09p10 Poverty Reduction Act, 2009, S.O. 2009, c. 10 Ont.

to regular consultations with respect to the strategy;

to measuring the success of the strategy by setting a target at least every five years and assessing indicators of poverty reduction; and

to reporting annually on the success of the strategy.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

that reflects Ontario’s aspiration to be a leading jurisdiction in reducing poverty; and

that is guided by the vision of a province where every person has the opportunity to achieve his or her full potential and contribute to and participate in a prosperous and healthy Ontario.

That there is untapped potential in Ontario’s population that needs to be drawn upon by building and establishing supports for, and eliminating barriers to, full participation by all people in Ontario’s economy and society and, in particular, persons who face discrimination on the grounds of their race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or disability.

That strong, healthy communities are an integral part of the poverty reduction strategy; their potential must be brought to bear on the reduction of poverty.

That not all groups of people share the same level of risk of poverty. The poverty reduction strategy must recognize the heightened risk among groups such as immigrants, women, single mothers, people with disabilities, aboriginal peoples and racialized groups.

That families be supported so that they can play a meaningful role in the reduction of poverty and in promoting opportunity.

That all people in Ontario, including those living in poverty, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

That Ontarians, especially people living in poverty, are to be involved in the design and implementation of the strategy.

That a sustained commitment to work together to develop strong and healthy children, youth, adults, families and communities is required to effectively reduce poverty.

That the third sector, including non-profit, charitable and voluntary organizations, are integral to a poverty reduction strategy by delivering the programs and services that matter to people, by strengthening communities and by making a positive contribution to the economy.

A specific poverty reduction target.

Initiatives designed to improve the economic and social conditions of persons and families living in poverty.

Indicators to measure the success of the strategy that are linked to the determinants of poverty, including but not limited to income, education, health, housing and standard of living.

lay the annual report before the Assembly, if the Assembly is in session; or

deposit the annual report with the Clerk of the Assembly, if the Assembly is not in session.

shall inform the public of the proposed assessment of the strategy and solicit the views of the public with respect to the strategy; and

shall arrange for consultations to be carried out by such means as the Minister believes will facilitate participation by key stakeholders, other levels of government, members of the private, public and non-profit sectors and individuals, including individuals living in poverty.

each specific poverty reduction target established by the Government;

each annual report required under section 4; and

each poverty reduction strategy issued by the Government.

public bodies within the meaning of the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006;

First Nations and Aboriginal organizations;

entities in the broader public sector such as municipalities and their local boards, universities, colleges of applied arts and technology, school boards, hospitals, children’s aid societies and district social services boards;

registered charities and not-for-profit corporations; and

such other entities as may be prescribed by regulation. ;