As the February 27 provincial election approaches, the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force has written an open letter asking provincial election candidates to take real action on poverty.
Their proposal, Income Solutions to Food Insecurity, includes a message to candidates, "Will you be our Valentine and take real action against poverty?" The letter asks candidates to commit to higher social assistance rates, better wages, and affordable housing.
Task Force Coordinator Jill Umbach pointed out that one in four households are struggling to afford food and almost a third of Ontario’s children live in food-insecure homes.
She asked that candidates put their heart into real solutions.
"Everyone is really struggling in our communities, and our charities and our service agencies, are working really hard to meet the demand for both food as well as supporting people to be housed," Umbach explained. "Besides more chocolate, we're also asking our candidates where they should put their money or where we should put our hearts and commitment. And that is in strengthening income support, investing in quality jobs and expanding supportive and transitional housing."
The task force wanted to see an increase in social assistance rates to reflect the real cost of living and ensure food banks are not a substitute for proper income policies. Other proposed solutions include a guarantee that workers earn a living wage, strengthened employment standards, and expanded access to affordable childcare. As well, the task force suggested investment in social and supportive housing, mental health services, and income support would help people move from homelessness to stability.
"Food banks are working overtime, but they shouldn’t be the backbone of our social safety net,” said Umbache. “If we really care about each other, let’s fix the root issues, because you can’t eat a Valentine’s Day card.”
She challenged the candidates to invest in long-term policies instead of temporary charity. Umbach also urged residents to ask candidates about their plans to address the crisis.
"They need to ask them how will they commit to real income solutions to addressing poverty in our community. And will they invest in long-term policies and systems instead of us having to provide the short-term temporary charity so," she continued.
Umbach urged everyone to advocate for policies that address poverty at its roots and added nothing kills the romance like an empty fridge.