March 13, 2009

Background

In a speech to the Canadian and Empire Clubs on March 3, 2009, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan revealed a projected deficit of $18 billion over two years in the upcoming provincial budget of March 26, 2009. This is consistent with a growing consensus among international bodies and respected economists that a coordinated stimulus of two per cent of gross domestic product is needed to counter the effects of the global recession.

The essential missing element from Minister Duncan’s speech was any mention of the government’s intention to invest in poverty reduction. This worrying omission was reinforced by comments made by Premier McGuinty in the legislature on that same day that discussed poverty reduction as being conditional on support from the federal government and a rebound in the economy.

Ontario’s nurses know that during these challenging economic times we cannot afford not to act decisively to reduce poverty. Poverty, and the food and shelter insecurity that is often associated with low income, causes people to die sooner and live with an increased burden of chronic illness. This is a human tragedy and a cost to the federal government and province of Ontario of between 10 and 13 billion dollars per year. The International Monetary Fund has calculated that income transfers of $1 billion to low-income Canadians, who spend everything they earn, would boost GDP by almost $900 million and create 7,000 jobs.

Now is the time for our provincial government to invest in Ontario’s people and the future by making substantial investments in poverty reduction in the March 26^th budget.

Three Things That You Can Do To Make a Difference:

1. Sign the Put Food in the Budget online petition:

Endorse the call for the immediate introduction of a $100 per month Healthy Foods Supplement to the basic needs allowance for people receiving social assistance. Too many Ontarians are living with hunger, food insecurity, and poor health linked to lack of access to nutritious foods.

http://povertywatchontario.ca/put-food-in-the-budget-petition/

2. Send an email to Premier McGuinty and Minister Duncan:

Write a letter to Premier McGuinty and Minister Duncan through our website. You can send along our sample letter below as is or you can modify it as you wish. Sharing stories of how poverty is having an impact on you, your patients, clients, friends, neighbours, and communities will help our elected representatives understand why this issue is important. Please don’t forget to sign your name at the bottom of the letter and indicate that you are a RN if appropriate. Copies of your letter will be sent automatically to Premier McGuinty, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan, and Minister Deb Matthews, Chair of the Cabinet Committee on Poverty Reduction.

Action Alert: Urge Premier McGuinty and Minister Duncan to Reduce Hunger and Hardship with Strong Leadership in the Upcoming Provincial Budget