1. Ontario turns corner on more than a decade of poor bashing, says Pat Capponi
2. Poverty Plan Lays Foundation for Action, Budget investments must be next step
3. TAKE ACTION: Investments key in the 2009 Ontario budget
4. Regulating Temp Agencies – Good News for Temp Workers, says Workers Action Centre
5. Hardship of welfare getting harder, Ontario’s welfare incomes falling behind
6. Red letter day for poverty reduction: selected media and partner links
7. Thank you: More than 1,500 endorse 25 in 5 Declaration for Poverty Reduction

“What may get lost in the back and forth over whether the provincial Liberals have gone too far or not far enough in their poverty reduction strategy is that it marks the end of a particularly shameful period in Ontario …  it ends more than a decade of poor bashing, of deliberate and callous targeting of those living in poverty.”

Who said it? Pat Capponi, in Long years of poor bashing finally brought to an end, an op-ed in the Toronto Star (Dec 8)

Poverty Plan Lays Foundation for Action

Ontario is on track to becoming a leader in poverty reduction in a plan that is not only crucial to the province’s economic recovery but is also the right thing to do, says the 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction.

Tens of thousands of people across Ontario called on the government to commit to a plan to reduce poverty reduction by 25% within the next 5 years. They asked for a plan with targets, timelines, and accountability. And the politicians listened – Ontario now has that plan.

By securing this commitment, poverty reduction cannot be ignored in next five provincial budgets.  The next step is to secure sufficient investment in the spring budget and to push for the federal government to come to the table to do its part.

The good news is that the stimulus package needed to kickstart Ontario’s struggling economy is rooted in precisely the investments that are needed in poverty reduction: it’s about new affordable housing and more child care spaces, it’s about putting money into the pockets of low income families so they can make more than ends meet at the local grocery store.

Related Links

The 25 in 5 response to the Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy

The 25 in 5 Partner Key Messages/Analysis

Pat Capponi’s message to supporters of the 25 in 5 Network

“With Ontario signing on to our vision for a fairer and more just province, we have achieved a real milestone, a concrete foundation from which to continue our efforts. More than this, we’ve demonstrated what can be accomplished when government is prepared to seriously sit across the table with us to develop a poverty reduction strategy that works.” 
Read More…

Official Strategy Document

Looking for the official “Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy: Breaking the Cycle” documents? Click here.

We have the foundation.  Now the real work begins.

Now, more than ever, it’s time to talk to the politicians who make the decisions, the media that reports on the issues, our colleagues, neighbours and family:   Ontario needs a down payment on poverty reduction in the 2009 budget to make the 25 in 5 commitment a reality.

Every voicemail, phone call, letter and email counts!  Contact the Premier; Finance Minister Dwight Duncan, and your local Member of provincial Parliament and let your voice be heard.  Email to  dmcguinty.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org and dduncan.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org.

Our message is this:

1. Good start, way to go: Ontario is on track to becoming a leader in poverty reduction in Canada.  We applaud our Provincial government for delivering a plan and a promise to reduce poverty by 25% over the next five years, and for demonstrating leadership by investing in Ontario’s most vulnerable citizens.
2. Poverty Reduction Plan is not only the right thing to do, it is also crucial to the province’s economic recovery: Is crucial that we do not press the pause button on this promising commitment now that we have momentum on our side.  Governments at all levels must understand that today’s focus on poverty reduction can become tomorrow’s headline about a strong economy.
3. The place to start is in the 2009 Budget: The roadmap to our collective prosperity runs through investments in poverty reduction.  We need to take the following 3 steps in the upcoming 2009 spring provincial budget:
   • Stimulate local economies by putting money into the pockets of low income families through action that speeds up the implementation of the Ontario Child Benefit, and increases incomes for those on Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program;
   • Invest in infrastructure development of new affordable housing units; and
   • Invest in infrastructure development through the expansion of early learning and child care spaces.

Action taken in the next budget will be not only the next test of the government’s resolve on its poverty reduction strategy – they will also be investments in our collective prosperity.

OTHER ACTIONS:

Join the Movement for Poverty Reduction in Your Community
Leadership in Hard Times: 25 in 5′s Tour to Promote Poverty Reduction had its last stop this morning in Mississauga. The tour visited 25 cities and talked to hundreds of people across the province. Poverty reduction activists and communities coordinated events and came out to share their input, clearly demonstrating how engaged the poverty reduction movement is right across the province. For information on getting involved locally, visit www.povertywatchontario.ca and check out past events for contacts in your community or contact us at info@25in5.ca.

Make your voice heard for Poverty Reduction at the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs Pre-Budget Consultations
While oral presentations are now over, you can still submit your feedback to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. You can send a written submission to the Clerk of the Committee at william_short@ontla.ola.org by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2009.

The Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition included the following in their submission:

“ISARC congratulates the province on new positive directions to reduce and eliminate poverty in this province. The announced policy and program changes will affect people who have for too long been in a survival mode. Faith communities appreciate the attention paid to community-based programs where people assist each other to break the cycle of poverty. “

Click here to read their full submission.

There are other ways to TAKE ACTION on our website.

Regulating Temp Agencies is Good News for Temp Workers, says Workers Action Centre

The Ontario government’s announcement of legislation to protect temporary agency workers is good news for temp workers.

“Temp agency workers and the Workers’ Action Centre (WAC) have been fighting for years to get temp workers the same basic rights that their permanent co-workers have – the rights to public holiday and termination pay, vacations and sick days; contract information; the ability to enforce employment rights and be free from shameful fees and barriers to permanent work,” says Deena Ladd, WAC Coordinator. “The Ontario government’s announcement to improve protection of temp agency workers demonstrates that it has heard what workers have said about the realities of temp work.”

Link to press release and backgrounder http://www.workersactioncentre.org/

Hardship of welfare getting harder

Welfare incomes in Canada are increasingly inadequate to meet basic needs,with Ontario seeing the harshest loss over the past two decade, says a new report by the National Council of Welfare.

The report shows the biggest loss in welfare incomes was in Ontario in 1995 under the Mike Harris Conservative government when welfare for able-bodied people was cut by 21.6 per cent and frozen for everyone for the next nine years.  While rates increased slightly under Dalton McGuinty’s Liberals since 2004, they have never reached pre-1995 levels, forcing Ontario’s 675,000 people on welfare and disability support to live far below the poverty line.

More from the Toronto Star story by Laurie Monsebraaten

Check out the National Council of Welfare’s “Welfare Incomes” Report http://www.ncwcnbes.net/en/home.html and for more information visit the National Anti-Poverty Organization at http://english.napo-onap.ca/Default.asp.

Red letter day for poverty reduction: selected media and partner links

Selected media coverage:

Ontario backs ’25-in-5′ poverty plan, Toronto Star (Dec 4)
http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/548215

First Steps on poverty draw praise from anti-poverty activists, vow to ensure the Liberal government lives up to its promise – Toronto Star coverage
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/548853 includes historical timeline of poverty milestones since 1792 (Dec 5) http://www.thestar.com/News/article/550392

We can win war on poverty, say Howard Elliot in the Hamilton Spectator (Dec 6)
http://www.thespec.com/article/477848

Watch highlights from the 25in5 press conference on Dec 4, via Sun TV
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2008/12/05/7640611-sun.html#/news/2008/12/04/pf-7638271.html

Peterborough Community Poverty Reduction Strategy Group praise the province’s new strategy to reduce poverty, Peterborough Examiner (Dec 5)
http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1331617

The economic argument for reducing poverty is compelling. It’s the smart thing to do, says Kingston Whig Standard editorial (Dec 8)
http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1334803

Ambitious plan to reduce childhood poverty in Ontario by 25 per cent in five years was unveiled at Queen’s Park, London Free Press (Dec 5)
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Local/2008/12/05/7641981-sun.html

Thumbs up for poverty plan, says Chatham-Kent poverty reduction roundtable, Chatham Daily News (Dec 5)
http://chathamdailynews.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1332927

Poverty plan includes after school programs for ‘high needs’ neighbourhoods, Fort Frances Times (Dec 5)
http://www.fftimes.com/node/217091

In the shadow of the federal political firestorm, Ontario quietly introduced its long-awaited poverty reduction strategy, Cornwall Standard Freeholder (Dec 5)
http://standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1331075

Ontario’s strategy to lift 90,000 kids out of poverty meets enthusiasm, skepticism – Central to plan is $230M annual increase in provincial child benefit, Sault St. Marie Star (Dec 5) 
http://www.saultstar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1331693

Poverty plan draws local praise, Sarnia Observer (Dec 5)
http://theobserver.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1330721

We can’t battle poverty with a system that undermines the very people it’s supposed to help, Toronto Star Editorial (Dec 8)
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/549437 (Dec 8)

Plus selected links from our partners:

We got what we asked for.  Now the real work begins.  Public message from the June Callwood Campaign Against Child Poverty in Toronto Star (Dec 6)
View the ad in PDF format

Peel Action Group: Strategy to fight child poverty a good start (Dec 5)
http://www.mississauga.com/article/21741

Colour of Poverty: Too many gaps in poverty plan… Focus on kids a good start, but breaking down stats by race called key to knowing who needs help (Dec 7)
http://www.thestar.com/article/549804

Wellesley Institute Backgrounder: Ontario’s new poverty reduction plan provides solid foundation; more investments required (Dec 8)

RNAO: Nurses welcome the McGuinty government’s roadmap to lift children out of poverty (Dec 4)
http://www.cnw.ca/en/releases/archive/December2008/04/c7248.html

OFL: Government leadership and grassroots community work yield results on poverty reduction (Dec 4)
http://ofl.ca/index.php/news/index_in/government_leadership_and_grassroots_community_work_yield_results_on_povert/

ACORN: Ontario takes modest first steps towards poverty reduction (Dec 4)
http://www.acorn.org/index.php?id=10850

Marvyn Novick has a goal. He wants to reduce poverty in Ontario by 25 per cent in five years and 50 per cent in 10 years. And he’s looking for your input.  From the Oakville Beaver (Dec 5)
http://www.oakvillebeaver.com/news/article/224496

THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

By endorsing the 25 in 5 Declaration we sent a clear message to the Provincial Government that action on poverty reduction cannot be delayed. We expect a Poverty Reduction Strategy to be announced in the coming days that will reflect the spirit of the 25 in5 Declaration

And you can still add your voice. Visit www.25in5.ca and sign on for poverty reduction by endorsing the 25 in 5 Declaration.

About the Countdown to a Poverty Reduction Plan eBulletins

The 25 in 5 Network is steered by a coalition of Ontario organizations including Campaign 2000, the Income Security Advocacy Centre, the Social Planning Network of Ontario the Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition, The Colour of Poverty Project, the Ontario Coalition for Social Justice, Voices From the Street, among others.

This is a weekly bulletin from 25 in 5 to its contact list of supporters and interested parties across the province. The Countdown Bulletin is intended to keep you up to date on the development of a poverty reduction plan for Ontario and to let you know how you, your organizations and networks can help make it happen.

For more information visit www.25in5.ca

1. Quote of the week: Canada Needs Ontario’s Courage on Poverty Reduction, says Roy Romanow
2. 25 in 5’s Five Tests to assess Ontario’s upcoming Poverty Reduction Strategy
3. Poverty Reduction is smart economics, especially in hard times
4. “Leadership in Hard Times” tour: 16 stops around Ontario and counting
5. Child poverty soaring in GTA, says new report
6. TAKE ACTION: New Pre-budget dates announced… Dec 5 deadline to sign up
7. More than 1,400 endorse 25 in 5 Declaration for Poverty Reduction

“Premier McGuinty has boldly pledged to make poverty reduction a priority and to bring down a comprehensive plan this week. The fact that the Premier has remained committed to this timeline even in this toughest of economic times is encouraging. It is vital that provinces like Ontario that have shown leadership avoid the cold feet syndrome in these times of uncertainty.  The rest of Canada needs this display of strategic courage.”

Who said it? Roy Romanow, former Premier of Saskatchewan and Commissioner on the Future of Health Care in Canada, and currently Chair of the Canadian Index of Wellbeing Network Board.

Read Romanow’s op-ed in the Toronto Star (Dec 2)

At its October 27th General Assembly in Toronto, the 25 in 5 Network unveiled its “Five Tests for Success” which will be used to assess the strength of the province’s much anticipated Poverty Reduction Strategy.

The five tests are:

TEST #1: A 25 in 5 TARGET

• Setting a 25 in 5 target would make Ontario the first jurisdiction in Canada to set a specific target for reducing poverty.
• A 25% reduction would mean reducing child poverty from 12% to 9%, lifting 80,000 kids out of poverty.  It would mean reducing the number of all poor Ontarians from 10% to 7.5%, lifting 323,000 Ontarians out of poverty.

TEST #2: A SOLID MEASURING STICK

• Statistics Canada produces a number of reliable measuring sticks annually that would fit the bill:  from the Low Income Measure (the major international standard for poverty measurement), to the Low Income Cut-off  and the Market Basket Measure.
• Ontario also needs to track progress in key policy areas that ultimately drive success in reducing poverty: whether work is sustaining families; how income security programs are preventing poverty; whether affordable housing, early learning and child care, and public education are meeting the needs of Ontarians; how populations-specific groups are doing (newcomers and racialized communities, lone mothers, aboriginal peoples, people with disabilities).

TEST #3: POLICY SPECIFICS
Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy should outline specific policy commitments in each of the three priority areas outlined in the 25 in 5 Declaration:

1. Sustaining employment means assuring a living standard above poverty for any adult who works full time throughout the year. It means fair pay and stable working conditions for all Ontarians.
2. Livable incomes mean dignity for all Ontarians – including those unable to work.
3. Strong and supportive communities mean affordable housing, early learning and child care, public education and community programs that help people connect.

TEST #4: LEGISLATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO KEEP THE PLAN ON TRACK

• Legislation that invites all parties to support Ontario’s poverty reduction strategy.
• Ongoing Cabinet Committee on Poverty Reduction and a new Poverty Reduction Secretariat
• Annual public reporting on progress.
• A new Citizen’s Advisory Committee that includes people living in low income.
• Ongoing public consultation as the plan unfolds.

TEST #5: A DOWNPAYMENT IN 2009 BUDGET

• Ontario must commit to introducing specific first-steps measures and investments to build momentum for the strategy in the 2009 spring budget.

Read more about 25in 5’s 5 Tests For Success of Ontario Government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy

The evidence is mounting that investing in infrastructure such as affordable housing and early learning and child care, along with strengthening the incomes of vulnerable families and adults, will reduce poverty while at the same time stimulating demand in local economies across Ontario.

• The forgotten fundamentals: how strong social programs can play a vital part in an economic stimulus package, Ken Battle, Sherri Torjman and Michael Mendelson, Caledon Institute, December 1
• Poverty reduction is the right way to stimulate and key to addressing economic crisis, writes Toronto Star Columnist Tom Walkom
• Governments can use crisis to repair and rebuild infrastructure while fighting poverty, says economist Armine Yalnizyan, Toronto Star, Nov 17
• Poverty costs Ontario billions per year, reveals new study.  A landmark study by Ontario’s food banks reveals that poverty has a price tag of up to $13 billion per year in lost revenues for federal and provincial governments.
• Ontarians waiting for leadership on poverty reduction, says Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives poll
• Public investment in affordable housing delivers powerful benefits, Michael Shapcott, Wellesley Institute
• Economic crisis no excuse to abandon anti-poverty fight, Opinion article by economists Arthur Donner, Mike McCracken and Armine Yalnizyan in Toronto Star, October 21

The 25 in 5 Network has already touched down in 16 cities as part of a 25-stop provincial tour to promote a Blueprint that can make Ontario a leader in poverty reduction.

The six-week “Leadership in Hard Times: 25 in 5′s Tour to Promote Poverty Reduction” discusses the coalition’s consultation document, A Blueprint for Poverty Reduction: Leadership in Hard Times.  It argues that action on a poverty reduction plan is especially necessary in tough economic times, and identifies the various policy tools that are at Ontario’s disposal to tackle poverty.

More than 300 participants attended 25 in 5 events last week in Hamilton, Thunder Bay, Niagara, Woodstock, Kitchener, Woodstock, Cambridge and Halton.

Go to www.povertywatchontario.ca for more information, pictures and links.

And check out upcoming December dates in Kingston, Durham, Windsor, London, Ottawa, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Peterborough and Simcoe County.

Selected Media Coverage:

• Community support needed to aid in elimination of poverty, Oxford Sentinel Review (Nov 27)
• Poverty groups form coalition to tackle largely hidden local problem, Owen Sound Sun Times (Nov 27)
• Poverty is Corrosive: Ontario is child poverty center of Canada, Welland Tribune (Nov 27)
• Invest in people to eradicate poverty, Hamilton Spectator (Nov 25)
• A blueprint to tackling poverty comes to North Durham, Kawartha Media Group (Nov 25)

From the Toronto Star

“This report highlights the changing face of child poverty,” said David Rivard, executive director of the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. “It’s no longer just the inner core of the city – it’s moving out to the suburbs as well.”

The report, entitled “Greater Trouble in Greater Toronto: Child Poverty in the GTA,” is the first comprehensive look at child poverty rates in the 905 area since 1991, and comes days before the province is to release its first-ever poverty reduction strategy.

“Poverty is so entrenched in the city (Toronto), that it tends to eclipse what’s going on elsewhere,” said Colin Hughes, a Toronto CAS community development worker and author of the report. “The community really needs to know it’s a big problem elsewhere, too. Even though child poverty is not as big numerically (in the 905), the degree of change between 1990-2005 is alarming.”

Hughes says the data highlight the effect of urbanization on poverty. Often, low-income people tend to settle in larger communities, where they expect there will be more services, more rental housing and more jobs, he said. As the communities grow, so does poverty.

1. Sign Up and Speak Up for Poverty Reduction at Pre-Budget Consultations

The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, a.k.a. the “pre-budget committee”

The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs (a.k.a. the pre-budget committee) is the all-party committee that consults Ontarians annually on budget priorities – it is critical that this committee hears the 25 in 5 message: Ontario needs a downpayment on poverty reduction in the 2009 budget. That means new dollars for programs that will make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

The Committee recently announced that it intends to hold public hearings in Niagara Falls, Windsor, Thunder Bay, Sudbury and Ottawa during the week of December 15, 2008.

All interested people who wish to be considered to make an oral presentation should contact the Clerk of the Committee by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2008.  Those who do not wish to make an oral presentation but who are interested in commenting on the issue may send a written submission to the Clerk of the Committee at the address below by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2009.

Clerk: William Short
Tel. 416-325-3883
william_short@ontla.ola.org

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan Consultations

Ontario’s Finance Minister has launched a round of cross-provincial consultations to inform the 2009 spring budget. Dates available now in Sudbury and Sault St. Marie – Dec 12.  We need partners to commit to sign up and speak up for poverty reduction before the Finance Minister.

Click here to see more details and to find out how you can get involved.

2. Speak up for poverty reduction and why our Economy Needs a Poverty Reduction Strategy Now

As Ontario edges closer to the announcement of a Poverty Reduction Plan, it is more important than ever that we all speak up for poverty reduction.  From every voicemail, phone call, letter and email to our local MPP, to a passionate plea at our community center for signing the 25 in 5 Declaration, to that letter we have always wanted to write to our local newspaper… NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD!

Learn more here.

3. Join the Movement for Poverty Reduction in Your Community

Anti-poverty networks in 25 communities will be meeting in November and December as part of the “Leadership in Hard Times: 25 in 5′s Tour to Promote Poverty Reduction,” to get ready for the next stage of the Poverty Reduction campaign.  Now is the time to talk about our expectations of the government’s plan in December and to begin to organize our collective voice leading up to the 2009 spring budget in Ontario.

Details on times and locations is available here.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

By endorsing the 25 in 5 Declaration we sent a clear message to the Provincial Government that action on poverty reduction cannot be delayed. We expect a Poverty Reduction Strategy to be announced in the coming days that will reflect the spirit of the 25 in5 Declaration

Just some of the new organizations to endorse:

• Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
• Community Living Algoma
• Sault Ste. Marie Soup Kitchen Community Centre
• City of Kitchener
• A Place Called Home (Residence in Lindsay)
• Etobicoke Support Services
• Streetlight
• Preston Heights Community Group
• Poverty Reduction Work Group – Nipissing
• Canadian Mental Health Association, Ottawa Branch
• Evangel Hall Mission
• Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank
• Kingston Community Legal Clinic
• Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Burlington
• Sault Ste. Marie Indian Friendship Centre
• Justice & Peace Commission of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kingston and the Anglican Diocese of Ontario
• Cambridge Non-Profit Housing Corporation
• All Saints Anglican Church
• Thunder Bay and District Labour Council
• Children’s Aid Soceity of London & Middlesex
• Timiskaming Best Start Network
• Food Providers Networking Group

And you can still add your voice. Visit www.25in5.ca and sign on for poverty reduction by endorsing the 25 in 5 Declaration.

About the Countdown to a Poverty Reduction Plan eBulletins

The 25 in 5 Network is steered by a coalition of Ontario organizations including Campaign 2000, the Income Security Advocacy Centre, the Social Planning Network of Ontario the Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition, The Colour of Poverty Project, the Ontario Coalition for Social Justice, Voices From the Street, among others.

This is a weekly bulletin from 25 in 5 to its contact list of supporters and interested parties across the province. The Countdown Bulletin is intended to keep you up to date on the development of a poverty reduction plan for Ontario and to let you know how you, your organizations and networks can help make it happen.

For more information visit www.25in5.ca

1. Quote of the week: we can no longer afford to ignore costs of poverty, says bank economist
2. Poverty costs Ontario billions per year, reveals new study
3. Clergy urge Finance Minister to remember the poor in pre-budget consultations
4. 25-city tour promotes “Leadership in Hard Times” for poverty reduction
5. Young People with disabilities develop 25 in 5 Blueprint
6. The right way to stimulate: poverty reduction key to addressing economic crisis
7. Little progress on child poverty, threat increasing, says Campaign 2000 report
8. Workers need help now, say 1,000 voices at Good Jobs Summit in Toronto
9. TAKE ACTION: Three ways to make a difference on poverty reduction
10. And finally, the Five Tests for Assessing PRS

Who said it? Don Drummond, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist for TD Bank Financial Group, commenting on results from a new study that show poverty costs the federal and provincial governments up to $13 billion a year in lost revenues.

Read the press release or the final report

A landmark study by Ontario’s food banks reveals that poverty has a price tag of up to $13 billion per year in lost revenues for federal and provincial government.

From the Toronto Star: “It’s vital that Premier Dalton McGuinty’s government heed this message as it puts the finishing touches on its poverty reduction strategy.

Every day that we delay tackling the crisis costs us more. Poverty leads to social assistance costs, unhealthy families, children who do poorly in school, and untrained adults stuck in low-paying jobs, while high-skill jobs go unfilled.

The challenge, particularly now when the cupboard is rather bare, is that the investments come first and the savings later. By quantifying the total cost of poverty – it’s up to $38 billion a year, when all factors are combined – this report should give politicians the impetus they’ve been lacking.”

Check out the final report

Media Coverage:

• Poverty carries $38B price tag: study Ottawa Citizen, Nov 21
• Everyone pays the province’s $38 billion cost Toronto Star,  Nov 20
• Poverty costs Ontario $38b a year Hamilton Spectator, Nov 20
• Not addressing poverty’s root causes costing Ontario $13B annually: study CBC, Nov 20

“While we all have a role to play in reducing poverty, only government can launch the large-scale programs and policies essential for successful poverty reduction. Only government can re-allocate the resources of society more fairly through taxes and increased funding for affordable housing.”

Bishop Colin R. Johnson, Diocese of Toronto, Anglican Church of Canada, Public Service Ad in the Toronto Star, November 18, 2008

From the Toronto Star: “Toronto Anglican Bishop Colin Johnson will be at Queen’s Park today, urging provincial politicians to remember the poor as they look for a way out of current economic troubles.

The Canadian Islamic Congress has likewise called for more affordable housing, lower education costs, increased child tax benefits to low-income and working-poor families, tax cuts for low-income families and a plan to end homelessness.

In his presentation to Duncan, Johnson will call for strong measures to help the poor in the next provincial budget, expected in the spring, including a “decent, livable minimum wage” and programs for better dental and drug benefits, housing and support for people moving off social assistance.”

Read more from the Toronto Star coverage

760,000 children live in poverty in Canada, according to Campaign 2000 report

A provincial report released by Ontario Campaign 2000 says the province’s child poverty level is stubbornly high at 11.8 per cent and will get far worse if the province plunges into a recession.

According to Jacquie Maund, co-ordinator of Ontario Campaign 2000, “Now, more than ever, we need governments to make a solid financial down payment on a comprehensive poverty reduction plan.”

The report shows 324,000 Ontario children are living in poverty, with the average low-income family living $7,100 below the poverty line.

What can YOU do to support this message?

Take 2 minutes and go to www.campaign2000.ca to send an email message the Prime Minister & Opposition Leaders by following the link to the Make Poverty History site.

The 25 in 5 Network is in the midst of a 25-stop provincial tour to promote a realistic and achievable plan that would make Ontario a leader in poverty reduction.

The six-week “Leadership in Hard Times: 25 in 5′s Tour to Promote Poverty Reduction” was released a week ago at a 25 in 5 Summit in Toronto, just weeks before the Ontario government announces its poverty reduction strategy.  More than 100 leaders in the poverty reduction campaign from more than 25 communities across Ontario came together in Toronto to map out a common strategy for making gins on poverty reduction.

The coalition’s consultation document, A Blueprint for Poverty Reduction: Leadership in Hard Times, proposes specific steps to reduce poverty by 25% within the next 5 years. It argues that action on a poverty reduction plan is especially necessary in tough economic times, identifies the various policy tools that are at Ontario’s disposal to tackle poverty, and proposes a set of specific, multi-year steps to achieve the goal of 25 in 5.

Details of the tour and upcoming dates are available on the povertywatchontario.ca website.

On the road towards poverty reduction… community reports

• Sudbury, November 12. About 20 community leaders in Sudbury engaged in a discussion of the Blueprint.  The group included low income advocates, City of Greater Sudbury civic officials including a city councilor, representatives of the mayor’s office and the social services administration, community service leaders, public health officials, members of several local school boards, labour, academia and others.
• North Bay, November 13. The Blueprint was discussed with the North Bay Provincial Poverty Reduction Working Group at a lunch meeting and presented in the evening to a community gathering that included Liberal MPP Monique Smith at the Annual meeting of the North Bay Social Planning Council in the evening, where local Liberal MPP Monique Smith was in attendance.
• Parry Sound-Burk’s Falls, November 14. Marvyn Novick, Peter Clutterbuck and Mike Balkwill brought the Blueprint to a meeting of social and health professionals, civic officials including town councilors, and faith leaders, and local citizens in Parry Sound with a video-conference tie-in to a small group in Burk’s Falls.
• Bracebridge, November 14. The Blueprint road show moved on from Parry Sound to Bracebridge in the afternoon of November 14, where more than 40 people from the service, faith, civic, health and education community attended the presentation.
• Sault Ste. Marie, November 15.  Mike Balkwill working with the SPNO on the 25 in 5 cross-community campaign presented the main elements of the Blueprint at a forum on homelessness in Sault Ste. Marie.
• Cornwall, November 19.  About 50 people attended the forum, local city councilors, the local medical officer of health, teachers and students. Students from the St Lawrence Intermediate School who had participated in a Poem Contest in October read their poems on a “Life without Poverty”.  Following the Blueprint presentation, discussion ranged from what people could do to reduce poverty at the local level to the important role of the Federal Government.
• Belleville, November 20.  More than 100 community members attended an afternoon presentation of the Blueprint by Marvyn Novick in the Belleville Public Library.

For details on the times, dates and locations of the remaining 17 meetings in the Blueprint tour, see the calendar at www.povertywatchontario.ca

Selected Media Coverage:

• Reducing the cycle of poverty, Welland Tribune, Nov 14
• Poverty can be beaten, if steps taken: advocate Belleville Intelligencer, Nov 23
• Anti-poverty group unveiling 5-year plan Hamilton Spectator, Nov 20
• Development Council to unveil ‘blueprint’, Cornwall Standard Freeholder, Nov 19
• Poverty reduction must be provincial priority: Novick, Standard Freeholder, Nov 20
• Poverty warriors meet, Pembroke Daily Observer, Nov 5
• Meeting to address affordable housing, Belleville Intelligencer, Nov 7
• Meeting focused on poverty-reduction The North Bay Nugget, Nov 5

Three young people with intellectual disabilities attended and actively participated in the Leadership Forum on Poverty Reduction held in Toronto on November 17.

Cathy Lemon, Kenny Freeman, and Veronica Peake, all partners in a small catering enterprise called Lemon & Allspice – The Coffee Shed, framed their own declaration on poverty reduction in solidarity with the 25 in 5 Network.

To view their declaration see www.povertywatchontario.ca

Toronto Star columnist Tom Walkom writes, “I’m not sure that governments understand the nature of this slump. In fact, when Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty talks of putting off anti-poverty measures until the economy improves, or federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty muses about selling the CN Tower, I’m convinced they don’t get it.

Because for this country in this recession, income maintenance – ensuring that enough people have money to spend – is key to resolving the crisis.

It means, among other things, moving forward on anti-poverty measures – not just because it’s a nice thing to do, but because, in a serious economic downturn, it’s crucial that as many as possible have money to spend.  It also means moving forward on efforts to raise wages and purchasing power – from hiking the minimum wage to encouraging unionization.

Related Links

• Governments can use crisis to repair and rebuild infrastructure while fighting poverty, says economist Armine Yalnizyan, Toronto Star, Nov 17
• Ontarians waiting for leadership on poverty reduction, says new Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives poll
• Public investment in affordable housing delivers powerful benefits, Michael Shapcott, Wellesley Institute
• Economic crisis no excuse to abandon anti-poverty fight, Opinion article by economists Arthur Donner, Mike McCracken and Armine Yalnizyan in Toronto Star, October 21

“We are going to challenge those in power,” John Cartwright, president of the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, told the Good Jobs For All summit at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre yesterday.”

Read more from the Toronto Star coverage

“While we all have a role to play in reducing poverty, only government can launch the large-scale programs and policies essential for successful poverty reduction. Only government can re-allocate the resources of society more fairly through taxes and increased funding for affordable housing.”

Bishop Colin R. Johnson, Diocese of Toronto, Anglican Church of Canada, Public Service Ad in the Toronto Star, November 18, 2008

1. Sign Up and Speak Up for Poverty Reduction at Pre-Budget Consultations

The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs is the all-party committee that consults Ontarians annually on budget priorities – it is critical that this committee hears the 25in5 message: Ontario needs a downpayment  on poverty reduction in the 2009 budget. That means new dollars for programs that will make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Organizations should call 416-325-3883 to find out how they can get involved.

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan Consultations

Ontario’s Finance Minister has launched a round of cross-provincial consultations to inform the 2009 spring budget. Dates available now in: Thunder Bay – Dec 1, Sudbury and Sault St. Marie – Dec 12.  We need partners to commit to sign up and speak up for poverty reduction before the Finance Minister. Click here to see more details and to find out how you can get involved.

2. Speak up for poverty reduction and why our Economy Needs a Poverty Reduction Strategy Now

As Ontario edges closer to the announcement of a Poverty Reduction Plan, it is more important than ever that we all speak up for poverty reduction.  From every voicemail, phone call, letter and email to our local MPP, to a passionate plea at our community center for signing the 25 in 5 Declaration, to that letter we have always wanted to write to our local newspaper… NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD! Learn more here.

3. Join the Movement for Poverty Reduction in Your Community

Anti-poverty networks in 25 communities will be meeting in November and December as part of the “Leadership in Hard Times: 25 in 5′s Tour to Promote Poverty Reduction,” to get ready for the next stage of the Poverty Reduction campaign.  Now is the time to talk about our expectations of the government’s plan in December and to begin to organize our collective voice leading up to the 2009 spring budget in Ontario. Details on times and locations is available here.

The five tests against which 25 in 5 will measure the government’s plan in December;

1. It must include a target to reduce poverty by 25% over 5 years;
2. There must be an income measure of poverty so we can track progress on the target;
3. There must be clear policies to ensure sustaining employment, livable incomes, and strong communities;
4. It must include accountability measures to keep it on track; and
5. There must be a financial downpayment in the 2009-10 budget.

Read more details here.

About the Countdown to a Poverty Reduction Plan eBulletins

The 25 in 5 Network is steered by a coalition of Ontario organizations including Campaign 2000, the Income Security Advocacy Centre, the Social Planning Network of Ontario the Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition, The Colour of Poverty Project, the Ontario Coalition for Social Justice, Voices From the Street, among others.

This is a weekly bulletin from 25 in 5 to its contact list of supporters and interested parties across the province. The Countdown Bulletin is intended to keep you up to date on the development of a poverty reduction plan for Ontario and to let you know how you, your organizations and networks can help make it happen.

For more information visit www.25in5.ca

1. Quote of the week: Too Much Poverty, Too Few Solutions Letting Our Young People Down
2. Leadership in Hard Times:  25 in 5 Network launches 22-city tour to promote poverty reduction
   
3. Three ways you can make a difference for poverty reduction, including DEADLINE TODAY to appear before pre-budget consultations in Toronto
4. Governments can use crisis to repair and rebuild infrastructure while fighting poverty, says economist Armine Yalnizyan
5. Five provinces and counting on poverty reduction, is Manitoba next?

““Poverty without hope, poverty with isolation, poverty with hunger and poor living conditions, poverty with racism and poverty with numerous daily reminders of social exclusion can lead to the immediate risk factors for violence… at present, there is both too much poverty and too little by way of counterweights to prevent poverty being a central issue for anyone concerned about the extent of violence involving youth in this province.”

Who said it? The Hon. Roy McMurtry and Dr. Alvin Curling in The Review of the Roots of Youth Violence.See related press coverage or read the Final Report

“Our 22-city tour focuses on building support for a solid plan, with investments starting next year, if we’re going to meet our goal of reducing poverty and protecting Ontarians from the worst case scenario of a long-term recession,” says Peter Clutterbuck of the Social Planning Network of Ontario.

A consultation document, entitled A Blueprint for Poverty Reduction: Leadership in Hard Times, will be presented for discussion in 22 communities. It argues that action on a poverty reduction plan is especially necessary in tough economic times, identifies the various policy tools that are at Ontario’s disposal to tackle poverty, and proposes a set of specific, multi-year steps to achieve the goal of 25 in 5.

Once the tour is complete, a full accounting of the proposals will be released. The next few days will bring the tour to Toronto, Cornwall, Belleville, Hamilton and Thunder Bay.  Other cities will follow.

Click here for the news release.

For the full line-up, including locations and contact info visit povertywatchontario.ca

For the consultation document, Blueprint for Poverty Reduction: Legacy for an Inclusive Ontario – A Draft for Community Discussion, click here.

Related Links

• Cambridge: Check out video from the recent “25 in 5 Declaration on Poverty Reduction” forum, co-hosted by The Social Planning Council of Kitchener Waterloo, the Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North Dumfries and Opportunities Waterloo Region.
• Sudbury: More than one hundred people attended an early morning breakfast in Greater Sudbury to learn more about the 25 in 5 movement on the morning of October 30. A diverse crowd from the business, labour, health care, education, social service, municipal, faith based and general community gathered to listen to three key addresses from community leaders.  Sponsored by the Social Planning Council of Sudbury.
• Welland Tribune: Thorold to discuss plans to reduce poverty, public meeting with 25 in 5 speakers to be held Nov. 26, sponsored by the Niagara Social Assistance Reform Committee (SARC) and Social Services Advisory Committee.
• Orillia’s Packet and Times:  Poverty is here in the community and Orillia needs to set aside judgements and start doing small things to ease the burden of need, according to one worker who sees it every day.

“The government will announce its PRS in December. And when it does, we have to be there, we have to be visible, and we have to declare that this is just the end of the beginning of our fight. Because it won’t have everything we’ve fought for, and we want to ensure that those living in poverty know we will not abandon them once again. We want to ensure that the public knows that this is only  the start, a down payment on what’s needed, and that our voices and our fight remain strong .”

1. Sign Up and Speak Up for Poverty Reduction at Pre-Budget Consultations

The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, a.k.a. the “pre-budget committee”: TODAY IS THE DEADLINE for signing up for Toronto dates

The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs is the all-party committee that consults Ontarians annually on budget priorities – it is critical that this committee hears the 25in5 message: Ontario needs a downpayment  on poverty reduction in the 2009 budget. That means new dollars for programs that will make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Toronto dates are now available to appear before the all-party committee on November  20, December 4 & 11. Organizations should call 416-325-3883 before November 17 to get on the list to present.

Click here to see more details and to find out how you can get involved.

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan Consultations

Ontario’s Finance Minister has launched a round of cross-provincial consultations to inform the 2009 spring budget. Dates available now in: Ottawa – Nov 20, Toronto – Nov 21, Thunder Bay – Dec 1, Sudbury and Sault St. Marie – Dec 12.  We need partners to commit to sign up and speak up for poverty reduction before the Finance Minister.  Click here to see more details and to find out how you can get involved.

2. Tell your MPP Why our Economy Needs a Poverty Reduction Strategy Now

As Ontario edges closer to the announcement of a Poverty Reduction Plan, it is more important than ever that our provincial elected officials hear from their constituents about widespread support for action.  Every voicemail, phone call, letter and email counts! Learn more here.

3. Join the Movement for Poverty Reduction in Your Community

Anti-poverty networks in more than 20 communities will be meeting in November and December as part of the “Leadership in Hard Times: 25 in 5′s Tour to Promote Poverty Reduction,”  to” to get ready for the next stage of the Poverty Reduction campaign.  Now is the time to talk about our expectations of the government’s plan in December and to begin to organize our collective voice leading up to the 2009 spring budget in Ontario. Details on times and locations is available here.

Governments can use crisis to repair and rebuild infrastructure while fighting poverty, says economist Armine Yalnizyan

Toronto Star, Nov 17

Our elected leaders can use this moment of economic slack to speed up the repair and expansion of infrastructure and affordable housing so desperately needed in communities across this country. That would create good jobs, at good wages, and put in place a platform for the inevitable next phase of economic expansion.

They can make sure that minimum wages do not consign workers to poverty, but prevent it. The growth of temporary work may be a boon to employers, but it undercuts the stability of the economy as a whole. Our governments can enforce existing legislation, and make employment standards more relevant to today’s realities.

Governments are the only players in the mix equipped with the tools to help society achieve balance and justice, not just economic growth.

Times may be tough. But there is no better time to demonstrate what government of the people, for the people (all the people), really means.

Related Links

• Ontarians waiting for leadership on poverty reduction, says new Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives poll
• Public investment in affordable housing delivers powerful benefits, Michael Shapcott, Wellesley Institute
  
• Economic crisis no excuse to abandon anti-poverty fight, Opinion article by economists Arthur Donner, Mike McCracken and Armine Yalnizyan in Toronto Star, October 21

And finally, with five provinces already on board for poverty reduction… Manitoba community coalition unveils anti-poverty strategy

Winnipeg Free Press, November 9

A coalition of local community groups unveiled an anti-poverty strategy Wednesday, calling on the Doer government to implement a comprehensive campaign to reduce poverty.

The coalition of more than 30 organizations, calling itself Make Poverty History Manitoba, said the provincial government’s efforts to date to reduce poverty have consisted of small, piecemeal measures that have proven ineffective.

Gail Watson, chair of the coalition, said that a four-year community consultation found that all groups believe that the Doer government’s efforts to date have not worked. Watson said the coalition believes the province needs to follow the examples of several other provinces and European countries that are finding success with a strategy that includes identifiable targets and deadlines across every aspect of government.

“We need timelines and benchmarks to measure progress,” Shauna Mackinnon, director of the Manitoba office of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and a coalition member, said at a news conference held this morning at the Millennium Library.

Graham Starmer, President of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and another coalition member, said the business community supports the need for a strategy because it recognizes that healthy communities are crucial to the success of business.

Add your voice to the 25 in 5 Declaration

By endorsing the 25 in 5 Declaration we can send a clear message to the Provincial Government that action on poverty reduction cannot be delayed.

Just some of the new organizations to endorse this week:

• Women’s Own Resource Centre
• Ansaar Foundation
• Orangeville and District Labour Council
  
• Quinte Labour Council
• Labour Community Services of Peel
• Tony Ruprecht, MPP (Davenport)
  
• Community Action Research
• Labour Community Services
• North York Harvest Food Bank

Add your voice. Visit www.25in5.ca and sign on for poverty reduction by endorsing the 25 in 5 Declaration.

About the Countdown to a Poverty Reduction Plan eBulletins

The 25 in 5 Network is steered by a coalition of Ontario organizations including Campaign 2000, the Income Security Advocacy Centre, the Social Planning Network of Ontario the Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition, The Colour of Poverty Project, the Ontario Coalition for Social Justice, Voices From the Street, among others.

This is a weekly bulletin from 25 in 5 to its contact list of supporters and interested parties across the province. The Countdown Bulletin is intended to keep you up to date on the development of a poverty reduction plan for Ontario and to let you know how you, your organizations and networks can help make it happen.

For more information visit www.25in5.ca

1. Quote of the week: everyone has a role to play, but government must lead on poverty reduction, says Niagara Bishop
2. Why we must act now: the social, political and economic imperatives for poverty reduction
   
3. 3 ways to make a difference between now and the December deadline

“As a church, we bear daily witness to all those who suffer due to poverty.   In the short term, we realize that charity and compassion are essential when people are suffering and we will continue to respond to the needs of our neighbours.  However, only government can accomplish the structural change to law, programs and policies that are essential for a successful poverty reduction strategy.  Only government can re-allocate the resources of society more equitably through its regulatory and taxing powers and increase its funding of social programs.”

Who said it? Bishop Michael Bird of the Anglican Diocese of Niagara appealing to Minister Matthews to support the 25 in 5 Declaration.

See related press coverage or read Bishop Bird’s letter

One: A Social Imperative – Chronic Poverty is Corrosive to an Inclusive Ontario.

Ontario remains the child poverty centre of Canada with nearly 43% of all poor children in the country. Nearly 1,300,000 residents of Ontario continue to live in poverty.

More than 41% of Ontario children in poverty have one parent working full-year, full-time.

Living in poverty is becoming increasingly racialized in the GTA and other urban centres across Ontario.

The growing income gap is leading to neighbourhood concentrations of privilege and disadvantage in cities such as Toronto.

Related Links

• Good Jobs Coalition holding Summit on November 22
• The Colour of Poverty Project
• United Way of Toronto’s “Losing Ground” report
• The Centre for Community and urban Studies Three Cities Within Toronto study

Two:  A Political Imperative – Governments Across North America Recognize the Urgency of Poverty Reduction

The majority of Ontarians would be proud if their Premier took leadership to reduce the number of poor people in Ontario and the majority want Canada to distinguish itself as a nation by becoming a leader in poverty reduction. [CCPA - Ontarians Waiting For Leadership On Poverty Reduction]

Provincial poverty reduction strategies are being pursued in Quebec, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Ontario, and are being explored in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

15 American states have adopted broad anti-poverty initiatives, including Connecticut and Minnesota, which have set specific poverty reduction targets.

President-elect Obama has committed his administration to the “Half-in-Ten” goal for the US, taking the lead in North America on a national poverty reduction agenda.

In Canada, four of the five federal parties had strong commitments to poverty reduction in the recent election.

Related Links

• U.S.: Half in Ten: From Poverty to Prosperity campaign
  
• Official sites for Poverty Reduction Strategies in Newfoundland, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick

Three: An Economic Imperative – Poverty Reduction is smart economics and fiscally responsible, especially in hard times

Strengthening the incomes of vulnerable families and adults and investing in infrastructure such as affordable housing and early learning and child care will reduce poverty, and stimulate demand in local economies across Ontario.

Reducing poverty Contributes to the Economic Health of Ontario: “Our poverty reduction strategy is not only the right thing to do,  it is critical for our future economic success.  Ontario needs all of its citizens to be strong if we want to compete in the global economy.  We cannot afford to let anyone fall behind.” –  Premier McGuinty, Letter to 25 in 5, Oct. 1, 2008.

We can pay now or we can pay later: we can invest in people now to ensure everyone is at their best or we can look forward to increased costs in health care, criminal justice, and social services.

Related Links

• Ontarians waiting for leadership on poverty reduction, says new Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives poll
• Public investment in affordable housing delivers powerful benefits, Michael Shapcott, Wellesley Institute
  
• Economic crisis no excuse to abandon anti-poverty fight, Opinion article by economists Arthur Donner, Mike McCracken and Armine Yalnizyan in Toronto Star, October 21
• Building a healthy economy: More than just banks and stocks, from policy analyst Scott Wolfe, commissioned by the Wellesley Institute
  

“I ask that you think of the hunger that we do not see.  There are thousands out there waiting for change; they hope that citizens like you will help to end the suffering that takes such a heavy toll on their lives. We must move away from the idea that people are poor because of a personal deficit, that poverty is their own fault.  This change can take place, but we need your help.”

1. Sign up and Speak Up for Poverty Reduction at Pre-Budget Consultations

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan has launched a round of cross-provincial consultations to inform the 2009 spring budget.   Dates are being scheduled for November and December in communities across Ontario.  We need partners to commit to sign up and speak up for poverty reduction before the Finance Minister.  Click here to see more details and to find out how you can get involved.

2. Talk to Your MPP About Why Poverty Reduction is What Our Economy Needs

As Ontario edges closer to the announcement of a Poverty Reduction Plan, it is more important than ever that our provincial elected officials hear from their constituents about widespread support for action.  Every voicemail, phone call, letter and email counts! Learn more here.

3. Join the Movement for Poverty Reduction in Your Community

Anti-poverty networks in more than 20 communities will be meeting in November and December to get ready for the next stage of the Poverty Reduction campaign.  Now is the time to talk about our expectations of the government’s plan in December and to begin to organize our collective voice leading up to the 2009 spring budget in Ontario. Details on the time and location are being posted as they become available on the Poverty Watch Ontario calendar at www.povertywatchontario.ca. Come out to the event in your community and become part of the movement for poverty reduction in Ontario – also check out up-to-the minute updates on each event and local media coverage.

Add your voice to the 25 in 5 Declaration

By endorsing the 25 in 5 Declaration we can send a clear message to the Provincial Government that action on poverty reduction cannot be delayed.

Just some of the new organizations to endorse this week:

• Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke
• FirstSteps to Freedom
• Sudbury & Manitoulin Workforce Partnerships Board
• Independence Centre and Network
• Huron District Labour Council
• Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, Justice & Peace Office
• Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre
• London Region Children’s Museum
• Bay Credit Union Limited
• The Lighthouse Community Centre
• Kairos Toronto Centre
• Child and Youth Network, London

Add your voice. Visit www.25in5.ca and sign on for poverty reduction by endorsing the 25 in 5 Declaration.

About the Countdown to a Poverty Reduction Plan eBulletins

The 25 in 5 Network is steered by a coalition of Ontario organizations including Campaign 2000, the Income Security Advocacy Centre, the Social Planning Network of Ontario the Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition, The Colour of Poverty Project, the Ontario Coalition for Social Justice, Voices From the Street, among others.

This is a weekly bulletin from 25 in 5 to its contact list of supporters and interested parties across the province. The Countdown Bulletin is intended to keep you up to date on the development of a poverty reduction plan for Ontario and to let you know how you, your organizations and networks can help make it happen.

For more information visit www.25in5.ca