There’s a saying that to defeat an enemy one must first recognize and understand that enemy. Such is the case with Canada’s war on poverty, where a mind-set still exists that those living in poverty are authors of their own misfortunes, due in part to a lack of understanding.
A report released recently by the Salvation Army says Canadians are generous in funding the war against poverty, but there are many of us who aren’t too charitable in their opinions about the poor.
Relying on a Angus-Reid poll of 1,025 adults conducted in late January, the Salvation Army concludes that many Canadians believe the poor have mostly themselves to blame and that poverty is a choice.
Further, while Canadians believe poverty is the third most pressing issue facing the country, behind the economy and health care, many don’t have a realistic picture of what it’s like to be poor.
The key to resolve such troubling findings is education. To that end, the Salvation Army has embarked on a project called The Dignity Project: Debunking Myths About Poverty in Canada, to educate Canadians.
It’s a positive move. Rather than chastising the less-informed, the objective is to open eyes in hopes the enemy of poverty will be recognized on a national scale.
One can look at the City of Red Deer and its numerous social agencies, programs and volunteers, to prove a compassionate plea through education bears fruit.
Two years ago, an article in The Advocate declared: “When it comes to helping people who are homeless, Red Deer means business.”
The city, agencies and volunteers have demonstrated aggressive, affirmative action on the war against poverty. This combined tactic has produced phenomenal success by providing affordable housing, shelter from the bone-chilling winter storms, hot meals at soup kitchens, clothing, and a food bank to keep up with the demands.
And a recent provincewide injection of $9 million by the provincial government in its war on homelessness has further buoyed the spirits of city officials. It’s not yet known how much the city will receive, but every bit counts.
By no means do these successes suggest Red Deer’s residents are completely united in their understanding of poverty. But it’s reassuring that there’s sufficient education to fuel positive actions.
The Angus-Reid poll points to various reasons that Canadians lack insight on poverty.
“I don’t think Canadians are mean-spirited. I don’t think they are not compassionate,” says Andrew Burditt, spokesperson for the Salvation Army of Canada. “Sometimes those of us who don’t have problems are far enough removed from the struggles of every day life that it’s too easy for us to say, ‘Just get a job.’ ”
About one in 11 Canadians live in poverty. Among the poll respondents, 54 per cent believe a family of four can survive on $30,000 a year or less; 21 per cent think $20,000 is ample to get by. But Statistics Canada says the average poverty line cutoff is $35,000 for a family of four living in an urban setting.
Other poll findings: 49 per cent say if poor people really want to work, they can always find a job; 43 per cent say “a good work ethic is all you need to escape poverty;” 41 per cent believe the poor would “take advantage” of more assistance; 23 per cent blame poverty on laziness; 37 per cent say the needy “still have it pretty good;” 24 per cent say they don’t see many people who are “truly poor.”
Rather than dwell on the negative of these findings, the Salvation Army is taking up the challenge in a positive manner, through education.
Its dignity project, salvationarmy.ca/dignity on the Internet, will feature online events, street outreach and social networking.
Burditt hopes the project will get Canadians talking about the causes of and solutions to poverty.
Understanding the enemy through interaction is a positive step forward.
Rick Zemanek is an Advocate editor.