This is the first chapter from a narrated video slideshow about British Columbia’s welfare system. View the rest of the slideshow here: http://vimeo.com/channels/welfare.
Welfare (or income assistance) is the program of last resort for people who find themselves without work, or who are unable to work because of a disability. It is supposed to protect people from homelessness, hunger and other hardships. BC was in the midst of an economic boom when this slideshow was created, but as we head into a recession in 2009, welfare is more vital than ever. The slideshow addresses some myths about welfare and poverty — that welfare is easy to get; that life on welfare is an easy ride; that poverty is inevitable; and that solutions to poverty are too expensive.
The slideshow includes interviews and images of people who are living on welfare benefits, as well as advocates who work with welfare recipients and/or anti-poverty groups. Several of these interviews can be watched on their own via the main Multimedia & Interactive page.
A DVD set is available from the CCPA's BC Office for $10 plus $2 shipping. It includes a TV-ready version that can be played with a DVD player, and computer-ready files. Contact Sarah at 604-801-5121 x233 or sarah[at]policyalternatives[dot]ca to request a copy.
“We need the CCPA to remind us that our dreams of a decent, egalitarian society are reasonable — indeed that with a little work, they are practical. And I love that practicality, that protection of the dream of the possible.”
— Naomi Klein