Whereas the cost of basic goods and services continues to increase for people living in poverty and other low-income British Columbians; And whereas the provincial government is encouraging local governments and community partners to support the updated targets set to reduce the overall poverty rate, child poverty rate and seniors poverty rate without adequate resources: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the provincial government to establish an ongoing funding program in partnership with the UBCM to support communities in implementing local poverty reduction initiatives.
Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction SDPR shares UBCMs commitment to reducing poverty across British Columbia and recognizes the challenges posed by rising costs for people living in poverty and other low-income British Columbians. In 2020, SDPR provided UBCM with 5 million to administer the Poverty Reduction Planning Action Program, which supported local governments in advancing poverty reduction and aligning with the Provinces poverty reduction strategy through two streams: developing or updating poverty reduction plans and assessments, and funding local action projects based on those plans. All funds have been disbursed, resulting in projects that reflect strong collaboration between local governments, community partners, and the Province. SDPR remains committed to working with UBCM and other partners to advance the goals of the provincial poverty reduction strategy and to explore opportunities for collaboration that strengthen local efforts to reduce poverty.