While welcoming Ontario’s reiterated commitment in the Throne Speech to cut poverty by 25% by 2013, the 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction urged for a stronger link to be forged between Ontario’s agenda for stronger economy and its strategy for poverty reduction.
The Network is calling for continued action on poverty reduction in the next budget to ensure all Ontarians get back on their feet as quickly as possible in order to contribute to a strengthened economy.
“Ontario needs all hands on deck as we face up to demographic pressures and global competition for good jobs. We have more work to do to cut poverty in Ontario – we cannot afford to waste anyone’s potential as we build a stronger economy. The next budget must lay the foundation for a strong, well-equipped workforce where everyone at their best ready to keep Ontario moving forward,” said Mike Creek, co-chair of the 25 in 5 Network.
The Network is calling for action in the March 25 budget to stimulate good jobs, save child care spaces, improve access to affordable housing and training, and introduce social assistance reforms that enable dignity and opportunity.
“The March 25 budget presents a critical opportunity to turn the corner on poverty, or risk losing too much ground to achieve the cut in poverty rates that the government committed to by 2013. We need this government to maintain a steady hand, to stick to its commitments for the long term, and to be there for the vulnerable when help is needed most. Now more than ever inaction isn’t an option.”
In December 2008, the government introduced a Poverty Reduction Strategy with a target of reducing child and family poverty by 25% by the year 2013.
The 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction – a multi-sectoral network endorsed by more than 1,500 organizations and individuals throughout Ontario – continues to advocate for stronger and more effective action on poverty reduction and to track government’s action on the commitments made in the Strategy.
Read the government’s Throne Speech here
Read 25 in 5’s Pre-Budget Submission here
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