The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P. Minister of HealthHealth Canada Sent via email: hcminister.ministresc@canada.cajean-yves.duclos@parl.gc.ca Re: National Consensus Statement signed by the National Advocates group and Canada’s Community-based and human rights agencies.  Honourable Minister Duclos: Canada’s goal to end HIV as a public health threat in this country by 2030 can be achieved.  On December 1st, 2021, World AIDS Day, the Government of Canada proudly announced it would host the world at the 24th International AIDS Conference in Montréal, happening July 29 to August 2, 2022.  Prior to this conference, we, the undersigned agencies, strongly urge the Government of Canada to announce an

Flatlined federal funding for HIV/AIDS is destabilizing community-based organizations and making it harder for people living with HIV across Canada to get support.   About this Event  Join us on June 23, from 1 to 2 p.m. EDT, to learn more about the status of federal HIV funding in Canada, and to find out what you can do to help. At this event, we’ll be launching a social media campaign (HIVfunding.ca) urging the federal government to make good on its promise to increase federal HIV/AIDS spending to $100 million annually. Register: https://bit.ly/3MSmBd7 During this session, you’ll hear from activists, people living

Led by the HIV/AIDS Medication Access Working Group, comprised of community members and HIV-focused organizations in Ontario, the undersigned community-based organizations supporting people living with or at risk of HIV applaud the commitment of Ontario political parties who, if elected, have committed to ensure no out-of-pocket costs are incurred by people accessing antiretroviral medications to treat or prevent HIV. We ask: Where do the other Parties stand on this issue? Ontario AIDS service organizations are looking to all Parties to support access to HIV medications as good medicine and an effective public health measure for all Ontarians living with or

Effective April 4, 2022, HARS (HIV/AIDS Regional Services) will be known as Trellis HIV & Community Care.  As the HIV/AIDS pandemic has evolved, so has the work of the organization.  Since 1988, the organization has been addressing the Social Determinants of Health by providing practical supports, drop-in services, facilitating access to testing and primary health care for communities who are often marginalized and stigmatized. These include People Living with HIV, the 2SLGBTQ+ community, people experiencing poverty and homelessness, and people who use substances.  Providing support while confronting stigma is at the core of what the organization strives to do. This new name

Applications are now open for the PLDI Online Training on Governance: Find out how your voice can make a difference This governance training mixes instructor-driven sessions through Zoom and self-paced/directed learning sessions offered through the Brightspace learning platform. Note: The training offered through the online governance workshop is the same as training offered via in-person learning (when permitted).   Objectives Establish a common understanding of governance and the difference between governance and operations. Learn about the roles and responsibilities of a board of directors. Explore the complexities of being a person living with HIV on a board of directors. DatesThe upcoming online

Are you a Convention refugee, permanent resident, or a new Canadian? If you answered yes, the Storytelling Through Photography project is for you. The Photovoice Project is storytelling through photography. Participants will take and use photo images to capture aspects of their environment and experiences. Details and How to Sign Up A (7) seven-week workshop series. From January 17 to February 28, 2022. Email Kemar, kemarb@moyohcs.ca for times and more information.  Click this link to register to participate in Photovoice https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XQB88QZ  (Please choose Newcomer Photovoice project from the list). Open to residents of Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon only. See the Photo-voice Flyer for

Gay Men’s Health Alliance (GMSH) is proud to present: HIV Plotlines – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Hosted by queer film and TV writer JP Larocque and drag performer and HIV activist Jade Elektra, this 14-part series examines popular film and TV from the last 40 years where HIV was represented. In this series,  JP Larocque and Jade Elektra dissect popular film and TV series that have HIV in the plot. The first three episodes look at Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, the TV show Empire, and the all-time classic The Golden Girls. Where to WatchWatch on our YouTube channel.

Our work to update the Ontario Accord and renew our sector’s commitment to GIPA/MEPA is underway!  Over the past few weeks, the OAN’s Advisory Committee of People Living with HIV has been holding focus groups for our members and Ontario’s community of people living with HIV. But we want to hear from everyone. Have Your Say in the Ontario Accord Survey If participating in a focus group is not right for you, tell us what you think by completing the Ontario Accord Survey. This is your opportunity to share your thoughts, have your say and help create the next Ontario Accord. Complete

2021 was another uncertain and difficult year for the OAN, our sector, and for many people living with HIV across the province. But our sector continued to adapt and deliver services, carrying out our work throughout an ever-changing COVID pandemic.  This year, the OAN and its members and partners have continued to share resources and create spaces where learning and connection can take place. We also continued to collaborate to ensure leadership and advocacy remain present in our values and in our work.  Alongside this year’s challenges, there were successes. Among the many accomplishments achieved in collaboration with the OAN’s collective members and affiliates,