The OHRC has launched Poverty POV (Point of View), to engage with the public, through a survey, key informant discussions and other steps, on their lived experiences with poverty, including homelessness and safe housing, mental health and addiction disability services. The goal is to investigate their interrelation with poverty and systemic discrimination, focusing on the right to those services. The OHRC plans to publish an engagement report with findings, recommendations and future actions, and will work with community partners to track and monitor progress.
Research has shown two interrelated issues that are deeply entwined with causing or sustaining poverty – the lack of affordable, adequate and accessible housing and the experience of mental health and addiction disabilities. The Poverty POV engagement will shine a brighter light on both areas and strengthen public understanding of poverty as a critical human rights issue.
The extensive engagement process is designed to connect with people with both past and present lived experience, and with organizations that work with people living with poverty.
How to get involved
1. Read the background paper and the engagement guide for an idea of what the OHRC is looking for. See the resource links below for the accessible version that works best for you.
2. Complete a survey
The survey will be online until December 31, 2022.
If you cannot complete it online, have someone print out a hard copy, and you can fill it out and mail it to us at: Bryony Halpin, Ontario Human Rights Commission, 180 Dundas St W, Suite 900, Toronto, ON M7A 2G5.
See the resource links below for the accessible version that works best for you.
3. Send us a submission
Send any written submissions or other documents through email at consultations@ohrc.on.ca or by mail to: Bryony Halpin, Ontario Human Rights Commission, 180 Dundas St W, Suite 900, Toronto, ON M7A 2G5.
4. Send us an email
Send any comments to: consultations@ohrc.on.ca.
What happens next – key informant discussions, report
Over the coming months, the OHRC will hold a series of key informant discussions with people with lived experience, various stakeholders, OHRC advisory groups, and First Nations, Inuit and Metis groups. The OHRC plans to publish an engagement report with findings, recommendations and next steps, and will work with community partners to track and monitor progress.
Watch this page for updates!
Resources
Background paper
Engagement guide
Survey
News release