TO THE LEGISLATURE OF THE PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA ASSEMBLED
The people of Nova Scotia support efforts to end the scourge of poverty in Nova Scotia, especially for the 40,000 children who suffer in poverty. In January, 2006, the all-party Standing Committee on Community Services submitted to the Premier and the Minister of Community Services seven recommendations to dramatically improve the situation of the poor in Nova Scotia.
Accordingly, we, the undersigned, request that the 2006-2007 budget implement the Committee recommendations, summarized below:
1. Housing Allowance: The housing allowance under social assistance should be increased to no less than 85% of the rental market.
2. Telephone Service: Change the Employment Support and Income Assistance Act to include basic telephone service.
3. Wage Reduction: The 70 percent claw-back of gross earnings should apply only to earnings above $3000 per year.
4. Post Secondary Education: The Department of Community Services should allow persons on income assistance to attend post secondary education programs of more than two years, without affecting their assistance.
5. Written Notice: People on social assistance must have 30 days written notice of changes to their eligibility or level of support, with an appeal process completed before changes can be implemented.
6. Emergency Fund: The Department of Community Services must reinstate the former emergency fund that allowed case workers to supply emergency support to clients and to new applicants.
7. Review of Employment Support and Income Assistance Act: There should be regular, independent reviews of the ESIA Act, including the appeal process and the assistance rates;
Petition to the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia, to support the January 27, 2006, recommendations of the all-party
Standing Committee on Community Services
| NAME (PRINT) | ADDRESS | SIGNATURE |
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Please return Petition before April 10, 2006 to:
Face of Poverty Consultation, 23 Walton Drive, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3N 1X6
Face of Poverty - http://users.eastlink.ca/~lutheranchurch/Poverty.html
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