BC Poverty Reduction Coalition

The BC Poverty Reduction Coalition includes community and non-profit groups, faith groups, health organizations, First Nations and Aboriginal organizations, businesses, labour organizations, and social policy groups. We have come together around a campaign aimed at seeing the introduction of a bold and comprehensive poverty reduction plan from the government of British Columbia that would include legislated targets and timelines to significantly reduce poverty and homelessness. We seek to improve the health and wellbeing of all British Columbians.

BC parties respond on poverty reduction

May 092013
 
 Canadian politics

Increased government support for families would save money in the long-term.

by Ted Bruce, Trish Garner and Seth Klein

We’ve heard a lot of concern about government spending recently. What is rarely said, however, is that government spending has the potential to be an investment for British Columbians. It can rebuild the social supports that British Columbians need, improve economic productivity and save money in the long-term.
 
The fact is that poverty is costing us billions in this province. Higher public health care costs, increased policing and crime costs, lost productivity, and foregone economic activity add up to $8-9 billion per year. In contrast, the estimated cost of a strong, comprehensive poverty reduction plan once fully phased in over a few years is $3-4 billion per year.

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