Honourable senators, today, on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, I want to acknowledge the work of the members of the Dignity for All campaign who were present on Parliament Hill this afternoon, as well as the work of more than 70 other groups around the country that are active on this issue.

Anti-poverty workers are calling for a human-rights-informed and fully funded Canadian poverty reduction strategy in upcoming budgets starting now. Our charter and our international obligations guarantee equality of opportunity and access to resources, but that has not been the reality for 1 in 7 Canadians — those who live in poverty.

The time has come to eliminate the glaring economic, social and racial inequalities and the gender inequality that have been part of Canadian society for too long.

We see the worst effects of this inequality in indigenous communities.

I would also like to acknowledge in the gallery Dr. Val Napoleon, whose visionary leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that many of these issues are known, not just in terms of the indigenous and legal communities but also in the efforts in support of education and reconciliation.

As we strive to fulfill our senatorial mandate to redress marginalization and impoverishment in our society, I urge all honourable senators to keep the need for a guaranteed liveable income at the centre of our discussions and our actions.

The Dauphin, Manitoba Mincome project has taught us that the guarantee of a viable, liveable income supported by strong, continued investment in public health care, education and social programs improves mental and physical health, lowers health care costs, lowers crime rates and the costs of courts, police and correctional services and it increases public safety. A guaranteed liveable income could mean the difference between investing in our people and communities rather than our prisons and courts, and the benefits of such an investment are evident, in terms of saving taxpayers’ money, creating a stronger social safety net and building healthier and safer communities, not to mention a more fair, just and equitable society for all.

As we mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, let us look to Finland, where “universal basic income” has reportedly improved mental health and created greater incentives to work, improved innovative entrepreneurship and reduced crime. Let us follow cities such as Barcelona and Utrecht, which are beginning to implement a guaranteed liveable income, and let’s also honour Ontario’s foray into this field.

Let’s have the courage to make the ambitious changes needed to finally eliminate systemic inequality.

Let us provide for all what we so commonly take for granted — a viable, liveable income for all.

Thank you, miigwetch.