A hard look at poverty; Plan in works to help district's poorest

from the North Bay Nugget

Posted By Dave Dale

Surging inflation was the biggest story in Canada Wednesday at the same time a "comprehensive" plan was taking shape to help Nipissing District's poorest residents.

Longtime social activist Jim Sinclair said the time is ripe for positive news with growing fears it's going to get even harder to obtain basic needs as living costs rise.

"I've never seen a table like this with so many helping agencies gathered around and putting resources forward," Sinclair said, adding the provincial government in particular has committed to act on the issue.

A community briefing on poverty reduction in Nipissing District is scheduled May 30 at the North Bay Public Library's auditorium.

The agenda includes a statistical portrait of poverty, a summary of what people experience under those conditions and recommendations to turn things around.

"This opportunity is quite unique," Sinclair said, referring to the agencies joining forces against a common problem.

Health, education and business representatives are involved, as well as the full spectrum of social services programs, delivery agencies and groups needing the most help.

Sinclair, chairman of the working group, said Northern Ontario communities have a lower wage, higher costs of living and suffer more health problems than southern Ontario residents on average.

The recommendations coming out of the working group, he said, will be founded on the "most creative and responsible way the city and citizens can respond."

Income security, affordable housing, adequate food and educational opportunities top the list of challenges, as well as the waiting lists for all kinds of services such as eye glasses and baby programs.

Mayor Vic Fedeli said he won't be at the community briefing because the Federation of Canadian Municipalities is gathering in Quebec City to push the federal and provincial government for more affordable housing money.

Fedeli said 12 to 18 social housing units under construction beside Mother St. Bride Elementary School are the first of 118 units approved by the District of Nipissing Social Service Administration Board.

Other units will be built in Mattawa and East Ferris as well, he said, but none of it would happen if provincial and federal governments didn't agree to share costs with municipalities.