Clowns and Conservative Towns

We knew we had our work cut out for us when we pulled up to the Brockville Memorial Civic Centre for the small community’s multicultural festival. Brockville has a long history of voting conservative, electing a conservative Member of Provincial Parliament in every election in the last 96 years. Unfazed, the Fairness Express team jumped in head first, handing out popcorn and engaging local residents. Those individuals that ventured up to the tables were also treated to some blues music courtesy of a couple local musicians. Engager and OPSEU activist Barb De Roche even had a little chat with a clown about income inequality. “I’m interested,” said Steve the Clown, “but I am more interested in the music.” Just as the bus was beginning to pull away, we were stopped by a local journalist who came aboard the Fairness Express, and listened to engagers John Hanson, Barb De Roche and Chrisy Tremblay speak passionately about the tour and its four pillars: tax fairness, good jobs, public services and labour rights. “We were in Merrickville this morning and spoke to a number of individuals who are really concerned. People know there is a problem, they just cannot put a name to it…the name is income inequality.” Well said, John.

Popcorn and Panic Attacks

It was bright and early when the Fairness Express rolled into historic and scenic Merrickville, Ontario. This small and idyllic community was alive with activity for it’s annual community yard sale. Upon arrival, a handful of the Fairness Express team headed out into the community to hand out leaflets, and let people know the big green bus was in town to talk about income inequality and serve up some carnival fun. Initially, people in this small community appeared a little shy but as the morning wore on, people’s curiosity got the best of them. “I had to come over to tell you that I agree with you,” said one community resident. “We need to get enough Canadians together to say to this government, ‘You know what? We have had enough of this!’” Before long, more and more people wandered over to the big green bus to grab some popcorn and discuss their concerns about the way our country is headed. “My young granddaughter has been having panic attacks recently,” said a curious resident. "She is so concerned that if she chooses the wrong college program she will wreck her entire future. There is so much pressure on young people these days to make the right decisions. What kind of future can they really expect right now?” By lunch time, as the Fairness Express began to tear down to move on to its next stop in neighbouring Brockville, people were still huddled around the tent having conversations and intently reading the available material. “I am pumped!” said John Hanson, a Fairness Express engager and longtime activist of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE). “What a way to start off the tour!”

Fairness Express Boot Camp

Bright and early on Friday morning, all of the activists and staff participating in the Ontario leg of the Fairness Express tour were on hand to engage in a training session led by that National Union of Public and General Employees' (NUPGE) Len Bush and Maggie Frampton. All present discussed the serious impact that income inequality is having on this country, and expressed their excitement about getting out into Ontario’s communities to hear people’s stories and let them know there are solutions within their grasp. In the afternoon, Maggie and Len led the group though a dress rehearsal that included setting up tents, a tutorial in making top notch popcorn and cotton candy, and a crash course in running a generator. “There is a lot to do to pull all this together, but we are excited and eager to get this big green bus on the road” said long time labour activist Brenda Wall. At the end of a long day, the bus was loaded up with crucial supplies and an excited bunch of labour activists ready to hit the road. Packed to the brim, and filled with enthusiasm, the Fairness Express began its journey towards it’s first tour stop in Merrickville. The road ahead is long, and will certainly include a few hiccups, but we know this is a great group committed to working together towards our shared goals of tax fairness, good jobs, public services and labour rights. Because isn’t that what the Fairness Express is all about!

“Hey! Hey! Oh! Oh!...Poverty wages have got to go!”

As the big green bus rolled up to McNabb Park in downtown Ottawa, it met with sea of activists from labour unions, community organizations, environmental and advocacy groups, student and teachers federations, and political parties.a The first day of the Ontario leg of the All Together Now! campaign's Fairness Express tour coincided with International Workers' Day and there was no shortage of people willing to come out to show their solidarity and stand against austerity, growing income inequality and public service cutbacks. Hundreds gathered to rally in McNabb Park before marching through the streets of downtown Ottawa towards Parliament Hill. As the crowd heard speeches from passionate local activists, they were treated to popcorn, music, and even a local DJ powering his turntables with solar panels! All present clearly shared the same concern that the impact of stagnant wages and chronic underfunding of vital public services has created a crisis in this country. “My cost of living is increasing every year” said one young woman. “My rent just went up, food is expensive, gas is expensive, day care is expensive. I work hard, but I am struggling to keep up. It is hard not to feel helpless at times.” Unfortunately, these concerns are all too common nowadays, and you cannot blame people for feeling helpless at times. But, as the hundreds of activists who converged on Parliament Hill this May Day showed that we can make a difference when we stand together and make our voices heard!