By David Parker, Calgary Herald

Too many immigrants are doing quite menial tasks here although they are well-educated and, before moving to Canada, were skilled tradesmen or qualified professionals. It is a tragedy as well as an embarrassment.

Some are not able to find equivalent work here because of problems communicating efficiently in the English language; but too many are hampered because of a lack of funds to enable them to take the time to study and afford the costs of taking exams to acquire the necessary accreditation.

The Social Economy story published here is the first of ten stories that together will conclude the second phase of a two phase project. Complimentary to the first phase, designed to provide practitioners’ perspectives on what the Social Economy means to them and their communities, the second phase speaks to the national movement present. Taking a look at how the Social Economy creates solidarity within the country (i.e. between non-profits, CED organizations, credit unions, etc.) and how this inspires practitioners in their work.

STAND UP is a three day global mobilization to show our solidarity with anti poverty activists around the world. We want to break a Guinness World Record (again) for the largest coordinated mobilization of people and send the strongest message possible to leaders around the world - "no more excuses: act now to end global poverty".