Minimum wage too low

Many Canadians are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet every month. Despite working multiple jobs, people are going hungry because they can't pay all the bills.

That's according to the Recession Relief Coalition, a Toronto-based group of that is concerned about the impact of the floundering economy on the country's most vulnerable citizens. Spokesperson Beric German said it's not the unemployed that have been hit hardest by the recession- it's people with low-paying jobs.

"It costs money to go to work, so people on the lowest income are a group that suffer the most from hunger," said German.

After covering the costs associated with having a job, like  travelling to work, German said people don't have enough for rent and food. He said the roughly $10-per-hour minimum wage should be increased to at least $15 per hour.

"We have to get them up to a level where they can feed themselves and their families and afford to pay the rent," said German.

In November, the Recession Relief Coalition conducted a Hunger Inquiry in Toronto. They found a growing number of people of all ages who are facing empty fridges and can barely afford to pay the rent.

People who rely on social assistance are also suffering.
Welfare rates have been the same ever since they were slashed by 22% by former premier Mike Harris is 1995.

"Welfare rates have to go up," said German. "If they were to go up to a rate that was comparable to rates prior to the Harris cuts, people might just be able to eat and pay the rent."

He also expressed concern about the short and long-term impact that poverty has on people, including mental and physical health problems.

The Recession Relief Coalition is calling for the federal government to invest in vital social services and stop slashing funding for non-profit groups that provide support for Canadians in financial trouble.

For more information on the Recession Relief Coalition, check them out on Facebook or visit http://recessionreliefcoalition.yolasite.com.