Dear Editor:
Re: Time to take a hard look at poverty, In My Opinion, by Dawn Black, The Record, Jan. 20.
No one wants to see a child living in poverty. It is a non-partisan issue that affects us all. We need to empower families with the means to break the poverty cycle by removing barriers and creating opportunities to bring about real change. That is why the premier's job creation plan is focused on strengthening the economy, creating and protecting jobs for families in every region of B.C. and making sure people are able to get the skills training and education needed.
Our government is committed to finding tangible solutions through innovative services within the current fiscal climate to address child poverty - but we cannot do this alone. For example, we are working closely with municipalities, businesses, community organizations and service providers as partners to develop regional poverty reduction strategies.
In addition, what I have discovered through my travels around the province is a one-size-fits-all plan is not necessarily the answer because what works for an urban area is not necessarily what is needed in a rural or remote area. We believe the answer will not be telling our partners what they should do.
It will be working with the regions to discuss what they need locally - and what government can do to support them to bring about real change - and that is what we are doing.
At the same time, we are providing critical targeted services and supports to low-income families such as creating new affordable housing units, rental assistance, increasing minimum wage and subsidizing child care.
Our efforts to strengthen the economy and create jobs, while providing targeted supports, are working. B.C.'s child poverty rate is at its second-lowest point in the past 20 years. Since 2003, B.C.'s child poverty rate has dropped by almost 38 per cent.
We have made real progress, but we know we still have a ways to go. By working together effectively, we can make a real impact on poverty that will give families the springboard they need towards security and greater success in all aspects of life.
Mary McNeil, Minister of Children and Family Development
