ISARC is a religion-based anti-poverty organization in Ontario - dr
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15 February 2007

ISARC Friends,

The ISARC RELIGIOUS LEADERS' FORUM on Thursday, 19 April 2007, will focus
on "child care" and the release of our revised Ontario Social Audit LIVES
STILL IN THE BALANCE.  Laurel Rothman from Campaign 2000 is our featured
speaker in the morning; Rabbi Larry Englander is bringing the theological
reflection.  The afternoon will feature ISARC's 2006 report card as well as
the release for the revised LIVES.

Cost for the Forum is $40 and one can register to receive the revised LIVES
for $15 (regular price for the book will be $20).  Registration forms will
come out next week.  You can register by sending your name, address, phone
and e-mail contact, plus a cheque for $40 or $55 to:
Brice Balmer, ISARC secretary, P.O. Box 1837, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4R3

Lives Still in the Balance is in the final edit and will be published
before 19 April 2007.  This edition contains the stories and reflections of
people across Ontario but has new articles and up-dated information on the
current state of poverty and marginalization in Ontario: hunger, affordable
housing, work, children, OW, ODSP, etc.  The earlier edition is a social
audit of the provincial Conservative government; this is an audit of the
current Liberal government.  Book costs $20.  It will be an important tool
for participation in the provincial discussions, debates, and elections
scheduled for this October.

$10 Minimum Wage is a current campaign requesting that the provincial
government move the minimum wage from $8 to $10.  If the 1995 minimum wage
is adjusted for Cost of Living, our current minimum wage would be $9.83.
However, there have been 8 years without any increase--then the increase
from $6.85 to $8.00 over the past 3 ½ years.
Join KAIROS, ISARC, Campaign 2000, Ontario Needs a Raise, Centre for Social
Justice, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, and many labour unions
in this campaign.

"End the Clawback" continues to be the position of ISARC and other
coalitions.  The province is interested in establishing an Ontario Child
Benefit, which would be available for those on social assistance and
low-wage workers.  ISARC reminds the provincial government that "ending the
clawback" is a campaign promise.  An Ontario Child Benefit would need to
provide the same amount to families on social assistance as is "clawed
back" currently.

NOW is an important time, as all provincial parties want to establish the
next government.  Visit your MPPs, prepare to attend all candidates'
meetings, organize an all candidates' meeting on these concerns for
September.  In October, we vote, ACT NOW.

                                                             Brice Balmer,
ISARC secretary

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