The public sessions come at a time when the Government of Ontario is conducting consultations on the development of a provincial poverty reduction strategy. The government intends to introduce its strategy by end of the year.

"Because poverty affects us all, the City of Toronto feels it is essential to involve residents in a public discussion," Councillor Joe Mihevc said. "These Community Conversations will give people an opportunity to talk about their experience of poverty and to give us their views on what we should be doing as governments and communities to reduce it."

The public meetings will be part of the City's consultation process which will invite residents to express their views on poverty reduction. A website www.toronto.ca/povertyreduction will be launched soon to allow people to share their views online.

The Community Conversations on Poverty Reduction will be held on two days:

* Wednesday July 9, 2008, 7:00-9:00 pm, Council Chambers, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St West.
* Thursday July 10, 2008, 7:00-9:00 pm, Council Chambers, Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Drive.