BC needs a poverty reduction strategy

As British Columbia heads toward an election in the new year, British Columbians are calling for a poverty reduction strategy. BC has the highest poverty rate in Canada at 13%.

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and Simon Fraser University released a report today, outlining what that poverty reduction strategy could look like. Their recommendations include initiatives for the working poor, an increase in welfare rates, new social housing, and early learning and child care.

In fact, the report offers more than 50 specific policy recommendations, reflecting the expertise that went into this multi-year project. 44 university researchers and community partners contributed.

Poverty is obviously a significant concern in BC, although much of the attention has focused on homelessness as preparations are underway for the 2010 Olympics. Committing to a poverty reduction strategy now would be an excellent way for BC to polish its reputation before the international community descends.

And as five Canadian provinces already have or are developing strategies, BC could get onside with a growing commitment to our nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

For more on the report, check out this op-ed in the Vancouver Sun by the report’s authors, Seth Klein and Marjorie Griffen Cohen.