Toronto Mayor John Tory joined Deputy Mayor Pam McConnell to announce the proposed first steps of a poverty reduction plan that will fund job training for youth and single parents, and will see thousands more children benefit from nutritious meals at school.
The plan, which Deputy Mayor McConnell developed in her capacity as City Council’s poverty reduction lead, will be submitted to Budget Committee on Friday and will ultimately go to Council for approval as part of Budget 2015.
The proposed $2.2 million in investments include:
• Expanding the Student Nutrition program in up to 27 new schools;
• Launching a pilot program to assist single parents on Ontario Works to achieve meaningful employment;
• Expanding the Connect2youth employment and training program that helps at risk youth complete their education, build marketable skills and job training;
• Launching a pilot program to provide seniors with transportation so they can get to appointments, access services and participate in community events;
• Expanding Youth Hubs at four Toronto Public Library sites for the after-school drop-in program to provide grade 7-10 students with free tutored help, workshops and other activities.
Deputy Mayor McConnell’s report can be found HERE, and her presentation to Budget Committee can be found HERE.
“Children need a healthy, nutritious diet if they’re going to learn and succeed in school. The expansion of the childhood nutrition programs we’re proposing will start more kids on the right track, giving them nutritious meals and helping them learn to eat right,” said Mayor Tory. ”As a whole these measures will make a difference in people’s lives, provide hope and opportunity.”
“The $2.2 million that was specifically earmarked for strategic initiatives across Toronto to provide a safety net that keeps people from falling into poverty, as well as a life line to help lift families out of poverty,” stated Deputy Mayor McConnell.
These recommended initiatives align with the creation of a Toronto Poverty Reduction Strategy and signals the City’s commitment to building a great city with greater opportunities for all.
There are three ways for Torontonians to give input to the Poverty Reduction Strategy
1) Community Conversations Guide (There is a Facilitator’s Guide and Participant Package that can support groups and residents in hosting Community Conversations)
2) On-line Feedback form: www.cityoftoronto.fluidsurveys.com/s/toprosperity
3) Days of Dialogue.
The facilitation tools, as well as a Summary Report on the Phase One Engagement, can be found at www.toronto.ca/toprosperity .
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