Taking Action on Poverty
United Way is committed to fighting poverty, meeting immediate needs and working towards a future where everyone can thrive. Vital partners in this important work include government at all levels — key to policy change that can be truly transformative. That’s why, as campaigns for the October 24, 2022 municipal election get underway, we encourage you to make the most of this opportunity to engage civic leaders and share your thoughts on the issues and solutions that matter most. So, as you talk to candidates, familiar and new, at the door and before you mark an X on the ballot, check where they’re at on this urgent to-do list:
- Affordable housing — Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, but the cost of housing today outstrips most budgets and leaves people living on low incomes with few options and at greater risk of homelessness. The conversation – and action – must be focused where need is greatest: deeply affordable rental. We need:
- new social and rent-geared-to-income housing
- municipal and non-profit partnerships
- repair and renewal of aging apartment towers
- investment in supportive housing that moves people from streets to homes
- ongoing advocacy for rent and vacancy controls and protection against eviction
- Good jobs — With skyrocketing inflation impacting everything from the cost of food to gas — fueling the post-pandemic affordability crisis and widening the income gap — a good quality job with decent pay and benefits has never been more important. Municipal government must continue to partner on local initiatives that get people working, offer career opportunities and contribute to a strong local economy. We need:
- community benefit agreements that ensure major infrastructure projects bring local jobs, training and apprenticeships and support local businesses
- champions for a livable minimum wage and social assistance rates, paid sick days and urgent delivery of long-promised affordable childcare
- Strong neighbourhoods — The pandemic has shown us how essential basic supports and programs are – and how unequal access to them is across our communities, especially for those who have long been under-supported, and continue to face systemic barriers: Indigenous, Black and racialized people, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ people, women and newcomers. We need:
- stable funding for community agencies – back end and frontline – to support people with food and shelter, community and mental health services, specialized programs addressing harm reduction, gender-based violence, and the most complex needs
- digital access and recreation and community engagement opportunities in every neighbourhood
- even stronger collaboration between government, social services and the corporate sector
There are many ways you can play a part in making this place better for all. This election, don’t miss out on your chance to elect a candidate ready to #TakeActionOnPoverty.