Poverty and social exclusion involve complex social and economic issues and have many causes and consequences. Key factors include a person’s ability to earn an income; cope with higher costs such as adequate housing, heat, medications, transportation, education and training, family supports and nutritious food.
It is hard to define or to measure poverty. Defining poverty may rest in the view that poverty is about a person’s or family’s lack of money to live comfortably and participate fully in the social and economic life of our province. Poverty or low income is commonly measured by comparing income with the cost of living, or with average income levels. For individuals and families, poverty often refers to their own daily experiences coping with, and overcoming, these challenges. Poverty affects individuals, communities and the province as a whole.
The challenge for the Provinical Government is to work with community groups, business, labour and individuals and families vulnerable to or living in poverty to develop the right mix of policies and programs to prevent, reduce and alleviate poverty. The Poverty Reduction Strategy is about supporting people to succeed.