My Week On Welfare

An exploration of the reality versus the stereotypes of people on income assistance.

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Award-winning documentarian – and former teenage welfare mother – Jackie Torrens explores stereotypes about welfare recipients by going back on welfare for a week. She finds out what the day-to-day reality of life is really like for people on income assistance in Nova Scotia in 2015. During her week-long stay, she discovers unexpected insights and encounters the complex issues facing those on the system. Produced by Jessica Brown and directed & written by Jackie Torrens of Peep Media.

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Henk van Leeuwen

“Watch as Jackie Torrens crushes stereotypes and unleashes some potent storytelling. Everyone should watch My Week on Welfare, an important piece of made-in-Nova Scotia journalism”

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Pamela Harrison

“This is an extremely well done documentary on welfare life in NS. Jackie Torrens & her colleagues have made a thoughtful, respectful & well researched piece.”

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Graham SteeleAuthor, CBC political analyst, consultant on democratic development, former MLA and Minister of Finance in Nova Scotia

“I'm watching My Week on Welfare by @JackieTorrens on @CBCNS right now. Important, personal look inside "the system".”

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Sherry Smith

“My Week on Welfare brought the truth into our living rooms. Hopefully the conversation will continue and get louder and stronger.”

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Jennifer L. Campbell

“That was eyeopening! I'm feeling a lot more grateful tonight for my employment, clean and safe housing and the ability to buy whatever food strikes my fancy. Even when I thought I had it tough, I still had one foot on Easy St.”

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Lenore ZannNDP politician Truro/Bible Hill

“A BIG SHOUT OUT & CONGRATULATIONS TO Jackie Torrens for walking the talk when it comes to learning first-hand about the hardship and stigma of living in poverty.”

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Chris Harwood

“An eyeopener - Thank you for this documentary”