Poor No More: Support the film!

This week Joe, Karri and I attended the Parliament Hill launch of “Poor No More,” the documentary film hosted by Canadian television and film star, Mary Walsh. Directed and produced by the award winning team of Suzanne Babin and Bert Deveaux with executive producer David Langille, the film is aimed at exposing the challenges of the working poor in Canada and offering viable government solutions.

The launch was hosted by Members of Parliament Tony Martin (NDP), Dean Allison (Con), and Mike Savage (Lib). Bloc MP Yves Lessard was also invited to speak and several other MPs attended.

A common misconception among Canadians is that if people would just get a job and work hard, they won’t be living in poverty.

But this is not the case. As the film illustrates, many low income Canadians are working for companies that pay very low wages, often keeping employees’ hour just below the full-time threshold, even after years of service to the company, where they receive little or no benefits, such as health and dental coverage, and sick or vacation days.

Walsh evaluates our government support systems, such as social assistance, employment insurance, and universal health care. Many support systems were established in the aftermath of the Great Depression and Second World War, when unemployment rates skyrocketed and many Canadians were in desperate need of assistance. They were developed in order to protect Canadians from falling back into such circumstances. But over the years these programs have been chipped away. Now, the payments received from social assistance or disability supports, fall far short of the cost of living, and many of these programs just keep people in poverty.

But is there a way out of this?

Walsh and the production team think so. In looking into solutions and alternatives, Walsh visited Sweden, where she interviewed labourers, in manufacturing and service industries, as well as government officials and business people. Everyone came to the same conclusion – caring for people and paying workers decent liveable wages, and offering benefits such as sick days and free childcare, makes life better for everyone in the country – and strengthens the economy.

The Government of Sweden ensures that businesses follow these laws, and also partners with businesses to help pay for things like long term sick-leaves. The taxes are higher in Sweden, but people are protected and there is no such thing as the working poor!
This sends a strong message to the Government of Canada, to take better care to ensure the protection of workers and families, and people struggling to get by. It can be done

So, what can we do about it?

We can:

• Let the government know that we want action toward eradicating poverty in Canada by developing a federal poverty elimination plan which would include issues like the provision of living wages – sign onto the Dignity for All Campaign for a Poverty Free Canada;
• Get the word out about films like “Poor No More” – buy the film, organize or attend a public screening;
• Contact your MP or provincial and municipal representatives.

We and our government can and should be doing more to ensure that everyone in Canada can live in health and dignity.