Poverty in paradise

Five Canadian provinces either have poverty reduction plans, or are in the process of developing them, but so far, not BC.

Yet by any measure, BC has the highest rate of poverty in Canada. BC has recorded the highest child poverty rate for five years running. Over half a million British Columbians –13 per cent of the total population – live in poverty, and homelessness continues to rise.

At the United Way, we see the evidence of why BC needs a plan every day. Too many people in our community are vulnerable. We know that poverty hits children and seniors especially hard.

It affects school-readiness. Right now 29 percent of children entering school in our region aren’t ready for school because of barriers like poverty.

And many seniors on fixed incomes or relying on uncertain pensions are just a step away from the streets.

Resilient families living in healthy, caring and inclusive communities provide the social infrastructure we need for all of us to be successful.

At United Way, we have the good fortune to see evidence every day of people’s generosity, and of a deep desire that things should be different. But, we also know, that charity and charitable organizations alone (as important as they are) cannot accomplish the task at hand.

United Way of the Lower Mainland and several other United Ways from across B.C. were among 200 organizations from across the province that joined together early in February last year to call for all-party support for a legislated B.C. poverty reduction plan.

United Way of the Lower Mainland provided $30,000 to help fund an economic security study released in the fall of 2008.

Working for a Living Wage: Ensuring Paid Work Meets Basic Family Needs in Vancouver and Victoria – 2008, was co-published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, First Call: BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition, and the Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria.

United Way of the Lower Mainland also provided $20,000 to support the development of a poverty reduction strategy for BC.

An open letter issued in February 2009 called on all political parties to commit that, if elected in May, 2009, they would implement a comprehensive poverty reduction plan that includes: legislated targets and timelines to reduce BC’s poverty rate by one third within four years, and end street homelessness within two years; and, policy actions in seven key areas that would end deep poverty, improve conditions for the working poor, and focus on groups that are most vulnerable to poverty.

Said Michael McKnight, President & CEO of United Way of the Lower Mainland, “Resilient families living in healthy, caring and inclusive communities provide the social infrastructure we need for all of us to be successful.”

Said Mervyn Van Steinburg, Director, CLC Labour Participation Department United Way of the Lower Mainland, “Union members and unions believe that United Way’s support for this plan is a good way to help the many people in our community who are vulnerable.”

“British Columbians are hungry for leadership on poverty reduction,” said Seth Klein, BC Director of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA).

The group also urges concerned British Columbians to join the call for a legislated poverty reduction plan by signing their names to the open letter at www.bcpovertyreduction.ca.

As of March 5, 2010, 299 organizations, including United Way of the Lower Mainland, have signed the letter.

Read a fact sheet on low wages in Metro Vancouver.