Sunday, 24 November 2024

Welfare transformation

Announced poverty reduction tax credit increase for income assistance recipients mostly bullshit

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Community Services deputy minister Lynn Hartwell announced a couple of changes for income assistance recipients. None of these changes are as problem-free as the CBC story suggests. Over the next week or so the NS Advocate will look at all the announcements. Today we take a closer look at the supposed raise in the poverty reduction tax credit. In reality it’s not reducing a whole lot of poverty at all.

Media release: Government not committed to working with concerned citizens on collaborative welfare reform

Earlier today we posted a letter to premier Stephen McNeil written by a new coalition of poverty organizations and advocates who want a substantial increase in income assistance rates and real input in the Employment Support and Income Assistance transformation that is mostly happening in secret and without real community input. That letter was a bit long, this press release is the Coles notes version.

Open letter to Premier Stephen McNeil requesting a response to the Community Agenda for Social Assistance Adequacy and Reform

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Last December a coalition of more than 25 anti-poverty organizations and advocates released A Call to Action: Community Agenda for Social Assistance Adequacy and Reform. Not satisfied with the response by a civil servant, the coalition once again makes its case, asking for a a substantial increase in Income Assistance rates, meaningful consultation, and a meeting with the premier. Meanwhile, there are way more signatories now.

A call to action: Community agenda for social assistance adequacy and reform

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The Community Agenda for Social Assistance Adequacy and Reform was developed by a network of first voice, social justice workers and allies who have demanded an overhaul of the social assistance program here in NS. The group wants the rates raised immediately and it lists a nine-point blueprint to reform the system. They’ve given the government until Jan. 15 to respond, but the initiative needs as many voices and supporters for this action. If you are interested in learning more and becoming an ally to this progressive change please contact the people listed at the bottom of the document.

Letter: Women’s Centre Connect – charities will not fix a broken system

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A letter by the coordinator of Women’s Centers Connect expressing support for a broad coalition of community groups who want Community Services to increase income assistance benefits and engage in meaningful consultation.Community Services Connect is an association of the nine community-based women’s centres in Nova Scotia.

Repay people on income assistance what they’re owed, broad coalition demands after NS Court of Appeal decision

A recent decision by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal found that the department of Community Services was wrong to cut off welfare benefits from innocent family members for something the so called head of the family did wrong. Now a coalition of 20 community groups from across Nova Scotia is asking that Community Services review all its current practices for similar signs of discrimination. It also demands that all people unjustly deprived of benefits in the past get their money back.