Reduce Poverty

Desired outcome: Increased income for Peel residents, particularly those of lowest income.

Measurement:

• Percentage of eligible families receiving appropriate entitlements
• Amount of increased income for residents involved in the Community Benefits Strategy

Importance

According to 2016 tax-filer data, approximately 19% of Peel residents are potentially living with low income¹. The Region is seeking ways to ensure that low income Peel residents receive the benefits they are eligible for.

Over the last four years, we:

• Experienced an increase of close to 900 tax returns filed at Regional tax clinics between 2016 and 2018.
• Contributed to a year-over-year increase of people in Peel who received the Canada Child Benefit.
• Enabled 73% of youth with employment barriers who were referred to the Hammer Heads training and apprenticeship program, to graduate from the program, complete educational upgrades and secure apprenticeships in the construction trades. This pilot program has demonstrated the impact that intensive life skills and employment training, along with employment opportunities can have on the youth in our community.
• Piloted a Community Benefits Strategy to explore how to embed Community Benefits clauses into vendor agreements. This pilot has allowed us to understand and apply lessons learned towards the Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy that will be completed in two years.