A federal anti-poverty act: What's in an act?

Published in the Catalyst, Vol. 32, No. 3 - Summer/Fall 2009

The Dignity for All campaign calls for a federal anti-poverty Act that ensures enduring federal commitment and accountability for results. Why is legislation necessary? 

Legislation enshrines commitments into law, binding the government to act. It also creates a measure of accountability to ensure this action occurs, for failing to meet the legislation’s requirements would mean the government was breaking the law. Because of this, an Act focused solely on addressing poverty is an essential aspect of poverty elimination.

The Act would also demonstrate that there is lasting commitment to the federal role in social development and addressing poverty. It would ensure that future governments will maintain this responsibility, since the government’s role will be mandated by law.

Provincial examples

Two of Canada’s provinces have already enshrined their own poverty reduction efforts into law.

Quebec’s law was the direct result of citizen action. The Collective for a Quebec without Poverty spearheaded a multi-year effort to draft a law, involving extensive consultations with citizens and community groups, particularly those most affected by poverty. The final legislation received unanimous consent in the Quebec legislature in 2002. When the Liberal government of Jean Charest took power in 2003, public pressure to abide by the law forced it to create a substantial action plan.

After several years of widespread citizen mobilization, Ontario introduced a provincial poverty reduction strategy in December 2008. This was quickly followed by the adoption of a provincial Poverty Reduction Act in May 2009, which received consent from all parties in the legislature. Continued engagement by provincial anti-poverty groups strengthened the legislation before it was adopted, ensuring the Act would have the greatest possible effect on poverty in Ontario.

A Canadian Act

The federal government should look to these and other jurisdictions to model a national anti-poverty Act.

The Act should include official and robust measures of poverty and social exclusion. It should commit the government to specific targets and timelines for achieving poverty eradication. And it should include a framework for accountability, including measuring and reporting on progress.

The Act should also create a fundamental policy principle whereby every major government decision be evaluated against its impact on poverty.

The Act should be grounded in a human rights perspective, with a commitment to the dignity of all Canadians. The corresponding poverty elimination plan should be developed in consultation and cooperation with those living in poverty.

A comprehensive, accountable Act would go far in taking steps to eliminate poverty in Canada – real, concrete political action and commitment is essential to creating a poverty-free Canada.