Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) 2020 edition

 The 2020 edition of Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) takes place on Saturday, February 22nd.  It’s a great opportunity to have fun with friends and family, and make a difference in the lives of people who need the programs and services of The Ottawa Mission. This is the sixth

Saskatoon’s housing crisis is a health emergency

 Recently, a disturbing photo of five people sleeping in a Saskatoon bank lobby became headline news and filled social media feeds. An earlier photo had contrasted the lush yards on the east side of the riverbank with tents in the bushes on the west side. A few days later, homelessness

What I didn’t learn in medical school

 Sometimes doctors can’t fix what makes their patients sick in the first place. I began medical school optimistic about what becoming a physician meant I could do for my future patients. Naively, I presumed my career would involve treating patients’ illnesses so they could return to lead full and fulfilling

Arrested for Sleeping?

 The struggle to occupy public space. As humans, we need to sleep. It is biologically unavoidable. Yet, on both sides of the border, sleeping can be considered a criminal act, especially if you are homeless and have no place to rest your head other than in public spaces such as

Older adults living with mental illness need specialized housing

 New Calgary report warns more homeless seniors a real possibility By Pat Cashion and Lee Tunstall Older adults living with mental illness often face a double stigma in our society—both from aging and from mental illness. They are some of the most invisible and most vulnerable individuals in our communities,

Bite the Winter Blues With Ottawa’s Gastronomic Extravaganza

 Photos courtesy of Anne Girard ’Twas the night before Winterlude, when in downtown Ottawa… Leading hotel chefs were stirring and sipping fine wine! The second annual Dine Wine Wintertime will take place the evening of January 29 at Ottawa’s City Hall in support of the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa. For

Will You Play Hockey for Food?

 The summer weather may be heating up, but who says that means hockey season is over? Grab your hockey stick, a few friends, a ball and a can of food and join the Five Hole for Food (FHFF) ball hockey games today on Sparks Street. FHFF is a national, non-profit