Leading record labels, Canadian artists and Make Poverty History today released the first all-Canadian 'Click' ads to build awareness for the campaign and drive action by Prime Minister Paul Martin at a United Nations Summit next week. The TV spots, which will begin airing in September, are being launched in advance of International White Band Day 2 on Saturday and the Sept. 14-16 UN Summit in New York, where ending poverty is on the agenda.

Mirroring the now-familiar 'Click' ads that aired worldwide, the spots feature a who's who of the Canadian music scene including Bryan Adams, Sarah McLachlan, k-os, Gord Downie, Sam Roberts, Barenaked Ladies, Jann Arden and Randy Bachman (full list below). Radio ads will be released soon, with a voice-over by Gord Downie.

"Artists and recording industry executives alike jumped at the chance to participate in this campaign," says Graham Henderson, President of the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA). "There is overwhelming support in the music industry for the goals of Make Poverty History and now we want to light that fire under all Canadians."

Tomorrow, Canadians will join millions of people at events worldwide - from Calgary to Kabul -- as part of International White Band Day 2. Make Poverty History is calling for more and better aid, trade justice, 100% cancellation of the debt owed by the poorest countries and an end to child poverty in Canada.

"Every day 50,000 people die from poverty-related causes and more than 800 million people go to bed hungry," says Gerry Barr Co-chair of Make Poverty History. "These numbers can numb us with a sense that little can be done to end such misery. But nothing could be farther from the truth. Millions worldwide are calling on world leaders to act now to end global poverty. Together we can make poverty history."

Henderson, who as a teenager spent two years in Africa while his father was there on an international aid contract, notes that the campaign has struck a personal chord for many people in Canada's music industry. "While in Africa, I encountered the most extraordinary people who suffer under extraordinary hardships," he says. "We need to do everything possible to encourage public debate on solutions to extreme poverty along with action from our political leaders."

The response of Canadian rock legend Randy Bachman, when contacted to participate in the ads, typified the reaction of artists and industry executives, Henderson adds. "Without a moment's hesitation, Bachman sent an email saying, "Sounds like it must be done. I'll do it.' "

In addition to recording industry and artist contributions, the ads were made possible by donations of time, skills and equipment from several people and organizations, says Cindy Zaplachinski, Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs at EMI Music Canada, who played a central role in the project. "In particular, we'd like to thank Cherie Sinclair and Blink Pictures as well as Director Kevin DeFreitas for their generous contributions."

Make Poverty History Canada is part of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, the world's largest anti-poverty coalition made up of national campaigns in over 70 countries.

The Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) promotes the interests of Canadian record companies and their partners, the artists. CRIA represents more than 95 per cent of all records produced and sold in Canada.

Note to Editors: Broadcast quality video and still images from the ads are available upon request via the contacts below. The ads will also be available for viewing beginning this afternoon at www.makepovertyhistory.ca.

Make Poverty History "Click" Ad Artists

Bryan Adams, Sarah McLachlan, Gordon Lightfoot, k-os, Tom Green, Tom Cochrane, Raine Maida, Pierre Bouvier (from Simple Plan), Gord Downie, Sam Roberts, Fefe Dobson, Ben Kowalewicz (from Billy Talent), Bruce Cockburn, Jann Arden, Steve Jocz & Jason (Cone) McCaslin (from Sum 41), Great Big Sea (Alan Doyle, Séan McCann, Bob Hallett, Murray Foster, Kris MacFarlane), Barenaked Ladies (Steven Page, Ed Robertson, Jim Creeggan, Kevin Hearn, Tyler Stewart), Randy Bachman, Margo Timmins, K'naan, Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor (Blue Rodeo), African Guitar Summit and international artists Motley Crue and Jet.