Speaking out about poverty in New Brunswick

Last Thursday, New Brunswick’s newly appointed Minister of Social Development Kelly Lamrock made a bold move when he openly criticized his government’s lack of action in the area of poverty alleviation and social assistance programs such as welfare.

Lamrock claims the current welfare system in New Brunswick is flawed and the rules are overly strict in an attempt to save money. Currently, the welfare system is based on a set amount of assistance with a strict cut-off level based on income, instead of claw backs relative to income. This means that if an individual’s income reaches a minimal threshold, they are cut off completely from any form of assistance, rather than having their assistance gradually reduced.

The cut-off levels for funding are so strict that often those living on social assistance are unable to acquire a roommate in order to lower their costs of living out of fear of losing their assistance, while others are cut off assistance completely for having barely crossed the income threshold.

Lamrock cites a case in Moncton in which a man’s provincial disability assistance of $1,000 was eliminated because his federal disability pension pushed him $1.70 over the minimum threshold. If the federal assistance was $2.00 less, he would still be receiving support from the provincial government.

Lamrock’s statements were bold and brave, considering they were aimed at his own government. It is very common, if not expected, for members of opposition parties to voice their concerns about governing policies. However, rarely, if ever, will a cabinet minister speak so boldly against his or her own government.

Even more surprising was Premier Shawn Graham’s reaction. Instead of disciplining the Minister of Social Development for speaking out against the government, Graham promised to grant Lamrock the funding he needs for the changes to New Brunswick’s welfare system. Graham also stated that New Brunswick needs to seriously look into developing new approaches to reducing poverty.

Lamrock’s criticism of the government’s lack of progress in poverty alleviation is important because it is another step towards a formal poverty reduction strategy in New Brunswick.