The following summary of the Open Conversations held on April 25th was captured by the conversation leader.  We want to continue the dialogue, so please use the form below to provide us with your big, blue sky ideas!

Session Convenor: Eric Phinney

Participants: Eric Phinney, Gerry Pond, Loraine Wills, Randy Hatfield, Monica Chaperlin, Betty Ann, Jim Huttges

Main Point from Discussion:

• Integrated Training:  Training for people at risk would have to be done in such a manner that the support services were available and each case was handled in a way that would maximize the success of the client.  i.e.  Currently in the Electrical trades program at NBCC there are only 2 students that don’t smoke pot on their break.   If you are trying to help someone who is recovering from addictions this would not be the best environment for them to train in.   Thinking primarily of ex-offenders who are being re-integrated into the work force.
• Full time work is seen as a very important thing for people to have in order to get out of poverty.  Full time work must also come with a wage that will allow someone to actually live with out resorting to criminal activity.
• Partnerships need to be strengthened between business, government, churches and faith based groups, agencies and other social organizations.
• A number of new initiatives should be considered as well as existing initiatives expanded and multiplied
• What does the network look like?
• This issue is overwhelming
• Services need to be available in an accessible manner for all who need them.  Simply navigating through the systems that are in place is enough to make people give up.
• Change attitude—education, human dignity

What Should Happen Next?

• Declaration that the current situation of a 20.9% poverty rate generally and a 24% rate among children is unacceptable an intolerable.  This needs to be stated loud and clear by all organizations, business leaders, civil servants and government leaders.   After the declaration is made it needs to be followed up by a ramp up of political will and action from all sectors.  It is amazing what people can do when they work together!
• Strategy for education –trade training – mentors:  As above there needs to be a way for individuals who are at risk to proceed toward betterment through coaching, mentoring, training, job programs and services, until they reach a self sustaining level.
• Strategy for life skills development:  This needs to be increased
• Strategy to identify and remove barriers so that people can come off of welfare services and become contributors to society.  i.e.   compare our system with that of Sask.    Ref: Monica Chaperlin

Editors note:

After attending this meeting I spent some time reading the reports and measures taken over the last 10 years.  It is evident that much of what we talked about has been talked about before.   I do applaud the efforts of BCAPI .  It is clear however to me that this is an area that must be dealt with in a very high priority over the next 10 years if we are to sustain the growth and life style that we enjoy.   Much has changed in Saint John over the last quarter century but there is much more that must be done.    There are many things that I can be really proud of in my community now, but the fact that we have not dealt with the poverty issue keeps my joy muted and covered by a heavy grey fog.