Opportunities for Health for all Poverty Reduction (Motion #53-19)

Moved by Crispo – Noland. Approved by Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts, November 21, 2019.

WHEREAS income is one of the strongest predictors of health and local data show that low income is associated with an increased risk of poor physical and mental health in Sudbury and districts; and

WHEREAS Public Health Sudbury & Districts annual Nutritious Food Basket reports demonstrate that individuals and families reliant on the current provincial social assistance rates or that earn a minimum wage will experience challenges in supporting their health including meeting their nutrition requirements; and

WHEREAS income solutions incorporate the health enhancing influence of work while addressing food security and the health damaging impacts of insufficient income; and

WHEREAS the Sudbury Workers Education and Advocacy Centre calculated a living wage for Sudbury of $16.98 (current provincial minimum is $14.00), and the City of Greater Sudbury proclaimed November 3 – 9, 2019 as Living Wage Week; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts formally endorse the principle of living wage employment and direct the Medical Officer of Health to pursue certification; and

FURTHER that the Board encourage all employers across our service area to recognize the serious health and societal costs of inadequate income.

CARRIED AS AMENDED

This item was last modified on December 5, 2019