Burnaby City Council has approved the Burnaby Poverty Reduction Strategy, a community-based framework that will guide local action to reduce poverty and improve quality of life for residents across the city.
“Poverty affects individuals, families and the entire community, and addressing it requires collective action,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “This strategy reflects the voices, experiences and expertise of our community partners and residents, and it provides a clear framework to guide local action.”
The strategy was developed through a collaborative process led by Burnaby Neighbourhood House and Burnaby Family Life, in partnership with the City of Burnaby. More than 300 residents and service providers shared their lived experiences, through listening circles, interviews, workshops, forums and a survey.
The Burnaby Poverty Reduction Strategy sets out 84 actions to guide local efforts to reduce poverty, including:
- Improving access to free and affordable food, by expanding programs such as the Farmers’ Market Coupon program and the community garden program;
- Increasing access to affordable child care spaces, including adding more part-time and flexible child care options in Burnaby;
- Expanding access to English language learning opportunities to ensure residents can access employment opportunities and navigate services and programs more easily; and
- Advocating for a Universal Basic Income.
With Council’s endorsement, City staff are now authorized to work with community partners to develop an implementation plan that will identify local actions, roles and responsibilities, and opportunities for collaboration to advance poverty reduction in Burnaby.
“This strategy was developed by those most affected by poverty in our community. We’re proud to have partnered with the City to help shape a community-informed approach to reducing poverty,” said Mika Torres, Executive Director of Burnaby Neighbourhood House.
“More than ever, our combined efforts in advocacy are needed to support the needs of our community,” said Navreen Gill, Executive Director of Burnaby Family Life.
Mayor Hurley will also write to the B.C. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction to advocate for the re‑establishment of sustained provincial funding to support local poverty reduction initiatives.
Learn more: Poverty Reduction Strategy