24 Nov 2009

November 24, 2009 marks the 20th year since Parliament's pledge in 1989 to eliminate child poverty in Canada by 2000.  Instead, in 2000 18.1% of children and youth (under 18) lived in low income.  While this rate of child and youth poverty fell steeply to 11.9% by 2007 (latest year of data available, using the Market Basket Measure of low income), it is nonetheless shockingly high and completely unacceptable - particularly given Canada's status as one of the world's wealthiest nations.  Indeed, in September 2009 even the Conference Board of Canada could only give Canada a "C" grade for its progress in child poverty (click here for more information). Campaign 2000 is leading the commemoration of November 24, 2009.  For more information, contact Campaign 2000 (416-595-9230 est 244 or contactus@campaign2000.ca).