- Promote a provincial poverty reduction strategy
- Develop policy on poverty reduction
- Build inter-governmental networks
- Advocate for those living in poverty
Promote a provincial poverty reduction strategy
Initial steps toward a provincial poverty-reduction strategy include promoting the idea of a unified plan to all stakeholders, including elected officials, government administration, policy makers, organizations and the public. Through initial consultations and discussions, AEPA's coordinator and committee members are working hard to rally support and commitments to help push the initiative from its current dialogue stage toward an integrated action plan. With increased awareness of the goal for a provincial poverty reduction strategy, all vested parties can begin to coordinate their efforts and local strategies in order to maximize efficiencies, learn from each other and help increase their reach. Back to the top
AEPA's goal is to create a comprehensive plan to prevent, reduce and ultimately eliminate poverty in Alberta. The plan must set clear poverty reduction targets and timelines, address systemic and underlying causes of poverty and implement policies and programs. There has already been significant poverty research in Alberta (See "Reports and Publications). AEPA will continue to help share knowledge and best practices with a wide network of governmental and organizational policy makers. With province-wide members of the ICFSP, we are confident that policy developed will remain founded in a place-based approach that addresses local circumstances, while still being a coordinated effort to create effective policy for the province. Back to the top
Successful poverty reduction plans in other jurisdictions have all included many partners working together. The process should lead to strong partnerships and a plan that recognizes the role of all orders of government, including First Nations and Métis people. Nineteen municipalities across Alberta and the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta have already committed to being members of the coalition. Discussions with ministries of the Government of Alberta and other governmental agencies are also ongoing. With AEPA acting as a catalyst, new networks between various governmental representatives have already begun to form and significantly benefit all coordinating efforts. Back to the top
Beyond governmental networks, there also needs to be strong involvement and commitment from community human services organizations, primary and post-secondary education, social workers and other allied professionals, business communities, immigrant communities, funding bodies and academic researchers. It is essential that we have all agencies and individuals who research and advocate for those livng in poverty involved in the networks that are assembling. The voices of those with lived experiences of poverty are often heard the clearest though such advocacy networks, which are invaluable to the creation of a unified province-wide strategy that works. Back to the top
