Talking to community about poverty

from Inside Toronto

Series of meetings held locally as part of province-wide campaign
BY CLARK KIM

Three community consultations were held locally this week as part of a province-wide campaign to tackle poverty.

York South-Weston MPP Laura Albanese hosted the first two sessions on Monday, June 16 where local residents, social agency representatives and politicians attended to provide their input.

"The aim is to hear from everyone," said Albanese, noting a special cabinet committee on poverty reduction chaired by Deb Matthews, Ontario Minister of Children and Youth, has been formed to focus on this particular issue. "Minister Matthews and the committee will be travelling across the province to hear from a wide range of people and consult with them to figure out the best way to reduce poverty."

A public meeting was held Wednesday, June 18 at York Memorial Collegiate Institute - one of two community consultations taking place in Toronto with Matthews in attendance as well as representatives from various social organizations.

That meeting was closed to the media.

But about 35 people came out to the afternoon session on Monday, consisting mostly of members from local community groups including the Learning Enrichment Foundation, Macaulay Child Development Centre and Faith Sanctuary Church.

The attendees were divided into smaller focus groups and were asked to answer questions, which include:

* How can we improve opportunities for children living in poverty with existing resources?

* What new ideas could be incorporated into the existing supports that would increase opportunities for children living in poverty?

* What are the long-term goals for improving opportunity with respect to groups other than children?

* What measures will best show progress in improving opportunity for Ontarians living in poverty?

Peter Frampton, executive director of the Learning Enrichment Foundation, noted the province should assist local organizations that have been working with low-income families for many years.

"We know what works in the community. We actually have been quite good at moving people out of poverty but we could do quite more," said Frampton, asking the province to enhance the investments made into existing programs. "Fund what works and not necessarily what's new."

Some possible indicators to mark progress in reducing poverty suggested at the meeting included a 50 per cent reduction in the demand for food banks, increased family income level and higher employment rate.

Just looking at the employment rate could be misleading since people with two or three jobs would all be listed as employed, noted Weston resident Mike Sullivan.

More higher-quality jobs are needed with an increase in the minimum wage, Sullivan said.

Another concern is the government seems to be focused on how to use existing resources for its poverty reduction plan, added Sullivan, implying the province isn't prepared to spend more money.

Residents can still provide input online by visiting www.ontario.ca/GrowingStronger

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