What happened to poverty reduction?

Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Shane Simpson recently announced that the promised plan to fight poverty has been delayed to the fall. Originally, it had been expected in the spring.

Why the delay? Simpson and his poverty-strategy advisory committee of 27 groups have been holding workshops around B.C. communities since November.

At the first meeting, I, as leader of the Vancouver Island Party, gave Simpson our proposal for a guaranteed annual income for British Columbians.

By adopting a GAI with savings offsets in at least 17 out of 22 government ministries (excluding the premier’s office), B.C. would have the best poverty-reduction strategy at the least net cost to B.C. taxpayers anywhere in Canada.

Right now, B.C. has the highest poverty rate in Canada, with an estimated 678,000 people living in poverty, including 118,000 children. B.C. has one of the highest childpoverty rates in Canada. These numbers are based on the federal Market Basket Measure indicator, which includes the costs of food, clothing, footwear, transportation, housing and other expenses for a family with two children.

Why the delay, Mr. Simpson? Many people need relief right now. Who knows how long your government will last?

Are you delaying your plans to make them part of the NDP platform for the next election? Shame on you. Poor people need relief now, not a vague promise for the future. Robin M. Richardson Leader The Vancouver Island Party