MS Awareness Month - Month of May, 2012

WHEREAS Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable and often disabling neurological disease that affects 55,000 to 75,000 Canadians and their families; and

WHEREAS Multiple Sclerosis is the most common disease of the central nervous system affecting young adults in Canada between the ages of 15 and 40 with symptoms varying widely in range from that of numbness, coordination, vision and speech to extreme fatigue and even paralysis; and

WHEREAS Canada has one of the highest rates of Multiple Sclerosis in the world; and

WHEREAS there is no known cause of or cure for individuals living with multiple sclerosis; and

WHEREAS the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is the only national volunteer organization in Canada that supports both MS research and services for people with MS and their families; and 

WHEREAS in 2011 the Simcoe County Chapter provided funding totaling approximately $94,000.00 to client services and equipment as well as $13,000.00 to research; and

WHEREAS the dedication and commitment of the supporters and volunteers could only make this possible; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Township of Essa does hereby proclaim the month of May to be MS Awareness Month. 

National Access Awareness Week - May 27 to June 2, 2012

WHEREAS the Government of Ontario wishes to see all citizens able to enjoy full participation in their communities; and

WHEREAS many persons living with disabilities face barriers in the areas of employment, information and technology, transportation, housing, education, recreation, and other 
disability related supports; and

WHEREAS one in seven Canadians currently has a disability that they were either born with, or developed as a result of life, with that number being expected to increase substantially 
as the population ages over the next twenty years; and

WHEREAS for many among us, our future depends on the success of creating barrier-free and inclusive communities through accessibility planning and raising awareness of best-practices in the area of accessibility; and

WHEREAS we believe that all citizens with disabilities should have a chance to access appropriate disability related supports to improve their opportunities in Ontario; and

WHEREAS the Township of Essa Accessibility Advisory Committee is committed to increasing public awareness and break down barriers faced by persons with disabilities; 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That the Council of the Township of Essa does hereby proclaim the week of May 27, 2012 to June 2, 2012 as National Access Awareness Week, and encourages residents and businesses to recognize the importance of educating the community about the removal of barriers faced by citizens of all ages.

Ontario Human Rights Code Day - June 15, 2012

WHEREAS Ontario has been a leader in protecting and advancing human rights for more than 50 years; and

WHEREAS the Ontario Human Rights Code was first proclaimed on June 15, 1962; and

WHEREAS each person has the right to be free from discrimination and harassment and to reach their full potential - no matter their race, ethnic original, place of birth, religion, ability level, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other status; and

WHEREAS protecting human rights reduces tension and conflict and creates an atmosphere of mutual respect and belonging; and

WHEREAS municipalities play a critical role in nurturing human rights and creating equitable environments where everyone is included in work and services and able to enjoy the benefits of their community; and

WHEREAS each one of us has a role to play in making sure that human rights are respected;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Township of Essa does hereby proclaim June 15^th, 2012 as Ontario Human Rights Code Day.

Physician Appreciation Day - May 28, 2012

WHEREAS good health is integral to the enjoyment of life; and

WHEREAS physicians help to provide health care within the community; and

WHEREAS the community appreciates the services of its physicians;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Township of Essa hereby proclaims May 28, 2012 as Physician Appreciation Day.

Residents and businesses in the Stevenson Memorial catchment area are encouraged to show their appreciation in ways that will enhance this day of recognition and celebration.