Faith leaders pray for Ontario solons to support decent work

Faith leaders pray for Ontario solons to support decent work

Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition (ISARC) showed that they stand with people in Ontario and elected provincial officials in prayer to work together against poverty

By Ysh Cabana

Some members of various faith traditions speak out to ensure fair wages and to reduce poverty in Ontario.

A rally was led by the Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition (ISARC) in front of the Legislative Assembly at Queens Park on Thursday October 6.

Leaders of ISARC said the gathering is to acknowledge the serious responsibility that Members of Provincial Parliament undertake in their role as elected representatives for all the people.

Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, and Christians were represented in the “non-partisan” outdoor prayer vigil

“As religious and spiritual leaders, we have a history of pursuing fairness, justice, and compassion in our communities. We know that decent working conditions are essential to strong and prosperous communities, and are distressed that Ontario’s current labour laws do not protect workers from poverty,” the group said in a statement.

“In a wealthy country like Canada, no person should be living in poverty. Decent work must be a core aspect of Ontario’s anti-poverty agenda, along with other measures to ensure that all of us live in dignity,” it added

The group said poverty in the province include one in every eight people.

“Thanksgiving is a time when we traditionally are thankful for the blessings we’ve received. This festive celebration also challenges us to call to mind our disadvantaged in our midst,” the group said.

The prayer vigil is part of a series of actions that will culminate on October 7, the World Day for Decent Work.