New Report: Poverty line is being cracked, but not broken.
Cross-Canada action needed as economy worsens, National Council of Welfare says
Welfare Incomes, 2006 and 2007 looked at the circumstances of Canadians on welfare in all provinces and territories. The study by the National Council of Welfare found that in the case of the lone parent with a pre-school age child living in
In the case of the lone parent with a pre-schooler in
“This information is considered significant because welfare incomes in
At the same time, however, the report found that single employable people receive welfare incomes at less than half of the MBM in most provinces, far below any measure of poverty or decency.
These incomes range from a low of 27 per cent of the MBM to a mere 67 per cent even in the best of cases. The Council is also concerned about the maze of rules and regulations that can trap welfare recipients and often discourages or even prohibits them from helping themselves out of poverty.
For example, people on welfare can keep little or none of their earnings if they can find some employment, which can discourage them from looking for work. Administrative rules vary throughout the country, but the new report details consistently how qualifying for welfare is a complicated, cumbersome and stigmatizing process.
As the economy deteriorates, the National Council of Welfare is concerned that the number of Canadians facing hardship will likely grow. In addition to welfare recipients, there are people who manage to leave the welfare system on their own, and others who can’t qualify, have been cut off or won’t sacrifice their assets or dignity to apply, Rook noted. While some may get ahead, others may be trading one form of poverty for another, and that is not good news for
“A comprehensive, pan-Canadian strategy to solve poverty is needed”, Rook added. “It should have targets and timelines, a plan of action, accountability and measurable indicators.” Many partners must be involved.
SAMPLE WELFARE RATES ACROSS CANADA
British Columbia
Single Employable Person $7,365
Couple with 2 children $20,283
Sask.
Single Employable Person $9,105
Couple with 2 children $22,544
Ontario
Single Employable Person $7,204
Couple with 2 children $21,058
NWT
Single Employable Person $14,888
Couple with 2 children $31,560
To see comparable rates all across Canada you can use this Nanaimo Info LINK to the CBC interactive map.
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