Whitehorse, Yukon – October 13th, 2016 – The Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition officially launched their 2016 Vote to End Poverty campaign today. The goals of the non-partisan campaign are twofold:
“The reasons we want to make poverty an election issue are pretty clear”, says Bill Thomas, one of three co-chairs of YAPC. “We are learning through people’s stories and our research that what we are doing just isn’t enough. Poverty is taking a toll on individuals, families, communities and the whole territory.”
“We need to talk about housing, food security, access to services and how to close the income gap,” says Colette Acheson, Co-chair of the Coalition. “The territorial government can have a huge and positive impact in all of these areas and we need to get focused on the solutions.”
“Our first step is to get some visual awareness so we are providing buttons and lawn signs (suggested donation of $5) to ensure candidates know that poverty is an issue,” adds Bill Thomas. “People can pick up their signs and buttons at the YAPC offices, 302 Strickland Street or drop in at Challenge, Yukon Learn, the Food Bank or FASSY. We also have someone who has volunteered to deliver signs; call us at 334.9317 and we’ll deliver!”
“Poverty and Homelessness Action Week (PHAW) falls during the Yukon Government election,” says Charlotte Hrenchuk, YAPC Co-Chair. “We are looking forward to a number of community activities including “Seeing for Yourself Tours”, Yukon College Connects and a CBC book club to raise awareness and take action against poverty and homelessness.”