1. The federal government needs to stop following provincial minimum wage guidelines because these wages are inadequate. Instead, the government should establish a ‘living wage’. This would make for healthier and happier employees. Quality of work would increase and absenteeism would decrease. People would not only put more money into the economy and pay more taxes but be more likely to vote for a government that treats them fairly and with respect. People who pay income tax often feel they have no worth and no power to implement serious change. They cannot contribute to election campaigns or support a political party in a financial way. They see the favoritism of government towards people with money. These influential wealthy people have the power and they benefit from tax breaks. People receiving a Social Services cheque feel they are taking handouts from the government. They see themselves as being worthless and of no value. This may lead to fewer votes being cast and possibly contributing to having minority governments.

2. Low-wage employment is characterized by below poverty levels. The practice of employers offering 35 to 38 hours in order to avoid paying benefits is not fair. The Working Poor is the group that needs these benefits the most. The minimum wage was just increased to $7.60 an hour in Nova Scotia. This is a beginning but still a far cry from a realistic wage. In most cases the increase in minimum wage will be so low that people are still living below the poverty line.

3. People trapped in low-wage employment often sacrifice spending money for food so other essentials can be paid, i.e. electricity, child care, transportation etc. Earning enough income ensures that people have a choice and the ability to purchase their own food.

4. Insecure housing increases health costs and leads to increased public spending on shelters, services, policing and jails. Rents have risen faster than the rate of inflation over the past 15 years, while tenant household incomes have shrunk. Government owned houses available to those on fixed incomes is a workable program. It provides affordable houses at a low cost. People would use direct deposits and any damages besides the house expenses are paid by the tenants and that would cover the government’s investment. The Working Poor could also take advantage of low income rentals in the same way. The inhabitants could still feel in control because the amount left over from expenses would be theirs to spend on necessities of life. If they choose to spend this money on other products and services they know that the bills are paid and there is no threat of eviction.

5. Many people go to Food Banks once or twice, usually in times of crisis. If the government gives these people what it offers refugees for a set period of time, for example, six months (In 2004, the Federal Government provided a single refugee $1890.00 and Social Services paid another $580.00) these people in crisis could buy food and pay expenses. It gives time to get their bearings and move on. Food Banks could offer more food to those still in need. By helping these Canadian citizens, the government is receiving more money for the programs via tax dollars and happy people tend to vote.

6. Employment (self employment or a job) programs and educational programs are supposedly offered to people with Social Services. However, the conditions for qualifying for them eliminate most clients from taking advantage of them. The government needs to give more assistance to skills upgrading. There needs to be a student loan program that makes it possible to access education, training and development without incurring huge loans and being forced to take low paying jobs, going to Social Services and then to Food Banks. This could also make a difference between always living in poverty and working at a well paying job (or running one’s own business) and paying more taxes and therefore giving back what they were given.

Along with these the government needs to offer pharmacare programs and daycare services to the Working Poor. In the long run this would alleviate poverty and eliminate the need for Food Banks.

7. Although Canada has more wealth, a $1.3 trillion economy, there are three-quarters of a million children living in poverty. The unemployment level is the lowest it has been in thirty years and yet the Working Poor still cannot break free of poverty. Ten percent of the richest Canadians enjoy a thirty per cent increase in their income compared to a generation ago. The poor are experiencing a deeper level of poverty and the typical two parent family requires an additional $9,100 simply to reach the poverty line. Over one third of the poor are living on $3,000 less than they did in the early 1990s. No wonder more people go to Food Banks!

8. “Food Security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.” Food Security does not exists for many Canadians. The formula used for determining the Nutritious Food Basket is unrealistic! The research protocols used are incorrect, especially when using the same formulas for several regions. The government gives no funding to Food Banks not even to the Canadian Food Bank Association. Canada has a reputation for showing compassion, where is it when it comes to her citizens?

Please note that you should always check with your doctor before undertaking any type of treatment.