Our work is based on the connection the federal government has drawn between poverty reduction and the CVITP in its 2018 Poverty Reduction Strategy.  Specifically, this strategy recognizes the important role the CVITP plays in providing access to the many federal (and provincial/territorial) benefits designed to reduce poverty.

Following the publication of the Strategy, the Poverty Reduction Act was adopted as law by Parliament in 2019.  Among other things, the Act requires the federal government to set up a National Advisory Council on Poverty.  To date, the Council has produced five annual reports (2020 – 2024).  Yet nowhere in these five reports is any mention made of the CVITP.  We find this surprising.

In its reports, the Council urges improved access to existing benefits.  Yet the Council never considers the role that the CVITP currently plays in facilitating access to those benefits, the challenges it faces in doing this and its weak performance in meeting these challenges.

Learn here why we think the Council should not remain silent on the only federal government initiative designed to help those living in poverty get the benefits to which they are entitled.  Read here what the Council should instead be doing.