Tunnel

back to economic factors…

economic factors…

The tiny tunnel connects one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Canada, St. James Town, to one of the most affluent, Rosedale. The short journey of crossing the bridge is actually painful, arduous, and for the most part, impossible for most, if not all, of the individuals living in St. James Town. Despite being highly educated, newcomers have difficulty gaining recognition, and consequently, employment.
‘Behind the Photo’ - The Photographer’s Story
  • This picture was taken at the rear entrance of Sherbourne Station. In my opinion, this image brilliantly captures the social and economic conditions of St. Jamestown, and the disparity between the rich and the poor. The tiny tunnel at the centre leads to a pedestrian bridge over a ravine connecting one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Canada to one of the most affluent, Rosedale. On one side of the bridge, there exists a neighbourhood full of new immigrants who have come from all around the world to be part of the rosy picture promised by the Canadian government. On the other side, the picture actually comes to reality. However, the short journey of crossing the bridge is actually painful, arduous, and for the most part, impossible to most if not all of the individuals living in St. Jamestown.
  • This picture of the tunnel probably encapsulates so many varied issues and concerns related to health in our neighbourhood that it would not be possible for me to cover all of them in this written piece. However, one issue that is quite blatantly apparent from the image is the economic disparity between the rich and the poor. Money is one single factor that quite literally affects one’s health in many different ways. First and foremost, financial stability leads to calmness, mental stability and a piece of mind. In terms of food, fresher and healthier alternatives such as green groceries are costlier than processed food. The money earned by some people is not even enough to properly feed them, let alone worry about healthy alternatives. Money also leads to better access to health. Most people living in St. Jamestown do not have the money to buy dental or an eye care plan.
  • This entire problem stems from one root cause which is the reluctance of the Canadian society, and not the government, to recognize the academic and professional credentials of new immigrants because for the private sector in Canada retraining immigrants is a profitable and lucrative business. Government and policy makers can introduce endless lists of legislation and regulations, and provide social support. At the end of the day it is in the hands of the person taking the interview to decide whether he will consider foreign experience of a candidate. The government and policy makers can do us a big favour and not spend our precious tax money on useless programs aiming at recognizing foreign credentials. The change and the acceptance have to come from citizens of the Canadian society, and there is no way on earth that this can be achieved by sentences written on pieces of paper.