Need for economic support from Canada in Low Income Countries

EDITOR:

COVID-19 has affected the economy worldwide, but Canadians have had the privilege of being able to access the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to support them through this shutdown, a privilege that many people in low income countries do not have. 60% of households in these countries have reduced income, with many being without social protection.

Workers have little access to alternative economic opportunities and are forced to work in dangerous conditions.

80% of the population relies on the informal economy, which is made up of small income-generating ventures.

Now more than ever, people in poverty require assistance in being able to grow their micro-enterprises or to start new ones.

The Partnership for Economic Inclusion (PEI) has the power to do this, yet funding for micro-enterprises is less than 1% of Canada’s total aid program. Canada needs to support people living in poverty by increasing funding for micro-entrepreneurs and demonstrating commitment by joining the Partnership for Economic Inclusion (PEI). Now is the time to give low income countries and their workers the support they need.

Suin Lee, Kanata Ont.