Poverty Advocacy

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Comprehensive Poverty Reduction Plan Needed

Thanks to the efforts of many people across Ontario, the Provincial Government has promised to develop a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy.

Now it is important to let the government know that you want them to follow through on their commitment.

• Background
• Action Needed
• Explore the biblical vision of a poverty free society.
• Learn more about pathways towards a poverty free Ontario.
  

 

Pathways toward a poverty free Ontario

Between 1995 and 2005, Ontario experienced strong economic and employment growth. Yet that prosperity was not shared by all. Many Ontarians still struggle to put food on the table and keep a roof over head. Food banks struggle to help people stave off hunger. "Out of the Cold" programs run by churches to provide shelter to people throughout winter have had to expand. Child and family poverty rates remain higher than they were in 1989, when the House of Commons pledged to eliminate child poverty in Canada by the year 2000. In addition, a job is not a guaranteed pathway out of poverty. Almost one in four Ontario jobs pays low wages. 70% of all low-income children live in families with at least one parent working, part-time or full-time.

The lesson is that economic growth offers no guarantee of reducing poverty. It takes a social and political commitment to policies and programs that insure everyone has what they need to live with dignity and to participate as full members of their communities.

It takes commitments to sustaining employment, a strong social safety net and strong, supportive communities.

• Sustaining employment means assuring a living standard above poverty for any adult who works full time throughout the year. It means fair pay and stable working conditions for all Ontarians. It means poverty-proofing the minimum wage. It means updating and enforcing labour standards for all workers. It means expanding access to dental, drug and vision coverage.
• A strong social safety net means dignity and income security for all Ontarians - including during times when you are unable to work for pay. It means closing the gap between life on social assistance and moving out of poverty. It means making it easier for people with disabilities to get access to the Ontario Disability Support Program. It means tightening regulations on pay day lending.
• Strong and supportive communities require commitments to affordable housing with support services for those who need them, early learning and child care, and public transit that is affordable and accessible.

For more information on policies for poverty reduction check out the other resources link on the right.

 

 

For further information or to receive MCCO's Advocacy Updates:
Greg deGroot-Maggetti

519-745-8458