Last week the CBC reported on the case of Sheldon McKenzie, a farm worker from Jamaica who had been coming to Ontario for 12 years for seasonal work at farms. Last year he was injured at work and, according to the CBC article, "the program that brought him to Canada stripped him of his labour rights after he was hurt, then tried to cut off his access to health care." He died because of the injuries.
Charles Roach remains his usual wonderfully optimistic self, despite the fact that he's recently been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour.
For 50 years, the human rights lawyer, activist, artist, musician and Caribana founder has campaigned to make Toronto a more equitable place. This weekend, Roach was recognized for having inspired several generations of activists, and helping to alter the city's political culture.
Yesterday, his many supporters and friends honoured him by recalling his many accomplishments and enjoying performances by entertainers he has influenced.
Canada is quickly slipping from its status as an equal and fair society, according to Richard Wilkinson, a British social epidemiologist and Emeritus Professor at the University of Nottingham in England.
Call it Unequal Canada -- the national tour. British professor and epidemiologist Richard Wilkinson has packed his first visit to Canada with public meetings, and private sessions with senior government officials and community leaders. His message is powerful, yet simple: Greater equality is better for everyone.
"It's not just the poor, but everyone is worse off in unequal societies," said Canadian statesman Ed Broadbent as he introduced Wilkinson for his sold-out Toronto presentation on Dec. 10. "More equality, not more growth, matters."
From my website: http://www.politicallyincorrectandproudofit.net
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