Poverty Reduction - Urgent Action Needed Now!
Introduction
We are the Leadership Teams of three apostolic Religious Congregations of women in the Diocese of London in Ontario. In the spirit of the call of the Gospel we stand with individuals and groups across the Province to urge the Ontario Government to fully implement their Poverty Reduction Plan.
Some Facts about Poverty
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 In 1981 there were no food banks in Ontario. Today there are over 400 places where our most vulnerable neighbours seek assistance so they can feed their families.
- One of every eight Ontario children live in poverty when income is measured after taxes.
- The income gap between the richest and the poorest Ontarians has grown substantially in the past generation
- Ontario is moving from a good jobs economy to a bad jobs economy. Full-time jobs in well-paying, benefit providing industrial and resource sectors are giving way to service sector minimum wage, part-time jobs with few or no benefits. Hard work - even on a full time basis - is no longer a ticket out of poverty.
- Social assistance incomes are far below the poverty line. Sadly, some of our public policies in dealing with those on social assistance actually penalize them for wanting to return to the workforce.
Reference: The Road Ahead - Poverty Reduction in Ontario, Campaign 2000 Ontario Report Card, 2007
Yalnizyan, Armine, Ontario’s Growing Gap: Time for Leadership, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, May, 2007
Context During Time of Economic Uncertainty
One of the most important lessons of the Great Depression was that a politics of cutbacks and restraint is not helpful during a time of deep recession. Therefore, in the late 1930"s and in subsequent recessions, the choice was made to take measures that increased the income security of all in society, but most especially those living in poverty.
During the structural recession of the early 1990s, government policy choices ignored the wisdom of past generations. The subsequent policies of cutback and restraint contributed to a prolonged period of hardship, particularly in Ontario.
At this time of economic uncertainty, we urge the government to remember that investments in poverty reduction offer huge social and economic dividends. We recommend strongly that the government move ahead with a robust and comprehensive strategy for reducing poverty in Ontario.
Specific Policy Recommendations
- Maintain steady increases to minimum wages
- Invest in public goods and services as well as public infrastructure
- Press the federal government to improve access to Employment Insurance
- Increase access to effective job training with jobs to follow
- Invest in safe and affordable housing
- Increase rates for social assistance
- Invest in early learning and child care
- Invest in jobs
- Improve delivery of public services
Suggestions for Early Advent Action
1) Write, fax or meet with your MMP encouraging them to support a comprehensive Poverty Reduction Plan
2) Gather with others in your parish or local community to learn more about poverty in your area
3) Pray with the Scripture Reading during Advent to hear the call to “wake up” and “open your eyes”. What is the Good News we can learn from the poor?
For More Information on Poverty Reduction
www.25in5.ca
www.campaign2000.ca
www.makepovertyhistory.ca
Contact Information on MPP’s
www.gov.on.ca Find link to MPP’s for contact information
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