March 11, 2011
Attention: Darlene MacDonald, MSW, RSW
President, CASW
Dear Ms. MacDonald:
Thank you for taking the time to write regarding the excellent report tabled by a parliamentary committee on a poverty reduction strategy for Canada demanding strong leadership from the federal government. It’s great to have the support of the Canadian Association of Social Workers on this crucial issue.
First, let me say that New Democrats strive to build a society in which every one of its members can reach their full potential. Such progress is judged by how society cares for and supports one another. That means protecting the vulnerable and ensuring that every citizen has access to high quality social programs. Let me assure you that closing the poverty gap is a fundamental goal of the New Democratic Party. Personally, I have worked on poverty-related issues, including homeless and housing concerns, throughout my political career and wrote a book, Homelessness: The Making and Unmaking of a Crisis, to bring attention to both the root causes of this crisis and workable solutions.
Specifically, regarding the referenced report, please know that New Democrats initiated this landmark, three-year study and strongly endorse its major recommendations.
It is unacceptable in a country with so much that we still have between 3 and 4 million people poor, about one in every ten. (Higher numbers factor in the recession). These people – our seniors, children, unattached individuals, many vulnerable Aboriginal, persons with disabilities and immigrant populations – are left out of our communities and out of our economy. This violates human rights and harms our productivity as a country. The cost of poverty – in health care, criminal justice, social services, lost productivity, lost opportunity – is a cost we cannot afford any longer.
The report from the Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities committee offers a road map for a just and inclusive society. Seven provinces and territories that are developing their poverty strategies are looking for federal leadership. Solving poverty is a national issue and Ottawa must act.
The only real obstacle to this happening is the lack of political will from the Conservative government. The Conservatives continue to insist jobs are the solution to poverty when this report confirms almost 700,000 Canadians with jobs are actually living below low income levels. A job that pays poorly, is not permanent and has few benefits, will not lift anyone out of poverty. Even in good economic times, Canada has had unacceptably high levels of poverty, proof that along with good paying jobs the country needs good specific government policy—such as improved child benefits, a national childcare program, an increase to seniors’ guaranteed income supplement, and a formal poverty plan.
This parliamentary report concludes with a supplementary report from New Democrats highlighting legislation from our Poverty Critic Tony Martin, C-545, An Act to Eliminate Poverty in Canada. He has worked with civil society allies to draft legislation to ensure an ongoing federal responsibility for a poverty strategy.
You may want to contact Mr. Martin’s office by email at Martin.T@parl.gc.ca to receive further updates on this poverty strategy and his legislation.
Again, thank you for writing. All the best.
Sincerely,
Jack Layton, MP (Toronto-Danforth)
Leader, Canada’s New Democrats