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Campaign 2000 Update on the Federal Election
As this year's election campaign kicks into full swing, here's an update on what Campaign 2000 is doing and what we encourage YOU to do.
An August Angus Reid poll found that the issue of "poverty" ranks as 4th most important on voters' minds. Let's remind all federal candidates of what Campaign 2000 partners want them to do to end child and family poverty. Feel free to distribute this widely to your networks.
(a) Make Poverty History resources
Check www.makepovertyhistory.ca for downloadable posters and lawn signs you can use.
MPH is organizing all candidate meetings in swing ridings - check out the website and attend if there's one in your riding. Contact Liyu liyugu@familyservicetoronto.org if you need a copy of the MPH list of priority ridings.
(b) What Campaign 2000 plans to do:
We've sent letters to all party leaders with a series of questions on our issues. (Download Open Letter to party leaders) We'll summarize the answers and party platforms relative to our recommendations with a public statement and press conference. This is planned for Sept . 29 in Toronto, and with partners in selected cities. Check www.campaign2000.ca later in the campaign for a summary grid that tracks party positions relative to our demands.
(c) Proposed All-Party Debate on Poverty and Inequality, Oct. 6th in Ottawa
Thanks to NAPO who initiated this, Campaign 2000 is one of the sponsors of this proposed all-party debate on poverty and inequality on Oct. 6 in Ottawa. Many of you within our network also expressed strong interest in getting involved.
(d) Questions to candidates
-The Leaders Debate is schedule for Oct. 1 (in French) and Oct 2 (in English). We'd like to see a question asked on poverty. Please send one in to question@electiondebate08.ca
The more we send, the greater the chance it's asked. Here's a suggested question you can modify:
"Poverty and income insecurity is a growing concern for Canadians. A recent Angus Reid poll indicates that 'poverty' is ranked fourth on the list of top priorities for Canadians when they decide who to vote for federally.
Despite a strong economy over the past few years, Statistics Canada reports that 10.5% of Canadians live in low income. That's 1 in every 10 people in Canada. Many people are calling for a national poverty reduction strategy with specific targets to bring down poverty rates.
What will your party do to address poverty in Canada?"
(e) All Candidate meetings
Attend all candidate debates in your riding and ask a question on child & family poverty. For example:
Q. 1 in 8 children living in poverty according to Stats Canada data. Is your party willing to adopt specific targets and timelines to drastically reduce poverty? Will your party commit to reducing poverty by 25% in five years and by 50% in ten years?
Q. Federal child benefits play an important role in lifting families out of poverty. Will your party raise the combined Canada Child Tax Benefit and Universal Child Care Allowance to $5,100 per child per year?
Q. Will your party commit to make a system of high quality ECEC services a reality over the next decade for all who want it? If so, what steps would you take to implement that commitment?
Q. About 1.5 million Canadians live in housing that is unaffordable, over-crowded, substandard. Will your party invest in a National Housing & Homelessness Strategy?
Q. Poverty rates for Aboriginal People are alarmingly high. Will your party commit to a poverty reduction strategy for Aboriginal peoples that addresses the basic needs of every Aboriginal child and youth?
(f) Vote!
If not sure whether you're registered, check www.electionscanada.ca to get more info.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support,
Campaign 2000 Team at FST
Laurel, Jacquie, Liyu, and two new student interns Antoinette and Amanda
Liyu Guo
Campaign 2000/Social Reform
Family Service Toronto
355 Church St. Toronto M5B 1Z8
Tel: 416-595-9230 x244; Fax: 416-595-0242
E-mail Addr. & website: liyugu@familyservicetoronto.org
Websites: www.familyservicetoronto.org & www.campaign2000.ca
An OCSJ press release on International Human Rights Day
Download PDF.
An Open Letter to the People of Ontario in Response to the Poverty Reduction Strategy Announced by the Ontario Government
Download PDF.
ISAC Fall Update on Poverty Reduction
Read more....
Peel Poverty Action Group sends letter to local candidates
Read more....
Campaign 2000 Update on the Federal Election
Read more....
