1998-99 Annual Report

Message from the President

Another year has come and gone at the National Anti-Poverty Organization. It has been a year of many positive things.

Some of the most important events were Jacquie Ackerly and myself were given a great opportunity to go to the UN in Geneva Switzerland in November 1998. NAPO and 9 other organizations from across Canada went to ensure that Canada's social issues were not just something that Canada could sweep under a rug. We did our job and once again Canada had egg on its face.

Out of this important event, although there were more things that came out of it, the 10 organizations/groups decided to try to continue on together to keep pressure on Canada and also to work together on international issues.

One of the saddest ones, at least in my opinion, is that Bill S-11 to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to include "social condition" was not passed. We worked hard along with Senator Cohen. The Canadian Government again and again tells us that the poor of this country are of no value, we are of no importance. We will not give up the fight. I am sure that each of us is more determined now to get this amendment into the Canadian Human Rights Act.

There are more very positive events that have taken place, another one is that this year we have had six elections for people to become Board members. We as a national body are becoming stronger every day and certainly every year.

I would like to take this time to say "thank you" to the Board of Directors for their time and talents for this national body. We could not do this work for poverty unless we all become brothers and sisters fighting for justice, social justice.

We need to as a Board of Directors, and members of NAPO at this time give the staff of NAPO our thanks. The staff goes out of their way to make sure that everyone is first of all treated with respect. On a personal note I can't thank them enough for all their hard work. I am sure that the Board of Directors feels the same way.

I send all my love and my spirit to each and every one of you. Take care and keep up the fight.