Treating all low-income children equally helps remove some of the stigma associated with being on assistance. This government also made a commitment to eliminate the clawback of the National Child Benefit Supplement for families on social assistance. Removing the need for children s allowances in the welfare system means we will be able to do that. The NCB Supplement is indexed and families on social assistance will be able to keep future increases. Since children s benefits will be secure outside the welfare system, their parents needn t fear that entering the workforce, will mean their children will lose benefits.
Parents can take a job without affecting their children s benefits.
Parents receiving social assistance will still receive a shelter allowance and other benefits such as pharmacare and special needs for each dependent child. This government is committed to the goal of reducing child poverty and providing greater opportunities for families to be self-reliant. We continue to address this issue through programs such as school supplies for families on social assistance, and the Family Assistance Program for low-income working families. We believe the introduction of the new children's benefits in Nova Scotia is a step toward achieving that goal. In the days ahead, we will have more information for you on other aspects of reducing barriers to employments and helping people achieve self-reliance.