M E M O / N O T E D E S E R V I C E |
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M E M O / N O T E D E S E R V I C E |
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To / Destinataire |
ToPoverty Issues Advisory Committee
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File/N° de
fichier: |
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From / Expéditeur |
FromRosemary Nelson
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Subject / Objet |
SubjectEstablishment of a Sub-committee to Prepare the Draft 2004 Annual Report and 2005 Workplan |
Date: 5 October 2004 |
On 10 February 2004, the Poverty Issues Advisory Committee approved their 2004 Workplan.
As detailed in the Governance Report adopted by City Council on 3 December 2003, an annual report outlining definable results should be submitted to the appropriate Standing Committee for review. In addition an annual workplan outlining proposed projects and programs for the upcoming year, with associated budget implications should be submitted for Committee approval.
It is therefore recommended that one or more sub-committees be formed to prepare the 2004 annual report and the 2005 Workplan, (sample of Annual Report attached; 2004 Workplan to be distributed at meeting) for submission to the HRSS Committee and Council later this year.
Att. (1)
2
2003 Annual Report
Poverty Issues Advisory Committee.
PREAMBLE
The Poverty Issues Advisory Committee (PIAC) met eleven times in the pass twelve month reporting period. To assist with our workload, we have maintained our Sub-Committees structure. Several of our Sub-Committees receive community support. For example, the Sandy Hill Community Health Center provided monthly meeting space along with a community developer to assist in facilitation for one of our Sub-Committees. Much of the groundwork for reporting and time is spent at the Sub-Committees level.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Committee heard presentation from both community organizations and City staff throughout the year. Among these were presentations from Ontario Disability Support Program ODSP Action Coalition campaign, from Disabled and Proud on OC Transpo Fares and Children in Poverty Access to Recreation/Summer Programs. PIAC provided input to the development of the Human Services Plan, Public Participation Policy and received a presentation on the Allocation Funding Program.
PIAC has made several presentations to the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee (HRSS). PIAC was instrumental in having the City endorse the recommendation brought forward from the Kimberly Roger’s inquest and in the co-production of a plain language guide to the Consolidated Verification Process. Upon a motion brought by PIAC, the Feed the Kids and PAY the Rent Campaign was endorsed by City Council. With PIAC endorsement and support, children in poverty received more access to summer, recreational programs. Several presentations have been made to different Standing Committees. A Sub-Committee was established to examine the impact of rising hydro rates on the poor with recommendation for price-capping and prompt rebate payments. Members of PIAC met several times with Hydro Ottawa officials to voice concerns.
Throughout the year, several members have received training in the areas of procedures and by laws, facilitation and how to run an effective meeting. All members were invited to attend a one-day retreat to discuss committee process and function. PIAC has accepted the offer of free coaching from our retreat facilitators for each of the regular meetings.
Many of the PIAC Members are involved in community groups with mandates that relate to poverty issues. We have received information on Partners for Jobs Action Committee, and Affordable Housing Forum, the Ottawa Food Security and the 211 Group. Additionally, PIAC appointed a representative to attend the Ottawa School Board Liaison Committee
In the past several months, much work has gone into developing a document, which will begin, to define the basic needs as mentioned in the City’s Human Services Plan. This work is still in the draft stages but is to be completed by early next year. The Committee is also currently working on putting together a new series of People’s Hearing to re-evaluate community needs and identify gaps continues.
PIAC looks forward to the New
Year, the new Standing Committees, the new City Council and the challenges we
will continue to face.