Welfare rates to go up in September

Premier John Horgan and his NDP cabinet, in one of their first policy moves after being sworn into office, have approved a $100-a-month raise for people on income and disability assistance.

The increase ends a 10-year freeze on welfare rates and will appear on cheques beginning Sept. 20. A single person on disability assistance will get $1,133 a month, while someone on welfare will get $710.

The move follows through on an NDP campaign promise to raise rates and begin lifting people out of poverty.

“This is a priority for us to support people who are vulnerable,” said Social Development Minister Shane Simpson in an interview.

“It was very important for the premier, and important for the whole cabinet, that we make a statement very early. And that’s why one of the very first initiatives of the government was to get this $100 increase in place, get a few more dollars in people’s pockets and to deliver the message loud and clear that we’re very serious about this.”

The ministry has been restructured and will focus on poverty reduction, Simpson said. “We’re going to move ahead and we’re going to do our best to make that happen.”

The increases will cost about $180 million a year.

Simpson said the government is looking at tying disability assistance rates to inflation, as recommended by advocacy groups. The former Liberal government pledged to make the change before it was defeated last month.

Faith Bodnar of Inclusion B.C., which advocates for people with developmental disabilities, called it an “impressive” announcement. “The new government has listened over the years as these conversations have played themselves out, and we look forward to working with Premier Horgan and Minister Simpson on a povertyreduction strategy.”

Bodnar said the fact that the NDP announced the change just two days after forming government “demonstrates an appreciation for the abject poverty that people with disabilities in this province are subject to.”

For Greater Victoria residents who depend on welfare, the extra $100 a month can’t come soon enough.

Carla Rempel said she will spend it on food and toilet paper.

“It would make a big difference. I get $114 a month, after my rent and hydro bill are paid,” she said.

At a lunch table at Our Place, Allen Rozylo said it might make up lost ground after years of rising living costs in the capital region. “$100 would sort of bring it back to where it should be,” he said.