Poverty 101

Equitable Recovery = A Better Normal

People with insufficient income face impossible choices every single day. Basic needs are increasingly out of reach for people living on low-income.

An equitable recovery to the COVID-19 pandemic requires that people with low income, Indigenous people, women, people living with disabilities and other employment barriers have enough income and other resources to recover well.

The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force supports the Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy – Opportunity for All. Specifically to invest in more programs that

lift people out of poverty, in a dignified manner, by ensuring they can afford basic needs—such as safe and affordable housing, healthy food, and health care
ensure economic barriers – such as daycare, transportation, racial and gender discrimination – are reduced
promote full participation in society and equitable opportunities for all people

The pandemic has increased the number of people in our communities who are struggling to find affordable homes and/or experiencing homelessness. It also demonstrated how those struggling can be more vulnerable to threats in their community.

Housing is a basic right in Canada. A Housing First approach and investment in wrap around human services is essential to reducing poverty, ending homelessness, preparing people for employment; and creating healthy and safe communities.

The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force supports A Place to Call Home – National Housing Strategy. Specifically to invest in more programs to

build affordable and supportive housing
address critical gaps in homelessness for women and youth
develop an Indigenous Housing Strategy for rural Indigenous people who live off-reserve
protect existing rental housing

A sustainable recovery must incorporate a climate lens in all policies, especially those addressing poverty and vulnerable people.

The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force supports Everyone at the Table – Food Policy for Canada. Specifically to

ensure people can afford healthy food
invest in Community-based interventions that increase access to food, with the potential to provide social, health, environmental, and economic benefits
enable all Canadians and stakeholders to collaborate on food policy goals including those to reduce food waste
support Indigenous food security and sovereignty

Enough to Thrive On: Equitable Recovery = A Better Normal