Indigenous prosperity through truth, reconciliation and renewed relationships

Recommendation 1: The Government of Canada implement the recommendations from Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Building equity through programs, supports and benefits

Recommendation 2: All Statistics Canada and federal population-based surveys should ask inclusive questions and provide inclusive response options on women and gender equity, Indigenous heritage, immigration/refugee status, race/ethnicity, disability, prior or current institutionalization, and sexual orientation and gender identity, to allow for routine disaggregation of data to support better decision making and reporting of disparities.

Building equity through programs, supports and benefits

Recommendation 3: While working towards its overall poverty reduction goals, the Government of Canada should endeavor to reach those furthest behind first. To this end, the Government of Canada should commit to reducing poverty by 50% in 2030 for marginalized populations, including Black populations, 2SLGBTQ people, Indigenous people, and persons with a disability. The Government of Canada should also specifically name and focus on Black populations, 2SLGBTQ people, Indigenous people, and persons with a disability within existing and new Government of Canada strategies, initiatives, and supports.

Dignity through enhanced access and improved service design and provision

Recommendation 4: That the Government of Canada implement automatic enrollment for federal benefits to ensure that people are accessing the supports and services that could keep them out of poverty. Automatic tax-filing is one mechanism that can help with this.

Develop robust systems and structures focused on early intervention and poverty prevention

Recommendation 5: The Government of Canada increase investments in the important social programs and benefits that allow people to meet their needs and keep them from falling into poverty. This includes investments in transportation, health, mental health, food security, educational attainment, skills development, support for families, and for people going through transition periods.

Employment income and income support

Recommendation 6: The Government of Canada should collaborate with provinces and territories to build on its COVID-19 response and strengthen existing strategies, programs and policies. This would ensure a coordinated and robust social safety net in Canada by collectively providing income support that is at least at the level of Canada’s Official Poverty Line.

Employment income and income support

Recommendation 7: The Government of Canada should increase access to employment benefits (e.g. employment insurance and paid sick leave) for self-employed workers, workers in the gig economy and part-time workers.