Whereas British Columbia has one of the highest rates of poverty in Canada; And whereas the price of poverty is borne by all British Columbians through higher justice system costs, greater demands on the health care system, increased pressures on community services and reduced economic productivity; And whereas British Columbia is the only province in Canada without a poverty reduction strategy: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the provincial government to develop and implement a poverty reduction strategy to reduce the number of people living in poverty in BC by setting concrete targets and timelines to reduce poverty.
Ministry of Children Family Development No government wants to see any child or family living in poverty. The Province is committed to working collaboratively across ministries, non-governmental organizations and communities to find innovative ways for addressing poverty. Government remains confident that there are only two ways to address povertyby growing the economy and creating jobs, and by providing targeted supports for the individuals and families who need them. British Columbias current commitment and actions to reduce poverty are showing results in the everyday lives of struggling families across the province. Statistics Canadas latest low-income rates estimate that 18,000 people were lifted out of poverty in British Columbia between 2012 and 2013a 3.8 reduction from 469,000 in 2012 to 451,000 in 2013. Through our work with communities and families, we know there is no one-size-fits-all approach to poverty. Every family faces different barriers and challenges, and we will continue to provide the direct supports and opportunities that individuals and families need in order to be lifted out of poverty. The Province will continue to support communities as they develop and implement their own local poverty reduction efforts and bring together existing community resources and encourage innovative ways of addressing poverty at the local level. Poverty is everyones responsibility and we all have a significant role to play in reducing poverty across British Columbia.