British Columbia’s new NDP government, headed by Premier Horgan, has added $100 per month to the pockets of citizens on income and disability assistance.
In a media release on July 20th, John Horgan’s government called the move “swift action to reduce poverty”.
The increase needs 60 days to take effect. When it does, the lift will take BC from one of the lowest assistance rates to the third-highest among Canadian provinces.
Starting with the Sept. 20, 2017 cheque, people on income assistance and disability will receive an additional $100 a month.
New Monthly Rates:
- Disability Assistance – $1,133 per month
- Income Assistance – $710 per month
“Lifting families out of poverty starts with raising income assistance rates and assistance for people with disabilities. We’re raising the rates to support people and help them live in dignity,” said Premier Horgan.
Until this lift, income assistance rates had stayed frozen for 10 years.
Today’s announcement comes days after the creation of a new ministry and parliamentary secretary tasked with reducing poverty in B.C.
BC currently has the highest poverty rate in Canada.
“Raising the rates is only the beginning. Our government is committed to bring forward a comprehensive poverty reduction plan to lift children and families out of poverty,” said Premier Horgan.
