I believe that freedom from poverty is a human right.
I believe in equality among all people.
I believe we are all entitled to social and economic security.
I believe in dignity for all.
NOW is the time to end poverty in Canada.

I SUPPORT

dignity for all:
the campaign for a poverty-free Canada

Dignity for All? Canada Reneges on Human Rights Commitments

By Joe Gunn and Karri Munn-Venn | Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

Human Rights Council LogoIn 2006, the UN’s Human Rights Council was mandated to "undertake a universal periodic review … of the fulfillment by each State of its human rights obligations and commitments.” Canada has been under review this year and delivered its response to the Human Rights Council in Geneva on June 9.

68 recommendations were presented to the Government of Canada. Ottawa accepted 39, rejected 14 and “partially accepted” another 15. As part of its response, Canada has refused to implement a national poverty eradication strategy that incorporates a human rights framework, using the tired old argument that addressing poverty is the responsibility of other levels of government.

Read more »

Now is the time to end poverty in Canada

By Karri Munn-Venn and Rob Rainer | Monday, May 18th, 2009

Millions of Canadians aspire to a life free from poverty – the hungry, the homeless and the disenfranchised; the working poor, the unemployed and the socially assisted; the Aboriginal, the immigrant and the person of colour; the person with disability, the parent and the pensioner.

In support of these aspirations, CANADA WITHOUT POVERTY and CITIZENS FOR PUBLIC JUSTICE are mobilizing the multi-year, multi-partner, non-partisan campaign, Dignity for All: The Campaign for a Poverty-Free Canada. CWP’s Rob Rainer, and CPJ’s Karri Munn-Venn are at the Canadian Social Forum in Calgary this week to announce the beginning of this exciting new initiative.

Read more »