MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 16, 2013 /CNW/ - A new poll released today reveals
that British Columbians feel conflicted about child labour and how they
may be fueling the tragedy. Commissioned by World Vision a few weeks
after the Bangladesh factory disaster, the Ipsos Reid survey found that
81 per cent of British Columbians think it's easy to turn a blind eye
to child labour in developing countries.
The majority also misjudged the scale of child slavery worldwide. On
average, British Columbians estimated that 7.9 million children are
doing hazardous work. The correct answer, according to the
International Labour Organization, is more than 115 million children
are doing work that is damaging their bodies, minds and well-being.
Many have dropped out of school; many are not able to escape their
A majority of British Columbians did not know it's possible to buy fair
trade clothing, wine, jewelry, soccer balls, flowers, seafood and
produce like green peppers and bananas. However, they were the most
likely of all Canadians to know that coffee and chocolate are available
as fair trade.
"British Columbians haven't yet grasped the shocking scale of child
labour worldwide. Their estimate of how many children toil in dirty,
dangerous and degrading jobs was 14 times lower than reality," said Cheryl Hotchkiss, senior advocacy manager, World Vision Canada. "It's easy to turn a blind eye to something that's not in your face, but
this research shows British Columbians want options to protect children
in other countries from exploitation, just like children in Canada
should be protected."
"Before I travelled to India I had no idea how horrible life is for
child labourers. Then I met children as young as four who were forced
to collect trash in the Delhi slums for hours every day. No kid should
have to live like this. I urge Canadians to join me and my brothers in
this fight to end child slavery," says Drew Scott, ambassador and co-host of W Network's Property Brothers.
Despite British Columbians' perception of child slavery, the poll also
showed they are prepared to take action.
ADDITIONAL POLL RESULTS FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA
British Columbians are the most likely of all Canadians (81 per cent) to
point to Western demand for cheap products as the driver behind a
company's need for cheap labour.
British Columbians, along with Atlantic Canadians, are also the most
willing to pay more for products guaranteed to be free of child labour.
On average, British Columbians would pay 28 per cent more for such
products - the most of all Canadians.
78 per cent are disturbed to see children working in the tourism
industry when they're on holiday.
88 per cent say they would be more likely to buy a vacation through a
tour operator or hotel that donates a percentage of revenue to local
child protection organizations.
91 per cent think companies should be legally obligated to provide
information about the working conditions in their factories, wages and
commit to not using child labour.
VIDEO AND PHOTOS
World Vision recently launched a new campaign, No Child For Sale, which provides resources for Canadians to understand child slavery and become more responsible
consumers. Globally, the aid agency is working to change and enforce
laws, educate children, families and communities about children's
rights and support people to overcome poverty which often leads to
child slavery. Visit NoChildForSale.ca or #nochildforsale.
*These are some of the findings of an Ipsos Reid survey conducted
between May 10 and 17, 2013, in which a sample of 1,924 Canadian adults was interviewed
online. The survey is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points had
all Canadians adults been polled.
World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy
organization dedicated to working with children, families and
communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all
people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our
News Centre at worldvision.ca.
SOURCE: World Vision Canada
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