Canadian municipalities and Dignity for All

This week, from May 28-31, over 1,500 representatives from municipalities across Canada will convene in Toronto for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) annual conference.

Every year, municipal governments have the opportunity to share ideas and develop new plans to improve the quality of life in our cities and towns. There is also an opportunity for cities to present motions to the general assembly.

Earlier in 2010, Calgary City Council put forth a motion that the FCM endorse Dignity for All – The Campaign for a Poverty-Free Canada. This week, representatives from across the country will be able to vote on the motion. In April Calgary revised the motion to specifically include the need for a federal Anti-Poverty Act, which is the second goal of Dignity for All.

The first goal of the Dignity for All campaign calls for the creation of federal poverty elimination plan. Six provinces have now implemented poverty reduction strategies, including Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Manitoba. Over a dozen municipalities have also developed strategies, including Ottawa, Hamilton, Victoria, Saint John, and many others.

So far, a few municipalities have officially signed onto the campaign, including Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Peace River, Alberta and Branch, Newfoundland and Labrador, along with over 330 organizations and over 5300 individuals. If the FCM were to officially endorse the campaign, it would encourage other municipalities and organizations to sign on as well, sending a message to the federal government about the need for definitive action to eliminate poverty in Canada.

As your own municipal councillors and representatives prepare for the annual conference, contact them, encouraging them to vote in favour of national and local endorsements for Dignity for All!