I have included only the conclusion in this blog.
To read the entire report, click the link seen here:
http://www.equite-equity.com/userfiles/file/2010%20jan_CFSJ%20Poverty%20Plan%20Analysis.pdf
7. Conclusion
The CFSJ has been advocating for years for the development of a provincial poverty reduction plan. The NB
government unveiled its plan on October 17th 2008. It presents a number of positive initiatives, namely the
abolishment of the interim category, the extension of the medical card up to three years for social assistance
recipients returning to work and some changes to the household income policy. Many other initiatives are
scheduled to be implemented over a five-year period. However, the CFSJ found several problems which are
of real concern.
Ninety seven percent of NB individuals presently on social assistance were left out of the plan, at least
until the 2010-2011 provincial budget. No recommendations were made for clients in the “Transition”
category and in the “Extended” benefits category. The majority of these people have serious physical or
mental limitations. The focus of the Plan is on the “Employable category”.
The model of delivery of the Plan’s initiatives may pose serious challenges. There are more community
non-profit organisations in urban areas compared to rural areas. Due to this urban-rural divide in NB, the
number and quality of programs available may not be comparable. The language of delivery of these
programs may also pose problems. Funding for the community initiatives will be funnelled through the
Provincial Economic and Social Inclusion Board, where government, community groups, business and
low-income persons will sit. The CFSJ is concerned that the decisions on granting money for some
initiatives may not always be based on need, quality and deliverability of programs. On the contrary,
decisions could be influenced by political ties.
The Plan proposes a major expansion of the role of the community non-profit sector in the delivery of
socio-economic programs. In the past, transferring government programs to community non-profit
organisations has brought about reductions in quality and accessibility.
The influence of the business sector on the entire Plan is disproportionate when one considers their
present position on issues that would make a real difference in the lives of people living in poverty
(minimum wage, pay equity, support of public child care, employment standards, etc.). Moreover, the
business sector is not injecting any significant sum of money in the Plan, yet it has an equal voice at all
decision-making levels.
The CFSJ is quite concerned that there was no budget accompanying the Plan. In the 2010-2011 provincial
budget, only $15 millions were earmarked for seven initiatives to implement the Plan and to put in place its
governance structure. This is certainly insufficient, considering the investments made by other provinces for
their poverty reduction plan.
Finally, major elements are missing from the Plan. Pay equity, which would help reduce women’s poverty,
was left out. An overhaul of the disability certification process was not addressed, yet it is of major
importance for those who are currently being denied much needed financial assistance. Many members of
the public who participated in the Dialogue sessions, as well as numerous community groups pointed out the
urgent need to revise the Social Assistance Policy Manual. Unfortunately, this was not addressed in the Plan.
Surprisingly, the Plan did not give a definition of poverty.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The proposed increases in Minimum wage is good news!
Common Front for Social Justice Inc.
January 6, 2010
News release
Moncton – The proposed increases in Minimum wage is good news- Linda McCasltin, co-chair of the Common Front for Social Justice
`''For years, the Common Front for Social Justice had been advocating for an increase of the minimum wage to $10.00 an hour and that these increases be done at fix dates. We are satisfied that at last this government has taken the right decision” says Linda McCaustlin.
Right now our minimum wage is at $8.25 an hour, the lowest of all the provinces, except British Colombia. In April 2010 Nova Scotia's workers will be making $9.20 an hour and they will in October 2010 be receiving $9.65 an hour. Newfoundland and Labrador workers will be making $10,00 an hour July 2010.
''The announced increases will certainly be welcome by workers but we will still be with a minimum wage lower that two of our neighboring provinces in 2010. If those provinces keep increasing their minimum wage in 2011, we will still be the lowest” says Ms. McCaustlin.
Full-time workers at forty hours a week will in April 2010 be making a salary of $17,680 per year. In September 2011 this same worker will make $20.800; receiving $3,640 more in revenu than right now.
''These increase should get workers over the poverty line” says Ms. McCaustlin
Provincial governments are realizing that it's unjust to have citizens working each day and still living in poverty.
Campaign 2000 Hunger Count Report for last year mentioned that 12% of food bank clients reported employment income.
'' Right now, we are just trying to catch up'' concludes Ms. McCaustlin
Pour information
Linda McCaustlin– 855-7046(co-chair)
Jean-Claude Basque –389-1578 (provincial coordinator)
The Common Front for Social Justice is one of the largest democratic and popular organization in New Brunswick with close to 75,000 groups and individual members. The Common Front brings together individuals as well as local, regional and provincial organizations to work towards the eradication of poverty.
January 6, 2010
News release
Moncton – The proposed increases in Minimum wage is good news- Linda McCasltin, co-chair of the Common Front for Social Justice
`''For years, the Common Front for Social Justice had been advocating for an increase of the minimum wage to $10.00 an hour and that these increases be done at fix dates. We are satisfied that at last this government has taken the right decision” says Linda McCaustlin.
Right now our minimum wage is at $8.25 an hour, the lowest of all the provinces, except British Colombia. In April 2010 Nova Scotia's workers will be making $9.20 an hour and they will in October 2010 be receiving $9.65 an hour. Newfoundland and Labrador workers will be making $10,00 an hour July 2010.
''The announced increases will certainly be welcome by workers but we will still be with a minimum wage lower that two of our neighboring provinces in 2010. If those provinces keep increasing their minimum wage in 2011, we will still be the lowest” says Ms. McCaustlin.
Full-time workers at forty hours a week will in April 2010 be making a salary of $17,680 per year. In September 2011 this same worker will make $20.800; receiving $3,640 more in revenu than right now.
''These increase should get workers over the poverty line” says Ms. McCaustlin
Provincial governments are realizing that it's unjust to have citizens working each day and still living in poverty.
Campaign 2000 Hunger Count Report for last year mentioned that 12% of food bank clients reported employment income.
'' Right now, we are just trying to catch up'' concludes Ms. McCaustlin
-30-
Pour information
Linda McCaustlin– 855-7046(co-chair)
Jean-Claude Basque –389-1578 (provincial coordinator)
The Common Front for Social Justice is one of the largest democratic and popular organization in New Brunswick with close to 75,000 groups and individual members. The Common Front brings together individuals as well as local, regional and provincial organizations to work towards the eradication of poverty.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Poverty -A reality check, What really happened in 2009?
Hi
We are hearing more and more about the government plan to reduce poverty. The Telegraph Journal and l'Étoile have a serie of articles favorable to the Plan. But what was the reality for thousands of citizens living in poverty in 2009. The Common Front for Social Justice has made an analysis of the situation in 2009 and is sending you it's findings.
Jean-Claude Basque
Poverty -A reality check
What really happened in 2009?
The Common Front for Social Justice analysed differents actions taken in 2009 to reduce poverty. It realized the situation for people living in poverty has not changed. On some level it even deteriorate, especially for recipients on Social Assistance.
Below is our evaluation on nine (9)crucial issues that have a direct impact on people living in poverty.
1- Social Assistance recipients -basic assistance rates
a-Cancellation this year of the promise two percent (2%) increase in basic assistance rates to all 38,952 individuals and families on Social Assistance. This increase was given for the last two years.
b-December 2009 Provincial Budget – No basic rate increases for 37,852 individuals and families. Only 1200 received an increase
c- Shawn Graham said last summer that he was breaking his Charter for Change promise to increase the basic assistance rate to the Atlantic level before the end of his mandate. This will keep our rates at the bottom of almost all the provinces.
The financial situation of people on Social Assistance has deterioated.
2-Heating Assistance
Last year program with the Salavation Army was a failure because there was not enough money from the private sector and government and the organization could not deliver services throughout NB. The provincial government took back the delivery of the program this year. From reports we are receiving the criteria are more stringents and less people are qualifying.
3- Food March 2009
Hunger Count Annual report revealed an increase of 14% in the number of people using food banks over the previous years. In NB, 17,889 individuals went to a food bank that month. More than a third were children and 12% were working poor.
It means thousands went to bed with an empty stomach.
4-People with disabilities
No real change this year. Their basic assistance income is the third lowest of all the provinces.
5-Policies of the department of Social Development
No plan to overhaul the policy manual in the new poverty plan, a demand asked for by many community organizations. The policies are very important because they establish the conditions under which recipients will be able to receive different items, allowable earnings ,etc. A number of these policies are punitive. No gain for people on social assistance.
6-Minimum Wage
A $0.50 increase in 2009. We are still with the lowest minimum wage ($8.25 an hour-$17.160 a year) ,after BC, in all of Canada. No planned increase in 2010 so workers will still be under the poverty line.
7-Pay Equity
No Pay Equity Legislation for the private sector in 2009. Women are still discriminated and are making 14% less than men.
8- Employment Insurance
No real changes and unemployed workers are still only receiving 55% of their salaries.
9-NB Economic and Social Inclusion Plan
Three positive changes for 2009
i-Interim category eliminated – involves only 1200 people
ii--extend health card for 3 years for those getting a job – positive change
iii-modification to the household income policy- positive change
Most of the other proposals in the plan are over a five years cycle and had alsolutely no impact in 2009. The proposed delivery model, turning over areas of services to the community non-profit sector, has real problems with it. There is a danger of downloading provincial programs with no planning and money.
For information:
Linda McCaustlin – co-chair
Common Front for Social Justice
506-855-7046
or
Jean-Claude Basque
Provincial Coordinator
506-389-1578
We are hearing more and more about the government plan to reduce poverty. The Telegraph Journal and l'Étoile have a serie of articles favorable to the Plan. But what was the reality for thousands of citizens living in poverty in 2009. The Common Front for Social Justice has made an analysis of the situation in 2009 and is sending you it's findings.
Jean-Claude Basque
Poverty -A reality check
What really happened in 2009?
The Common Front for Social Justice analysed differents actions taken in 2009 to reduce poverty. It realized the situation for people living in poverty has not changed. On some level it even deteriorate, especially for recipients on Social Assistance.
Below is our evaluation on nine (9)crucial issues that have a direct impact on people living in poverty.
1- Social Assistance recipients -basic assistance rates
a-Cancellation this year of the promise two percent (2%) increase in basic assistance rates to all 38,952 individuals and families on Social Assistance. This increase was given for the last two years.
b-December 2009 Provincial Budget – No basic rate increases for 37,852 individuals and families. Only 1200 received an increase
c- Shawn Graham said last summer that he was breaking his Charter for Change promise to increase the basic assistance rate to the Atlantic level before the end of his mandate. This will keep our rates at the bottom of almost all the provinces.
The financial situation of people on Social Assistance has deterioated.
2-Heating Assistance
Last year program with the Salavation Army was a failure because there was not enough money from the private sector and government and the organization could not deliver services throughout NB. The provincial government took back the delivery of the program this year. From reports we are receiving the criteria are more stringents and less people are qualifying.
3- Food March 2009
Hunger Count Annual report revealed an increase of 14% in the number of people using food banks over the previous years. In NB, 17,889 individuals went to a food bank that month. More than a third were children and 12% were working poor.
It means thousands went to bed with an empty stomach.
4-People with disabilities
No real change this year. Their basic assistance income is the third lowest of all the provinces.
5-Policies of the department of Social Development
No plan to overhaul the policy manual in the new poverty plan, a demand asked for by many community organizations. The policies are very important because they establish the conditions under which recipients will be able to receive different items, allowable earnings ,etc. A number of these policies are punitive. No gain for people on social assistance.
6-Minimum Wage
A $0.50 increase in 2009. We are still with the lowest minimum wage ($8.25 an hour-$17.160 a year) ,after BC, in all of Canada. No planned increase in 2010 so workers will still be under the poverty line.
7-Pay Equity
No Pay Equity Legislation for the private sector in 2009. Women are still discriminated and are making 14% less than men.
8- Employment Insurance
No real changes and unemployed workers are still only receiving 55% of their salaries.
9-NB Economic and Social Inclusion Plan
Three positive changes for 2009
i-Interim category eliminated – involves only 1200 people
ii--extend health card for 3 years for those getting a job – positive change
iii-modification to the household income policy- positive change
Most of the other proposals in the plan are over a five years cycle and had alsolutely no impact in 2009. The proposed delivery model, turning over areas of services to the community non-profit sector, has real problems with it. There is a danger of downloading provincial programs with no planning and money.
For information:
Linda McCaustlin – co-chair
Common Front for Social Justice
506-855-7046
or
Jean-Claude Basque
Provincial Coordinator
506-389-1578
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