House of Commons passed a resolution on November 24, 1989 to eliminate child poverty by 2000.
Who Lives in Poverty?
Poverty
UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre, Report Card
Canada has ~15% child poverty rate, cf 2.4% in Denmark
The social gradient extends across the many different countries.
comparing highest and lowest income brackets in urban Canada in 1991
life expecancy was 78 vs 73 (Statscan)
The UK has a poverty reduction strategy
Quebec began in 2004, and Newfoundland in 2006
Build momentum and assert momentum is being built
"eliminating poverty is the best medicine money can buy" - David McKewan (sp), Toronto MOH
Good suggestions
10$ minimum wage
Stephane Dion - Nov 2007: 30-50 plan by 2012. 30% reduction in Canadians, and 50% drop in children, living in poverty
Income Assistance needs to be strongly coupled with community assistance to get people up and running.