The province has put a name to the poverty reduction strategy that aims to lift 140,000 people out of poverty.
Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Shane Simpson said Together B.C. will help reduce overall poverty in the province by 25 per cent, and cut child poverty in half, over the next five years.
Adrienne Montani, of First Call B.C., a child, and youth advocacy group, said the plan, much of which has been rolled out already is a good step in the right direction.
“We know children don’t do well when they live in poverty, it undermines their health, their self-esteem, their education. It’s really hard on their parents, raising children in poverty means they can’t be the best parent they can be because they are so stressed. The stress of poverty is toxic to both children and their parents.”
Together B.C. consists of five main elements at this time.
The new B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit, increases to the minimum wage, more affordable child care, income assistance, and disability assistance rate increases, and leveraging federal initiatives and supports including those for affordable housing.
It is estimated more than 30 per cent of Cowichan area children live below the poverty line.
