Using policies to fight poverty

The saying that “where there is a will, there is a way” rings true in the fight against poverty in Canada: it requires political will. Citizens for Public Justice recently met with Members of Parliament from the Liberal Party, Bloc Québécois and New Democratic Party to discuss each party’s vision for a poverty reduction strategy. We’ve participated in a roundtable of the National Council of Welfare, worked with other anti-poverty groups such as Campaign 2000 and the National Anti-Poverty Organization, and engaged the public on poverty issues through opportunities like a recent radio interview. On all these occasions, we’ve been advocating for long term strategic policies to reduce poverty and income inequality in Canada, working to create the political will to solve poverty.

We believe there are several ways the government can move forward to create policies that will do justice for the poor.

While Canada’s economy has grown steadily the last few years, the gap between the rich and poor is widening and income inequality is increasing as low-income Canadians struggle to meet their basic needs. Policies that target income security are one way to ensure that all Canadians are earning a livable income.

Increasing minimum wage is one such policy that can be used in the fight against poverty. A recent report by Nova Scotia’s Minimum Wage Review Committee revealed the troubling statistic that 40 per cent of those in Nova Scotia who work for a minimum wage – one that does not bring their income up to the low-income cut off level – do so for their entire working lives. Without a living wage, low-income Canadians are faced with hard economic choices between food, housing and other things necessary for basic well-being. This counters the government’s economic argument that a job is the only answer to poverty. We need to challenge politicians to think about why people working year-round, full-time are still living in poverty.

Other income support policies should include reform of Employment Insurance to ensure that everyone has access to sufficient payments when needed, rather than allowing surpluses to be used for other government priorities. The Working Income Tax Benefit should be increased to actually make a difference for those working at minimum wage.

In addition to reducing income inequality, it is important to look at other aspects of poverty such as affordable housing, child care and high quality education and training. Good housing, education, and access to early learning and child care are important to all Canadians; our policies and our investment of tax dollars should reflect these priorities.

Addressing housing needs to be part of an integrated approach to poverty. The federal government should work with provinces and municipalities to ensure that all Canadians, regardless of income, have access to affordable housing.

Better access to affordable child care and early learning and increasing the Canada Child Tax Benefit are measures that can reduce child poverty and support working families. Ensuring opportunities exist for education and training will also contribute to reducing poverty, as those with limited skills and education face limited job opportunities.

Poverty reduction strategies in Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, the United Kingdom and Ireland show that political will and commitment can significantly reduce poverty and social exclusion. Anti-poverty strategies are founded on the premise that social and economic development should go hand in hand when formulating budget and policies. By adopting a comprehensive approach and multi-year action plans with dedicated human and financial resources, governments can address the different needs of people at risk of poverty or living in poverty, including children, single parents, seniors, recent immigrants, Aboriginals and people with disabilities. A national poverty reduction strategy should include targets, indicators and timelines that will provide public accountability and transparency in strengthening Canada’s effort to fight poverty.

Anti-poverty groups across the country are calling on the federal government to implement a national poverty reduction strategy. The momentum is building, and poverty is on the political agenda. The challenge now is for politicians to find the political will to put an anti-poverty plan into action and build a just and sustainable country.