Act on poverty report recommendations, Make Poverty History tells minister

Dennis's picture
Submitted by Dennis on December 17, 2010 - 2:47pm
Dennis Howlett is the National Co-ordinator for Make Poverty History Canada.

Human Resources and Skills Development Minister, Diane Finley, was urged to respond positively to the recommendations in the recent report on a Federal Poverty Reduction Plan from the House of Commons Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and Status of Persons with Disabilities Committee (HUMA). The etter from Make Poverty History strongly supported the Committee's first recommendation (3.1.1), “that the federal government immediately commit to a federal action plan to reduce poverty in Canada...” 

The letter also pointed out that while a majority of provincial and territorial governments have now adopted poverty reduction strategies, their ability to reduce poverty is limited without strong support from the federal government. 

Citing the facts that:

  • Canada ranks far behind most other developed countries in the extent of poverty among working age adults and among children.
  • Too many people in Canada are suffering from poor health due to living in poverty.  
  • The effects of poverty and social exclusion impede the economic and social development of society as a whole.
  • The cost of poverty in Canada has been estimated at between $72 and $86 billion.
  • Reducing poverty can generate a sizable economic return.
  • Implementation of poverty reduction plans in several Canadian provinces and other countries has shown poverty can be reduced.

the letter urged Minister Finley to respond positively to the HUMA Report by committing to develop a poverty reduction action plan.

You too can send a message to Minister Finley at: Support the Report.