CASJ elects new board, OKs charter

CASJ elects new board, OKs charter

TORONTO– The Community Alliance for Social Justice (CASJ) elected its new Board of Directors and ratified its constitution during its General Membership Assembly on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2006, at Parkdale Library Auditorium in Toronto.

The event also featured a report from the outgoing Board by the Chairperson ; a talk by Nora Angeles, “A Call for Social Justice”; an account by lawyer Mike Leitold about the Coroner’s Inquest into the fatal shooting of Jeffrey Reodica by a Toronto Police officer; a presentation of awards of recognition and appreciation; and a musical number by the youth.

Elected to the 21-member Board were: Edwin Mercurio, Hermie Garcia, Mila Garcia, Mithi Esguerra, Flor Dandal, Rose Bustamante, Julie Nanquil, Ricky Esguerra, Pura Velasco, Jun Enverga, Popoy Cana, Voltaire de Leon, Bert de Lara, Joy Sioson, Erna Opena, Felix Cabusura, Camille Cendana, Rudy Butihin, Ben Corpuz and Jerry Villanueva. Two candidates tied for the 21st member position. A special meeting will be held by the Board to decide on how to resolve the tie. The officers of the Executive Committee will also be elected by the new Board of Directors.

A welcome remarks by CASJ President Hermie Garcia set the tone of the meeting, as he acknowledged the presence of CASJ’s broad membership, including the youth, seniors, migrant workers, professionals and live-in-caregivers

Chairperson Edwin Mercurio reported on the highlights of CASJ’s achievements, among them: the jury recommendations for changes in police practices coming out of the Coroner’s Inquest into the death of Jeffrey Reodica; the inclusion of CASJ’recommendations in the Ontario parliamentary hearings regarding Bill 124 on access to trades and professions; and the fundraising that netted $10,000 for a livelihood project for the victims and families of the mudslide in Guinsaugon, Leyte.

Recipients of CASJ’s Award of Recognition were Mike Leitold and Kikelola Roach for their able representation as CASJ’s legal counsels in the Coroner’s Inquest; Nora Angeles for her role as expert witness on anti-racism during the same Inquest; Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada (UKPC) Toronto,for its exemplary leadership in the Justice for Jeffrey campaign; and the 12 performing artists who participated in the concert “Rebuilding People’s Lives” for the Guinsaugon mudslide victims.