To advocate changes to legislation that impacts those with low incomes.

To focus (primarily) on immigrants and refugees, and, more specifically, on women and children within this group.

To make every level of government aware of issues and policies that affect immigrants and refugees who live on low incomes.

To promote public education about immigrant and refugee poverty.

To create meaningful partnerships between WGOP members that will address the following issues relating to immigrant and refugee poverty:

We believe that the elimination of poverty is a public concern, a goal towards which every person in society should strive. The abolishment of poverty should not be left solely to “anti-poverty” groups/organizations.

We encourage and support people affected by poverty to speak out about their experiences in order to influence change.

We recognize that women and children, from diverse backgrounds, are affected most by poverty.

We are committed to collaborating with all stakeholders in order to produce concrete outcomes that will reduce the incidence and the negative affects of poverty.

We acknowledge that immigrants, refugees, women, children,

people with mental health issues, and aboriginals are all marginalized by poverty; our work will identify the causes and the costs of such marginalization.

To increase the participation and inclusion of immigrants and refugees in the community.

To promote adequate Income Assistance programs for healthy families.

To advocate for Human Rights Laws that protect people stricken with poverty.

To promote increased and regular public investment in children’s programs and social housing.

To expose the myth that poverty is a lifestyle choice.

Organized a poverty forum at the 1997 People’s Summit on APEC.

Worked with the BC Government in 1998 to grant Convention Refugees access to regular Income Assistance and benefits.

Published “Unfulfilled Expectations, Missed Opportunities: Poverty among Immigrants and Refugees in British Columbia” in 1998.

Founded, in partnership with other groups, the Housing & Homelessness Network of BC in 1999.

Advocated immigrant and refugee concerns to provincial government ministries responsible for Income Assistance, training and housing.

Advocated immigrant and refugee concerns to federal MPs regarding immigration legislation, urban issues, employment equity and student loans.