Human exploitation is a crime in civilized societies: but in B.C. for the next month it will be an Olympic sport.
The Pivot Legal Society, which in the past has done much laudable work on behalf of the poor and disadvantaged has now stooped to using the poor as political pawns, in my view, as pressure points against the province and the federal governments over homeless housing.
Pivot plans to distribute 500 bright red tents to homeless people in the city, apparently so they can take up residence in parks or anywhere they can get away with it.
The tents are reportedly to be plastered with large slogans like “Housing Is A Right” and “End Homeless Now” .. and are designed to pressure the federal government to adopt a national housing strategy.
I see nothing wrong with their stated objective … but I find it repugnant that, just as the city plays host to the World with the Olympics, Pivot would PLAY the poor like pawns to make their point.
It will do NOTHING to solve the homeless problem; it will only embarrass government and result in a backlash against Pivot and could even delay any additonal projects to help those they supposedly care so much about.
And Pivot is not alone: the B.C. government has its own Olympic propaganda pavilion dealing with the homeless question. Inside carefully selected (I suspect) downtown eastside residents form a “human library” who can be interviewed by the world press about life in the rough.
Both the Province and Pivot are using the poor as political pawns.
But are they telling the truth?
Let’s face it … we will NEVER totally solve the homeless problem. Some homeless, for various reasons, cannot and do not want to be housed. They have rights too that must be respected.
What about the rest?
If Vancouver, the B.C. government and the federal government came up with enough dough (taking even more out of your pocket, by the way, to do it) and gave EVERY homeless person in Vancouver his or her own furnished, room, rent free … do you really believe that would be the end of it?
No … within weeks, another 1,000 homeless and all kinds of others too would make their way here from all over the country to seek B.C.’s “free housing”.
And as word got out … they would keep coming. And where would the money come from? Aren’t both the province and federal governments already oprating with deficits.
Are we to reduce spending on health care, education etc just to provide a massive free housing program for those unable to or unwilling to work?
Even a national “free housing program” costing BILLIONS would still see Vancouver inundated, thanks to its much milder climate, by people attracted to the idea of FREE housing on the Pacific!
Talk to our homeless: see how many are from the city or elsewhere is B.C. and I believe you’ll be struck by the huge numbers from back East. And who can blame them! Are we really to become the nation’s free housing centre?
Many people are unaware that BC already has housed more than 4,600 homeless people and has spent nearly $130 million to purchase 45 apartment buildings, townhouses buildings and single room occupancy hotels around B.C.. That alone added 2,000 housing units for the disadvantaged.
There are indeed more homeless who still need help. But how much more are YOU willing to pay in extra taxes to fund free housing … for all Canadians who want it?
The realities surrounding the homeless and supported housing question in B.C. raise some very difficult societal and financial issues.
But Pivot will do nothing to aid the cause by putting the poor on display and exploiting them for political purposes.
Harv Oberfeld
16 responses so far ↓
1 DMJ // Feb 5, 2010 at 2:37 am
The Downtown East side is not just a national disgrace but an international one as well.
We are dealing with throw away people, many drug addicted and/or mentally ill that the various governments just don’t give a damn.
God knows we spend tens of millions annually in the DTES but it just doesn’t seem to filter down to those who most need it.
What has happened is a government sponsored industry, fed by millions of guilt ridden dollars handed out to various organizations that seem more to thrive off government subsidies than try to mitigate the many problems simmering in the DTES.
Something must be done, for a country as rich as Canada, to let the festering problems of the DTES to continue, rates us as nothing but a 3rd world banana republic.
Pivot will use the Olympics to show case the evils of the DTES and use the many troubled souls as pawns. But this nothing new, every civic, provincial and federal government has done the same, using the DTES and its sad population as pawns for political gain just before elections, while actually doing very little.
Pivot will do, the media will report, and the Olympics may be slightly tarnished, and our politicos will be a wee bit red faced.
In the end, there will many tut-tuts, some embarrassments, even some police action, but for the Olympics the show will go on!
For the DTES: As yea sows – so shall yea reap.
(Response: I agree with much of your assessment of the problems .. but I’m not sure it accomplishes anything to embarrass ourselves befroe the world by tying it to the Olympics. What should the athletes, who have trained for years, have their events tainted. It’s kind of like inviting everyone you know to a graduation event, honouring your son or daughter, and then as everyone arrives, have the parents start a argument over their sexual marital problems. The discussion should take place to solve the problem ..but not right there at the graduation as everyone looks on! h.o)
2 tf // Feb 5, 2010 at 3:40 am
As I become more aware of the issues, I find it’s not about housing each person who is homeless. It’s about developing policies that encourage self-sufficiency.
For example – accessible health care to all, early childhood education and daycare, minimum wage increases, enlightened welfare policies, access to housing geared to income, access to higher education, etc, etc.
I think we need to demand that our elected officials use respect and general human values as their governing principles.
We are only as civilized as the poorest among us.
(Response: The goals you cite are truly commendable. The reality is though, sometimes through no fault of their own, people may come from broken, violent homes, where there is abuse etc..and end up with all kinds of damaga as a result, ending up on the street, using drugs, booze, and homeless. These people deserve all our help to get things together … but we, as a society, cannot afford to just pay for housing for everyone … even those who could work, but won’t … as a “right” as Pivot’s tent signage suggests.
3 Crankypants // Feb 5, 2010 at 4:29 am
I agree, Harvey. This has to be one of the most idiotic ideas Pivot could come up with. One has to assume that they are not going to get these tents for free. As a matter of fact, is this even the mandate for Pivot. Aren’t they really supposed to be legal advocates rather than protesters?
It’s questionable whether there ever will be a solution to the homeless situation.
(Response: Exactly … they have lost their focus … and some of their credibility … with this stunt. And I hear there ARE now enough bed spaces to accommodate the homeless who want them … so it’s pure theatre. Just think how much they could do with the $$$ spent on 500 tents. h.o.)
4 SB // Feb 5, 2010 at 6:01 am
Its like many subjective issues Pivot is certainly using the Olympics and its media circus but Campbells govt has been kicking the poor hard for 10 yrs and think its a sport and supported by mainstream media and Liberal insiders who made money on the backs of those said people not just homeless but most on the wage earners in most sectors are hurting many are one paycheque from being homeless while 6 billion is being spent on a sport event and 500 million on a roof for a stadium , Pivot can use anything they like all the power to them and as a previous poster states its not like one simple thing will fix it health , education and addictions intervention and treatment all are parts and all cut to the bone .
5 StandUpforBC // Feb 5, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Harvey, I do not agree with your ‘just keep a nice smile on your face while the company is here’ approach. Nor do I agree that nothing can be done about “the homeless.”
First, our taxpayer dollars have increasingly gone into production of athletes for the glorification and profit of a very large corporation that operates outside the bounds of any government, the Olympic Games. We, and every host country” essentially underwrite their massive (and hidden) profits. Sure, someone in the host country usually makes a bundle, but it’s just a hand-picked few, and they make out like bandits. The taxpayer is almost always left holding the bill.
Now, as far as “we can’t do anything because they’ll just keep coming back” attitude, there are many countries that have kept the numbers of homeless people down to a much, much lower level than in BC and in Canada. Even New York City managed to do that. How? Not by policing them or herding them into holding tanks or other pseudo-shelters, but by putting their brains to work and coming up with practical, intelligent policies and having the ethics and the commitment to put them into place. The Scandanavian countries, to cite one example, have a very different set of governing policies, and they aren’t beset by homelessness. They could be, as their piece of this earth isn’t that different from ours. It’s got everything to do with ethics and political will. If we let the greedy and the untrustworthy pick our pockets, it’s not rocket science to see how inevitably that will lead to a societal break-down, which is what we are experiencing in BC now.
If we do nothing (or at least nothing while we have an opportunity to put some pressure on the kingpins that run this province now), then we will see the problem grow worse.
Societies change — for both good and bad — and it’s largely because of the will of the people (who pull the rulers up by their ears in some form or other). Several decades ago, we didn’t have this level of homelessness, indeed it was miniscule. Several decades ago, the average CEO was making 40 times more than the average working person (let’s get real, average man). At the turn of the millenium, the “average” CEO was making over 400 times more than the average employee. And other corporate actions sucked more taxypayer dollars their way. So we stupid taxpayers pay for the mansions of the corporate set, why is it impossible to imagine how we might provide decent shelter for the vast majority of homeless.
By the way, I live among the homeless in a condo in Victoria. I see and speak with them daily. I see them shivering at night. I watch their numbers grow. I know many would dearly love a safe warm place to call their own. By the way, I’ve never feared for my well-being around them, indeed have found them to be more courteous and considerate than many in the professional realm that I’m most familiar with.
I would love for my taxpayer dollars to go to providing a more level playing field for my neighbours and all citizens of this province, instead of to increasingly celebrated, whiney and grasping ‘elite” athletes. Elitism is something to be wary of, not to pour unquestioning
Instead of pouring billions into a celebration of the ‘elite’ athletes, why don’t we celebrate life instead and start to pay attention to the rot in our society? Many countries in this world do not have the festering homelessness sore that Canada and much of the U.S. has. If we do nothing but smile while we have the chance to “encourage” our “leaders”, in a non-violent way, to act differently, why wouldn’t we?
When I read your comment about how we shouldn’t talk about infidelity with guests, I immediately thought about another comparative scenario – how abused women and children are “encouraged” not to tell, just to smile and say everything is all right.
Just to keep quiet about it all? That’s the kiss of death for many of them. And it will be for us too. So lest we lambaste Pivot Legal Society, we should all look in the mirror and ask what we are doing. Sitting on the sidelines in front of our TVs to help the very rich Olympics Games corporation make money at our expense, or …?
(Response: Talk about being misquoted! You really should pay more attention to what you read. I NEVER said there is NOTHING we can or should do for the homeless. To the contrary, I pointed out I “see nothing wrong” with Pivot’s objectives but that the tent tactic will do nothing to achieve it. And I also said there ARE homeles who need help. I also praised Pivot for its past efforts .. it’s the tent trick that I believe will do them more harm than good. And embarrassing the federal and provincial governments on the issue may give many people, sitting in their nice,warm homes, some sort of political pleasure, but it will HURT the homeless funding cause more than help it. Just watch! h..o)
6 StandUpforBC // Feb 5, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Just after I finished my comment above, I found a story from the CTV-owned Globe and Mail which that illustrates perfectly my point about the Olympic Games corporation operating beyond the laws of the “host” countries/cities.
http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/newsid=31409.html#vanoc+bound+disclose+payment+ceo?cid=rsstgam
Here’s an excerpt from the story:
VANOC not bound to disclose payment for CEO
Mitt Romney walked away from the 2002 Winter Olympics with $1,415,960 (U.S.), his pay packet to steer the event part of the inner workings of an Olympics that were laid bare to the American public.
When the 2010 Games wind up, VANOC CEO John Furlong will walk away with a hefty retention payment from a $33-million (Canadian) pool for the organization’s eligible 1,160 employees who serve out their contracts. The amount to be paid to Mr. Furlong? VANOC isn’t saying and won’t – at least not until the Vancouver Games are over, and perhaps not at all.
VANOC has laws written for its benefit, and hundreds of millions in public funds spent on its behalf, but it is not deemed to be an extension of government and so not subject to freedom of information requests. It has struck hundreds of millions of dollars worth of profitable deals with huge companies – but it is not a public company and not subject to the more rigorous rules of the corporate world.
Despite hundreds of millions in government funding for competition venues and a welter of smaller public subsidies, VANOC is keeping key details of its operations under wraps, including compensation for Mr. Furlong and other top VANOC executives.
Yup, and we can only hope he might spend some of his loot to buy tents for the homeless — we wouldn’t even mind too much if they put the O logo on them…
(Response: I wonder if they put the “O” rings on the tents if the I-O-C police would show up? h.o.)
7 Stuart S. // Feb 5, 2010 at 4:05 pm
In your article you state “It will do NOTHING to solve the homeless problem; it will only embarrass government and result in a backlash against Pivot and could even delay any additonal projects to help those they supposedly care so much about. While not in total agreement with Pivot’s methods I think a much bigger problem is a government that would strike back by punishing the poor even further. A government that gives itself huge raises for cutting back on the rest of us has lost its moral compass, if indeed it ever had one.
(Response: I would agree on loss of moral compass … BUT we are dealing with politicians who don’t take kindly to embarrassment. Put yourself in their place: If you made a huge expensive party (wedding, anniversary etc ) and invited many friends and family etc ….and say, some religious group massed 500 people outside warning you to repent or go to hell ..how likely would YOU afterwards to entertain their request for a large donation??? I’m just trying to Keep it Real and let people ..and Pivot … know they will be making a BIG mistake, unless their ultimate aim is political. h.o)
8 Kim // Feb 5, 2010 at 7:27 pm
HO I must disagree with you on this issue, mainly because the government will do nothing unless they are embarrassed.
There are many people in the province who can’t afford the rent. If my partner died tomorrow, I would be homeless next month, but you wouldn’t know, because I would be on someone’s couch, or in a tent on the outskirts of society.
I am from here Harv. Metis. Not on your radar.
(Response: I do know someone who is unemployed, and every month is a struggle just to survive and keep a roof over his head. And is regularly helped by me and others he knows … so I understand the problem and support calls for more funds to help. I’m just saying .. because I know how politicians are .. you MUST push them for action, you MUST pressure them to act… even publicly before their electorate. BUT if you EMBARRASS them before “outsiders” … if you PEE on their parade, and if you TAKE attention away from their spotlight moment … you give them a perfect excuse NOT to speak to you, NOT to receive your delegations, NOT act on your submissions for a long time to come. etc. Do you REALLY believe that by embarrassing them … they will thank you by acting faster after their “guests” leave?? NOT!! h.o)
9 blaffergassted // Feb 5, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Riddle me this:
Why would a national homeless strategy necessarily translate into FREE housing for the poor?
(Response: Well I don’t think we should expect homeless people to pay for housing… at least not for some time after they get a place. First get them settled, then provide health and social services to give them a lift up …and I say let them keep their welfare $$ to build up a basic home and themselves. h.o.)
10 Lynn // Feb 5, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Why don’t they all set up a home in the 10 million dollar, 2 storey Canada Pavilion Tent?
There is no disputing the fact that a lot of the folks in the DES suffer from mental health issues that were in fact evicted from hospitals and group homes because the political party of the day thought their rights and freedoms were being violated. Those people need to be looked after. There are another set of folks who suffer from addiction. Another set of folks who look for free handouts. They choose not to work.
So, who do we help first?
(Response: Actually that $10 million tent might be fitting as public housing AFTER the Games … that would help amortize the ridiculous cost … for a tent! And provide a “lasting Olympic legacy” .. until the wind blows. h.o.)
11 StandUpforBC // Feb 5, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Harvey, I do apologize for my hasty, inconsidered, and inaccurate comment that you had said there is “nothing” we can do for the homeless.
I fully understand why you would feel the need to correct me on this. And I feel especially terrible, given how much I admire your commitment to the pursuit of what is good and decent.
My passion hijacked my brain (no excuse there though).
Again, my sincere apologies.
(Response: Lots of credit to you! That’s what I like about the dialogue on here … most are mature enough to admit errors when they make them ..even me. As for the others.. we’ll both keep working on them. And hopefully not lose our passion in the process. h.o)
12 Henri Paul // Feb 6, 2010 at 12:18 am
The Pivot Legal Society red tents are the last item anyone should be concerned about.
The only thing that is going to occur after the “party”is, there will be more people out of work along with more tenants looking for more space to sleep on the Vancouver side walks.
With all those folks loseing their livelihood in Kitamat, no one should be surprised if many end up in Vancouver.Many small BC towns have lost their main, and some their only employer
Vancouver has “all” the major medical facilites, health services, Doctors, social houseing,food banks , good temperate climate , transit, lowest priced groceries, etc, me thinks the chickens are come home to roost.
(Response: I think we CAN be concerned when any group (government or Pivot) are exploiting people .. like the homeless .. using them as characters in some ongoing political play. But you are certainly right about what we are going to face after the party is over: tougher times; anger; loss of more services, labour strife etc. h.o)
13 Crankypants // Feb 6, 2010 at 8:32 am
There may be a better way for Pivot to get their message out to both the government and the world. We have been bombarded by the media pointing out that there will be all kinds of “FREE”(a questionable assertion as someone had to foot the cost) things to attend. The only reason that the MSM has been advertising these “FREE” events is to assuage the commoners that can’t afford to buy tickets to any real olympic events. Sorry, I got sidetracked. Why doesn’t Pivot marshall up a large group of these homeless people, shopping carts in tow, and attend as many of these “FREE” events as possible. This could not possibly be seen as an attempt to embarrass government types as one must assume that “FREE” events are open to all comers. And if these “FREE” events have security checks that will not allow shopping carts, then Pivot can either use the money they save from not buying red tents to rent some storage space for the carts and still escort their charges to these events. I would suggest that Pivot have many of their people be armed with video cameras and or cell phones to document the proceedings as I’m sure that the security types will not be too cooperative, but as I see it if something is advertised as “FREE”, there should be no restrictions based on status.
14 A Dave // Feb 6, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Harvey, I don’t necessarily disagree with your criticism of Pivot, but it seems to me that when VANOC won the bid they made an agreement called The Inner City Inclusive Committment. Essentially, the Olympics were going to be used as a springboard to addressing some of the main issues of the DTES. Instead of embarrassing VANOC, millions were thrown their way, and what exactly was acheived? Which committments did they meet? Well here are some (not all) of the key committments they made.
I say embarrass the hell out of them for their failure to deliver on virtually all of their committments! Shame on them!
But you be the judge:
Business Development
- Develop opportunities for existing and emerging local inner-city businesses and artisans to promote their goods and services
Civil Liberties
- Provide for lawful, democratic protest that is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Commit to a timely public consultation that is accessible to inner-city neighbourhoods,
before any security legislation or regulations are finalized, subject to lawful and legitimate confidentiality requirements
Employment
- Create training and a continuum of short and long-term employment opportunities for innercity residents to encourage a net increase in employment
Financial
- Provide disclosure of all financial aspects of the Games, including expenditures and
revenues, in the bidding and organizing phase of the Games
- Commit to a comprehensive annual financial audit
Health
- Showcase a commitment to public health issues, including a comprehensive alcohol and drug strategy
Housing
- Ensure people are not made homeless as a result of the Winter Games
- Ensure residents are not involuntarily displaced, evicted or face unreasonable increases in rent due to the Winter Games
- Provide an affordable housing legacy and start planning now
Input to Decision-Making
- Work with and be accessible to an independent watchdog group that includes inner-city
residents
- Develop full and accountable public consultation processes that include inner-city residents
(Response: Terrific points ..and I have no problem with Pivot and other groups raising the issues every day with the various governments or VANOC . But don’t use/exploit the homeless themselves, gathering them up and stage directing them into bright red tents … using them as bit players for some giant Olympc photo op. h.o.)
15 Kim // Feb 6, 2010 at 9:36 pm
A solid idea crankypants, much like bussing the poor to attend New Years levies.
16 Wilson // Feb 9, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Damned straight Oberfeld and good on ya for calling it how it is. ! You can dump cash into the Olympics or you can dump more cash into the Hasting Street social experiment. Either way your blowing massive amounts of our cash on a small segment of the population where you will get squat for results. At least with the Olympics you get a happy meal and medal to go with that.
P.S. reading the comments you get a ton of commies on this site. Love it.
(Response: I would love to have more response from the right … but they don’t need this blog …they have a much wider audience on CKNW, Canwest’s newspapers etc which speak for them. h.o.)
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