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Film screening, panel discussion to focus on poverty issues

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The film Poor No More will be screened this Friday in Castlegar and followed by a panel discussion.

Poor No More, a film aimed at showing how different poverty strategies have worked in other parts of the world, will be screened in Castlegar this Friday, Jan. 21.

The Castlegar Social Planning Society (CSPS), St. Rita’s Parish Development and Peace Committee, the West Kootenay Women’s Association (WKWA) and B.C. Southern Interior NDP MP Alex Atamanenko have all teamed up for the public showing of this movie.

“The Castlegar Social Planning Society is delighted to be partners in the screening of Poor No More in Castlegar,” CSPS chair Andrew Earnshaw said in a news release. “Poverty is at the root of many of the social problems that impact Castlegar today.  Movies like Poor No More bring us the kind of inspiration and solutions we need to continue our work and make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community.”

The film offers solutions to Canada’s working poor, by taking a small group of Canadians and showing them places where people don’t have to beg, where housing is affordable and university education is free, including Sweden and Ireland.

Hosted by Canadian actress Mary Walsh, the film was released in April of last year and has already been screened to a wide range of groups, including the Anglican Church of Canada to the United Way of Calgary, representing many faith groups, social services, and student, teacher, and nursing organizations and professionals.

“This film will help spark conversations about poverty and economic well-being in our community,” Tasha Bassingthwaighte, co-ordinator of the WKWA said. “Community dialogue is essential for making the necessary changes to create a community where affordable housing, education, living wage and health care are available to all.”

After the showing, Atamanenko, Nelson city councillor Deb Kozak and Earnshaw will moderate a discussion with representatives of “community service, health, student, women, senior and labour groups for panel presentations and open discussion with the public, to explore what is happening and what can be done to reduce poverty and increase economic justice,” according to a news release.

“I firmly believe that we can tackle poverty and strengthen our Canadian economy,” Atamanenko said. “This film gives a chance for people to see how it has worked in other places, and how it could be different in Canada. I am looking forward to some good discussion.”

The film will be shown tomorrow night at St. Rita’s Parish Hall on 7th Avenue. Show time is 7 p.m. There will also be a screening in Nelson at the Nelson United Church at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, visit poornomore.ca or alexndp.ca/poverty.htm