A Primer for Non-Profit Organizations on the Role of Legislation in Reducing Poverty in Ontario.  

This workshop is designed to strengthen non-profits' understanding of public policy and how you can work with government to influence change. It is part of an ongoing Metcalf Foundation series for those in organizations who want to understand the policy process and would benefit from a forum for candid exchange of ideas. This session will use as a case study the poverty reduction bill that was introduced into Ontario’s legislature on February 25, 2009, and be of particular interest to those working on this issue.

Monday, March 23, 2009, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Metro Hall
Room 309, 55 John Street, Toronto
(two blocks west of the St. Andrew Subway Station)

Registration is free, but attendees must pre-register with Heather Dunford at the Metcalf Foundation (416) 926-0366 ext. 33 or [email protected]

Specifically this session will examine

• What is the process by which ideas are turned into legislative proposals and put on the government’s agenda?
• How does a government Bill become law?
• What are the dimensions of effective policy legislation?
• How does legislation help advance a poverty reduction agenda?

Workshop Animators

• John Stapleton: Public policy expert and Metcalf Fellow with over 28 years of experience in the Ontario Government
• Dr. Vivian LaBrie: Centre for Studies on Poverty and Exclusion in Quebec, key researcher and community leader in the development of Quebec’s 2002 Act to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion
• Legislative Expert: TBD

Co-Sponsors: Income Security Advocacy Centre and Mennonite Central Committee Ontario