Response to MacLauchlan plan for Social Assistance, etc.

November 3, 2018/NDP PEI

“It’s good to see the Province taking a couple of steps in the right direction … but I have to say: when are we going to take a real run at poverty?” That’s Joe Byrne’s reaction to today’s (2 November) announcement by a quartet of MacLauchlan Government ministers concerning Social Assistance rates and several other initiatives.

The NDP Leader stressed that Island New Democrats do not want to reject or demean genuine attempts to improve the lives of low-income households, and cautioned about the need to examine the actual details of the plans. But Joe Byrne has questions and observations on the pieces of the Government’s plan.

• Does a 10% adjustment in Social Assistance food allowances come anywhere close to enabling recipients to buy at Health Canada’s standard, the Nutritious Food Basket?

• How effective is a 6% raise in the Social Assistance shelter allowance when there is virtually no affordable housing available, and much of what exists at a cheap enough price offers almost slum-like conditions?

• Will the ‘child social inclusion allowance’ be any more effective than Stephen Harper’s tax deduction for enrolling kids in such activities?

• How will the promised ‘secure income program’ work? How different will it be from ‘Employment Assistance’ programs of past decades?

• How truly significant is the touted $68 million over 5 years: is $13-½ million a year really impressive when seen against the $75 million surplus from tax revenues which Government just predicted for this year?

While commending the MacLauchlan Liberals for trying to do something for disadvantaged Islanders, Joe Byrne affirmed his party’s social-justice heritage and its belief in more fundamental change. “New Democrats stand for income security,” he said, “for Assistance rates that match the true costs of living essentials; for a realistic minimum wage of $15; and for development of a Basic Income Guarantee. Our commitment is to eliminate poverty.”

Posted in Income Security

NDP PEI

The New Democratic Party of Prince Edward Island holds firm to the belief that the dignity and freedom of the individual is a basic right that must be maintained and extended. We are proud to be associated with the democratic socialist parties of the world and to share the struggle for peace, international co-operation and the abolition of poverty.

Support Island New Democrats

As the true progressive party representing Islanders from tip to tip, we rely on your support to stand up for policies that matter to Prince Edward Island. Health, education, agriculture, environmental, women's, BIPOC and SOGI issues need New Democratic voices in the legislature.

Please donate below to support that fight

Donation

$ Donation Amount:

Make this donation every

Dedicate this Donation

Yes, please
No, thank you

Dedication Type

In honor of
In memory of

Honoree Details

First Name *

Last Name

Notification Details

Personalized Message * 255 Characters left

First Name *

Last Name

Email Address *

Personal Info

First Name *

Last Name

Email Address: *

Phone

Create an account

Credit Card Info

This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

Billing Details

Country *

Address 1 *

Address 2

City *

Province *

Zip / Postal Code *

Subscribe to our newsletter

Donation Total: $20.00 One Time

Tax credit on contributions

You can claim a tax credit on contributions made to recognized Prince Edward Island political parties, and to candidates who were officially nominated under the Elections Act of Prince Edward Island. The annual maximum credit is $500 and is calculated as follows:

First $100 contributed - 75%
Next $450 contributed - 50%
Next $600 contributed - 33 1/3%