Government policies trap people in poverty

Decades of social policy by different levels of government in Canada have kept people in poverty, making it nearly impossible to escape a life dependent on welfare, according to a new report by the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.

“The Committee does not believe that these outcomes are inevitable,” said the report.

“In fact, the federal programs designed to bring older Canadians out of poverty have proven to be enormously, if not completely, successful, lifting many seniors out of poverty, and ensuring that none are in deep poverty.”

But collaboration amongst all levels of government is crucial.

“Yet this has often not been the case,” said the report. “There are federal instruments that supplement incomes of virtually all Canadians, except those who are adults and considered capable of earning a living.”

The report pointed out that some groups are more likely to be poor, homeless, dropouts and illiterate. Despite the programs aimed at these groups, little has changed.

The Committee recommended that future income security programs should be designed to help people out of poverty rather than “living within poverty more manageable.” They also want Employment Insurance to be revamped to include those not currently eligible for benefits.

“Creative use of tax credits have been important contributors to putting money in the hands of low-income individuals and households,” said the report. These include the National Child Benefit Supplement and the Working Income Tax Benefit.”

The Committee also expressed the need to build more affordable housing.

“Unaffordable and inadequate housing, even for those who are currently able to meet their needs and aspirations, can contribute to poverty, and to a spiral that can include losing jobs, dropping out of school, and being unable to sustain families,” they said.

Many witnesses who came before the Committee noted Canada’s failure to live up to its own human rights legislation as well as United Nations declarations.

To view the complete report online click here. [2]

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