For immediate release
OTTAWA, September 28, 2011 - Canadians are paying a very high cost for the preventable consequences of poverty when they could potentially save billions of dollars by investing to end poverty, according to a thought-provoking new report, The Dollars and Sense of Solving Poverty, published today by the National Council of Welfare.
“It is important that Canadians are aware of one of our most expensive spending patterns—paying top-dollar on temporary fixes for the problems that grow out of poverty,” said Dr. John Rook, Chair of the Council. “The good news is even more vital. A better pattern is already partially in place, in policies and programs that enable people to get out of poverty, not just cope with it, and to be well and to thrive. Now, we need to get the whole job done.”
The report draws on a wide range of local, national and international research from economics to epidemiology to illustrate how reducing poverty benefits everyone, no matter where we sit on the income ladder.
The report’s findings include:
The Council’s recommendations in the report focus on: a Canada-wide strategy to ensure everything works together; a sustained investment plan; a design framework centred on wellbeing; and a forum that brings people and ideas together to get the best results.
Rook emphasized Canada has more options than some other countries struggling with poverty and spending pressures, including wealth, experience, public support for mutual responsibility and social innovation. “The way forward is practical and within our grasp, building on what we have and know already,” he said.
The full report, an ‘in-brief’ version and additional documentation are available at www.ncw.gc.ca.
The National Council of Welfare is an independent body established to advise the federal government on issues related to poverty.
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Carrie-Ann Breckenridge
(613) 277-4458