Tip of the Iceberg - Poverty in Canada

A state of emergency has been declared in a northern Ontario community.  Earthquake?  Fire?  Flooding?  None of these . . . POVERTY.  It is a First Nation community, but that is irrelevant.  No Canadian (or anyone for that matter) should be subject to the living conditions found in this community - decrepit housing, lacking sufficient sanitation and electricity, unsafe heating equipment, and inadequate safety systems.

It would be a serious mistake to think that this is the only community in Canada facing these dreadful conditions.  Further, it would be a mistake to think that communities in these circumstances are isolated situations . . . as opposed to being extreme symptoms of the larger problem of poverty in Canada.  The good news is that we can address these problems and all related poverty issues if we, as a country, decide to make it a priority.

Kudos to the Member of Parliament for the area, Charlie Angus, who is responsible for the following two videos.  The first video is his impassioned plea to Parliament asking the Canadian government to do something to help this community at risk.  The second video is an actual look at the community itself.

There is good news as the federal government has bowed to the recent pressure to act, and provided a further $2.5 million to build more housing in the community.  What about the immediate needs that must be addressed?  Fortunately, the Red Cross has stepped up to help address the immediate needs. 

Anyone able to help can make financial donations online at www.redcross.ca, by calling 1-800-418-1111 or through your local Canadian Red Cross office. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked "Attawapiskat" and can also be mailed to the Canadian Red Cross, Ontario Zone, 5700 Cancross Court, Mississauga, ON, L5R 3E9.


Hey!! I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

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