Nickel Belt NDP MPP France Gélinas held a Town Hall to End Poverty at the Samaritan Centre today that was attended by over 80 participants. In Sudbury, more than 14,250 families live below the poverty level and 13,500 people rely on local food banks.

“Fighting poverty and giving everyone a chance at living a decent life is a cornerstone policy of the NDP. We continue to raise these issues for all those who feel they have no voice. That’s why our caucus is holding open, accessible consultations on poverty across the province. We want to hear from people who actually know what it is to be poor as well as their advocates,” said Gélinas.

“How can I better myself when all I can think about is I don’t have enough money to pay the rent and feed the kids?” asked Barbara Stewart, a participant.

Minister of Children and Youth Services Deb Matthews held an invitation only poverty consultation in Sudbury in late May. However, many invitees only received last minute notice, meaning they could not attend. At today’s packed Town Hall, a senior policy advisor of the Ministry of Children and Youth Services attended to hear participants’ concerns.

“I’m glad I was able to secure a second poverty consultation in Sudbury.
If the McGuinty Liberals really wanted to hear from those who are struggling, they should commit to holding real public consultations on poverty – like the NDP is doing – instead of sending out private invitations at the last minute,” said Gélinas.

“As Sudburians told the government today – we must immediately reinstate the back-to-school and winter clothing allowances, commit to an immediate minimum wage increase that will lift hard working Ontarians out of poverty, and eliminate the lengthy wait-list for affordable housing,” said Gélinas.