The Peel Poverty Reduction Committee
Established in 2008, the Peel Poverty Reduction Committee (PPRC) is a collaborative network that includes residents, people with lived experience, poverty reduction advocates, academia, all levels of government, non-profit organizations, and public sector organizations.
Co-chaired by the United Way of Greater Toronto and the Region of Peel, the PPRC's key principle is that to effectively address poverty, we must all work together.
A collective impact approach
The PPRC uses the same collective impact approach as Vibrant Communities, a Canada-wide network of cities.
Together, these cities are jointly committed to exploring how well communities are noticeably reducing poverty and achieving social changes through wide-ranging, multi-sectoral partnerships.
Using this collective impact approach, the PPRC:
- Influences system change.
- Advocates for policies and changes that lift people out of poverty and move them towards well-being and prosperity.
- Builds awareness so people see their role in poverty reduction.
- Builds strategic partnerships across sectors.
- Organizes efforts that address systemic barriers.
- Measures community impact.
- Enables groups and individuals to challenge current situations that hinder progress against poverty.
- Encourages innovative solutions.
To learn more about our work email us or call 905-791-7800 x 8782.
Vision
Peel Region is a livable community for all individuals and families.
Mission
Create a Peel community where everyone works together to build a poverty-free future.
Values
The Peel Poverty Reduction Committee is:
People-centred.
Individuals and families are at the centre of our work. We’ll ensure that all voices are heard and included in decision-making.
Participatory.
We acknowledge that residents, private, public, and non-profit sectors all have a role to play. We work collaboratively with all stakeholders to achieve positive sustainable results for the community.
Inclusive.
We'll raise awareness about how poverty affects individuals and groups differently and advocate for policies that address systemic barriers, accessibility, and inequities.
Added value.
We'll build on the work and experiences of networks, collaborations, organizations, and people with lived experience.
Accountable.
We're accountable to the community to ensure our efforts result in positive change.
The PPRC was formed following a local commitment to further Poverty in Peel's work and the 2008 Province of Ontario announcement that a provincial poverty reduction strategy would be created.
The Committee developed both the Peel Poverty Reduction Strategy 2012–2015 and the more recent Peel Poverty Reduction Strategy 2018-2028.
Tables that drive the strategy
The 5 tables that drive the implementation of the Peel Poverty Reduction Strategy (PPRS) are:
The Lived Experience Roundtable
This group will ensure that the voices of individuals with lived experience of poverty is embedded in every action undertaken by the PPRC.
This roundtable also:
- Supports the implementation of actions and initiatives as identified by the Implementation Taskforce
- Promotes and expands awareness of the PPRS and poverty-related issues
- Supports the Advocacy and Awareness Table
- Influences community participation in poverty reduction initiatives.
The Advocacy and Awareness Roundtable
This table provides recommendations for collective and/or individual advocacy responses and acts as a liaison filtering information to the other PPRC action tables for further action.
This roundtable also monitors and flags:
- New or emerging community-level
- Changes to current federal, provincial, and regional or municipal policies or legislations that impact poverty.
The Systems Roundtable
This table will support the PPRC with the strategic implementation of system-level outcomes and actions such as partnering with stakeholders to develop and implement tools that ensure housing, child care and to eliminate accessibility and affordability barriers.
This roundtable also:
- Provides strategic poverty reduction related oversight and advice to the PPRC
- Identifies opportunities for collaboration and alignment among systems beyond organizational changes
The Implementation Taskforce
This taskforce will design and implement the action plans of the PPRS leveraging collaborations and partnerships.
It also focuses on the implementation of the strategic actions of the PPRS aligned to the priority areas of the strategy: Income Security, Economic Opportunity, and Well-being and Social Inclusion.
The Steering Committee
This committee will advocate for federal, provincial, and regional and municipal policy changes to improve systems and create opportunities for more inclusive and poverty-free communities.
It also:
- Provides oversight and leads the overall progress and direction of the PPRS.
- Represents the decision-making and accountability body of the PPRC.
Strategic pillars
Income security
Income security increases an individual's or family's ability to thrive and contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of their community.
Economic opportunity
Economic opportunity is access to stable employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for all Peel residents.
Well-being and social inclusion
Poor mental and physical health prevents residents from fully participating in activities at home, work, school, and community life.
