Ken Lyotier was a champion of the people in the Downtown Eastside, where he lived and worked since the 1970s. He was a tireless innovator and advocate for those living in poverty and for “binners,” people who earn money by collecting and returning recyclables.

Common Thread is a cooperative social enterprise based in Vancouver. The co-op provides practical and flexible training and employment in industrial sewing for women who are newcomers to Canada, who are living with mental health challenges, or who are experiencing other employment barriers. These women are able to thrive and learn in a supportive environment, acquiring new skills and taking...