OTTAWA – New Democrat Poverty Critic Tony Martin is delighted that civil society representatives are calling for an alternative to Conservative policies at the Canadian Social Forum, which ends today in Calgary.

“I can see that, even here in Calgary, in Stephen Harper’s heartland we here are talking about a Canada where no one is left behind. Stephen Harper’s Conservative policies are failing families and the most vulnerable,” said Martin. “It is reassuring to see that members of civil society can rally together to propose solutions, especially to fight poverty.”

“New Democrats have been working hard for years to get its anti-poverty plan adopted and put in place to help the most disadvantaged,” added Martin. “People need leadership in this regard and the Harper government should start working with us.”

The Canadian Social Forum, hosted by the Canadian Council on Social Development, was attended by over 550 participants from community, academic and political circles.