Cornwall and District Immigrant Services Agency.
My name is Sarah Maynard and I am the Employment Program Coordinator for Cornwall and District Immigrant Services Agency.
In my 7 years of working with the newcomer population in Cornwall I have seen far too many of my clients fall in to the hands of poverty-due to many reason which include lack of credential recognition, discrimination and lack of social inclusion.
The increase in the minimum wage is a hopeful sign that people can begin to live better quality lives however the importance of dignity and respect at work should not be overshadowed by a higher wage.
Looking out at all of you today the belief that we need to fight poverty is evident. but in order to be successful, we need to keep the passion of today and bring it in to all of our tomorrow’s working together to build a community that recognizes the need for an inclusive community, one that takes care of the people who reside in it and one that promotes self respect and quality living for all.