Energy poverty and Energy poverty and Ontario’sOntario’s Poverty Poverty Reduction StrategyReduction Strategy

Energy poverty and Energy poverty and Ontario’sOntario’s Poverty Poverty Reduction StrategyReduction Strategy

Michael ShapcottMichael ShapcottDirector of Community EngagementDirector of Community Engagement

The Wellesley InstituteThe Wellesley Institute

LIEN annual conferenceLIEN annual conferenceJune 10, 2008June 10, 2008

Michael ShapcottMichael ShapcottDirector of Community EngagementDirector of Community Engagement

The Wellesley InstituteThe Wellesley Institute

LIEN annual conferenceLIEN annual conferenceJune 10, 2008June 10, 2008

Ontario’s poverty reduction promise:• Launched during the 2007 provincial election• Cabinet committee chaired by Minister Deb Matthewso doesn’t include energy minister…

• 2008 Ontario budget included minimal new fundingo modest dental care, student nutrition, housing repair

• Province has launched consultation process…

Ontario government web site:http://www.growingstronger.ca/en/index.html

25-in-5 Network for Poverty Reduction:http://www.socialplanningtoronto.org/25in5/new.html

Critical concerns:

One - definitional confusiono Absolute measures, relative

measures, deprivation indicators

o “How are we going to measure poverty? It's way more than just an income measure.” – Minister Matthews

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Critical concerns:

Two - no commitment for new investmentso “We were elected on a number of planks... One was not to raise taxes. And one was not to run a deficit.” – Minister Matthewso Public investment measures???

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Critical concerns:

Three - energy poverty – not yet on provincial agendao LIEN’s low-income energy conservation and assistance program (a great idea since 2005!)

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Building a comprehensive energy poverty reduction plan for Ontario:

1.Income and income inequality are critical2. Structured energy rates are key priority3. Low-income energy conservation programs are a practical necessity4. Emergency energy assistance is key short-term relief measure

“Joined up” policy:

Economic, social, fiscal, environmental policies need to be “joined up”:o To avoid policy conflicts and penalties for low-income household (avoid silly policy mistakes)o To create synergies and leverage benefits (create good, efficient policies)

Taking action:

Get informed

Get engaged in Ontario PRS

Work with LIEN on comprehensive energy poverty plan for Ontario

Thank you - questions?

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