The Canadian Social Forum: morning session, day 2

The first full day of the Canadian Social Forum was packed with dynamic speakers and thought-provoking workshops that fostered important dialogue on poverty in Canada. The morning began with a talk by Sheila Watt-Cloutier, an Inuk climate change activist who has been instrumental in drawing public attention to the serious impact of global warming on Canada’s Arctic.

Cloutier framed the issue of climate change using a rights-based perspective, and highlighted the detrimental affects of climate change – such as melting ice caps, changing animal migration patterns and unpredictable weather – on Inuit traditional culture and livelihood. I found her talk particularly poignant, as she focused upon the need for a more holistic understanding between economic, social and environmental well-being in our society.

Cloutier was followed by a panel discussion that focused on challenging assumptions about how and why poverty occurs in Canada. Of particular focus was the assumption that income supports for those living in poverty act as a disincentive to engage in work. The participants of this panel challenged this notion by emphasizing that support for low income people through greater government redistribution of wealth can act as an incentive to work and greater income inequality in society as a whole.

One of the most powerful presentations of the day was the last panel discussion before lunch, which was composed of three individuals – Shirley Soleil from Nova Scotia, and Michael Creek and Tonika Morgan, both from Toronto – who have lived experiences of poverty. The panel was appropriately titled “Hoops, Mazes and Barriers,” as it provided an opportunity for the participants to share their experiences of the barriers and obstacles they have faced – and continue to face – as a result of poverty.

The participants spoke of the complex web of rules and restrictions that make up social assistance and disability support programs in Canada, and how difficult it is to move forward in the system. The impact of poverty on self-esteem, dignity, health and social inclusion were also emphasized. The panel really put a human face to the issues that millions of Canadians face on a daily basis, and I was touched by the courage of the participants in telling their stories.