MAKE POVERTY HISTORY - 2005

News Release

For immediate release: July 2, 2005

Live 8 Concert Set to Rock the World and Pressure World Leaders

Millions around the world will make their voices heard as performers take to the stage for Live 8. Today's concert, strategically scheduled in advance of the G8 meeting in Scotland, will send a clear message to world leaders that now is the time to act to end global poverty.

"More than one billion people live in abject poverty. Every day 50,000 people die from poverty-related causes. Today's Live 8 concerts will help pressure the G8 leaders to live up to their commitments to end poverty," says Gerry Barr, President-CEO of the Canadian Council for International Co-operation and co-chair of the Make Poverty History campaign in Canada.

Make Poverty History is part of an international movement with campaigns in over 70 countries. Make Poverty History, internationally, is calling for more and better aid, trade justice and 100 percent debt cancellation. In Canada, where one in six children is poor, we are also calling for an end to child poverty in Canada.

Gerry Barr, co-chair of the Make Poverty History campaign is at the Live 8 concert in Barrie and is available for interviews.

For more information contact:

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