VICTORIA – It’s time for B.C. to join every other province in Canada by finally passing the Poverty Reduction and Economic Inclusion Act, say New Democrats.

“We need a plan to end poverty in B.C.  Passing our Poverty Reduction and Economic Inclusion Act would be the first step down that path,” said New Democrat spokesperson for social development Michelle Mungall.

The Poverty Reduction and Economic Inclusion Act has been put forward four times by New Democrats since Premier Christy Clark took office. Each time she has refused to debate or pass the bill.

“One in five B.C. children are living in poverty. That alone shows how much we need a plan to lift families out of poverty,” said Mungall.

“Since the Liberals took power British Columbia has consistently had the worst poverty rates in the country. We can do better, and we must do better.”

The Poverty Reduction and Economic Inclusion Act would see the government develop a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy within one year, and legislate specific targets and timelines to reduce the breadth and depth of poverty.

“The Saskatchewan Party, the Ontario Liberals and the Manitoba New Democrats all agree that the path to ending poverty starts with a plan,” said Mungall.

“I hope the B.C. Liberals can put aside their partisanship and pass the Poverty Reduction and Economic Inclusion Act. It’s just the right thing to do.”