The cause of local food insecurity is deeply intertwined with the roots of poverty. As individuals and families in Vancouver are increasingly unable to afford the rising cost of living, they are forced to make hard decisions about their food choices. While empowering people with skills and knowledge is important, we must also address the many root causes that contribute to food insecurity.
Community pressure has pushed the government to commit to a poverty reduction strategy. Now we need community action to ensure that it’s a strong plan with legislated targets and timelines. You can be a part of this effort to make BC’s government take action against poverty.
The BC government is currently asking British Columbian residents about what should be included in a Poverty Reduction Strategy. It’s now more important than ever that the provincial government hear our collective voice loud and clear highlighting the pillars of a strong, comprehensive poverty reduction plan.
Use the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition’s easy email form to send a message to the government consultations.
They have put together a guide sharing the key messages and policies to highlight in the consultations.
For inspiration, check out our submission here.
Community Meetings
Community Meetings are going to be scheduled across the province to consult with British Columbian residents about what should be included in the Poverty Reduction Strategy. We will share more details about these community meetings as soon as we have them. You can also visit the government’s site for updates on what they’re doing.
Friendship Centres are also organizing Indigenous Poverty Reduction Consultations across the province. For more information, click here.
The government is offering supports to help you participate, including transportation, child care, disability and health supports, as well as secure storage for belongings. If you need supports to participate, you can contact contact Lara Therrien Boulos by phone at 604 718-8504 or email: ltboulos@sparc.bc.ca
Vancouver, Session 1:
Date: Saturday, Mar. 10, 2018
Location: Ray-Cam Co-operative Centre, 920 E Hastings Street
Time: Doors open at 10 a.m. The community meeting runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Notes: A hot meal will be provided.
Vancouver, Session 2:
Date: Tuesday, Mar. 20, 2018
Location: Heritage Hall – 3102 Main Street
Time: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The community meeting runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Notes: A hot meal will be provided.
There are several other ways you can share your thoughts with the government:
Government Feedback Form
You can also use the government’s feedback form here: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcpovertyreduction/submit-your-feedback/
By Phone:
Call Enquiry BC and ask for ‘BC Poverty Reduction’
Calls can be made Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time
Victoria 250-387-6121
Vancouver 604-660-2421
Elsewhere in B.C. 1-800-663-7867
Outside B.C. 1-604-660-2421
Via Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD):
Vancouver 604-775-0303
Elsewhere in B.C. 1-800-661-8773
By Fax: 250-387-5775
By Email: BCPovertyReduction@gov.bc.ca
By Mail:
ATTN: BC Poverty Reduction
PO BOX 9929 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, BC V8W 9R2
For information on other dates across the province, please visit here.
