Globalisation has created an economic boom  resulting in the reconstruction of world cities.  Those positioned to drink from the trough of global capital flows are benefitting greatly.  Those who are not have found themselves on the wrong side of a widening economic gulf separating rich and poor. In a society addicted to consumption corporations have been able to pressure governments to give them numerous tax advantages on threat of pulling-out.  Governments are increasingly strapped for money and are cutting social services to survive.  Some are trying to fight back many are left out in the cold.

Lawrence is a man who regularly pan-handles in this location.  He stands in front of a branch of TD CanadaTrust which reports multi-billion dollar quarterly earnings.  Part of its corporate success has come through reducing the hours, wages and benefits of its front-line employees who, for the lack of one pay-cheque, could easily find themselves begging too.