Nor should preparation for employment in the occupation of child care be any different for recipients than for anyone else. However, systems of welfare do have a more constructive role to play in the development of human resources. The workfare approach ought to be abandoned outright. It is unknown how many recipients are engaged in self-employment in home child care. However, welfare departments may be uniquely situated to reach out to providers and assist them with developing longer-term career paths into formal child care occupations.
Poverty depletes social and human capital.
Increase welfare benefit rates and index them against inflation. Extend basic drug, optical and dental benefits on a time-limited basis to recipients who exit welfare for work. Develop provincial programs outside of welfare to extend basic benefits to lower income earners. Simplify welfare rules, particularly around self-employment, and work toward common provincial policies. Take a stand against welfare bashing, and provide the public with accurate information regarding the welfare system and recipients.