Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Nicholas Simons (Image Credit: Flickr / Government of BC)

By Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Nicolas Simons

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SOUND OFF: TogetherBC — working together to reduce poverty

May 26, 2021 | 9:51 AM

WITH MORE THAN 60 PER CENT OF ELIGIBLE BRITISH COLUMBIANS having received their first COVID-19 vaccinations, many of us are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Families are turning their attention toward a safer summer and seniors are looking forward to receiving their second vaccines.

British Columbians have been making extraordinary sacrifices throughout this pandemic, but we know vulnerable British Columbians have faced additional barriers.

People experiencing homelessness have faced challenges when it comes to following public health orders, more families have had to depend on food banks and women experiencing intimate partner violence have been further isolated. As we move ahead with our recovery, it’s more important than ever that government puts forward a plan that leaves no one behind.

Building on the work of TogetherBC – the Province’s first poverty reduction strategy – government’s comprehensive plan outlines the policies and programs to reduce poverty and support vulnerable populations. TogetherBC recognizes the need for coordination and partnership of all levels of government, business, labour, community organizations and individuals to achieve our goals.

In support of TogetherBC, our government provided $5 million to the Union of BC Municipalities in 2019 to fund the Poverty Reduction Planning and Action Program. Every community has a unique experience of poverty and we want to ensure local governments have the tools and resources they need to respond to their community’s specific needs.

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Last week I was pleased to announce the recipients of the second intake of this program, which will see 10 more projects involving 12 local governments benefit from nearly $350,000 in government funding. This is in addition to the $1.7 million that went to support 34 projects from the first intake.

In Kamloops, $25,000 will be going towards developing a post-emergency support plan. When an emergency hits, such as a flood or wildfire, it can create financial hardships, especially for people already experiencing poverty. This funding will support a made-in-Kamloops action plan on how to best support the community in the aftermath of a disaster.

The City of Kamloops is working with partners to ensure the success of this project, and I thank Thompson-Nicola Regional District, ASK Wellness, Canadian Red Cross, United Way Thompson-Nicola-Cariboo and the Canadian Mental Health Association. It’s inspiring to see the work these organizations continue to do, day in and day out, to support people.

Likewise, I’m energized by the work of our government to address the immediate challenges of the pandemic while continuing to make life better for British Columbians. Across government, we have built the foundation for a strong recovery by making it easier to find affordable child care, increasing minimum wage and income and disability assistance rates, and securing housing for people experiencing homelessness.

By lifting up British Columbians in need, we are building a stronger, more resilient province. As the pandemic has shown us, inequities still exist, but we can – and are – making a difference. There’s more for us to do, and the only way we can get there is by working together.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.