Area Council Holds Successful Anti-Poverty Workshop
On March 22nd, 2006 the NWT Area Council hosted a successful anti-poverty workshop at Thebacha College in Ft. Smith. The workshop consisted of playing the Poverty Game in the morning. This is a simulation game that provides participants with an opportunity to experience some of the challenges that are routinely faced by Canadians living in poverty.
A protest march was held over the noon hour and marchers carried picket signs that read “Make Poverty History Now” and “Make Minimum Wage a Living Wage”.
In the afternoon, participants worked to develop a basic needs table that identified the costs of the essential needs of a family of four. This was then compared to the income that a couple with minimum wages would make as well as what is available on Income Support.
Participants where then introduced to the Living Wage Campaign that is being run by the National Anti-Poverty Organization and asked to draft a letter to the Premier on the Minimum Wage.
The Area Council hopes to host a similar workshop in Yellowknife.