The responses were encouraging as we have some indication that the report has been well received and that the evidence it provided is irrefutable with Premier Redford responding:

“The report…was very interesting. I think it gathered a lot of information that many of us who’ve been active on these issues have known for many years. We know that it’s the right thing to do not only because it has an economic interest for us but also because we want to make sure we’re supporting vulnerable Albertans. That’s why we created the Ministry of Human Services, so that we had the ability under a very strong minister to bring services together to develop policy and to create a social policy framework.”

Minister Hancock went further to indicate that a poverty reduction strategy is part of the Social Policy Framework:

“I have been mandated to deal with the social policy framework…The poverty reduction strategy is one part of that. The homelessness strategy, which has proved so effective, is a pretty good model, and we are progressing on that as we speak.”

Since the process for developing a Social Policy Framework has very recently begun, we are encouraged that the government recognizes the importance of tackling poverty in Alberta and plans to do so. We are glad that we could provide some evidence to support a new approach to social services and programs in the province with our Poverty Costs report and we look forward to continue working on ensuring that the framework will positively impact people living in low-income in Alberta.

Ms Blakeman: Thanks very much, Mr. Speaker. For some reason this government strongly resists embracing and implementing a poverty reduction plan. The line from the minister is that the department has more and better programs than anywhere else. Oh, no. This government does not, not with the level of poverty that we have in a province with $100-a-barrel oil. To the Minister of Human Services: when did the government get so flush that they could afford to ignore the annual expenditure of $7 billion to $9 billion that could be implemented by adopting an integrated poverty reduction strategy?

Mr. Hancock: Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has clearly misinterpreted what I’ve been saying on this. We’re not at all suggesting that we should ignore the expense to our society and the impact on individuals that results from poverty. Quite the contrary. Our Premier has indicated that people are our most important resource. This government cares about people. I have been mandated to deal with the social policy framework, which will deal precisely with that issue. The poverty reduction strategy is one part of that. The homelessness strategy, which has proved so effective, is a pretty good model, and we are progressing on that as we speak.

Ms Blakeman: Actually, the municipalities are progressing on that. You guys aren’t doing very much at all. Why does the government persist in saying that their services are great? Go read your own press. Is the minister satisfied with 73,000 children living in poverty? What’s best or first class about that?

Mr. Hancock: Mr. Speaker, in this province we need to care about each and every one of our children. We need to plan for the success of each and every child in this province. If we want to break the poverty cycle, we have to focus on how we can make sure that every child can come to school ready to learn, that an education system helps every child achieve their potential. That’s the goal of this government. That’s why we’re doing a comprehensive social policy framework, and that’s why we’ll be reviewing each and every one of the programs we have to make sure that it’s achieving those results.

Ms Blakeman: Sorry. No school hunger program. Nothing. Given that Albertans living in poverty are falling further behind the low-income cut-off than other provinces, can the minister tell us: what is this government’s resistance to improving their circumstances? Clearly, those best programs are not doing it. Why can’t we have an integrated poverty reduction strategy?

Mr. Hancock: The hon. member is clearly not paying attention. We’re working on that integrated strategy with respect to a social policy framework that works to the success of every Albertan. If there are programs that we have now that are not working, I invite that hon. member to step forward as we review those programs to make sure that we have the programs and we use the money that we have in this province to achieve the results that Albertans want, and that’s success for every child.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Red Deer-North, followed by the hon. Member for Edmonton-Riverview.

Find this exchange at: Poverty Reduction in Hansard Record of Alberta Legislature February 9, 2012, starts on page 44 of this document.

Mr. Taylor: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. On Monday the groups Vibrant Communities Calgary and Action to End Poverty in Alberta released The Costs of Poverty, an externally reviewed study that shows that keeping people in poverty costs Alberta between $7.1 billion and $9.5 billion a year. If poverty were a government ministry, only health would consume more of the provincial budget. Will the Premier commit today to do the right thing and the fiscally responsible thing and invest in a poverty reduction strategy?

The Speaker: The hon. the Premier.

Ms Redford: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The report on Monday was very interesting. I think it gathered a lot of information that many of us who’ve been active on these issues have known for many years. We know that it’s the right thing to do not only because it has an economic interest for us but also because we want to make sure we’re supporting vulnerable Albertans. That’s why we created the Ministry of Human Services, so that we had the ability under a very strong minister to bring services together to develop policy and to create a social policy framework.
The Speaker: The hon. member.

Mr. Taylor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again to the Premier. Since the approach to poverty that she inherited, a system of benefits and services for the poor which it sounds as though she wants to continue, actually keeps people poor rather than giving them a hand up, will she follow the recommendation of the former Standing Committee on the Economy and ask people who’ve had the experience of living poor what they need to get themselves out of the poverty trap?

Mr. Hancock: Mr. Speaker, we’re on precisely that trail with our social policy framework discussions. Over the past two months I’ve been meeting with people who deal with social agencies across the province as well as people engaged in business. We’re also going to be talking with people who are actually in poverty and people who are the recipients of social agencies as we move forward to develop a social policy framework which deals with both how you help people in need and how you prevent the situation where people get to need. [interjection]

The Speaker: The hon. member, please. We’ll get to the hon. Member for Edmonton-Centre in question 17.

Mr. Taylor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again to the Premier. I keep hearing about this social policy framework, and I’m hoping that all you’re doing is hanging a different name on a poverty reduction strategy because maybe you think it’ll sell better that way. Given that Calgary reported its first homeless population decrease in 20 years this week, will the Premier acknowledge that the 10-year plan to end homelessness is working and, since housing is part, as is electricity deregulation, of the poverty picture, make the same commitment to poverty reduction that her government has admirably made to ending homelessness?

The Speaker: The hon. minister.

Mr. Hancock: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the 10-year action plan to end homelessness is working across this province, and it is a model. It’s a model of how social agencies can work with government and community to create the opportunity for individual Albertans to be successful, and it’s working. Unfortunately, it’s probably the poverty reduction strategy that should be renamed because it is broader than just poverty reduction. It’s about how people balance that income gap and those other things which affect social cohesion and how government and community work together to help people stay out of poverty as well as to get the tools they need to support themselves and their families and to be contributing citizens.

Find this exchange at: Poverty Reduction in Hansard Record of Alberta Legislature February 8, 2012, starts on page 9 of this document.

We greatly appreciate the opportunity to provide input into this important work of the Province. Joe Ceci of Action to End Poverty in Alberta recently submitted his response to you and we are writing to support his position that a Provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy belongs at the core of a social policy framework. In addition to wholeheartedly supporting the AEPA’s response, we would like to offer some specific responses to the questions posed in the Developing a Social Policy Framework for Alberta Discussion Guide.

Purpose
The key purpose of a social policy framework should be to reduce poverty and inequality that hurts the bottom line for all of us. Alberta has the highest inequality and highest income ratio gap in the country, meaning that those living below the Low Income Cut-Off in Alberta are falling further short than in any other province. Reduced poverty and inequality lead to positive outcomes like increased social inclusion, improved health outcomes and stronger families. We have a shared responsibility to achieve these outcomes: the Provincial government is in an ideal position to act as a convener; the non-profit sector has the expertise to implement programs and policies and to identify key areas of need; and the for-profit sector has expertise, time and funding.

Scope
All policy is created to achieve certain intents. In a social policy framework for Alberta, we would encourage policies with the explicit intents of equity, value-add, and success. To develop a comprehensive policy framework, we can start by looking to 10 key areas for social and economic policy in Sherri Torjman’s Poverty Policy. All policies must include analysis through a gender lens.

Proposed Approach
Options to provide ongoing input and recognition of contributions as Alberta’s Social Policy Framework is created and implemented would help to ensure an inclusive process and community ownership.

Achieving Success
A successful Social Policy Framework would result in no Albertans living in poverty. To measure progress, we must look at the available evidence and consider the kind of impact we want to make: measures of low-income (LIM, MBM, and LICO); measures of inequality (Gini co-efficient and income ratio gap); qualitative input; and demographic data are all important sources for measuring success.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide input into this important work. We look forward to engaging in the process and to achieving positive outcomes for Alberta!

Sincerely,

Dan Meades
Director, Vibrant Communities Calgary

In my house Christmas brings wonderful food, a Christmas tree with piles of presents underneath, shopping for gifts for friends and family, maybe a Christmas play or show, Christmas parties and visiting with friends and family, and general feelings of warmth and happiness. Sure life is busy, and the holidays can also be a little stressful, but this is by far one of my favourite times of the year. And yes, we all have different traditions and things we do that make the holiday season special, but overall I truly participate in the holiday season in the ways that matter to me (in the ways I choose). Many low-income Calgarians who are either earning minimum wages or wages below a Living Wage do not get to participate in the way they choose.

And it’s not just about participating in consumerism. It’s also about time and quality of life. It’s about not having paid vacation days, not being able to take time off work to be with friends and family, and not having enough time for leisure. People who earn inadequate wages have to work more hours and are less likely to have the same quality of life or work/life balance as those people who can meet their basic needs working a forty hour work week.

Not earning a Living Wage prevents many low-income people (of which 67% in Alberta are women) from fully participating in the holiday season. So this Christmas when you are making your choices, and spending the holidays in ways that are important to you, please think about the people that are not enjoying the same luxury; who do not have the same opportunities or choices. People should be earning wages that will them to fully participate in their lives, communities and even holidays that are important to them. What a great Christmas gift that would be. More information about Living Wage can be found at www.vibrantcalgary.com.

Karen Orser is a Social Worker and a member of the Living Wage Action Team

A couple of weeks ago, a cardboard box mysteriously appeared in the lunch room at work. Attached to the box was a sign saying “Food Bank”. I don’t know who was actually organizing the drive, but over the subsequent days, co-workers donated various soups, teas and crackers. And, yes, those soups included the ubiquitous generic tomato variety!

I have a number of problems with food banks (and drives). First, there is the quality issue. Why do people give generic soups when they themselves would only have Campbell’s? Why do we give our cast off cans to charity, things that we ourselves would not eat? Why don’t we employ the principle that nothing is too good for the working class? Secondly, from a policy standpoint, as noted by Labour Party politician Nye Bevan “private charity can never be a substitute for organized justice”. Sure, Calgary is a generous city, but should the basic physical well-being of people be institutionally reliant on the ebbs and flows of charitable giving?

Despite the fact that food banks (perhaps) create their own demand, there is the commonly presented argument that without food banks more people would go hungry or even starve. Personally, I don’t believe that. I think that if food banks were closed down, public outrage would result in the creation of public policies that would promote authentic and ongoing food security for all Canadians. Government programmes supporting the basic rights of citizenship would be developed and implemented. That, however, is getting into the realm of politics.

Still, food insecurity remains a problem in Alberta. The recent report In This Together: Ending Poverty in Alberta, published by the Edmonton Social Planning Council, the Alberta College of Social Workers and Public Interest Alberta, showed that there has been a substantial increase in food bank use between 2008 and 2011. And, “despite the indications of economic recovery, food bank use in March 2011 is only slightly lower than the year before”. The document then showed that “over 27% of the people assisted by food banks reported employment income”. So, it is not only people outside of the work-income nexus who face the unacceptable grind of not having enough to eat. There is also an obvious link to low wages, food insecurity and food bank use.

And this is not only people working for the obscenely low minimum wage. It is also a problem for people earning less than the living wage of at least $12.50/hour plus benefits or $13.75 without benefits. Many of these are low-paid workers are women, and, given socially constructed familial roles, it is hardly surprising that “children and youth make up 44% of those turning to food banks for help in 2011”. There are very few independently poor children! Children who are poor live in families that are poor!

Put simply, people who work less for less than a Living Wage do not enjoy the same basic choices that the rest of us have. Essentially, this leads to marginalization, and a constant and unremitting focus on money (paying the bills etc) rather than being able to meet the basic costs of living and then having time to dream…and work towards attaining those dreams. It is about people making their own choices for food. It is about dignity and participation. It is about justice. That is why I think a Living Wage is such an important start towards a fair and equitable incomes policy…at any time of the year.

Wait… what?

Yep, Canadian crime rates have been falling, consistently. The Canadian Bar Association’s response to Bill C-10 is nothing short of embarrassing to its authors, criticizing both the punitive spirit and bureaucratic implications of its proposals. Addressing one proposal, they point to 30 years of unmitigated success in Quebec with less punitive approaches to justice; in another, they show that the proposed policy would make it harder for victims of crime to seek justice. Which begs the question – what evidence have the conservatives relied upon in creating this new crime bill?

“The Harper government is just pandering to its base,” says one PovertyTalks! member, arguing that the Harper government is leading a values-based campaign to garner support, rather than relying on evidence about what works.

To another member, this Bill is about stigmatization and discrimination, something supported by FFWD’s recent article on the topic. It accuses the Harper government of viewing those in the justice system as “other” – as a distinct class that should be punished and humiliated for being “less than.”

On the contrary, another PovertyTalks! member argues, those in prison have a much higher rate of past victimization. They may already have pasts fraught with humiliation through unaddressed abuse, sexual abuse and mental health issues, and more punishment simply entrenches the issues these individuals face.

For a PovertyTalks! representative from Women Together Ending Poverty (WTEP), this Crime Bill is an ignorant response to poverty. She points to the 80% of women who are in jail because of committing poverty-related crimes, such as shoplifting or not being able to pay fines for transit violations. WTEP’s release on the issue notes that this is hardly surprising with over 13,000 women in Alberta working for minimum wage, and given that Alberta has the lowest social assistance rates for single parents in the country – in one of the more expensive cities.

“We need more empathy and more sense of community if we’re going to fight poverty and crime,” says another member.

And perhaps we can start in Calgary, where we give fines to people sleeping on park benches. We fine loiterers. We fine public urination. We now fine $250 for those riding transit without a pass. It’s time to stop criminalizing poverty and begin addressing the real issues of why people in our community can’t afford a home or a transit pass.

Participants took a Jane’s Walk through Winston Heights Mountview from the indomitable Linda Sharp. Linda is a community member there and she conveyed to us her passion and pride in her community – it was wonderful to experience not just her vast knowledge of the community but also her enthusiasm for sharing all the things that are important about that community. She did this all while we were in the midst of a surprise snowstorm – welcome to Calgary!

Despite this surprise snowstorm the group, might I say recklessly and with unfathomable enthusiasm, elected to forge on to our walk through Victoria Park. David Low, Executive Director of the Victoria Park BRZ, led us through part of that community; his willingness to stick to the plan was much appreciated, given the weather conditions. Luckily, by the time we got there the snow had stopped and the wind was barely detectable. David’s knowledge of the history and development of the community was a wealth of information and gave me a new perspective on a community where I spend a good deal of time.

It was particularly interesting to contrast David’s view of community as a member of the business community with Linda’s view of her community as a resident. Both views have valuable insights and it was a good reminder that communities serve many purposes for many different people. We owe Julie Black of the Calgary Foundation a huge thank you for organizing the walks – her knowledge of Jane’s Walks and Calgary communities is a major asset.

Participants then engaged in interviews with people who are part of the VCC community. Our community was full of compliments with the way Direxion participants engaged and asked thoughtful questions. We are unbelievably lucky to have such an amazing group of people who have a vested interest in the work of VCC and seeing an end to poverty in Calgary.

Friday morning, we heard from Tim Richter, President and CEO of the Calgary Homeless Foundation, who shared his insights into the 10-year plan to end homelessness. I really appreciated Tim’s candor, his willingness to dare, and his commitment to people who are homeless in this city and province.

VCC wants to say a big thank you to everyone who participated in the week and to our Direxion guests. Both of my parents worked for the majority of their careers in Federal Public Service and, while they are both very proud of me, they were definitely hoping my career would take me in their footsteps and not to the non-profit sector. I have to say that a week with some wonderful people from across the country who work in public service doing great things for Canadians came close to changing my mind. In the end, I couldn’t be more fulfilled at my choices but I sure am glad that there are people in this country who commit themselves to public service. It is nice to know that the ways we all contribute to the communities around us are valued and that we continue to find better ways to work together. We can get a bit insular here sometimes so a visit from folks around the country gave us some perspective and a chance to reflect on our work as well. Thanks, Direxion participants, I hope you learned from us as much as we learned from you.

In preparing for TedX Calgary on the 18th, the entire team here at Vibrant Communities Calgary (VCC) has been working hard on our ‘idea worth sharing’ and the theme of “Volunteering…Even Better”. Volunteering is something we think about often, since without hundreds of volunteers VCC would never have the impact we have, in fact, we could not exist.

Developing this talk has made me reflect on my own volunteer life, which started unwittingly in many ways. I had parents that were, and still are, deeply engaged in their community of St. John’s Newfoundland. I don’t think I ever heard them use the term volunteer, to them spending time for the betterment of their community was a way of life, whether it was coaching local sports, being an active member of the Girl Guides community or organizing the community around a political issue, I was born into it and literally cannot remember what my first volunteer activity was. What is my favorite volunteer activity currently? Check out TedX Calgary and find out!

For Homeless Awareness week this (Oct 10-17th, 2011) I wanted to write about the impact that a Living Wage can have on ending homelessness for women.

What is a Living Wage? A Living Wage is the amount of income an individual needs to: meet their basic needs (housing, transportation, food), maintain a safe, decent, and dignified standard of living, save for future needs and goals, and devote quality time to family, friends, and community. In Calgary a Living Wage is $12.25 per hour with benefits, or $13.50 per hour without benefits.

Women’s homelessness is often considered “hidden” because the numbers of women we see living on the streets or sleeping rough do not represent the actual number of women who do not have a safe, healthy, or permanent place to live. Women will often stay with friends or family (also known as “couching”), or sleep in their vehicles before they will sleep on the streets or stay in homeless shelters – especially women with children. Finally, many of the women who find themselves homeless are employed full-time, but only earning minimum wage. In fact, 66% of minimum wage earners in Alberta are women, and this is for full-time, full-year work.

Women who earn less than a Living Wage simply do not have enough money left after paying rent each month to afford the other basic necessities of life (healthy food, utilities, bills, transportation, childcare, expenses, financial emergencies, school fees, etc). One illness, vehicle breakdown, or unexpected expense can result in a woman becoming homeless.

Paying a Living Wage not only makes sense from a social justice and human rights perspective, but it also makes sense from an economic perspective. Employers who pay Living Wages attract more qualified employees, and experience improved staff morale and reduced turnover and absenteeism. As their income grows, employees are more likely to spend locally, which boosts the local economy. For a listing of which businesses in Calgary have committed to paying their employees a Living Wage, you can visit the Living Wage section of Vibrant Communities Calgary’s website.

My Call to Action is this. If you can make other choices regarding where you shop (even if that means paying a little more), please do. Ask your local businesses if they pay their employees a Living Wage. Phone or write to businesses that you know don’t pay living wages, and tell them why it matters to you.

I know that a lot of people shop in certain stores (that are notorious for paying less than living wages and for unethical buying and employee practices) because they have to; every penny counts and the prices at these stores are very low. The fault certainly does not lay with low income Albertans who are doing their best to survive in a province with a low minimum wage and a high cost of living. But I believe those of us who can make a statement with our dollar should do so. My challenge is for you to start being part of the solution instead of part of the problem. I, for one, never again want to support a business whose employees are living in fifth wheels with no heat.

Karen Orser is a Social Worker, and a member of the Living Wage Action Team.

Executive Director, Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative
Contract Position

The Executive Director of the newly established Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative will play a critical role in establishing the plan to lead poverty reduction in Calgary and beyond. The position reports to the Co-Chairs of the Stewardship Committee who are highly respected members of our business community and who have committed to make a difference in our City. The ED will provide leadership to a vast array of interested parties who are all committed to poverty reduction. This position requires someone with strong inter-personal skills who can work with corporate and community leaders as well as those living in poverty. Come make a difference in Calgary. This position is jointly funded by the City of Calgary and United Way Calgary. This is a full time contract position from November, 2011 to January 30, 2013.

Key Responsibilities
• Deliver a completed plan, including implementation steps, measures and targets by September, 2012.
• Guide the planning process by helping to facilitate meetings with the Co-Chairs
• Establish and support Action groups.
• Support Action Groups by carrying the common vision and managing information flow
• Coordinate the work of the Stewardship committee and Action Groups
• Ensure research of best ideas and practices occurs
• Build a team and effectively supervise the work of staff and volunteers

Experience and Skills
• A minimum of a Bachelors degree
• 10+ years experience in progressively senior positions
• Highly skilled and discriminating person who embodies collaborative leadership.
• Outstanding facilitation skills of diverse opinions
• Experience in leading a community initiative
• Ability to support volunteer leadership and volunteer committees
• Strong communication skills

For consideration please reply by email (in Adobe PDF or Word format), by October 21, 2011.
Email to: hr@calgaryunitedway.org

Subject Line: Executive Director

We thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only those being considered will be contacted.

Dear Friends,

As I sit here in my room in the Gatineau, QC overlooking the river and the beautiful Parliament buildings with the night lights shining on them and the river below, I am moved by the energy around our release and the media interest in poverty and our report. CPAC, CTV and CBC covered the event and we did radio interviews from 11AM to 7PM right across the country in every province and 2 territories. We had over 1000 Twitter hits in the first 30 minutes after the release. Tomorrow is more media. The Toronto Star did a half page (12) today and the CP wire carried the story everywhere. We had a representative of the Brazilian embassy at the release as well as 2 Senators, former Grand Chief Ovide Mercredi and many others. Tomorrow a South East Asia radio station will interview me on poverty in Canada and strategies that work. As you might be able to tell, I am overwhelmed by the response. I know that poverty for all is solvable and that an investment strategy which focuses on possibility and prosperity for all is possible. Let’s keep fighting the good fight and let’s continue to make our Calgary the breeding ground for new ideas that lead to innovative strategies which allow our poorest citizens to realize their potential.

With so much hope for a Canada without poverty and respect for all that you do,

John Rook

The majority of citizens who have contacted VCC have been in support of suites; this is no surprise as every survey conducted indicates that an overwhelming number of Calgarians are in favour. We also heard from people who are firmly opposed to legalizing secondary suites in their neighbourhoods; it was great to hear from people who are opposed as the entrenchment on this issue had us baffled. The staunch attitudes were particularly difficult to comprehend after attending the public hearing at committee where not only support for suites was overwhelming but so was the evidence in favour of secondary suites.

Publicly, we have all heard the arguments against secondary suites – parking, property value, higher density stressing infrastructure – and systematically these concerns have been disproven with evidence. Out of the public eye, the concerns take on a different approach and one that compels me to shed some light on the root of the opposition.

Behind closed doors, we hear opponents to secondary suites tell us that they have worked hard to be able to afford a home in their R1 zoned neighbourhoods and that they do not want to have to put up with the perceived problems that secondary suite renters bring with them. It can be true that people who rent do so because they cannot afford to purchase a home and it is also true that some renters may be living in low-income. One is not hard-pressed to reach the conclusion that the root of the secondary suites issue lies here – people opposed to secondary suites are telling us that they should not need to live near people that have been less fortunate and are potentially living in poverty.

This kind of thinking is a dangerous path to follow for a city. Would we tell any other group of people in this city that they are not welcome in certain areas? Sorry… you may not live in that neighbourhood, your kind is not welcome.

If this is indeed the case, that people do not want secondary suites made legal in their neighbourhoods because they do not want to allow people living in poverty in their neighbourhoods, then we have some very tough questions to ask ourselves: is Calgary the sort of city that responds to rhetoric and unsubstantiated fear or is it a city that relies on facts and evidence to make decisions?

I believe in Calgarians. We will not buy into antiquated and elitist thinking – Calgary is a city that embraces diversity and inclusivity and I retain the hope that we will collectively stand against attitudes and decisions that push us in any other direction.

Saying no to secondary suites won’t address the root cause of the problem. I leave you with this thought, if you don’t want people living in poverty in your neighbourhood I say great – lets work together to end poverty.

Vibrant Communities Calgary is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively with various stakeholders and partners, seeking to engage Calgarians and to advocate for long-term strategies that address the root causes of poverty in Calgary. For more information on this initiative or Vibrant Communities Calgary, visit http://www.vibrantcalgary.com.

The leadership race began with the first ballot September 17 (narrowing the field to the top 3) and continues with the second ballot on October 1. We know that many of you plan to vote on October 1 and that you care about reducing poverty in the province. We are re-posting responses about a poverty reduction strategy from the 3 top candidates in the race to help inform your decision.

In Calgary on Wednesday, September 8 at the Progressive Conservative leadership forum, candidates vying for the job of Alberta’s next premier, at least until the next provincial election, were asked the following: “Many of you have failed to commit to implementing a Provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy; what do you say to the 400,000 Albertans currently living in poverty who need your help?”

We have drafted our ideal response to the question above and have summarized the candidates’ responses below. You can also PC Leadership Forum from the forum; the Poverty Reduction Strategy question and responses start at 123:25.

When we compare about our ideal response with the candidates’ responses, there was a clear difference among the candidates. No one gave a perfect answer of course but it was clear that some are closer than others to grasping the urgency and importance of implementing a poverty reduction strategy for the province. We hope that this has been helpful in illuminating where the candidates stand on poverty reduction in the province and that it is helpful in your decision-making.

Elements of our ideal response would contain all of the following:

• Commitment to a Provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy that addresses the root causes of poverty
• Recognition that an effective strategy must be developed in consultation –particularly with people experiencing poverty
• An understanding that a collaborative approach to reducing poverty – working across ministries and including the non-profit sector and the for-profit sector – is the best way to tackle the problem
• A commitment to collaborate with municipalities on reducing poverty
• Reference to a funding commitment from the provincial government
• Knowledge that poverty affects some groups disproportionately: new immigrants, single moms, First Nations, and persons with disabilities
• Acknowledgement that reducing poverty is an investment in our province and its people that generates a return
• A clear statement that in a province as wealthy as Alberta, 400,000 people in poverty in unacceptable

Candidates’ Responses In Order they Answered:

Gary Mar:

Mar suggested that we can create employability and circumstances where people can be on medications for mental illness and substance abuse, IF they have homes. “You can’t deal with the issue of poverty until you deal with some core issues like homelessness.” Mar then focused his comments on the Aboriginal population indicating that they lead in many areas that they do not want to, including poverty.

Allison Redford:

Redford committed a succinct “yes” to a poverty reduction strategy as a very specific policy that has been adopted by every other province. She indicated that a poverty reduction strategy helps government think differently about social policy to ensure we are reducing poverty for people living in poverty. She sees importance in integrated planning around housing, education, mental illness, addictions and the justice system. She concluded her comments by saying “lets not be afraid to call it…a poverty reduction strategy and I am committed to that”.

Doug Horner:

Horner says that a poverty reduction strategy needs to be adopted by all departments of government to stop silo thinking in the same way that was done with the Homelessness strategy. He also indicated that it is not enough that “we just put in a home” – the government needs to implement an Alberta Mental Health Strategy and to ensure that there are opportunities for training and education that are properly resourced so that we maximize the return.

When I was in school one of my biggest worries was fitting in and that involved asking my parents for the latest fashion items and the coolest backpack. At the time, it seemed like the biggest disappointment to hear my parents say “no, we can’t afford that, don’t worry about the other kids, all you have to worry about is doing well in school.” Year after year all my basic school needs were met. I know now how lucky I was and that my stress was nothing compared to the stress that my parents went through during back to school shopping.

In Alberta, the richest province in one of the richest nations (one that has survived the economic downturn largely unscathed) is home to many students who can’t worry solely about school. These are students living in households with parents who work for poverty wages. And, unlik3e me who complained needlessly, these kids have to silently endure not having what others have.

Maria, mother of three, immigrated from Peru. Her actions speak for themselves: she works full-time and studies full-time, raises three children and is adapting to Canada. Her husband, Victor, also contributes with part-time work and part-time studies, and is learning a new language, English. This dynamic, studious duo of dedicated parents is something to admire.

But they can’t save for their future. They are not prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

Back to school, to them, means number crunching.

Back to school is one of the most expensive seasons for any family. Gone are the days when schools provided students with all the resources. Now, parents are either given a supply list or they come up with one of their own. But as frugal and money conscious as parents may be, the bill can still add up to an uncomfortable amount.

Based on the supply list for a grade 3 student in a Catholic school in the NE, school materials alone cost $103.10 per student. Based on another list from a public school, the cost of supplies can be $113.

Add to that the need for new clothes – kids grow fast, you see – and that’s $125 for one pair of jeans, an eight pack of underwear, a five pack of socks, three t-shirts, one fall coat, one pair of outdoor runners and a back pack.

Without asking for anything fancy, a kid’s basic school needs can cost over two hundred dollars. Add to that school fees and character building activities like band and sports, and you could be looking at five hundred dollars for one child.

For a family like Maria’s, five hundred dollars is not a small amount and definitely not something to be disposed of as casually as buying an upgraded version of your current iPhone. The well educated, hard-working full-time employee/full-time student can barely muster $3,000 a month, even with the combined income of her husband and the Child Tax Benefit. Her disposable income after rent, food, credit card, internet and public transit, is a mere $505 that she somehow has to distribute among her three children’s school needs, one of which is in the school band. She can’t even afford to buy the grocery products sold at her work.

Luckily for Maria and her family, there is help. One of the schools her children attend provides them with most materials and sometimes with clothes. Sometimes, and at the discretion of the school principal, the fees may be waived. Calgary also boasts a healthy service sector full of charities that give families such as Maria’s a helping hand. Yet, all the help and assistance doesn’t take away the fact that Maria cannot save for her family’s future or for an unforeseen circumstances.

The ability to save for the future is more than building toward your dream retirement; it means being able to handle whatever the future throws at you: braces for the children, eye ware, accidents, emergency trips, etc. The power to survive unforeseen circumstances without being worse off at the end can mean the difference between poverty and extreme poverty, a home and homelessness.

These are the basic numbers and issues faced by Maria and other families working for poverty wages. And these numbers don’t tell the full story. Hard-working parents in Calgary and Alberta often juggle to find quality time for their children. Sometimes they feel the pressure of circumstances out of their control; in Maria’s case, the gentrification of her neighbourhood, Bowness. Regular working families always face a complex web of needs and outside forces that put a strain on their finances and their families. Maria and her husband struggle because they don’t make a Living Wage. If they did, the picture would look a lot different; for one, it would be less stressful.

“My husband and I try to keep the stress over money away from the children, but we know it affects them,” says Maria. What can be done to provide her with financial stability? She could get a second job, but then she can’t study, thus ruining her chances of upward mobility, let alone quality time with her family.

Whatever the solution, Maria’s is an example of how poverty wages can put a family in danger of extreme poverty and the children in a stressful environment.

Awareness of what families on poverty wages go through should raise more than sympathy, it should prompt us to find reasonable solutions and take meaningful action. Initiatives such as the “Living Wage” advocated by Vibrant Communities Calgary aims to find permanent, meaningful and empowering solutions for Calgary’s working poor.

In an era of government cutbacks we can hardly expect schools to again foot the bill for supplies. Charities don’t seem to be a permanent solution either. Education is a powerful enabler, but to get it you need time and money, two things in short supply for people on poverty wages. Other services to help people in need come from the taxpayers’ pockets. In essence, paying a poverty wage is forcing a whole community to cover the cost of poverty.

People like Maria obviously have what it takes to succeed and she knows it. That is why she works hard and studies at the same time. Perhaps the answer lies within her; the solution is in the people going through the hardships. All that Calgary needs to do is give them the tools.

Vibrant Communities Calgary believes in the strength and power of people. We know for a fact that the people who struggle are not lazy, don’t lack the will, and work hard for their futures and their families. In short, they practice the values that make a city like Calgary so great. However, despite their efforts, they don’t have the financial tools to get ahead.

Enter Living Wage. In Calgary a Living Wage means $12.50 with benefits and $13.75 without. By having businesses as Living Wage Leaders and with the City of Calgary adopting Living Wage policies, we can ensure that hard-working families like Maria’s have the power to comfortably cover school costs, continuing education, and basic necessities.

Paying the Living Wage alone won’t completely insulate families from unforeseen circumstances, but it does mean they have more room to manoeuvre, and that can make all the difference. This in turn reduces how much taxpayers have to pay for poverty related issues such as homelessness and crime.

By leading the way with Living Wages, businesses and governments can greatly contribute to reducing the ills that come with poverty, and hopefully take us to a future where children do a lot more needless complaining which parents can safely ignore knowing that all their basic needs are covered.

A future where parents can confidently tell their children, “Stop that! Now, go back to your school work. It’s the only thing that you should worry about. “

Cesar Agudelo
Living Wage Action Team

The leadership race is coming to a close soon, with the vote on September 17 and we know that many of you plan to vote for the next leader of the party and that you care about reducing poverty in the province; in order to help inform your decision, we have drafted our ideal response to the question above and have summarized the candidates’ responses below. You can also PC Candidate Forum from Wednesday night; the Poverty Reduction Strategy question and responses start at 123:25.

When we compare about our ideal response with the candidates’ responses, there was a clear difference among the candidates. No one gave a perfect answer of course but it was clear that some are closer than others to grasping the urgency and importance of implementing a poverty reduction strategy for the province. We hope that this has been helpful in illuminating where the candidates stand on poverty reduction in the province and that it is helpful in your decision-making.

Elements of our ideal response would contain all of the following:

• Commitment to a Provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy that addresses the root causes of poverty.
• Recognition that an effective strategy must be developed in consultation – particularly with people experiencing poverty.
• An understanding that a collaborative approach to reducing poverty – working across ministries and including the non-profit sector and the for-profit sector – is the best way to tackle the problem.
• A commitment to collaborate with municipalities on reducing poverty.
• Reference to a funding commitment from the provincial government.
• Knowledge that poverty affects some groups disproportionately: new immigrants, single moms, First Nations, and persons with disabilities.
• Demonstrated understanding that poverty is a root cause of homelessness.
• Acknowledgement that reducing poverty is an investment in our province and its people that generates a return.
• A clear statement that in a province as wealthy as Alberta, 400,000 people in poverty in unacceptable.

Candidates’ Responses In Order they Answered:

Gary Mar:
Mar suggested that we can create employability and circumstances where people can be on medications for mental illness and substance abuse, IF they have homes. “You can’t deal with the issue of poverty until you deal with some core issues like homelessness.” Mar then focused his comments on the Aboriginal population indicating that they lead in many areas that they do not want to, including poverty.

Rick Orman:
Orman believes that it is incumbent on government to continue to support the Homeless Foundations in Calgary and Edmonton. As Premier, Orman would bring Aboriginal Affairs into the premier’s office as a Secretariat, to address poverty, homelessness, and joblessness. In order to continue developing the oil sands he would engage with First Nations and take full responsibility on the outcome.

Doug Griffiths:
Griffiths has committed to a Provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy but that it must be meaningful and not just “a headline”. He indicated that he liked the announcement of a 100 million dollars to end homelessness as much as anyone else but that funding is not the answer to solving these kinds of problems – “if that’s all it took we should have done it 20 years ago”. A Strategy must break down silos and barriers. And, it is not only the government’s responsibility to reduce poverty; every single Albertan has a responsibility to do so.

Ted Morton:
Morton began by stating that he believes in a “hand-up not a hand-out”. He wants to “bring back the Alberta advantage”, grow the economy, and create jobs, since “the best thing to reduce poverty is a job”. He indicated that fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets were important to keep supporting initiatives like the homeless strategy, the need to focus on Aboriginals because the population is over-represented in poverty, and in keeping social service for drug addiction and mental health. “Those are the drivers of poverty”.

Allison Redford:
Redford committed a succinct “yes” to a poverty reduction strategy as a very specific policy that has been adopted by every other province. She indicated that a poverty reduction strategy helps government think differently about social policy to ensure we are reducing poverty for people living in poverty. She sees importance in integrated planning around housing, education, mental illness, addictions and the justice system. She concluded her comments by saying “lets not be afraid to call it..a poverty reduction strategy and I am committed to that”.

Doug Horner:
Horner says that a poverty reduction strategy needs to be adopted by all departments of government to stop silo thinking in the same way that was done with the Homelessness strategy. He also indicated that it is not enough that “we just put in a home” – the government needs to implement an Alberta Mental Health Strategy and to ensure that there are opportunities for training and education that are properly resourced so that we maximize the return.

August 23, 2011

We have been following the leadership races of the Progressive Conservatives and the Alberta Liberals very closely and we notice that there has been little discussion about poverty in our province. Based on Statistics Canada data, we know that there are nearly 400,000 Albertans living in poverty. We should be clear that poverty measures reflect bare minimum standard of living, even at or above this cut-off, many Albertans are facing rising costs while salaries are not keeping pace. Albertans living in poverty are over-represented among women, children, new immigrants, people with disabilities and aboriginals. It is our responsibility to ensure that everyone in this province has the support and opportunity to prosper. As we know, poverty can happen to anyone and the province must play a role in reducing poverty by searching for root cause solutions.

In October of 2010, the all-party Standing Committee on the Economy unanimously recommended that the province undertake the process to create a Provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy. The committee was motivated to unanimously pass this recommendation because of the overwhelming evidence demonstrating the depth of poverty in Alberta and the stories they heard from Albertans living in poverty. Albertans presented their stories about working very hard to meet basic needs for themselves and their families but their wages are falling short and they are not getting the supports they need from social programs. While no response from the Ministry of Employment and Immigration has been been made on this recommendation, many Albertans believe that a provincial government willing to tackle the root causes of poverty makes good sense.

We wonder where these leadership candidates stand on developing a Provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy? The candidates in these races are likely to produce the next Premier and the Leader of the Opposition – we hope they will move quickly to address the Standing Committee on the Economy’s recommendation for a Provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy. Then Alberta will join most of the other provinces and territories in Canada who have already taken this important first step. Many municipalities are also accepting responsibility to reduce poverty, including Calgary, but it cannot be done without support and commitment from the province.

Alexa Briggs, Associate Director Strategy and Research, Vibrant Communities Calgary
Joe Ceci, Coordinator, Action to End Poverty in Alberta
Linda McFarlane, ASCW Calgary Social Action/Social Justice Group

For those of us who care deeply about poverty and work tirelessly to banish it from Canada, there can be no doubt that our jobs became a little harder today; but in my view they became all the more important. Jack’s strong voice in Ottawa could always be counted upon to raise the issue of poverty and ensure that the voices of Canadians living in poverty were heard. He was a giant, and his shoes are too big for any person to fill alone; we all must work together to fill the void left in the Canadian political discourse today.

In this time of sadness for the loss of a Canadian who inspired hope, we can honour him in no better way than to carry on his passion for this country and for continuing to work towards a country that is great for all. As Jack said himself in his letter to Canadians, released today after his death, “My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.“

Dan Meades

Director, Vibrant Communities Calgary

Below is some information on how to have your say, please see the party websites for details.

PC Leadership Race

Advance Poll:
September 13

Voting Date:
September 17

Eligibility to Vote:
Purchase a membership ($5) any time up until day of vote.

Ways to Vote and Vote Location:
In person, at poll locations to be advertised in newspaper by constituency.

Candidates:
Doug Griffiths
Doug Horner
Gary Mar
Ted Morton
Rick Orman
Allison Redford

Upcoming Forums in Calgary:
August 28, 2011 PC Forum
September 7, 2011 PC Forum

Liberal Leadership Race

Voting Date:September 5 – 10, 2011

Eligibility to Vote:
Register support for the party or purchase a membership ($5)

Ways to Vote and Vote Location:
1. If you are a supporter or member by August 19 you vote online or by telephone.
2. If you are a supporter or member after August 19 but before September 6 you vote in person at the convention in Edmonton or at a remote location (TBD).

Candidates:
Laurie Blakeman
Bill Harvey
Hugh MacDonald
Bruce Payne
Raj Sherman

Upcoming Forums in Calgary:
None announced

Boychuk has presented his work on “Artificial Austerity: The Oilpatch and Poverty in Alberta” several times this year, most recently on June 8th for Women Together Ending Poverty (WTEP). If you haven’t seen it or gone through the powerpoint yet, it is well worth your time. Here are some key points, drawn from WTEP’s summary of the article:

• Over the last ten years the government has set royalties targets at 50-75% of rent (the financial surplus left over after oil and gas companies recover costs, and recover a normal rate of profit – typically 10%)
• If the government had managed the middle of its target range, it would have collected an additional $37 billion over the last decade – which could have helped finance well-needed public services.
• In 2007 and 2008 collectively, the province’s share of revenue was $2.5 billion below their bottom target range, while their 2010 deficit was $4.7 billion.
• The 2007 Royalty Review concluded that the government should increase royalties, and according to a Calgary Herald/Edmonton Journal poll, the public agreed. However, the oil industry swayed the provincial government such that the New Royalty Framework increased royalties by a fraction of what had been recommended.
• As such, Boychuk also questions the state of our democracy in Alberta.

We welcome any comments and feedback on this topic!