But What About Me?" – Canada Day Reflections from the Margins

"But What About Me?" – Canada Day Reflections from the Margins

By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

Mark Carney says that on Canada Day, a middle-class tax cut takes effect — so people can keep more of what they earn.

But what about me? What about the people who don't get to earn?
What about the disabled? The underhoused? The single parents?
What about the thousands surviving on social assistance, scraping by in poverty, unable to afford groceries, rent, or transportation — let alone savings?

A tax cut doesn’t help if you don’t make enough to be taxed.
We’re not celebrating a tax break — we’re surviving broken systems.
We’re living under policies that freeze social assistance, allow rents to skyrocket, and funnel funding to big nonprofits whose executives take home six-figure salaries while people sleep in tents.

Canada Day should be a day of reflection, not just celebration.
If this country is truly ours, then all of us deserve dignity, housing, food, safety — and a voice.

This Canada Day, I ask not for a tax cut. I ask for justice, equity, and compassion.
I ask for policies that see the poor — not just the middle class.

We don’t want a break.
We want a future.

How Do They Sleep

 🛌 "How Do They Sleep?" — While the Rest of Us Are Left Out in the Cold

$707,500.
That’s what the Chief Administrative Officer of Metro Vancouver made last year.
That’s more than 3 times what the Premier of British Columbia earns.
While thousands of us go to bed hungry — or worse, don’t have a bed at all.

Since COVID, homelessness has worsened across BC.
The fentanyl crisis has stolen over 16,000 lives.
The rental market is a disaster — $3,000/month for a modest 2-bedroom.
And countless working families now rely on food banks just to survive.

Meanwhile, our so-called "public servants" at Metro Vancouver are living like royalty:

• $300K+ salaries for mayors.
• A $707,500 payday for one bureaucrat.
• Perks, stipends, and overlapping payments for board meetings, travel, and bonuses.

All while people live in squalid SROs, sleep in tents, couch surf, or die quietly in alleyways.
How do they sleep?
Very well, apparently.

💭 But We’re Here to Invade Their Dreams.

This is our collective alarm clock. It’s time to:

• Demand transparency.
• Cap public compensation.
• Redirect resources where they’re needed most — to housing, mental health, detox, and dignity.

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❓Reflective Questions

1. How is it justifiable for public employees to earn $700,000/year while families can’t afford diapers or rent?
2. What does it say about our system when mayors make more than the Prime Minister of Canada?
3. Why are working families going to food banks, while unelected bureaucrats live like executives?
4. If you're not outraged yet — what will it take?
5. What would our cities look like if those salaries were reinvested into tiny homes, food programs, or treatment centers?

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✅ Solutions and Actions We Can Take Now

🔹 Legislate a Cap on Public Salaries
No municipal or board member should earn more than a BC cabinet minister (~$183K).
🗳 Ask your MLA to introduce or support this legislation.

🔹 Freeze Rent Increases & Build Real Affordable Housing
Stop luxury developments and redirect zoning for deeply affordable, publicly owned housing.
🏘 Support groups demanding non-profit, co-op, and Indigenous-led housing.

🔹 Audit All Public Salaries and Contracts
Where is the money going? Who approved these raises?
🧾 Demand independent audits and make the reports public.

🔹 Pressure Local Media and Speak Out
Use social media, blogs, letters to the editor — keep the spotlight on injustice.
📣 Share this post. Name the numbers. Ask the hard questions.

🔹 Support People, Not Empires
Donate to grassroots, not bloated charities with CEOs making 6 figures.
🍽 Volunteer with mutual aid. Invest in community kitchens, not corporate pipelines.

🔹 Organize Peaceful Action
City halls, board meetings, and media events — make our presence felt.
👣 If we show up in numbers, they’ll be forced to listen.

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✊ Public service must mean service, not self-enrichment.

If they won’t feel our pain, we’ll make sure they hear our voices.
Loud. Clear. And unforgettable.

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Open Letter to Greedy Landlords and Property Managers

 Open Letter to Greedy Landlords and Property Managers

How do you sleep at night?

Seriously — do you ever stop to think about the people whose lives you’re crushing under your boots of greed? Do you have any idea what it feels like to work your whole life, pay your taxes, raise kids, and still not be able to afford a roof over your head in the city you call home?

What if it were your child?
Imagine them working full-time, commuting 1.5 hours each way, paying over $1,000 a month just to share a room — not an apartment, not a suite, a room. How does that sit with you? Do you still think it’s just “market value”? Or is it finally hitting you — this is exploitation.

What if it were your parents — seniors who gave decades of labour, only to be forced into homelessness, living in vehicles, shelters, or in fear every day because you raised the rent again?

Do you think you’re untouchable?
That your shiny car, designer suit, and fancy friends will protect you forever?

Well, here's a warning: people are watching.
We’re documenting.
We’re organizing.
And we’re not staying silent anymore.

Your collusion, rent-gouging, and illegal price-fixing?
It’s criminal. And it's being reported.

You might have slipped through the cracks before, but those days are ending. The Competition Bureau is on alert. Communities are talking. And we’re fighting back.

We will form our own networks.
We will build social media coalitions.
We will name names.
We will shine light on every dark corner of this rigged system.

And yes, we’re calling on ethical hackers too — the ones who believe in justice, transparency, and human dignity — because you built this empire off of suffering.

Vancouver was never meant to be like this.
We remember the city where neighbors helped each other, where artists, seniors, youth, and workers could afford to live.

You turned it into a playground for the ultra-rich, and a war zone for everyone else.

If your dreams are haunted by the man digging through trash for cans just to pay rent — good. They should be. That’s your doing. That’s your legacy.

Change now. Lower your rents. Stop the greed. Return to humanity.
Because if you don’t, justice is coming — and it won’t be quiet.

Sincerely,
The People You’ve Pushed Too Far
#RaiseTheRates #FairHousingNow #GreedIsTheCrime #VancouverForAll

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No Recess During Crisis: Canadians Demand Parliament Stay and Work

 ✊📢 No Recess During Crisis: Canadians Demand Parliament Stay and Work

By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

Canada is in crisis — and Parliament wants to take the summer off?

No. Absolutely not. This is UNACCEPTABLE.

While families are sleeping in tents, food banks are overwhelmed, and thousands are dying in the fentanyl crisis, our highly paid Members of Parliament are preparing for nearly 3 months of summer recess.

They already had an 11-week winter break. They already get long weekends. They already make $200,000+ a year, and they get a pension most of us could never dream of. And now, they want to walk away — again — while:

• Thousands remain homeless across BC and Canada
• 16,000+ lives lost to toxic drugs since 2016 in BC alone
• Millions can't afford food — 1 in 4 households are food insecure
• Rent and housing are unaffordable for a generation
• Wildfires, floods, and climate breakdown are getting worse
• Young people are losing hope

This is not “business as usual.” This is a national emergency, and our leaders should be in the House of Commons working — every day, all summer — until lives are saved and change is made.

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🧓 Do you remember when politicians served the people?

They’ve forgotten. But we haven’t.

We, the people, are watching. And we are demanding:

❗ NO SUMMER RECESS DURING A NATIONAL CRISIS ❗

❗ WE DEMAND ACTION — NOT VACATION ❗

❗ WORK THROUGH THE SUMMER ❗

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💬 What Elizabeth May said:

“We are in a national crisis and Parliament is pretending everything is fine.”
— Elizabeth May, June 2025

She’s right. And we must amplify her voice.

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✍️ What YOU can do:

1. Tag your MP on social media and say:
   ➤ “No recess while Canadians suffer. Get back to work.”

2. Write to your MP:
   ➤ “I expect you to vote against summer recess and demand Parliament stay open.”

3. Start a petition or share this post — because if enough of us say NO, they’ll have to listen.

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🇨🇦 We are calling for a Summer of Justice.

A Summer of Courage.
A Summer where Parliament finally does the people’s work.

Because Canadians are suffering. And people are dying.

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Let’s remind our government:
Recess is for children. Not for MPs during a national emergency.

#NoRecessDuringCrisis #ParliamentMustWork #StopTheDeaths #HousingNow #EndTheToxicDrugCrisis #FoodForAll #BCisBleeding #ZipolitaSpeaks

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Here are some support materials 

Absolutely! Here are three ready-to-use formats you can share and encourage others to use:

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📩 Draft Letter to Send to Your MP (or all MPs)

> Subject: No Summer Recess – Canadians Are in Crisis

Dear [MP's Name],

I am writing as a concerned citizen and constituent to say: Canada is in crisis, and Parliament must not go on summer recess.

While MPs prepare to take nearly three months off, the people you represent are suffering:

16,000+ people in BC alone have died from toxic drug poisonings since 2016.

Thousands are living on the streets or in unsafe shelters.

Food insecurity is at record highs.

Climate emergencies are worsening, and many Indigenous communities are still waiting for basic infrastructure.

Housing is unaffordable, and rents are crushing a whole generation.

This is not a time for vacation — it is a time for leadership, courage, and work.

You are among the highest-paid public servants in the country. We expect you to be in the House of Commons throughout the summer, passing laws, funding solutions, and responding to the people’s real needs.

Please take a public stand: Oppose the summer recess and demand Parliament stay open. We are watching. We are organizing. We will remember who stood up — and who walked away.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your City/Province

🐦 Twitter/X Post (Tag + Rally Format)

🇨🇦 No recess while people are dying!

Parliament plans to take the summer off while Canada faces a housing crisis, food insecurity, & 16,000+ drug deaths in BC alone.

We DEMAND they stay & work!

📢 Tag your MP: #NoRecessDuringCrisis

@ElizabethMay @MarkCarney @JustinTrudeau @PierrePoilievre

🔁 SHARE if you agree!

📘 Facebook/Instagram Post (Long-Form for Sharing)

📣 No Recess During Crisis 📣

Our politicians are planning to take a 3-month summer vacation while thousands of Canadians live in tents, starve, or die from toxic drugs.

🚨 16,000+ people dead in BC since 2016 from the fentanyl crisis.

🚨 1 in 4 Canadian households are food insecure.

🚨 Rents & housing prices are crushing families.

🚨 Climate emergencies are rising — and Parliament wants a break?

They already had 11 weeks off this winter. Enough is enough.

We, the people, are DEMANDING that MPs stay in Ottawa and work through the summer. No more excuses. No more deaths.

📢 Tag your MP

📢 Tag party leaders:

@MarkCarney @ElizabethMay @JustinTrudeau @PierrePoilievre

📢 Use hashtag: #NoRecessDuringCrisis

SHARE this message and demand real leadership.

Let’s hold them accountable. ✊

A Room Isn’t a Home — The Cruel Gap Between Survival and Dignity

By Zipolita

It’s happening every day in this city. People silently suffering, humiliated, forgotten. Living in the margins while the rest of the world scrolls past vacation pics, engagement rings, and brunches that cost more than someone’s food budget for a week.

We talk about affordability like it’s just about numbers. But it’s not. It’s about dignity. About people being told they don’t deserve a home—just a room. A place to sleep, not a place to live. And somehow that’s supposed to be “enough.”

Imagine a person—someone’s parent, someone’s child—once independent, working, contributing. They hit a crisis. A health breakdown. A divorce. A trauma. And suddenly the system doesn’t offer them support—it offers them humiliation.

“You can stay with family,” they’re told.
“You’ll get your pension soon.”
“You don’t need a whole place—just a room.”

But what if family isn’t safe? What if that “room” is a shared space with strangers, no privacy, no peace, no rest? Why do we accept that basic stability is a luxury reserved only for those with deep pockets?

There’s no fairness in this. And maybe that’s the hardest pill to swallow.

Rich people don’t think about it—until something happens. A random stranger lashes out. A mental health crisis explodes into the headlines. Then suddenly they’re asking: “Where was the system?”

We’ve been asking that for decades.
We’ve been screaming.

The system fails people with mental illness. It fails the working class. It fails the elders who worked their whole lives only to retire into poverty. And it fails the families who are forced to become caregivers without support, watching someone they love spiral because there is nowhere else to turn.

We don’t want pity. We want change.

Stop treating housing like a prize to be won.
Stop normalizing the idea that a $2400 apartment is “just how it is.”
Stop expecting people to be grateful for being offered a bed in a corner when what they need is a place to heal, to belong, to live.

This isn’t just about poverty. It’s about justice.
And we won't be silent.

Not anymore.

Affordable Housing Policies Deserve More Respect—And Less Condescension

 Counterpoint: Affordable Housing Policies Deserve More Respect—And Less Condescension

It’s disheartening to see an academic like Patrick Condon, who has dedicated his career to urban design, dismiss the critical need for affordable housing with such a flippant use of the word “stupid.” The challenges faced by people struggling to find a home in Metro Vancouver are not a matter of convenience or aesthetic preference; they are a matter of survival.

Condon’s critique of below-market rental units in highrises focuses on the “ugliness” of buildings and reduced amenities. While he is entitled to his opinion, he seems to have forgotten the far more pressing issue—the lack of affordable housing. A UBC professor, who likely makes more in a year than many people in the city do in a decade, has little room to make such dismissive remarks about affordable housing policies that aim to keep people from being pushed out of their homes.

For many, housing insecurity is a daily reality. People are not choosing between “luxury amenities” in their homes—they are wondering where their next meal will come from and how they’ll keep a roof over their heads. To frame policies aimed at helping the vulnerable as “stupid” is not just misinformed—it’s irresponsible.

The Vancouver Sun has a responsibility to engage with the pressing issues of our time thoughtfully, particularly when it comes to the affordable housing crisis. By publishing such a divisive piece, the paper not only spreads a dangerous narrative but also gives space to those who don’t understand the true impact of these policies.

We need more than just fancy buildings and design trends—we need homes for people who are struggling. It’s time for Vancouver to stop prioritizing aesthetics over the well-being of its residents. Affordable housing isn’t an “afterthought” for developers—it’s a necessity for the city’s future.

Ken Sim: A Question of Gratitude, Power, and Allegiance

 

Ken Sim: A Question of Gratitude, Power, and Allegiance

Ken Sim’s actions as Vancouver’s mayor have raised some serious questions—not just about his policies but about his understanding of the land and people he governs. Sim, whose parents immigrated from Hong Kong, has spent much of his political career catering to the interests of wealthy developers, corporate elites, and, most recently, pushing forward racist and harmful proposals that target vulnerable Indigenous populations in Vancouver.

It’s striking that Sim, as a child of immigrants, should understand the value of being welcomed into a country—a country that promised freedom and opportunity. And yet, his actions, from his controversial memo on relocating Indigenous people to his repeated neglect of the homeless, seem to indicate that his loyalty lies elsewhere.

Gratitude? Or Disdain?

One would assume that someone in Ken Sim’s position, who is benefiting from Canada’s generosity, would be aware of the historical oppression faced by Indigenous peoples in this country. His parents may have left Hong Kong to find better opportunities, but it’s essential to question whether Sim feels any allegiance to the land that welcomed his family. The rhetoric he promotes and the policies he enacts seem to indicate a complete disregard for the Indigenous nations who have been here for thousands of years.

Sim’s recent proposal to remove Indigenous residents from the Downtown Eastside (DTES) has sparked outrage, and rightly so. It is a classic example of a colonial mindset that views the land as something to be used and exploited—rather than cared for and respected. For someone who has benefited from the opportunities in Canada, you would think Sim would have more compassion for those who are still struggling, especially Indigenous communities.

How Did He Get Into Power?

Ken Sim’s rise to power has not been without controversy. His business connections—especially in real estate—have raised questions about whether his political actions are truly for the benefit of Vancouver’s residents or simply a way to serve his personal interests. In many ways, his career is a prime example of how power dynamics in Canada and the US often cater to corporate interests and wealthy elites—while leaving everyday people to fend for themselves.

Sim’s power doesn’t come from a genuine desire to help the people of Vancouver; it comes from connections to the real estate industry—the very industry that has gutted the city’s affordable housing stock and left the most vulnerable to suffer. It’s essential to ask: who does Ken Sim truly owe his position to?

Looking at the US: Is This a Pattern?

What’s happening in the US—where wealthy, powerful figures are coming to power with questionable allegiances—is becoming disturbingly familiar in Canadian politics. We have seen the rise of leaders who, instead of serving their people, prioritize the interests of corporations, developers, and foreign investors. Ken Sim is not alone in this trend. He appears to be a part of a broader shift in global politics, where power is leveraged to secure personal gain—often at the expense of the most vulnerable.

Is Sim using his position as mayor to further his own agenda and that of his wealthy friends in the real estate industry? Or is he simply a puppet of larger forces that have their sights set on Vancouver as a profitable playground for their projects?

What Are Ken Sim’s True Intentions?

We must start asking these tough questions. Is Sim’s allegiance to the land and people of Vancouver, or does his power rest in corporate interests that have no respect for the Indigenous land upon which this city was built? His actions suggest that his intentions are not about reconciliation or justice for Indigenous communities or the people of Vancouver. Instead, they seem to focus on the needs of the wealthy few who want to see Vancouver’s land and resources commodified.

His actions show us who he is—and the reality is, Sim doesn’t appear to have any true commitment to improving the lives of Vancouver’s residents. Instead, he seems to be serving the interests of the powerful who put him in office. If anything, his policies suggest that he has little to no regard for the legacy of Indigenous peoples or the struggles of marginalized communities.

Ken Sim’s Lack of Vision for Vancouver’s Future

Vancouver needs leadership that understands the land, the people, and the deep-rooted injustices faced by Indigenous communities. Instead, Ken Sim’s actions seem to indicate that he is cutting deals behind closed doors to benefit the wealthy, while ignoring the needs of those who need leadership the most.

If Ken Sim truly cares about Vancouver, it’s time for him to show it—not by forcing Indigenous people out of their communities, but by standing with them, fighting for their rights, and prioritizing justice.

Until then, we must ask ourselves: who does Ken Sim truly owe his power to? And, more importantly, what kind of future does he want for Vancouver?

History Repeats Itself

 

History Repeats Itself: Vancouver’s Displacement of Indigenous People—From the 2010 Olympics to Ken Sim’s Leaked Memo

In 2010, as the world’s eyes turned to Vancouver for the Winter Olympics, the city’s most vulnerable residents—many of them Indigenous—were quietly forced out of sight. Fast forward to 2025, and a leaked memo from Mayor Ken Sim’s office reveals that history is repeating itself. The memo, which proposed relocating Indigenous people from the Downtown Eastside (DTES) back to their "home communities," echoes the same tactics used during the Olympic clean-up.

The 2010 Olympics: A Displacement Blueprint

Leading up to the Olympics, Vancouver underwent a so-called “beautification” process, which in reality meant the forced removal of unhoused people from the DTES. Indigenous residents, who are disproportionately affected by homelessness due to Canada’s ongoing colonial policies, were among the hardest hit.

• SRO Evictions: Single-room occupancy (SRO) hotels, one of the last affordable housing options in the city, saw mass evictions as landlords converted units into short-term rentals for tourists.
• "Red Zones" and Policing: Law enforcement heavily patrolled public spaces, handing out tickets and making arrests to push vulnerable people out of high-traffic areas.
• Broken Housing Promises: Temporary shelters were offered as a short-term solution, but after the Olympics, many of these people were left without permanent housing.
• Protests and Resistance: Indigenous groups and anti-poverty activists called out the injustice, arguing that the Olympic spectacle came at the cost of human rights.

The Olympics left a lasting legacy—not of unity, but of displacement and broken promises.

Ken Sim’s Memo: A Repeat of Colonial Policies?

In February 2025, a leaked memo from Ken Sim’s office proposed a "Re-unification roundtable" with Indigenous groups to discuss relocating Indigenous DTES residents to their home communities. The idea was framed as a solution to homelessness, but in reality, it mirrors past efforts to remove Indigenous people from public spaces without addressing the root causes of their displacement.

Indigenous leaders and community advocates immediately pushed back:

• BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) condemned the proposal, calling it a “slap in the face” to reconciliation.
• Community groups in the DTES warned that this approach would only further marginalize people without providing real solutions.
• Critics pointed out that many Indigenous people in Vancouver moved there due to a lack of jobs, education, healthcare, and housing in their home communities—sending them back doesn’t solve anything.

This policy fits into a long history of colonial displacement tactics. From the forced removal of Indigenous children into residential schools to the Sixties Scoop and ongoing land dispossession, Canada has repeatedly tried to erase Indigenous presence from urban spaces.

What Can We Do?

1. Demand Accountability: The city must be transparent about its policies regarding homelessness and Indigenous residents. There should be no backroom deals on issues affecting people’s lives.
2. Push for Real Solutions: Indigenous-led housing initiatives, culturally safe services, and long-term support are needed—not forced relocation.
3. Support Indigenous Advocacy Groups: Organizations fighting for housing rights in Vancouver need public support. Groups like the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) and the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (DEWC) are on the frontlines.
4. Expose Gentrification Tactics: Vancouver’s housing crisis isn’t just about affordability—it’s about who gets pushed out and who profits. We must challenge policies that prioritize real estate interests over people’s rights.

History doesn’t have to repeat itself—unless we let it.

The same city that pushed Indigenous people out for the Olympics is now trying to do it again under the guise of "helping" them. It’s time to call out these colonial tactics and demand justice, housing, and respect for Indigenous people in Vancouver.

Will we allow another Olympic-style displacement, or will we finally say enough?

Future Worth Fighting For: Beyond the Numbness and Survival Mode

Lately, it feels like the world is spiraling. People are exhausted, overwhelmed, and struggling to keep up with everything—from the cost of living to political chaos to the sheer weight of everyday survival. In Canada, we’re seeing it firsthand: a housing crisis, rising food insecurity, deepening inequality, and policies that prioritize appearances over human lives.

The recent freeze on supportive housing in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside is just one example of how disconnected leadership has become. In the middle of winter—when the cold is deadly, when people are already suffering—politicians have decided to pause projects that could save lives. Why? Because they want to force surrounding municipalities to step up. But in the meantime, people are left with nothing.

It’s not just Vancouver, though. Across Canada, homelessness is growing, while governments focus on short-term optics instead of long-term solutions. And the worst part? So many people have become numb to it. We walk past people sleeping on the street as if it’s normal. It’s not.

Why Are We Struggling to House and Feed People?

It’s a question that shouldn’t need asking. Canada is wealthy. We have land, resources, and knowledge. So why is it getting harder to meet our most basic human needs?

Governments prioritize big events like FIFA over social programs.

Housing has become a commodity instead of a right.

The cost of food skyrockets, but wages don’t keep up.

Newcomers arrive looking for safety and opportunity but are met with high rents and low support.

Community ties are fraying—people are too exhausted or afraid to engage.

We’re watching Canada transform before our eyes. The country we knew—where neighbors helped each other, where people had hope for the future—is slipping away. But that doesn’t mean we have to accept it.

A Different Future Is Possible

Despite all of this, I refuse to believe we’re beyond repair. There is a different way forward, but it requires a shift in values. Not just from politicians, but from all of us.

Imagine this:

Small, sustainable homes instead of endless luxury towers.

Local, fresh food—Coast Salish diets, community gardens, farmers' markets.

Kids growing up surrounded by art, music, and storytelling, learning from elders instead of being glued to screens.

A society where we care for each other—where we support single moms, help elders stay in their homes, and teach men and women to be healthier, kinder, and more empathetic.

A break from the endless cycle of media and internet addiction, reconnecting with the land and each other.

This isn’t a utopian dream. It’s what people lived for generations before profit and politics took over. It’s what Indigenous communities have always known. It’s what we could have again—if we fight for it.

We Can’t Afford to Stay Numb

I get it. People are tired. The world is overwhelming. But if we let numbness take over, we lose everything. This isn’t just about homelessness or FIFA or housing—it’s about the kind of society we want to live in.

If you feel helpless, start small:

Pay attention. Question the narratives being sold to us.

Support local initiatives that actually help people.

Speak out against policies that put profit over human lives.

Reconnect—with nature, with creativity, with real human connection.

The future is being shaped right now. If we don’t fight for something better, someone else will shape it for us. And if recent decisions tell us anything, it won’t be in our best interest.

What kind of Canada do you want to live in?

Let’s build it—before it’s too late.

Cineplex, Bring Back $5 Tuesdays and Build 700 Tiny Houses!

 Cineplex, Bring Back $5 Tuesdays and Build 700 Tiny Houses!

Ah, the good old days of $5 Tuesdays at Cineplex – affordable fun for everyone. Remember when going to the movies didn’t feel like you had to take out a loan for tickets and popcorn? Well, Cineplex recently found itself in the spotlight for something far less nostalgic: a whopping $38.9 million fine for deceptive pricing practices.

The Competition Bureau of Canada hit Cineplex with this record-breaking penalty for "drip pricing" – a sneaky tactic where hidden fees (like their $1.50 online booking fee) were tacked on at checkout, making ticket prices higher than advertised. It’s a victory for consumer rights, but here's the kicker: where’s that money going?

The Fine: Where Does the Money Go?

The $38.9 million fine is headed straight into government coffers, likely to disappear into the vast abyss of general revenue. While this is technically how things work, we can’t help but wonder: what if that money was used for something truly transformative?

Instead of vanishing into bureaucracy, imagine it being redirected to solve one of Canada’s most urgent crises: homelessness.

A Bold Proposal: 700 Tiny Houses for the Homeless

Here’s a thought: with $38.9 million, we could build 700 fully equipped tiny houses at $50,000 each. These aren’t just shelters – they’re homes that could provide safety, dignity, and a fresh start for 700 people or families struggling to find stable housing.

Tiny houses are cost-effective, sustainable, and can be built quickly. Communities across North America have already proven their potential to combat homelessness. Why not use this unexpected windfall to lead a housing revolution?

Why This Matters

Homelessness in Canada is a growing crisis, especially in cities like Vancouver and Toronto, where housing costs are through the roof. Every night, thousands of Canadians sleep on the streets or in overcrowded shelters. Meanwhile, Cineplex's deceptive practices resulted in millions of dollars being taken from consumers’ pockets.

What better way to "pay it forward" than to turn this corporate fine into a force for good?

Our Ask: Cineplex and the Government, Do the Right Thing

1. Cineplex: Bring back $5 Tuesdays to rebuild trust with your audience. Affordable entertainment was part of your charm – let’s see it again.

2. Government: Use the $38.9 million fine to build 700 tiny houses for those in need. This isn’t just a feel-good idea – it’s a chance to take meaningful action on a critical issue.

Join the Call for Change

We can’t let this opportunity slip through the cracks. If you believe this money should be used to help tackle homelessness, share this post, tag your local representatives, and start a conversation. Cineplex took from consumers, and now it’s time for the government to give back to those who need it most.

Together, we can make sure this fine doesn’t just line government pockets but instead builds homes, hope, and a brighter future for 700 Canadians.

Suggestions for Enhancing the M.A.S.H. Model:

 Suggestions for Enhancing the M.A.S.H. Model:

1. Housing First Model Integration: M.A.S.H. units could work with "Housing First" programs that prioritize permanent housing as the first step in recovery.

2. Mobile Kitchens: Incorporate food services to provide nutritious meals on-site.

3. Partnership with Indigenous Communities: Ensure culturally appropriate services for Indigenous populations disproportionately affected by homelessness.

4. Education Hubs: Offer resources to help individuals develop life skills, from budgeting to technology training.

5. Community Engagement: Partner with local residents to build trust and ensure everyone feels invested in the solution.

Dear Taylor Swift and Swifties,

 

Dear Taylor Swift and Swifties,

I hope this letter finds you well. I’m writing to you from Vancouver, a city where extreme wealth exists side by side with extreme poverty. While some people here live in luxury, many others are struggling just to survive.

Right now, over 7,000 condos sit empty in the city, while women and children suffer because they cannot afford rent. There are no jobs that pay enough to cover basic needs, and the situation is getting worse every day. Meanwhile, individuals like Chip Wilson, whose estate is worth an astonishing $72 million, continue to live in opulence while the most vulnerable are left behind.

We need immediate change, and one solution I propose is to place Tiny Houses down the bike lanes on Point Grey Road—an area where many wealthy individuals, like Chip Wilson, live. These bike lanes could serve as the foundation for a community of Tiny Houses, offering shelter, dignity, and hope to those who are currently homeless or struggling with high living costs.

This project could do more than just provide homes—it could be a symbol of unity. Imagine creating a pathway that connects the wealthy to local facilities that serve everyone in the community. People living in these Tiny Houses could have access to the same resources, and the bike lanes could serve as a bridge between these two worlds, fostering understanding and interaction among those who are often kept apart. It could be a way for us to get to know our neighbors, break down barriers, and recognize that poor people are not bad people. They are just people trying to survive, just like everyone else.

Not all rich people are bad people, but many, especially the wealthiest, often turn a blind eye to the suffering of those less fortunate. This initiative could help change that narrative, encouraging compassion, empathy, and understanding.

If this message resonates with you, I would love to hear your thoughts. Together, we can raise awareness and inspire change in Vancouver—a city that desperately needs it.

Thank you for your time, and I hope this idea sparks something meaningful within you.

Warmly,

Tina Winterlik (Zipolita)

Vancouver, BC

An Open Letter to Everyone Who Says, “There Are Lots of Jobs Out There”

 

Let me ask you something: when you say, “There are lots of jobs out there,” do you truly believe it? Or is it just an easy phrase to throw around when someone shares their struggles? Because for many of us, those words hit like a slap in the face.

You remind me of that line in Bruce Hornsby’s “The Way It Is”—

“Get a job!” That’s just the way it is.

It's condescending, dismissive, and painfully disconnected from reality. So let’s talk about that reality.

1. Sure, There Are Jobs—But Are They Livable?

Yes, the job market might have openings, but let’s not confuse quantity with quality.

Many of these so-called opportunities pay minimum wage, which doesn’t come close to covering rent, groceries, or transportation in cities like Vancouver.

Others require years of specialized experience for entry-level wages.

What about jobs that match my skills? Those seem to be unicorns: everyone talks about them, but no one’s actually seen one.

2. Rising Unemployment Means Something

Statistics Canada just reported that the unemployment rate jumped to 6.8% in November. That’s the highest since January 2017, excluding the pandemic years. Even with 51,000 jobs added, the rate rose because more people entered the workforce, only to find the doors slammed shut.

It’s not laziness. It’s not a lack of trying. It’s a system where demand for jobs outpaces supply, where resumes go unanswered, and interviews end with, “We’ve decided to go in another direction.”

3. Applying for Jobs Is a Full-Time Job

Here’s a reality check for anyone who hasn’t job-hunted in a while:

You’re expected to tailor every resume and cover letter to specific roles.

Online portals take hours to navigate.

Responses? Rare. Feedback? Almost nonexistent.

Imagine doing this day after day, pouring time and energy into a system that feels rigged against you.

4. Privilege Makes All the Difference

If you’ve never struggled to find a job, congratulations—you’re privileged. Maybe you had connections. Maybe you entered the workforce when housing wasn’t a luxury and job competition wasn’t this fierce.

But don’t mistake your smooth journey for proof that anyone can succeed if they just try harder. The playing field isn’t level, and those starting with fewer resources often face barriers you can’t even imagine.

5. Stop Saying, “Get a Job”

When you tell someone struggling that “There are lots of jobs,” what you’re really saying is, “Your struggle doesn’t matter to me.” You’re dismissing their reality and shifting the blame onto them, as if they’re the problem—not the broken system we all live in.

Instead of throwing out tired platitudes, why not ask:

“What challenges are you facing?”

“How can I support you?”

“What changes need to happen to make jobs accessible and sustainable for everyone?”

Let’s Be Better

It’s time to retire the myth that there are “lots of jobs” for anyone willing to work. Let’s acknowledge the systemic issues, the barriers, and the sheer exhaustion that so many of us face. And if you can’t do that, then at least spare us the patronizing advice.

Sincerely,

Someone Who’s Tired of Being Told to “Get a Job"

Housing Struggles, Social Assistance, and Family Dynamics: A Hidden Crisis in BC

Housing affordability is one of the most pressing issues facing British Columbians today, and it’s affecting more families than ever. As the cost of living rises, many people find themselves moving in with relatives to make ends meet. While sharing a home can help ease financial burdens, it often creates new challenges that many don’t talk about.

The Impact of Rent and Social Assistance

When a family member moves in, the question of rent often arises. If they pay rent, it could change the tax situation for the homeowner, who may have to report rental income. On the other hand, if they don’t pay rent, it can lead to tension in the household, especially when financial expectations aren’t clear.

For those on social assistance, the situation becomes even more complicated. Social assistance programs consider housing costs when determining eligibility and benefits. If someone is living with family and not paying rent, the system may assume they have lower living expenses and reduce the amount of assistance they receive. This can make it difficult for individuals to qualify for adequate support, even when they’re in a difficult financial situation.

Family Tension and Housing Insecurity

One of the less discussed aspects of shared housing is the emotional strain it places on families. Homeowners, particularly those struggling to maintain their own financial stability, may feel pressured or resentful when a relative moves in without contributing to household expenses. This can create a sense of imbalance and lead to conflicts that aren’t easily resolved.

At the same time, those moving in with relatives may feel unwelcome or guilty, knowing they are adding to the household’s burden. It’s a situation that many people face but don’t openly talk about, and it highlights the need for better housing solutions in British Columbia.

Promised Support for Homeowners: Where Are the Programs?

There has been talk of government programs offering financial support to homeowners who open their doors to relatives or roommates, with figures like $40,000 in assistance being mentioned. However, there’s little evidence that these programs are reaching those who need them. Many homeowners are unaware of how to access these funds, or they find that the criteria are too restrictive, leaving them without the help they need.

A Systemic Issue in BC

The reality is that these shared housing situations are part of a larger, systemic problem. As housing costs skyrocket, more people are forced to live in overcrowded or uncomfortable arrangements, relying on family to get by. But without clear financial boundaries or adequate government support, these arrangements often lead to stress and conflict.

Social assistance programs should reflect the complexities of real life. When a person lives with family, it doesn’t always mean their living costs are low, nor should the system assume that relatives are financially responsible for one another. The lack of affordable housing options and meaningful government programs only exacerbates the problem, leaving families to navigate difficult and emotionally charged situations on their own.

What Can Be Done?

There are several steps that could help ease the strain on families:

1. Increase Awareness of Support Programs: Homeowners and renters alike need more information on any available financial assistance programs, with clearer application processes and fewer barriers to access.

2. Reform Social Assistance Policies: Social assistance programs should better reflect the realities of shared housing, where living with family doesn’t necessarily mean financial stability.

3. Encourage Open Dialogue in Families: It’s important for families sharing a home to communicate clearly about financial expectations and contributions to avoid misunderstandings and tension.

A Call to Action

If you or someone you know is struggling with housing or social assistance issues, reach out to local advocacy groups or housing organizations for advice. These challenges are not unique, and together, we can push for more effective solutions to help British Columbiansl ive with dignity and stability.

Homeless & the children are mad at her

Can we get this story to go viral?

I can relate to this so well. We moved 9 times since I had Angel...the rents just got higher...until I just couldn't do it. I could never really do it ...not while she was little and then when she was older...it wasn't any easier.

There was supposed to be a subsidy and I thought I could do that but they had a rule you had to have been in the county the last year...and we had been in Mexico for 5 months. (Because I packed up everything and put it in storage when the decided to jackhammer off the outside of the building...)

Anyways, read this story. Walk in this woman's shoes.

It is NOT SUPPOSED TO BE LIKE THIS!!

We can fix it.
Basic Income to start...Fairness so that everyone can have a home, food, medical...

There is enough for all but some are greedy. Some of the most greedy are the politicians and CEO's. CC she had ALL the power and the time to turn things around but she didn't. She just put her kid in private school and jetted all over...she reminds me very much of the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland. I bet you right now if she would read this she'd be yelling...




Lack of affordable rentals on the Coast: working mom with three kids homeless soon
http://www.coastclarion.ca/lack-of-affordable-rentals-on-the-coast-working-mom-with-three-kids-homeless-soon/

(by Margot Grant)

Excerpt- 
"The family was now homeless. Karen put her stuff in storage. The cat went to a foster home.
A friend of a friend offered her the use of a trailer for $650 a month. It has no bathroom and nothing works. It is dirty and it stinks, she says. The children do not want to be there. The two oldest stay at friends’ houses while the youngest can stay with his father. The children are mad at her, Karen says. “They ask me why other people have a place and we don’t.”

A friend with a small cabin offered Karen the occasional use of his only bedroom, which has bunk beds, so the children can visit with their mother. On the nights they are in his house, he sleeps on a shelf above the fridge because there is no other place for a bed. Full story here
"

Warming Centres Open Tonight starting at 9 p.m. PT

Vancouver
The four warming centres will again be open Saturday night, 
starting at 9 p.m. PT:


Britannia Community Centre / Venables (The Hall) — 1661 Napier St. / 1739 Venables St.
Creekside Community Centre — 1 Athletes Way.
West End Community Centre — 870 Denman St.
Kitsilano Community Centre — 2690 Larch St.

Warming centres are open tonight at 9pm for those in need. ,@WestEndCC, The Hall at Venables, and Carnegie CC. #BCStorm pic.twitter.com/fY6VBkzfiR

— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) January 11, 2017

Photography by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2016

Sending out love and light, hoping everyone stays warm tonight. 
 

Photography by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2015- Quote- Margaret Mead

Insanity laughs under pressure we're breaking

Wow, did you ever really listen to this song closely.
It's very profound.

Especially for things that are going on right now in the world....
Vancouver with it's insane housing crisis...
Canada, Climate Change,3 Amigos
Bernie, Election Fraud, Oligarchy,
Brexit, Oaxaca, Istanbul...
Corporate Greed, Hate, Racism..

We need more love.

Sending out as much love and positive energy as I can.
See full lyrics below video.

"Because love's such an old fashioned word
And love dares you to care for
The people on the (People on streets) edge of the night
And loves (People on streets) dares you to change our way of
Caring about ourselves
This is our last dance
This is our last dance
This is ourselves
Under pressure
Under pressure
Pressure
"






Lyrics

Pressure pushing down on me
Pressing down on you
No man ask for

Under pressure
That brings a building down
Splits a family in two

Puts people on streets

Um ba ba be
Um ba ba be
De day da
Ee day da - that's okay

It's the terror of knowing
What the world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming

'Let me out'
Pray tomorrow gets me higher

Pressure on people people on streets

Day day de mm hm
Da da da ba ba
Okay
Chipping around - kick my brains around the floor
These are the days it never rains but it pours
Ee do ba be
Ee da ba ba ba
Um bo bo
Be lap

People on streets
ee da de da de
People on streets
ee da de da de da de da

It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming
'Let me out'

Pray tomorrow - gets me higher
Higher
High

Pressure on people people on streets

Turned away from it all like a blind man
Sat on a fence but it don't work

Keep coming up with love
But it's so slashed and torn
Why - why - why?
Love love love love love
Insanity laughs under pressure we're breaking

Can't we give ourselves one more chance
Why can't we give love that one more chance
Why can't we give love give love give love give love
Give love give love give love give love give love

Because love's such an old fashioned word
And love dares you to care for
The people on the (People on streets) edge of the night
And loves (People on streets) dares you to change our way of
Caring about ourselves
This is our last dance
This is our last dance
This is ourselves
Under pressure
Under pressure
Pressure
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/queen/underpressure.html

#PeacePrayerFlagProject
http://zipolita.com/peace-flags/
https://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2015/11/have-you-heard-of-peace-prayer-flag.html

A CHALLENGE to the RICHEST PEOPLE in Vancouver BC

Okay, let's pretend this is Dragon's Den with a twist and here's my pitch!!

 

Dear RICHEST PEOPLE in Vancouver BC:

 

 Jim Pattison,  The Aquilini Family,  The Lalji Family,  Bob Gaglardi,  Brandt Louie,  Chip Wilson,  Hassan Khosrowshahi,  The Chan Family, Gary Charlwood, Belkin Family

 

You were named the 10 Richest People in Vancouver in this article in March 2015. One year ago.   http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/03/richest-people-vancouver/

 

This is a CHALLENGE for YOU to STEP UP and END HOMELESSNESS in Vancouver and I am sure if you issue a challenge to your wealthy friends we CAN cultivate a better world.

 

It was a few years back, after seeing this video below, that I create the vision of  The Changerz but you can make it a reality NOW! With your BILLIONS it will be EASY!!! 

So this was my first idea... BETWEEN you all, you have about 20 BILLION!

$20 Billion - 

$20,000,000,000

-      $50,000,000

 --------------------

Whew!  that's a lot of zeros. Let's make it easier to understand.

$20,000

-     $50

$19,950 

 

So now this I can wrap my head around. Let's pretend you have $20 grand and I am asking you kindly to GIVE $50 to green projects and end the Vancouver housing Crisis, to help the people who worked in the Tarsands but want to be GREEN now,  to end Homelessness, to end Child Poverty in Vancouver and eventually all of BC and Canada and THE WORLD!!! Ta Da!! 

 

But wait, I am getting ahead of myself.

 

So in reality you would be funding Green Projects & Tiny Homes for Homeless to the tune of  $50 million. Now Jimmy you have the most, so don't you think it's time to share? Seriously you have had a great run...but don't you see how warped out the world has become AND will become if you DO NOT ACT!!

Anyways, you have to figure out how much everyone can pitch in but remember you are building homes and gardens so people can be self sufficient. This isn't housing everyone in a tower or hotel. 

 

Gardens help with mental illness, addiction, sleep disorders, proper diets help with a whole host of behaviour and health issues. Remember VICTORY gardens...we need to put them everywhere. Vancouver needs to be growing our own food so we can eliminate GMO and Pesticide and that in turn will lower the cancer and that will lower hospital/health care costs. 

 

Gardens build community. We have lost this! 

 

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/03/vancouver-city-we-need-to-grow-our-own.html

So here it is in a nutshell and then I will explain.



Build 5000* Tiny homes
Buy a lot for each home
Build a permaculture garden for that home so the person can feed themselves.

Workers from the Tar Sands build them.
Each home must be solar and off grid
There are 21 high schools in Vancouver- each school builds a Tiny House
Students all learn permaculture
Gardens are implement ALL OVER CITY!

* Why 5000 - there were approx 2000 absolute homeless in Vancouver and I am sure there are the same amount if not more of single parents with kids living in relative homelessness. 

From Wikipedia
Absolute homelessness describes people living in absence of proper physical shelter.^[2]
Relative homelessness describes people living in poor conditions of health or security, including an absence of both personal safety and steady income despite having physical shelter to reside in.^[2]

As of 2011, roughly 2,651 people in Vancouver are subject to one of these types of homelessness, or are transitioning between them.^[3]

From the Globe & Mail
The city released the official results Tuesday from its annual homeless count, conducted four months ago, which found 1,746 living on city streets or sleeping in shelters. That’s down slightly from 1,803 in 2014. The results left Mr. Robertson promising to do his best to manage the problem, despite pledging when he entered politics in 2008 to rid the city of street homelessness by this year.


http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/vancouver-mayors-homelessness-pledge-fails-as-count-remains-unchanged/article25348242/?ord=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/vancouver-mayors-homelessness-pledge-fails-as-count-remains-unchanged/article25348242/?ord=1







Later- Future Greening
All buildings have a re-bar type seismic safe structure, surrounds building but does not touch. Has green walls and roof top and solar panels. Green walls provide shade and help with water run off. See some ideas here.
https://www.pinterest.com/zipolita/the-changerz/









This didn't happen in 2014 but let's try for 2020!!


Watch this for more reasons....



Act Now or this may be your child or grandchild's future!



So that's my pitch! You have kids, I have a kid. 

 

I bet I can safely say you love your child as much as I love mine. I want my child to have a future, well this is it, you have the power and the opportunity to turn things around. We are at a crossroads in history and you can really do something. Please Act!!

And if you are taking steps to end homelessness in Vancouver please show me what they are. 

Thank you!!  






 

 

 http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/03/richest-people-vancouver/

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/03/18/richest-people-province-territory_n_6894634.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Canadians_by_net_worth

http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canada-s-richest-1-earned-average-income-of-454-800-in-2013-1.2640352 

Related links
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/02/the-crystal-ball-is-answer-to-solar.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/02/micro-algae-its-really-crazy.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/03/vancouvers-housing-crisis-is-real.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/03/why-poverty-in-bc-canada-is-complex.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/03/vancouver-empty-condo-lottery.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/03/lets-try-again.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/03/al-gore-on-climate-change-were-going-to.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/03/grassroots-rock-candy-revolution.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/03/i-think-this-is-why-women-burned-bras.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/03/union-gospel-mission-steps-up-thank-you.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/02/be-farmer-for-day-or-for-life.html

BC Storm & HIGH TIDE Kitsilano

Just want to remind everyone to take great care near trees and water. Both are very dangerous during strong wind.

Branches, powerlines and trees come down in big winds to please use caution.

Watch near water, waves can be much higher and stronger and you an be easily swept into the water if you are to near. Especially watch children and dogs.

I am not joking, I have lost friends and loved ones from this so please don't ignore these warnings 

Please be careful!! 

Sending love and light to all and praying that the homeless find shelter today!

#bcstorm Windows RATTLING so hard from the wind, feel sorry for those that have to be out in it! Happy to have power! #homeless #power #YVR

— Tina Winterlik (@zipolita) March 10, 2016

Here's a few photos I just took. This is one way to get the windows washed.

Photos/Art by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

Photos/Art by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

Photos/Art by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

Photos/Art by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

Photos/Art by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

Near Vancouver BC. MT @trev_batstone: High winds this morning @YPKAirport #PittMeadows #aviation #avgeek #bcstorm pic.twitter.com/982WJAbcD2

— Mark Dornfeld (@PDXTrafficNow) March 10, 2016

Vanier Park #bcstorm pic.twitter.com/yiOkoPGLbJ

— Wazza (@Smith442Smith) March 10, 2016

"Doggie Beach" Vanier Park #bcstorm pic.twitter.com/19PvdKQWxj

— Wazza (@Smith442Smith) March 10, 2016

Vanier Park #bcstorm pic.twitter.com/mZ9ez6TyBx

— Wazza (@Smith442Smith) March 10, 2016

#BCStorm...Kits Beach. pic.twitter.com/j4TZ6fK2yL

— Wazza (@Smith442Smith) March 10, 2016

That is one heck of a high tide! #Vancouver #bcstorm @amybp76 @JWagstaffe pic.twitter.com/kjNP26LrLq

— Kirk Williams (@KirkWilliamsVAN) March 10, 2016

On #VancouverIsland, 14,000 customers in dark. Here's what #bcstorm looks like on Salt Spring. (via @GIDriftwood) pic.twitter.com/aBMOYtFexe

— Laura Baziuk (@LauraBaziuk) March 10, 2016

Storm damage Cloverdale #bcstorm pic.twitter.com/IufyuVfekM

— Marina Rust (@Rust2Marina) March 10, 2016

"RT @CKNW: Latest on #bcstorm #School closures in #Langley https://t.co/NRQrKiEYNd" pic.twitter.com/W1G4lNXNom

— Haida Princess (@HaidaPrincess) March 10, 2016

#bcstorm .. Wind so strong it ripped the door off the Starbucks at @HighstreetFV in #ABBOTSFORD @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/Villo7vPDr

— Dietrich G Braun (@dietrichbraun) March 10, 2016

A reminder that If you come across a fallen or damaged power line keep back at least 10 metres and call 911 #bcstorm pic.twitter.com/GaRqcz8iqX

— BC Hydro (@bchydro) March 10, 2016

Make it a family affair. Build an emergency kit together! #FamilyDay #EmergencyMommy https://t.co/Ae7MG7Uxnb pic.twitter.com/1cQy0C8OcW

— PreparedBC (@PreparedBC) February 6, 2016

Who says preparedness can't be fun? Follow #EmergencyMommy for family disaster prep tips: https://t.co/Tn92vXseek pic.twitter.com/u3LYVOYtul

— PreparedBC (@PreparedBC) March 1, 2016

Heads up! #BCstorm warnings still in effect https://t.co/oKFPKS00YG

— PreparedBC (@PreparedBC) March 10, 2016

“We haven’t eaten in three days!” one of the demonstrators shouted.

Are you ready if  a disaster should strike?
Most of us live in a state of denial. We don't want to think about what could happen. But seeing and hearing people's first hand accounts after Hurricane Katrina and like here in Chile, we know we must get prepared as much as we can.

Sending love and light to the people of Chile. If you were faced with a disaster, could you deal with it. Asking angels to watch over them and help them.

Here is an important link to checkout http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/make-an-emergency-kit.aspx

Coastal city in Chile quickly beginning to rebuild

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/national_world/2015/09/19/coastal-city-quickly-beginning-to-rebuild.html

Are you ready, how would you cope?

Sending love and light and saying many prayers for the people of Chile after there was a deadly earthquake and tsunami. 

Clean-up begins in Chile as earthquake death toll rises

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/72142860/Clean-up-begins-in-Chile-as-earthquake-death-toll-rises

From Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Illapel_earthquake


New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/18/world/americas/chile-earthquake-damage.html?_r=0

A grounded fishing boat on Thursday in the Chilean port of Coquimbo, north of Santiago. There were at least 11 deaths  as a result of Wednesday's earthquake. Credit Martin Bernetti/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images