Excerpts from the press release:
A new report from the National Council of Welfare (NCW) shows that welfare can be harder to get today than 20 years ago. This means more people were forced into destitution to qualify for welfare in 2009, when the recession's casualties were mounting.
Canadians cannot receive welfare if their liquid assets, such as cash, money in bank accounts or even retirement savings, are over the limit set for their particular circumstances. The NCW report, Welfare Incomes 2009, illustrates many cases where these asset limits have eroded, whether by inflation or design. The limit can be as low as $50.
NCW Chairperson John Rook explained there is great variability across provinces, territories and individual situations, "but in general the combination of low asset limits, low earnings exemptions and low welfare rates -- far below the poverty line -- creates the perfect trap, especially for single people. The absence of shock absorbers and springs that help people help themselves is completely counterproductive."
....
"To solve the problems of social assistance, we must literally think -- and act -- outside the box," said Rook, "in this case, outside the welfare system." He indicated federal child benefits provide a source of stable income for families with children and play an important role in reducing welfare use and preventing poverty.