcomer awareness of and access to safe and affordable housing through the creation of a housing guide for newcomers available at www. welcometohamilton.ca • Research and produce a report on the housing needs of newcomers. • Increase the number of social housing units available for large families by providing enhanced
funding to social housing providers to expand units and encourage moving over-housed individuals to smaller units to accommodate larger newcomer families. Consistent with the working groups objectives, Hamilton City Council City approved $900,000 in capital funding to renovate vacant single family homes in social housing stock and CityHousing Hamilton has constructed 14 new homes each with 5 bedroom units • Ensuring the housing needs of newcomers is considered in the development of the City’s Housing and Homelessness Action Plan. www.hamilton.ca/ HousingActionPlan With this continued focused work and interactions with newcomers, the group envisions that more newcomers will choose to make Hamilton their home and together we will achieve a greater level of stability and be able to better meet the needs of recent arrivals to Canada.
Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices. Issue 23 • Feb. & Mar. 2014 • A11
The Women’s Press
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