Tony Martin launches Kimberly Rogers campaign

Sault MPP Tony Martin has launched an E-lobbying campaign aimed at persuading the Ontario Government to immediately implement all recommendations made by the jury in the Kimberly Rogers inquest.

The following is the full text of a news release distributed by Martin today:

******************************************************************** MARTIN LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR CHANGE

Jan 8, 2003

SAULT STE. MARIE - NDP Poverty Critic Tony Martin today launched 'Campaign for Change', an electronic lobbying effort to pressure the Conservatives into transforming Ontario's punitive social assistance system.

"The inquest into the death of Kimberly Rogers resulted in critical recommendations for change," Martin said. "It is up to all of us to make sure those changes get made. That's what Campaign for Change is all about."

Kimberly Rogers died, eight months pregnant, while under house arrest for welfare fraud. She had put herself through school on student loans while on social assistance.

"The five ordinary Ontarians who made up the Coroner's Jury thoroughly examined the effects of the Conservative government's punitive welfare policies and have demanded action. It is now time for the Premier to act and implement their recommendations," the Sault Ste Marie MPP said.

Martin is asking Ontarians to write, fax or email the Premier and the Minister of Community, Family and Children's Services to demand immediate implementation of all of the jury's recommendations. He is also calling on people to contact five friends and ask them to do the same.

To make it easier, Martin has set up an electronic postcard at www.ontariondp.on.ca that can be sent automatically.

After five weeks of hearings the Coroner's Jury made fourteen recommendations including: the end of the lifetime ban from social assistance and an increase in social assistance rates to actually cover the basic cost of living.

"It is up to us to hold the Conservatives accountable," said Martin. "We must all work together to make sure that all of the Roger's recommendations get implemented."