September, 2026

Yes, it’s true ! JHS Sudbury is 65 years old this year !!

We celebrate our 65th anniversary in 2026 and we are definitely not retiring ! We have new signage and a new logo. Our staff and board are quite excited !

Gender Equality Week Sept. 20-26

The fourth week of September is Gender Equality Week in Canada, a time to highlight progress made to advance gender equality, celebrate women’s achievements, and reaffirm Canada’s commitment to closing persistent gender gaps that hold too many back. Gender Equality Week was created through Bill C-309, the Gender Equality Week Act, which became law on June 21, 2018.

Canada can take pride in its many achievements over the past five decades to advance gender equality, including:

signing the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which includes sex and gender as one of the prohibited grounds for discrimination
legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide
supporting the advancement of women to stay in school, to participate in the labour force, make choices about their careers, and rise to leadership roles
making investments to address and prevent gender-based violence and advance rights and equality for 2SLGBTQI+ communities

Over 50 years ago, Canada looked different for women. They couldn’t open a bank account without their husband’s or father’s signature, contraception was illegal, they had limited representation in higher education, were paid substantially less than men, and were almost entirely absent from decision-making roles in businesses and in politics.

Barriers were even greater for Indigenous women, women living with disabilities, women from 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and newcomer, racialized, and migrant women.

In the 1960s, as the women’s liberation movement grew worldwide, Canadians demanded action against inequality and pushed for a more inclusive society.

In 1966, Laura Sabia rallied about 30 women’s groups to urge Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson to launch a Royal Commission on women’s issues, going so far as to threaten a march of 2 million women on Parliament Hill.
Canada’s Secretary of State Judy LaMarsh joined the call by demanding a public inquiry into the status of women in Canada.
Together with many others, their advocacy led to the groundbreaking Report of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada in 1970, and from there, the creation of Status of Women Canada in 1976.
Over the years, 2SLGBTQI+ communities have led change through activism and legal action.
- In 2016, a Special Advisor on LGBTQ2 issues was appointed, and, shortly thereafter, a 2SLGBTQI+ Secretariat was created with the mandate to provide the federal government with pathways to address historical and ongoing injustices experienced by 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada
- With WAGE’s expanded mandate, the 2SLGBTQI+ Secretariat joined the department in 2021
  
  In December 2018, legislation transformed Status of Women Canada into Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), the country’s first stand-alone federal department dedicated to advancing equality, with an expanded mandate to advance equality for sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

Honourable Rechie Valdez

GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 21, 2026 /CNW/ — Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), made the following statement to mark Gender Equality Week:

“Gender Equality Week recognizes that gender equality is not only about fairness. It’s about strengthening our economy, creating safer communities, and making life more affordable for everyone. This year, as Canada marks 50 years since the creation of Status of Women Canada in 1976, we can reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work that remains to remove barriers that hold too many back.

Across Canada, women are leading businesses, driving innovation, strengthening communities, and helping to grow our economy. Canada is strongest when everyone has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and reach their full potential.

Yet women, girls, and gender diverse people continue to face barriers to full participation, from poverty and discrimination to unequal leadership opportunities, pay gaps and gender-based violence. For example, women make up nearly half the workforce but only 37% of them are managers and just 5% of Canadian companies have a woman CEO.

These barriers do not only hold individuals back – they hold Canada back. When women cannot fully participate in the economy, Canada loses talent, ideas, entrepreneurship, and leadership that can help us grow and compete.

At a time when Canada is focused on strengthening productivity, growing the economy, and remaining competitive in an increasingly digital world, we cannot afford to leave talent on the sidelines.

Through Budget 2025, the federal government made a historic investment of $660.5 million over five years, with $132.1 million in ongoing funding, to ensure Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) can continue its critical work advancing gender equality across Canada. This includes $382.5 million over five years, with $76.5 million on an ongoing basis starting in 2026–27, for the Women’s Program, providing long-term stability for efforts to advance women’s equality across the country. Since WAGE was created in 2018, more than 700 projects have been completed nationwide, supporting organizations serving women and girls.

This investment is complemented by the renewal of the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence. We are investing an additional $607.4 million over four years, beginning in 2027–28, to continue implementation of the National Action Plan and renew bilateral agreements with provinces and territories. This funding will strengthen prevention, support survivors, expand services for underserved communities, and provide greater stability for the organizations communities rely on every day.

Preventing gender-based violence means addressing its root causes before violence occurs, while ensuring people can access the supports they need when they need them. Safety is the foundation for full participation in our communities, workplaces, and economy.

Advancing gender equality also means ensuring women have the opportunity to participate fully in Canada’s economy, including by starting and growing their own businesses. In June 2026, the federal government announced $173.7 million over five years to recapitalize the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), helping more women entrepreneurs access financing, training, mentorship, networks, and new markets.

Since its launch in 2018, more than $7 billion has been made available through WES, supporting more than 500,000 women entrepreneurs across Canada. The renewed funding includes $59 million for the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, $100 million for the WES Ecosystem Fund, and $7 million for the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub.

The Government of Canada is also helping more women enter and return to the workforce through Canada’s Early Learning and Child Care program. When women have access to affordable child care, capital, leadership opportunities, and the supports they need to succeed, they are better positioned to participate, lead, and grow. And when women succeed, Canada’s economy is stronger.

As we continue building the strongest economy in the G7, we know women’s talents, ideas, and leadership are essential to Canada’s success. This Gender Equality Week, Canadians are encouraged to explore the A Better World storytelling activity with the young children in their lives and visit WAGE’s Gender Equality Facts, statistics, and impact webpage to learn more about the progress made and the work that remains to create a more equitable Canada.

Advancing gender equality is a shared responsibility. When we remove barriers, expand opportunity, and make sure everyone can participate fully, we unlock more of Canada’s potential. That is how we build Canada strong.”

Thank you Delta Bingo and Gaming !!

The board and staff of the John Howard Society sincerely appreciates the tremendous community engagement of Delta Bingo and Gaming. With their support and the work of the JHS volunteers at Delta Bingo and Gaming over $69,000.00 was raised in the past fiscal year. The funds are used to support the essential needs of our clients such as emergency food and clothing and programs at the Sudbury Jail. Without Delta’s unwavering support these services would be difficult to maintain. Bruno, our JHS mascot was on hand to show his support and thanks !

Free Webinar on Record Suspensions

We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming webinar, Ask the Experts: Navigating Record Suspensions.

📅 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 🕘 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM 📍Online

This free, one-hour Lunch & Learn features three experienced record suspension professionals who will share practical guidance on navigating the process from start to finish.

Topics will include key procedural requirements, challenges applicants may face, tips for completing long-form application questions, and expert recommendations for avoiding common mistakes. This session is designed for individuals seeking a record suspension and professionals supporting their clients through the process.

Following the presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A with the speakers. Register here:

www.events.teams.microsoft.com/event/baebbd46-2fd7-439f-b191-feb1b7a8d9db@b06177cf-bc1d-4e15-902e-7378836669d0?source=copyLinkOneEventsShareDialog

Ask the Experts: Navigating Record Suspensions

Join Suicide Safer Network, and community organizations, on September 12 for a family-friendly event to raise awareness about suicide, its impact, and efforts to destigmatize suicide.

Together we can #StartTheConversation by changing the narrative on suicide. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of understanding and support.

Come out and enjoy community booths, snacks, prizes, and more!

We look forward to seeing you there!

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay

Big Red Firetruck Pull to benefit United Way set for Sept. 15

The second edition of that event returns Sept. 15, this time with 14 teams already registered to test their strength while benefiting United Way.

“Last year, we saw firsthand how much fun can happen when our community comes together for a great cause,” said Cory Roslyn, executive director of United Way Centraide North East Ontario, in a news release. “To already have 14 teams registered this year is incredible. We’re excited to see businesses and organizations challenging themselves, having fun and, most importantly, helping raise funds that will make a difference right here in our community.”

Not only have more teams registered for this year’s Big Red Firetruck Pull, but this year’s fundraising has already surpassed the $20,000 raised last year, United Way said.

And there is still time to register. So, if you represent a business, an organization, a family a group of friends — put together a team and put your strength and your fundraising skills to the test, and help raise some big funds to help local families benefit from United Way services.

Teams must include 10 people. The minimum fundraising amount to participate is $1,000.

Besides friendly competition and fundraising, teams compete for awards, including Fastest Pull Time, Top Fundraising Team and Best Team Spirit.

To register your team, click here. or www.uwcneo.com/get-involved/events/firetruck-pull-sudbury?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The Big Red Firetruck Pull goes Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at SilverCity Cinemas.

Sudbury marks Overdose Awareness Day Aug. 31 with walk and speaker event

Every year on August 31, global communities come together to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). This campaign is the world’s largest annual movement to end overdose, remember those lost to an overdose, acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind and renew the commitment to end overdose and related harms across the world. This year’s theme, One Big Family: Driven by Hope, emphasizes unity, compassion and the power of collective action to end overdose.

In Ontario, overdose continues to be a serious public health concern and PHO continues to be committed to supporting evidence-based approaches to reduce substance-related harms. PHO supports community-led responses to overdose and substance-related harms by sharing evidence-informed resources, data, and tools. We recognize the vital role of people who use drugs – their lived experience, leadership, innovation and dedication are essential in shaping effective programs and services to address the overdose crisis.

Community members are being invited to gather Aug. 31 for International Overdose Awareness Day in Sudbury, as local advocates point to toxic drug impacts that outpace provincial averages.

The day aims to serve both as a public moment of grief and a platform to fight stigma and will begin with an Awareness Walk, starting at 11:30 a.m. in the York Street parking lot across from Bell Park. The walk will head to the White Crosses at Paris and Brady Streets for approximately 12:15 p.m.

At 1:00 p.m., attendees are invited to gather in Memorial Park for a “Speaker Jam and Open Mic” featuring parents, advocates, and community members with lived experience.

Prisoner Justice Day Commemoration 2026

Sudbury.com August 10, 2026 Jenny Lamothe

As deaths inside Ontario’s provincial correctional facilities reach record highs, local organizations marked Prisoners’ Justice Day on Aug. 10 by confronting what they called a dangerous political shift in corrections, one they say increasingly trades community-based health supports for overcrowded cells and tough-on-crime rhetoric.

Rather than gathering on the front lawn of the Sudbury District Jail — which is currently under construction — more than 30 advocates, service providers, and community members gathered outside the John Howard Society’s 204 Pine St. office for the annual event. However, this year’s solemn memorial carried an urgent, politically charged focus as local leaders confronted a shifting political tide toward “jail, not bail” and get-tough-on-crime policies.

Tracking (In)Justice

According to Tracking In(Justice), a research project from Carlton University, deaths and self-injury in custody remain a persistent crisis across Canadian correctional systems.

Quoting the research, CEO of the John Howard Society, Sara-Jane Berghammer said that since 2000, more than half of prison deaths nationwide have resulted from unnatural causes — including preventable overdoses, suicides and untreated medical conditions — with the average age of death being just 44.5 years old.

In 2024 alone, 46 inmates out of a population of 43,385 died in custody across Canada. Seventeen died from drug toxicity, 19 from natural causes, and 10 from other medical issues or unspecified causes, which include suicide and homicide.

In Ontario provincial facilities, conditions are sharply escalating. The Tracking In(Justice) report revealed 809 deaths in Ontario provincial custody between 2000 and 2025, driven by a surge of 86 deaths in the 2024–2025 period alone. Continuous staff shortages have led to widespread lockdowns, which advocates identify as a primary catalyst for institutional instability. …

Berghammer expressed severe concern over June 2026 amendments to the Ontario Coroner’s Act, which replaced mandatory public inquests of in-custody deaths with non-public reviews. While the amendments have not yet been passed, critics warn that removing public oversight hides vital evidence and deprives families of answers.

“They disrespect the families of the deceased who deserve to know the specifics of why their loved one died under the care and supervision of the Ontario government,” Berghammer said. “Those in custody are not just inmates — they are children of families, our brothers and sisters, our fathers and mothers. We can and must stop the violence and deaths in custody”.

A different system of justice

Elizabeth Fry Society of Northeastern Ontario executive director Amy Collins spoke to the group challenging the reliance on prison infrastructure and the expanding focus on incarceration.

“A sentence of incarceration should never become a sentence of death,” Collins said. “Whatever brought someone into contact with the justice system does not diminish the value of their life or the significance of their loss.”

Collins underscored that upwards of 80 per cent of the provincial jail population has not been convicted of any crime. At the Sudbury District Jail — a remand facility — Collins said at least 34 women have been in custody for months awaiting trial while legally presumed innocent.

“Some people have lost their lives in custody while still legally presumed innocent: that should make all of us stop and think,” Collins said. “Who are we to accept suffering as an inevitable part of justice? Who are we to decide that the justice system we have today is the best or only way to respond to crime and harm?”

Directly addressing arguments that reform ignores victims, Collins said questioning the current system is not about dismissing accountability.

“When we talk about changing our response to crime, we cannot forget those who have experienced crime and violence. Their experiences are real. Their safety matters. Their healing matters,” Collins said in her speech. “Questioning incarceration does not mean minimizing harm or removing accountability. We can take harm seriously while questioning whether creating more suffering is the answer. We can hold people accountable without abandoning their dignity.”

‘Help, not handcuffs’

The gaps in institutional health care and mental health support were further highlighted by Stephanie Lefebvre, director of programs and planning for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Sudbury-Manitoulin, who noted that more than 70 per cent of incoming federally sentenced men meet the criteria for a mental health disorder.

“Too often, incarceration becomes a response to unmet health and social needs rather than a pathway to healing,” Lefebvre said.

James Sitko, who lives with epilepsy and postictal psychosis — a temporary psychiatric condition following grand mal seizures — shared his personal experience with the justice system.
After being arrested during a medical crisis and spending a month crammed inside a four-by-eight cell with two other men at the overcrowded Sudbury Jail, Sitko described how difficult it was to access adequate medical or mental health resources while locked behind bars.

Reflecting on his experiences with emergency responses during postictal states, Sitko told the crowd: “Police must remain mindful of mental health challenges and recognize that those in crisis may need help, not handcuffs.”

In early July, Sudbury.com wrote of the conditions at the Sudbury District Jail based on accounts from women inside the jail. You can find that story here.

For the full article please go to: www.sudbury.com/local-news/organizers-of-annual-prisoners-justice-day-call-for-help-not-handcuffs-12648281

We need books !!

It’s the summer and because of vacations we are not receiving our usual donations of paperback books and magazines. If you have some you can donate to for our librray work at the Sudbury Jail please call us at 705.673.9576. We cannot accept hardcover books, explicit novels or romance novels due to custody restrictions. Many thanks everyone !

In The News

Building more jails is a step backwards

Special to the Sudbury Star published August 8, 2026.

Sara-Jane Berghammer CEO

The John Howard Society of Sudbury is the leader in the field of community criminal justice in our community. As we commemorate our 65th year in 2026 of serving the Sudbury community, we are compelled to respond to recent articles regarding crime and community safety in downtown Sudbury. …

The aspect that needs to be seriously considered by our community and our elected officials in all three tiers of government is that crime is a symptom of real problems. Problems of untreated substance abuse addiction, untreated mental health issues, poverty and unemployment that many times lead to desperation in our community.

These are the problems that need to be addressed, and addressing only the crime will not change the problems. Crime is a symptom, not the cause of the problems affecting our community and city.

For example, many different provincial governments over the years have attempted to deal with chronic substance abuse and mental health issues by reducing funding for residential treatment centres and making custody facilities nothing more than a place to isolate individuals who cause criminal activity.

The City of Greater Sudbury, for instance, with a population of close to 200,000, does not have a male residential addiction treatment centre. It has fallen on the backs of the hardworking staff of the Sudbury Jail to deal with men in jail who truly should be in residential treatment centres where treatment can be implemented in the long term.

Finally, after years of lobbying by concerned community groups, the HART Hub of Sudbury has begun its work. The present provincial government has begun rebuilding what was lost over the past few decades. Unfortunately, the HART Hub cannot turn around the problems of addiction and mental health overnight. It will take years, and unless all governments enhance this funding, allow for increased capacity for individuals to receive support and guaranteed funding, we will be back to square one, speaking as individuals, business owners and municipal political leaders, about the problems of crime.

Once again, crime is the symptom of the real problems tormenting our community and communities across Canada.

A commitment by the provincial government to build more custody facilities will not solve these problems; indeed, it is taking a step backwards. We as a community need to demand that the money allocated for more jails be used to treat the problems, not the symptoms.

More residential and day treatment programs for chronic substance abuse users are needed. More trained mental health workers are needed. Increased support for agencies that train people for employment opportunities is needed.

More jails and prisons are not needed. More people exhibiting societal problems being sent to correctional facilities is not needed. In fact, if monies were allocated to deal with the above situations, our communities could reduce custody facilities and, in fact, save money for the taxpayer.

The John Howard Society truly hopes that the conversation of crime in our community can be turned into a conversation about preventing the real problems, not treating the symptom.

For the full article please go to: www.thesudburystar.com/opinion/john-howard-society-of-sudbury-building-more-jails-is-a-step-backwards

United Way of North East Ontario

United Way North East Ontario & YWCA Sudbury - YWCA Sudbury

Big Red Firetruck Pull to benefit United Way set for Sept. 15

(see above)

Champion of the Month

Bay Used Books

For almost 5 decades Bay Used Books has been providing affordable books to readers in Northern Ontario. They are first and foremost a brick and mortar store with over a half million books located on 2 floors that span over 4000 square feet of space. Bay Used Books donates many books to the JHS for our work in coordinating the library at the Sudbury Jail. Without their support many inmates would not have any reading material !

Thank you to this special group of staff and volunteers for your ongoing dedication to our community. You are our Champion of the Month !

Charitable Gaming funds Sudbury’s essential services

Delta Bingo and Gaming helps fund over 160 local organizations in Greater Sudbury. We are excited to share the latest round of Charitable Gaming social media graphics with you, available in both English and French! This creative aligns with the new Out-of-Home (OOH) campaign, which you’ll also see across Ontario on billboards, transit, DriveTest centres, Cineplex, and more. There is an an advertisement running at the corner of Lasalle Blvd and Notre Dame.

Welcome to JHS Sudbury

The John Howard Society believes in effective, just and humane responses to crime and its causes. We are dedicated to creating genuinely safer communities by helping to foster a truly effective criminal justice system. The John Howard Society helps people reintegrate into society, thereby reducing alienation, crime and recidivism.

Our mission is resolute. We want to help to create a truly effective criminal justice system – one that serves us all, that confronts crime and its causes and that fosters safer communities. In short, we help people turn away from a life of crime. Surely, that’s what we’d all like to see.

Practically speaking, we STOP Crime Now ! ^TM through the multitude of programs and services that we offer to the community. You can help us to STOP Crime Now ! ^TM through your donation to the John Howard Society of Sudbury. All funds raised are used to deliver our programs and services in the Sudbury and North Bay communities. STOP Crime Now ! ^TM is a registered trademark of the John Howard Society of Sudbury.

We are proud to commemorate Prisoners Justice Day every year. It is a day where we remember the violence within the walls of incarceration and the men and women who have died because of this violence while incarcerated. In 2026 the commemoration will be on August 10 at 10:00 am on the front lawn of the John Howard Society. For more information please go to the Prisoners Justice Day page on our website.

(NEW!) The John Howard Society assists people with criminal records to apply for a record suspension, formerly known as a pardon. It is a lengthy process and can take up to two years. If you would like more information contact the John Howard Society as soon as possible.

Some of our funders include the following and we are truly appreciative of their support. Given that the vast majority of Canadians claim to give to charities but just less than 25% of Canadians claim their charitable donations on their tax return, you may want to make sure you know the benefits! Your donations are important ! Please remember us.

To easily calculate the tax savings for a donation of any amount, use https://www.canadahelps.org/taxtime/.

For information on how our programs and services can be accessed in French contact the John Howard Society of Sudbury at the references located on our contact page. Those programs and services that are available in French are noted with an (F) in the title of each service or program. The John Howard Society is an inclusive agency serving all people in our community. We have posted the Pride progress Flag on our website as a symbol that everyone is welcome to enter our agency for service.

Vianet is a proud supporter of the John Howard Society and the great work that we do all across Ontario to provide effective, just, and humane responses to crime and its causes. Vianet supports and helps in creating safer communities and to STOP Crime Now!

June is National Indigenous History Month. For more information please go to our Events page.