WHEREAS: 1. The poverty rate in British Columbia continues to be among the highest in Canada, and child poverty rates in BC have been the highest of any province for six years in a row; 2. British Columbians are ashamed of the levels of poverty and homelessness across our province; 3. Many impacts of poverty are experienced at the local level, and local residents pay for poverty in increased health care costs, higher crime, higher demand for community, social and charitable services, lack of school readiness, reduced school success, and lower economic productivity; 4. The BC Poverty Reduction Coalition the Coalition includes community and non-profit groups, faith groups, health organizations, First Nations and Aboriginal organizations, businesses, labour organizations, and social policy groups; 5. The Coalition has come together around a campaign aimed at seeing the introduction of a bold and comprehensive poverty reduction plan from the government of BC that would include legislated targets and timelines; 6. The Coalition has come together around a campaign aimed at seeing the introduction of a bold and comprehensive poverty reduction plan for BC by launching a new open letter; 7. An increasing number of organizations and individuals are signing on to the Coalitions new open letter; and 8. At least six Canadian provinces either have poverty reduction plans or are in the process of developing them: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the BC Poverty Reduction Coalitions open letter be endorsed by UBCM; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the government of BC be urged to adopt a comprehensive and accountable poverty reduction plan consistent with the recommendations of the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition.
