The OHRC launched the Viewpoints on Poverty (poverty POV) initiative to learn about the lived experiences of the public, through a survey, discussions with key informants and other actions, in on poverty, including homelessness and safe housing, as well as mental health and addictions services. The objective is to study their interrelation with poverty and systemic discrimination, focusing on the right to these services. The OHRC intends to publish a participatory report that will include findings, recommendations and future actions, and will work with community partners to track and monitor progress.
Research has highlighted two interrelated issues that are deeply linked to the cause or persistence of poverty: the lack of affordable, adequate and accessible housing, and the experience of mental health disorders and addictions. The participatory PDV initiative on poverty will help raise awareness of these two aspects and raise public awareness of poverty as a fundamental human rights problem.
The broad participatory process is designed to connect with people with both past and present lived experience, as well as organizations that work with people living in poverty.
How to participate
1. Read the background document and engagement guide to find out what the OHRC is looking for. Check out the links below to find the accessible version that's right for you.
2. Take a survey
The survey will be online until December 31, 2022.
If you can't complete it online, have someone print a hard copy, which you can complete and mail to us at:
Bryony Halpin
Ontario Human Rights Commission,
180 Dundas Street West, Suite 900,
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2G5.
Check out the links below to find the accessible version that's right for you.
3. Tell us your observations
Envoyez toute observation écrite ou tout autre document par courriel à consultations@ohrc.on.ca ou par la poste à l’adresse :
Bryony Halpin
Commission ontarienne des droits de la personne,
180, rue Dundas Ouest, bureau 900,
Toronto (Ontario) M7A 2G5.
4. Écrivez-nous par courriel
Transmettez-nous vos commentaires à : consultations@ohrc.on.ca
Prochaines étapes – discussions avec des informateurs clés, rapport
Over the coming months, the OHRC will hold a series of discussions with people with lived experience, various stakeholders, OHRC advisory groups, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups. The OHRC intends to publish a participatory report that will include findings, recommendations and next steps, and will work with community partners to track and monitor progress.
Watch this page for updates!
Resources
Reference document
Participant guide
Investigation
Press release