Antigonish Coalition to End Poverty

October 8, 2024

Honourable Sean Fraser

Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada

Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

sean.fraser@parl.gc.ca

Dear Mr. Fraser,

Re: Bill C-223, An Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income.

It was with some disappointment that members of the Antigonish Coalition to End Poverty (ACEP) noted that you voted against Bill C-223, an Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income.  We would like to meet with you to understand your decision, the government’s plan to address the poverty crisis in Canada, and to discuss any hesitations you may have in not supporting a guaranteed livable basic income.

The Antigonish Coalition to End Poverty (ACEP) represents organizations and individuals providing a wide range of services and supports to people in Antigonish and Guysborough Counties. Our member organizations provide health care services and direct support for individuals in areas that include childcare, housing, transportation, and crisis services.  ACEP has been calling for the federal government to implement a guaranteed livable basic income.  The call has been unanimously supported by both the Antigonish Town and County Councils.

We know that income disparity, food insecurity, inadequate, unaffordable housing, and heat poverty are issues that arise from insecure or inadequate income and affect many families and individuals both in your riding of Central Nova as well as across Canada.  A recent (September 2024) set of information sheets developed by Nova Scotia Public Health note the following:

• At 28.8%, Nova Scotia has the highest rate of household food insecurity of all provinces.
• According to Stats Canada (2022) there are currently 41,465 households in Nova Scotia living in core housing need.  This means that their housing either requires major repairs, is crowded, or costs more than 30% of their before-tax income, and there is no local affordable alternative.
• Poverty is a major contributor to chronic physical and mental health conditions.  Income is one of the most important determinants of health; it impacts health across the life-span.  
• Income is impacted by whether an individual has access to secure, living-wage employment; social support programs that provide an income that is above the poverty line; and public policies that ensure no one is left without housing, food heat, childcare, healthcare, and access to training and education.

Poverty is not inevitable.  It is not the result of individuals making poor decisions.  It is created by government policies and can be remedied.  

We have seen the positive impact of government transfers on poverty rates in Nova Scotia.

• According to a Statistics Canada 2021 report, government income supports (Canada Child Benefit and the Nova Scotia Child Benefit) reduced child poverty by 50.5% in Nova Scotia.  The child poverty rate without government transfers would have been 41.5%.  The child poverty rate with government benefits (after tax) was 20.5%.  
• In Nova Scotia, the age category with the lowest poverty rate was persons aged 65 years and older at 10.4%.  Persons over 65 are eligible for Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

The Canada Child Benefit and the Nova Scotia Child Benefit as well as Old Age Security benefits and the Guaranteed Income Supplement are all examples of guaranteed livable basic income programs.  However, they are piecemeal and need to be built upon to create a program that would ensure no one in Nova Scotia falls below the poverty line.  

Guaranteed Livable Basic Income can work in Nova Scotia. It will help:

• Grow the economy and create jobs. Keep Nova Scotians in Nova Scotia.
• Benefit local businesses with more a secure labour force and increased local purchasing.
• Support young farmers and food producers.
• Increase the income of low-income Nova Scotians and, thereby, improve health and education outcomes.
• Increase tax revenues and decrease health care costs.
• Reduce human trafficking and the vulnerability of women to intimate partner violence.

As noted in Bill C-233, a guaranteed livable basic income program implemented through a national framework would ensure the respect, dignity and security of all persons in Canada.  

We look forward to discussing your concerns with developing a framework for a guaranteed livable basic income program for Canada.  We appreciate your commitment to creating strong, vibrant communities, a thriving province and a country that is applauded for ensuring the most vulnerable matter.  

Sincerely,

Members of the Antigonish Coalition to End Poverty