Changes need to be made

To the editor;
As a charitable organization that advocates
on behalf of people struggling with
chronic hunger and poverty, Feed Nova Scotia
has a vested interest in government budgets
and the priorities and values these budgets
represent.
Currently all levels of government are
wrestling with a challenging recovery from
the recession, and we appreciate these pressures,
but we are concerned that decisions
will be made at the expense of our most vulnerable
citizens.
Feed Nova Scotia was established 25 years
ago to respond to economic hardships, but
through the prosperity of the last decade we
have seen the depths of poverty grow and
many new families show up at food banks for
the first time.
We know after 20 years of commitments
to eliminate poverty and no sign of progress,
the old solutions do not work.
Change will only come through a complete
and innovative overhaul of our social
support systems.
We know that during tough economic
times governments look for ways to increase
revenues and encourage people to embrace
the benefits of cuts to programs and services.
We know this drives many families further
into debt and crisis.
We know that poverty carries a high price
for individuals, families, government and
society. Senator Hugh Segal, one of the loudest
proponents of tackling our economy by
addressing poverty, said there is a strong
business case for welfare reform.
The growing number of people living in
poverty is draining our health care, unemployment,
law enforcement and judicial systems.
Government must address poverty now,
and offer hope and opportunity for those who
have little reason to be optimistic.
The March federal budget failed to show
the leadership that was promised in November
2009 when government unanimously
resolved to create an immediate action plan
to eliminate poverty in Canada. By directing
individual departments to cut budgets without
emphasizing the need to protect the vulnerable,
they completely abandoned this
admirable commitment.
Let's hope our provincial government can
do better.
They have an opportunity to show real
leadership in addressing the province's economic
challenges while improving the lives of
every Nova Scotian, including those struggling
to pay housing costs, groceries and
heat.
Now is the time for our provincial government
to give us a reason to celebrate genuine
leadership for today's families. We urge the
NDP to embrace its party philosophies and
core values, and send a clear message to its
policy makers, strategists and senior staff
that legislation, programs and services must
be developed in accordance with the belief
that our economy, and society, can only reach
its full potential when everyone has equal
opportunity to pursue a safe, prosperous and
hopeful future.
In listening to last week's Speech from the
Throne, I was encouraged by the specific reference
to transforming the Employment Support
Income Assistance program. Government
stated the redesigned program will be
client-focused and "give lasting support
instead of being a last resort." And I was
encouraged by the a multi-year plan to sharpen
the effectiveness and efficiency of every
government department, while ensuring that
Nova Scotian families get the services and
support they need.
Still, I am mindful that commitments
mean very little until they come to fruition.
When the provincial budget is
announced, we will be watching for good
business sense and Nova Scotian compassion
that will truly make life better for families
both today and in generations to come.
Dianne Swinemar,
Executive Director, Feed Nova Scotia