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National Day of Action to End Child Poverty in Canada
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Make Poverty History Day of Action : Canadians Coast to Coast Act to End Child Poverty at Home
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Canadians from Vancouver to Charlottetown called on the government to act now to end child poverty in Canada on October 17, the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
More than 15 years ago the House of Commons unanimously resolved to eliminate poverty among Canadian children by the year 2000. More than 15 years later and five years after the 2000 deadline, they have clearly failed to do so. On October 17, Canadians from coast to coast called for urgent action now. Events were held in more than 50 cities. A sampling of events follows.
A 'Walking Tour of Poverty of Charlottetown' featured a float with a clothesline for a 'dirty laundry airing'. The walking tour highlighted the various anti-poverty issues at play in the community. Stops included McDonald's, where University of PEI students addressed the issues of the minimum wage reality and corporate responsibility, the Charlottetown Food Bank where speakers addressed the real cost of food and MP Shawn Murphy's office where participants met with him and discussed federal government responsibility.
Community groups in St. John, NB chalked up the floor of the City Market to paint a graphic picture of poverty. The event raised more than $400 for P.R.O. Kids. - a local program providing financial assistance, recreational and cultural opportunities to youth.
In Ottawa about 150 people joined a rally on Parliament Hill organized by Campaign 2000, National Anti-Poverty Organization and other local groups. Jack Layton and other MPs participated. Leaders of the organizations addressed the crowd, followed by aboriginal drummers and street theatre performances.
In Kingston, approximately 400 participants formed a solid white band around City Hall. The band, sewn from old sheets by two Sisters of Providence, was 400 metres long as it had to go around a fenced off construction site behind the building as well.
In Toronto about 150 people participated in a poverty breakfast followed by the wrapping of St. James Anglican Cathedral.
In Guelph, twelve different student groups at the University of Guelph jointly organized a walk through campus from all directions, with everyone wearing white and banging a drum every 3 seconds. Then they formed a human white band in the middle of campus, while audio quotes were played in the background. Lampposts and trees were covered in white Make Poverty History banners. They garnered extensive media coverage throughout the university and city.
Poverty awareness week in Saskatoon was launched at City Hall. Events were held throughout the city.
In Vancouver Councillor Ellen Woodsworth present a Make Poverty History Proclamation for Make Poverty History Day October 17.
In Victoria approximately 100 people participated in a Film Screening of "Hide & Go Homeless", made by Victoria youth about living in poverty in the 'Garden City'. The film screening was followed by three guest speakers and a public dialogue on Making Poverty History in Victoria.
In Yellowknife, activists presented MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew with 8 large Make Poverty History banners full of signatures. Ms. Blondin-Andrew committed to raising the demands of the MPH campaign upon returning to Ottawa. The event was featured on the television nightly news.
Fifteen municipalities issued Make Poverty History proclamations for October 17, including the cities of Langford, Nanaimo, Parksville, Port Alberni, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Prince George, Richmond, Vancouver, Victoria and White Rock in BC as well as Calgary, Kingston, Saskatoon and St. John.
In addition, Canadians across the country sent emails to Finance Minister Ralph Goodale and Social Development Minister Ken Dryden, and their own MPs, urging them to take action to end child poverty in Canada.
For more information:
Read We Can Make Child Poverty History by Dennis Howlett, Executive Director of the National Anti-Poverty Organization
Read about the federal government's National Child Benefit Supplement
Download NAPO’s action kit
Check Campaign 2000 for national and provincial Report Cards on Child Poverty in Canada
NAPO
Canadian Council on Social Development
World March of Women
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
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