DAY 2 - THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2003

INTRODUCTION

The final sessions of the conference were designed to allow participants to put their previous and new experiences and knowledge to the task of better understanding the four selected provincial policies and to try to work through a process that would enable modifications to be suggested to them.

Spotlight on Four Key New Brunswick Government Policies

Presented by Brenda Murphy, UCSN

1. Economic Unit/Household Income Policy
2. Transitional Supports (Health Card, Child Care, Transportation)
3. Wage Exemption
4. Limited Housing for Non-Elderly Single People

1. Economic Unit/Household Income Policy

This policy states that two or more people who reside together and who share responsibilities for the unit, regardless of their relationship, are considered an economic unit. This means that one cheque is issued per economic unit and while there are exemptions made, people who are impacted by this policy risk a reduction in their monthly income benefits or having their benefits cut off. This policy discourages people (such as single parents or single individuals) from sharing resources which could alleviate the stress of stretching limited dollars.

2. Transitional Supports (Health Card, Child Care, Transportation)

A. Health Card

Individuals who enter into training/educational programs or employment in an attempt to “get off the system”, often require transitional supports such as a health card. While Family & Community Services (FCS) does provide this support for a period of up to 12 months, eligibility is decided on a case by case basis. Often, people are not informed about this program when they start work or enter a training program or find that they ‘fall just below the cut off line’ and are ineligible. For many people, health coverage can make the difference between going to work, attending a training program, or continuing to receive income assistance. Private health insurance is costly and unaffordable for many individuals, particularly those earning minimum wage. If people are able to access the health card, it still does not cover basic services such as dental (e.g. annual cleanings, and fillings).

B. Child Care

As with the Health Card, financial assistance may be provided for clients and non-clients who require child care for employment, education/training, special social needs or undergoing medical treatment. However, there are some limitations such as grandparents not being eligible to be reimbursed for child care or government babysitting rate ($2.50/hr) often needs to be topped up by the parent. FCS prefers that clients use a licensed day care centre but many day care centres charge top up fees to the parents. Parents need to know their children are safe which sometimes means leaving them with family members, particularly when children are under 2 years old.

C. Transportation

Transportation costs may be provided for clients with an approved case plan. Transportation may be provided for people beginning employment, but, it is on a short term basis only. Ongoing financial support for transportation costs is not available. This can be a barrier for people working hours that do not coincide with public transportation. Taxi fares are not practical for individuals earning minimum wage.