Poverty is an equity issue Poverty impacts everyone, but it impacts people differently and for different reasons. The recommendations are about ending poverty for everyone; this means we must acknowledge that some groups and communities are more likely to experience poverty today because of deeply embedded social and structural inequities. But this is not just about history. The ongoing legacy of systemic discrimination and racism continue to influence our current system of laws, our institutions, and our culture. As a result, many people in the community are denied opportunities to reach their full potential. We know, for example, that the lasting effects of colonialism contribute directly to economic challenges and income disparity for Indigenous5 peoples in London. This is not about blame. This is about acknowledging the uncomfortable truths as a necessary step toward achieving our goal of ending poverty. These truths include the existence of continued discrimination, racism, and sexism in our city. These challenges aren’t unique to London, but if we don’t address them, we can’t reach our goal of ending poverty. Indigenous peoples, newcomers, women, and LGBTQ6 populations (among many others) experience poverty at higher rates and are subject to the harmful effects of stigma and discrimination. We also need to recognize the existence of pay inequities among employed persons because of discriminatory institutions and practices. An equity lens must be used to understand the impacts of these recommendations on various groups and communities. Such understanding takes time and reflection, which is why diverse leadership is so important for ongoing implementation. This is not easy work, but if we can understand poverty through a lens of equity, we can reach a place of mutual trust and respect between all communities who call London home. Poverty is about real people families, citizens and neighbours who cannot participate in everything London has to offer.
In London…
17% 24% 41%
of individuals are living in poverty of children are living in poverty of Indigenous peoples are living in poverty
For more facts and figures, see Appendix D.
5 The term “Indigenous” is used in this report as an inclusive term that creates space for self-definition by individuals and communities who consider themselves related to and/or having historical continuity with peoples predating the colonial period of what is now Canada. The term encompasses First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. 6 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer 11