FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON: October 17, 2008 – Friday, October 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), along with the National Anti-Poverty Organization (NAPO) and the Ottawa District Labour Council (ODLC), invites individuals to come out and Stand Up against poverty.
Stand Up, a global movement to end poverty, brings together people across the world to speak out against inequality. Over 43 million committed individuals stood up last year – and this year, even more people are expected to Stand Up and Take Action in solidarity against poverty.
“Falling just three days after our federal election, this day for the eradication of poverty highlights what should be a major part of any government’s priorities,” Karri Munn-Venn, socio-economic policy analyst for CPJ, said. “The louder our voice, the more our newly elected MPs will get the message that there is no excuse for poverty in Canada – we need a federal poverty reduction strategy.”
NAPO Board member Michael Creek commented, “People don’t need any more hope— they need a chance. We may have a long struggle ahead, but I have the courage to believe that poverty will end.”
The event will take place at the Dorothy O’Connell Monument to Anti-Poverty Activism outside Ottawa City Hall on Friday, October 17 at 12noon.
For more information, contact:
Karri Munn-Venn
Socio-economic policy analyst, CPJ
(613) 232-0275 x222
Michael Creek
Board member, NAPO
(416) 858-4566
Sean McKenny
President, ODLC
(613) 233-7820
