A group advocating for people living with HIV/AIDS will present a resolution at an upcoming City Council meeting.
PLAN (People Let Advocate Network) representative Jason Maclennan will ask that Council move to adopt Ontario Accord GIPA/MIPA (Greater/Meaningful Involvement of Persons with HIV/AIDS).
Maclennan says that North Bay is an inclusive city and that Council already follows the spirit of the accord but “it’s now time to make it official.”
The accord recognizes struggles experienced by people living and affected by HIV/AIDS. Maclennan says that, despite the scientific and medical breakthroughs in research and education, persons living with HIV/AIDS continue to face stigma and discrimination today.
North Bay and District Labour Council president Henri Giroux says workplaces have long been places where stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS is eliminated. Giroux says the labour council encourages a statement from municipal officials in solidarity. Maclennan will present to City Council on November 28.
Ontario Accord GIPA/MIPA
We, people living with HIV/AIDS and allies in the community:
- Commit to the greater involvement and meaningful engagement of people living with HIV/AIDS (GIPA/MIPA); GIPA/MIPA puts PHAs (Persons living with HIV/AIDS) at the centre and is grounded in human rights and the dignity of the full human being
- Aim to transform all who live with, work in, and are affected by, HIV/AIDS in Ontario
- Commit to personal and social transformation
- Value community expertise in embracing the challenge for the betterment of society
- Value inclusion over exclusion, a quest for integrity at all times and the embodiment of self-determination
- Promote the evolution of thought, action and collaboration among us and with our allies
