National Coalition Against Poverty

Second Meeting Minutes Thursday May 15, 2008 
 

Present: Daniel Dufresne, Tim Pelletier, Valerie Stam, Fern Beauvais, Bob Mather, Jane Scharf, Gypsy Jaq.  

Meeting Chair: Daniel Dufresne

Meeting Secretary: Valerie Stam 

Introduction to NCAP:

• Albertan Against Poverty Organization (AAPO) started in 2003, used to be known as the Alberta Coalition Against Poverty Edmonton chapter whuch was founded in Calgary in 2001. 

• Sept. 2003 split between Edmonton and Calgary groups.

• ACAP died out in 2005

• Now, new National Coalition like NAPO but more direct action.

• Main focus now on Ottawa

Mustard Seed Fair:

• Street vending has been curbed by the city (need to be 18 yrs +, have 5 yrs experience, stay in a designated space, man the spot from 9-5 yourself or have a family member man it.)

• These rules do not take homeless vendors’ needs into consideration.

• New proposal vetted by the business community for churches and Community Centers to hold events for vending.

• New proposal for a marketplace under the Terry Fox Bridge managed by the Rideau Street Business Improvement Area (BIA).

• Both motions were passed today at City Hall.

• Action: Mustard Seed Fair

  • In front of City Hall for 1 week starting on July 1^st, Canada Day.

  • Initiated by Harmony 6, Center 454.

  • Space for homeless artists, poets, writers, and an information table

• Fundraise for a tent or awning for the Mustard Seed Fair

  • People can give donations

  • NCAP to organize work days (i.e. bottle collection) where the money goes to buying the tent.

  • Need approx. $300.

Sit Out:

• In front of an abandoned building owned by the City or the Federal/Provincial Government.

• Possibly too ambitious and time consuming given the fair activities

• End of July/early August

• At first for 24 hours, later on just 9-5.

• Some people from Toronto might come to support.

Every Day Squat:

• Gypsy Jaq wants to squat (and has previously) across from Victoria Island near the bike path. It’s a good place to stay out of the park and out of the streets.

• There is space for about 5 dwellings.

• Want reliable people to squat with who will organize a clean-up crew so that the NCC won’t harass.

• Lebreton Flats may be a better location if we can contact the original owners of the land and get permission to protest on their land. The city does not hold the deeds to Lebreton Flats.

• Possibility of tying squat on Lebreton Flats with aboriginal land claims in the capital.

Homeless Night:

• Could be organized in solidarity with Quebec’s province-wide Homeless Night

Bagathon:

• All along Elgin Street, panhandlers, musicians, squeegee kids, artists selling stuff.

Board of Directors:

• The pros and cons of a Board of Directors were discussed.

• It was decided to maintain a loose structure – no formal hierarchy but very organized.

• Action: Next meeting look at things we need to do to be more effective and decide who wants to head up which tasks.

• Daniel Dufresne will be spokesperson.

Discussion of Poverty Issues:

• $120 per month is not enough to live on. Child care is not enough to support children.

• There are new rules on who can pick up beer and wine bottles left out for recycling. Garbage collectors have first dibs.