The Manitoba government is launching a series of in-person public meetings in rural communities across the province to gather feedback on the development of a new five-year poverty reduction strategy.
“Poverty does not discriminate by location,” said Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine. “Rural Manitobans make up about 40 per cent of our provincial population. Hearing directly from people in in rural communities will help us develop a more effective, people-centred strategy that reflects the real needs of Manitobans across the province.”
Public meetings are taking place throughout October and November in Thompson, The Pas, Dauphin, Brandon, Morden and Arborg. These interactive workshops will provide residents the opportunity to be part of building the new strategy, ask questions and share their perspectives on how government should prioritize this work.
“Systemic barriers continue to be one of the biggest drivers of poverty and we need to focus on removing the obstacles facing those most vulnerable,” said Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith. “We know that poverty has a significant impact on the lives of Manitobans. These engagements will ensure voices from across Manitoba are heard and reflected in Manitoba’s poverty reduction strategy.”
Smith noted there will also be targeted consultations with Indigenous rightsholders and community stakeholders, as well as dedicated focus groups with Manitobans who have lived experience of poverty to hear about the challenges and realities they face.
The Manitoba government has also hosted roundtable discussions with representatives of front-line service providers who work in poverty alleviation including community organizations, advocates and experts.
Key areas of discussion across all engagements include prioritizing work to support people’s basic needs, education and training, employment, health, well-being and sense of belonging, as well as identifying current successes and future gaps in supports, the ministers said. They noted meetings will also be held in Winnipeg in October.
The Poverty Reduction Strategy Act requires Manitoba to review and update its poverty reduction strategy at least once every five years. The current poverty reduction strategy, Pathways to a Better Future , was released in March 2019.
To register for a public engagement meeting or participate virtually, visit engagemb.ca. The online survey closes Nov. 15.
