Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my thoughts today on why combating poverty requires a strategy for coordinated action across all government departments. The face of poverty tends to be seen as a crowd of statistics and social indicators, percentages and rates. We deal with the aspect of poverty through some very good and necessary programs, but unless all these programs are locked together in a united approach, the chances of success are poor.
Poverty happens on a person or family at a time. Let’s consider an example of the challenges out there. Take the case of a single mom or dad who’s finally had the courage to overcome substance abuse through a territorial treatment program. That person goes home sober, but finds her problems have just begun. Through repeat applications with assistance from an educated cousin, arguing with government people, and downright desperate persistence, she manages to get housing and some income support for food. No child care spaces are available, though, and with poor literacy, good work is hard to get. With no local transportation, medical
appointments and an important job interview are missed, but she didn’t have the clothing or confidence anyway.
Having no money for her kids’ sports equipment or activities to build health and with a lack of good parenting skills, her level of stress as a mother increases. How long will she be able to stay sober and how the heck can she get ahead?
Mr. Speaker, we can’t deal with our problems in isolation. We may have the basics of a roof over our heads and some food on the table, but just as people have to tie together all the elements of their approach to life, this government has to coordinate all its efforts to effectively reach the one goal: eliminating poverty, one person at a time. I can’t think of a bigger priority for this government nor one with such huge benefits than ending the tragic poverty of so many of our citizens. An informed and well-implemented plan can get us there.
Looking through the lens of poverty we need to identify and fill the gaps, ensure the coordination and target our resources if we are to succeed in eliminating poverty. When we consider modest actions like reducing the cost of living through tax credits or making public transit available, support for small businesses, making land available for local food production, a key consideration must be the elimination of poverty.
Other jurisdictions taking this approach are achieving remarkable success. It’s time we developed an integrated approach in consultation with business, interest groups, the public, and all government. Let’s get it done.