OCTOBER 17th 2019

WHEREAS; more than a billion citizens across the globe are currently subjected to the abject and dehumanizing conditions of extreme poverty, and that the best way to participate in a global effort to eliminate these conditions is through a local grassroots initiative to eliminate poverty within our community; and

WHEREAS;  the United Nations General Assembly declared the 17th of October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and invited all states to devote the day to presenting and promoting concrete activities with regard to the eradication of poverty; and

WHEREAS; in 2018, 21% of children in Thunder Bay lived in poverty with an overall poverty rate of nearly 15%, totaling approximately 15,000 people and reaching an estimated poverty rate of 20% in the next 20 years; and

WHEREAS; the City of Thunder Bay recognizes that unless the social determinants of health such as safe and affordable housing, a living wage, mental and physical health and nutritious food are met satisfactorily for individuals and families that poverty will not be able to be eliminated or reduced; and

WHEREAS; the City of Thunder Bay recognizes and appreciates the collective impact efforts taken by local groups and organizations to try to alleviate poverty.

NOW THEREFORE: I, Mayor Bill Mauro, on behalf of Thunder Bay City Council, do hereby proclaim October 17, 2019, as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty in the City of Thunder Bay, and urge all levels of government and community organizations to work collectively to develop solutions.