From the Winnipeg Free Press–City council recently approved Winnipeg’s first poverty reduction strategy. This comprehensive plan includes a practical approach to reducing poverty, increasing equity, and building a “culture of caring” in all city activities over the next decade.
For too long our city has had one of the highest child poverty rates in Canada and no plan to deal with the issue. The strategy aims to be a catalyst for more action and increasing community partnerships to address the root causes of poverty while recognizing we require collaboration of all levels of government.
The strategy was co-created by representatives of Winnipeg’s public service, Make Poverty History Manitoba, Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council, and Ka Ni Kanichihk, along with community stakeholders, including people with lived experience of poverty.
“This was a historic moment for the city to acknowledge its role, and a positive step in addressing and helping end poverty in Winnipeg,” said Michael Barkman, chairperson of Make Poverty History Manitoba.