International Day for Poverty Eradication hits Halifax

Dozens of people marched from St. Patrick's Church on Brunswick Streetto Grand Parade in Halifax Saturday morning to mark the International Day for Poverty Eradication.

Some demonstrators played drums, while others carried signs that read "vote to end legislated poverty" and "share the wealth with us."

Deb Key, representingthe Brunswick Street Tenants Association, led the march with amegaphone in hand, calling for all levels of government to take action.

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The subject of poverty hits close to home for Key to her own neighbourhood where she says residents are being priced out.

"We've had tenants that have been there for 51 years and we're being displaced from our neighbourhood on Brunswick Street," Key said.

"Gentrification is here and what can we do about it? Right now, there's not a lot."

An increase in minimum wage would help andthat the city needs to bring back rent control, she said.

"This is serious stuff," Keys said. "People are living from hand to mouth and sometimes, not even the mouth."