English EventsSummer 2010.___________________________The Immigrant Workers Centre Annual Appeal 2010 PAJU's weekly vigil: joins boycott of Indigo/Chapters; Benefit show for G-20's arrested :Take the Boys + Danny Rebel; Love in festival to save Parc Oxygène our endangered little green space; Mermaid Masquerade (A Talisman Benefit for "The Flood Thereafter"); Women's world conference call for participation; Call out for speakers at Take back the night at Ottawa Parlaiment Hill; Support the humanitarian mission of the Canadian Boat to Gaza; Calamity in Pakistan : Flood of Compassion ; Solidarity concert for the World Education Forum in Palestine; ------------> ------------> immigrant workers centre annual fundraising [iwc_cti ] The Immigrant Workers Centre Annual Appeal 2010. Moving with the times…moving ahead.
Dear friend, A decade after the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC) was established by a group of immigrant workers and supporters, our new office positively buzzes with activity. We moved to our new premises on Van Horne, near Plamondon metro, in one of Montreal's most diverse, working-class neighbourhoods of Côte-des-Neiges in February, on one of the coldest days of winter. Come by to check it out if you have not already done so. And now, as the temperature - outside and inside - is rising, w are writing to you to seek for your continued support for the months and years ahead.
These are busy, but very exciting times for the IWC. Fielding around 200 calls a month a steadily increasing number of workers coming into our office for support and advice. Many of their experiences are shocking, alarming and disturbing. But they are finding the courage to stand up for their rights and dignity, with the support of IWC. Today we are writing to invite you to be part of an exciting initiative to support the everyday work of this vibrant organization which defends the rights of immigrant workers in Quebec. By becoming a regular donor to the IWC, through a small, monthly gift, you can ensure that its vital work continues.
In the past year, we have been working with a growing number of immigrant workers who drop in to the centre after being hired by labour agencies, only to be laid off by companies which still owe them wages. The IWC recently helped to coordinate a campaign by around fifty workers, mainly from North Africa and Latin America, who had been hired in this way by a cellphone repair company which had received government funding to integrate new immigrants into the workforce, and then closed its doors, owing thousands in wages to the workers. IWC and the Union of Food and Commercial Workers ran a public campaign, including staging a demonstratio in front of Emploi Quebec to highlight the situation of these workers, and supported the lodging of collective complaints for wages owed to them.
The Commission des normes du travail has ruled that the workers are indeed entitled to this money, and, with IWC's support, they have now received 50% of the wages owed to them – and so the struggle continues.
We at IWC see the day-to-day struggles of workers that we support – whether on an individual or collective basis – in the context of a bigger, very worrying picture. The Harper Government is zealously promoting a system of guestworker programs which will further entrench the exploitation of an underclass of cheaper, disposable migrant workers in a range of jobs. Under Citizenship and Immigration Canada's low-skill pilot program (Pilot Project for Occupations Requiring Lower Levels of Formal Training) these workers are labouring in the fields to grow the food that we eat, working on the meat-packing chain, hotel, and other sectors, at a time when getting permanent residence is being offered to fewer people. IWC has also supported mainly Filipino workers subcontracted to a landscape gardening agency, and other workers working for a videogame company facing a similar predicament by unscrupulous employers. What we're seeing are more and more workers hired by labour agencies suffering collective non-payment, and being forced to fight for eligibility for collective dismissal and EI.
Indeed, last year was the first time that the numbers of temporary foreign workers arriving in Canada exceeded those arriving as landed immigrants. That's why the IWC sees education and mobilization about the interconnections between its case-work, our grassroots campaign for CSST (worker compensation board) coverage for domestic workers and new immigrants to Quebec, support to take cases of laid-off garment workers to the Commission des normes du travail, support work for immigration/status cases with public campaigns and media work, advocacy, workshops, lobbying and building and sustaining coalitions and networks with other groups, communities which are struggling for a more just future, in Montreal, across Quebec, Canada, and internationally. Those connections between the local and the global are key to understanding the context, and breaking the sense of isolation around what sometimes seem like individual cases, and for strategizing about how to mount an effective collective campaign.
The IWC, staffed mostly by volunteers, does an enormous amount of work to support the rights and dignity of some of the most precarious and exploited workers in Montreal and Quebec, and its reputation and news of some of its victories has spread to other cities and provinces in Canada and beyond. What the IWC achieves on very modest funding is quite incredible.
So we are asking you to join us and make a real difference in 2010 and beyond. With more resources, the Centre's capacity to meet a daily demand from some of the city's most vulnerable workers – would be greatly improved. With your support, there is so much more that can – and must- be done, such as:
* Build our leadership development and education programs and material in order to reach and organize more immigrant workers. * Hire a fulltime organizer to address the ever-growing needs of immigrant workers in Montreal, and work on a living wage campaign
Sincerely,
PS: If you would like a tax receipt please make cheques payable to: Québec Institute for International Research and Education (QIIRE). If you are interested in becoming a regular donor to IWC, please let us know. You can make monthly donations, in the form of post-dated cheques out to QIIRE. Please write “Immigrant Workers Centre” in the memo line. Cheques can be mailed to the Immigrant Workers Centre: 4755 Van Horne, Suite 110 Montréal, Québec, Canada H3W 1H8 You can also donate on line by going to and clicking on the donate button. Phone: (514)342-2111. Fax: (514)227-2268. ------------> ------------>
Weekly Vigil Noon to 1 PM End the occcupation ! Join PAJU and support the heroic resistance of the Palestinian People. Become part of the longest-running protest vigil in Canadian history, every Friday in front of in front of Indigo Books on the north-west corner of Ste-Catherine St. and Mcgill College. Friday, September 3rd, 2010 from noon to 1 PM
Silent vigil in protest against the occupation.
Venue: corner of Ste-Catherine St. and Mcgill College.
Invite your freinds. We hope to see you there. The Vigil Committe. ------------> ------------> take the Boys + Danny Rebel + Dance Party Time & Hour: September, 4th, 2010 at 7 pm Venue: Théâtre St. Catherine 246 Ste. Catherine E Montreal, Benefit show for G-20's arrested
Presented par RASH Montreal (Red and Anarchist Skinheads) Take the Boys .. http://taketheboys.com/welcome.cfm http://myspace.com/taketheboysmusic
Danny Rebel in solo Door at 7pm Show at 8 pm. Cost: 5$. ------------> ------------> parc Oxygène Sunday, September 5th, 2010
Music + Dance the free Parc Oxygène Summer Love-In Musical Festival to save our park continues!
Live music and dance instruction in the park! (the little east/west green alleyway between Parc & Hutchison, Pine & Prince Arthur).
Bring a chair & refreshments (if it rains, event postponed). http://facebook.com/parcoxygene in the park, 4pm-6pm, free! To save Parc Oxygène - our endangered little green space (west of Parc, east of Hutchison, south of Pine, north of Prince Arthur) SUMMER LOVE-IN FESTIVAL TO SAVE OUR PARK CONTINUES! . Sept 5 - Mega show - music, dance, more! if it rains, event postponed)
Norman Nawrocki http://www.nothingness.org/music/rhythm ------------> ------------> (A Talisman Benefit for "The Flood Thereafter") Day and time: September 9 septembre, at 8pm Freestanding Room 4324 St-Laurent Montreal, QC Join us for an evening of entertainment and mischief-making in support Talisman's upcoming production of "The Flood Thereafter". The festivities begin at 8pm, Thursday, September 9th. Bring your dancing shoes, cunning, and currency to the Freestanding Room (4324 St-Laurent, 3rd floor) and help us conjure an enchanted evening of occulty opulence.
Witness the glory of Kirsten Rasmussen's fish-mongering clown turn. Weather the sa...lty… err… sultry motions of Holly Gauthier-Frankel's mermaid burlesque. Divert yourself within the chancy extravagance of country-fair bingo and maybe even snare yourself a rustic prize.
Your own homespun crafts and/or folksy services will be gratefully accepted as donations for prizes. If you've such an trinket or talent that you'd like to contribute to the cause, please email ------------> ------------> call for participation at WOMEN'S WORLD Deadline : September 15, 2010
Only one month left to answer the call Just a reminder: the deadline for the Women's Worlds 2011 'Call for Participation' http://womensworlds.ca/call-participation is September 15th.
WW 2011 is an occasion to connect and converse about the ways in which women across the planet are breaking cycles, ceilings, barriers, and ground. Proposals for presentations can come from individuals, groups, coalitions, networks, teams - everything will be considered.
There are several ways to submit your proposal use the simple online form, http://www.womensworlds.ca/call-participation-submission-form
print off and email the pdf version, or fax it in. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact We can't wait to hear from you, WW 2011 ------------> ------------> until August 31 to submit a participation for September 23, 2010 Call Out for Speakers for Take Back the Night Take Back the Night
Day: September 23rd, 2010 Venue: Parlaiment Hill Ottawa, ON
Call-out for speakers
Every year, women in Ottawa come together to Take Back The Night, a collective effort to assert safety for women in the streets of Ottawa and a call to end violence against women.
This year more than ever, essential services offered to women across the country are threatened by a conservative government who has, for years, been attempting to erode sections of the women’s’ movement. This year’s theme will then be Take Back The Night: Demand Our Rights. To address this theme in a diversit of ways, we are inviting women to express their interest in speaking at this year's Take Back the Night rally and to elaborate, in their own words, on the chosen theme. To make a submission to this speaker callout, please send an email to before August 31th, 2010 with the following: • Your name • Your contact information • The organisation you represent (if applicable) • A brief outline of the theme you would like to discuss at the rally (max 5 minutes)
In an effort to support a diversity of women to speak, we encourage women who have never taken a speaking role at our events to come forward. Please indicate in your submission if you have spoken at a Women's Event Network event TBTN, IWD, December 6th) before. Priority will be given to women who have not spoken before. Subsidies will be made available if needed. ------------> ------------> support the Canadian Boat to Gaza
The time has come to send a Canadian Boat to Gaza this fall, along with other ships heading to the besieged strip from all around the world. But we need your support to make it happen. The tragic May attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla has only strengthened the resolve of people from many nations to put together another flotilla to challenge the years-long illegal Israeli blockade of Gaza. This blockade is enforced by Israel's unlawful attacks on humanitarian aid ships in international waters. The blockade is also sustained by the Canadian government's unconditional support for Israel. It falls upon us, the Canadian people and our schools, unions, community and faith organizations to change this unjust status quo.
Your help is needed now to send humanitarian aid from the people of Canada to the people Gaza in a bold and direct effort to end Israel's blockade. This Canadian Boat to Gaza project has two objectives. First, it will inform Canadians about what Israel is doing to the people of Gaza and to all of the Palestinian people. With your support, this awareness campaign will be achieved through outreach, organizing and media work that encourages Canadians and their organizations to support the Canadian Boat to Gaza's mission.
Second, the Canadian Boat to Gaza will undermine the blockade by shipping vital supplies into Gaza and returning with exports made in Gaza - thus asserting the right of Palestinians in Gaza to trade with the world, rather than be at the mercy of international aid. We will carry humanitarian aid that Canadians donate. The boat will also carry Canadian public figures and activists trained in non-violence, who are committed to breaking the siege of Gaza, as well as journalists and reporters. Our mission is part of the next Gaza boat flotilla, working in cooperation with the Free Gaza Movement which has sent and coordinated many boats to break the siege of Gaza over the past years.
The Canadian Boat to Gaza is a peaceful humanitarian mission -- a people-to-people non-violent direct-action We sail with the spirit of promoting human rights for all and the conviction that there can be no peace without justice. Today, Palestinian people are counting on us to help them realize their rights we take for granted - to live in peace, make a living, enjoy free movement, and control their own boarders. We do not represent any government and our relationship with any state or government will not go beyond what is mandated by maritime law.
The estimated cost of this mission is $300,000. Raising this sum will depend on the generosity of those of us who can afford to make substantial donations such as $1,000 or $500 dollars, but every dollar counts and every donation is valuable, so please give what you can. Help us end the blockade of Gaza by supporting the Canadian Boat to Gaza. Spread the word. We sail soon - in October! So please join others across Canada and make your support for the Canadian Boat to Gaza a priority now. Your endorsement is much needed and your financial support is much appreciated. Please make your checks payable to: Alternatives (please write: "Canadian Boat to Gaza" in the memo field) and mail it to: Canadian Boat to Gaza C.P. 92087, Portobello Brossard, Quebec J4W 3K8 Information: ------------> ------------> Flood of Compassion
Venue : Moti Mahal Restaurant 1024 Jeal Talon West Montreal, QC
The calamity in Pakistan is unfolding at a catastrophic rate and millions have been left homeless and shelterless. We are hosting a fundraising event for the victims of the flood in Pakistan in hopes of raising $10,000. The money will be donated to Oxfam.
Until September 12th the Canadian government has promised to match dollar for dollar any aid money given to major charities. ------------> ------------> artist Action for Education in Palestine
Solidarity concert for the World Education Forum in Palestine fall 2010 Friday, September 24th, 20h30 suggested donation: $10-20 Cabaret Mile-End 5240 avenue du Parc (close to Fairmount) Montréal, Québec .
Featuring performances by . Kalmunity Jazz Project the Jazz element to the city-wide Kalmunity artist network featuring multiple horn instruments, drums, percussion, vocals, guitar, bass and additional music. Kalmunity has caught the minds and consciousness of people throughout this city, as a cultural network presenting a groundbreaking cultural space that celebrates social justice and innovative musicality. As a collective of local artists, they are dedicated to promoting and perpetuating the potential of art as a tool for communication and activism for social, politica and environmental consciousness. info:
Paul Cargnello is a celebrated Montreal singer-songwriter known for honest lyricism will present a solo performance on the hells of a new album that serves up another measure of conviction & political activism.
Valerie Khayat is a performing poet/singer-songwriter with a beautiful songs that reflect a background in communication & philosophy, Khayat first full-length CD is called "Resonance in blue"
Norman Nawrocki is a Montreal violinist, author and actor who has toured the world since 1986 promoting ‘creative resistance.' Nawrocki has recorded and released over 50 albums and compilations, both solo and with his bands like Rhythm Activism, Bakunin's Bum, DaZoque!,The Flaming Perogies, etc. Nawrocki also performs his anti-sexist, anti-homophobic, queer positive 'sex' comedy shows across Canada and gives workshops about how to use the arts for social justice. Nawrocki's last book was 'Dinner for Dissidents.' http://nothingness.org/music/rhythm
Jai Guru is a band combining reggae rhythms with folk and urban grooves that provide the backdrop for rich vocal harmonies. Their lyrics deal with pressing issues in current affairs challenging the listener to take action against social injustice. Composed of six talented musicians hailing from various known bands (Dobacaracol, Kodiak, Thomas Jensen, Papagroove, Coyote Bill), Jai Guru expresses the richness of their messages through their spell-binding melodies, creating an ambiance that is groovy and intimate. http://myspace.com/jaigurumusic
organized by the Quebec committee to support the World Education Forum in Palestine Info 514 982 6606 x. 224 Les billets sont en vente au bureau d'Alternatives: 3720, avenue Du Parc Montreal, QC H2X 2J1 (514) 982-6606 . sponsored by Alternatives, the Coalition for Justice & Peace in Palestine, CKUT radio . for more information on the World Education Forum visit ------------> ads to calendar: reseau nothingness: mailman-owner@lists.nothingness.org url of l'agenda militant: |
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