Niagara Regional council heard plan includes 8 areas to address, but work will take more than 5-years to do
A plan of action to reduce poverty has been presented to Niagara regional council.
Director of Social Assistance Lori Watson revealed it focuses on eight areas: housing, income, transportation, early childhood development, employment, mental health and addiction, action for Indigenous people and lack of food.
She says it was put together with the help of 1,000 Niagara residents, many who have experience with poverty.
She adds how it's done is critical. "The voice of lived expertise and diversity, equity and inclusion, are incorporated into each and every action. Changing mindsets is about addressing the stigma associated with being poor."
She adds it'll take more than five years to end poverty.
"Actions include increased internships and apprenticeship opportunities for foreign trained professionals to be able to work while attaining Canadian credentials. This aligns with Niagara's economic development strategy."
Director of Housing for Niagara Region Native Centre Mary Ellen Simon added Indigenous poverty has additional layers that non-Indigenous people might not face.
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