"It is you rich people who have finished the water, and now you want us to share the consequences."

Hunger strikes raise thorny political, philosophical and even spiritual questions.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops praised the new ombudsperson office, noting it “has called attention to concerns and complaints involving Canadian-based and/or Canadian-registered companies which operate in other countries."

Advocates are concerned that Congress is willing to cut the programs to offset an expected $1 trillion deficit.

It will come as no surprise that Canadian economists are divided on the benefits of raising the minimum wage, but proponents say the hike is desperately needed following decades of wage stagnation that has led many Canadians to take on significant debt.

During my volunteer experience, I was mostly on the receiving end of mercy.