October 28, 2021

KJIPUKTUK (HALIFAX, NS) –On October 23, 2021, the Federal Government severed five indispensable income and business support programs from Canadians, replacing them with the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB), an inadequate weekly benefit only for those who are subject to a lockdown.

This premature policy decision does not reflect the huge impact the pandemic has had on the well-being of Nova Scotians, nor is it reflective of the current lack of decent and safe work. It also is dismissive of the current housing crisis in which a lack of meaningful income jeopardizes the housing security of many. Enacting fiscal austerity before we are out of the COVID-19 pandemic will only serve to deteriorate the economy and the recovery and leave thousands in need.

When government narrows social supports, Nova Scotians fall through the cracks leading to deeper poverty.

As the federal programs come to end, the NSACCW calls on the provincial government to strengthen the social safety net by radically increasing provincial income support programs. By failing to do so the province will increase the number of Nova Scotians who are suffering in poverty.

Stella Lord, from the Community Society to End Poverty Nova Scotia, emphasizes the serious consequences of expiring income programs: “many people, especially those on low incomes, have been helped by federal income support programs such during the pandemic. As these come to an end more people will suffer hardship and be unable to pay their rent or become food insecure”.

Sheri Taylor, Executive Director of Leeside Society, agrees: “as we get ready for winter and the holiday season the most vulnerable amongst are now facing income instability in the middle of a housing crisis. Food banks and shelters are bracing for a hard winter.”

The NSACCW urges Nova Scotians to demand the provincial government strengthen income supports to help lift Nova Scotians out of poverty, and alleviate the suffrage the Federal Government will cause with the expiration of necessary supports.

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For more information contact Alec Stratford, Alec.Stratford@NSCSW.org (902)410-2420

About us: NSACCW consists of community members dedicated to working strategically and collaboratively towards community well-being and a better quality of life for everyone.