Item No. 7.1.2

Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

Ministère des Services à l'enfance et des Services sociaux et communautaires

Minister's Office

438 University Avenue 7th Floor Toronto, Ontario M7A 1N3 Tel.: (416) 325-5225 Fax: (416) 325-5240

Bureau du Ministre

438, avenue University 7e étage Toronto, Ontario M7A 1N3 Tél. : (416) 325-5225 Téléc. : (416) 325-5240

127-2019-9359

December 16, 2019

Dear Municipal Partner:

I am writing to let you know that the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, in collaboration with other ministries across government, is currently assessing Ontario's Poverty Reduction Strategy and is launching consultations to inform the development of a new five-year strategy, in accordance with the Poverty Reduction Act, 2009.

Our government believes that the people of Ontario are the province's greatest asset, and when they succeed, our economy and province succeed. However, we know that one in seven Ontario residents live in poverty.

Empowering people and supporting them during challenging times is a priority for our government. We also know that we cannot do this work alone. We are committed to listening and working with individuals, communities, organizations, businesses, Indigenous partners and all levels of government. It is our shared responsibility to create the conditions for success. To do so, we need organizations across the province to share their ideas and feedback about how we can work together to tackle poverty.

Our goal is to drive progress and identify solutions to reduce poverty. To inform our new Poverty Reduction Strategy, we will be asking Ontario residents how we can encourage job creation and connect people to employment opportunities; provide people with the right supports and services; and lower the cost of living and make life more affordable.

An online survey will be posted in January 2020 for a period of approximately 60 days. I hope that you will respond to the survey and encourage members of your community, including those who have experience living in poverty, to participate. We will share more information about the survey in the new year.

…/cont'd