Province releases What We Heard About Poverty in B.C. report
July 12, 2018
VICTORIA – In October 2017, government launched a comprehensive public engagement process to help inform B.C.’s first Poverty Reduction Strategy.
Government has now released What We Heard About Poverty in B.C., a report that captures the feedback received during the consultation.
Thousands of people offered their thoughts and ideas on how to reduce poverty in the province. Many were people living in poverty who shared their personal experiences, the challenges they face each day, and their hope for a better future.
Several themes emerged through the consultation. Lack of affordable housing was the top concern in almost every community, and an issue identified as one of the largest drivers of poverty in the province. Other key issues include food insecurity, education and training, mental-health and addictions supports, and creating good jobs that can help lift people out of poverty.
The consultation included:
- 28 community meetings, with more than 2,500 participants
- A distinct Indigenous consultation with the First Nations Leadership Council and the First Nations Health Council, seven engagement sessions through Métis Nation BC, and 27 engagement sessions by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres
- 100 small group discussions, led by community organizations
- Roundtables with business, labour, local governments, community organizations, the disability community, academics, and Indigenous peoples and leaders
- 68 policy briefs
- A website where more than 1,600 people provided feedback (16,387 site visits)
The feedback from the consultation will guide government as it introduces poverty reduction legislation this fall and develops B.C.’s first Poverty Reduction Strategy.
Learn More:
To read the What We Heard About Poverty in B.C. report, visit: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcpovertyreduction/read-public-and-stakeholder-input/
Contact:
Lara Hurrell
Senior Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
778 679-8440
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