From April 26 to May 2, Sr. Ursule Beaulieu of the Daughters of Jesus in Rimouski, Canada, participated in the social strike week in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region (the eastern region of the province of Quebec). This strike was organized to “wake up” municipal and provincial elected officials.

We demand adequate funding for essential public services and incomes that allow people to live with dignity.

As a member of the Coalition Against Poverty (RCA) and the https://trocbsl.org/organismes/corporation-de-developpement-communautaire-cdc-rimouski-neigette/ (CDC), I am involved in collective actions; out of 31 events taking place this week, I’ve chosen 5 that I’ll summarize here

A Forum Theater Event

On April 28, a forum theater event brought together about a hundred people from local municipalities and community organizations in the region; we observed that budget cuts are having a significant impact on the most vulnerable members of society. It is urgent that we all work together toward a common goal by providing concrete solutions to current problems.

Gathering

On April 30, about fifty people gathered to demand women’s rights, denounce the wage inequalities that impoverish women, and fight against the increasingly frequent femicides in Quebec—10 in the last four months.

A Day of Reflection

On May 1, the Collective for the Elimination of Poverty invited us to a day of reflection. About 75 people attended to discuss poverty. The narrative we hear needs to change because it is riddled with prejudices such as: to escape poverty, all you have to do is work; the education system ensures equal opportunities; with food banks, everyone has enough to eat; all sick people have the chance to receive free medical care; immigrants are stealing our jobs and our housing; we must not raise the minimum wage, which already costs society too much.

A public meeting

On May 2, a public meeting brought together about 40 people, most of whom were immigrant workers. We tried to figure out together how to respond to Bill C-12, the new immigration law. Quite a challenge!

We then went to Veterans’ Square to form a human chain commemorating the social struggles we have waged in recent years. About a hundred people held up signs illustrating our demands. Passersby waved to show their support.

On behalf of the Daughters of Jesus

It is on behalf of my community and all the Daughters of Jesus that I am taking part in these events. It is always with great hope and in solidarity with the people that I join in these demonstrations, which are gradually bearing fruit. Just as Jesus stood among the crowds, I am conscious of “honoring his holy humanity” (cf. R.V. fj. no. 10, p. 20) by collaborating with others for the well-being of the people in my community.

Ursule Beaulieu, fj

Rimouski, Canada