Whereas the poverty rate in British Columbia continues to be among the highest in Canada yet BC is the last province in Canada to have a commitment to a poverty reduction plan; And whereas 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: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Government in BC to follow the lead of all other provinces by adopting a comprehensive and accountable provincial 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 and Family Development No government wants to see any individual living in poverty and having a formal poverty plan does not guarantee success in addressing the poverty rate. Government remains confident that there are only two ways to address povertyby growing the economy and creating sustainable and secure jobs, and by providing targeted supports that will make a direct difference in the lives of individuals and families who need them. BC has some of the most comprehensive supports for low-income individuals and families in Canada including: child-care subsidies, an increased minimum wage, investments of 4 billion since 2001 to provide affordable housing across the province, one of the lowest overall tax burdens in Canada and one of the most comprehensive universal Pharmacare programs in Canada. Governments 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 indicate that between 2006 and 2014, 162,000 people have been lifted out of poverty in BC. This includes 79,000 children, a 50 percent reduction. Provinces with poverty strategies are not seeing these kinds of results. Through our work with communities and families, it is clear that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to poverty. Every family faces different barriers and challenges, and the Province will continue to provide the direct supports and opportunities that individuals and families need in order to be lifted out of poverty. Government remains committed to working collaboratively across the ministries, non-governmental organizations and communities to find innovative ways for addressing poverty. Poverty is everyones responsibility and we all have a significant role to play in reducing poverty across BC.