First Nations youth in Lethbridge among groups most impacted by poverty, report says

A recent report on Lethbridge's family and youth poverty found that First Nations youth are among the groups most impacted by poverty in the city.

A group called the Social Health Equity Network of Lethbridge and Area presented a report on poverty to city council Thursday. Based on Statistics Canada data from 2016, the report found that of the children who live in poverty in Lethbridge, 47 per cent live in single-parent homes.

While the low-income rate for all youth (ages zero to 17) in the region is 15.5 per cent, First Nations youth are disproportionately affected: they have a 42 per cent low-income rate. 

Sharon Yanicki, co-author of the report and adjunct associate professor at University of Lethbridge, said she is concerned to see these numbers and rising homelessness in Lethbridge.

"Children living in poverty are more likely to have crowded houses or periods of homelessness, and these are related to potential trauma for children that increase their risk in the future," said Yanicki.

"We know that for First Nations, the higher rates are related to historic trauma, the social policies of colonialism and long-standing issues of racism and discrimination," Yanicki said. "Historic issues have led to a long-term cycle of poverty." 

A 2012 Action to End Poverty in Alberta report indicated that poverty costs the province $7.1 billion to $9.5 billion per year in crime, healthcare, increased vulnerability and youth growing up in poverty. The estimate for 2022 is close to $11.4 billion. 

'I need you to help our neighbourhood'

At Thursday's council meeting, members of the public raised their thoughts on homeless encampments and drug use in the city. 

"I have needles in my yard every night," said Lethbridge resident Angeline MacDonald. "I've had my dog tried to be poisoned. There have been three fires set behind my home." 

After encampments were removed from certain areas, MacDonald said she has had people move right in front of her house. 

"My main concern is, how do the children stay safe in my street? There are needles everywhere; they are walking bare feet in the summer," she said. 

Another local resident, Sally Fitzgerald, said she lives across from an encampment and has not seen a proper removal of encampments or support for residents in nearby neighbourhoods since May. 

"I don't understand your inability to clear a public area," she said. "Nothing is ever done…. I need you to help our neighbourhood." 

Lethbridge Police Services (LPS) Sgt. Mike Williamson said "our hands are tied.… We can't just go in and take down tents." 

The police can take action in cases of trespassing and damage of property, but Williamson said even in those cases, property owners usually don't receive any compensation for damages.

He said officers are frustrated because they are limited in resources when attending distress calls related to encampments. LPS has issued up to eight court summons to some individuals.

Once a person has reached that number, police have stopped issuing summons to them: "It became fruitless," said Williamson.

Yanicki said the issue of encampments and poverty is a complex one requiring a "collective impact approach" to solve.

"My heart goes out to those experiencing difficulties in the neighbourhoods," she said, noting these issues affect the community as a whole.

Long-term solutions

According to Yanicki, Lethbridge is lagging on a plan of action to address issues of poverty.

Her recommendations for the city include waiving public transit fees, encouraging employers to pay a living wage of $19 per hour and working collaboratively with First Nations groups to address their needs. 

Jenn Schmidt-Rempel, acting mayor for Lethbridge, said a $19 per hour living wage "is something that will be interesting for us to look forward [to] as we move into our budget discussions in November." 

Schmidt-Rempel also addressed the need for immediate action and more space in shelters. Lethbridge is waiting for $1 million in approved provincial funding to add 70 shelter beds for this winter. 

Mike Fox, director of community services for the city, said shelter capacity in Lethbridge is lacking. Many support programs, including shelter expansion, fall under provincial jurisdiction. 

"We need to continue to work and advocate with the province to get permanent housing … [and] help these people get into different programs," Fox said.