Dear Minister

As a resident of Lincoln, Ontario, I am emailing you out of concern for the rising poverty levels that can be found all across Ontario, even here in the smaller towns and villages that make up Lincoln.

The recent exponential increase in the cost of living – basic groceries, rent/mortgage payments – is adding to food and housing insecurities.  In many households, people are having to choose between paying the rent/mortgage or paying utility bills.  Parents are worried they won’t be able to keep a roof over the children’s heads and food on the table for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  

The residents of Ontario cannot continue to depend on food banks, charitable organizations, churches, and service organizations to fill in the gaps. The history of downloading programs to municipalities and regions has created a void that these under-funded governments are unable to fill. It is time for the Provincial Government of Ontario to create and fund poverty prevention programs across the province, ensuring that all residents live above the poverty line.  

Thank you for your time and consideration.