Green Party leader David Coon says the Liberal Throne Speech has no relief for those living in poverty, and on income assistance.
He says the $575 monthly cheque isn’t enough to live on by any stretch of the imagination.
Coon says constituents have pointed this issue out to the Department of Social Development.
“And the response was, ‘you know what, you have to give up something to get something?’”, says Coon. “Like what, Mr. Speaker? Winter clothing? How about adequate food, safe, clean housing, how about transportation? Certainly one’s dignity appears to be on the table.”
Coon adds that he hears the other side say “the best social program is a job, Mr. Speaker, and that, in my view is such a cynical position when so many people on Social Assistance cannot attach to the workforce.”
He says there are other problems relating to Social Assistance payments, like the clawing back of a small federal disability pension, if you are also receiving Social Assistance.
“It’s a normal thing for people to try to share an apartment to make the limited amount of money they earn go further, but if you’re on income assistance, and you’re a single person and you don’t meet any of the exemptions, Mr. Speaker, it’s not permitted,” continues Coon.
He sums up the Throne Speech as insufficient for those living in poverty and on income assistance.
Coon’s full response to the Throne Speech can be heard and seen HERE.
