Poverty Reduction

There is considerably more attention being given to poverty reduction and elimination than was the case in the past by a broader constituency of the community. Poverty is now seen not just as a solution for those experiencing poverty but also as a means of promoting a strategy to make the whole community more prosperous and sustainable. The rhetoric has changed by including the word "social" when referring to the terms policy, sustainability and prosperity. Social sustainability, social prosperity and social policy have broadened the discussion and invites all sectors to become involved and part of the solution. It is vital that a dialogue take place between the private, public, and voluntary/non-profit sectors so that the connections can be made between social, economic and environmental interests.

In late 2007, all parties of the Nova Scotia Legislature passed Bill-94 which created a mechanism for a poverty reduction working group which made recommendations to the government in June 2008. The government responded with its own poverty reduction strategy in April 2009 titled: " Nova Scotia's Poverty Reduction Strategy: Preventing Poverty Promoting Prosperity". The strategy has four main goals to be achieved by 2020: To enable and reward work; improve supports for those in need; focus on our children; and collaborate and coordinate. A full-time coordinator was hired in October 2009 and a ministerial committee met to implement the strategy. In November the Deputy Minister of Community Services, the lead department for the strategy, appeared before the standing committee on community services to provide an up-date on the strategy and assured the committee that firm targets would be set by December 1st .

It would appear that the government is serious about tackling the problem of poverty. At least a mechanism has been created to help the process along. Funding also seems to be available to assist with the effort which is notable even as we are facing a sluggish economy. Two sources, bilateral agreements between the federal and provincial governments, will deliver significant funding over six years to bring marginalized groups and new entrants into the workforce.

Lets not fall into the trap of thinking that just providing a person with a job will eliminate poverty in our province. Many people with jobs are still living in poverty according to the common standards for measuring poverty. We need a broader focus when trying to eliminate or reduce poverty. Although a discussion on social policy with the broader community seems desirable, it remains to be seen if all the powerful self-interests can be addressed so that poverty is actually reduced or eliminated. We need to be optimistic and see this change in strategy as an opportunity. Lets ensure that poverty is addressed in a way that will be measurable and make life better for individuals and families and contribute to the prosperity and sustainability of the community.

It will be interesting to see what the "firm targets" are that have been promised by the formation of the ministerial committee to reduce and eventually eliminate poverty in Nova Scotia. Lets support the efforts of the committee and see what can be done.