New anti-poverty initiative focuses on lived experiences to help shape policy
Leah Levac, University of Guelph and Jillian Crocker, University of Guelph
The theme of the recent United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was Dignity for All in Practice.
It raised questions about how we can change our policy practices and outcomes so people living with poverty are treated as experts.
The ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the consequences of high inflation and the Ontario government’s refusal to address deep poverty, to name just a few current realities, have resulted in anti-poverty campaigners renewing their pleas for action.
Adequate housing, more meaningful financial support and access to mental health services are among the essential changes required.
Inadequate or harmful poverty-related policies were also a theme dur...
