66,000 Calgarians who make under $13,000 annually rely on $5.30 monthly transit pass

Calgary, AB. - Hundreds of concerned Calgarians will gather at Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 St SE) before marching to City Hall to protect funding for vulnerable Calgarians on November 25 at 8:45 a.m.

"KeepCalgaryStrong believes that cuts in the city's operating budget should do the least harm to Calgary's most vulnerable," said Anna Greenwood-Lee, spokesperson for KeepCalgaryStrong. "Budget cuts must not compromise access to jobs, safety, education, health care and the social participation of those most dependent on City services."

With budget deliberations set to begin on November 25, City Council will decide whether they will continue to fund Calgary's $5.30 (Band A) low-income transit pass. More than 66,000 Calgarians depend on this monthly pass to get around Calgary. Calgarians who make under $13,000 a year have been able to access this life-changing pass since March 2017.

"The $5.30 low-income transit pass has done something that has never happened before in Calgary," said Anna Greenwood-Lee. "It mobilized more than 66,000 people who were living in extreme poverty, allowing them to purchase a reliable, predictable pass so they could secure work and remain employed, access much needed programs and services, visit family and friends and attend places of worship. It is essential City Council continue to fund this program."

This week KeepCalgaryStrong is asking their 30,000 plus members to email the Mayor and City Council urging them to continue funding the $5.30 low-income transit pass.

For more info visit:https://www.keepcalgarystrong.ca/

 

Media Contact:

Annalise Klingbeil