Please Tell Prime Minister Stephen Harper to Honour Canada’s Promise on Poverty

Here is a letter from Make Poverty History urging Canadians to take action “together, we can affect change with our government and build a movement to tackle poverty and inequality:“

“Dear Canadians,

Monday October 17th is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

More than three million people in Canada live in poverty, including more than 630,000 children – one in every ten. And that does not include the shameful situation in First Nations communities where one in four children lives in poverty. This has significant impact on the health of First Nations children and future generations.

In 2009, MPs unanimously voted to “develop an immediate plan to end poverty in Canada for all”. Now there is a new bill to make that happen.

On June 20th, NDP MP Jean Crowder introduced Bill C-233, An Act to Eliminate Poverty in Canada. This proposed legislation comes very close to what we have advocated in terms of a law that would bind the federal government to a long-term commitment on ending poverty and to accountability for results.

Canada needs Bill C-233. This Act would obligate the Government of Canada to take action to end poverty in consultation with the provinces and territories, municipalities, Aboriginal communities, non-profit and private-sector bodies and civil society organizations.

Join us on October 17th by sending the following message to Prime Minister Stephen Harper:

Dear Prime Minister,

Twenty-two years ago Parliament voted to end child poverty in Canada.  Yet more than 630,000 Canadian children – about 1 in every 10, still lives in poverty. In 2009, all MPs voted to “. . . develop an immediate plan to end poverty in Canada for all.” Yet, most recent statistics indicate that almost 3.2 million people live in poverty in Canada.

As Canada heads into a period of economic uncertainty, NOW is the time for the government to take urgent steps to end poverty. Bill C-233, An Act to Eliminate Poverty in Canada deserves your support.  I urge you to exercise leadership to enact Bill C-233 and to ensure that sufficient resources – financial and human – are made available to implement the steps needed to complement family and community efforts to eradicate poverty.

Please also take a minute to add your voice to the more than 8,400 individuals and 540 organizations who have already signed-on to support Dignity for All: the Campaign for a Poverty-free Canada. A multi-partner, non-partisan campaign, Dignity for All’s vision is to make a poverty-free Canada a reality by 2020 through 3 key objectives: (i) a federal plan to eliminate poverty, (ii) an Act to ensure accountability, results and commitment to the plan, and (iii) sufficient federal investment in social security. Your support makes a difference!

Thank you,
Make Poverty History“

Contact Info:

Make Poverty History
39 McArthur Avenue
Ottawa ON K1L 8L7
613-740-1500

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You might also want to know:

Itinerary of International Day for The Eradication of Poverty Oct 17, 2011

This is an update to my previous blog You’re Invited: International Day for The Eradication of Poverty October 17, 2011.

For today’s FREE event of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty at the Pavilion, Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, the itinerary is as follows:

• 3PM Open – 3:30 Official Opening Words

• 3:45PM Open Mic Poverty in Canada

• 4:30PM FREE Soups Served, Open Mic World Poverty

• 5PM Open Stage Talent

• 6PM Feature Talent

Contact Info:

PACC (Poverty Action For Change Coalition)
Mailing address
21 Dunlop St. Suite
200 Richmond Hill, ON,
L4C-2M6

Phone daytime: 905-836-7931
Eves after 6pm – 289-221-0928

Email – povertyacc@gmail.com

Volunteers line: 905-895-3126

Itinerary of International Day for The Eradication of Poverty Oct 17, 2011

News Release

Oct 17 2011: Contact: 289-221-0928

Event: International Day for The Eradication of Poverty

            AKA – World Day to End Extreme Poverty

Date: Monday Oct 17 2011

Local Location: Pavilion, Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada (S of Water St & Eagle)

Time: 3-7PM

Itinerary 3PM Open – 3:30 Official Opening Words 3:45 Open Mic Poverty in Canada 4:30 Soups served, Open Mic World Poverty 5PM Open stage talent 6PM Feature talent

Newmarket, Ontario, Canada-

Expect to smell food, and hear music & drumming upon arriving, as Newmarket plays host to York Region Ontario’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Monday October 17 at Fairy Lake Park from 3 Pm until 7PM with free healthy and hot food / soup served, information booths, “starving artists” performing path-side, main-stage speakers and performers, and a mic for those wishing to speak out about poverty. The internationally marked event was first recognized by the United Nations in 1992 but was inspired and started by a French Priest named Joseph Wreneski as World Day to End Extreme Poverty.

On 17th October 1987, in the presence of 100,000 people from every social background and continent, Joseph Wresinski unveiled a commemorative stone in the Trocadero Human Rights Plaza in Paris. On this marble his call is engraved: “Wherever men and women are condemned to live in poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty.”

Since then the commemorative stone has become a rallying point for people from all walks of life.

October 17th was declared “International Day for the Eradication of Poverty” by the United Nations in 1992. In several countries, on the 17th of each month, people gather to acknowledge the lives and efforts of those living in extreme poverty, and to renew their commitment to join them in their struggle.

Since the York Region event has been held, from 2005, it has evolved from a milk-box and a microphone for performers and speakers to envelope beautiful Fairy Lake Park in Newmarket, and now offers opportunities for singers, composers, musicians and other performers to play original work on a stage, and at the same time keep the message of ending poverty alive beyond just Oct 17. In 2008 Newmarket town council approved officially endorsing the day and agreed to a permanent marker on site at Fairy Lake Park with regional council representative John Taylor unveiling the plaque before in 2009 unveiling the plaque – with its own commemorative rock – representative of the stone statue France – along with Mayor Tony Van Bynen.

2011’s York Region event will again offer free hot fresh food and some information booths / pamphlets including information from the Legal Clinic of York Region, The Housing Help Centre, York Region Food Network, Ninos Kom Tin ( aboriginal), Make Poverty History, Poverty Action for Change Coaltion and others.

This year the event is allowing “starving musicians” to line the paths surrounding the event to add to the atmosphere and split anything raised with the organizers to help pay for the event.

A main-stage is also part of the events features, not only used for the speakers but also for an “ Open Mic” session and for performers doing pieces relating to poverty including Feature Acts including : Native group Ninos Kom Tin drummers/singers, Composer / Singer – Guitarists Glenn Marais , Fred Joly, Hip Hop/Rappers - Krhyme Syndicate others TBA and you!.. performers wishing to come up must check in at the main-stage.

This link shows video from 2010 event – http://youtu.be/DG0Dyd3QD5E

www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved

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You might also want to know:

You’re Invited: International Day for The Eradication of Poverty October 17, 2011.

 International Day for The Eradication of Poverty
AKA – World Day to End Extreme Poverty

Monday, October 17, 2011

Pavilion, Fairy Lake Park,
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada

3 P.M. – 7 P.M.

Main-stage Performers – 6PM

FREE

“Expect to smell food, and hear music & drumming upon arriving, as Newmarket plays host to York Region Ontario’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Monday October 17 at Fairy Lake Park from 3 PM until 7PM with:

• FREE healthy and hot food / soup served,
• information booths,
• “starving artists” performing path-side,
• main-stage speakers and performers, and
• a mic for those wishing to speak out about poverty.

The internationally marked event was first recognized by the United Nations in 1992 but was inspired and started by a French Priest named Joseph Wreneski as World Day to End Extreme Poverty.

On 17th October 1987, in the presence of 100,000 people from every social background and continent, Joseph Wresinski unveiled a commemorative stone in the Trocadero Human Rights Plaza in Paris.

On this marble his call is engraved: “Wherever men and women are condemned to live in poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty.”

Since then the commemorative stone has become a rallying point for people from all walks of life.

October 17th was declared “International Day for the Eradication of Poverty” by the United Nations in 1992.

In several countries, on the 17th of each month, people gather to acknowledge the lives and efforts of those living in extreme poverty, and to renew their commitment to join them in their struggle.

You're Invited: International Day for The Eradication of Poverty October 17, 2011

Since the York Region event has been held, from 2005, it has evolved from a milk-box and a microphone for performers and speakers to envelope beautiful Fairy Lake Park in Newmarket, and now offers opportunities for singers, composers, musicians and other performers to play original work on a stage, and at the same time keep the message of ending poverty alive beyond just Oct 17.

2011’s York Region event will again offer free hot fresh food and some information booths / pamphlets including information from the Legal Clinic of York Region, The Housing Help Centre, York Region Food Network, Ninos Kom Tin ( aboriginal), Make Poverty History, Poverty Action for Change Coaltion and others.

This year in 2011 the event is allowing “starving musicians” to line the paths surrounding the event to add to the atmosphere and split anything raised with the organizers to help pay for the event.

A main-stage is also part of the events features, not only used for the speakers but also for an “ Open Mic” session and for performers doing pieces relating to poverty including Composer / Singer – Guitarists Glenn Marais , Fred Joly, Rappers – Krhyme Syndicate, & Spotlight Theatre presents cuts from RENT. MORE TBA!

Performers wishing to come up must check in at the main-stage or arrange in advance to ensure your spot.

This link shows video from 2010 event – http://youtu.be/DG0Dyd3QD5E“

Tom Pearson, Chair of Poverty Action For Change Coalition (PACC), said,

“You Are Invited!

Regardless of who wins (the Ontario election) I hope winners can come out to Fairy Lake Park from 3PM – 7PM and speak up and out about their plans to reduce or eliminate poverty…Those from groups or individuals that are affected by poverty as well as musicians and performers depicting poverty awareness are also welcome to come and participate!

Some of you participated in the Oct 17 event last year and previous years. This event is in it’s infancy but has huge potential.

For 2011 we will again have plug’n'play opportunities for performers to sing, drum, rap, speak or perform / display works and information that depicts or denotes or is related to poverty. Original works most welcome.

Once again we will offer performers a spot on our Main Stage as well as they are welcome to line the pathways and play to passersby with a guitar case or hat out. We ask that performers voluntarily donate 50% of what they earn to the cause.”

For more info or to confirm appearing, donate or set up a booth, call 289-221-0928 or email at povertyacc@gmail.com
Or visit
www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved

Tom Pearson
www.povertyacc.com

Contact Info:

PACC (Poverty Action For Change Coalition)
Mailing address
21 Dunlop St. Suite
200 Richmond Hill, ON,
L4C-2M6

Phone daytime: 905-836-7931
Eves after 6pm – 289-221-0928

Email – povertyacc@gmail.com

Volunteers line: 905-895-3126

Canadians, Send an Election Message to Party Leaders to Make Ontario Poverty Free!

Your vote in the Ontario election of October 6, 2011 can help to make poverty history.

This election presents a historic opportunity to make poverty history.

Here is a letter to Canadians in Ontario from Make Poverty History.

“September 29, 2011

Dear Canadians,

Your action in support of Make Poverty History during the last Ontario election put poverty on the provincial government agenda. In 2009 all parties voted unanimously for the Poverty Reduction Act.

This election, you can help make sure that poverty remains a key issue. Send a message to the leaders of the Ontario political parties urging them to commit to take action on eliminating poverty.

Thanks to government policy and investments, child poverty in Ontario went from 15.2 per cent to 14.6 per cent between 2008 and 2009. This means 19,000 Ontario children and their families were moved out of poverty – despite the recession’s very tough economic times.

Progress has been made. But much more needs to be done. 1.2 million Ontarians still struggle to make ends meet, and poverty costs the province an estimated $38 billion a year in increased expenditures in health care, social assistance and foregone tax revenues. We need to tell party leaders that it’s time to take the next step.

This week, our partners at Ontario Campaign 2000 released a political platform grid which compares each major party’s key commitments on issues that affect child and family poverty in Ontario. It shows that while most party platforms mention poverty reduction strategies, some parties still fail to make extensive commitments on critical issues that affect people living on low income and in poverty.

Send a message now to Andrea Horwath, Tim Hudak, Dalton McGuinty, and Mike Schreiner telling them that poverty is an important election issue to you.

Your vote is precious. Use it wisely. Vote for the candidate and party you feel can best help to make poverty history in Ontario.

Thank you.

Dennis Howlett
National Coordinator,
Make Poverty History”

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You might want to know:

• Calling Canadians: Make Poverty Eradication a Priority in the Ontario Election 2011

• Launch of Poverty Free Ontario Campaign in Newmarket September 15

• “Let’s Vote for a Poverty Free Ontario” Election Sign Blitz September 15

• “Let’s Vote for a Poverty Free Ontario”: New Date for Election Sign Blitz is September 15, 2011

• Please Support “Let’s Vote For a Poverty Free Ontario” on September 13, 2011.

• YRFN Invites You to POOR NO MORE Movie Events: Solutions to Canada’s Working Poor

Please Urge the Federal Government to Immediately Commit to a Federal Action Plan to Reduce Poverty in Canada

Your help is urgently needed to make a break-through on poverty in Canada.

Please support the report – urging the federal government to take action to implement the main recommendation of the Standing Committee’s report – Federal Poverty Reduction Plan: Working in Partnership Towards Reducing Poverty in Canada, which is to establish a federal poverty reduction plan.

Make Poverty History has contributed and pushed for this report, now we must make its recommendations a reality.

This report, Federal Poverty Reduction Plan: Working in Partnership Towards Reducing Poverty in Canada, (the HUMA Report), is the result of an extensive three-year study on the federal role in addressing poverty by the Parliamentary Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development (HUMA).

They support the key goals of the Dignity for All campaign by recommending that the federal government immediately commit to a federal action plan to reduce poverty in Canada.

Key components of a poverty reduction plan the committee recommends the federal government take action on include:

• Raising the Canada Child Tax Benefit and supplement to $5000 within 5 years;
• A long-term national housing and homelessness strategy;
• Measures to help the most vulnerable – a refundable Disability Tax Credit, easing EI (Employment Insurance) qualifications, increasing adult literacy, increasing and indexing GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) for seniors, implementing an early learning and child care strategy; and
• Major help for Aboriginal People for housing, education and social services, including elimination of the two per cent cap on federal funding.

There is an urgent call to action for Canadians to show their support for a federal poverty reduction plan by March 10, 2011.

We have been informed that the Federal government is currently considering setting up an agency to look at a federal poverty plan and that is why the March 10, 2011 date is critical.

The Canadian facts on national poverty are as follows.

In Canada right now:

• One in ten children is poor.

• Canada’s child poverty rate of 15 percent is three times as high as the rates of Sweden, Norway or Finland.

• Every month, 770,000 people in Canada use food banks. Forty percent of those relying on food banks are children. These statistics point to a betrayal of Canada’s children.

What makes the persistence of child poverty all the more disturbing is that Canada is such a resource-rich country. It doesn’t have to be this way. All children should have the chance to meet their potential.

Please send a message now to the government that we need immediate action to end poverty in Canada. And send a copy of your message to your Member of Parliament asking her/him to support the recommendations in the HUMA Report.

Please click here to send a message now to Diane Finley, the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, urging her to respond positively to the recommendations in the report:  and please ask her to commit to developing a poverty reduction plan.

Please Support The Robin Hood Tax

Here is a letter from Dennis Howlett, National Coordinator of Make Poverty History, asking for your help:

Dear Canadians,

Right now, we have an amazing opportunity to put in place a way of raising the money needed to end global poverty and help poor countries cope with the impacts of climate change. This is because the French government has proposed adopting a global Financial Transaction Tax, also known as the Robin Hood Tax, at the G20 Summit they will be hosting later this year. Finance Ministers from the G20 countries will be meeting in Paris a few days from now and the Robin Hood Tax will be high on their agenda.

Send a message to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty now asking him to support the Robin Hood Tax.

The Robin Hood Tax is a very small fee of 0.05% on all financial market transactions of stocks, bonds, currencies, commodities and derivatives. The fee would hardly be noticed by banks and long term investors, but it would help curb short term speculators whose casino- style trading was one of the causes of the global financial crisis a few years ago. It’s a tax that would not be paid by ordinary Canadians.

This tax would raise hundreds of billions of dollars each year that could be dedicated to poverty reduction and helping poor countries cope with climate change. With many donor country governments dealing with large deficits, and aid budgets in many countries frozen or declining, it is critical that we find other innovative ways to raise the necessary funds.

Make Poverty History is participating with our partner groups around the world in a Global Day of Action for the Robin Hood Tax. You can join in and show your support by taking action now:

1. Sign the online petition and join people all around the world in calling for the adoption of the Robin Hood Tax at the G20 Summit in November.
2. Send a message to the Finance Minister and your Member of Parliament. Let them know how important the Robin Hood Tax is to you.
3. Share the campaign with your friends on Twitter and Facebook. Help us grow this campaign!

Although the Canadian government opposed the Financial Transaction Tax and other proposed taxes on banks prior to the Toronto G20 Summit, I had an opportunity to discuss the merits of the FTT with Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty last fall. At the end of our meeting, he said, “Well, maybe I will have to have another look at this idea.” Our online action and lobbying efforts can make a difference. We need to keep up the pressure.

Please send an email to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty now asking him to support the Robin Hood Tax.

Thank you for your support.

Dennis Howlett,
National Coordinator
Make Poverty History

In the following letter,  Dennis Howlett, National Coordinator of Make Poverty History, is alerting us as concerned Canadians  that it’s time to take action on poverty and climate change:

Dear Canadians,

“A billion dollar Canadian bill? Take a closer look and you will notice that although it bears a slight resemblance to our $5 bill, this $1 Billion Climate Cash bill illustrates what could happen to our iconic Canadian winter scenes if we don’t take action on climate change. It also draws attention to the $1 Billion that is now being wasted on subsidies to the fossil fuel industry as well as the $1 Billion that is needed to help poor countries cope with climate change.

Check out the $1 billion bill and send a message to Harper.

A key issue that must be resolved at the United Nations Climate Change Conference that will take place in Cancun, Mexico next week is how developed countries will deliver on the promise made last year in Copenhagen to fund climate change adaptation and mitigation in low income countries. As the ones who are responsible for most of the extra carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that is causing climate change, it is only fair that developed countries like Canada help low income countries cope with the costly impacts of climate change such as rising sea levels, changes to the growing conditions for farmers and more frequent and severe weather events.

Agreement on how developed countries will come up with the $100 billion a year that is needed will not be easy to achieve. The global economic crisis has caused ballooning deficits in many developed countries, constraining their ability to deliver the funding that was promised last year in Copenhagen.

But there are solutions that would not only deliver on these funding commitments but would also provide several other positive benefits as well.

Canada and other developed countries can:

• End subsidies to fossil fuels and re-direct this money to funding climate change mitigation and adaptation in low income countries as well as investments in green energy. This would not only free up money that could be better spent, it would help to lower greenhouse gas emissions as well. It is estimated that Canada currently gives about $1 billion each year to subsidise the fossil fuel industry.
• Adopt a Financial Transaction Tax (also known as the Robin Hood Tax). A 0.05% tax on speculative trading could raise hundreds of billions of dollars each year for helping poor countries cope with climate change as well as fund poverty reduction programs. The FTT would have the added benefit of discouraging speculative trading, one of the causes of the global financial crisis.

Help make progress on climate change at the Cancun conference by sending a message now to Prime Minister Harper. Ask him to keep promises to help poor countries cope with climate change and to end subsidies to the fossil fuel industry.

Thanks,

Dennis Howlett
National Coordinator
Make Poverty History”

Contact Info

Make Poverty History
39 McArthur Avenue
Ottawa ON K1L 8L7
613-740-1500