By: Chris Nash
This year LEAF Sudbury will celebrate Person’s Day 2016 by presenting the documentary film, “Avenue Zero” on Wednesday, Oct. 19. The film and the Reception that follows will be in the Sheridan Auditorium at Sudbury Secondary School on College Street. “Avenue Zero” will be our seventh LEAF Sudbury Movie Night and our 27th celebration of Person’s Day in Sudbury.
Person’s Day is the anniversary of the final step in the enfranchisement of Canadian women when the Privy Council of Great Britain declared deemed women "Persons" so that they could be appointed to the Senate.
The Women’s Franchise Act of 1918 had given women the vote, though in Canada Asians only got the vote in 1949, Inuit in 1950, and First Nations in 1960. The Women's Legal and Educational Fund (LEAF) celebrates Person’s Day in every major city in Canada.
Our Sudbury event offers financial and moral support to LEAF, a national non-profit organization, to promote equality for women and girls through legal action and public education. LEAF has challenged discrimination against women by intervening at court cases on workplace and work issues, family issues, and on behalf of disadvantaged women.
It has supported Francophone rights, intervened in the "Rape Shield" Law and the Privacy of Personal Records. LEAF has helped ensure that in Canada we have a clear definition of "consent" in criminal law. Many of the decisions LEAF has "won" are being challenged again. As well we give books for local students and the public on Charter Rights issues.
Each year, LEAF Sudbury presents a film that makes us think about an important social issue. In “Avenue Zero”, Director, Helen Choquette, brings us face to face with the victims of human trafficking in Montreal, in massage parlours, in suburban homes.
We hear from witnesses, perpetrators and those who work with the victims. Human trafficking is a Canadian problem, and not just in the bigger cites. Sudbury is also a hub for those who prey on vulnerable young people to lure them into the sex trade further afield.
There is some coarse language in the movie. After the film there will be a panel discussion with representatives from the Greater Sudbury Police Service, The Angels of Hope and others who see the problems first hand.
Local businesses and professionals can sponsor the event and LEAF by advertising on screen before the film. To become a sponsor at $150, call Tannys at 705 586 6915.
Tickets at $25 each are available at the Apollo Restaurant on the Kingsway, Gloria’s Restaurant, Laurentian University and at the door. Ticket price includes the Gala Reception after the film.
Dr Chris Nash is a retired Psychologist and LEAF supporter.
Contact: Chris Nash - [email protected]
