The open letter is signed by numerous prominent groups - including the United Way of the Lower Mainland, Vancity Credit Union, the Public Health Association of BC, the BC Healthy Living Alliance, the BC Federation of Labour...and dozens of faith leaders, health organizations, doctors, businesses, First Nations and Aboriginal groups, labour unions, immigrant and refugee organizations, community service agencies, municipal councils, women's groups, and many more. You can read the full open letter, list of signatories and news release at bcpovertyreduction.ca.

BC has the highest poverty rate in Canada, and the highest child poverty rate for five years in a row. We hope this effort will show our provincial leaders that there is broad-based support for an ambitious but realistic plan to reduce poverty and homelessness in our province.

Please add your voice to the call:

• Visit www.bcpovertyreduction.ca and sign your name the open letter calling for a legislated poverty reduction plan.
• Ask organizations you're involved with to sign the open letter.
• Spread the word: forward this email to your friends and contacts. Or visit www.bcpovertyreduction.ca and share it on your Facebook profile, or through other social networking tools.