The federal government released a discussion paper, titled ‘Towards a Poverty Reduction Strategy’ earlier this month. The paper includes a call to action and provides context on the issue in Canada. The discussion paper was released in advance of the government’s consultations, which are planned for 2017.
The discussion paper can be found here.
The Advisory Group on Poverty Reduction held a roundtable consultation in April to get input from members of community organizations and the general public into the development of the province’s upcoming poverty reduction strategy. Representatives from Poverty Free Saskatchewan were in attendance and provided feedback. This article by Charles Hamilton in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix showcases some opinions from advocates, including the need to have clear targets and timelines.
On April 28, 2015, the Advisory Group on Poverty Reduction organized an event to gather feedback from stakeholders which could be used to guide the development of the upcoming provincial poverty reduction strategy. Liz Weaver from Tamarack: An Institute for Community Engagement facilitated the workshop which included provincial context and small group discussions about ‘moving from priorities to impact.’
The PowerPoint slides (in PDF) from the workshop can be found here: AGPR Poverty Roundtable Presentation April 2015.
The Advisory Group on Poverty Reduction has launched an online survey which aims to gain feedback from the public about root causes of poverty, priorities for action, and potential solutions. Saskatchewan residents are asked to fill out the survey to share their experiences and thoughts on how the provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy should be developed. The survey closes May 15, 2015.
Link to the survey: http://gos.fluidsurveys.com/surveys/eccs/poverty-reduction-survey/
A recent article was published on the CKRM website about the Advisory Group and their consultations: http://www.620ckrm.com/ckrm-on-air/ckrm-local-news/9248-saskatchewan-government-creates-advisory-group-on-povery
There has been much discussion about the need to reform our social support systems. In a response to recent proposals made by prominent intellectuals, this article by Carol Goar makes the important point: what Canada needs are safety nets redesigned with — not just for — the people who need them.
From the Toronto Star: http://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2015/04/14/new-safety-nets-needed-for-era-of-chronic-inequality-goar.html
The PFS report Communities Respond has received considerable media attention, showing the importance this issue has in the public eye.
Included in CBC TV 6:00 PM news.
CKOM – Saskatoon coverage. http://www.newstalk650.com/story/organization-calls-province-wide-strategy-poverty/79515
Lead story on Global News http://www.globalregina.com/
Radio-Canada http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/saskatchewan/2012/10/15/003-pauvrete-rapport-saskatchewan.shtml
Regina Leader Post article – this article was on the Front page of the Leader Post today. http://www.leaderpost.com/Report+details+plan+tackle+poverty+Saskatchewan/7394120/story.html
The Communities Respond report was released by Poverty Free Saskatchewan today.
PFS Communities Respond – Highlights, Oct 15, 2012 final
PFS Communities Respond – Summary Report, Oct 15, 2012 final
Communities Respond documents the responses of participants in a series of public consultations held in 7 Saskatchewan locations in 2011 and 2012: North Battleford, Moose Jaw, Regina, Saskatoon, Tisdale, Nipawin and Melfort.
More than 170 participants attending the regional discussions said that it is time to move ahead on addressing poverty. People from the communities emphasized that many Saskatchewan residents are suffering greatly from the effects of poverty and this is preventing them from fully participating in our province. Participants also identified many concrete positive actions that can be taken.
The Communities Respond report outlines the input received from the community discussions. These ideas will be used in future to develop an integrated and comprehensive poverty elimination plan. This plan will be built on the results of the community consultations, and a review of successful strategies in other provinces and in local Saskatchewan communities.
The document release is part of events in Saskatchewan and around the world honouring the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which occurs on Oct 17.
Poverty Free Saskatchewan : Press Conference
Monday, October 15 at 10:00 a.m., Family Service Regina Boardroom, 2020 Halifax Street
The press conference will mark the release of the Communities Respond research document which summarizes information from community consultations held across Saskatchewan in 2011 and 2012.
The event is occurring at the start of Anti-Poverty Week, leading up to the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17.
For more information, email PFS or call (306) 535-9570.
