Ending poverty achievable with enough commitment and passion

Having a bold goal is a rallying call to entire community, writes Louis Hugo Francescutti

It is with sadness that many of the End Poverty Edmonton Task Force members read Paula Simons’ June 1 column where she stated that ending poverty in a generation was “the political equivalent of a beauty pageant contestant championing world peace … an empty aspirational rhetoric unmoored from reality.”

We believe ending poverty in a generation is possible given the energy, passion and commitment of all Edmontonians, including all of us who were involved in shaping the work of the End Poverty Strategy and Road Map that was recently unanimously approved by council.

Early in 2015, we conducted research on Edmontonians attitudes on poverty and found that 87 per cent of Edmontonians agree that poverty can be eliminated or drastically reduced if enough efforts are made. When the strategy was officially launched last September, End Poverty Edmonton engaged over 3,000 people for their input. Those we talked to indicated overwhelming support for the strategy and its call for a movement to end poverty in Edmonton, permanently.

During this engagement, we received timely advice on how to proceed by continuing to involve people in poverty for practical and tangible actions that will inevitably make a real difference. The End Poverty Road Map was built with this purpose in mind having 35 starting point actions and a beginning bold target of lifting 10,000 people out of poverty in five years.

We also heard that while practical solutions for moving Edmontonians out of poverty are critical, the prospect of dignity rather than shame, inclusion rather than marginalization, welcoming communities rather than “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) inspires many citizens who are eager for a piece of the action.

Having a bold goal is absolutely essential in striving to achieve it together as a community. It fundamentally shifts how we address the complex systemic nature of poverty.

This long-term goal sets the vision that is beyond short-term achievements and is outside of political cycles. It calls for longterm investment to early learning, mental health and housing solutions. But most importantly, it is a rallying call to the entire community that acknowledges that no single person, organization, political party or government can do this alone. It will take all of us.

In light of the tremendous support and solidarity that we have exhibited to those affected by the Fort McMurray fires, it is evident what we as a community are capable of. What differentiates the community’s response to natural disasters versus deeprooted social ills is the sense of urgency and the ability to see a noticeable and tangible impact when action is taken.

The End Poverty Edmonton Road Map establishes clear and concise actions that we can take in the next five years. We are not naive in thinking these 35 actions will eliminate poverty, but they are our starting point. Through rigorous evaluation and measurement, we will build on our successes and learn from our mistakes.

Already we have community partners that are committed to working with us to achieve this goal, including the City of Edmonton, Government of Alberta, United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, Edmonton Community Foundation, Edmonton Police Service, Edmonton Public Libraries and many, many more.

However, we are keenly aware that it will take the efforts of the entire community if we are to reach this bold, audacious goal. Can we count you In? Join us by becoming part of the End Poverty Edmonton Count Me In Network at endpoveryedmonton.ca.

Your help is needed to make a meaningful difference as we embark on this journey together.