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Poverty is behind society's most serious issues by Dennis Smith Special to the Beaver 3 | Friday, November 1, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Barb Chilwell was once a successful businesswoman, with a special needs daughter in private school. After Chilwell had a heart attack, she has known worries like not having enough money for bread and milk. "It has been a difficult, stressful and unbelievable experience," said the Halton resident. "I never imagined being in this situation." Chilwell's story moved the audience at the Halton Poverty Roundtable business breakfast Wednesday (Oct. 30). The Burlington woman was among several speakers at the event, held in Burlington at McMaster University's Ron Joyce Centre, Degroote School of Business. "With poverty, being stressed and scared are daily feelings," said Chilwell. "They increase as the situation gets worse and you're desperate to get work." The single mother, who suffers from heart disease and depression, reluctantly applied for the Ontario Disability Support Program. "Now, I'm part of a system where the government controls whether I get the money, how much there is and how I spend it," said Chilwell. "A worker can cut off your cheque anytime for a simple missed document." Her daughter is studying Early Childhood It's not about extra costs. It's about re-allocating priorities and spending money more wisely. Those who live below the poverty line, get sick sooner, are in hospital sooner, in hospital longer and die sooner. Education at Mohawk College, swims competitively and works part time at Tucker's Marketplace restaurant. "I always provided for her needs with private schools and learning tools," said Chilwell. "I'm not able to do it anymore." But she's trying to reenter the workplace and said becoming a poverty roundtable member has been a lifesaver. "The members accept who I am," said Chilwell. "I've been introduced to wonderful people who have become friends through the experience of poverty." Roundtable officials estimate more than 10,000 Halton families live below the poverty line. Ensuring living wages and topping up incomes were poverty fighting measures suggested by other speakers. "Poverty is not having enough money to meet basic needs," said Senator Hugh Segal. "Poverty is not the result of other problems. Poverty is the cause of the most serious problems in society." Senator Hugh Segal Speaking via a remote broadcast, Segal suggested an anti-poverty tax credit for topping up incomes. "It's not about extra costs," he said. "It's about re-allocating priorities and spending money more wisely." Segal said the tax credit could save millions in welfare payments, help the economy and reduce health care costs. "Those who live below the poverty line get sick sooner, are in hospital sooner, in hospital longer and die sooner," he said. Segal noted the success of the Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income Supplement for seniors and a 1970s income top-up program in Dauphin, Man. Mark Chamberlain said guaranteed income is a good measure and providing a living wage can be a local solution. "We must improve income," said Chamberlain, president and CEO of Trivaris Ltd. "How do we help businesses move from the minimum wage ($10.25 hourly in Ontario) to a living wage?" He suggested a five-year plan, moving 20 per cent closer to the goal annually. Chamberlain said providing a living wage won't collapse society any more than smoking bans or health and safety programs did. "Some will go out of business," he said. "But companies need to and can adjust." Chamberlain urged talking to business owners about the issue. "If we invest to solve poverty, we're investing in prosperity," he said. Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring said poverty is one of the most important challenges. "Very clearly there are solutions if we step up and be accountable," he said. Regional chair Gary Carr cited bringing jobs to the community, having a job centre, plus providing income support and housing as measures taken in Halton. "We need to just stand up and do some things," he said. "We may make some mistakes along the way, but we are going to move the yardsticks." For more information, visit www. haltonpovertyroundtable.com. Sore Feet, Sports Injury, Painful Ingrown Toenails? Plantar Warts? We can help! Exceptional footcare for all ages. · Routine footcare · Corns & calluses · Plantar warts · Heel/arch/foot pain · Diabetic footcare and education · Thick or ingrown nails · Nail surgery · Sports related foot problems & injuries · Custom made orthotics · Sigvaris® compression stockings · Evenings and saturday appointments available · New patients welcome! J. Richard Werkman CHIROPODIST Visit our website, subscribe to our Blog or call for an appointment. 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