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Every Friday since November of 1995, members of the Justice and Peace Office
and other citizens of Kingston, Ontario, have gathered in front of City Hall in a
silent vigil to protest a province that excludes people. Originally a means of urging
the Ontario government not to cut taxes until it addressed the root causes of
unemployment, it continues as an act of solidarity with the province's hardest-hit
and weakest citizens, the women and children who are bearing the brunt of the cuts.

The vigils are intended to heighten public awareness of the fact that social programs
are not costs, but investments in people and their communities. The vigils are silent
so that prayer and meditation focus on one issue.

"Through silence we also convey a powerful symbolic message," adds Sister Pauline Lally,
director of the Justice and Peace Office. "We help call attention to the fact that the voices
of so many people in our province are not being heard. "

Continuing through -40 C cold, summer heat waves and rain storms, the Friday gatherings
have become a rallying point for members of Kingston community. The silent vigil continues
every Friday from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.

Oliver Doyle, Peter Kormos, Sister Pauline,
community member and Vince Maloney

About 25 community members join the vigil

Peter Boyle, Peter Kormos, Vince Maloney and Beth Pater

Pete's kingston Labour Page! - Kingston Labour Council Page
Steelworkers Local 343~ My local union web site