MYTH 1: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS POVERTY IN CANADA-

NO ONE STARVES TO DEATH, LIKE IN AFRICA! 

"Poverty is both an absolute and a relative concept. Absolute in that there is clearly a set of basic needs that every individual must have satisfied, in order to be not poor, and relative in that inequality in society – growing in Canada at a rocketing pace –means that some individuals are “deprived of the resources, means, choices and power necessary to acquire and maintain economic self-sufficiency and participation in society” (quote from Québec Bill 112, A National Strategy to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion). Canada has severalmillion people who lack the satisfaction of basic needs, to the detriment Homeless in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver (photographer unknown) of their health and security, and/or who are unable to maintain
economic selfsufficiency and full participation in society due to some level of

material and/or social deprivation." Canada Without Poverty- Oct 2010- Debunking Myths About Poverty

The sad reality is that people do die in Canada as a result of poverty.  The even sadder part is, unlike Africa, we have the means and ability to not allow 1 person, let alone 6.2 million people lack the basic necessities of life.

Take a look at a whole new industry started because of poverty- Food Banks in Canada. 

794,738
people turned to food banks in March 2009
That is an increase of
18%
from 2008 to 2009

That would be like the whole of population of the Nations Capital, Ottawa, having to go to the food bank.

Then there is the story of Kimberly Rogers.  A Sudbury woman who died while under house arrest, pregnant.  Her crime?  She was found to have defrauded the welfare system because she decided to go to school to better herself.  $13,500 in unathorized welfare payments.  Her death created outrage across Canada. 

Kimberly is only one of so many.  All she wanted was a better life.

The city that I live in has at least 10 huge superstore groceries and then all the other stores that have grocery items.  As I walk through the huge, long rows of food, I can't help but wonder why we have to have food banks at all.

Yes, the government has done an excellent job at creating more jobs with all their tax cuts and program cuts!  The recession has put more and more people deeper into poverty.  Food banks, homeless shelters- etc etc, all have sprung up in as a result- yes, new jobs-it is quite, quite ironic.

How can you help?  Demand the provincial gov't, the federal gov't increase taxes to the corporations.  Demand that your premiers put poverty elimination on their agenda!  Educate yourself- find out how you can make a difference

Love and all good things!



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