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October 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. From October 16 to 18, we will join millions of people around the world from Bangalore to Vancouver – and many places in between – in “standing up” to draw attention to the urgent need for governments to take action to end poverty.

Together we will make this pledge:

We are standing now with millions of people around the world on this historic day, to show our commitment to the fight against extreme poverty and inequality. We only have six years left to the 2015 deadline to realize the Millennium Development Goals.

Today, we Stand Up together to say to our leaders: Act now to achieve and exceed the Millennium Development Goals

We will continue to Stand Up, not just today but every day, to say: No more Excuses, End Poverty and Inequality Now!

On Friday, October 16 at 12noon, CPJ staff, board members, supporters and friends will be on Parliament Hill in support of Dignity for All. As part of our pledge, we, together with colleagues from Make Poverty History, will call on the Government of Canada to:

Commit to bold leadership at the G8/G20, to combat extreme poverty, transform global economic and financial systems, tackle the impact of climate change on poor countries and eliminate poverty in Canada.

For Canadians, Stand Up events mark an important step along the road towards the 2010 meetings of the G8 and G20. These meetings, which will be held June 25, 26 and 27, will bring together twenty of the world’s most powerful leaders at a resort in Huntsville, Ontario.

Critical decisions affecting the lives of more than 1 billion poor people are at stake – including many here at home. As the Canadian host of the meetings, our Prime Minister will play a significant role in setting the tone of the discussion.

This is an important chance to show the world that Canada is intent on Making Poverty History.

Help Make Canada a Leader on the World Stage

The 2010 G8 Summit marks 10 years since the world’s richest countries committed to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – eight targeted action plans to eliminate extreme poverty internationally. Key promises are falling due on Canada’s watch and we must step up to the challenge to make sure the G8 keeps its word.

Action is also urgently needed here at home.

In March 2009, Parliament supported a motion calling on the government to “to do everything possible to ensure that the G8 and G20 ... address especially the core challenge of redressing ... poverty and its social and economic effects.” But less than two months later, the Government of Canada rejected the UN Human Rights Council’s recommendation that “Canada implement a national poverty eradication strategy.”

At least 1 in 10 Canadians live in poverty, among Aboriginal Canadians, people with disabilities, and newcomers the rate is much higher. Social assistance and Employment Insurance are inadequate to keep people out of poverty. Even those working full-time at minimum wage are condemned to a life in poverty. The rate of poverty in Canada has not changed substantially over the past 25 years. Growing disparity places greater strain on low-income Canadians as they struggle to provide a life of dignity for their children. With the current recession more and more people are at even greater risk of falling into poverty and facing the challenges of social exclusion.

We need our government to follow-through on international commitments and to action on poverty in Canada.

Support the Dignity for All Campaign by signing on online now.

Since its launch in May 2009, Dignity for All: The Campaign for a Poverty-Free Canada has received the official endorsement of over 150 organizations and almost 2500 individuals from across Canada. Supporters include the Anglican Church of Canada, the At^lohsa Native Family Healing Services, CUPE Locals 813 and 2745, and many more. The goals of the campaign are a federal plan for poverty elimination, an anti-poverty Act, and federal investment in social security for all Canadians.

Join us as we Stand Up and call for an end to poverty. Parliamentarians need to receive a clear message that they can no longer give short shrift to the pressing challenge of poverty in Canada.

For information about Stand Up events in other communities, please visit www.standagainstpoverty.org.