The City of Prince George is reaching out to the public for ideas on poverty reduction with a survey that is now available on the city website.
Survey-takers are asked for recommendations for action and advocacy aimed at reducing poverty within PG and will be available until March 12th.
It has been drafted by the City’s Select Committee on Poverty Reduction which consists of City Councillors Murry Krause and Cori Ramsay.
“The challenges associated with poverty affect our community as a whole; therefore, all Prince George residents are invited to participate,” said Krause, “however, there are key members of our community who are at greater risk than others–youth, seniors, Indigenous peoples, single-parent families, those experiencing mental health and addictions issues– and it is their feedback, and the feedback of agencies and advocates who support them, that we are diligently seeking as part of this public engagement process.”
Starting next week, the City will be working with community partners and agencies to obtain feedback from diverse groups of residents, especially those who’ve experienced poverty first hand.
The survey will also be available on paper and by phone call for those who don’t have internet access.
“The goal of tackling poverty may feel overwhelming, especially during COVID-19,” added Krause, “however, the Select Committee on Poverty Reduction has narrowed the focus to ensure that the recommendations being prioritized by those providing feedback can be achieved at the municipal level.”
The survey results will also inform Mayor Lyn Hall and City Council how PG can support the provincial poverty reduction strategy, Together BC, which aims to reduce overall poverty in B.C. by 25% and child poverty by 50% by 2024.