PORT ALBERNI – New Democrat MLA Scott Fraser says that a $25,000 grant in provincial funding to help local government boost supports for vulnerable and low-income people in the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District.

“For too long people in our community have struggled to get by, that’s why our government made tackling poverty a priority since day one,” said Fraser, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “This funding means that vulnerable people will be better able to meet their basic needs, access services and supports.”

MLA Fraser says the grant funding will facilitate the creation of an action plan that will inform local governments on best practices, the further planning required, as well as policy changes. The plan will help provide local stakeholders with concise action steps on ways to increase access to services and supports.

The local investment is part of the Poverty Reduction Planning and Action Program which will empower 54 local governments across the province, through 29 projects, to develop poverty reduction plans that directly support people in their communities.

The 29 projects are receiving a total of $1.4 million, from a $5 million provincial grant to the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM), with individual project funding ranging from $16,000 to $150,000. The grant is part of the New Democrat government’s commitment to partner with local governments and communities in poverty reduction initiatives, as part of TogetherBC, B.C.’s first poverty reduction strategy.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020SDPR0032-000990