Make Poverty History

Ten years have passed since the Sisters of Providence, led by Sister Shirley Morris, began the silent vigil to protest the Mike Harris government’s 22% cuts to social spending in 1995. Since then, Sisters and community members have stood in front of City Hall every Friday at noon, calling attention to widespread poverty and urging all three levels of government to implement policies that promote social justice.

The Justice & Peace Office of the Sisters of Providence organized two separate events to mark the tenth anniversary of the silent vigil. The first, an interfaith service Sunday, October 16th in the Providence Motherhouse auditorium, brought together leaders from many different faith traditions.

The hour long gathering proved to be a rich cultural exchange and a reminder of the common call for justice found in many religious scriptures.

As many as 300 Kingstonians showed up for the second event—a public vigil which took place the following evening at Kingston City Hall. Anti-poverty supporters held a 400 metre long white band, a symbol of the global Make Poverty History campaign, which surrounded City Hall.

A reception inside followed the vigil and featured two speakers linked with the local and global struggle to end poverty.