For Immediate Release                                                                  December 4, 2002

Homelessness | A Message for Working Canadians

Book launch & presentation of cheque to the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee.
December 5th, 2002

Toronto - On December 5th the Toronto & York Region Labour Council (TYLC) will launch a book "Homelessness | A message for working Canadians" by photographer Christopher Bognat and will also present a $5000.00 cheque to the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee (TDRC). "The labour movement has to fight for solutions to a housing crisis that today affects thousands and thousands of Canadians. Food, clothing and shelter are the most basic of human needs. Surely we cannot rest while there are men, women and children among us who don't even have a place to call home. Homelessness is a trade union issue" says John Cartwright, President of the Toronto & York Region Labour Council.

Cathy Crowe, founder of TDRC and street nurse will be on hand to receive the Labour Council's contribution. TDRC provides advocacy on housing and homelessness issues. They have declared homelessness a national disaster, and are demanding that Canada end homelessness by implementing a fully funded National Housing Program through the One Percent Solution www.tdrc.net .

Photographer and Canadian Auto Worker's (CAW) local 112 member Christopher Bognat has created a powerful photo exhibit depicting the homelessness crisis in Toronto. The humanity revealed in Bognat's photographs further emphasises that homelessness is a national disaster that needs to be addressed immediately. The photos will also be on display that evening.

In addition to the book launch the TYLC will be celebrating 2002 local labour "VICTORIES". These "VICTORIES" include: the Water Watch victory, the challenge to Hydro privatization, the campaign for Medicare, City Council "no sweats" resolution, the formation of the York Education Alliance, public sector worker's strike support and victories, the campaign to defend public education and much more.

Location: December 5, 2002

8pm

Auditorium, OFL Building, 15 Gervais Dr., Toronto

Media Welcome

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