This is the May 2019 edition of the Cities Reducing Poverty Policy Digest, which aims to provide you with timely poverty-related policy updates and resources from across Canada.
Key highlights include the release of the Federal Government’s Homelessness Strategy, release of the 2019 Federal and Ontario budgets, and new Living Wage calculations for several Canadian cities.
National Policy Updates:
- Budget 2019 aims to put more money in the pockets of Canadians and grow the middle class
- The Federal Government launches ten-year Reaching Home strategy
- Canada Revenue Agency launches public consultations to improve services
Updates by Province and Territory:
Alberta:
- Alberta’s Progress in Poverty Reduction since 2015
- New Alberta Premier and cabinet sworn in on April 30
British Columbia:
- BC’s child care investments have major impact on 2019 living wage
Manitoba:
- Manitoba is currently hosting public and stakeholder consultations to strengthen the non-profit sector and community development programs
New Brunswick:
- More than 2,300 people participated in the public engagement process to renew Overcoming Poverty Together: the New Brunswick Economic and Social Inclusion Plan
Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Provincial and Federal Governments Announce $270M Housing Agreement
- Study reveals $18.85 an hour is a living wage for St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia:
- Expanded Energy Savings Programs for Affordable Rentals and First Nations Homes will save tenants money, keep rents affordable, and reduce emissions
Northwest Territories:
- Indigenous Leaders and the GNWT Agree on the need for Federal Engagement on Housing
- The Government of Canada is investing $2.7M in nine economic development projects in NWT
Nunavut:
- A new study states that alleviating the chronic housing shortage will be a key element in the elimination of TB in Inuit communities
- Nunavut turns 20 and celebrates economic success, while facing poverty and challenges
Ontario:
- Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy 2018 Annual Report released on the status of poverty
- Ontario revitalizing the Rural Economic Development program
Prince Edward Island:
- New PEI Premier and cabinet sworn in on May 9
- Community Foundation of P.E.I. taking applications for poverty-reduction projects
Québec:
- $138.8M will be distributed in Quebec to help regions overcome challenges against poverty and social exclusion
- Quebec minimum wage increases to $12.50 an hour
Saskatchewan:
- Governments Of Canada and Saskatchewan sign 10-Year Housing Agreement
Yukon Territory:
- Government of Yukon improves job leave provisions for parents and caregivers
- Multi-unit mixed income affordable housing project will be the first of its kind in Yukon
The Latest Policy Resources and Perspectives:
- Maytree: Canadian Social Assistance Summaries are now available
- Maytree: Strengthening the National Housing Strategy Act to clearly recognize housing as a human right
- Angus Reid: half of low-income households say the new Canada Food Guide diet is unaffordable
- CCPA: Responses to the 2019 Ontario budget and 2019 Federal budget
Check out previous Policy Digests:
