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Stephen: The key social program we are missing is universal childcare, good quality universal childcare. Something, especially for mothers primarily, that allows them to get out into the community and make a difference for their own sake. And they are better and more fulfilled as human beings by having richer experiences, gaining education, etc. Peaceful Communities: You have been to Africa many times - you have been concerned with her systemic problems, including violence that touches the people at such a young age. Is there a tie between these seemingly remote concerns and the world over here? Stephen: In my speech I referred to how hard it is to overcome violence, once those cycles are there. To overcome an environment that is not peaceful, that is a real challenge. The same efforts reverberate here though, on a different scale. The hostile political environment in Ontario right now makes it difficult for solid programming to flourish, for example. The savage cutbacks create pockets of anxiety. We are trying to compensate at a community level for that provincial political environment. Peaceful Communities: What makes Canada uniquely capable of producing peaceful communities? Is there a uniquely Canadian challenge, too? Stephen: There is a quality of Canada we know as multiculturalism. By and large we have these vibrant communities, thanks to this principle, but we know there is also racism throughout our country, too. The multiculturalism of Canada is a great strength - that much is unique. And we have to figure out how to foster it further, genuinely. Peaceful Communities: Who is not involved in these issues enough? How do we change that? Stephen: I don't think people in general think about peace in their communities enough. Groups like Peaceful Communities are admirable to bring it to the forefront. People, instead, tend to think in compartments overall. So more groups and organizations need to break through the silos of thinking that is out there. There are a few groups in British Columbia who are discussing these things, but there really isn't much else out there right now. Peaceful Communities: Thank you so much for your time. Stephen: My pleasure.
*Photo by Ron Craig |
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