Work hard, and things will eventually get better. That’s piece of wisdom commonly directed to the working poor of this country–and dare we add, “be glad you live in Canada, and not someplace else.” But what happens when you do everything right, but still can’t get ahead?
The 2010 documentary Poor No More seeks to explore this problem by getting to the more systemic roots of poverty and offer solutions to Canada’s working poor that go beyond the individualistic pull yourself up by the bootstraps advice. Poor No More will be screened at the Every Woman’s Centre in Sydney on Wednesday, September 29 at 12:00pm.
The film looks at other countries of a similar economic profile, but whose policies provide greater economic security and prosperity for its people. It looks at how only the rich got richer while corporate profits soared in Canada. It looks at how stronger safety nets with living wages, universal health care, and full benefits for even part-time workers actually strengthen economies. It examines how free university education provided a huge boost for the countries that were bold enough to implement it. Furthermore, it looks at how in countries that have more positive attitudes towards union and organized labour, parties on both sides of the bargaining table can work more constructively together for mutual benefit.
Admission to Poor No More is pay what you can. For more information about the film, visit poornomore.ca
The Every Woman’s Centre is located at 102 Townsend Street, and works improve women’s quality of life through empowerment, self-improvement services, non-financial material assistance, and referral to available services in the community.
