A rally was held in Surrey to highlight the hardship faced by farmworkers, seniors, and others grappling with poverty.

Progressive Intercultural Community Services, a non-profit group that provides support to immigrants in Metro Vancouver, organized the event today (January 10). Charan Gill, CEO of the organization, said the goal was to raise awareness about poverty issues in B.C.

Gill said farmworkers demand the right to a minimum wage, statutory-holiday pay, and overtime pay. He said many are newcomers to Canada who are forced to work for low pay in poor conditions because of limited employment options.

“The major demand of the farmworkers was that they should be treated like any other workers in B.C,” he told the Straight by phone.

Gill also highlighted problems low-income seniors face in B.C. He said they have trouble affording prescription drugs and dental care. They also want better shelters at transit stops. Those in assisted living struggle with B.C. Hydro surcharges.

Gill said around 75 people attended today’s rally at a seniors complex, including Surrey MLA Jagrup Brar, who has vowed to live on B.C.’s $610 monthly welfare rate for 30 days.