People can find pathways out of poverty. We need the federal government to take on this important role with the provinces and municipalities in poverty reduction. The cost of doing nothing or saying we can't afford to make investments in these key areas of employment and housing for people with disabilities must end.
According to a recent report on the cost of poverty in Toronto, the health and social costs of poverty, combined with lost revenues, are between $4.4 billion and $5.5 billion. Repeat these amounts across all of our cities, towns, and villages, and those costs rise dramatically.
A poverty reduction strategy must address a modern employment strategy that will target particular populations, of course including people with mental health and addictions issues, youth, and indigenous people. It should be integrated into provincial and municipal poverty reduction strategies, addressing economic, housing, health, and wellness issues. Most of all, it must recognize that far too many people with mental health and addictions issues are denied employment opportunities and choice.
We think we have shown that by having high expectations of people, we can and do succeed. At Working for Change we champion that every person deserves a home, a job, a friend, and social change.
Thank you.