A Mother's Day message for Premier Gordon Campbell
May 10, 2009
Georgia Straight
By Charlie Smith

On this Mother’s Day, it’s worth remembering how the Gordon Campbell government has made life more difficult for single moms on social assistance.

An employable single mom with two kids over the age of three receives $375.58 each month and a maximum shelter allowance of $660 each month. That adds up to $1,035.58 for a family of three, according to government figures.

If she makes any extra money through part-time work, this is deducted dollar-for-dollar from her government benefits.

If her former partner makes spousal payments, the amount is deducted dollar-for-dollar from her government benefits.

This essentially means that if she obeys the law and she collects no more than $375.58 per month through work or spousal payments, her income is frozen. Most jurisdictions in North America allow people on welfare to earn a little extra pocket money, but not the Gordon Campbell government.

Because the federal government harmonizes income assistance with the provincial government, the B.C. Liberal regime's income-assistance policies also apply on Native reserves, where there aren’t many employment opportunities…

Is it any wonder that despite our province's great wealth, B.C. has had the worst child-poverty rate in Canada for five consecutive years under the B.C. Liberals?

Happy Mother's Day, Mr. Premier.

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