This post will be a little different than the norm... Let me explain:
To those of you who know me, it comes as no surprise that I am a genuine believer in the spirit of the Olympics. The notion of fair play; of bringing international athletes together. A stage where citizens of nations at war would join in friendly competition, and could very well stand atop a podium together. An event meant to inspire and bring hope… In all of this – I believe.
The stage for the 2010 Winter Olympics: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. For me, this is an incredible opportunity for our country to put itself back on the map. Olympic aficionados have stated that the Calgary (1988) Olympics were one of the best Winter Games in modern history, and we get to do it again! I see this as an opportunity for the city of Vancouver – to get funding, to promote itself, to create jobs.
But... this is one opinion. And there are others. So, I must be an equal opportunity blogger and showcase how some people may feel that the Games of the XXI Winter Olympiad might not generate the opportunities they could to a beautiful West Coast city...
In November 2008, Straight.com published this article. In it, we learn that BC has posted THE worst child poverty rate in Canada – 21.9% (in 2006), which is well over the national average of 15.8%. So, when I look at these stats, I think – how can we use a forum like the Olympic Games to make a difference. But, as the eyes of the world will be on Vancouver, it appears that some policies are trying to sweep the problem under the rug. In fact, take a read of this blog by the Carnegie Community Action Project – working to ensure Vancouver’s downtown East Side remains low-income friendly.
My concern is about the longevity of some proposed programs. We discussed (much earlier in the Lemontree) how RONA was provided training and employment for some of Vancouver’s lesser fortunate. And, we can be sure that with the Games coming to town (and to the region), there will be need for additional workers. That’s great news in the world economy as it stands. But, how long after the Games have come and gone will this last?
Can BC’s government and Canada’s government sustain the new population of workers? If not – what will happen to them when the party is over? Maybe they'll have the luxury to live in one of the temporary shelters proposed in the CCAP blog (with or without a bathroom depends on investment)...
As mentioned before, I’ve lived in Vancouver for 3 years. I've seen Vancouver’s downtown East Side. Cleaning up the town doesn’t mean getting rid of people who live in poverty, nor does it mean hiding them. It means helping them! Give them a fighting chance. The world will remember Canada fondly for its hospitality, natural beauty and very likely, its well-managed Winter Olympics. Let’s make sure the world also remembers a Canada who truly takes care of all of its citizens.
Isn’t it impressive that an event like the Olympics carries so many messages of hope & opportunity? Why don’t we carry that message into everyday?
Lemontree recommendation: Share the inspiration... Can we use the Games as a platform to provide education, shelter and food to those who need it? Let’s use this stage to truly promote equal opportunity and dreams and hopes to all Canadians. Do you believe?
To those of you who know me, it comes as no surprise that I am a genuine believer in the spirit of the Olympics. The notion of fair play; of bringing international athletes together. A stage where citizens of nations at war would join in friendly competition, and could very well stand atop a podium together. An event meant to inspire and bring hope… In all of this – I believe.
The stage for the 2010 Winter Olympics: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. For me, this is an incredible opportunity for our country to put itself back on the map. Olympic aficionados have stated that the Calgary (1988) Olympics were one of the best Winter Games in modern history, and we get to do it again! I see this as an opportunity for the city of Vancouver – to get funding, to promote itself, to create jobs.
But... this is one opinion. And there are others. So, I must be an equal opportunity blogger and showcase how some people may feel that the Games of the XXI Winter Olympiad might not generate the opportunities they could to a beautiful West Coast city...
In November 2008, Straight.com published this article. In it, we learn that BC has posted THE worst child poverty rate in Canada – 21.9% (in 2006), which is well over the national average of 15.8%. So, when I look at these stats, I think – how can we use a forum like the Olympic Games to make a difference. But, as the eyes of the world will be on Vancouver, it appears that some policies are trying to sweep the problem under the rug. In fact, take a read of this blog by the Carnegie Community Action Project – working to ensure Vancouver’s downtown East Side remains low-income friendly.
My concern is about the longevity of some proposed programs. We discussed (much earlier in the Lemontree) how RONA was provided training and employment for some of Vancouver’s lesser fortunate. And, we can be sure that with the Games coming to town (and to the region), there will be need for additional workers. That’s great news in the world economy as it stands. But, how long after the Games have come and gone will this last?
Can BC’s government and Canada’s government sustain the new population of workers? If not – what will happen to them when the party is over? Maybe they'll have the luxury to live in one of the temporary shelters proposed in the CCAP blog (with or without a bathroom depends on investment)...
As mentioned before, I’ve lived in Vancouver for 3 years. I've seen Vancouver’s downtown East Side. Cleaning up the town doesn’t mean getting rid of people who live in poverty, nor does it mean hiding them. It means helping them! Give them a fighting chance. The world will remember Canada fondly for its hospitality, natural beauty and very likely, its well-managed Winter Olympics. Let’s make sure the world also remembers a Canada who truly takes care of all of its citizens.
Isn’t it impressive that an event like the Olympics carries so many messages of hope & opportunity? Why don’t we carry that message into everyday?
Lemontree recommendation: Share the inspiration... Can we use the Games as a platform to provide education, shelter and food to those who need it? Let’s use this stage to truly promote equal opportunity and dreams and hopes to all Canadians. Do you believe?
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