WHEREAS British Columbia has the highest child poverty rate in Canada, with one in five children living in poverty; AND WHEREAS British Columbias child poverty rate has been higher than the Canadian average since 1999, and the highest of all provinces most years in the last decade: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be requested to adopt a comprehensive poverty reduction plan with legislated targets and timelines, and a goal to eradicate child poverty in British Columbia by 2020.
Ministry of Children Family Development No government wants to see any child or family living in poverty and we are committed to working collaboratively across the ministries, non-governmental organizations and communities to find innovative ways for addressing poverty. Addressing the issue of poverty means getting to the root causes of why people cannot make ends meet and that actions are what make a real difference for families. This government is addressing poverty by 1 growing the economy and creating jobs through the BC Jobs Plan; and 2 targeting supports to the individuals and families who need them. British Columbia has already implemented many of the changes called for by formalized poverty plans in other jurisdictions, including increasing the minimum wage, creating affordable housing and eliminating or reducing MSP premiums for low-income families. Through a partnership with UBCMs Healthy Communities Committee, we are working with seven communities to create locally-developed poverty action plans that are complemented by the targeted supports and services we are providing at a provincial level. When the projects launched in May 2012, UBCM recommended the participating communities - Cranbrook, Kamloops, New Westminster, Port Hardy, Prince George, Stewart and Surrey - reflect a mix of BCs metro, urban, rural and remote communities. On May 13, 2014, the BC government and UBCM released a report highlighting the progress of the pilot projects and next steps. Acting as a poverty liaison, Fraser-Nicola MLA, Jackie Tegart, is visiting each pilot community and work with all levels of government and community organizations to move these plans forward. The success of these projects is dependent on the partnerships between the provincial and local governments, community organizations, service providers and business representatives. Poverty is everyones responsibility and we all have a significant role to play in reducing poverty across BC.