Showing posts with label poor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label poor. Show all posts

Monday, June 30, 2025

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.


Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Below-Market? Not Even Close — Vancouver's Housing Plan Excludes the Most Vulnerable

 

Below-Market? Not Even Close — Vancouver's Housing Plan Excludes the Most Vulnerable
By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

This week, the City of Vancouver proudly announced the approval of 608 new rental homes, including 121 so-called “below-market” units. Sounds like good news, right?

Not if you're on welfare, disability, or low income. Let’s look at the numbers:

  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Vancouver (CMHC 2025): $1,837/month
  • "Below-market" rate (10% less): $1,653/month
  • Welfare shelter allowance: $375/month
  • Disability shelter allowance: $500/month

Even with a roommate or temporary top-up, these “affordable” homes are completely out of reach for those who need them most.

So who are they really building for?

They pat themselves on the back for meeting “affordability” targets — but those targets are set with middle-income earners in mind. There is no real inclusion for seniors, disabled people, single parents, or anyone on social assistance.

This isn’t a mistake. It’s a deliberate design to exclude the poor, while using the word “affordable” to appease public concern.

This isn’t affordability. It’s exclusion disguised as progress.

And we’re tired of it.

We demand housing that reflects the real needs of the people. Real inclusion. Real justice. Not more empty promises and fancy press releases.

Housing is a human right — not a privilege for the few.


Sources:


Tags:
#VancouverHousing #SocialJustice #DisabilityRights #WelfareRates #BelowMarketMyth #AffordableForWho #TinaWinterlik #Zipolita #HousingIsAHumanRight


Monday, January 27, 2025

The Human Cost of Transit Fares and Enforcement

 The Human Cost of Transit Fares and Enforcement


To Whom It May Concern,


I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the current state of public transit in Metro Vancouver, particularly the high cost of fares, punitive fines, and the increased enforcement measures targeting vulnerable populations.


What happened on the bus today was deeply disturbing. Four transit police officers boarded the bus at one stop and began checking everyone's passes. I’ve experienced similar situations in Mexico, where it’s normal for police to board long-distance buses and ask for passports. I was prepared for that there because I understood the context and purpose. But in Canada, this level of enforcement feels alarming and out of place.


I spoke with a young student who shared her own struggles. She’s been here only two years, working toward an Associate of Arts degree at a college near Metrotown. She told me about the enforcement that has been happening for the last six months, about the steep fines, and how difficult it is to afford the $200 monthly transit pass from Surrey to Vancouver. She’s just one example of so many who are being impacted by these policies.


Public transit was never meant to be a tool of punishment—it was designed to connect communities, provide opportunities, and ensure accessibility for all. Yet today, it has become a source of stress and danger for low-income individuals, students, and vulnerable groups.


Imagine the consequences: women and other vulnerable individuals being forced into unsafe situations because they cannot afford to get to work or school. Imagine someone you care about—a daughter, a brother, a mother—unable to pay a fine or afford transit. This is not a hypothetical scenario; it is the daily reality for many people.


Meanwhile, we see massive construction projects and "big plans" for transit expansion, but little thought seems to be given to the human cost. Public transit should be funded by those who can afford it—through higher taxes on billionaires and corporations that benefit from the infrastructure—rather than placing the burden on those already struggling.


History has shown us the consequences of ignoring vulnerable populations. The recent installation of cell phone services along the Highway of Tears is a tragic acknowledgment of the dangers faced by those without access to safe transportation. We cannot allow our urban transit system to create similar risks for people who simply can’t afford to pay.


I urge you to reconsider the current fare structure and enforcement policies. Consider eliminating fares altogether and funding transit through equitable taxation. Transit should be a public good that serves everyone, not a system that penalizes poverty.


The inventors and visionaries behind Expo 86 never imagined a transit system that would punish impoverished people. They envisioned a future of connectivity, opportunity, and progress. It’s time to live up to that vision.


Sincerely,

Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita 


Tuesday, October 8, 2024

A Modern Day Christmas Story Cont.

 Here we go, AI is helping me🤗😁

Great! Let’s continue with Chip’s journey toward redemption, leading to the moment where he starts the initiative for the tiny houses on the bike path.

--

Scene 5: The Ghost of Christmas Future (Continued)

EXT. POINT GREY ROAD – FUTURE – DAY

Chip and the Ghost of Christmas Future (a dark, silent figure) walk through a desolate version of Vancouver. The once-bustling bike paths are now overgrown with weeds, the houses abandoned or fortified. A cold wind sweeps through the empty streets.


They stop in front of a crumbling tent encampment on the side of the road, where only a few sick and exhausted people remain. Among them, Chip spots Sarah, older, gaunt, and alone. Timmy is gone.


CHIP (horrified):

“Where’s the boy? Where’s Timmy?”


The Ghost silently points to a makeshift memorial nearby—a small cross with Timmy’s name etched into it. Chip’s face falls as the realization hits him.


CHIP (broken):

“No…he was just a kid…”


The Ghost raises its hand, and suddenly, Chip finds himself standing in front of his own grave, neglected and forgotten, in a cold, unmarked cemetery.



Scene 6: Chip’s Awakening and Transformation


INT. MANSION – CHIP’S BEDROOM – MORNING

Chip jolts awake, sweating and panicked. Sunlight streams through the windows, casting a warm glow over his lavish bedroom. He jumps out of bed and rushes to the window, looking out at the bike path below. The world is still alive, vibrant, full of potential.


He falls to his knees, shaken.


CHIP (to himself):

“I have to change… I have to fix this.”



---


Scene 7: Chip Takes Action


EXT. POINT GREY ROAD – DAY

Chip stands at the edge of the bike path, looking out at the ocean. He’s surrounded by a small team of engineers and architects, discussing his plans for the tiny houses.


ENGINEER:

“So, we just drive them in, park them along the bike path, and set up gardens around each one?”


CHIP (nodding):

“Exactly. They’re pre-built, eco-friendly, and each one will come with a bike, a toolkit, and a fishing rod. This is just the beginning.”


ARCHITECT:

“People are going to resist this. You’re talking about putting tiny houses on one of the most expensive streets in the world.”


Chip smiles, remembering the ghosts' visits.


CHIP:

“They won’t resist for long. This isn’t just about housing. It’s about dignity. Everyone deserves a home, even if it’s a small one.”



---


Scene 8: The First Tiny Houses Arrive


EXT. POINT GREY BIKE PATH – DAY

A convoy of trucks drives down Point Grey Road, each carrying pre-built tiny houses. Curious onlookers gather on the sidewalks, some murmuring in confusion, others in admiration.


The houses are rolled into place, each with a small garden space, pots with flowers, and tools for the new residents to start fresh. A small group of families and individuals, including Sarah and Timmy, stand nearby, watching in disbelief.


TIMMY (excited):

“Mom! Look! Our own house!”


Sarah smiles, tears welling in her eyes, as Chip approaches them.


SARAH (stunned):

“Is this…is this for us?”


Chip nods, humbled.


CHIP:

“Yes, it’s for you…and for everyone who needs it. You’re not just getting a house—you’re getting a community.”


Timmy rushes over to the tiny house, already imagining what it will be like to live there. He finds

 a bike leaning against it, shiny and new.


TIMMY:

“A bike, too?!”


Chip kneels

To be continued😁

#DontIgnoreThePoor 


Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Thank you Justin for the Canada Child Benefit!

Well it's here!!
FINALLY!
SO HAPPY!


It's not a lot but the whole time since I have had Angel it's been tough. Tough for so many reasons but today a little help arrived. It makes me hopeful. So much more hopeful than the terrible crazy things going on in the rest of the world.
https://www.kelownanow.com/news/news/National_News/16/07/20/Canadians_now_receiving_the_new_child_benefit_payment

THANK YOU JUSTIN TRUDEAU!!
Your dad must be so proud. He is smiling down at you and your mom must be SUPER PROUD!! and you wife and kids. This is a really big thing. Maybe Christy Clark will take a lesson from you. Maybe all politicians, and people of wealth will wake up and realize it's important to help us, help parents and kids because it's f____g hard to survive in this world. Anyways THANK YOU AGAIN! VERY GRATEFUL!!

THANK YOU also to Jean-Yves Duclos- YOU ROCK TOO!!!

"The poverty rate for children in Canada will fall from about 11.2 per cent to 6.7 per cent," says Jean-Yves Duclos, the federal minister of Families, Children and Social Development, which is responsible for the program.

ROBIN HOOD
"Take from the rich, give to the poor"

"The poorest of those families will see the biggest boost while the wealthiest will see their child benefit payment disappear altogether." http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-child-benefit-social-safety-net-baby-bonus-childcare-justin-trudeau-social-assistance-1.3685290

HEY JUSTIN, if anyone tries to give you any flack you just show them this clip!! Ha! Ha!

"Doesn't make the better citizens, doesn't it make them better customers?"




It's a beautiful day! I am so grateful!




The heart is a bloom
Shoots up through the stony ground
There's no room
No space to rent in this town

You're out of luck
And the reason that you had to care
The traffic is stuck
And you're not moving anywhere

You thought you'd found a friend
To take you out of this place
Someone you could lend a hand
In return for grace

It's a beautiful day
Sky falls, you feel like
It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away

You're on the road
But you've got no destination
You're in the mud
In the maze of her imagination

You're lovin' this town
Even if that doesn't ring true
You've been all over
And it's been all over you

It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
It's a beautiful day

Touch me
Take me to that other place
Teach me
I know I'm not a hopeless case

See the world in green and blue
See China right in front of you
See the canyons broken by cloud
See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out
See the Bedouin fires at night
See the oil fields at first light
And see the bird with a leaf in her mouth
After the flood all the colors came out

It was a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
Beautiful day

Touch me
Take me to that other place
Reach me
I know I'm not a hopeless case

What you don't have you don't need it now
What you don't know you can feel it somehow
What you don't have you don't need it now
Don't need it now
Was a beautiful day


Thank you again!!
Big Hugs of Gratitude coming your way!!


Saturday, October 24, 2015

Barra de Navidad, Melaque after Hurricane Patricia- UPDATED

UPDATE: a GoFundme page has been set up.
https://www.gofundme.com/patriciahelp 

Also a Fundraiser in Puerto Vallarta is happening. http://www.banderasnews.com/1510/vl-disaster-relief-fundraiser-in-vallarta.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Word is that the brunt of the storm passed Vallarta but Melaque and Barra de Navidad got hit bad. Here are some photos. I will post more as I hear. Please pray for those affected. There is still ALOT of rain and this is the dangerous part because of landslides and flooding. Keep the people in our hearts and share this as often the little towns do not get the help they need after a disaster because know one knows about it. Please share and help if you can.

Get more info here http://www.afmedios.com/tag/huracan-patricia/
More photos can be found here http://www.weather.com/news/news/hurricane-patricia-photos?cm_ven=Facebook_TheWeatherChannel_Weather_JKo_Article_No_4_20151024

http://www.afmedios.com/


http://www.afmedios.com/


http://www.afmedios.com/


http://www.afmedios.com/


http://www.afmedios.com/


http://www.afmedios.com/






Saturday, September 26, 2015

Go ROBIN HOOD GO!!

I just hope the Americans see the opportuinity they have and vote for Bernie. Elizabeth May speaks about similar ideas. Please share this video. Wouldn't that be wonderful is Elizabeth May was PM and Bernie was President!!


Thursday, October 16, 2014

Can you eat for $3 a day? Bif's doing it!

The thing about poverty is you don't believe it could happen to you? and sadly it can. My daughter and I had to be on assistance while I was pregnant and until she was 3. That's when they kick you off.

We also we on it when my mom passed and I was grieving very deeply. Those were very difficult times and then can you imagine add to that I had usually about $100 for groceries. I remember scrounging coins and pennies to pay for little things. The food bank food was often outdated and food was bad, so I would go hungry.

Thankfully it's behind us but for many it's is still there reality.

Did you know that the current living wage for Vancouver is $20.10/hr?
But the minumum wage is $10.50 and then check out the welfare rates?

 "Living wage calculations are based on a two-parent family with two children – the most common family unit in BC – and each parent working full-time. The current living wage rate for Metro Vancouver is $20.10/hour. www.livingwageforfamilies.ca/about/what-is-a-living-wage/"


We currently earn well below the living wage but things are improving. But for the man who lives under the bridge and so many other homeless and single parents with kids forced to go on the system do legit circumstances such as unaffordable housing, it is cruel and inhumane to treat people like this. It does not foster good health, attitude or relations. When people are hungry, they get tired, angry, depressed and sick.

This is Canada. Things need to Change!
Raise the Rates!!



http://globalnews.ca/news/1617767/bif-naked-begins-b-c-welfare-challenge-living-on-3-a-day-for-food/

This is now, when I was pregnant 12 years ago it was only $525 I believe and my rent was $400

(I sublet a friends apt. Imagine trying to feed yourself well...eating for 2 on $100 a month. It was very difficult! )


Why $21 for a Week’s food
Total welfare
$610
Rent (realistic rent for an SRO)*$450
Room damage deposit$20
Book of 10 bus tickets (to look for work)$21
Cell phone (to look for work)$25
Personal hygiene/laundry$10
Total of all non-food expenditures$526
What’s left for food $84


Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Poverty- Not the American Dream

I can totally relate to that lady whose "been crying all day" and those 2 little boys, well if they don't make you cry you must have a heart of stone. They talk about the American Dream...well I can only speak for the Canadian Dream...that it is very similar here and all I can say is that it wasn't supposed to be this way. I just don't believe there was supposed to such a mass of millionaires and billionares and then people who have nothing.

It's hard to believe that my grandparents came to Canada to get their little piece of land and now so many people who are all on the verge of homelessness or are homeless. There grandparents and parent worked hard too. What the frig is happening. How can things get better. What has to change???

So many children growing up in poverty, going to bed hungry, worrying all the time about money. So gross, so sad. My mother's family had a very hard time during the depression and the physical effects of lack of  good nutrition sadly took their toll on her body her entire life.

I hope this movie gets made. It looks really good and maybe just maybe it will open peoples eyes about the true face of poverty.

My prayers for everyone in this movie and for everyone dealing with issues like this.

Did you see, in BC we regained a tiny step...people are now allowed to keep $200 while on assistance. Before it was clawed back. People were being horribly oppressed but now maybe this will help the tinyiest. It comes to late for some.

The stupid part of the deal is now they are making it harder to get assistance. Making people wait 5 weeks.

If the Politicians would give up their pensions and put that money into some kind of growing fund...maybe some kind of progress could be made. The system pretty darn hopeless and in my opinion is more of an abuser than a aid.


http://www.americanwinterfilm.com/The team behind AMERICAN WINTER is raising funds to complete this documentary about what millions of families are going through in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2011/03/dignity-project.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2012/01/welfare-fact-sheet-ever-wonder-how-much.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2012/01/video-poverty-journey-by-mla-jagrup.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2012/01/would-you-or-your-loved-ones-like-to.html

Friday, March 23, 2012

Abdul Sattar Edhi -"No religion is higher than humanity"


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Monday, July 25, 2011

Reinventing the Toilet-Let's get our Shit Together


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com 

Watch this informative Video about how we need to get our S*#t together and reinvent the toilet!!


Four out of 10 people worldwide don't have a safe way to poop. Find out why we need a toilet revolution. We need new ideas to help reduce disease and find new ways to turn crap into valuable stuff, like fuel, fertilizer, and fresh water.

Learn more at http://www.gatesfoundation.org/ sanitation.