Category Archives: Biology/Health

Biology/Health, History, Law

The Relationship between Water Availability and First Nations Sucide Rates

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Abstract

First Nations experience disproportionate rates of suicide when compared to the general population. Various risk factors are identified to increase understanding of the prevalence of suicide among First Nations, but environmental dimensions of suicide are understudied. This study asks whether water insecurity, as reflected by long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWA), has any bearing on the distribution of suicide in First Nations across Canada, and specifically in Ontario. To assess this, we established the proportion of First Nations with LT-DWAs in Canada and in Ontario that have had suicides occur between 2011 and 2016 through a review of media archives. This proportion was compared to census data on the proportion of First Nations with suicides in Canada and in Ontario between 2011 and 2016, and statistical significance of difference was determined through chi-square goodness of fit test. Overall, the findings were mixed. Nationally, there was no significantly difference of proportion of First Nations with LT-DWAs with combined (confirmed and probable) reported suicides occurring when compared to census proportions; however, at the provincial level, findings had significant differences. The authors conclude that water insecurity in First Nations, as indicated by the presence of a LT-DWA in First Nations across may be an important environmental dimension of suicide, contributing to enhanced risk for suicide in First Nations.

https://www.nccih.ca/634/Is_Suicide_a_Water_Justice_Issue__Investigating_Long-Term_Drinking_Water_Advisories_and_Suicide_in_F….nccih?id=4561&col=4

Ansloos, J., & Cooper, A. (2023). Is suicide a water justice issue? Investigating long-term drinking water advisories and suicide in First Nations in Canada. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(5), 4045.

1. Introduction

Suicide is one of the most urgent issues facing First Nations in Canada, with suicide rates approximately three times higher compared with the general population [1]. Global incident rates across a 60-year period suggest an upward trend of suicide among Indigenous peoples [2]. For First Nations in Canada, suicide is often cited as a leading cause of death for youth [3], and the leading cause of death for adults under the age of 44 [4]. Many risk factors are identified to increase understanding of the disproportionate prevalence of suicide among First Nations, but there is an urgent need to understand environmental dimensions. This exploratory study investigates one potential environmental dimension of suicide among First Nations: water insecurity.

1.1. Suicide among First Nations in Canada

As early as 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples categorized suicide risk factors for First Nations, including biopsychological factors (e.g., depression, substance use disorders), situational factors (e.g., disruptions to family life due to child welfare policies, off-reserve hospitalizations), socioeconomic factors (e.g., income levels, education levels), and cultural stressors (e.g., suppression of belief systems and spirituality, racial discrimination) [5]. Since then, a range of other demographic factors, including gender, age, and geographic location, have been found to have a significant bearing on rates of suicide among First Nations. Youth aged 15 to 24, men, and those living on reserve, are at higher risk for suicide [1]. Socioeconomic factors have also been consistently associated with high rates of suicide in First Nations [6,7,8]. Recently, household income, labour force status, education, and marital status accounted for 66% of suicide risk after adjusting for risk associated with age and sex among First Nations adults [1], demonstrating that socioeconomic factors have heavy bearing on suicide rates. However, to date, environmental dimensions of suicide among First Nations have received little research.

Qualitative studies have suggested that First Nations affected by a lack of access to safe drinking water are likely to have disproportionately high suicide rates [28] and that water insecurity may be associated with mental health issues in First Nations [36], which by extension might intersect with suicide risk. Among Indigenous peoples in Canada, more broadly, it has been found that mental health outcomes associated with suicide may be affected by climate change, and in particular changes to land, ice, snow, weather, and sense of place [37,38,39]. Related to this, research has shown that environmental changes and related damages to environmental infrastructure accompanying climate change are linked to enhanced psychosocial distress, which in turn might affect suicidality [37]. In a recent study among Inuit in Nunatsiavut, climate change enhanced the likelihood of suicidal ideation [40,41].

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/5/4045#Findings

https://archive.org/details/ansloos-water-insecurity-suicide-May-2023

Biology/Health, History, Law, Geography

Protect Canada’s Forests

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https://act.gp/4msndJJ

If you found out that at least $200 million of public funding went towards a single major corporation and its subsidiaries over the last few years, would you have questions about its operations? What if I told you they also managed 22 million hectares of forest across Canada [1]? Furthermore, what if they had global ties to a corporation with a documented track record of environmental and human rights violations [2]? Our brand new reports highlight the concerning lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the company that has been establishing itself as a logging giant across Canada for the last two decades: Domtar, formerly known as Paper Excellence and Resolute.
Forests are living, breathing systems that sustain life, not just resources to be commodified. And now, with the Carney government giving natural resource lobbyists (those hired to speak on behalf of industry behind closed doors) so much access, pushing for transparency and accountability has never been more important [3].
Add your name: Forests deserve answers 
These new reports trace Domtar’s extensive lobbying activity during a critical four-year period, when the company (operating under different names) was facing growing public scrutiny, attempting to silence us through legal action, and approaching a federal investigation [4, 5, 6].  Despite clear rebranding and a carefully crafted “green” image [7], serious transparency gaps remain. Domtar’s sole owner, Jackson Wijaya, has still not appeared before the House of Commons Committee—even after being formally requested to do so [8]. Canadians are being left in the dark about who truly controls the largest forestry company in the country [9] and what that control means for the future of forests and communities.
What the reports reveal is deeply concerning: The research shows that as Domtar ramped up lobbying ahead of federal scrutiny, it received over $200 million in public funding while facing environmental penalties and mill closures—raising serious questions about transparency and public benefit. This all reveals a stark imbalance: vast amounts of political access and public money flowing to one company, with too little transparency in return—at a moment when Canada’s forests are already under intense pressure from industrial logging, old growth logging, biodiversity loss, and a rapidly changing climate [10, 11, 12].
That’s why we’re calling on Domtar’s owner, Jackson Wijaya, to appear before the House of Commons Committee and fully cooperate with its work. Canadians deserve clear, public answers about who controls Domtar, what the company’s long-term plans are, and what its expansion means for the future of forests and forest-based communities across Canada.
 Will you now add your name to demand transparency and accountability from the logging giant that’s been taking over forests across Canada?

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/paper-excellence-pulp-china-1.6772654

#Protect, #Canada, #Forests, #Logging, #PaperExcellence

Biology/Health

ODSB – Ontario Disability Support Application

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ODSB – Overview– Government Page Info

Patients may provide health care professionals the Disability Determination Package (DDP) to complete so that the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services can determine whether they have a disability for the purposes of qualifying for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Health care professionals may submit the DDP either on paper or digitally through the Ministry of Health’s Special Authorization Digital Information Exchange (SADIE).

To avoid delays for your patient, it is important to:

  • complete all sections and questions as fully as possible
  • include duration for all condition(s) and resulting impairment(s)
  • sign all appropriate pages if sending paper originals or uploading copies
  • attach or upload additional medical and supporting information, such as clinical notes, hospital reports or consult reports, that support or clarify the information you identify in the forms

Learn more about the disability adjudication process and definition of disability

Ontario Disability Support Program

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) provides financial assistance, health and other benefits and employment supports to eligible Ontario residents who:

have a disability as defined by the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, or are a member of a prescribed class that is exempt from the disability adjudication process

are 18 years older (those under 18 can start the application process up to six months before their 18th birthday)

are in financial need

Who qualifies

To receive ODSP income support and benefits, your patient must meet the definition of disability under the ODSP Act. Being a person with a disability means:

  • they have a substantial physical or mental impairment that is continuous or recurrent and expected to last one year or more
  • the direct and cumulative effect of their impairment results in a substantial restriction in their ability to work, take care of themselves or taking part in the community
  • the impairment, its likely duration and restrictions have been verified by an approved health care professional

Prescribed classes

Prescribed classes are specific categories of people who do not have to go through the disability adjudication process to qualify for ODSP. People in these categories must still apply and meet all other ODSP eligibility requirements.

For example, some of your patients may be exempt from the disability adjudication process if they:

  • receive Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D)
  • receive Quebec Pension Plan Disability (QPP-D)
  • are eligible for adult developmental services and supports from Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
  • are 65 or older and not eligible for Old Age Security (OAS)
  • are a resident of a designated psychiatric facility or home for special care

Learn more about prescribed classes.

For further Info you may read the entire Info on the government’s site;

https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-disability-support-program-disability-determination-package#section-4

ODSB – Medical Review Package

Overview

Health care professionals must complete the Medical Review Package to help us determine whether a person continues to meet the definition of a person with a disability for the purposes of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services uses this set of forms to determine if your patient still qualifies for ODSP income support.

If they have a medical review date assigned, patients might bring you the Medical Review Package to complete.

To avoid delays for your patient, it is important to:

  • complete all sections and questions as fully as possible
  • include duration for all condition(s) and resulting impairment(s)
  • sign all appropriate pages
  • attach additional medical and supporting information, such as clinical notes, hospital reports or consult reports, that support or clarify the information you identify in the forms

As of August 2021, there is an updated Self Report form to submit with the Medical Review Package should patients wish to complete one. The medical review process and definition of disability have not changed.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-disability-support-program-medical-review-package

#Ontario, #Disability, #Info, #Links;

APPLICATION FOR CPP WITH DISABILITY

https://catalogue.servicecanada.gc.ca/content/EForms/en/Detail.html?Form=ISP1151

NumberISP1151
TitleApplication kit for Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits
PurposeTo apply for a Canada Pension Plan Disability benefit. Information in the application form describes the benefits that may be available to you and any dependent children you may have. It is important that you read the instructions and answer the questions with as much detail as possible. The application kit includes: 1. Application for a Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit (ISP-1151) 2. Medical Report for a Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit (ISP-2519)
GroupCanada Pension Plan

Biology/Health

US Gun Violence – Stats

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Statistics- Wikepedia

Unlike other high-income OECD countries, most homicides in the U.S. are gun homicides.[70] In the U.S. in 2011, 67 percent of homicide victims were killed using a firearm: 66 percent of single-victim homicides and 79 percent of multiple-victim homicides.[93] Between 1968 and 2011, about 1.4 million people died from firearms in the U.S. This number includes all deaths resulting from a firearm, including suicides, homicides, and accidents.[94]

In 2017, compared to 22 other high-income nations, the U.S. gun-related homicide rate was 25 times higher.[89] Although the US has half the population of the other 22 nations combined, among those 22 nations studied, the U.S. had 82 percent of gun deaths, 90 percent of all women killed with guns, 91 percent of children under 14 and 92 percent of young people between ages 15 and 24 killed with guns, with guns being the leading cause of death for children.[89] The ownership and regulation of guns are among the most widely debated issues in the US.

In 1993, there were seven gun homicides for every 100,000 people. By 2013, that figure had fallen to 3.6, according to Pew Research.[95]

Stats – AA Turkey Press

“Incidents of gun violence in which police were involved claimed the lives of 587 people, while 361 were wounded.

In 2022, a total of 44,362 people died due to gun violence, while 38,592 were wounded, according to GVA data, which showed that 1,683 of those killed were under 18 years old, as were 4,487 of those injured.

The country is once again discussing ways to address the issue of gun violence on National Gun Violence Awareness Day, observed yearly on the first Friday of June.

US ‘number one’ in private gun ownership

Anti-gun groups in the country have long called for greater legal hurdles on the personal right to bear arms, as the US stands out as the only nation in the world where civilian-owned firearms outnumber people.

The US ranks first in the world in terms of private gun ownership, with 120.5 guns per 100 people, according to research conducted after last year’s Uvalde school shooting in Texas that claimed 21 lives.

Americans are estimated to own 393 million of the 857 million civilian-owned firearms in the world, corresponding to about 46%.”

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/over-17-000-lives-lost-to-gun-violence-in-us-this-year-tracker/2912837

#US #Guns #Violence #Statistics;

Biology/Health, Islam, Library, Religion

PROTECTION FROM MAGIC- DUAHS/ PRAYERS

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Surah Al-Falaq and Al-Naas

To protect yourself from being cast by Magic, recite Surah Al Ikhlas, Surah Falaq and Surah Nas, each 3 times in the morning and evening.

“Rasulullah ﷺ used to seek refuge from the jinn as well as from the evil eye until Surah al-Falaq and an-Naas were revealed. When they were sent down, he utilised them and left other things.” [Tirmidhi]

Aisha (radi Allahu anha) reported that when the Prophet ﷺ went to bed every night, he used to cup his hands together and blow over them after reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas, and then rub his hands over whatever parts of his body he was able to rub, starting with his head, face and front of his body. He used to do that three times. When he became seriously ill, she used to recite (these two Surahs) and rub his hands over his body hoping for its blessings. [Sahih Bukhari]

SURAHS – QURAN CHAPTERS

The Noble Quran is comprised of Surahs (chapters) where each and every verse had a specific reason behind its Revelation. Furthermore, other than the verses being a part of Holy Quran that brings return, there are different verses that come with extraordinary virtues. Two of such renowned short chapters are Surah al Falaq, and Surah an Naas.

Bewitchment of the Prophet (Peace be upon Him)

Narrated Aisha: Magic was worked on Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) so that he used to think that he had sexual relations with his wives while he actually had not (Sufyan said: That is the hardest kind of magic as it has such an effect). Then one day he said, “O `Aisha do you know that Allah has instructed me concerning the matter I asked Him about? Two men came to me and one of them sat near my head and the other sat near my feet. The one near my head asked the other. What is wrong with this man?’ The latter replied the is under the effect of magic The first one asked, Who has worked magic on him?’ The other replied Labid bin Al-A’sam, a man from Bani Zuraiq who was an ally of the Jews and was a hypocrite.’ The first one asked, What material did he use)?’ The other replied, ‘A comb and the hair stuck to it.’ The first one asked, ‘Where (is that)?’ The other replied. ‘In a skin of pollen of a male date palm tree kept under a stone in the well of Dharwan’ ” So the Prophet (ﷺ) went to that well and took out those things and said “That was the well which was shown to me (in a dream) Its water looked like the infusion of Henna leaves and its date-palm trees looked like the heads of devils.” The Prophet (ﷺ) added, “Then that thing was taken out’ I said (to the Prophet (ﷺ) ) “Why do you not treat yourself with Nashra?” He said, “Allah has cured me; I dislike to let evil spread among my people.” Sahih Bukhari 5765 – Book 76, Hadith79;

SURAH AL-FALAQ/ DAYBREAK – CH113

In the name of Allah/ God, the Gracious, the Merciful. 1. Say, “I take refuge with the Lord of Daybreak. 2. From the evil of what He created. 3. And from the evil of the darkness as it gathers. 4. And from the evil of those who practice sorcery. 5. And from the evil of an envious when he envies.”

SURAH AN-NAAS – CH114 – THE PEOPLE – QURAN KAREEM

In the name of Allah/ God, the Gracious, the Merciful.

1. Say, “I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind. 2. The King of mankind. 3. The God of mankind. 4. From the evil of the sneaky whisperer. 5. Who whispers into the hearts of people. 6. From among jinn and among people.”

Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of An-Nas,
The King of An-Nas,
The God of An-Nas,
These are three attributes from the attributes of the Lord, the Mighty and Majestic. They are:

Lordship, Sovereignty and Divinity. Thus,

He is the Lord of everything, the King of everything and the God of everything. All things are created by Him, owned by Him, and subservient to Him.

Therefore, He commands whoever is seeking protection to seek refuge with the One Who has these attributes from the evil of the whisperer who withdraws.
This (the whisperer) is the Devil that is assigned to man. For verily, there is not any of the Children of Adam except that he has a companion that beautifies wicked deeds for him. This devil will go to any lengths to confuse and confound him. The only person who is safe is He Whom Allah protects.

It is confirmed in the Sahih that he (the Prophet) said,

There is not a single one of you except that his companion (a Devil) has been assigned to him. They (the Companions) said, “What about you, O Messenger of Allah!”
He replied, Yes.  
However, Allah has helped me against him and he has accepted Islam. Thus, he only commands me to do good.

#Protection from #Magic; #Duahs, #Prayers, #Islam, #Quran Kareem

Biology/Health, Islam, Religion, Uncategorized

Signs of Being Afflicted by Evil Eye

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Signs of Being Afflicted by the Evil Eye- Shaykh Ibn Bāz (may Allāh have mercy on him) said:If the symptoms a person experiences are not due to a physical illness, they are often manifested in the following ways:

– Migrating headaches, – Yellowish complexion, – Excessive sweating – Frequent urination- Loss of appetite, – Tingling sensations, – Unusual heat or coldness in the limbs, – Heart palpitations,- Pain that shifts between the lower back and shoulders.- Sadness, – Tightness in the chest, – Insomnia, – Intense emotional reactions, including unusual fear.- Frequent burping, – Yawning, – Sighing, – Isolation,- A preference for solitude, – Lethargy and laziness, – Sleepiness, and – Health problems with no identifiable medical cause.These signs may appear entirely or only partially, depending on the strength of the evil eye and the number of those who have cast it.[Ar-Ruqyah Ash-Shar‘iyyah (p. 10)]

#Evil Eye, #Explanations, #Islam, #Belief, #Cure;

Biology/Health, Islam, Religion

Setting Veils on the Hearts – Quran

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Surah Al Anam 24: 230-There are some of them who ˹pretend to˺ listen to your recitation ˹of the Quran˺, but We have cast veils over their hearts—leaving them unable to comprehend it—and deafness in their ears. Even if they were to see every sign, they still would not believe in them. The disbelievers would ˹even˺ come to argue with you, saying, “This ˹Quran˺ is nothing but ancient fables!”

Allah azza wa Jal Cast Veils on the Hearts

Surah Al Isra 17: 45-46 – When you ˹O Prophet˺ recite the Quran, We put a hidden barrier between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter.

We have cast veils over their hearts—leaving them unable to comprehend it—and deafness in their ears. And when you mention your Lord alone in the Quran, they turn their backs in aversion.

This is a Book for those who Believe in the Unseen (revelation)

In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful.

1. Alif, Lam, Meem.

2. This is the Book in which there is no doubt, a guide for the righteous. 3. Those who believe in the unseen, and perform the prayers, and give from what We have provided for them.

4. And those who believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you, and are certain of the Hereafter.

5. These are upon guidance from their Lord. These are the successful.

6. As for those who disbelieve—it is the same for them, whether you have warned them, or have not warned them—they do not believe.

7. Allah/ God has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and over their vision is a veil. They will have a severe torment.

#Allah, #Setting #Veil on the #Hearts #Quran Kareem; #Islam

Biology/Health, Islam, Religion

Creation of Human being – Embryology – Quran Kareem

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This beautiful illustration highlights the miraculous stages of human creation as described in the Qur’an over 1,400 years ago — long before the advent of modern embryology. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, described in perfect detail the development of the embryo in the womb.

📖 “And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators.” — Surah Al-Mu’minoon 23:12-14

Human Created in Mother’s Womb- Best of Creation

💬 The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Verily the creation of each one of you is brought together in his mother’s womb for forty days in the form of a drop (nutfah), then he becomes a clot (‘alaqah) for a similar period, then a lump of flesh (mudghah) for a similar period…” — [Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim]

This is a sign for those who reflect. It affirms both the greatness of our origin and the greatness of the Creator — Allah ﷻ, who fashions us in the best form.

Let us reflect on our humble beginning and renew our gratitude to Allah, the One who gives life and shapes us in the wombs of our mothers according to His will.

“He creates you in the wombs of your mothers, creation after creation, in three veils of darkness.” — Sura/ Chapter Az-Zumar 39:6

Creation of Adam (Alayhis Salam)

Allah Almighty says: {O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single  person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both  He created many men and women; and fear Allah through Whom you demand (your mutual  rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All  Watcher over you}. (An-Nisa’, 1)

Abu Musa al-Ashari reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, Allah Almighty created Adam from a handful which He took from the earth, so the children of Adam come in accordance with the earth. Some come with red skin, white skin, or black skin, and whatever is in between: smooth and rough, bad and good.” Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2955 Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Tirmidhi

عَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى الْأَشْعَرِيِّ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى خَلَقَ آدَمَ مِنْ قَبْضَةٍ قَبَضَهَا مِنْ جَمِيعِ الْأَرْضِ فَجَاءَ بَنُو آدَمَ عَلَى قَدْرِ الْأَرْضِ فَجَاءَ مِنْهُمْ الْأَحْمَرُ وَالْأَبْيَضُ وَالْأَسْوَدُ وَبَيْنَ ذَلِكَ وَالسَّهْلُ وَالْحَزْنُ وَالْخَبِيثُ وَالطَّيِّبُ

2955 سنن الترمذي كتاب تفسير القرآن باب ومن سورة البقرة 2955 المحدث الترمذي خلاصة حكم المحدث حسن صحيح في سنن الترمذي

How did the children of Adam reproduce?

Adam and Eve would marry from different pregnancies; they always had twins (a boy and a girl)- in that time they were not allowed to marry from same pregnancy(the twin) – but from a different pregnancy;

Al-Suddi reports that a number of the Prophet’s (s) companions said: كَانَ لَا يُولَدُ لِآدَمَ مَوْلُودٌ إِلَّا وُلِدَ مَعَهُ جَارِيَةٌ فَكَانَ يُزَوِّجُ غُلَامَ هَذَا الْبَطْنِ جَارِيَةَ هَذَا الْبَطْنِ الْآخَرِ وَيُزَوِّجُ جَارِيَةَ هَذَا الْبَطْنِ غُلَامَ هَذَا الْبَطْنِ الْآخَرِ

Adam would not beget a boy but that he was accompanied by a twin girl. He would marry the boy from this pregnancy with the girl from another pregnancy, and he would marry the girl from this pregnancy with the boy from another pregnancy. Source: Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī 33:72

Other Narrations:

Imam Abu Ja’ far mentioned in his Tarikh “History” on the authority of some people who had  said:  Eve gave birth to forty children through twenty births. 

Ibn Ishaq viewed the same and he mentioned their names in detail.  However, nothing is sure of their names or numbers. Only Allah knows best and no one else can know their exact number!  Others said: there were one hundred and twenty births, in each one a male and a female were born. 

The first among them were Cain and his sister Qalimah, and the last ones were `Abdul Mughith  and his sister Ummul Mughith. Then, humans increased in number and spread into the earth. 

#Human #Creation, #Embryology, #Islam, #Hadith, #Adam (Alayhis Salam) – First Man and his descendants;

Biology/Health, Geography

CAEH – Canadian Alliance to end Homelessness

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Encampment Response Service

CAEH has been challenged by a generous donor to raise $100,000 by December 31st. Every dollar we raise will be matched. Can you help us hit the goal? Donate here. 

STORY OF ELIZABETH HAZEL:

Every time I go downtown, I’m reminded why this work matters so much. 

I’m a survivor of the poisoned drug supply crisis, and I’ve lived without knowing where I was going to fall asleep at night. Unlike so many who are out in the rain, snow, and freezing temperatures tonight, I was lucky enough to have a friend let me crash in their bed while they slept on the couch for a few nights. When I got my social assistance cheque, it was enough to rent a room and start getting back on my feet. 

That was back in 2015. Today, it’s effectively impossible to rent a private room, let alone a studio apartment, if you’re living off Canada’s social safety net. Homelessness would have been my inevitable outcome if I had gone through the same struggles today. 

When I see someone shivering in the rain or snow, I know that could be me. That is why I not only work at the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, but why I also make a personal monthly donation too. 

Everyone deserves to live with dignity, safety, and a place to call home, especially those who are suffering the way I was when I lost my health, my job, my marriage, my home, and my sense of self-worth. We deserve safety at our most vulnerable, not just when we are thriving.  

I’m so proud that with our collective advocacy, Build Canada Homes is prioritizing affordable housing, with a full $1 billion earmarked for supportive housing. We need this kind of housing to keep people like me from falling into homelessness and help people without a home find a safe place they can afford. 

If you’re thinking about making a year-end gift, this matching campaign makes your support go twice as far – meaning twice the opportunity, twice the hope for the communities we help, and twice the chance to end homelessness.

A brand-new supporter was moved by the momentum from Giving Tuesday and has offered a $100,000 matching gift. This means that every donation made by December 31st will be doubled – making the season of giving even more impactful. 

If you’re able to contribute before the year ends, can you chip in now to help us put your generosity to work – with double the impact? This will go towards helping prevent people from falling into homelessness.

Donate now

We’ve accomplished so much this year, thanks to you and your support. I’m personally grateful for everything you do to help our work and spread the message to more people across the country. 

Thank you for being part of our movement and believing in this work with me, I’m so grateful to have you as an ally. It means the world to me, and to everyone at CAEH.  

Biology/Health

Nurse Practitioner – Sault Health Clinic

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Sault Community Health Centre

POSITION: NURSE PRACTITIONER-Permanent full time
JOB POSTING #: 25-001
POSTING DATE: September 2,2025

The Sault Community Health Centre (SCHC) is a dynamic, forward-thinking clinic providing primary health care services in a patient-centered, inter-disciplinary model of care, and working in collaboration with other health organizations and social services to ensure that patient needs are met. SCHC is a proven leader effecting positive change in the healthcare community through assessment and program development to meet community needs. Our team members are encouraged to develop leadership skills and to contribute to the design and implementation of programs.
Position Summary

The NP will work in a collaborative primary care setting within their scope of practice as per the College of Nurses of Ontario.
Compensation
● Annual salary of $104, 500.00-$125,477.00, to commensurate with nursing experience.
● Medical/dental plan
● Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOP)
● Vacation to be determined or negotiable.
Operations
● Monday to Friday
● 37.5 hours
● Weekends and holidays off
● After hours clinics may be held from time to time to meet specific patient and community needs.
Qualifications:
● Degree in nursing from an accredited university
● Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario as an RN (EC) in good standing
● Nursing experience in a community primary healthcare setting, experience in mental health and addictions an asset.
● Holds or is willing to complete Controlled Substances Certification
● Current Police Check for Vulnerable Persons

The NP duties, responsibilities and skills include Duties, responsibilities, and skills
, but are not limited to:
● Excellent clinical judgment and strong health assessment and diagnostic skills. Advanced knowledge of mental health issues, assessment and diagnosis an asset.
● Advanced knowledge of health promotion, disease prevention and health maintenance and chronic disease management
● Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
● Effective time management skills
● Ability to work effectively, independently and in a team environment.
● Ability to an adapt to an evolving healthcare environment.
● Excellent oral and written communication skills
● Ability to function in a fast-paced environment.
● Values that align with those of the SCHC: to provide respectful and patient-centered care.
To apply:
Interested candidates are asked to submit a cover letter no longer than 1 page and a current resume with 3 work-related references to: jmarshall@saultchc.ca, attention Jamie Marshall. Subject line: Primary Care NP Posting.

https://www.sootoday.com/classifieds/careers/health-care/1993209

The Sault Community Health Centre working environment is inclusive and barrier free, operating within the Ontario Human Rights Code/AODA. Please notify us if accommodations are necessary for the interview. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those candidates selected to be interviewed will be contacted.

https://saultcommunityhealthcentre.ca/?utm_source=sootoday.com&utm_campaign=sootoday.com%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral

What is a Community Health Centre?

Land Acknowledgment:

Community Health Centres (CHCs) are not-for-profit community governed organizations with a primary focus on improving the health and well-being of populations who have traditionally faced barriers accessing health services, including:

As issued by the Province of Ontario…

  • those living on low income
  • new immigrants
  • those with complex mental health issues
  • individuals who do not have health insurance
  • CHCs provide comprehensive primary health care and other services that address the social determinants of health with an emphasis on priority populations who:
  • face barriers to accessing services because of geographic isolation or cultural or language barriers
  • have a higher burden or risk of ill health due to socio-economic status, age, social isolation, mental health issues, gender, sexual identity/orientation, or other factors

The Sault Community Health Centre is located on land traditionally known as Baawaating, the historic meeting grounds for Indigenous people across North America. This is the original territory of the Anishnaabeg, specifically Garden River First Nation and Batchewana First Nation, as well as the Métis People. The territory our clinic is positioned on is part of the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850. We are grateful for all the Indigenous and Métis generations who have cared for this land and continue to reside here. We are committed as an organization to work in the spirit of reconciliation.

For more information, visit the Government of Ontario site.