Coalition Kicks Off Poverty Reduction Tour (2008)

TORONTO November 17, 2008 – An anti-poverty coalition of organizations and individuals has launched a 22-stop provincial tour to promote a realistic and achievable plan that would make Ontario a leader in poverty reduction.

The 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction will unveil its plan for the six-week “Leadership in Hard Times: 25 in 5’s Tour to Promote Poverty Reduction” at its Summit in Toronto today, just weeks before the Ontario government announces its poverty reduction strategy.

“We need 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. Our tour focuses on building support for clear and realistic targets and timelines that we expect the Ontario government to implement, beginning in 2009,” says Peter Clutterbuck of the Social Planning Network of Ontario.

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.

The coalition will consult with Ontarians in 22 communities. Once the tour is complete, a full accounting of the proposals will be released.

“The people behind 25 in 5 are committed to listening to Ontarians, and our intention is to present the provincial government with a do-able plan to ensure Ontario hits the ground running with its poverty reduction strategy in 2009 – because with an economic storm on the horizon, our province can’t afford to wait for action,” said Pat Capponi, Voices from Street.

For further information on Leadership in Hard Times: 25 in 5’s Tour to Promote Poverty Reduction please contact: Peter Clutterbuck (416) 738-3228

Poverty Reduction Tour Details

Details of the tour are available on the povertywatchontario.ca website.