OTTAWA – Today marks the 21st annual International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This day of observance was designated by the United Nations in 1993 in order to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries.
In Canada, income inequality and poverty have increased significantly since the first International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Child poverty rates in Canada are persistently higher than the OECD average, with close to 50% of Aboriginal children living in poverty.
“Greens believe that in a country as prosperous as our own, it is unacceptable that almost 900,000 Canadians will need to use a food bank this month, or that 300,000 are homeless,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP for Saanich–Gulf Islands. “That’s why our party is committed to eliminating poverty through a Guaranteed Livable Income.”
"We can reduce poverty and greenhouse gas emissions at the same time with Carbon Fee and Dividend," said Green Deputy Leader Bruce Hyer, MP for Thunder Bay–Superior North. "It would put a price on carbon and give the revenue back to Canadians on an equal, per capita basis - providing a basic income for all."
Contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
(613) 614 4916
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca