The Dominion - Goh Iromoto

Nerf

Stuart Neatby — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:46:55 +0000

"We want the world to know that Vancouver and BC have world-class poverty and homelessness."

Poverty Olympics

Stuart Neatby — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:46:14 +0000

"We want the world to know that Vancouver and BC have world-class poverty and homelessness."

Construction

Stuart Neatby — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:37:24 +0000

The construction of the Olympic Village in Downtown Vancouver could provide valuable social housing units after the completion of the 2010 Vancouver games. So far, however, efforts by local coalitions to promote this plan have proved unsuccessful.

Housing is a Right

Stuart Neatby — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:36:32 +0000

Vancouver is losing affordable housing at an alarming rate, which consequently means a further increase in homelessness. In recent months, five low-cost rental buildings in and around the Downtown Eastside closed or issued eviction notices, representing at least 180 units.

Social Cleansing

Stuart Neatby — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:35:28 +0000

Not only are marginalized populations in Vancouver not benefiting from the Games, they are being displaced by new policies targeted at "cleaning up" Vancouver in time for 2010.

Welfare Hurdles

Stuart Neatby — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:33:35 +0000

Many suffer financially, such as Steven, who has a hard time getting through the welfare hurdles. Barriers to getting welfare include the two-year independence test, the three-week work search, employment plans, web orientation, lack of transportation and inordinate documentation demands.

Poverty Line High Jump

Stuart Neatby — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:32:13 +0000

Despite all his efforts, Disabled Joe doesn't quite make it over the poverty line.

Oh Canada

Stuart Neatby — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:30:45 +0000

Wendy Pedersen and the Carnegie Community Action Project sing their rendition of 'Oh Canada!' which declares "that [B.C.'s] 40 million [dollar] surplus could end poverty now!" Instead, surplus spending has been re-directed from social housing promises. "We want the world to know that Vancouver and B.C. have world-class poverty and homelessness."

Jean Swanson

Stuart Neatby — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:29:40 +0000

Jean Swanson of the Carnegie Community Action Project (CCAP) addresses the large crowd regarding the issue of growing homelessness in the city. According to the City of Vancouver's Judy Graves, there are at least 2,300 homeless people in Vancouver, which marks a 78 per cent increase from the last homelessness count in 2005.

Moment of Silence

Stuart Neatby — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:25:48 +0000

The audience gives a moment of silence before the start of the Poverty Olympics.

In 2002, the provincial government cut welfare rates and introduced barriers that kept people in need from getting help. Homelessness has more than doubled since then, and B.C. has more people living below the poverty line than any other province in Canada.

Torch

Stuart Neatby — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:24:19 +0000

The Poverty Olympics torch is held high as a symbol to end poverty in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.