Province Introduces Legislation to Redesign Social Assistance

COMMUNITY SERVICES--Province Introduces Legislation to Redesign Social Assistance

The provincial government today introduced new legislation supporting progressive changes in social assistance. The legislation is designed to promote self-sufficiency.

The new act will provide for programs to lessen, remove or prevent the causes and effects of poverty. Community Services Minister Peter Christie said the new system will shift the focus away from reliance on government and toward self-sufficiency.

"We're reinvesting $20 million dollars in programs designed to remove barriers that welfare recipients face when trying to enter the workforce. When people can move to the workforce more readily, they will have a chance to contribute to their own well- being," said Mr. Christie. "Traditional welfare programs have not been effective in reducing poverty. The best chance out of poverty for families and individuals is a job."

The proposed Employment Support and Income Assistance Act will replace the existing Family Benefits Act and most provisions of the Social Assistance Act. The section of the Social Assistance Act that supports the Community Supports for Adults program and long-term care will remain in effect.

The new act confirms government's commitment to phase-out municipal contributions to social assistance by April 1, 2003.

Mr. Christie said it's important to note that, under the legislation, assistance means more than simply the core rates of assistance paid to recipients. Assistance includes money for shelter and basic personal allowances, but also includes employment services and supports for special needs.

The legislation provides for an enhanced range of supports to help people develop the necessary entry-level skills and to secure employment. These include a new wage and training allowance incentive, increased child-care and transportation allowances, a new start allowance for people returning to work and support for skill development, literacy and upgrading.

Also, Pharmacare benefits will be extended for 12 months for people leaving social assistance to join the workforce.

In addition, the new Integrated Child Benefit secures children's allowances whether their parents are on assistance or in the workforce.

The minister said the changes will also provide support to Nova Scotians with disabilities who are trying to enter the workforce.

"People with disabilities often have special work-related needs. We will respond to those needs on a case-by-case basis," said the minister.

The legislation enables the establishment of a shelter rate plus a personal allowance. An incremental shelter allowance will be added to the rate for single people with disabilities, people fleeing abusive situations and others with significant barriers to employment.

Mr. Christie said the redesigned social assistance system will help lower the so-called welfare wall.

"If social assistance recipients can move to the workforce more readily, they will have a chance to contribute to their own well- being. Certainly, we're not going to end poverty overnight, but the redesign of this system begins a process which moves us in the right direction," said Mr. Christie.

The social assistance changes complement government's economic growth strategy and commitment to lifelong learning.

"As our economy grows, so do opportunities for individuals. We must work now to remove the traditional barriers to employment so more Nova Scotians are prepared to take advantage of these opportunities," said Mr. Christie.

For more information on the new program you can visit the Community Services website at www.gov.ns.ca/coms/ or call 902- 424-7227 in Metro Halifax, or toll-free 1-866-795-3688.