Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Advocacy, Food Security Action Group, Income Security, Income Security Action Group, Poverty Task Force

Written Submission to the Federal 2026 Pre-Budget Consultation

Between 2021 and 2023, 18.3% of households in Grey Bruce experienced food insecurity, an increase from 17.5% in 2020. At the same time, the cost of groceries has become unaffordable for many families. In 2024, a family of four required approximately $1,250 per month for groceries alone.

These are not just statistics —they show a crisis in our communities rooted in poverty, policy, and systemic inequality. Food insecurity is not a matter of charity. It is a matter of justice.

The Poverty Task Force’s recent Written Submission to the Federal 2026 Pre-Budget Consultation urges the Government of Canada to take immediate action in its 2026 Budget to address rising poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, and economic inequality in rural communities. Across Grey and Bruce Counties, local organizations are facing unprecedented demand for emergency food programs, housing supports, and financial assistance while families struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living.

Rural communities are increasingly being asked to compensate for gaps in public policy through charitable food programs and emergency supports. While these programs are vital, they cannot replace strong income security systems, affordable housing, accessible childcare, and equitable social supports.

Food insecurity, homelessness, and poverty are not caused by individual failure. They are the result of inadequate incomes, unaffordable housing, low wages, and insufficient public investment in social infrastructure. Budget 2026 presents an opportunity for the federal government to strengthen Canada’s social safety net and ensure that all Canadians can meet their basic needs with dignity.

A Call to Action

Food insecurity, homelessness, and poverty are not caused by individual failure. They are the result of inadequate incomes, unaffordable housing, low wages, and insufficient public investment in social infrastructure. Budget 2026 presents an opportunity for the federal government to strengthen Canada’s social safety net and ensure that all Canadians can meet their basic needs with dignity.

The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force recommends the following federal priorities:

  • Improve transportation and employment opportunities for youth.
  • Reduce household food insecurity through stronger income supports and investments in equitable food systems.
  • Strengthen the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
  • Increase the Canada Disability Benefit to end disability poverty.
  • Simplify and expand eligibility for disability-related federal benefits.
  • Invest in affordable childcare and the early learning workforce.
  • Expand affordable and supportive housing in rural communities.
Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

A Future Without Poverty: National Dialogue 2025 October 17, 2025 | 🕛 12:00 – 2:00 PM EST Online Webinar

Join us on the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty for a national conversation on poverty and inequality in Canada.

This virtual event will bring together organizations, advocates, and individuals from across the country, including members of the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force, to spotlight solutions, amplify voices, and build momentum for lasting change. Together, we’ll examine the systemic drivers of poverty, share innovative strategies, and strengthen connections among communities working toward a future where everyone can thrive.

Poverty isn’t just something happening “somewhere else.” It’s here — in Grey and Bruce — and it’s affecting more of our neighbours every year. Across Canada, more people are struggling to make ends meet, and the same challenges are showing up in our local communities.

Since the pandemic, poverty has gone up in every province. Nationally, about 1 in 5 children now live in poverty, and the rate is even higher for single-parent families, especially those led by women. Across the country, 1.5 million people with disabilities are also living in poverty, often without enough income to cover basic needs.

“We know poverty is solvable,” adds Jill Umbach, Coordinator of the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force. “But it takes all of us — governments, organizations, and residents — working together to make it happen. On October 17th, we are coming together under the Campaign 2000 banner to raise the alarm on the UN International Day of Poverty Eradication.”

Food insecurity is rising too. Nearly 10 million Canadians – that’s 1 in 4 – experienced food insecurity in 2024. Locally, food banks, emergency shelters, and housing programs are seeing record demand. Workers in low-wage and precarious jobs — many of whom are women — are finding that even full-time employment doesn’t guarantee stability or dignity.

The Living Wage in 2024 for our region is $23.05/hr, the 2nd highest in Ontario after the GTA and yet we have some of the lowest wages in the province.  In Grey Bruce, the median after-tax income for men was $42,000, while women earned $32,000. This is a pay disparity with men making 31.3% more, on average, than women.

UPDATE: You may watch webinar at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZI7hLQvh-M or read the Facing the Realities of Poverty in Canada Briefing Note for Members of Parliament

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

Changemakers Pub – Slam Poetry on Poverty

The 2nd annual Changemakers Pub at the Harmony Centre was a lot of stimulating fun! Barry Randall put together a dozen or so local people and groups making positive change in Grey-Bruce, from videographers to climate activists, and social activists. David Hawkins interspersed 3 musical acts, to creating an evening that made you feel good about our community.

Jill Umbach of the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force presented a hard-hitting poem based on the words of Gabriel Cruz’s The Many Faces of Poverty and word smithed with Richard-Yves Sitoski.

Poverty, a word that strikes a chord,

A reality that’s often ignored,

A multi-dimensional issue, that we face,

A challenge, that requires, a comprehensive embrace.

Warning: food insecurity is being downloaded to charities.

Poverty is more than just a lack of money,

It is a systemic issue, that not’s so funny,

It is affected by economic, social and political factors,

And requires a multifaceted approach, to make an impact,

and to make it better.

Warning: food insecurity is being downloaded to charities.

Poverty is a lack of access, to basic needs,

A reality that’s hard to believe,

Food, water, shelter, and healthcare,

All affected, by poverty, that we need to repair.

Warning: food insecurity is being downloaded to charities

Kids in Grey Bruce – why are 1 in 4 so hungry?

And why must soup kitchens make their school lunches?

When their money’s been spent, 1 in 3 tenants can’t pay the rent.

For 1 in 10 of those who own, they can’t afford their home.

In it’s first 10 weeks of winter warming, Safe N Sound helped,

A hundred clients get off the ground.

But now they are searching for more tents, to be found.

Warning: food insecurity is being downloaded to charities.

Poverty is a vulnerability, that we face,

A risk to our health, and our rightful place,

A reality that’s harsh, but we can’t ignore,

A need to act, and to work, to make things better, than before.

Warning: food insecurity is being downloaded to charities.

Poverty is a systemic issue, that we must address,

With a comprehensive approach, that we must confess,

A need to tackle the root causes of poverty,

And to build a community, a world, full of equity.

Warning: food insecurity is being downloaded to charities.

The Poverty Task Force comes together, to take a stand,

To eradicate poverty, from our land,

To break down barriers, and the walls,

To build a world, that’s fair, and for all.

Warning: food insecurity is being downloaded to charities.

The Poverty Task Force brings together, people from all sectors,

To document the reality, and create change across Grey Bruce hectares.

More than 72 orgs, agencies and institutes – and many volunteers,

are willing and able.

Find us at povertytaskforce.com to see who’s at our table.

Find us at povertytaskforce.com to see who is taking action.

I take off my Robin Hood hat and bow,

Charities can’t keep robbing the rich, to pay for the poor.

Warning: food insecurity is being downloaded to charities.

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

Poverty, Voting and Elections – Poverty Task Force/United Way Community Update # 99

Dear Colleagues, 

Municipalities are involved in an increasing number of policy areas – housing, health care, climate change, economic development, immigration, Indigenous reconciliation, and more. This requires work across, and cooperation among, multiple levels of government.  

The Poverty Task Force has created a new page that contains information on poverty, voting and elections @ BruceGreyVotes.com (http://brucegreyvotes.com).

Poverty, Voting and Elections

The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force believes that poverty issues and poverty reduction strategies should be front and center in the upcoming municipal election.

People of all economic levels want:  a steady income, a home that is safe and affordable; good health care and representatives in government that work together to improve our well-being. 

These issues are reflected in our collective action on housing, income solutions, gender, diversity & inclusion and health equity.

Basic Income and Housing

A guaranteed basic income means that everyone’s basic needs are met in a dignified and sustainable way. Housing is more than just 4 walls, it is creating a home and foundation for people to thrive in. Listen to the voices of the RentSafe Advisory Committee in My Voice is Power.

Voting and understanding how local government works

Being informed about elections and exercising the right to vote influences the change we want to see in our communities. 

The Poverty Task Force has compiled a list of resources that will assist in voting and understanding how local government works. It is important to understand the different levels of government and what they are responsible for when voting.

Centering Anti-Racist and Equity Frameworks in Anti-Poverty Work

We All Live Here (infographic) and a policy paper presented to the City of Owen Sound by Community Voices speaks to the need for more diversity and inclusion in municipal decision-making. Community Voices  promote Diversity and Inclusion of People on Low Income in municipal government. 

The Poverty Task Force has compiled a list of resources and tools on diversity and inclusion on municipal councils.

General Voter Information 

  • Voter Registration: It is important for people to ensure they are registered to vote by Sept 1st, 2022 since many municipalities have shifted to online or phone voting. 
  • Visit VoterLookup.ca or call 1‑866‑296‑6722 to make sure people are on the Voters’ List.
  • The voters’ list will be prepared on September 1, 2022. If you want to add, remove, or change your listed information on or after September 1, you must contact your municipal clerk.
  • Election Help Centres will be set up and they open up at various locations on Oct 14th. Oct 14th-24th: Online or phone voting is open. 

Upcoming opportunities to learn more about Candidates 

Owen Sound

  • Sept 29: All candidates debate hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, Bayshore Community Centre, 5:15pm. 
  • Oct 12: All candidates debate hosted by Rebound Owen Sound at the Harmony Centre. 

Flesherton

  • Aug 24: Meet and Greet, Justin’s Oven, 7pm. 

Sauble Beach

  • Aug 28: All Candidates Debate, Sauble Christian Fellowship, 2-5pm.

Media News Release 

A Media Release will go out on August 24th.

  • Please share the new link @ BruceGreyVotes.com (http://brucegreyvotes.com).
  • We encourage all PTF members to use these materials at all candidate debates in each municipality and in meetings with individual candidates.
  • Please send us information on debates happening in your community. 
  • Please encourage people to register to vote! 

Stay well, Jill