My reflections on the HCAP demo : IMC Maritimes

So, HCAP (Halifax Coalition Against Poverty) organized a protest against a Conservatives fundraiser, where a table went for $5000 (or $500 a plate). Speakers at the event included Preston Manning, Mike Harris, Ralph Kline, and John Ham. It was a veritable who's who of right-extremist Conservatives from across the country. It no doubt was indented to send a message to Nova Scotians that the Conservatives in this province are intent on pushing a more right wing agenda, and a more Harperesque mode of government, with policies that will increase poverty within our province. HCAP has made five demands:

1) Double social assistance rates. Right now, Nova Scotians on social assistance receive $5,422 a year. The poverty line has been set at $18,000. You do the math.

2) Implementation of the “1% solution”, whereby 1% of the public funds would go toward affordable, housing. Too many people in our province live either on the streets, on friends’ couches, or in inadequate accommodations. Implementation of the 1% solution would go along way in reducing poverty.

3) Rent control!! Nova Scotia had rent control up until 1993. Many people in the HRM and across our province get evicted every year because their rent is too expensive. Many Nova Scotians sacrifice quality food for their children in order to pay rents set by unscrupulous landlords, corporate and individual. Rent controls would help to alleviate gentrification that is slowly destroying the North end of Halifax.

4) A $9 dollar minimum wage. With wages failing to keep pace with inflation, more and more people have to work longer hours. They sacrifice time with their families, children are lacking an opportunity to grow up spending time with their parents, and friends lack the time to come together for cultural events. The list goes on.

5) Last but not least, free post secondary education. I could write pages on this but I think everyone knows why this is good for our province.

These are modest reforms that HCAP is demanding, which will bring dignity and equality, while lessening poverty, in our communities. And the response? We are beaten, pepper sprayed, and thrown in jail by the cops. Nova Scotians need to ask themselves, and their government, why citizens of this province are faced with repression and being thrown in jail for fighting for community justice?

Three individuals were arrested this evening and I was one of them. I was pepper sprayed, with no warning whatsoever. I was denied, by the police, attention by a street medic, even though I had collapsed to the sidewalk. While I lay dazed, confused, and in pain, my comrades held at a distance, I was roughly cuffed and taken to a van. One of my charges is resisting arrest. How does laying on the ground constitute resisting arrest? I have recovered from the effects of the chemical agent that was used in the assault. I won't, however, recover from the pain and sadness I feel as a result of our government condemning tens of thousands of Nova Scotians to a life of misery and poverty. In the aftermath of my firsthand experience with brutality by state-thugs, I will continue with just as much, if not even more, determination to bring justice to our Halifax community and to our province. It is better to die on our feet then to live on our knees.

Peace, Love, and Revolution, Aaron Doncaster

P.s Thanks for the editing job Brad