February 1st, 2012
VANCOUVER - On Jan. 31, Surrey-Fleetwood MLA Jagrup Brar finished his month-long welfare challenge, which entailed living on income assistance in Surrey and Vancouver.
New Democrat leader Adrian Dix said that Brar's decision to accept the challenge of experiencing a month of poverty and welfare had the support of his colleagues. "He took on a difficult task - and he has done it with a lot of dignity and humility," said Dix.
"We have been clear that it is time to take a hard look at the widening gap between the very wealthy and the rest of British Columbians. Jagrup has raised many of the key issues that go into reducing inequality, like accessible education and training opportunities, health services, affordable housing, public transit, and good jobs,” said Dix.
New Democrat caucus chair and critic for social development Shane Simpson said that caucus members look forward to talking with Brar about his experiences in the coming weeks.
"In November 2011, I tabled the Poverty Reduction Act, calling on the Liberal government to address the urgent need for a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy," said Simpson. "We will continue that work when the legislature reconvenes. It is time to move forward with a poverty reduction plan to improve the lives of half a million British Columbians living in poverty,” said Simpson.
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