Poverty Talks! actively challenges perceptions of poverty

Calgary Herald interviews Meaghon Reid and members of Poverty Talks! Crystal Filler and Sue Gwynn

Anti-poverty activists alarmed by 'perfect storm' of COVID and soaring inflation

Poverty Talks! supports people who are living in poverty to become involved in social change efforts and political processes, as well as to raise public awareness of poverty. Members advocate for social and public policy change, while also engaging and educating Calgarians about poverty-related issues. Poverty Talks! is guided by a 12-member steering committee of advocates with current or recent lived experience of poverty. Visit the blog to learn more.

In this episode, Jaclyn Silbernagel catches up with Sue Gwynn from Poverty Talks! to chat about the importance of engaging with the voices of lived experience. Hear about why Poverty Talks! challenges perceptions around poverty, how models and systems keep people in poverty, and why poverty is a trap.

Earlier in the year, Poverty Talks! hosted a series of Community Conversations, engaging people experiencing poverty about what questions they would ask the municipal candidates running for City Council. The Poverty Talks! Peer Connections Team then used the feedback as a framework to create a survey to send to the candidates. Many candidates responded, and the report outlines their responses. 


2021 Calgary Municipal Candidate Survey Results.pdf

Poverty Talks! gathered with community members for the 2020 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Transportation is not just a mobility issue, it's a social, dignity, and living a full-life issue. The Income Support / AISH payment date change has made it hard for people to purchase their low-income transit passes in Calgary. Can the City of Calgary implement a 2-day relaxation on bus passes because of the date change?

What-were-hearing-Transportation.pdf

Children are at higher risk of abuse because they are home all of the time. There is no escape or refuge. School was an escape for some kids. Food security for a lot of children is also an issue, as some are no longer receiving the food they need.

What-were-hearing-Early-Learning-and-Care.pdf

What Are We Hearing: Early Learning and Care

With nowhere to go, exercise options have been limited. It's been challenging to get into an exercise routine with only having access to one's apartment or backyard. However, for those living close to green space and parks this has presented an opportunity, but there is still a fear of getting fines when in public spaces.

What-were-hearing-Physical-and-Mental-Health.pdf

What Are We Hearing: Physical and Mental Health

The technology gap seen during COVID-19 shows how many people depend on the education system to do the teaching. The effect of adult literacy on children is detrimental and creates a cycle of poverty and illiteracy.

What-were-hearing-Adult-Literacy-and-Foundational-Learning.pdf

What Are We Hearing: Adult Literacy and Foundational Learning

Shifting some laws from criminal and warrant based to fine based is putting a higher burden on people's financials. Systemic racism is embedded in the justice system which makes it unfair to access.

What-were-hearing-Justice.pdf

Rent as the highest percentage of monthly expenses comes at the cost of not being able to afford other needs like costs for a doctor to fill out AISH paperwork or basic home repairs or fluctuating energy bills. It's challenging if not impossible to only spend 30% or lower of monthly income on housing when you are living in poverty. We need more housing and fewer barriers to access affordable housing. Not everyone qualifies for help, even if they need it.

What-were-hearing-Housing.pdf

Normally working part-time would mean that applying for CERB was a viable option. Even if you do qualify, income support is clawed back. Feelings of depression have increased because of uncertainty created by COVID.

What-were-hearing-Income-Support.pdf

During the COVID-19 response, it was still challenging to access culturally and nutritionally appropriate food from agencies (i.e. gluten-free food, halal or kosher food). This is a dignity issue.

What-were-hearing-Food-Insecurity.pdf

Loss of jobs and income or changes to income. People living on part-time wages need extra support. The ability to save money and pay off debts was more manageable before COVID-19.

What-were-hearing-Financial-Empowerment.pdf

What Are We Hearing: Financial Empowerment

Poverty Talks!

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Articles & events by this contributor

PODCAST: Voices of Lived Experience

Anti-poverty activists alarmed by 'perfect storm' of COVID and soaring inflation

Resources by this contributor

Calgary Municipal Candidate Survey 2021

Poverty is Talking, It's Time to Listen

What Are We Hearing: Transportation

What Are We Hearing: Early Learning and Care

What Are We Hearing: Physical and Mental Health

What Are We Hearing: Adult Literacy and Foundational Learning

What Are We Hearing: Justice

What Are We Hearing: Affordable Housing

What Are We Hearing: Income Support

What Are We Hearing: Food Insecurity