Poor no more: Ottawa rally January 16

Canadian TV and film star Mary Walsh is just wrapping up a feature documentary on Canada’s working poor called Poor No More. Produced and directed by award-winning team Suzanne Babin and Bert Deveaux, the film focuses on the challenges of the working poor, as well as ways to significantly reduce poverty. This is especially critical now, while Canadians are beginning the slow process of economic recovery in light of the recent crisis.

The film will highlight examples from a number of European countries to show how labour laws and practices can support workers in all industries. This includes looking at many of Europe’s labour unions and worker protection services.

There are so many misunderstandings around employment and poverty. It is a common belief that if people work hard enough they should be able to get by without help from the government. However, with low wages and the lack of benefits in so many industries, coupled with limited access to affordable housing, social assistance and other necessities many of Canada’s working poor are struggling to make ends meet.

On Saturday January 16 in Ottawa, join Mary Walsh and the film crew for lunch and final discussion on these issues at St. Andrew’s Church (82 Kent Street) at noon, followed by a rally on Parliament Hill at 1:30. This will be the last instalment in the film which is scheduled to be shown in various places across Canada this spring. See the official website for more details on the film and a schedule for cross country viewing opportunities.