Lone mothers in economic and social distress says new report
Marketwire
Dec. 9, 2008

Lone mothers and their children on income assistance are experiencing severe material deprivation under the welfare policies of the BC government, says a new report published today by SPARC BC.

Vulnerable and Precarious: Lone Mothers on Income Assistance reveals that lone mothers on income assistance are losing under the current job-first welfare policies that don't provide the supports to make transition to work possible and sustainable.

"Policies that force lone mothers to find any work at any cost prevent them from pursuing schooling and from having the time and resources needed to fulfill their role as mothers" said Penny Gurstein, co-author and Director, UBC School of Community & Regional Planning.

The report is based on in-depth interviews conducted twice a year over a three-year period (2004-2006) with 17 lone mothers in East Vancouver and focus groups with social service agencies. The report provides a very 'human' portrayal of the hardships that these families face, and the sometimes unhealthy and unsafe actions they take to survive.

As one mother said: "My kids got to have something first before I [eat]. I don't care if I don't eat. I always say that [to myself], I don't care about me but I care about you."

The report suggests changes to government policies that would provide more adequate support so lone mothers on income assistance can address their issues. Recommendations include:

• Raise income assistance rates
• Raise the minimum wage to $10.40 an hour
• Reinstate earnings exemptions on income assistance
• Raise the Canada Child Tax Benefit
• Provide affordable housing
• Provide child care that supports families

"Implementing the recommendations would not only improve the desperate circumstances these and other lone mothers face, it would also serve as a stimulus to local economies," said Michael Goldberg, co-author and past Director of Research at SPARC BC.