Summerside discussion tackles poverty
There was meeting about poverty on P.E.I. in Summerside recently and Cassandra MacLean felt compelled to be there. The issue of poverty is near and dear to her, she said, having experienced it herself at various points on her life. She recalled a time, years ago, when all she had to eat in her house was a single green pepper someone had given her. It’s hard to talk about, she said, because there is still a stigma attached to not having enough and having to ask for help. But she wants to help change that perception and felt attending Thursday’s session, which offered the public a chance to have input into P.E.I.’s new Poverty Reduction Action Plan, as a way to do that. “Instead of just ignoring it and accepting that that’s just how it is for the Island,” said MacLean.
About 45 people attended the meeting, which was held Community Connections, and had a lively discussion. It was the final input session of several that had been held across the Island. Topics covered the impacts poverty can have on the community and the individuals who experience it. Attendees also discussed possible solutions. The Poverty Reduction Advisory Council, which is gathering data and writing the new action plan, also shared some of its preliminary findings, based on the feedback it has received. Islanders, it reported, have said that they want the action plan to focus on, in order: housing, employment and wages, food security, social services and supports and health services. Roxanne Carter Thompson, chairwoman of the advisory council, said the input process has been full of engaged people, passionate about the goal of eliminating poverty. “There are some issues we have in our community, but I believe we can help find the solution,” said Carter Thompson. But while most of those who spoke at the meeting were happy that this conversation was taking place – they were skeptical that government will actually follow through and do anything with the action plan once it’s completed. All they can do is hope and keep pushing the conversation forward, said MacLean. “I hope that real change comes out of it. “I would love it if people, if groups, if the government would actually start to look at the bigger picture,” she said. The Poverty Reduction Advisory Council hopes to be in a position to deliver its action plan to the provincial government by the fall.
Colin.maclean@journalpioneer.com