What is your plan to help those living in poverty in Halton?Throughout the election campaign ThePat Heroux - NDP Judi RemigioOakville Beaver has asked candidates inMost Halton resi-the Oakville and Halton ridings to responddents think that Green Partyto a weekly question. The final question inpoverty does not The Greenthis series is: "What is your plan to helpexist in Halton.Party's plan to helpthose living in poverty in Halton?" I am getting calls those living inand talking to poverty lives in theHalton residents roots of poverty. existing on disabili-Housing pricesLisa Raitt Connie Laurin-Bowiety.and the cost of liv-When elected ing are increasingConservativesPat HerouxLiberalsJack Layton and in Halton. In Halton, we his team in Ottawa The issue of These prices areare fortunate to will work to lower interest rates on credit poverty in Halton Judi Remigiospreading throughlive in one of cards, to five per cent over prime.is one that is often the economy andCanadas most Many singles and many families need to ignored as it is affecting our fragile recovery. prosperous com-use credit to get to the end of the month.not visible to Seniors and people working for minimum munities. This is a bank money grab.many of Haltons wage or the equivalent, are among the most However, every We will also immediately deal with the oil residents. vulnerable. Many are unable to even afford community in companies' price gouge at the pumps.Yet, I know rental housing, sufficient healthy, balanced Canada has eco-Many Halton residents need to drive. from my work nutrition, and clothes and shoes that fit nomically vulnera-Where is affordable transit?with community properly, not to mention gas in the car (or Lisa Raittble members, and Connie Laurin-BowieIt's time for the federal, provincial and the organizations that the car or the bus fare) and heat for the our government regional governments to work together for children in our house. This is real my friends and it is para-has not and will not be complacent.the benefit of all Halton residents.community go to school hungry on a regu-lyzing. Among those most affected by rising The children national childcare.lar basis and that many families are strug-If people, who need help are not cared for, electricity and gas prices are our seniors The elderly enough money and good gling. it puts a strain on everyone. Basic needs are who live on fixed incomes.health care to live in the dignity they Community Development Halton esti-not being met for many Canadians. The gap The Conservative government has made deserve.mates that 6.7 per cent of Halton familiesbetween the rich and poor is widening.a priority of increasing support and reduc-Adding pharma care to medicare, so resi-live in poverty. There is no current Plan B or 'silver bul-ing the tax burden on seniors. dents don't have to choose between rent, food Tackling poverty in Halton requires alet' that will help poor people today. Poor Our platform will increase the Guaranteed or medication.two-pronged approach: addressing currentpeople will remain poor in our current struc-Income Supplement, by an additional $840 All Halton residents deserve to live in poverty through strategies to increase theture.per couple. And we have already introduced dignity, not just the affluent. affordability of housing and living expensesThe Green Party advocates for a coura-pension income-splitting, increased the Age I will work to help Jack Layton fix what is for Halton families and a long-term strategygeous shift away from our dependence on Credit by $2,000, and doubled the Pension broken in Ottawa.that addresses some of the economic andover-priced, spiralling-out-of-control, non-Income Credit amount to $2,000. So in CPP and putting workers that lose their social causes of poverty. renewable, subsidizes fossil fuels. 2011, a single senior can earn at least jobs to bankruptcy, be first to be paid.The Liberal platform works to addressThe Green Party will advocate for every-$19,064 and a senior couple at least $38,128 This only fair.both sides of this issue.one to have access to food and shelter All these things and more will be a win win See Judi page 14See Lisa page 14See Connie page 14for Halton.More money to the economy is more money to the business community.We want and need all Halton residents to FERNHILL| A SCHOOL LIKE NO OTHERhave equal opportunities.A vote for Pat is a vote for Jake Layton.Come meet the heads of school, faculty and admissions staff to learn more about the exceptional educational opportunities available to your child.OPEN HOUSE Saturday, April 30, 201110:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. As a leader in primary and elementary education, Fern Hill has provided full-day Preschool and Kindergarten programmes for more than 20 years. Oakville Campus3300 Ninth Line Road Oakville, ON | 905.257.0022 | Preschool - Grade 8admissions@fernhillschool.com|www.fernhillschool.com13 Thursday, April 28, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com