A 'made in Manitoba' approach
By JOHN MOHAN

Heading a non-profit agency that helps Winnipeg's less fortunate creates opportunities of dialogue with all kinds of people. Those experiencing homelessness. Donors and volunteers. A few celebrity athletes. Some business leaders. And politicians. Lots of politicians. Of all political stripes and all levels.

One of our classiest politicians is Dr. Jon Gerrard, leader of the Manitoba Liberal party and MLA for River Heights. His resume includes author, professor and physician. He is intelligent, dignified and compassionate toward the less fortunate.

He willingly lends his time and name to countless Manitoba non-profit agencies and events. Dr. Gerrard and I cross paths often. Sometimes at community events. And sometimes we intentionally meet to exchange ideas about how to better serve Manitoba's needy.

He is always attentive and inquisitive to my opinions ... and patient with my rants.

A few months ago he sent me a copy of legislation he'd like to see passed: Bill 226, The Social Inclusion and Anti-Poverty Act. Drawing from existing Quebec legislation and citing the successes of other provinces, the bill sets a goal of reducing Manitoba's poverty level 50% by 2012.

He wondered if I had any feedback on his bill. After careful reading, I offered nine suggestions.

The Social Inclusion and Anti-poverty Act is a very strong work, but many will have different ideas about the best way to achieve the poverty reduction goals. It's not as simple as government spending more money on social assistance or subsidies or government programs.

My suggestions started with offering that business leaders are included in any provincial poverty reduction advisory board. They know how to make money and should have an opportunity to share their expertise with our poor. I appreciate Gerrard's emphasis on the role of families to address poverty. Governments are limited in addressing poverty unless parents are leading the way

I offered that laws and advocates be strengthened to protect the human rights of the poor.

For example, Manitobans living in low-rent old Main Street hotels have no tenant rights and can be evicted at a moment's notice without cause. A 10-year housing plan must be implemented with the goal of increasing housing units created by the Province .

Unless our poorest have stable and affordable housing, they cannot move forward economically. It's time for some "made in Manitoba" housing solutions regardless of what Ottawa does or doesn't do. A poverty reduction strategy must include entrepreneurial development opportunities for the less fortunate such as small business loans, business fundamental classes, and mentoring by successful entrepreneurs. Any strategies should be implemented through non-profit agencies (not more government services), selected on their proven ability to provide outcome-based programs. People on social assistance should be assisted, not penalized, for trying to better their lives.

Ultimately, the goal of reducing poverty in our province must emphasize opportunities for our economically disadvantaged to become contributors to a better Manitoba.

This way, we all win.

Originally printed in The Winnipeg Sun September 17, 2008.
Reprinted with the permission of Sun Media Corporation.