On Wednesday September 2nd, the Jane Finch Community rallied together in support of the Jane Finch Action Against Poverty (JFAAP).
The intersection of Jane and Finch was filled with energy, as demonstrators and Community agencies took to the street to highlight a number of issues, including: Defunding the Police; Metrolinx LRT transit; eradicating poverty/food insecurity; and evictions and return to school policies during COVID-19.
Support for essential workers who worked during COVID-19 and did not receive their pandemic pay was another issue that took the spotlight. It is well known that these types of issues mostly impact low-income & marginalized families who rely on social programs for support and to thrive in their communities.
Organizers from Jane Finch neighbourhood agencies took time to present the issues that affect Jane Finch Community, offering solutions on how to address and dismantle these barriers. The Community, comprised primarily by people who identify as Black, Indigenous, racialized & new immigrants, has faced racism, police brutality, ongoing surveillance for years. JFAAP’s position is that these forces of marginalization have compounded the impact of COVID-19 in these communities. Despite this, but this the Community has shown its resilience, coming together to highlight the systemic barriers it faces and to encourage other residents to offer their support, to sign up for committees, and to continue practicing social distancing measures, which were in place throughout the action.
For more information on the Jane Finch Action Against Poverty, to donate or get involved, please visit www.jfaap.com.