MAKE POVERTY HISTORY - 2005

News Release

For immediate release: June 28, 2005

CANADIANS CALL ON PRIME MINISTER TO ACT TO END GLOBAL POVERTY AT THE G8
PMO receives piles of postcards and e-mails

OTTAWA - At a news conference today on Parliament Hill, the Make Poverty History coalition, along with Live 8 performers and organizers, called on the Prime Minister to listen to the growing mass of Canadians demanding their government act to end global poverty. They hand delivered thousands postcards and the names of almost 40,000 Canadians who sent emails demanding more and better aid, debt cancellation for poor nations and fairer trade rules, to staff in the Prime Minister's office today.

“Many thousands of Canadians are trying to make their voices heard to Prime Minister Paul Martin in an attempt to help make poverty history in 2005,” says Gerry Barr, co-chair of the Make Poverty History campaign. “And sadly, it still begs the question: is the Prime Minister actually listening?” Since June 17, the campaign has tracked nearly 20,000 e-mail messages to the Prime Minister through its web site at www.makepovertyhistory.ca

After making the delivery to the PM's office, the Make Poverty History coalition, artists and Live 8 organizers made their way to the public gallery of the House of Commons to watch the debate on foreign aid.

“The Prime Minister knows what's right. How many more children will die needlessly?” says Tom Cochrane. “Come on Paul, the pressure is on. We watched you today in the House and we'll be watching you at the G8 summit, to see if you are really listening to us and the 800 million people around the world who are going to sleep hungry tonight.”

“This is not about charity,” says Live 8 performer, K'naan, “This is about justice, and rich western countries, including Canada, stepping up to their responsibilities to correct the unfair imbalance in economic structures. It has to happen now, at this G8 meeting.”

The Make Poverty History coalition has been rallying Canadians since June 17 to email their MPs and the Prime Minister to demand an end to poverty. As the Live 8 concerts draw near, hundreds of thousands of Canadians are wearing their white bands and stepping up to show their support.

“People are demanding change on a global level, but we need the Canadian government to listen to these voices and make it happen,” says Live 8 organizer, Denise Donlon, “But we want Canadians to raise their voices loud and proud as well, to make sure the Prime Minister goes to Gleneagles with a message we all want to hear.”

World Vision supporters have actively expressed their belief that Canada needs to do all it can to make poverty history through postcards to the Prime Minister and a giant online postcard to get the attention of the Prime Minister. Already, more than 14,000 postcards have been sent via World Vision, and 18,700 people have signed their giant online postcard.

“Canadians have acted, now it is time for the PM to follow their example,” says Dave Toycen, president and CEO of World Vision Canada. “It is important for the Prime Minister to know that Canadians already give generously and regularly to battle the tragic crisis of poverty facing the world's children. Right now, the same Canadians are holding him to all the promises Canada has made to help nations struggling to provide for their children.”

Thousands and thousand of Canadians have spoken, and if that wasn't enough, there will be thousands more after Live 8.

For more information contact:

Katia Gianneschi
Media Relations
(613) 241-7007 ext. 311
media@makepovertyhistory.ca