---
title: Cities Reducing Poverty Policy Digest - July/August 2020
description: Here's the July/August 2020 Edition of the Cities Reducing Poverty Policy Digest,
---

[The Latest ](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/latest)

# [Cities Reducing Poverty Policy Digest - July/August 2020](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/latest/crp-policy-digest-july/august-2020)

 Written by [Elle Richards](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/latest/author/elle-richards) | August 19, 2020

Welcome to the July/August 2020 Edition of the Cities Reducing Poverty Policy Digest, which aims to provide you with timely poverty-related policy updates and resources from across Canada.  

**H****i****ghlights:** 

- Statistics Canada Data Perspective and [Insights for a Better Canada](https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/covid19?HPA=1) 
- July [Labour Force Survey](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/200807/dq200807a-eng.htm) 
- Canada’s COVID-19 [Economic Response Plan](https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html) and promising new policies created  

- Survey on [COVID-19 Impact to Canadians](https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/survey/household/5311-COVID-19) open, now inviting participation on [Experiences of Discrimination](https://surveys-enquetes.statcan.gc.ca/form-formulaire/q/en/eqgsbaeb31c4a7354662a8773c45928521fe/p0) from all Canadians  
- Survey to contribute to FCM’s [Sustainable Procurement Barometer](https://2020barometer.org/?_cldee=ZWxsZUB0YW1hcmFja2NvbW11bml0eS5jYQ%3D%3D&recipientid=contact-d965e1c02dc5ea1180d2005056bc7996-f7b217238fb446338aa2e3bb393aebc4&esid=cc4d42bb-13d8-ea11-80d2-005056bc7996), a reference to evaluate the sustainability of procurement and identify potential for improvement within organizations, open until August 28 
- [Canadian Black Policy Network](http://www.torontobpc.com/), a network for opportunities to collectively develop innovative and sustainable solutions for policy issues affecting Canada’s Black communities, is launched 

**National Policy Updates**** and ****Related ****Articles****:** 

- Government announces [end of CERB](https://globalnews.ca/news/7239834/cerb-recipient-move-ei/) and transition to EI by [end of August](https://nationalpost.com/news/employment-minister-says-millions-of-canadians-will-be-seamlessly-transitioned-from-cerb-to-ei-by-end-of-the-month) 
- [Federal Wage Subsidy ](https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/federal-wage-subsidy-extended_ca_5f0c889ac5b6af83647ceff8) extended until December 
- [Canada Childcare Benefit](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2020/07/canada-child-benefit-is-increasing-again.html) increasing again 
- Federal government announces more [support for childcare](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2020/07/the-government-of-canada-is-providing-funding-to-supportchild-care-for-returning-workers0.html) for parents returning to work  
- [National deficit soaring](https://globalnews.ca/news/7153346/coronavirus-canada-fiscal-snapshot-2020/?utm_source=notification/), leading to permanent change to the economy; Canada’s [fiscal picture](https://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/theres-no-putting-a-shine-on-canadas-fiscal-picture/?utm_source=OneSignal&utm_medium=WebNotifications&utm_campaign=MME_WN&utm_term=08-Jul-2020&utm_content=Canada_economic_update) predicts $343 billion deficit – nearly 16% of the country’s GDP 
- CERB may be [paving the way](https://www.macleans.ca/economy/has-enthusiasm-for-the-cerb-paved-the-way-for-a-universal-basic-income/) to a new national guaranteed basic income; [survey shows](https://www.rcinet.ca/en/2020/06/18/survey-shows-canadian-interest-in-a-universal-basic-income/) Canadian interest in a universal basic income 
- The unique impacts of COVID-19 on [Indigenous businesses](https://www.ccab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/COVID19-Indigenous-Business-Survey-KEY-FINDINGS-ENG.pdf) 
- Could [shelter hotels](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-could-shelter-hotels-be-a-model-for-addressing-homelessness/?utm_medium=Referrer:+Social+Network+/+Media&utm_campaign=Shared+Web+Article+Links) be a model for addressing homelessness? 
- Food insecurity [significant toll](https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/food-insecurity-takes-significant-toll-on-health-care-system-study-1.2509984) on healthcare system 
- As back to school looms, some parents forming private learning pods and critics warn of [greater class divides](https://apple.news/ARrErwC2-TmaF5lfkdBT-AQ)

**Policy Proposals ****and Campaigns** 

- Groups call for [CERB repayment amnesty](https://campaign2000.ca/ensuring-an-equitable-covid-19-recovery-plan/) 
- [Report](https://www.iisd.org/publications/green-strings-recovery-covid-19-canada) - Seven principles to align COVID-19 recovery with [Canada's Climate Commitments](https://climateactionnetwork.ca/2020/07/07/seven-principles-to-align-covid-19-recovery-with-canadas-climate-commitments-new-report-shown-to-key-federal-ministers/) 
- [UBI Works campaign](https://www.ubiworks.ca/recovery) proposes $500 universal top-up to all Canadians plus a top-up to $2,000 as a guaranteed income to anyone who falls below this 
- Building Black Policy Networks: Toward [Black inclusion in Canadian governance systems](http://policyresponse.ca/toward-black-inclusion-in-canadian-governance-systems/)  

- National [Recovery for All ](https://www.recoveryforall.ca/)campaign to end homelessness continues; [Proposals](https://www.homelesshub.ca/resource/recovery-all-proposals-strengthen-national-housing-strategy-and-end-homelessness?utm_source=Homeless+Hub+Newsletter&utm_campaign=ffa38458e7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_07_14_08_23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_dbc0a7bb5b-ffa38458e7-416632081) to Strengthen the National Housing Strategy and Homelessness 

**Updates by Province and Territory:**** ** 

 

**Alberta:** 

- Getting Albertans back to work [supportive initiatives](https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=73001E50BE7AD-D565-361C-7266951D53F91D05)  
- New [DIY Kits Campaign](https://edmontonjournal.com/sponsored/news-sponsored/volunteering-at-home-through-united-way-of-the-alberta-capital-regions-new-diy-kits-campaign-is-one-way-to-have-real-impact-on-your-community-safely) launched by United Way Alberta to volunteer at home and help the community 
- [Infrastructure investment](https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=73015ACD4304D-A4F1-E33E-665A6C17DABA41E5) boosts jobs and economy by spending in rural communities on local projects 
- Creating jobs and reducing emissions with [technology](https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=729757B8B6804-CA32-4659-8A99E4C140051498) 
- The [Masks of Albertans](https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=729531888D1A2-06E0-8972-B1347992CA4209ED) provides 40 million non-medical masks 

- COVID-19 funding for [First Nations](https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=72999DDE27CF5-B536-8ED6-597EF8574C08DE13) colleges 

**British Columbia:** 

- Agreement from British Columbians of [all political stripes](https://www.citynews1130.com/2020/07/20/bc-social-change-ccpa-poll/) - post-pandemic policy should lift vulnerable people out of poverty 
- Creation of first ever [navigation centre to help people experiencing homelessness](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MAH0090-001460) in Vancouver 

- New [affordable homes](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MAH0087-001428) for families and seniors 
- Service BC providing [self-isolation check ins ](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020CITZ0036-001451)with a kind approach 
- Doors open at Royal Columbian’s [mental health and substance abuse centre](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MMHA0039-001409) 

**Manitoba:** 

- - Province will spend $31.2 million this year to improve [social housing units](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-housing-upgrades-renovations-1.5660952) available to low-income Manitoban
    - Urban and off-reserve [Indigenous organizations get funding boost](https://winnipegsun.com/news/news-news/feds-chip-in-8-4m-to-urban-and-off-reserve-indigenous-organizations-in-manitoba) through Indigenous Community Support Fund, for care packages for vulnerable communities, increase mental health supports, educational supports for children and food security during this pandemic.
    - Government says a promised pay bonus for nearly 80,000 workers on the front lines 

**New Brunswick:** 

- Program launched to [exemplary service](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2020.07.0422.html) by individuals during COVID-19 
- High school students of middle and low-income families can receive up to $600 each to purchase a laptop in preparation for the shift to [tech-based learning](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2020.07.0414.html) 
- Provincial government supports plan [Saint John neighbourhood](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2020.07.0393.html) 

**Newfoundland and Labrador:** 

- Government considers [unlocking pensions](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/nl-pension-plan-covid-1.5667734) for COVID relief 
- New** **[mental health teams](https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2020/health/0730n02/) launching throughout Newfoundland and Labrador 
- Seafood [Marketing and Innovation Fund](https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2020/flr/0730n01/) to support expansion and create jobs 
- New [mental health and addictions hospital](https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2020/exec/0728n01/) being created  

**Nova Scotia:** 

- Nova Scotia opens [new safe house](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/safer-spaces-house-ywca-youth-human-trafficking-1.5662549) for survivors of human trafficking 
- Invest Nova Scotia Fund [invests $2 million](https://huddle.today/invest-nova-scotia-fund-hands-out-2-million-to-food-diversity-and-aerospace-initiatives/) to food, diversity and aerospace initiatives 

**Northwest Territories:** 

- COVID-19 [Community Toolkit](https://www.gov.nt.ca/) 
- Government announces [new supports to help post-secondary students](https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/newsroom/gnwt-announces-new-supports-post-secondary) 
- New funding for [early learning and childcare ](https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/newsroom/gnwt-announces-new-funding-early-learning-and-child-care-infrastructure)infrastructure 

- [Mental Health project](https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/newsroom/mental-health-project-aims-improve-care-and-reduce-wait-times-nwt-residents) to improve care 
- [Tracking and recovering](https://my.hr.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/tracking-and-recovering-covid-19-related-costs) for employees returning to workplace 

**Nunavut:** 

- Continues to be COVID-free, and carves a [path forward ](https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavuts-path)with easing of restrictions
- Students [head back to class](https://nunavutnews.com/kivalliq-news/kivalliq-students-return-to-class-amid-new-covid-safety-protocols/) amid new safety protocols 
- Federal government commits additional funding for [essential flights to remote communities](https://nunavutnews.com/nunavut-news/federal-government-commits-additional-funding-for-essential-flights-to-remote-communities/)  

**Ontario:** 

- Ontario [investing $150 million](https://news.ontario.ca/moi/en/2020/07/ontario-expanding-access-to-the-modern-digital-economy.html) to bring all regions to national broadband speeds; telecommunication service providers, municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profits are invited to submit innovative proposals by August 21   

- [Bill 184](https://torontostoreys.com/tenant-advocates-bill-184-evictions/), the Protecting Tenants and Strengthening Community Housing Act, passed reading and royal assent to become law; [eviction bans ](https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/ontario-evictions-ndp_ca_5f2595d7c5b6a34284bb7a9a)now lifted in Ontario 
- Ontario helping to [protect communities against racism and hate](http://news.ontario.ca/mcscs/en/2020/07/ontario-helping-to-protect-communities-against-racism-and-hate.html)  
- Ontario government is committing $3.3 million in cost-share funding through the [Rural Economic Development Program](https://news.ontario.ca/omafra/en/2020/07/ontario-investing-in-rural-economic-growth-and-job-creation.html) to help rural and Indigenous communities diversify their economies, retain skilled workers, invest in local infrastructure and create jobs. 
- Province introduces measures to [cap interest fees](https://news.ontario.ca/mgs/en/2020/07/ontario-introduces-measures-to-cap-interest-and-fees-on-payday-loans.html) on payday loans

**Prince Edward Island:** 

- Health PEI creating jobs in preparation [second wave](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-health-pei-hire-staff-second-wave-covid-19-1.5682528?cmp=rss) of COVID-19 
- Islanders invited to share their innovative, bold and sustainable ideas to [chart PEI's future](https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/islanders-invited-share-their-ideas-chart-peis-future) for recovery and growth 
- Residents without primary healthcare provider will soon have [access to virtual healthcare from home](https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/islanders-without-primary-care-provider-will-have-access-virtual-healthcare-home)  

**Québec:** 

- A [moratorium](https://globalnews.ca/news/7207389/coronavirus-eviction-moratorium-quebec-tenants/) on evicting tenants during the [coronavirus](https://globalnews.ca/tag/coronavirus/) pandemic put in place in March has been lifted 

**Saskatchewan:** 

- Provincial government has [lifted the eviction ban](https://www.discovermoosejaw.com/local/jody) that protected tenants from losing their homes during the pandemic 
- More workers at healthcare facilities are now eligible for the province’s [temporary wage supplement program](https://globalnews.ca/tag/temporary-wage-supplement-program/); introduced to provide financial support to some workers helping [vulnerable people](https://globalnews.ca/news/7236816/coronavirus-saskatchewan-temporary-wage-supplement-program/) during the [coronavirus](https://globalnews.ca/tag/coronavirus/) pandemic.

**Yukon Territory:** 

- Government conducting [Community Wellbeing Survey](https://yukon.ca/en/community-wellbeing-survey) as part of a territory-wide survey of wellbeing 
- Changes to [federal infrastructure funds](https://www.yukon-news.com/news/changes-to-federal-infrastructure-funds-allow-for-covid-19-flexibility/) allow for COVID-19 flexibility
- Local company [providing fresh food and tools ](https://www.yukon-news.com/news/local-company-providing-fresh-produce-tools-to-grow-it-all-year-long/) to grow it year round

**The Latest Policy Resources and Perspectives:** 

- [Project Pandemic](https://projectpandemic.concordia.ca/): Canada Reports on COVID-19 - Data mapping

First Policy Response:  

- Canada’s [Policy Community Response](http://policyresponse.ca/) to COVID-19 includes key topics: Income support for individuals, support for business, support for the community sector and support for the vulnerable  

Federation for Canadian Municipalities:

- COVID [Municipal Hub](https://covid.fcm.ca/resources) features federal, provincial/territorial tools and resources for communities and businesses 
- Guide: [Building Sustainable Communities](https://fcm.ca/en/resources/mamp/guide-building-sustainable-communities-asset-management?_cldee=ZWxsZUB0YW1hcmFja2NvbW11bml0eS5jYQ%3d%3d&recipientid=contact-d965e1c02dc5ea1180d2005056bc7996-f7b217238fb446338aa2e3bb393aebc4&esid=cc4d42bb-13d8-ea11-80d2-005056bc7996) with Asset Management  

Prosper Canada

- [Financial Relief Navigator](https://financialreliefnav.prospercanada.org/) for people to help raise income or lower expenses

Maytree

- COVID-19 [Resources and Responses](https://maytree.com/what-we-focus-on/income-security/covid-19-crisis-resources-and-responses/) 
- [Five Good Ideas](https://maytree.com/publications/five-good-ideas-income-supports-post-cerb/) for Income Supports in a Post-CERB Canada 
- [Engaging Lived and Living Expertise](https://maytree.com/wp-content/uploads/Maytree-submission-to-TORR-July2020.pdf) in COVID-19 Recovery Planning

Brookfield Institute

- Importance of accessible and inclusive [public service tech](https://brookfieldinstitute.ca/the-importance-of-accessible-and-inclusive-public-service-tech-in-times-of-crisis/)

Broadbent Institute

- COVID-19 [Resource and Response Centre](https://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/covid-19) 
- Solidarity in the Pandemic: [Basic Income or Basic Services](https://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/solidarity_after_the_pandemic_basic_income_or_basic_services) 

- Recovering from COVID with a [green transition](https://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/recovering_from_covid_with_a_green_transition)  

Wellesley Institute 

- [Crowded housing and COVID-19](https://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/healthy-communities/crowded-housing-and-covid-19-impacts-and-solutions/): Impacts and Solutions 
- [Housing and Health](https://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/healthy-communities/housing-and-health-the-two-go-together/): the two go together 

- [Pharmacare](https://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/healthy-communities/pharmacare-essential-to-our-health-and-economy/): essential to our health and economy  

Open Policy Ontario  

- [Top 10 Questions on Poverty](https://openpolicyontario.com/program-hydraulics-101-top-ten-questions-on-poverty-and-canadas-new-transitional-benefit-and-new-ei-program/) and Canada’s new Transitional Benefit and new EI Program

Centre for Policy Alternatives

- Alternative [Federal Budget Recovery Plan](https://www.policyalternatives.ca/publications/reports/alternative-federal-budget-recovery-plan) 

Canadian Urban Institute  

- [City Watch Canada ](https://citywatchcanada.ca/)tracks emergency measures put in place by local governments 

- [City Share Canada](https://citysharecanada.ca/) crowdsourcing platform for tools, resources and stories

Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness  

- [Homeless Sector Information Exchange](https://caeh.ca/homelessness-sector-covid-19-information-exchange/?utm_campaign=Cities%20Connect&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=87212219&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--sHFsUQLSMYJd0sInriJa1eBfUqp8P4w9Ynx11Ok1ahlQ7sQN3vuEOTd_6jQSNaQcAFfpjphYchJONbQ3spwziKRmCvQ&_hsmi=87212219) Community Survey Results on COVID-19 and Homelessness 

[View full post](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/latest/crp-policy-digest-july/august-2020)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Elle Richards"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2020-08-19T13:52:47.834Z",
  "datePublished" : "2020-08-19T13:52:47Z",
  "headline" : "Cities Reducing Poverty Policy Digest - July/August 2020",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 2573,
    "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/316071/Photos/Image%20Library/Parliament-Hill-718135-edited.jpg",
    "width" : 4288
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/latest/crp-policy-digest-july/august-2020",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "The Latest"
  }
}
```