LIBERAL BILL WOULD END THE CAREGIVERS ALLOWANCE CLAWBACK
Date: Thursday October 22, 2009

(Halifax, NS) Today in the House of Assembly, Liberal leader Stephen
McNeil introduced legislation that would put an end to the NDP
government’s practice of clawing back Caregivers Allowance funding
from Nova Scotians on social assistance.

“By taking large portions of the Caregivers Allowance away from Nova
Scotians on social assistance, the Dexter government is punishing the
very people who need help the most,” explains McNeil. “That is
fundamentally wrong.”

McNeil’s legislation would change the policy within the Department of
Community Services that treats the Caregivers Allowance as earned
income. In some cases, as much as 70 per cent of the $400 allowance is
being taken away from families in need.

“The Caregivers Allowance program has been botched by this
government,” explains the Liberal leader. “It’s nearly impossible
for any Nova Scotian to qualify for the program in the first place and
now the NDP are clawing back funds from those that do.”

McNeil believes adopting his legislation would be the responsible and
appropriate thing for government to do, ending the clawback practice and
treating Nova Scotians with the respect they deserve. Not that long ago,
the Liberal leader points out, Premier Dexter shared the very same
opinion.

“While in opposition, Premier Dexter and his NDP caucus constantly
demanded that the previous government stop the Community Service
clawbacks,” said McNeil.

“The premier now has the ability to do the right thing and address
one of his party’s long-standing priorities - that’s why we expect
him to pass this legislation.”

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