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.
This is the first chapter in a narrated slideshow about poverty in British Columbia and what we can do about it. View the rest of the slideshow here: http://vimeo.com/channels/bcpovertyreduction.
Features interviews with a parent struggling to make ends meet by working two jobs, and with people working on health, immigration and family well-being issues. Narrated by Seth Klein, Director of the CCPA's BC Office.
To join the campaign for a legislated poverty reduction plan in BC, visit bcpovertyreduction.ca.
Matthew, who receives disability benefits through British Columbia's welfare program, shares his thoughts about why it is so important to look after people when they hit tough times. This video is part of a slideshow about welfare (or social assistance) and poverty in British Columbia, Canada. Watch the full slideshow here.
Video by Goh Iromoto.
Susan is an advocate at First United Church in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside -- the poorest neighbourhood in Canada. The church lets homeless people take shelter and sleep in the pews. There are more than 2600 homeless people in Vancouver, BC, and the province of BC has the highest poverty rate in Canada. This video was created as part of a slideshow about BC's welfare, or social assistance, program. Watch the full slideshow here.
Video by Goh Iromoto.
Richard receives disability benefits through British Columbia's welfare program. Disability benefits are very low (less than $1000 a month in a city where the average one bedroom apartment costs that much). Richard lived on the streets for many years while he waited to get into social housing -- he moved into his own home just a few months after this video was made. This video is part of a slideshow about welfare (or social assistance) and poverty in British Columbia, Canada. Watch the full slideshow here.
Video by Goh Iromoto.
Judy Graves is a housing advocate with the City of Vancouver in BC, Canada. Judy talks about why welfare (or social assistance) is so important -- and not just to people who find themselves going through a rough time. This video is part of a slideshow about welfare (or social assistance) and poverty in British Columbia, Canada. Watch the full slideshow here.
Video by Goh Iromoto.
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