Toronto musician and producer Chris Birkett has received Ontario MPP Chris Glover’s Community Recognition Award. Birkett is a multiple award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer who has worked with such A-list artists as Sinead O’Connor, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Talking Heads, Quincy Jones, and Steve Earle.
He was nominated in recognition of his song Everyone Deserves A Home, which shines a light on the growing homelessness crisis in Toronto. “As someone who experienced homelessness in my youth,” says Birkett, “I believe that the millions of dollars certain billionaires spend on frivolities such as vacations in space could go a long way to supporting social programs that provide safe and secure housing. Giving a homeless person a place to live helps them to become an active, contributing member of society.
“It breaks my heart to see so many people suffering without a home,” he adds. “We hope the song and the awards ceremony inspire people to encourage politicians to solve this crisis and help create more thriving communities.”
Watch the video for Everyone Deserves A Home below and follow Chris Birkett on Facebook and Twitter.
