A list of all Ontario tax credits is available here:

http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/credit/index.html

Four of these credits have been combined and will be now given out on a monthly basis starting in July 2012 as the Ontario Trillium Benefit.

http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/credit/otb/index.html

This column explains the financial problem that can be caused by changing a lump sum payment to a staggered one, especially for individuals and families on fixed incomes who file their income tax returns as early as possible to get a refund as soon as possible:

http://www.nugget.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3363888

4. Important News for OFCMHAP/Addictions Ontario Members

The following is excerpted from the November 15th version of the OFCMHAP E-bulletin:

The Board of Directors for Addictions Ontario and the Board of the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs have each selected four (4) representatives from among their elected Directors and Officers to form a special joint Task Force.  This Task Force will undertake a process with an aim toward combining the resources, expertise and advocacy agendas of both our Associations into a whole new entity; one that is capable of delivering enhanced benefits to Members, expanding the scope of our community-of-practice, and elevating our level of influence with political decision-makers.
In a recent era that has been characterized by uncertainty and instability for our Members, we recognize that the collaboration between our two Associations has strengthened our ability to produce meaningful outcomes.  We need to build on the successes we’ve shared in the past so that we may secure our role in shaping the future of Ontario’s healthcare system.  Our combined Memberships represent the largest investment of public spending on mental health and addictions in the province; providing an incredible position of strength from which to negotiate meaningful outcomes that preserve our shared interests.  United we can better achieve the respect for both our clients and treatment professionals, to which our Members Agencies aspire, individually and collectively.
We call upon our Associations to support a united mandate and welcome your feedback as we engage in this process.  We will be sure to provide updated communications to keep you apprised of our progress.  This is a time of optimism and renewed enthusiasm for all of us!

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Jon Thompson as president of the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  or Deborah Gatenby the president of Addictions Ontario (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

5. CLEONet Relaunched as http://www.yourlegalrights.on.ca

Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) has revamped its online resource with a new name, easier navigation and greater use of social media. There is also an option to subscribe by e-mail bulletin for updates.

The website is http://www.yourlegalrights.on.ca.

6. CMHA National Knowledge Know-How Survey Directed to People with Lived Experience

CMHA National is collaborating with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to help consumers stay at work and build careers.  They want to hear from individuals about their experience in the workforce and with disability benefits.  The online questionnaire is here:

http://www.cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=1-60-3314&lang=1

7. Writers Wanted for “Mythbusters” Award

The Mental Health Commission of Canada and the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation are looking for submissions for CHSRF Mythbusters, a series debunking widely-health care misconceptions in Canada.  There is a cash reward, and the deadline is January 17, 2012.  Full details on how to apply are available at:

http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/Pages/MythbustersAward.aspx

Past articles are available at:

http://www.chsrf.ca/PublicationsAndResources/Mythbusters.aspx

8. CrossCurrents Online Survey on Nutrition and Mental Health Issues (repeat)

CrossCurrents, a national mental health and addiction magazine published by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, is doing an issue about nutrition and mental health issues. We invite you to answer a short survey to tell us what you think about the connection between mental health issues and food and what challenges you face in accessing healthy food. Please also feel free to circulate it to other consumers or people who could forward to consumers.
Please submit your answers by December 12. Your answers will remain anonymous. Here is the Survey Monkey link:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7FF8CW9

Thank you for your time and input.

9. BC “Visions” Journal Issue Features Topic of Social Support

You can download the entire issue or read individual articles here:

http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/publications/visions/ss

10. Anti-Bullying Online Resource

PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence) is a national network dedicated to stopping bullying.  Their website has just launched:

http://prevnet.ca/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx

11. Hilary Weston Award (December 15, 2011 Deadline)

This Government of Ontario scholarship will be granted each year to two
students enrolled in a full-time graduate level social work program at a publicly funded university.  Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in and commitment to mental health issues, as well as outstanding scholastic achievements.  Each successful applicant will receive a one-time award of $7,500. For more information, please see this link:

http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/citizenship/honours/hwa.shtml

12. Employment Opportunity at the Dream Team (Toronto)

Please find attached a job ad and job description for the permanent part-time position of outreach coordinator for the Dream Team.  This posting can also be downloaded directly from Houselink:

http://www.houselink.on.ca/how-you-can-help/careers-at-houselink/

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If you have any ideas, contributions, or comments, please don’t hesitate to share them with us. E-mail (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). For those who would like to subscribe to this e-mail update, please e-mail (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Thanks for reading!

The Staff of OPDI

NewsToGo is OPDI’s e-mail update providing timely and meaningful information to its stakeholders. The ideas expressed are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of OPDI. We welcome your submissions; please direct them to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Preference will be given to material which directly relates to OPDI member affiliates and issues of concern to consumer/survivors throughout Ontario. We reserve the right to edit the length and style of all materials submitted. The current and back issues of NewsToGo can be found at http://www.opdi.org.

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