Ryan O’Hagan, London Ont

On , we remember the lives lost and lives changed by overdose and, more broadly, addiction.

We have a societal responsibility to support people struggling with addiction, not further marginalized them.

Credit: Kate Dubinski, CBC News.

Article title: Report details systemic racism within London Police Service

Let’s address, again, the elephant in the room. The police budget increases approved during the Multi Year Budget account for over 50% of all tax levy increases associated with the MYB.

We are funding a police service where white officers believe they are victims of “reverse racism”, where POC feel disrespected and dismissed, where Indigenous rights are being ignored, where domestic abuse survivors feel unsupported.

Should we maybe take a look at systemic issues and how to fix them as opposed to throwing money at them for whatever budget increases they ask?

The new working group created by Mayor Josh Morgan is great on paper, but so far the initiatives the group is looking to cut are things like community-engagement initiatives (Neighbourgood, for example). I’d rather find real savings with real-world implications.

Please join me for a Ward 5 Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday June 12th from 6pm at the Masonville Library.

If you’re a CPC supporter *and* claim to care about diversity, equity, and inclusion, then you should know:

Your actions speak louder than your words.

This isn’t surprising, or new. This is a direct attack on trans people in Canada.

Bergeron
Croteau
Edward
Laganiere
Lemay
Richard
Turcotte
Colgan
Daigneault
Haviernick
Leclair
Pelletier
St Arneault
Klucznik Widajewicz

We remember.

🕯️ 🕯️ 🕯️ 🕯️ 🕯️ 🕯️ 🕯️ 🕯️ 🕯️ 🕯️ 🕯️ 🕯️ 🕯️ 🕯️

We need to .

The most significant part of the housing problem is affordability. I just saw a 3BR apartment listed for rent in St. Thomas. The price was $2,000 + hydro.

Financial experts suggest no more than 30% of gross income on rent/mortgage payments. At $2,000 a month, your monthly gross income would need to be in the ballpark of $6,667/month. Divided and calculated weekly, this equals an annual salary of about $79,802/yr.

We are now at a time when somebody making $80K/yr can *barely* rent a 3BR apartment in a city of about 41,000 people.

That. Is. Wild.

Statement from London Police Services Board Chair Ali Chahbar
and London Police Service Chief Thai Truong

On June 6, 2021, a tragedy unfolded that deeply wounded the heart of our community. The brutal murder of four cherished members of the Afzaal family – Our London Family – by an individual driven by hate, not only took precious lives but also shook the foundations of our shared values and community spirit.

Today, in a Windsor courtroom, justice has been served. The convictions on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder represent not just a legal closure, but a testament to the thoroughness and fairness of our justice system. While no verdict or sentence can ever fully heal the pain of losing Yumnah, Madiha, Salman, and Talat, we are gratified that the jury's decision brings some measure of justice to their loved ones and to a community still in mourning.

In the weeks and months following this horrific attack, Londoners have shown remarkable solidarity with our Muslim community. The outpouring of support and comfort is a testament to the resilience and unity of our city. As the trial concludes, we recognize that the pain, hurt, and fear lingering from this tragedy will continue to resonate. Yet, we remain hopeful, knowing that Londoners will persist in their efforts to ensure that everyone in our community feels safe, valued, and welcome.

Our thoughts today are especially with the Afzaal family's young survivor, facing a future without his parents, sister, and grandmother. We are committed to supporting him, as we are all those affected, in every way we can. We also extend our profound gratitude and recognition to the first responders – police, fire, paramedics, and hospital staff – whose professionalism and courage in the face of such horror will not be forgotten.

As a police service, our dedication to the safety and well-being of every community member is unwavering. Hate has no place in our city. We are actively working to foster a culture of diversity, inclusion, and understanding that stands as a strong defence against such acts of hatred. Together, we will ensure that the legacy of the Afzaal family is one of hope and unity.



Chief Thai Truong Chair Ali Chahbar
London Police Service London Police Services Board

Read the release on our website: https://www.londonpolice.ca/en/news/special-media-statement-from-lpsb-and-lps.aspx

If you’re wondering what Performative Action looks like, it’s this.

This is a pretty significant investment in London.

Yesterday, I penned a letter to London City Council regarding the actions of Susan Stevenson, Ward 4 Councillor.

She continuously and without concern for safety puts marginalized Londoners at risk. She offers uneducated criticisms and admonishments of people with expertise and lived experiences, while simultaneously providing no alternative suggestions to the issues facing Londoners. In December, she tweeted that it wasn't the job of council to "make moral judgements", and then opts to vote against funding for women based on her moral perceptions of the work they do (for those unaware, I’m referencing her recent vote to deny funding to SafeSpace London simply because they support sec workers).

A councillor who brings personal qualms and beliefs into a decision about supporting marginalized people has no right being a sitting councillor.

Later today, I’ll make a (very long and detailed) post that outlines many of the concerns I have with the actions and comments of Councillor Stevenson. I will include images of the tweets I reference.

I made the post earlier today, but it was reported and removed. Facebook has reviewed the post and determined it doesn’t violate Community Standards, but I have to reattach all of the photos first before re-publishing.