Good conversation below with Diane Brennan - a Nanaimo Council seasoned veteran and in my eye a "specialist" in the field. We enjoyed an "All Candidates presentation" yesterday morning - some eye opening statistics about children in our community. As sad as this is, I feel connected and inspired - finally a problem with numbers attached to it, measurable, quantifiable and qualifiable numbers. How nice would it be if all the challenges facing Nanaimo Council were "digital" in nature and transparent to ideas and efforts. I mean that I need to see the effect of my actions. I learn by my mistakes and apply myself where results appear.
Here is what I learned and thanks to Diane for sharing it and letting me share it with you.
Jim Routledge
I got the impression that there was a bigger message this morning - they want something
i got card from Scott Bradford - young and snappy - i like him
Diane Brennan
Yes they want us to deal with improving Nanaimo's track record on children and families vulnerability Too poor, too hungry, low education scores. We can't do it alone they know that but they want us to act where we can and push senior gov't do do more. For ex we should be pressuring gov't to have a child care policy. The NDP has started the ball on that.
Jim Routledge
good - that seems reasonable - we have made progress on Supportive Housing, there has been steps in right direction - is the big picture still that dark here?
Diane Brennan
I think if we use the stat on how many children come to school at 5 yrs "not ready to learn" then we have a problem. What that means is not the hunger issue because where breakfast programs are necessary they are used but it is the developmental readiness is not there for a large number of kids. That says something about the situation of families they are living with. So things like poor housing, lack of literacy, stress of making the rent, buying the food, getting to work on the bus etc. and sometimes violence
Jim Routledge
ok - you are awesome Diane - I can do something with this - I really do hear it when you put it in words like this. it really is about Jobs and getting this community moving - do you think i am missing something - I know you like Bill, he is awesome. I can deliver jobs - I do have a plan - call me crazy
Diane Brennan
Actually it is more than jobs. Quite a bit more. Many families are not able to work (disability - chronic illness, psychiatric disorders etc). Others have literacy levels that are too low. Many have developmental issues, too. So while you may bring in jobs, there are many vulnerable people that can't access them. Child care has to come along with jobs or who will be able to take those jobs. Access to trades training is as essential as higher education. Both things need grade 12 and our graduation levels lag way behind. Welfare rates are way lower than the Stats Canada Low Income Cut Off lines (LICO), and the living wage is higher than the LICOs. It is incredibly complex.
Jim Routledge
Good Balance is what I hear you say - "Child care has to come along with jobs" , "Both things", Housing, Mental Health, Education - yes its complex. I can see its something that nots going to get solved or even properly analyzed today - I need info - wow again lady, thanks
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