Prince George, B.C. – The 9^th annual Chili Blanket event on the steps of the Court house in Prince George, drew hundreds of people today.

They lined up for a up of hot chocolate, a cup of hot chilli, and the opportunity to pick up some warm clothing, blankets, boots, or some personal hygiene packs.

• Poverty leads to poor health, problems in school, more crime, and greater stress on families
• Poverty costs British Columbians 8.1-9.2 billion $ each year
• A poverty reduction plan in BC would cost $3-4 billion/year while generating $5.3 billion in additional income
• BC is still the province with the highest level of child poverty – for 8 years now
• Over 20% of Canadian workers are low income workers
• Canadian women working full time, full year jobs still make only 73% of the male wage and this would change with the provision of Universal Child Care
• BC is still the province with the highest level of child poverty – for 8 years now
• In 2008 the poverty related costs of crime was $745 million