Canada’s current patchwork of social security programs – including welfare allowances, unemployment insurance, and old age security are inadequate – do not provide a decent and livable income for Canadians. Despite these programs, poverty and homelessness in Canada continue to exist at unacceptable levels.
The short-sighted policies that have been used to combat poverty have not taken into account that this is a systemic problem. We need to build a progressive and fair social safety network.
To help reduce the rates of poverty and increase family well-being, the Green Party of Canada will:
• Create a "Comprehensive Anti-Poverty Strategy for Canada," which will:
- Toughen regulations to ensure fair treatment and better wage standards for all working Canadians.
- Raise benefit levels and increase eligibility under the Employment Insurance Act.
- Remove GST on education supplies and specific family products.
- Expand child tax credits and benefits.
• Support provinces that adopt a basic income strategy to ensure the benefits of a living wage are available to every citizen through existing federal programs.
• Enforce measures to ensure that corporate pension plans are adequately funded.
• Take adequate measures to ensure seniors are aware of available federal income supplements.
• Create tax incentives for businesses to implement flexible schedules and on-site childcare.
• Implement a managed reduction in the standard workweek to thirty-five work hours per week.
• Establish a Canadian mentorship network that will enable seniors to connect with youth, to share the benefit of their experiences and to pass on their skills.
• Support a nation-wide healthy lunch and snacks program from Kindergarten through to Grade 12.
• Boost funding for early childhood education and work with other governments to link local childcare and education centres into a national network.
• Support child-focused programs that boost self-confidence and foster a love of learning.
• Implement affordable housing programs.
• Combat racism in hiring practices and give greater recognition to foreign qualifications.
