The District of Rainy River Services Board (DRRSB) is asking residents, community partners, employers, and service providers across the district to participate in a survey on poverty.
The survey is part of a fact-gathering campaign by Ontario’s Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services to assess the current strategy to address poverty and shape the next one. The services board said it believes that hearing from rural and northern communities is essential to developing a plan that reflects the diverse realities of people across the province.
“Our region experiences challenges that can look different from those in larger centres,” DDRSB Chief Administrative Officer Charene Gillies said in a press release. “Adding northern voices to this consultation will help strengthen the province’s understanding of the needs and strengths of communities like ours.”
Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Act requires the government to develop a poverty reduction strategy and assess it at least every five years. Its current strategy, which ends this year, has operated under four key pillars: encouraging job creation, connecting people with the right supports and services, making life more affordable and building financial resilience, and accelerating action and driving progress.
The new survey is part of the government’s planning in the development of the next poverty reduction strategy. Everyone in the Rainy River District is welcome to participate, including individuals, employers, and representatives from non-profit, government, Indigenous, and public-sector organizations.
Participants can complete the survey or submit written feedback at www.ontario.ca/PovertySurvey, or use a printable version available through the DRRSB office at 450 Scott St. Responses will be accepted until November 30, 2025. The services board said insights gathered through the consultation will help inform provincial strategies that impact housing, employment, and services relied upon by many in the region’s communities.
