Diversity Snapshot PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY — Equity and Inclusion Lens

Diversity Snapshot

P E O P L E L I V I N G I N P OV E RT Y Anyone could live in poverty. It is our life circumstances combined with systemic barriers that have deepened our experiences of poverty. We contribute to the economy and quality of life in the city as we care for family members, support each other and volunteer in the community. 1. Who we are . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2. Contributions we make . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3. Barriers and inequities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1) Negative attitudes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2) Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3) Employment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4) Education and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5) Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6) Housing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7) Nutritious food. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8) Family responsibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9) Access to information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10) Growing income gap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11) Cycle of poverty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 9

4. We envision – a poverty-free city . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 What can I do? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5. Council Mandates and legislation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 6. What’s happening in Ottawa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 7. Relevant practices in other cities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 8. Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 9. Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

This document is one of 11 Diversity Snapshots that serve as background information to aid the City of Ottawa and its partners in implementing the Equity and Inclusion Lens. To access, visit Ozone or contact us at [email protected].

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Diversity Snapshot PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY — Equity and Inclusion Lens

1. Who we are Anyone could live in poverty. We come from a variety of different backgrounds and life circumstances, which have contributed to or deepened our experience of poverty (SPC 2008). Whether we are working at low-wage jobs or on social assistance, we often struggle to meet our own and our families’ daily needs. Most of our minimum-wage jobs are often part-time and offer no benefits for us and our families. Low social assistance benefit levels, homelessness, and unstable housing have a negative effect on us as well as the entire economy. In fact, temporary shelters for individuals and families cost more than investing in long-term, affordable housing. Poverty affects our children at an alarming rate: one in five children in Ottawa lives in poverty (CFO 2008). Child poverty happens because their parents are living in poverty. Child poverty – living with insufficient food, shelter, clothing and supports – has lifelong consequences on our children’s health and future economic prospects (SPC 2000). We have higher risk of living in poverty if we are Aboriginal or live with disabilities. When we live on low-income in rural areas, we may feel isolated, and have trouble accessing affordable transportation or paid employment. There are many things which further compound our situation, such as having mental health issues, being criminalized, dealing with addiction, or suffering from a chronic physical illness.

IN OTTAWA 15.2 per cent of Ottawa residents live on low income. Poverty rates for children in Aboriginal, visible minority, recent immigrant, and single mother families are at least double the national average. 40 per cent of visible minority children live in poverty. Almost half of new applicants to Ontario Works (OW) in Ottawa are born outside of Canada. The low income cut-off for a family of one adult with two children is $32,450 per year before taxes. Minimum wage at $9.50 per hour is less than $20,000 per year before taxes. Lone parent families with two children on OW get as little as $11,604 per year. (ATEH 2008; Campaign 2000 2008; City of Ottawa 2009; SPC 2008; Statistics Canada 2006)

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Diversity Snapshot PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY — Equity and Inclusion Lens

Notes: OW and ODSP rates effective December 2009. Rates below include maximum shelter allowances. ODSP basic need rates below are based on children aged 0 to 12, higher rates for children aged 13 to 17. Ontario Works (OW)

Monthly income Ontario Disability Support (ODSP)

Single person $585 $1,042 Parent with $961 $1,512 two children 1 Effective March 31, 2010 2 CMHC – October 2009

Minimum wage1 ($10.25/hr)

Monthly cost Average market rent2

Food

$1,775 $853 (40 hr week)

$180

$1,775 $1,257 (40 hr week)

$560

Defining poverty There is an ongoing debate as to how we define poverty. The most common measure of poverty is the Low Income Cut Off (LICO), defined by Statistics Canada. It indicates an income threshold below which a family is likely to spend significantly more of its income on food, shelter and clothing than the average family (Statistics Canada 2007). However, poverty is more than not being able to afford basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing. According to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, poverty is deprivation of the resources, choices, and power necessary for civic, cultural, economic, political and social participation in society. Poverty also concerns intangibles such as opportunities for meaningful employment, a sense of belonging, and a sense of citizenship (CWP 2007).

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Diversity Snapshot PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY — Equity and Inclusion Lens

2. Contributions we make We contribute to the economy and quality of life in the city. We care for each other’s children and exchange food. We form networks of support, exchange information, and are community activists. As community members living on low-income, we often come together to prevent crime in our communities. Many of us on social assistance or ODSP invest in our communities by actively volunteering for community organizations. Volunteers sustain nonprofit agencies such as day programs, shelters, and food banks. When we are on social assistance, we often work part time and therefore receive a reduced amount of assistance. (Note: After receiving Ontario Works for three months, recipients are eligible for 50% earnings exemption, i.e. half of our net earned income is deducted from our Ontario Works payment.) Our minimum wage workforce contributes to the health and safety of people in society by providing much needed services (e.g.: cleaning offices, security, etc.). While our income from social assistance is not taxed, there are significant taxes associated with many of the goods and services we spend our money on. We contribute to the municipal tax base, as property taxes are included in our rent.

“

In spite of it all, poverty has allowed us to see things differently, to appreciate and to share what we have received and lived through. To continue struggling for our future and the future of other people who are dear to us.

”

Groupe d’Action Communautaire Francophone (GACF). 2009.

All people, regardless of income, have a capacity to participate in civil society. We vote, communicate with our members of parliament, and have our experiences and ideas heard through media. We participate in the creation of art, music and culture. We participate in advocacy for equity and inclusion in our city, and raise future leaders by educating our children. We encourage the creation of programs that can benefit people across all income levels, by sitting on boards and committees, and by sharing our stories with decision makers in social policy, government, and social service agencies.

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Diversity Snapshot PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY — Equity and Inclusion Lens

3. Barriers and inequities Poverty costs us all. Investment in social programs puts money in the hands of those most likely to spend it in Ottawa (rather than saving), and has the effect of stimulating our economy. It also enables Ottawa’s citizens participate fully in city life. Investing in housing, health care and other social services improves physical and emotional health of the residents, as well as their educational attainment (City of Ottawa 2008).

1) Negative attitudes Perhaps one of the biggest barriers that people living in poverty face is the negative attitudes and stereotypes from society. When people live in poverty, they often get blamed for it (“poor bashing”). In addition, many people living in poverty experience discrimination based on other factors in their lives. For example, young single mothers are often stereotyped as being irresponsible and unfit to care for children. People of colour in low income neighbourhoods face racial profiling and are often treated as criminals. People who are homeless may be treated as if this was a choice due to their refusal to work in the paid labour force. These attitudes are typically untrue and can lead to stigma and shame, impeding people from attaining paid employment and accessing social services.

2) Income People often find themselves living in poverty as a result of the low minimum wage, low social assistance rates (including ODSP), or living on a fixed income. Almost one in five Canadian workers earn less than $10 per hour. However, a basic living wage is estimated to be at least $13.75 per hour (before tax, and without health benefits) for a single person living in Ottawa (based on estimated LICO for June, 2009 ACORN). Even with these rates, many families would still be living far below the low income cut off (Campaign 2000 2008). Not being able to afford the bare necessities (e.g., nutritious food, warm clothing, adequate housing) undermines people’s overall health. People living in poverty are more likely to suffer from physical and mental health issues. Inadequate income thus limits people’s ability to fully participate in daily life in Ottawa to their fullest potential.

3) Employment People living in poverty have difficulties transitioning from social assistance to the paid labour force, due to a lack of employment supports. People living in poverty often have precarious jobs – often part-time, offer low or minimum wages and no benefits, and are insecure. Women are at a higher risk of living in poverty than men, as they are more likely to have these precarious jobs. In 2006, women in Ottawa earned only 69 per cent of what men earned from paid employment (SPC 2008). Women are also more likely than men to be single parents and exit the paid labour force due to family responsibilities. Immigrants and refugees face unique barriers to employment – such as lack of recognition of foreign credentials, importance of English-French bilingualism in Ottawa’s labour market, racism, and discrimination. Many of them may not be familiar with the services offered to low-income residents and to immigrants and refugees. A City for Everyone — 6

Diversity Snapshot PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY — Equity and Inclusion Lens

Some people are not able to work for different reasons – for example, having certain disabilities, mental health issues, language barriers, and episodic illnesses which makes it difficult to participate in the paid labour force.

4) Education and training Many people are unable to pursue education due to the high cost. The ever changing nature of the economy and the labour market requires many people to get retraining; however its cost and structure create barriers for people. For example, many people do not have access to affordable childcare or transportation to attend a course. The course schedule and requirement may not accommodate people who have work shifts at irregular hours. Immigrants often find that their foreign education is not recognized in Canada, but lack access to ‘bridging programs’ or opportunities for retraining. People with low literacy levels also find it difficult to access appropriate education and training programs. Post–secondary education is inaccessible for many low-income youth when the above challenges are combined with rising tuition fees. For children living in poverty, school fees, pizza days, field trips, musical instruments, school supplies such as agendas are not affordable (Ontario Association of Food Banks 2008). School boards have an obligation to provide the tools necessary for children to get their education; however, there is an expectation that children and parents will have computer access for school work and communication with the school. These factors exclude many children from actively participating in their education, and increase their likelihood of leaving the school system early, or achieving lower than average grades.

5) Transportation While there is public transit available in Ottawa, many people living in poverty often cannot afford to use it. Youth who rely on public transportation to attend school and part time jobs face high costs for using this service. Transportation costs may be covered for people on ODSP to attend medical appointments and for people on Ontario Works to participate in employment related activities or to attend medical appointments. People with disabilities who qualify for ODSP can purchase the community pass from OC Transpo at a discounted rate. For those who are paying full price for transportation, the cost to perform daily activities is often too high (e.g., grocery shopping, doing laundry, going to medical appointments). People who cannot afford a car and rely on public transit often find it very timeconsuming to make transfers and go to multiple destinations throughout the day.

6) Housing Ottawa is ranked as the 5th most expensive city in Canada, and has moved up 23 spots from 2007 (Mercer 2008). The high average market rent in

Investing in housing ➤ In Ottawa, support services for a homeless person costs about $100,000 per year. ➤P  ermanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless costs only about $18,000 per year. ➤1  0,235 households in Ottawa are on social housing waiting list (Dec 31, 2009). ➤2  ,660 households are on supportive housing waiting list (Dec 31, 2008). (LTH 2009; ATEH 2009)

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Diversity Snapshot PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY — Equity and Inclusion Lens

Ottawa and its increase over the years puts many people at risk of homelessness or living in substandard conditions (Alliance to End Homelessness 2008). Ottawa also has a huge lack of safe and affordable housing – as a result, people’s only affordable option may be to access a temporary shelter. Or, when people living in poverty do find housing they can afford, they are often in inadequate, unsafe, or overcrowded conditions that are not wellmaintained. People often find themselves living in unsafe neighbourhoods, without amenities that are important to the quality of life (e.g., grocery stores, pharmacies, safe parks, recreation programs, etc.)

7) Nutritious food People living in poverty often struggle to buy nutritious food for themselves and their families. For a family of four, nutritious food can cost $735 a month (City of Ottawa 2009). While the price of nutritious food increases, minimum wage and social assistance rates have not increased at the same rate. As a result, more people are falling deeper into poverty. Almost half of food bank users are children: in Ottawa, 16,000 children use food banks in one month. The number of people turning to food banks has increased by 13 per cent over the past year, as the price of many household items has increased. Household bills for an average single person increased by $433, and by over $800 for a family of three (Ontario Association of Food Banks 2008).

8) Family responsibility Many people living in poverty are responsible not only for childcare, but for caring for elderly parents and other family members. Lack of affordable, quality childcare is one of the greatest barriers for parents who are trying to leave social assistance (Child and Youth Health Network 2009). The average cost of child care space for a child 0 to 2.5 years old is $951.56 per month and for a child 2.5 to 5 years old, the average cost is $767.12 per month. While 31 per cent of the City’s childcare spaces are subsidized, there are not enough for everyone: currently 6,400 families

ONE DAY IN MY SHOES

“

To make choices like paying your hydro bill while hoping that the phone company will wait another month.   I only have a minimum wage salary without benefits, not even a paid sick day.  When the children are sick at home, that means that I have to miss a day of work or pay a sitter.  Moreover, I will have to pay the cost of medical prescriptions.  That means less money to buy food.  It is difficult to pay when the cost is high and continues to rise That is why the basic items are hard to get. Imagine, 4 or 5 months later, you have finally paid your basic expenses and you are up to date with paying the bills.  However, in a very brief time, something changes in your life and the cycle starts all over again. That is the misfortune of poverty.  In the schools, our children learn many things that are going on in the world, for example sciences, math, and geography. I hope that one day the whole world will be made aware of poverty. Together, we can find a way to get rid of this cruel poverty before it is too late.  One must keep up the power and the courage.

”

Louise Bazinet, Groupe d’Action Communautaire Francophone (GACF). 2009.

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Diversity Snapshot PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY — Equity and Inclusion Lens

are registered on the centralized waiting list for subsidized spaces. The waiting list is especially long for families looking for childcare offered in French. Women are often responsible for the majority of family responsibilities. Affordable, quality childcare can help women (re)enter and remain in the workforce. In Quebec, for example, the public childcare plan boosted women’s income and payroll taxes by 40 per cent (Baker 2005) and reduced child poverty rates by 50 per cent (OCBCC 2009).

9) Access to information Many people living in poverty are not aware of what services are available to them because they have trouble accessing information. When information is not presented in diverse mediums and plain language, many people may not be able to make use of it. When subsidies are available, the information is often only found in the fine print of documents, and many people do not end up benefitting from the subsidies. People who face stigma and negative attitudes about living in poverty may feel shame in disclosing poverty in order to get information about services. The way that some of the information is posted assumes that people have access to and have good command of computers and the Internet. People with low literacy levels may experience difficulty when information is presented mainly in written forms. Getting to a library or community centre to access a computer costs people both time and money. People may not be able to access information in the language they speak and read. When people living in poverty own a computer, they often find it too expensive to upgrade and repair on a regular basis.

10) Growing income gap Globally and across Canada, levels of poverty are deepening, and Ottawa is no exception. The average household income in Ottawa is relatively high due to an increasing number of high-income earners. However, this skews the city’s average incomes and masks the reality of those living on low income. The gap between rich and poor is increasing. In Ottawa, families headed by a single parent had the widest income gap in 2005. Those in the top 10 per cent of earners among singleparent families earned 13.8 times more than those in the bottom 10 per cent, an increase from 8.7 times in 2000 (Community Foundation of Sustained employment is Ottawa 2008). a process, not an event. … Some people arrive a 11) Cycle of poverty considerable distance away Often people who are on social assistance face from being ready to work, significant obstacles to entering or re-entering the labour while others arrive ready to force. When people earn income from the paid labour work and simply need the force, their social assistance benefits are reduced and right opportunity or the their incomes are taxed. Since 2003, the provincial right supports. government has made changes to social assistance including (1) a straight exemption rate of 50 percent Deb Matthews, M.P.P. on employment and training income and (2) drug, (Government of Ontario, 2004). dental and vision care benefits have been extended to cover people leaving social assistance for employment (Government of Ontario, 2008).

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Diversity Snapshot PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY — Equity and Inclusion Lens

4. W  e envision – a poverty-free city ➤R  ecreational programs are accessible to all. Amount of programs and subsidies are increased, and information about and access to subsidies are improved. ➤ More affordable and well maintained housing is available. ➤F  ood is affordable at grocery stores that are close to where people live. ➤T  he City leads by example in equitable hiring practices. Bilingual positions besides English and French are created, and support is increased for individuals to start their own businesses. ➤E  ducation and training programs are offered at convenient times for people who work irregular hours. ➤P  ublic transportation is affordable and available in all neighbourhoods. ➤ Amenities such as grocery stores and pharmacies are available in each neighborhood. ➤H  igh quality, subsidized or no-cost childcare is available throughout the city, and is easily accessible by public transit. ➤P  eople living in poverty are actively involved in decision making processes at the City and in the community. ➤P  eople in Ottawa earn wages adequate to support a healthy, active standard of living. ➤ Living wage is instituted throughout Ottawa and poverty rate is reduced. ➤P  eople can find information about the programs and services offered in Ottawa, and how to access them. ➤H  igh quality bridging programs are accessible to people transitioning from welfare to the paid labour force.

WHAT CAN I DO?

3 R emember that people living in poverty experience high levels of stress, trying to meet their basic needs.

3 C reate a list of services and support workers who can assist in navigating the complex City systems.

3 U se plain language when providing information. Be patient and kind. Write out in step 1., 2., 3 format.

3 B e inspired at how people living in poverty can do far more with less.

3 P rovide prompt, accurate service. Transportation is too costly for people to come back another day.

3 R ecognize mental illness as a health issue. Seek help from health professionals when necessary.

3 V alidate efforts of people striving to live above the poverty line.

3 S tay current on the Advisory Committees and City mandates that reflect the concerns of affected citizens.

3 R egularly acknowledge that poverty affects us all. We are all entitled to City services.

3 A nd, if I live in poverty, I know that my knowledge and experience can enrich the city.

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Diversity Snapshot PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY — Equity and Inclusion Lens

5. Council mandates and legislation • City of Ottawa 2020 – Human Services Plan demonstrates a commitment to creating an inclusive and caring city. • Ottawa’s Poverty Reduction Strategy – “Poverty Affects Us All: A Community Approach to Poverty Reduction” was approved by City Council in February 2010. This report makes 16 recommendations to reduce poverty in Ottawa and builds on consultations and initiatives over more than a decade, such as: Task Force on Poverty, People’s Hearings I and II, Rethinking Poverty I and II, Ottawa Poverty Reduction Network, and the Basic Needs Strategy put forward by the Poverty Issues Advisory Committee. It is developed within the context set by the provincial strategy as elaborated by Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). • City of Ottawa Housing Strategy – A comprehensive, forward-looking framework for dealing with housing issues in Ottawa and focuses on three strategic directions: 1) building healthy, inclusive, sustainable communities; 2) promoting and preserving affordable housing; and 3) meeting the needs for supports to housing. It has 36 specific recommendations for action on housing needs in Ottawa, to be addressed by a variety of partners. • City of Ottawa Strategic Plan – sets the objectives for the Sustainable, Healthy, and Active City priority to promote social inclusion and address inequalities that ensure equal access to services for all. Some of its objectives include: – Set a high level and a proactive municipal response to meet the social services, social housing, supported living and public health needs of Ottawa residents. – In co-operation with federal and provincial partners, end homelessness in 10 years. – Lobby the provincial and federal governments to improve childcare and social assistance. • United Nations Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

6. What’s happening in Ottawa • ACORN, Ottawa is part of ACORN Canada, an organization of low and moderate income families seeking to transform the conditions that create poverty. • Alliance to End Homelessness (ATEH) – a non-partisan coalition taking action to end homelessness in Ottawa, with a vision of an inclusive community that takes responsibility to ensure every resident has an appropriate home. • Community Action Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness 2009-2014 – Ottawa’s fourth 5-year community action plan put forward by the Homelessness Community Capacity Building (CCB) Steering Committee in consultation with a broad range of stake holders. The City endorsed this community-based Action Plan in 2008. • Poverty Issues Advisory Committee (PIAC) – provides advice to Ottawa City Council, through the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee and its departments, on issues which impact and address poverty in the City of Ottawa. • Ottawa Poverty Reduction Network is an organization of community organizations, anti-poverty activists and community members working together to tackle poverty in Ottawa. They originated in 2008to support the participation of low income individuals in the Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy.

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Diversity Snapshot PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY — Equity and Inclusion Lens

7. Relevant practices in other cities • City of Ottawa Community & Social Services staff is currently compiling information on the following Ontario municipalities that have poverty strategies or workgroups in place: Lambton, Niagara, Halton, York, Hamilton, Nippissing, Toronto. • 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction – a multi-sectoral network comprised of more than 100 provincial and Toronto-based organizations and individuals working on eliminating poverty in Ontario. The goal is to reduce poverty in Ontario by 25 percent in 5 years and 50 percent in 10 years. • Ontario Ministry of Education – Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy. Recognizing Ontario’s growing diversity as a strength, the Strategy addresses barriers related to sexism, racism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination in Ontario schools, which may prevent students from reaching their full potential. Children from low income families are part of the target. See also: Guidelines for Policy Development and Implementation.

8. Sources • Alliance to End Homelessness. 2009. “Report Card on Ending Homelessness in Ottawa Jan-Dec 2009.” • Baker, Michael, Jonathan Gruber, and Kevin Milligan. “Universal Childcare, Maternal Labor Supply and Family Well-Being,” National Bureau of Economic Research, October 2005. • Campaign 2000. 2008. “2008 Report Card on Child and Family Poverty in Canada.” • Canada Without Poverty. 2007. “Poverty in Canada”. • Child and Youth Health Network for Eastern Ontario, 2009. • City of Ottawa. – 2009. Ottawa’s Poverty Reduction Strategy “Poverty Affects Us All: A Community Approach to Poverty Reduction” – 2008. “The Nutritious Food Basket in Ottawa.” • Community Foundation of Ottawa. 2008. “Ottawa’s Vital Signs – 2008.” • Government of Ontario. – 2008. “Breaking the Cycle, Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy.” • Groupe d’Action Communautaire Francophone (GACF). 2009. « Sans le sous…mais si riches !, Un recueil Collectif » (in French only), Les Éditions Ôtresens. • Leadership Table on Homelessness (LTH), United Way Ottawa. 2009. “Destination Home” • Matthews, Deb. “Review of Employment Assistance Programs in Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program,” Government of Ontario, December 2004. • Mercer. 2008. “Cost of Living Survey – Worldwide Rankings, 2008.” • Ontario Association of Food Banks. 2008. “Ontario Hunger Report 2008 - The Leading Edge of the Storm.” • Ward, Bruce. 2009. “Cheaper to give apartments to the chronically homeless than to

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support them on the street, report finds.” Ottawa Citizen. • Social Planning Council of Ottawa – 2008. “This is Who We Are – A Social Profile of Ottawa Based on the 2006 Census.” – 2000. “The Challenges Our Children Face - A Report Card on Child Poverty in OttawaCarleton.” • Statistics Canada. – 2007. “Low Income Cut-offs.” – 2006. “Low income before tax cut-offs (1992 base) for economic families and persons not in economic families, 2005.” • The Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care (OCBCC). 2009. “Child Care and Early Learning Building Economic Advantage Today and Tomorrow - A Submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, Government of Ontario 2009/2010.”

9. Acknowledgements The Equity and Inclusion Lens is the product of a collaborative partnership between the community and the City of Ottawa. This partnership was coordinated by the Diversity and Employment Equity Unit of the City of Ottawa and the City for All Women Initiative (CAWI). City staff and community leaders contributed their knowledge and insights in the creation of this Diversity Snapshot:

Contributors Pauline Daling, City of Ottawa Suzanne Doerge, City for All Women Initiative Marian Green, City for All Women Initiative Yumi Kotani, City for All Women Initiative Janet McInnes, City of Ottawa Poverty Issues Advisory Committee (PIAC) Dominique Paris-MacKay, Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres of Ottawa Colleen Pellatt, City of Ottawa Maria Cristina Serje, City of Ottawa Donald Shultz, Centretown Community Health Centre, Board All this was made possible thanks to a partnership grant between Status of Women Canada and the City of Ottawa which funded the City for All Women Initiative (CAWI) to engage in this important work

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