[mobglob-discuss] PLEASE DISTRIBUTE - Press Conference against welfare cuts: Jan 19th 11 am (Scanned by AntiVirus Software)

[rgkbc]

(Apologies for Duplicate and Cross Postings)


Please forward to media outlets, community organizations and activists.  Thank you.


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For Immediate Release

January 16th, 2004

Refuse to Retreat: Fight the Welfare Two-Year Time Limit and the 

Closure of Welfare Offices 


Press Conference
January 19th, 2004, 11 am, Vancouver Coastal Regional Office: #650-1185 W. Georgia, Van. 

Speakers: 

  a.. Benita Bunjun, Vancouver Status of Women
  b.. Aaron, Anti-Poverty Committee
  c.. Jinny Sims, BC Teacher's Federation 
  d.. End Legislated Poverty
Rally
Welfare Office Rally Action on January 19th, 2004 from 12:30-2:30 pm.  

Vancouver, BC - The Active Community Presence Committee of the Two-year Time Limit Coalition will be holding a press conference addressing the upcoming Two Year Time Limit cut-offs / reductions and the imminent closure of welfare offices in BC.  The BC Provincial government will be closing 26 Ministry of Human Resources offices across the province by March 21, 2004.  This BC provincial government legislation will impact the lives of thousands of families, women, elderly, and children. 


Backgrounder

On April 1, 2002, the B.C. Liberals passed the two-year time limits legislation on welfare.  People on income assistance who are considered 'employable' are limited to 24 months of assistance out of every 5 years.  Thousands of people will get their final cheque or have their benefits reduced starting March 2004.  In particular, this poor-bashing and anti-women legislation will significantly impact single mothers, seniors, and racialized groups.  


The Active Community Presence mobilizes all communities to fight the welfare cuts.  We, as a coalition, represent dozens of diverse organizations in the Lower Mainland.  We work in our communities to educate one another about the impact of the welfare cuts and poor-bashing.  We organize on the streets, in our communities, and in welfare offices to create a movement of people who self-determine and fight for their rights.  We are participating in direct-action casework with welfare recipients and distributing public education resources locally and provincially.


"As a Coalition, we know that the recent cuts to social services and the upcoming cuts to welfare are devastating to our communities and are in violation of human rights and international law" said Benita Bunjun of Vancouver Status of Women.  Megan Oleson, a community nurse, found "that many people are unaware that they will be cut off welfare, and the results of this will be an increase in homelessness and an impact on people's health, as they will not be able to access health services.this government is targeting the vulnerable and most marginalized in our society."


Media Contact:

Megan Oleson - 604-561-5724

Benita Bunjun - 604-255-6554



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Benita Bunjun
Women and Welfare Project Coordinator
Vancouver Status of Women
#309-877 E. Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC, V6A 3Y1
Tel: 604-255-6554
Fax: 604-255-7508
Website: www.vsw.ca
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