Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

Federal Election 2025 Advocacy Resources and Platforms

The Poverty Task Force encourages its members and the broader community to question their local candidates on current issues. With a deepening food insecurity and housing crisis happening we are looking for bold action from every political party leading up to the federal election on April 28th.

  • Assembly of First Nations: is working with Elections Canada to support First Nations electors to vote by providing information on the federal election process and addressing barriers to participation.  2025 Federal Election – Assembly of First NationsAnd they call for a commitment to First Nations Priorities.National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak Calls on Federal Parties to Commit to First Nations Priorities as Election Begins – Assembly of First Nations
  • Canadian Public Health Association: calls on the next federal government to invest in strategies and programs that support strong healthy people in Canada regardless of their economic and social status. CPHA has created a series of factsheets based on the social determinants of health and they have analyzed how the federal political parties stack up in their understanding of public health and investing in disease prevention, health protection and health promotion. Election 2025 | Canadian Public Health Association
  • National Right to Housing Network (NHRN): is urging candidates from all parties to recognize that the housing and homelessness crisis and the climate emergency are deeply interconnected, and that approaching both as “stark violations” of human rights will be critical to solving them. Housing, Homelessness Intertwine with Climate, Housing Rights Network Says
  • Housing and Homelessness: The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, the Canadian Real Estate Association, Habitat for Humanity and the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association have come together to release a new policy platform that outlines how their next government can both respond to the immediate housing crisis and build resiliency for the future. That plan is called ‘Housing Canada: A Sovereign Plan to Protect Canadians and Build a Resilient Housing System.’
  • Community Food Centre Canada: has launched a No More Scraps campaignnomorescraps.ca. Their website includes a campaign kit with lots of ideas and tools to help engage with community and candidates in discussions around food insecurity and poverty; a video to use in discussions, a digital letter organizations can send to candidates in your riding, along with statistics on poverty and food insecurity for every federal riding.  Organizations may endorse their open letter to party leaders demanding action on food insecurity and help us get it out through your networks. Organizations can sign-on up to April 9th at 5pm (ET).
  • Food Secure Canada: has launched its Eat Think Vote campaign that puts food issues on the table during the federal election via community-hosted events with candidates. This non-partisan campaign brings community members and federal candidates together to discuss Canada’s most pressing food issues. Local organizations or individuals are invited to host events in their electoral districts, inviting all candidates and community members to participate in direct dialogue.  https://www.eatthinkvote.ca
  • Oral Health: The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a significant new oral health care program that makes dental care more affordable for low and middle-income Canadians who do not have private insurance. When fully implemented in 2025 the program is expected to improve oral health for an estimated 9 million Canadians. Canadian Dental Care Plan – Canada.ca.  Voice your support for the Canadian Dental Care Plan to your federal candidate. OOHA – OAPHD
  • Facts and All Candidate Debates 
  • Election Day is Monday, April 28th 2025
  • Elections Canada offices are open across the country. You can vote early at any of them by Tuesday, April 22, 6 p.m. Find the Elections Canada office nearest you.
  • Advance polling stations are open April 18-21 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Check your voter information card or use the Voter Information Service to find your polling station.
  • Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound All Candidates Debate hosted by Grey County Federation of Agriculture on April 17th,  7pm – 9:30pm at Keady Community Centre. 
  • Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound All Candidates Debate will be held on 560 CFOS and streamed online April 16th from 9am-11am.
  • Huron-Bruce All Candidates Debate hosted by Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce on April 10th, 7pm – 9pm, The Plex, Port Elgin.

What’s on BGDISC.ca that supports our Federal Platform discussion: 

  • Welfare in Canada Report: statistics on the number of people on social assistance in Ontario Ontario – Maytree
  • Report Card on Child and Family Poverty in Canada: Campaign 2000 breaks down data per province Ending Child Poverty: The Time Is Now
  • AMO Municipalities Under Pressure Report: the cost of homelessness in Ontariobgdisc.ca/post/municipalities-under-pressure-the-human-and-financial-cost-of-ontario-s-homelessness-crisis
  • Grey County perspective to AMO Report:  Grey County is experiencing similar trends to other rural communities across the province. Locally, in 2024, Grey County identified 375 individuals experiencing homelessness. Of these individuals, 65 identify as Indigenous, 80 are children 15 and under, and 45 are youth ages 16-24. Adults account for 252 of the individuals and seniors (65+) 8. 253 of individuals are experiencing chronic homelessness. Grey County also provides subsidized housing and maintains a housing waitlist. The waitlist has grown from 1,517 in 2022 to 2,230 in 2024. Providing a Grey County perspective to the AMO Municipalities Under Pressure Report | Grey County
  • Knowing our Numbers Report:  A December 2023 Statistics Canada survey found that while childcare is getting more affordable for parents, accessing it is more challenging. More than 60% of parents wanting childcare report difficulties finding it, up from 53% in 2019. As a result, roughly one in three respondents say they had to change their work or study schedules, take on fewer working hours, or delay their return to work. More than 60% of parents wanting child care report difficulties finding it, up from 53% in 2019. bgdisc.ca/post/counties-of-bruce-and-grey-knowing-our-numbers-report

Please let us know what you are doing in your community! 

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

Growing Together: The Power of Community Gardens

At our March Food Security Action Group meeting, Simona Freiberg shared their latest numbers and documentation from the Grey Bruce Community Garden Network.

In a world that often emphasizes individual success, the true strength of a community lies in its togetherness. Community gardens serve as a beautiful testament to the power of collaboration, fostering food security, wellness, and shared purpose. They are not just about growing food; they are about growing relationships, resilience, and hope.

Food Security Through Community Effort

Food security means having reliable access to sufficient, nutritious food. In community gardens, members take an active role in ensuring this security, cultivating fruits, vegetables, and herbs that nourish both body and spirit. Growing our own food fosters independence while reinforcing interdependence—when a neighbor needs support, the community is there to help. Watch this inspiring video on community gardening in Grey Bruce: Community Gardens Video

The Role of Each Member

Each person who participates in a community garden plays a vital role. Whether it’s planting, watering, harvesting, or sharing knowledge, every contribution strengthens the collective wellness of the group. In these shared spaces, the emphasis is on cooperation rather than competition. Unlike the isolation of individualism, community gardens promote unity, showing that we are always stronger together.

Healing Through Growth and Sharing

The act of planting and harvesting is deeply therapeutic. Gardening has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health, and create a sense of fulfillment. The joy of watching seeds turn into nourishment reflects the potential for transformation—not just in the soil, but within our communities. Sharing the harvest further deepens the sense of belonging, reinforcing the idea that no one should go hungry when abundance exists within our collective hands.

Join the Movement: 2025 Garden Educational Workshops

To continue this journey of empowerment and sustainability, we invite you to take part in their 2025 Garden Educational Workshops. These workshops will offer hands-on learning experiences for both beginners and seasoned gardeners, covering topics such as soil health, sustainable practices, and efficient food production.

Together, we can cultivate a future where food security is a shared responsibility and our communities thrive through the bonds we build in the garden. For more details, contact Simona at simifreiberg@gmail.com.

Get Involved with the Community Garden Network

To further support and expand the impact of community gardens, explore the Grey Bruce Community Garden Network through The Sustainability Project. This initiative connects individuals and organizations, fostering knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and sustainability in community gardening efforts.

Please feel free to contact Simona with any questions, thoughts, or ideas you may have for Community Gardens. If you are interested in gathering some seeds for gardening, please reach out as there are plenty to share. If your organization is interested in starting a garden, Simona is always happy to share knowledge and collaborate when possible.

Simona’s Contact Details: simifreiberg@gmail.com

Community Foundation Grey Bruce Grant deadline is April 15, 2025.

Community Grants are an opportunity to support new or expanding projects and programs that improve the community vitality of Grey and Bruce Counties. Applications from eligible community service organizations of up to $5,000 will be considered. Applicants must either have a registered charitable number or be sponsored by an organization that is a CRA qualified done within Grey or Bruce County. Contact the office at 519-371-7203  to ensure your project is eligible for funding before filling out an application form or email foundation@cfgb.ca Criteria for Granting- https://cfgb.ca/grants/community/criteria/ https://www.communityfoundationgreybruce.com/grants/community

Robin Cork, Food Security Action Group Chair and Food Coordinator, United Way of Bruce Grey

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

Press Release: Nothing Says “Love” Like Ending Poverty

13 February 2025

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Urges Provincial Candidates to Step Up

This Valentine’s Day, forget the chocolates and roses—what our community really needs is action on food insecurity and poverty! With 1 in 4 households struggling to afford food and 30.7% of Ontario’s children living in food-insecure homes, love means fighting for real solutions.

“Food banks are working overtime, but they shouldn’t be the backbone of our social safety net,” said Jill Umbach of the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force. “If we really care about each other, let’s fix the root issues—because you can’t eat a Valentine’s Day card.”

Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue, Food Banks Are Overwhelmed, And We Need Help Too

Last year, the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force launched Income Solutions to Food Insecurity, a campaign advocating for sustainable, income-based solutions to hunger. It’s time to move beyond band-aid solutions and give our communities the stability they deserve.

What We’re Asking for (Besides More Chocolate)

The Poverty Task Force is calling on provincial candidates in an Open Letter to Provincial Candidates to put their money where their heart is by committing to:

  1. Strengthening Income Supports
    • Increase social assistance rates to reflect real living costs.
    • Stop using food banks as a replacement for proper income policies.
  2. Investing in Quality Jobs
    • Make sure workers earn a living wage.
    • Strengthen employment standards so people don’t have to work three jobs to survive.
    • Expand access to affordable childcare.
  3. Expanding Supportive and Transitional Housing
    • Invest in social and supportive housing, mental health services, and income supports.
    • Help people move from homelessness to stability—because home is where the heart is.

Candidates, Will You Be Our Valentine?

With the February 27 provincial election coming up, we’re putting candidates on the spot:

💘 Will you commit to real income solutions?
💘 Will you invest in long-term policies instead of temporary charity?

This Valentine’s Day, show some love to the people who need it most.

About the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force

For over 12 years, the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force has been advocating for policies that tackle poverty at its roots. We believe in love, dignity, and making sure everyone has enough to eat—because nothing kills the romance like an empty fridge.

To read our Open Letter and learn more go to: Poverty, Voting and Ontario Election – Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force

Vote with Your Heart

Voting is an act of love for your community. Visit https://www.elections.on.ca to check your voter registration and learn how to cast your vote in the February 27 election.

#votewithyourheart #incomesolutionstopoverty

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

Press Release: Volunteers Drive $3.27M in Support for Grey Bruce Residents

Reducing Poverty Through Volunteers: The Impact of Community Volunteer Income Programs in Grey Bruce

The Grey Bruce Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Network continues to make a significant impact by providing free tax preparation services to low-income individuals and families across the region. In collaboration, local CVITP organizations, social service agencies, 211 Community Connections and the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force, support the program to connect residents with vital government benefits, credits, and refunds to alleviate financial challenges.

A new report, Reducing Poverty Through Volunteers: The Impact of CVITP in Grey Bruce, highlights the program’s success. “The CVITP is more than just a tax preparation service,” said Jill Umbach, Coordinator of the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force. “It’s about empowering individuals and families by connecting them with the financial resources they’re entitled to.”

Counting the Dollar Impact

During the Grey Bruce CVITP Network Annual Gathering, three organizations—the Bruce County Public Library, South East Grey Community Health Centre, and The Meeting Place Tobermory—reported a combined $3,275,673 in benefits and refunds returned to households in 2023 Tax Season (Filed in March to June 2024).

“These numbers clearly show the positive impact of the CVITP program. Over $1.6 million in Bruce County alone is helping people cover essentials like housing, food, and utilities,” said Brooke McLean, Director of the Bruce County Public Library. “This program is one of the most impactful we offer, and collecting data helps us to tell our story better.” Read the full report here: Reducing Poverty through volunteers: the impact of CVITP in Grey Bruce

Growing Need and Call for Volunteers

In 2024, the CVITP saw a rise in demand, filing thousands of returns and helping individuals access critical benefits like the Canada Child Benefit and GST/HST credits. “Without filing taxes, many people wouldn’t receive these essential supports,” said Cameron Bruce, Constituency Assistant to MP Alex Ruff. “Thank you to all the volunteers making this possible.”

The program’s dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to ensure residents can access critical government benefits, credits, and tax refunds, helping to alleviate financial challenges and promote economic stability.

As the program grows, new volunteers are needed. No experience is required, and training is provided. Volunteers can make a significant community impact while gaining valuable skills.

About the CVITP and Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is a Canada Revenue Agency initiative that supports community organizations in offering free tax clinics. Volunteer to do taxes for people in your community – Canada.ca

The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force brings together community partners to address poverty-related issues through advocacy, education, and action. Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force – Our voice is power.

Together, they are making a measurable difference in the lives of individuals and families in the Grey Bruce region, ensuring equitable access to financial resources and support.

To find free tax filing assistance or volunteer in Grey and Bruce Counties, visit www.freetaxclinics.ca or Volunteer4BGTaxes.ca, or call 211.

Media Contact:

Brooke McLean, Director, Bruce County Public Library BMcLean@brucecounty.on.ca |519-832-6935

Jill Umbach, Coordinator, Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force povertytaskforce@unitedwaybg.com | 519-377-9406

Learn More: Reducing Poverty through volunteers: the impact of CVITP in Grey Bruce