What’s the BIG Idea? Communities Can’t Do it Alone…
Written by admin, June 11, 2015
June 11. 2015 – Community Invited to Free Event on June 15 to Learn About Ways to Impact Health
On Monday, June 15 all residents are invited to a community event that will present research that shows despite great community work, people still cannot afford basics such as housing and food. Speakers will also raise awareness about a growing national movement to institute a Basic Income Guarantee (BIG) to significantly reduce poverty. The event is hosted by Basic Income Peterborough Network and takes place Monday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m. in Bagnani Hall at Traill College, 310 London Street, Peterborough.
“We know health is not determined simply by genetics, but there are several factors including income, that impact health,” explains Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Those who live in poverty have worse health outcomes, become sick more often and have increased visits to the emergency room. An annual basic income could help reverse this trend.”
Carleton University professor Dr. Peter Andrée and Mary Anne Martin, a PhD candidate from Trent University, will present research including a case study that examined the tensions between food access and housing security in Peterborough. It found that despite Peterborough’s best efforts to address the effects of poverty, food and housing insecurity continues to increase. Also presenting is Rob Rainer, an advocate for Basic Income Guarantee, who will discuss the results of a pilot program of guaranteed income in Dauphin, Manitoba during the 1970’s. This trial resulted in better health outcomes, fewer emergency room visits, and more young people staying in school and graduating from high school.
This event is a partnership between Peterborough Public Health, Nourishing Communities: Sustainable Local Food Systems Research Group (with funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council), Carleton University and Basic Income Peterborough Network.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence, Communications Supervisor
705-743-1000, ext. 391